Join Us! Reckoning with Relevance

March 28, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the Division of Enrollment and Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs invites you to join “Reckoning with Relevance” on Wednesday, April 10 at 9:00 am – 11:00 am in the University Union Ballroom. This is an opportunity to hear a comprehensive update on the State of Education that was recently shared with the Board of Trustees, CSU presidents and vice-presidents, and the Sacramento State Administrative Council. The event also includes an opportunity to engage in table top discussions with colleagues and peers.

Sally Amoruso, Chief Partner Officer with Education Advisory Board (EAB), will join the campus community to share their findings and engage in discussions on what it looks like to "not do business as usual" in education. The presentation focuses on key trends institutions are facing:

• Public Perception on Higher Education,
• Enrollment and Demographics,
• Sustainable Business Models,
• Student Readiness, and
• Artificial Intelligence.

Education Advisory Board (EAB), is a trusted partner and service provider to more than 2,000 education providers across the nation and has a more than forty-year history in supporting education. EAB has numerous touchpoints with Sacramento State including Navigate 360 and Enroll 360, and has recently been working with Chancellor Mildred Garcia on system-level opportunities for impact.

The event will be the first of many opportunities for meaningful dialogue that includes opportunities to share perspectives, co-create solutions, and develop concrete action steps that continue to position Sacramento State for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Light refreshments will be provided, and we encourage you to RSVP to help us better accommodate everyone attending. Captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. Please RSVP by completing the online form. Please email eme@csus.edu with questions.

We hope you will join us as we come together as a Hornet Family and shape the future of Sacramento State and higher education.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,

Carlos Nevarez, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

Aniesha Mitchell, Vice President for Student Affairs

Jenni Murphy, Vice President for Enrollment & Engagement (Interim)

RSVP

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Message from the Provost and Academic Affairs March Newsletter

March 25, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

As we survey the current state of higher education, it’s easy to get discouraged. Pandemic learning loss, shrinking budgets, and the public’s unsteady confidence in the benefit of a college education are realities that each of us face every day. But, if the world is giving us a thousand reasons to give up hope in our chosen profession, there are more reasons–29,000 more--reasons to believe in the future: our students.

All across our campus, our students are having the kind of educational experiences that will define their life and careers. For example, I just learned that a number of our students from the Department of Design were regionally recognized for their hard work and brilliant designs. You can read more about them and other faculty and student successes in the highlights below. I love learning about the accomplishments of all our students, especially those in the creative disciplines who don’t always get the attention they deserve.

I truly believe that a Sac State education can take you anywhere. But for students to embark on that journey to fulfilling lives, we must give them the support, safety and encouragement to pursue their dreams. With recent data has illuminating concerning trends, including a nearly doubled prevalence of anxiety and depression among college students over the last decade, we must ensure we support the holistic well-being of our students, not just academically, but emotionally and mentally as well.

Two ways to provide that support (described in more detail below) are to encourage them to participate in the National College Health Assessment III (NCHA), happening from March 25 to April 12, and to participate ourselves in the Sac State’s 13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk for suicide prevention, happening Thursday, April 11.

Lastly, I’d like to announce that the Office of the Provost is saying a bittersweet goodbye to our Communications Strategist, Cherie Parker, who is leaving to take a position with the University of Maryland System. During her time here, Cherie was able to help us identify critical communications needs in Academic Affairs and the practices we will adopt to address them. I am looking forward to working with whomever we hire to fill her position to bring those practices to scale. Please join me in wishing her the best in her new endeavor.

As we enter the final stretch of this academic year, I want to thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students. Your passion and commitment are the driving forces that make our mission of transformative education possible.

Carlos Nevarez

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

Highlights and Announcements

Textbook adoptions are due Friday, April 19 - The bookstore needs to hear from faculty about all courses and sections, even if they are not assigning a textbook. Be sure to identify course sections for which ZCCM (zero cost) and LCCM (low-cost, i.e., $40 and under) materials have been adopted so that Administrative Support Coordinators can enter the appropriate code in CMS. There is a “free coffee” incentive for early adopters who notify the Bookstore of their adoptions by Friday, April 12 (via a “Follett Discover” link in Canvas or by emailing danielle.nodine@csus.edu or textbooks@csus.edu). In addition, departments with the highest percentage of on-time adoptions will be entered into a drawing for $250 in bookstore merchandise.

Two New AI Opportunities for Faculty -

• The Summer of AI Project provides up to $12,000 in Summer 2024 salary to faculty member, plus up to $6,000 for student assistant support. Deadline is April 15, 2024.
• AI Champions Program will provide 3 units of reassigned time to TT faculty in Fall 2024 to assist one’s colleagues in the integration of effective and equitable use of artificial intelligence within their respective colleges/library. Deadline is April 15 as well.

National College Health Assessment III - In collaboration with the CSU Chancellors office, Sac State Student, Health, Counseling, & Wellness Services will be administering the National College Health Assessment III (NCHA) to Sac State students from March 25 to April 12 . The NCHA III is a nationally recognized research survey developed by the American College Health Association. This survey is voluntary and confidential, and it provides students with an opportunity to help make a positive impact on the campus community as their input is used to improve and create health and wellness programs on campus. We are aiming to get 5,000 completed surveys. A random sample of 10,000 students will receive an email in their CSUS account with an invitation to complete the survey. Please share this information with your students and encourage them to participate if they receive an email. For more information on the NCHA III administration contact the SHCWS Health Communications Specialist at 916-278-5422 or beth.maestretti@csus.edu.

Discounted Childcare for CSU employees - ​ If you have a child ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, the California State University provides a 10% savings on full-time, part-time, and drop-in tuition at either KinderCare centers near you, or with Champions extended-day learning programs at participating elementary schools. Present this voucher and proof of employment at a CSU to the Center Director at the time of enrollment This offer is available to new families as well as those already enrolled in a participating center. KinderCare and Champions facilities offer you the routine, stability, and peace of mind that you need. Learn more about accessing your benefit and view frequently asked questions.

AI Fridays with Sasha - Sac State’s Artificial Intelligence “czar” Sasha Sidorkin is offering informal tutorials on specific uses of AI-powered chatbots. Tutorials include a brief demo, practice, and chat with others. Topics chosen are those that may be of interest to staff, faculty with any administrative responsibilities, and administrators.

Tentative topics, subject to change:

• March 29: Memos, letters, formal emails
• April 5: Customized chatbots for student advising, policy advice
• April 12: Meeting minutes, transcript analysis, feedback on own performance
• April 19: Analyzing surveys, questionnaires
• April 26: Developing training sessions/classes
• May 10: Creating illustrations/images
• May 17: Project planning
• May 24: Grant applications, reports

RSVP here or download the Outlook appointment. To request ADA reasonable accommodations that would allow you to participate in this event, please Sasha Sidorkin at sidorkin@csus.edu no later than five business days before the event.

Save the Date: Hornet Community Bus Tour - The Community Engagement Center and Anchor University Advisory Council encourage you to mark your calendars now for our exciting, third annual Hornet Community Bus Tour on May 22-23, 2024. The bus tour is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to gain a deeper appreciation for Sacramento, culturally, geographically, and historically. Through visits with community and governmental organizations, elected officials and other community members, you will learn about the Sacramento community. This tour aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the campus and community partners and promote engagement across teaching, research, and service. Applications open on March 25 and close on April 15. Apply HERE. Applicants can expect confirmation by the end of April.

Network Café - The Community Engagement Center will be hosting Network Café in-person on April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a focus on “Creative Space: A New Chapter for the Prison Arts Collective”. Featured presentations this month will be from Stephen Blumberg, Director, School of Music at Sac State, and Rachel Clarke, Chair, Art Department at Sac State. This in-person Network Café will take place in The Terrace Suite at The Well. Lunch will be catered by Epicure, and a free event parking code will be provided to those who RSVP. Please register HERE.

6^th Annual Community Engagement Showcase - Community Engagement Center will be hosting the 6^th annual Community Engagement Showcase, which will be held from 9:30 - 11 a.m. in The Well’sShoreline Room. Faculty, staff, students and community partners will share the campus-community work focusing on the theme “Cultivating Authentic Community Partnerships”. Please join to recognize and celebrate the diverse projects and activities that link campus and community. Refreshments will be served, no registration required.

Sac State Design Students and Faculty Making Their Mark - In the past few months a number of students and a faculty member from Department of Design were regionally recognized for their hard work and brilliant designs.These achievements are recognized through our professional partners at the AIA (American Institute of Architects), IIDA (International Interior Design Association), and MBMA (Metal Building Manufacturers Association) Alumni Shelbi Leni (F23) won a Career Award and Alumni Madelyn Aguilar (F23) won a Merit Award from the Regional IIDA for their student design work. Both students were celebrated at the IIDA MERGE event in Fall 2023. This Spring 2024, Maya Westbrock (S24) won second place and Michelle Brown (S24) won an honorable mention in the International MBMA Student Competition. They received cash prizes and recognition along with their Faculty Advisor, Mark Roddy, FAIA. Joselyn Garcia (S24) was selected to be the 2024 Student Liaison to the AIA Central Valley Board and is currently serving her term there and Assistant Professor Emily Potts, AIA was awarded a Chapter Commendation by the AIA Central Valley in recognition for her work in elevating architectural education in our region.

Multicultural Education Conference - Sac State's College of Education is hosting the 30th Annual Multicultural Education (MCE) Conference, Living Legacies and Freedom Dreaming of Multicultural Education, which will be held Friday April 5 (in person at the Student Union Ballroom) and Saturday April 6th (virtual). Register HERE. Classroom teachers can earn 1 CCE credit unit by attending both days of the conference and submitting a reflection on how they plan to implement their learnings from the conference into their classrooms/communities. The Multicultural Education Conference is a completely free event.

COE Team visits NACADA - The Student Success Center team in the College of Education attended the NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising regional conference in San Jose, CA on March 17-19. NACADA is the premier organization supporting academic advising. The team was joined by advisors from Sac State’s other colleges and Student Affairs and their presentation: “Utilizing Culturally Engaging Advising and Innovative Practices to Build a Student Success Center” was well-received.

COE Social Justice Exhibit at University Library - The College of Education is hosting an exhibit titled, "Learning to Liberate: The College of Education Social Justice Library Exhibition" on the second floor of the University Library. This is an exhibit featuring COE faculty research, scholarship, and community-engaged collaborations from March 19 to April 30, 2024. The exhibit was curated by Dr. Aaminah Norris, Kenya Burton, and Dr. Sheeva Sabati as well as Student Assistants Daniella Rubio and Abdelnasser Jaradat.

2024 Engineering and Computer Science Exposition - The Engineering and Computer Science Joint Council, with sponsorship from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) and the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is hosting the 2024 Engineering and Computer Science Exposition April 6 at 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m in the University Union Ballroom. The Expo provides an excellent opportunity for ECS students to present their latest innovations to prospective students, University and community members. The aim is to enhance community enthusiasm for science by offering immersive hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations during the event. Find more info HERE.

ECS Achieves Recognition for Diversity Efforts - The College of Engineering and Computer Science recently received notice from the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Diversity Recognition Program (ADRP) that the College has been recognized at the Bronze Level. The Diversity Recognition Program was created by the American Society of Engineering Education to publicly recognize those engineering and engineering technology colleges that make significant, measurable progress in increasing diversity, inclusion, and degree attainment outcomes of their programs. Awardees will be recognized at the 2024 ASEE Annual Conference which will take place on June 23-26, 2024, in Portland

Library Events & Workshops - Did you know that the University Library offers instructional workshop for students and faculty? Throughout the semester, our librarians teach workshops for EndNote, Open Educational Resources (OER) and more. Sign up for one of these workshops, or browse our upcoming events on our website.

Author Lecture: Allison Gilbert on Tuesday, April 4 - The Friends of the Sacramento State University Library invite the campus community to their final author lecture of the year with Allison Gilbert, co-author of Listen World!, a biography of a trailblazing journalist who used her platform to draw attention to social problems of her day, including women’s rights, racism, immigration, capital punishment, and antisemitism. The lecture will be via Zoom (with subtitles) on Tuesday, April 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. Register HERE.

Stress Relief Weeks May 6 through May 17 - Students are invited to take a break at the University Library during Dead Week and Finals Week of Spring Semester 2024. The library will offer stress-relief activities, including games and puzzles, in room 2022 and coloring posters throughout the building. More information will be available later on the library website.

Environmental Studies Prof Secures $742,240 EPA Award - Julian Fulton, Environmental Studies, received his third EPA award of $742,240. His project, Participatory Science for a Trash-Free SF Bay, focuses on trash management in urban stormwater systems. This project involves Sac State students, faculty, and staff, and serves our local community directly. The project will also provide internship opportunities for high school students. EPA’s Regional Administrator, Martha Guzman, announced the awards on March 12 at a conference in Oakland. Fulton’s grant is one of the eight Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) awards.

Happiness Professor Meets with State Leaders - Dr. Meliksah Demir, Psychology and the Rekhi Singh Endowed Professor in Happiness, was invited as an expert to the first convening of the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy, chaired by Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon. Dr. Demir was among the contributors who met on March 12 to discuss the importance of happiness, the current state of happiness in California, the societal and personal consequences of unhappiness, and potential for solutions.

SSIS Leaders Recognized at APIDA luncheon - Associate Dean Marya Endriga and Sociology Chair Amy Liu were among the awardees recognized at the 2024 Lunar New Year Awards Luncheon honoring APIDA women leaders on campus and in the community and hosted by the APIDA Center and SASEEP.

FACS undergos re-accreditation review - In January, the Didactic Program in Dietetics and Dietetic Internship programs at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) underwent their re-accreditation review from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). A team of four ACEND reviewers visited the department for onsite evaluation and meetings with stakeholders. The Nutrition, Food & Dietetics program faculty and FACS department chair, current students, alums, and Nutrition Advisory Committee members met with the review teams. Several campus stakeholders also participated in the site visit, including the Provost, College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies' Deans, and other staff from Academic Excellence, Information Resources & Technology, Center of Teaching and Learning, and Student Health, Counseling, & Wellness Services. The site visit yielded very favorable outcomes for the two programs.

SSIS Leaders Take Campuswide Positions - Dr. Boatamo “Ati” Mosupyoe, current Associate Dean for Resource & Program Management has been named Inaugural Dean of Students and Chief Administration Officer of the new Black Honors College. Dr. Rebecca Cameron, former Chair of the Department of Psychology, has been named Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success.

History Faculty Member on ABC 10 - Dr. Amelia Ying Qin, Assistant Professor in the History department, was interviewed along with Sacramento state students for ABC10 Local News about the traditions of the Lion Dance as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Watch the video of her interview and incredibly talented lion dancers HERE.

English Department Faculty Members Publish Short Stories - Dr. Torsa Ghosal, English, was selected one of the three winners in The Brooklyn Review's 2023 short story contest judged by novelist Ernesto Mestre from among 80+ eligible entries. Read “Heartwood” by Torsa Ghosal HERE. Jamil Kochai, English, published a new short story, “On the Night of the Khatam,” in the February 19 edition of The New Yorker. Read it HERE.

English Prof Wins Queer Scholarship Award - Ruby Mendoza is the winner of the 2024 Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCCs) Lavender Rhetorics Award for Excellence in Queer Scholarship’s Dissertation Award for their dissertation, “A Rhetorical, Decolonial, and Cultural Critique on Cistematic Academic Scholarly Practices: Mobilizing Queer and Trans* Formative BIPOC Resistance for Institutional Critique.” Mendoza will be awarded in person on April 5, 2024 in Spokane, Washington.

Sac State Comms Department Represents in Reno - Communication Studies graduate students, alums and faculty showed up in force at the Western States Communication Association convention in Reno, Nevada. Grad students, recent alums, and faculty presented 14 research papers and discussion talks across eight different interest groups. Among them, Morgan Morley, assistant professor, won a top paper, as did graduate students Alayna Short, Sharon Rodriguez, and Declan Hilliard.

13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk - Sac State’s 13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk for suicide prevention is Thursday, April 11, in front of The WELL. The event will kick off with a Mental Health Resource Fair starting at 4. p.m. with the Opening Ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Hornets for Hope.” Registration includes parking at Parking Structure 3 (top floor only) starting at 3 p.m. Register for the walk HERE. By registering, you are showing support for survivors, students, staff, and faculty at risk, and those who have been affected by suicide. To volunteer, fill out this brief survey. For questions or to request ADA reasonable accommodations that would allow you to participate in this event, contact Ali Hopkins no later than five business days before the event: orlando@csus.edu.

Cultural Competency Students Attend Homelessness Symposium - Students in the Homelessness module for the Cultural Competency certificate program at Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) were recently invited by their instructor to attend the Transitional Housing Communities: Strategies for Recovery from Homelessness symposium. Held on December 12, the symposium was a one-day interactive event dedicated to exploring innovative ways of designing safe and supportive transitional spaces (e.g., interim housing communities) for individuals experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County. The symposium featured faculty and student research as well as professionals working to support our unhoused neighbors. The event was co-sponsored by Sacramento State’s Department of Design (College of Arts & Letters) and the Center for Health Practice, Policy & Research (College of Health & Human Services).

“It has been such a joy to have the opportunity to watch students’ understanding the complex issue of homelessness expand throughout the course,” says Susanna Curry, Associate Professor of Social Work at Sacramento State. “The discussions we had in class were some of the most nuanced and in-depth that I’ve had in my teaching career.”

“I really enjoyed attending the lecture on homelessness in Sacramento,” says student Julie Donohue. “It definitely enhanced the learning experience by allowing a stronger connection with staff and students, but it was also very exciting hearing two speakers from Camp Resolution speak and take questions. Being in the same room adds a dimension to the conversation.”

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Faculty Guidance on Student Disability Accommodations

March 6, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students who require accommodations are provided equal access in all courses and academic programs.

You can find the CSU Chancellor's Office Policy for the Provision of Accommodations and Support Services to Students with Disabilities HERE.

Students requiring disability accommodations must apply for services with the Disability Access Center (DAC). DAC works to protect the academic integrity of courses while ensuring students requiring accommodations are approved for what is necessary and essential for their equal access. When approved for accommodations, students are then responsible for informing faculty of their need for accommodation by submitting a request through the DAC online portal to have a current letter of approved accommodations sent out to faculty, who are then notified by e-mail that they have a new accommodation letter and are instructed to access the letter through the DAC secure online portal. This portal is the same portal where faculty are requested to submit any exams and quizzes to the DAC Testing Center for proctoring.

Once notified that a student requires accommodations, faculty are required to provide the appropriate course/program modification or adjustment as was approved by DAC. Faculty are not to provide DAC students, or any students they suspect may have a disability, any accommodations that they would not otherwise provide any other students they teach, with the exception of what is outlined in a DAC letter of approved accommodations for the specific students. If there are any questions or concerns regarding what is being required, faculty are encouraged to contact DAC via dac@csus.edu whereupon a staff member will provide guidance.

DAC encourages faculty to include in their syllabi the following statement, to ensure that students are informed on where to go, should they require disability-related accommodations: Sacramento State is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please immediately contact Disability Access Center (DAC) discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from DAC is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. DAC is located on the first floor of Lassen Hall 1008. Phone is 916-278-6955 and e-mail is dac@csus.edu.

Faculty interested in developing and designing a reduced barrier universally accessible curriculum are encouraged to seek support from the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Planning in advance for a reduced barrier course may be more work up front but in the long run makes it much easier to suddenly accommodate the student who requires videos to be captioned or visually described, books to be available either in pdf or word, requires extended time on quizzes and exams or other accommodations that may require quick pivots. Courses that utilize universal design in learning (UDL) principals provides greater access and opportunities for not only disabled students but also those who would benefit from the increased flexibility but may not have been able to register with DAC due to lack of medical documentation or multiple other reasons.

When we consider attrition and retention at Sac State, we need to factor in the role of faculty and how they have the most important role in whether a student will be able to learn and achieve. Incorporating flexibility into the curriculum can make a difference for all students, including those with disabilities.

In planning ahead for a more inclusive UDL curriculum, faculty are encouraged to consider the following questions:

• What do you want students to be able to do?
• What lasting impact do you want to have?
• What are you trying to assess/measure?
• What might be learning or assessment barriers that students might experience?
• How do I build in flexibility, to be as inclusive as possible, to minimize individual accommodations?
• What do students always get wrong or misunderstand on tests?
• Where do students have a million questions?
• Where are situations where students need multiple ways of teaching, reinforcing or demonstrating of concepts?
• How can I incorporate UDL + 1 (multiple formats)?
  • Ex: If audio, then add transcripts
  • Ex: If text, add media
  • Ex: If Audio and text, add visual descriptions

A few tips for designing a more accessible course include:

• Have syllabus, and list of required texts as well as any audio clips, finalized by registration (so DAC can convert what is required
• Plan ahead to ensure all audio clips, videos and movies are captioned and have audio descriptions (many veterans have lost hearing functions, as may have older students, and others may be low vision or blind)
• Substitute timed tests/quizzes in favor of other assessment methods that do not penalize students requiring extra time/lower distraction testing accommodations). In other words, assess the skills and knowledge but do not penalize the disability.
• Describe in advance aby possible trigger warnings in syllabi
  • Be prepared to have alternative assignments, if possible
  • Technical standards, licensures etc. may be exceptions (DAC can advise)
• Caption Videos (search in advance for deaf/hard of hearing accessible videos)
• Audio Descriptions for videos/movies (plan ahead to have them be accessible for blind/low vision)
• Provide Handouts/Power Points to all students - load into Canvas
• Relax Attendance Policies (don’t paint yourself in a corner for that really good student who has a chronic medical condition that prevents consistent attendance)
• Flexibility for individual or group projects (not reliance on oral only)
• Syllabus with simple layout and minimal jargon
• Use visual tools like power point in class (multiple modes for audio, visual and kinetic learners)
• Provide opportunity for feedback on drafts before final paper/project submission
• Provide flexible ways for students to demonstrate what they have learned

For more information, a department presentation, 1-1 training on the DAC online portal or other concerns related to accommodation processes please contact DAC. We appreciate your commitment to our students and look forward to working with you to make our entire campus a welcoming and inclusive place for all.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

Mary Lee Vance
Director, Disability Access Center

Message from the Provost and Academic Affairs February Newsletter

February 28, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

The signs of spring beginning to appear around campus serve as a powerful reminder of the fresh opportunities and growth that each semester brings to our community of learning and inquiry. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering dedication to the teaching, scholarship, and service that make us Sac State. As we embark on the second half of the academic year together, let us embrace this season of renewal with enthusiasm and optimism, united in our shared pursuit of academic excellence and student success.

Renewal has undoubtedly been in the air all year. Since taking leadership of Sac State, President Wood has been taking bold actions to address long-standing inequities that have negatively impacted our students’ ability to succeed and thrive. After an exhaustive series of listening sessions where hundreds of faculty, staff, students, and other members of the campus community had the opportunity to tell our new president what is--and isn’t--working at Sac State, President Wood has set his leadership team to work on goals aimed at fostering inclusivity and excellence across our institution. From making it easier for staff to advance their careers to creating the nation’s first Black honors college, exciting changes are beginning to happen.

Implementing changes—however necessary—at a 75-year-old institution can be uncomfortable. I recognize that some of you may be feeling apprehensive. But it's crucial to understand that adjusting our practices will help us position our University for continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. I invite you to embrace this opportunity for innovation and collaboration as we work together to shape the future of Sac State for generations to come.

One way to embrace innovation and collaboration is to recognize excellence in our colleagues. This Thursday, Feb. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the University Union Pacific Suite, the Faculty Senate will be holding the 2023-24 Outstanding Faculty Awards. Recipients of these awards are being honored for their outstanding achievements in serving our University through their teaching, their service and their research and creative activities. Some of these faculty are being recognized for putting student success front-and-center, mentoring the next generation of scholars and instilling a passion for education. Others have taken on critical research or creative activities, deepening knowledge and widening understanding in their fields and endeavors. I encourage you to join me in celebrating their contributions and to be inspired by their commitment to advancing our university's mission.

Keep scrolling this newsletter for the latest highlights and announcements from Academic Affairs. We have important reminders and upcoming events to help you stay connected and involved in the vibrant academic community here at Sac State. Thank you for your continued dedication and contributions to our shared mission of academic excellence and student success. Together, let's make this semester one filled with growth, discovery, and achievement.

Carlos Nevarez

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

Highlights and Announcements.

SSIS names New EdInsights Director - On behalf of the Division of Academic Affairs, the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies is pleased to announce Dr. Madeleine R. Kerrick as the Interim Executive Director of the Education Insights Center (EdInsights). Dr. Kerrick draws on nearly two decades of experience working in equity and social justice within healthcare and education. With an established record of securing funding, producing quality research, and building highly collaborative and successful teams, Dr. Kerrick is well-positioned to lead the center during this time of transition. As Director of Evaluation Research, Dr. Kerrick helped to grow EdInsights’ reputation as a trusted education evaluation partner in California using a highly collaborative process based on equitable evaluation strategies. During her five and a half years with the organization, she has brought in and managed more than $6M in research and evaluation projects, advocated for and established career ladders to support an equitable and transparent workplace, and grew EdInsights’ research and evaluation team from three to nine over three years. Prior to joining EdInsights, Dr. Kerrick was an adjunct professor at San José State University. Dr. Kerrick was Made at Sac State, receiving a bachelor’s in Child Development - Social & Community Settings before completing a Ph.D in Developmental Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her willingness to step into this role in support of the many activities of the Center is greatly appreciated.

Fellowship opportunity for CSU students - Applications for the Japanese American Archival Collection Research Fellows Program (JAAC RFP) opened on Feb. 19. The annual JAAC RFP supports the use of the Japanese American Archival Collection by research fellows for scholarly research and creative end-products relating to the Japanese American experience including: marginalization, racism, and the Constitution of the United States, as well as the principles of democracy and social justice. The JAAC RFP provides two (2) annual fellowships up to $3,000 for individuals or research teams. Priority review begins April 15. More information is available on the library website.

Passing of ECS Emeritus Dean Donald Gillott - Dean Kevan Shafizadeh of the College of Engineering and Computer Science reports that Emeritus Dean Don Gillott passed away on Dec. 23. Gillott was dean of the college from 1976 to 1993. He was an expert in the field of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and was a former chair of the department. Gillott is credited with obtaining the approval to build Riverside Hall, and the college’s Gillott Project Center meeting room on the third floor is still named in his honor. Funeral services were held on Jan. 12 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Dorado Hills.

NSM Awards & Scholarship celebration - The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (NSM) will hold an event celebrating the Outstanding Student Awardees from each NSM Department as well as acknowledging the Outstanding Faculty Awards for: Teaching, Community Service, University Service, Scholarly & Creativity. The event also recognizes all College of NSM Scholarship recipients. It is a great way to recognize all of the students and faculty who go above and beyond. Family & friends of the recipients attend the catered event. The event will be held Monday, May 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the University Union Cottonwood Suite.

New COE certifications - The College of Education faculty have recently had three new school personnel certifications approved by the state external accrediting body, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. These are the Reading & Literacy Added Authorization, Reading & Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential, and Career Technical Education Credential. The first two focus on language and literacy instruction for pre-kindergarten to adult learners, with a special focus on addressing extreme reading difficulties and equity issues in reading achievement. The Career Technical Education credential prepares those with industry experience to become teachers in schools with career pathways.

13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk - Sac State’s 13th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk for suicide prevention is Thursday, April 11, in front of The WELL. The event will kick off with a Mental Health Resource Fair starting at 4 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony starting at 5:30 pm. This year’s theme is Hornets for Hope. Registration includes parking at Parking Structure 3 (top floor only) starting at 3 p.m. Register for the walk HERE. By registering, you are showing support for survivors, students, staff, and faculty at risk, and those who have been affected by suicide. To volunteer, fill out this brief survey. For questions or to request ADA reasonable accommodations that would allow you to participate in this event, contact Ali Hopkins no later than five business days before the event: orlando@csus.edu.

COE exhibit at the Library - The College of Education is hosting an exhibition in the University Library titled, “Learning to Liberate: The College of Education Social Justice Library Exhibition”. The COE Faculty Research Exhibit will be housed on the second floor of the library and is scheduled from March 19 to April 30, 2024. The exhibit seeks to highlight our amazing faculty and all the contributions they have made in and out of Sacramento State.

CCE Dean named UPCEA Committee Co-Chair - UPCEA, the online and professional education association, announced the election of new officers and new directors to serve on the UPCEA Board of Directors. Elected in November, these individuals will assume their roles March 28, 2024. Pamela Wimbush, Interim Dean of Sac State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE), will serve as a Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee Co-Chair for a two-year term (2024-2026). In welcoming Wimbush to the position, UPCEA noted: “Dr. Wimbush has made a significant impact on institutions as a distinguished scholar, researcher, and educator in continuing, professional, and online education. She is dedicated to expanding access and social mobility through quality learning.”

BioSci faculty excelling at student-inclusive research - The Biological Sciences department announces that three recent faculty publications all include student authors:

• Jamie Kneitel, Tim Davidson, and former graduate student, Sean O'Brien’s article Invertebrate community composition differs between restored and natural vernal pools came out Dec. 2,in Restoration Ecology: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.14080

• Chris Lopez’s undergraduate researcher, Eileen Garcia Fuentes, is first author on their publication that just came out in January: Eileen Garcia-Fuentes and Christopher Lopez “Draft genome sequence of Metabacillus indicus strain EGFCL74 isolated from spontaneously fermented apple cider” https://doi.org/10.1128/mra.01023-23

• Kim Mulligan’s group, which includes 10 Sac State Student authors, published the following article with preprint available: Fishburn JLA, Larson HL, Nguyen A, Welch CJ, Moore T, Penn A, Newman J, Mangino A, Widman E, Ghobashy R, Witherspoon J, Lee W, Mulligan KA. Bisphenol F affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, mushroom body development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicol Teratol. March–April, 2024 (102); 107331. doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107331

Using Library media resources - The Sac State Library provides access to many streaming media resources. Faculty are encouraged to search the Library's collection of streaming media databases before submitting a request. If there is a title you would like to use that is not active in one of the streaming platforms, please request it through the Course Reserve Request Form.

Sacramento State Design students compete at regional student Design Charette - The Charette is a one-day design showdown where students showcase their talents, dive into collaboration, and tackle a thrilling design challenge. Teams, a dynamic mix of students from different schools and years, will unite forces to create one solution. Each team gets to present their creative work to a panel of designers, architects, and industry leaders. The winning team will be sent to the National Charette at Neocon in Chicago on June 10-12, 2024. Find out more HERE.

Mark your calendar for student film festival - The J Street Film Festival, which celebrates senior capstone films and other student works, will be held Thursday, May 16, at the Crest Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. with films beginning at 7 p.m.

Tschannen Building renamed - The Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB) – Santa Clara Hall (SCL) has been officially renamed the Ernest E. Tschannen Engineering Teaching & Research Building (TEB) to recognize the philanthropic gift from Ernest E. Tschannen in anticipation of the future engineering building. Campus maps, signage, and the class schedule are being updated.

Carlsen Center: Startup Challenge - Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is excited to offer another Startup Challenge. The Startup Challenge is a crazy-fun, high-energy, weekend-long event where you learn about startups by doing startups. The Startup Challenge is scheduled for March 1-3. You will create a real startup in one weekend with nothing more than an idea and your wits. Here's how it works: Gather on Friday night, have dinner, talk, network, and get to know all the amazing entrepreneurs we have right here in the Sacramento ecosystem. And then things kick off. You have from Friday night to Sunday night to turn those ideas into a real business. If any accommodations are needed, please contact the Carlsen Center. Register HERE.

Multicultural Education Conference - The annual College of Education Multicultural Education (MCE) Conference will happen in Spring 2024 on Friday, April 5 (on campus) and Saturday, April 6 (via Zoom). The theme for the 30th anniversary of this conference is “Living Legacies and Freedom Dreaming of Critical Multicultural Education”. Learn more about this year’s conference and register HERE.

Carlsen Center hosts University-Wide Innovation Competition -

Do you know a student, innovator, researcher, or entrepreneur looking to, or already working on building a venture or turning an idea into reality? If so, please encourage them to apply for the “University-Wide Innovation Competition.” The competition is for students, faculty, or staff with innovative problem-solving ideas, technologies, and/or startups with the opportunity to compete for prize money totaling $2,500 for the winners. Innovation and startup applications are accepted from across the campus, from any college, department, or center. The “University-Wide Pitch Competition” will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Library 1520. The Carlsen Center will support contestants with two pitch workshops from noon-1 p.m. Register for Tuesday, Feb. 20. Register for Monday, March 4. If accommodations are needed, please contact the Carlsen Center. Learn more and apply by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 8.

Call for Proposals: Sixth annual Community Engagement Showcase

In keeping with President Wood's commitment to Sacramento State as a Community Engaged Campus, The Community Engagement Center (CEC) is excited to announce our sixth annual Community Engagement Showcase. Our theme for this year's showcase is “Cultivating Authentic Community Partnerships.” Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit proposals to participate by sharing their community-engaged research, projects and/or activities in a poster format. A poster template will be provided when acceptance letters are sent out. The Showcase will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, in the WELL Shoreline Room. All proposals are due by Wednesday, March 6. Submit proposals HERE.

Save the date: Hornet Community Bus Tour, May 2024 - The Community Engagement Center and Anchor University Advisory Council encourage you to mark your calendars now for the exciting, third annual Hornet Community Bus Tour on May 22-23. The bus tour is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators to gain a deeper appreciation for Sacramento, geographically and historically. Through visits with community and governmental organizations, elected officials and other community members, you will learn about the Sacramento community. This tour aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the campus and community partners and promote engagement across teaching, research, and service. Applications will open on April 1 and close on April 15. Applicants can expect confirmation by the end of April.

Spring 2024 OWP Water Seminar Series: Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities - The Office of Water Programs (OWP) helps small, disadvantaged, and otherwise underserved communities throughout California and the nation develop plans and access funding to address substandard drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and services. On March 15 from noon to 1 p.m., OWP research engineers Maureen Kerner and Brian Currier will discuss community water needs in California, California's Human Right to Water (AB 685), various state agency programs and initiatives for improved water services for all, and OWP's involvement through contracts with the CA State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The speakers will discuss OWP's collaboration with the State Water Board, EPA, disadvantaged communities, and Sacramento State students through technical assistance addressing funding for equity and resilience, environmental finance programs, water sector needs assessments, lead testing and remediation at child care centers, and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) drinking water well testing. Register and get the Zoom link HERE. The recordings of past seminars are available HERE.

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A Coordinated Academic Advising Model is Taking Shape

February 14, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

As you know, President Wood has introduced 23 strategic activities to put the imperatives of our Strategic Plan into action. These bold, yet achievable, actions were outlined after nearly 100 listening sessions with the Sacramento State community and give us concrete steps toward our highest goal of being a stellar example of student success and community service in our region.

Activity 2 states: “Implement a coordinated academic advising model with case management along with a University-wide early-warning system and early-alert system, beginning in Fall 2024”. We’re happy to report that work on implementing that coordinated academic advising model is underway. The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) has completed a review of Sacramento State's academic advising program. The comprehensive report resulting from this review highlights the overarching strengths, challenges, recommendations, and opportunities for enhancing effective advising within our institution. You can access the report here. This report will be one of several measures utilized to guide efforts in building a stronger academic advising program.

As part of our ongoing commitment to improvement, Academic Affairs will soon be reaching out to the campus community via SacSend to solicit participation in a task force charged with leading this effort. The taskforce will work in tandem with the university-wide Advising Council and the Activity 2 Strategic Activity Working Group.

Your input and involvement in this process are highly valued, and we encourage you to engage with us as we work towards refining our academic advising practices.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,

Carlos Nevarez, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)
Aniesha Mitchell, Vice President for Student Affairs

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February Chairs & Directors Meeting Highlights

February 9, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

On behalf of Provost Nevarez, in support of your Department Chairs and Directors, and in the spirit of information-sharing, I am forwarding you some of the highlights from the February Chairs & Directors meeting. The following are three items we felt would be of the most interest to you. We’ve included a brief synopsis of each and links to additional information. Please let your Chairs know if you have additional questions about these topics, so they can assist you.

New Limitations on Streaming Media Licenses

Dean Amy Kautzman of the University Library shared that the costs associated with streaming media for instruction have skyrocketed this year, from $10,000-14,000 over the past few years to $56,000 this fiscal year (to date). Because this is unsustainable, the library has developed new criteria for licensing streaming media. Specifically, courses will be capped at 10 streaming titles per course per semester; faculty will be capped at a budget of $4,500 for streaming licenses per faculty per year; and licensing fees will be capped at $300 per title per year. In addition, feature films may be unavailable for streaming, but may be available as DVDs for viewing in the Library. These limitations may require faculty to revisit their approach to including media in their courses, so we wanted to be sure you have this information as early as possible. Find out more here.

Findings on Student, Staff, and Faculty Digital Tools and Communications

Associate Vice President for Academic Technology Peggy Kay introduced Shannon James, a consultant who has been analyzing our student e-lifecycle business process in order to offer recommendations for alignment with the University’s Strategic Plan. The overarching goal is to improve student, staff, and faculty experiences with digital technologies and tools, business processes and workflow, and student-focused communications. Ten recommendations were highlighted in her presentation, such as making more effective use of the MySacState portal to communicate personalized information to students. This report will help inform a multi-year initiative through 2028.

Faculty Housing - Nine Ten Place Presentation

UEI Executive Director John Melikian, Director of Marketing Services Angela Rader, and Director of Real Estate Services Patrice Griffith presented information on Nine Ten Place, a faculty and staff housing complex under construction just on the other side of the Guy West Bridge. There will be 29 units available, roughly half 1-bedroom and half 2-bedroom. Construction is running on time, with an anticipated opening in Summer 2024. Apartments will be available for 6-12 months, renewable up to 24 months, with a primary goal of assisting new faculty hires in transitioning to Sacramento. Units that are not used by incoming faculty will be available for other faculty and staff. You can find more information and a link to an interest form at the Nine Ten Place web page.

Do you have a suggestion for an issue you would like addressed at a future Chairs and Directors meeting? Fill out our survey here.

Wishing you well, and we’ll be back in touch next month with highlights from our March meeting.

Rebecca Cameron
Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success

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Guidance and Support Following Weather-Related Challenges

February 5, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

I trust this message finds you well amidst the recent weather-related incidents affecting our community. As many of you are aware, unexpected challenges have arisen due to the latest atmospheric river storm that struck California. Wind gusts were recorded as high as 65 mph resulting in downed trees and knocked out power for more than 200,000 SMUD customers. As of this morning, 40,000 households still do not yet have power restored and a high wind warning remains in place until 10 a.m.

In light of these circumstances, I want to extend gratitude for your flexibility and understanding during these unpredictable times. The safety and well-being of our campus community remain our top priority, and we are committed to navigating these challenges together.

Understandably, some students may face difficulties attending classes, in-person and virtually, due to weather-related issues. I encourage you to communicate with your students and offer the necessary flexibility and understanding during this period. Faculty and staff may also face challenges and I encourage us to approach these situations with empathy and mutual support.

Your dedication and resilience during these trying times stand as a testament to the strength of our academic community. I extend my sincere gratitude for your continued commitment to the well-being of our community. Thank you for your professionalism, understanding, and ongoing dedication to our shared mission during this time.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

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Bena Arao appointed Director of Academic Affairs Resources

January 31, 2024

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Dr. Bena Arao has accepted our offer to step into the position of Director of Academic Affairs Resources, effective February 1, 2024. Dr. Arao comes to Academic Affairs after 18 years at Administration & Business Affairs (ABA) and we look forward to his wise financial leadership as we navigate a challenging budget environment.

Dr. Arao’s most recent role with ABA was Senior Director of Resource and Organizational Management. He also played a key role in the growth and success of the Sustainability & Energy team, championed the Space Management Office, and provided invaluable insights on numerous special projects. Prior to ABA, he was the Controller at the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). He has 25 years of experience working in finance in non-profit, for-profit, K-12 education, and higher education institutions.

At OUSD, Dr. Arao oversaw the budget development and accounting of an annual $400 million general fund, $200 million in construction bonds, and $100 million in special funding. He began working at Sacramento State in 2006 in Facilities Management and Resource and Organizational Management. He has managed complex financial operations in the General Fund, Trust Funds and Construction Funds. He was the financial point person on numerous planning teams for many multimillion-dollar construction projects, including those that oversaw the construction of the Hornet Bookstore, Parking Structure Three, American River Courtyard and the WELL.

Dr. Arao goes above and beyond in his commitment to our campus, serving on numerous committees including the Clery Compliance Team, Marketing and Communications Council, Internationalization Committee, and the Classroom Furniture Project team, which enhances the classroom-learning environment by modernizing the furniture in each classroom at the University every summer. He was lead for the Junior Olympic Event Committee in preparation for the July 2019 USA Track & Field Junior Olympics at Sacramento State.

Bena earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya in 1996. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from University of California, Davis, and his Doctor of Educational Leadership from Sacramento State. His research work has been in the areas of space management, facilities management, and the state of black administrators in the sectors of K-12 and higher education.

As you know, Academic Affairs is the largest division and budget in the university and we were fortunate to have Angel Thayer-Smith in the role of Director of Academic Resources for eight years. Filling her shoes at this critical time required choosing an individual with precisely the right combination of financial acumen, professional experience, and deep knowledge of Sacramento State’s academic priorities and operational capacity. President Wood and I agreed that Bena Arao was the obvious choice to guide Academic Affairs resources and we are thankful he is enthusiastically stepping into the role.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Bena Arao and welcoming him to Academic Affairs.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

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Faculty Guidance as Students Return to Class

January 23, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

As you now know, the CSU and California Faculty Association (CFA) came to a tentative agreement last night and the Unit 3 strike, originally planned to last until Friday, Jan. 26, was cancelled effective immediately. We are happy to welcome all faculty, librarians, counselors, and coaches back to campus as we focus on our shared mission of academic excellence and student success and wellness.

Because the strike cancellation came at an unexpected time, confusion is arising around several issues. Therefore, we are issuing clarification on several points to guide you as we navigate the rest of this week and the start of Spring semester:

• Student leniency – You are undoubtedly finding that many students were caught unaware by last night’s announcement and were unable to adjust their schedules in time to attend class. Many students are also expressing confusion about the abrupt return to “business-as-usual”. Some may not have returned to campus and others may have planned to spend this week on work or caregiving duties. Please stay in communication with all your students and provide them with leniency as needed.
• Drop/add deadlines – Last week we advised faculty to support our students by minimizing or avoiding penalties to students for non-attendance during the week of the strike. Please continue to adhere to relaxed drop/add deadlines as students’ ability to attend class may still be impacted.
• Modality – Please hold your classes in the expected modalities as published on the schedule. We cannot assume our students have access to high-speed internet or other resources needed to change modalities at late notice. We must remember to view our students from an equity-based lens and ensure we are not putting their attendance out of reach.

We appreciate the work that was put in by our CFA-represented campus community and recognize there is a physical, mental, and emotional toll that organizing and participating in a strike takes that requires time to recover from. Please support each other and reach out for help if you need it. You can find resources for support on the Employee Wellness page of the Sacramento State website.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our university. We look forward to beginning this semester in earnest as we work together to build an ever-better Sacramento State.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

David Zeigler
Vice Provost for Student Success (Interim)

Rebecca Cameron
Vice Provost for Faculty Success (Interim)

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Strike Cancelled - All Classes and Activities Resume Tuesday, Jan. 23

January 22, 2024

Dear Faculty and Personnel Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the California Faculty Association (CFA) have come to an agreement this evening on contract negotiations. The strike is cancelled effective immediately. More updates to come.

We are happy to have all our Sacramento State faculty, coaches, librarians, and counselors back to work tomorrow, Jan. 23, as we begin the new semester.

As we return to our normal campus activities, please keep your student’s academic continuity in mind and hold your classes in the expected modalities as published on the schedule.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our campus. We look forward to working with you for a productive and meaningful Spring semester.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

Rebecca Cameron
Vice Provost for Faculty Success (Interim)

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Strike Cancelled - All Classes and Activities Resume Tuesday, Jan. 23

January 22, 2024

Dear Students,

We are pleased to announce that the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the California Faculty Association (CFA) have come to an agreement this evening on contract negotiations. The CFA has canceled its strike, effective immediately. Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 23. More updates to come.

Please check your email or course Canvas page for additional information. Faculty are beginning to reach out to students.

Please know that student success and well-being has been the highest priority for the faculty, staff, and administration throughout this process and we are happy to be able to move forward together to help you have the best semester possible.

Carlos Nevarez
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Interim)

David Zeigler
Vice Provost for Student Success (Interim)

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Deidre Sessoms named College of Education Interim Dean

January 19, 2024

On Dec. 14, President Wood announced that Sacramento State is launching the National Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Education (I-AI) and that Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Sidorkin will serve as the University’s Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Sasha Sidorkin will be leaving his role as Dean of the College of Education to take the new position. Please join me in thanking Dr. Sidorkin for his leadership and vision and wishing him the best in his new position.

I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Deidre Sessoms has been named Interim Dean of the College of Education.

Sessoms holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from UC Davis, public school teaching certification in mathematics, biology, and chemistry, and a B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University in biological sciences. A seasoned educator with 26 years at Sacramento State, she has served in many positions, most recently as Associate Dean for Instruction and Student Success in the College of Education. Other Sacramento State leadership positions include Chair of Teaching Credentials, founding Director of the Student Research Center, Director of Faculty Research Development, Interim Director of First Year Experience Programs, and Director of the Middle Leader Academy of the CSU Student Success Network. Her service to the University extends to the Faculty Senate and its Executive Committee, standing university committees including the University Budget Advisory Committee and the Senate Retention and Graduation Subcommittee, which she chaired.

Dr. Sessoms’ research in STEM education has resulted in two recent publications, including an invited chapter in the AAAS book, “Impacts of the STEM Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Program on Teachers, Students, and Classrooms,” and a research article that has been accepted for publication by the journal Science Education titled “Student Outcomes of Practicing Teachers Who Engaged in a Pre-Service or Early Career Teacher Research Experience Program.”

Dr. Sessoms has an extensive record of procuring external grant funding, serving as PI or Co-PI on grants totaling over $8.7M, including 8 funded proposals from the National Science Foundation focused on equity and student success in STEM education. She is a recipient of the College of Education’s Outstanding Community Service Award and the Sacramento City Council Outstanding Community Service award.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sessoms on her interim appointment.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Rebecca Cameron named Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success

January 17, 2024

I’m pleased to announce that Rebecca Cameron will be moving into the role of Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success. Dr. Cameron has been serving as Chair of the Psychology Department and brings with her a deep understanding of the administrative operations of our campus, as well as the important role mental and emotional wellness plays in the success of our students, faculty, and staff.

Cameron received a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University, with a clinical internship at the Palo Alto VA Health Care System, followed by an NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University. Cameron joined the Psychology faculty at Sacramento State in 2001 after two years on a temporary appointment at the University of San Francisco. She has spent most of her time since 2016 as Department Chair, except for a period of time away from Psychology as Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Support in the College of Business. Cameron’s extensive involvement in institutional service includes Faculty Senate, Senate Executive Committee, University Appointment, Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Committee, Academic Affairs Strategic Planning and Budget Advisory Committee, leadership of the University-wide and Psychology-focused honor societies, Phi Kappa Phi and Psi Chi, as well as collaboration on projects with the PRIDE Center and service on the Transgender Inclusion Task Force.

Dr. Cameron’s scholarship has focused on stress and social support and on improving clinician competence in working with people with disabilities. Recently, she has been partnering with a research team at UC Davis on the American Heart Association-funded PRECISE study (Psychosocial Stressors and Exposomics on CV Health in underserved multi-ethnic populations in Northern California). She has continued to publish on disability issues, including a coauthored chapter on internalized ableism in the 2022 edited book, Clinical interventions for internalized oppression. Cameron has served on 53 thesis committees in her time at Sacramento State, including 20 as committee chair, and has mentored students in both the California Pre-Doctoral Program and the McNair Scholars Program.

Dr. Cameron has also prioritized professional and community service, including efforts to increase access to culturally competent mental health services for Asian American Pacific Islander and LGBTQ communities in Sacramento. She has served the American Psychological Association on the Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Subspecialties in Professional Psychology, and the Western Psychological Association as Co-chair of the 2017 Annual Convention. She has been recognized by SSIS with the Outstanding Community Service Award and the Sustained Excellence Award.

I believe Dr. Cameron’s record of academic distinction and her ability to take on complex responsibilities with ease will be an enormous benefit to faculty success at this critical time for our campus. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Cameron on her interim appointment.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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December Placer Center Newsletter

December 18, 2023

The Sacramento State Placer Center | Newsletter

Dear Community,

Wow! I can hardly believe that fall semester is complete. When it comes to the Placer Center, we hosted a launch in September and a plethora of activities that felt non-stop. I’m extremely grateful to everyone I met throughout this process. Placer has pushed me outside of my disciplinary silo and provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with deans and faculty across campus.

I am in awe of our collective brilliance.

Please find below a few key updates regarding the Sacramento State Placer Innovation Hub.

1. Our goal was to establish the Phase 1 Academic Clusters by June. I’m happy to report that this was completed ahead of schedule (in December)! This is in large part because of the engagement level at all of our faculty mixers. Everyone’s expertise and input moved us forward.
2. Here’s a quick summary: Throughout the fall (August-November), we held 5 sessions to gather feedback on the emerging academic clusters. We engaged over 250 stakeholders and typed-up thousands of sticky notes. All feedback was compiled and analyzed for themes.

Major Themes/Wants for the Placer Center:

1. Interdisciplinary Focus
2. Design Pathways from Community College to Doctoral Degrees
3. Industry Partnerships, Paid Internships, and Experiential Learning Labs
4. Vision for an R1 Innovation Hub that leads to Solutions to Complex Social Problems
5. Centralize Wellness, Equity, Access, and Belonging

Our Major Themes relate to the original Master Plan Goals:

1. Realize Diversity, Inclusion, & Access
2. Be a Model for Resiliency & Sustainability
3. Promote Community Building & Placemaking
4. Serve as an Economic Anchor for the Region
5. Support Academic and Student Success

As of today, our Academic Plan is emerging. You can read more about our progress on emerging academic clusters here.

Phase 1 will launch in the spring with six workgroups and opportunities for further engagement.

Academic Focus Areas:

• Interdisciplinary Forensic Science
• Environmental Health, Sustainability, & Circular Economies
• Public Health, Public Safety, & Gerontology
• Urban Planning, Hospitality, & Community Development
• Ethnic Studies (P20), Educational Equity, & Global Education
• Cross-Institutional Pilot: This group will focus on developing concurrent enrollment structures (microsites) at Sierra College. Launching a pilot (short-term) and building a long-term plan for seamless academic pathways and guaranteed admissions that will eventually “land” at the Placer Center (2024-2028).

Next Steps:

• Share the application for people to participate in a spring workgroup (faculty will be compensated). A complete application will include a Letter of Interest, CV, and answering a few key questions. Further details about the process will be shared when we return from winter break. Please be on the look-out for it!
• Each workgroup will be co-chaired by a representative from Sac State and/or Sierra College.
• Groups will develop plans related to program scope, curriculum, and accreditation needs.

Some Initial Guiding Questions for the Workgroups:

• How can interdisciplinary studies solve complex problems by focusing on creative innovations and emerging technologies?
• What kinds of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certifications can we offer along the pathway from community college to/through doctoral degrees?
• How can we further leverage industry partnerships in Placer County to provide paid academic internships to our students that connect directly to workforce needs and career paths?
• What kinds of experiential learning labs will advance our teaching and research needs?
• What happens to our curriculum and pedagogy when wellness and equity are centralized?

In the coming months, I look forward to working alongside you to further bring our #PlacerPossibilities to life! In the meantime, may your winter holiday season be filled with joy and justice.

Warmly,

Vajra Watson
Senior Associate Vice President, Placer Center

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December Message from the Provost and Academic Affairs Newsletter

December 14, 2023

News from the Office of the Provost

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

The end of the year is a time of endings, but also of renewal. As we look back at what we’ve accomplished and what remains yet to do, we also look forward to the possibilities contained in the year ahead. This December, I am writing to you with mixed emotions as we navigate transitions within the Provost's office. On one hand, I am sad to lose the counsel of valued colleagues. On the other, I am very happy to welcome new faces to my team who bring with them a wealth of experience and innovative ideas that will greatly benefit Academic Affairs.

First and foremost, I want to express my deep gratitude for the dedication and contributions of two key members of my team who will be departing to take other roles on campus. They have each contributed greatly to both our long-term strategic goals and our day-to-day operations as a large university community.

Friday marks the last day of Angel Thayer-Smith’s service as Director of Academic Affairs Resources, a position she has held with distinction for eight years. Angel’s financial acumen and cool-headedness as the guardian of our finances has been invaluable as we have weathered daunting budget and enrollment challenges. Luckily for us, she is not going far; she is taking on the role of Director of Administration for Facilities Management. They are fortunate to have her. I wish her all the best in her new position and offer her my most heartfelt thanks for all she has done to assist me in my time as Interim Provost.

Also leaving the provost’s office is Tasha Souza, who has been Vice Provost for Faculty Success since July 2022 and is transitioning back to faculty. A full professor of Communication Studies, Tasha’s thoughtful and principled leadership is informed by her deep knowledge and scholarship of intercultural communication, conflict management, and equity-based hiring initiatives. A champion of wellness and caring in the workplace, Tasha is being her own best advocate in stepping back from the very demanding role she has gracefully navigated for the past year and a half. I’m happy to report that Tasha will be staying with Academic Affairs by helping with a variety of special projects for us and the College of Arts & Letters this spring.

Both Angel and Tasha have played critical roles in advancing our academic mission. Their leadership, insight, and commitment have left an indelible mark on our institution, and we wish them every success in their future endeavors.

There will be more changes in the year ahead with new leaders, new initiatives, and, of course, new challenges. In the weeks ahead, we will be sharing more details with you on the new faces in Angel and Tasha's positions as well as other transitions and new hires. Through it all, let us always maintain our focus on what matters most – teaching and learning. The core mission of our university is, and always will be, supporting our faculty as they guide our students’ success.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication and contributions to our vibrant academic community.

Happy Holidays!

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

College of Education

Centering Black Women Educators fellowship - COE Girl Power Researchers, in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), are recruiting 25 fellows for the Centering Black Women Educators fellowship for Black History Month 2024. Fellows will learn about the contributions of Black women educators to STEM education through a combination of biographical research, interviews, readings, and discussions. They will present their learnings at the CTL culminating event and a Juneteenth Celebration Virtual Conference in 2024. Each Fellow will earn a $1000 fellowship for their participation. Learn more and complete the application by Dec. 22 here.

Teacher residency grants - Sac State’s teacher resident grants are doing excellent work addressing the shortage of educators in our region. Sac City Bridge Residency is recruiting, supporting and retaining BIPOC teachers. Sacramento Metro Special Education Registry (SMSTR) is working to recruit, support and retain special ed teachers. Read more about COE’s innovative efforts to address teaching shortages here.

Spring Multicultural Education Conference - Mark your calendars for the annual College of Education Multicultural Education (MCE) Conference, happening Friday April 5 (on campus) and Saturday April 6 (via Zoom). The theme for the 30th anniversary of this conference is “Living Legacies and Freedom Dreaming of Critical Multicultural Education”. Please consider applying to present a poster on your emergent research or dissertation. Proposals are now due Jan. 31, 2024. Additional information available here in the “Call for Proposals” section.

COE serves community mental health needs - The Center for Counseling and Diagnostic Services (CCDS) continues to provide accessible mental health and educational resources to the University, as well as the Sacramento Community. The CCDS established new partnerships this semester with the Health Advisory Council which includes the opportunity to work with the Mexican Consulate, Midtown Church, and the Iranian/Afghan Cultural Center, creating opportunities for bilingual and culturally appropriate counseling and psychotherapeutic interventions in the Sacramento community.

University Library

Extended Library Hours - For Dead Week and Finals Week, the University Library will extend our weekend hours. This weekend, the Main Library will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Special Collections and StingerStudio Makerspace will be closed. Current library building hours are always available on our website.

End of Semester Stress-Relief for Students - From Monday, Dec. 4 through Friday, Dec. 15, the University Library will provide a stress-relief space for students studying for finals. Library room 2022 will be set up with games, puzzles, and snacks for our students to take time to relax. The room will be open from 9 a.m. to closing. There will also be large posters for coloring throughout the building. Everyone is invited to take a moment, grab a marker, and color one of these posters. More information and online activities are available on our website.

College of Continuing Education

Public Health Students to Study Abroad in Costa Rica and Guatemala - An upcoming faculty-led study abroad program offered by the College of Continuing Education (CCE) is an opportunity for students interested in public health to spend time in Costa Rica and Guatemala. The program is designed to allow students to experience a unique culture first-hand and view a different society through the lens of health, risk prevention, and wellbeing. Through their immersive co-curricular work, students who enroll in the course (PUBH 196A: Public Health International Study Abroad) will develop the knowledge and tools to be a more effective public health practitioner who views the world through a more comprehensive and culturally aware lens. The course begins on June 10 and runs through Aug. 18, with dates in Costa Rica scheduled for July 8 to 18. Students who successfully complete the course will earn 3 units. Included in the agenda for the Costa Rica portion of the course is a tour of San Jose and a Mayan cultural experience. Read more about the Public Health study abroad here.

College of Arts & Letters

New art building beam signing - The new art building came closer to being a reality on Nov. 28 when faculty, students, and administrators came together to sign and decorate its foundational beams, leaving this era’s blessing on the bones of the structure that will house the new art sculpture lab. The new building will need large kilns, foundry, and woodshop equipment, easels, furniture, storage shelves and cabinets and much more. Arts & Letters has established an endowment to help meet those and other costs and invites everyone in the campus community who is able to consider contributing. You can learn more about the new building and make a gift here.

Comms studies prof welcomed at White House - Andrea Terry, Communication Studies, was part of the Religious Communication Association’s Nov. 13 delegation to the White House that met with the director of the White House Office of Engagement and Council on Faith-based Initiatives. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the role of scholarship in communication and religion on the White House’s approach to engaging with communities of faith.

Symposium on transitional space design - Emily Potts, Design, is holding a one-day interactive symposium Dec. 12 at Sacramento State dedicated to exploring innovative ways of designing safe and supportive transitional spaces (e.g., interim housing communities) for individuals experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County. The symposium will feature faculty and student research as well as professionals working to support our unhoused neighbors. Find out more and RSVP here.

Spanish faculty member contributes to Mexican literary journal - Brenda Romero, World Languages & Literature, had her translation of Ana Castillo's poem "La amazonía se está quemando" published in the new issue of Irradiación, a literary and cultural magazine from Mexico.

History professor’s book wins awards - Maria Quintana, from the Department of History, received two awards from the Latino International Book Awards for her work titled "Contracting Freedom: Race, Empire, and U.S. Guestworker Programs," published in 2022.

Guest expert lectures on ancient Egyptian art - On Nov. 13, Nikolaos Lazaridis, History, and Marwa Ahmed, History, successfully organized a guest lecture by Dr. Tara Prakash, an expert on ancient Egyptian art who is currently teaching Art History at the College of Charleston. Dr. Prakash's well-attended lecture was on the depiction of pain and foreigners in Pharaonic Egypt.

College of Engineering & Computer Science

Sac State team brings the heat at concrete competition - The American Concrete Institute (ACI) Fiber Reinforced Polymer Beam Competition team, advised by Jose Garcia, Civil Engineering, competed at the ACI National Convention in Boston in October. The Sac State team placed 6th overall (out of 36 teams), the highest ranking of any U.S. team.

Successful Fall internship and career fairs - The Fall 2023 ECS Internship and Career Fairs were attended by over 130 employers and 1,300 students! We continue to attract a diverse group of employers to meet our students’ needs. If there is an employer who wants to hire our students, please connect them with Voun Sa at sa@csus.edu.

ECS student showcase at auto show - The Sac State Hornet Racing Team advised by Christopher Savarino, Mechanical Engineering, was invited to showcase their vehicle at the Sacramento International Auto Show Oct. 27 to 29.

Civil Engineering holds “Evening with Industry” - The Civil Engineering (CE) “Evening with Industry” was hosted on Nov. 14 at the Alumni Center. The keynote speaker was Louay Owaidat, P.E., President and CEO of Odin Environmental Solutions. There was also a student Q & A with an industry panel and booths with industry representatives. This event was co-organized by the CE Program Industrial Advisory Committee.

ECS contributes to zero emission panel - The Carlsen Center also hosted a panel discussion, titled “The Future of the Zero Emission Vehicle Industry” with panelists from ECS, along with SMUD, Lion Electric, and the California Mobility Center, on Nov. 16th as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

College of Health and Human Services

State senator visits RPTA classroom - Chris Shannon, a lecturer in the Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration (RPTA) department, welcomed Sen. Angelique Ashby on Oct. 25 to give an inspiring talk to an RPTA 21: First Year Experience class about “…following your heart, showing up and being open to all the possibilities.” Check out her Facebook post: “Goodness knows as a young, poor, single Mom AND freshman in college - I did not even dream I would get to be a California State Senator!”

Inclusive teaching workshop held - Aishah Patterson, Communication Sciences & Disorders & HHS Faculty Fellow, facilitated a critical workshop on Oct. 20: “Inclusive Teaching Practices in a Post-COVID Climate.” The workshop covered practices that can encourage and promote student voices in the classroom, increase self-advocacy, and encourage students to re-engage in their success. Using small and large group discussions and sample case studies, participants identified various opportunities to practice increasing student engagement, inclusion, and success, while better managing their own risks for burnout.

Criminal Justice profs honored - Danielle Slakoff & Nicole Fox, Criminal Justice, were acknowledged at the American Society of Criminology’s 2023 Conference. Danielle Slakoff received an honorable mention at the Division on Queer Criminology Award Ceremony for Outstanding Scholarly Contribution and Nicole Fox was presented awards for the ASC Teaching Award and the Division of Feminist Criminology's Book of the Year.

Save the date for CHPPR conference - The Center for Health Practice Policy & Research (CHPPR) has set the date for their upcoming conference: “Spotlight on Mental Wellness: The Art and Application of Resilience and Growth”. It will be held April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Harper Alumni Center. Registration will be available through CHPPR closer to the event.

HHS faculty member publishes new textbook - Edidiong Mendie, Criminal Justice, has a new textbook publication: Gender-Based Violence, Law, and African Society, co-authored with Abiodun Raufu and Omolade Olomola. The textbook addresses different dimensions of gender-based violence in Africa, such as the challenges of patriarchy, the limits of the law, and the cultural acceptance of violence against women in the private sphere.

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Noted STEM scholar visits campus - On Nov. 30, NSM welcomed visiting STEM scholar Bryan Dewsbury from Florida International University for an all-day event with four different sessions. After a keynote speech titled, “Beyond Inclusion: Education for civic engagement and participation”, Dewsbury led faculty workshops on equity-minded strategies and equity-minded classrooms, and participated in a student meet-and-greet. Learn more about Bryan Dewsbury here.

Chemistry prof interviewed about balancing research, teaching, and family - Katherine McReynolds, chemistry professor and current NSM Faculty Fellow of Research & Engagement, sat for an interview recently to talk about her long and distinguished career in teaching and research. Dr. McReynolds discussed her important research on minimizing the length and severity of Covid infections, how her mother’s example showed her how to balance family and career, and how staying in the lab and engaging with students is the key to her successful career. You can watch the interview here.

Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development

Principal Investigator reception event held - This year’s Principal Investigator (PI) reception took place on Tuesday, Nov. 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. at The WELL Terrace Suite. Hosted by OREID, the event garnered over 80 attendees, including PI's, Co-PI's, RCA, deans, President Wood and the Provost Nevarez. ORIED Research and Proposal Development Director, Shannon Rexin and Interim OREID AVP Mariappan "Jawa" Jawaharlal thanked their staff for the continued and unwavering work behind the scenes that makes faculty research possible. President Wood followed, expressing strong support for research and thanking "those who are dedicated to supporting the research enterprise, and enriching the lives of the students that we serve."

College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

ISR poll examines prevalence, inequities of remote work - Sac State’s Institute for Social Research (ISR) partnered with Valley Vision to conduct the 2023 Livability Poll, a survey tracking residents’ experiences with issues such as affordability of necessities, access to services, job and career satisfaction, safety and belonging, as well as residents’ perspectives of the Sacramento Region. The poll found that, more than three years after the COVID pandemic disrupted work patterns, 43% of the Sacramento region’s workforce are doing their jobs remotely full time. It also found notable income and racial differences among remote workers. White and Asian workers as well as higher earners are more likely to work remotely than people of color and those with lower incomes, the research shows. People of color are “overrepresented” in jobs that require employees to show up in person, such as cooks and gardeners, and have fewer opportunities to work remotely, ISR Director Shannon Williams said. The research indicates that those workers also have more trouble with food and housing insecurity. Read more about the Livability Poll here.

Sac State fashion students helping to revitalize Old Sacramento - Esther Amato, Fashion Merchandising and Management, started a fashion entrepreneurship class in 2021 to teach students the business side of the industry. Last year, she introduced a service-learning component, requiring students to complete 45 hours of fieldwork with a Sacramento-area business owner. Old Sacramento businesses Threadeco, Warehouse Creative, and LiBush International Connection, Inc., joined the list of community partners working with Amato’s students this fall. The partnerships are providing a much-needed boost for local retailers as well as hands-on small business training for our students. Says Sac State senior Allegra Polendo: “It’s really helped build my confidence and shown me that I can run my own business. I see the struggles, but I also see the rewards.” Read more about Amato’s work connecting Sac State students and Old Sac businesses here.

Community Engagement Center

Jumpstart hiring for Spring - Jumpstart, a national early education organization dedicated to serving preschool children in underserved communities, has 30 Federal Work Study positions available. The Jumpstart program provides extensive training and then sends university students out in small teams to provide support for pre-school literacy and social-emotional development at local SETA Head Start locations throughout Sacramento.

Applications are now open as new students are being brought on for the Spring Semester. There are also 3 additional spots for students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study. Position details can be found, and applications submitted at the Community Engagement Center's Jumpstart page. This opportunity is open to students in all majors. Please post and share with your students.

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Campus Operations During Strike Activities

December 1, 2023

Dear Faculty,

We are aware that CFA intends to strike on four campuses between December 4^th and 7^th. Our campus will remain open and student instruction and other student services will continue. While you have the right to withhold work and strike, you are not obligated to strike. Unions are legally prohibited from threatening or coercing members from coming to work. If you come to work or work remotely, depending on course modality, you will receive the same compensation and benefits you normally receive.

If you don’t come to work or work remotely in accordance with your designated course modality, you will not be paid. You are not entitled to use your sick leave or other accruals to be paid for your absence if you are withholding work. Benefits that are affected by the percentage of time worked during the month other than medical may be affected. If you withhold work, you must advise the appropriate administrator that you were absent or use the dock code in PeopleSoft at the conclusion of the strike.

We understand that this is a difficult time for CSU faculty and employees, and we honor any decision you make regarding participation or non-participation in the CFA strike. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at souza@csus.edu. You can learn more about campus operations during the strike here.

Sincerely,

Tasha Souza
Vice Provost for Faculty Success

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Faculty-led panel to discuss findings of Hispanic Economic Report

November 16, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff colleagues,

Please join me on Nov. 30 when I will be moderating an important panel highlighting our faculty’s work on the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Hispanic Economic Report. Hosted by faculty members Elvia Ramirez and Heidy Sarabia, who provided research for the report, the panel presentation will feature Juan Novello (SHCC), Jeanie Hong (Sacramento Area Council of Governments), and Sac State’s Sr. AVP for Public Affairs and Advocacy, Rita Gallardo-Good, discussing the findings and implications of the report for the community.

This panel will provide a crucial platform to reinforce Sac State faculty's ongoing commitment to community engagement and underscore our dedication to fulfilling the responsibilities as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). As we increase our focus on fostering inclusivity and understanding as an Anchor University, community-facing work by our faculty can play a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds between Sac State and the broader community. I look forward to engaging with you on these issues as we celebrate the work of our colleagues and the explore the impact of our campus research in the greater Sacramento region.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

What: Hispanic Economic Report Panel

When: Nov. 30, 1-2:30 p.m.

Where: Carlsen Center (Library 1520)

FFI and accommodation requests: cherie.parker@csus.edu.

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November Academic Affairs Newsletter and Message from the Provost

November 8, 2023

News from the Office of the Provost

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

With our eye to the future of our university, Sac State is working to create an environment that promotes deeper collaboration across departments and increased partnerships with the greater community. We know that students who engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and have opportunities to connect their academic knowledge with real-world experiences are more likely to excel academically and develop essential skills for future career success. President Wood and I share this vision of collaboration and engagement.

But what does the vision look like in practice? One example is the Center for Math and Science Education (MASE), housed in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. This is an outward-facing project that serves STEM educators in the region and is fully funded by external support. They do excellent work with teachers, who describe how the Math Project helps them improve math learning for all students in this video. Another example of working together across campus while reaching outward is the College of Education’s annual Multicultural Education Conference, celebrating its 30th year this April, an excellent example of diverse disciplines sharing pedagogical strategies for the shared goal of equity-based educational success.

Sometimes the best way to broaden our impact as faculty is to step up when our work has broader implications for campus. As Professors Stark, Razavi, Dugan, and Jackson showed us when they organized a faculty-led roundtable on the Middle East last month, putting yourself and your work forward during difficult times is not easy. But helping our students put together the pieces in their still-developing social consciousness is perhaps the greatest privilege we have as educators.

Let us break down the silos and work together to advance our research and teaching in service to our students. For those of you looking for ways to become more collaborative and engaged, scroll the list below to engage with the impressive work you and your colleagues across campus are working on and accomplishing. There is so much rich scholarship and teaching happening at Sac State; I encourage each of you to explore new opportunities, whether it's through joint research projects, team-taught courses, or simply engaging in dialogue with colleagues from other departments. These collaborations not only enhance our individual academic journeys, but also strengthen the fabric of our university community.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

The Seen Iranian Woman exhibit is open - An exhibit at the Union Gallery, curated by Jaleh Naasz, MFA (Family & Consumer Sciences) will be open until Nov. 16 with a closing reception on Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. This exhibit features artwork from Sac State students and Iranian artists, poets, and designers as well as donated garments and textiles by Sac State alumni. This exhibit is the result of collaborative involvement from the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center with support from the Fashion Merchandising and Management Department, College of SSIS, and University Enterprises.

Students engage with psychology of happiness - On Oct. 18, students enrolled in the Psychology of Happiness course in the Psychology Department held an event in the University Union lobby to share with the Sac State community the benefits of happiness and why it is necessary to be happy. Students of the course engaged with passersby and had event visitors fill out sticky notes about what makes them happy to fill a board with happy thoughts. Visitors were also able to enter drawings to win prizes.The Psychology of Happiness course is taught by Sac State’s first ever Endowed Professor in Happiness, Dr. Meliksah Demir.

Sac State Professor hosts Rep. Ami Bera at the Union - On Oct. 9, Political Science Professor Dr. Kim Nalder moderated a conversation and Q&A with U.S. Rep. Ami Bera M.D. in the Hinde Auditorium in the University Union. The conversation focused on the Oct. 3 removal of the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy of California. Dr. Bera spoke about this topic and many others including the current political divide, homelessness, and student financial aid.

Psychology alum breaks barriers in Major League Baseball - Alyssa Nakken, a graduate of Sac State’s Psychology program and the first woman assistant coach in major league baseball working for the San Francisco Giants, has interviewed for the manager position. She is also believed to be the first woman to interview for a major league managerial position. Nakken played softball for Sac State from 2009 – 2012 and has been a coach on the Giants staff since January 2020.

College of Health & Human Services

Stroke recovery research and practice - The Center for Health Practice, Policy and Research (CHPPR), in collaboration with Stroke Onward, held their Distinguished Speaker event Oct. 7, featuring Debra Meyerson and Steve Zuckerman who presented: Rebuilding Identity in Stroke Recovery. A Health Fair took place after the event featuring various HHS departments and community resources. Approximately 200 attendees took part in the event.

Former HHS Dean honored by alumni association - Dr. Robin Carter '77, MSW ’82 (Social Work) was awarded a Distinguished Service Award and was celebrated at this year’s Sac State Distinguished Alumni Awards. As the true embodiment of the #MadeAtSacState spirit, Dr. Carter earned two of her three degrees at Sacramento State and, upon completion of her Ph. D at the University of Southern California, returned to our campus as a faculty member in social work. Robin was a student, faculty, department chair, associate dean, director, vice provost, and dean at Sac State – serving over 31 years before her retirement. Dr. Robin Carter influenced policies, practices, and culture while mentoring hundreds. Read more about Dr. Carter’s exceptional career and life here.

CAPCR receives $399,111 grant for restorative justice work - The Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR), under the direction of Criminal Justice professor Ernest Uwazie, has received two one-year grants totaling nearly $400,000 to fund victim-offender dialogue work for the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. Uwazie, an internationally recognized expert on conflict resolution, was the Oct. 23 feature story in the Sacramento Observer.

Faculty member co-authors new textbook - Edidiong Mendie, Criminal Justice, has a new textbook publication Gender-Based Violence, Law, and African Society, co-authored with Dr. Abiodun Raufu and Dr. Omolade Olomola. It addresses different dimensions of gender-based violence in Africa, such as the challenges of patriarchy, the limits of the law, and the cultural acceptance of violence against women in the private sphere.

School of Social Work director honored by peers - Tyler Argüello, professor and department chair of the School of Social Work, received a 2023 Social Worker of the Year award at the annual conference of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter. Argüello was nominated by his peers for his accomplishments, multi-level benefits to the public, students, and interprofessional colleagues, as well as contributions to the profession. The Social Worker of the Year is one of four awards given each year to leaders and community members who have made exceptional contributions to the profession and to honor the ways they are improving lives, transforming systems, and living social work values and ethics every day.

College of Arts & Letters

State Hornet wins top honor - The State Hornet, Sac State’s student-run news site that is overseen by the Communications Department, won two Placemaker Awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) at the Fall 2023 National College Media Convention. The Hornet was honored in both the Multiplatform and Online Publication categories, the first time it has received two Pacemakers in one year. These awards are the pinnacle of student journalism excellence and the Hornet’s success is a testament to the continued professionalism and commitment of the students and faculty in the journalism program. The State Hornet has won five Pacemakers in the last six years, including the Online Pacemaker Award in 2022-23.

Climate change conference in Greece features Sac State faculty - Katerina Lagos, History, organized an international conference titled “Envisioning the Greek Landscape: From Thera to Climate Change”, in collaboration with UCLA, Simon Fraser University, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The conference, held Oct. 19 to 21 at the University of Athens, addressed environmental concerns from antiquity to the present. Lagos moderated the panel “Modern Approaches, Modern Problems: The Early Greek State and the Environment, Part I”. Another Sac State History professor, Nikolaos Lazaridis, presented the paper “Mother Nature Delivers Moral Lessons: Invoking the Natural Environment in Ancient Greek Wisdom” at a panel titled “The Past is the Future: Climate Change in Antiquity”.

Sac Public Library discussion features English prof - The Notable Books Lecture Series at the Sacramento Public Library continues at the Central Library with a discussion of Wilkie Collins’s famed 1868 detective novel, The Moonstone led by Jason Gieger of Sac State’s English department on Nov. 18 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Find out more here.

History professor marks podcast milestone - Michael Vann, History, has just released his 75th podcast for the New Books Network. Episodes of the podcast have been downloaded well over 500,000 times. His guests include Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen, journalists Taylor Lorenz and Elizabeth Becker, Chapo Trap House' Matt Christman, and his colleagues Anne Lindsay, Tony Bly, Mona Siegel, and Maria Quintana.

Comms professor presents on U.S. presidents and their spiritual advisors - Andrea Terry, Communications Studies, presented a research paper titled "Spiritual Advisors to the U.S. Presidency: Mapping the Rhetorical Terrain" at the Oct. 24 Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement (CCSE) research conference via Zoom. CCSE brings together scholars from across a variety of fields to present research on issues incorporating content from the C-SPAN archives including video, audio, and text.

Learn more about Japanese puppetry with Sac State professor’s new film - Jeffrey Dym’s latest documentary “Traditional Japanese Puppetry: Beyond Bunraku (人形浄瑠璃)” has been released. It provides an in-depth look into the history, mechanics, and art of traditional Japanese puppetry.

A scholarly approach to Star Trek - Alyson Buckman, Humanities & Religious Studies, presented “‘I prefer cybernetically-augmented, thank you very much’: Disability and ‘Star Trek: Discovery” at the Northeast Popular Culture Association (NEPCA) annual conference on Oct 13. NEPCA is a community of scholars interested in advancing research and promoting interest in the disciplines of popular and/or American culture.

College of Business

Student funding available for international business case competitions - Jai Lee and Nathan (Nam Kyoon) Kim, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, were awarded $20,000 in Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) and City of Sacramento funding to support underrepresented students attending an international business case competition in 2024. Interested students should contact Professor Jai Lee at jlee@csus.edu.

College of Business alum is SacBee Black Changemaker - Michael Casper, a graduate of Sac State’s Executive Masters in Business Administration program, was named one of the Top 20 Black Change Makers by the Sacramento Bee. Casper co-founded Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), a college preparatory program for young men of color. IYT offers mentorship, tutoring, life skills seminars, and more, and currently includes more than 3,500 young men across California.

BSBA grad’s startup is fastest growing in the area - Clutch, co-founded by Sac State alum Rachel Zillner, was named the #1 Fastest-Growing Company among the top 50 in the Sacramento region by the Sacramento Business Journal. With a 4,405.63% revenue growth over the past three years, the award recognizes 50 companies in the region that must have operated for at least nine months in 2020 and had revenue of at least $200,00 that year.

College of Engineering & Computer Science (ECS)

Two ECS faculty secure major grant funding

• Praveen Meduri (EEE), with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), was awarded a U.S. Dept. of Education 5-year, $3 million Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) program grant award, titled “TECH4Equity,” to expand flexible, online course options that align with customized online wraparound student support services. Meduri also received a $595,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant award, titled “Project ACE,” to focus on student engagement and to address equity gaps in six EEE courses on the critical path to graduation.
• Zoi Dokou (CE) was awarded $100,000 of a 3-year $300,000 NSF International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) grant award, titled “Post-hurricane recovery of island freshwater lenses: Understanding the impact of social and hydrological dynamics.” Dokou was also selected as the “2022 Outstanding ASCE Faculty Advisor Award” by the Sacramento Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Sac State Student Tyler Bernard (CE – “Outstanding Civil Engineering Student”) will also be honored by ASCE with part-time instructors Mathew Salevson (CE – “Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector”) and Rob Burns (CE – “Arthur Elliot Bridge Award”).

ECS students and staff represent Sac State at MESA conference - A group of nine ECS Students attended the MESA Student Leadership Conference held Oct. 20-22 in San Diego. The students were joined by ECS Internship and Career Services (ICS) Director Voun Sa. Sac State was the second largest school represented at the conference, and three of our students placed on teams in the IDEA Accelerator program: Muna Mandoob (CE - first), Mohamed Ahmed (CS - second), and Ana Saavedra (CS - third).

College of Education

Multicultural Education Conference call for proposals - The College of Education invites poster presentation proposals from researchers, educators/teachers, graduate students, community practitioners, and others to participate in the 30th Annual MCE Conference. Proposals may focus on the conference theme or feature innovative ideas and pedagogical practices addressing social/racial justice and equity in multicultural education. The proposal submission deadline is Dec. 1, 2023.

Dean Sidorkin is an invited speaker at the Hong Kong 2023 Humanities Conference on Comparative Cultures of Care - The Hong Kong 2023 Humanities Conference on Comparative Cultures of Care endeavors to extend the consolidated discussion on care ethics and politics through a two-day conference on the campus of the Education University of Hong Kong. Dean Sidorkin, along with speakers from Canada, UK, US, Australia, and Hong Kong, will be presenting their original papers and engage in dialogue.

Dr. Aaminah Norris research trip to Italy - For the first two weeks in November, Aaminah Norris and members of her Expanding Girl Power by Design research team will be Visiting Scholars at the University of Bologna in Northern Italy, the western world's oldest university. They will collaborate with researchers from the “Managing Identities in Diverse Societies Project”, led by PI Elisabetta Crocetti. The primary purpose of this work is to engage in a comparative analysis of identity development of minoritized girls with access to and engagement with culturally responsive curricula and technologies across two international contexts.

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Special all-day event with visiting STEM scholar Bryan Dewsbury - The College of NSM, in partnership with the College of Engineering & Computer Science and the Center for Science and Math Success, is excited to host visiting DEI scholar and STEM education innovator, Dr. Bryan Dewsbury, on Thursday Nov. 30. Dewsbury is an Associate Professor of Biology at Florida International University (FIU). He is the Principal Investigator of the Science Education And Society (SEAS) research program, which blends research on the social context of teaching and learning, faculty development of inclusive practices, and programming in the cultivation of equity in education. He is an Associate Director of the STEM Transformational Institute where he directs the Division of Transformative Education. He is also a Fellow with the John N. Gardner Institute where he assists institutions of higher education cultivate best practices in inclusive education.

Dewsbury will share his expertise with the Sac State community through a keynote seminar and series of workshops:

• 9:20 to 10:20 a.m., Faculty Workshop I, “Equity-Minded Strategies,” AIRC 3009
• 12:30 - 1:45 p.m., Keynote, “Beyond Inclusion - Education for Civic Engagement and Participation,” RVR 1015
• 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Faculty Workshop II, “On the Assessment of the Equity-Minded Classroom,” ALP 148
• 4 to 5 p.m. Student Workshop, TSC 1002

Find more information here.

NSM will participate in GEW - The Carlsen Center hosts a Pitch Competition each Fall to kick off Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW). NSM students will participate in the competitions Nov. 6 “Pitch Day.” This event is a student idea-based competition, meant to inspire innovation in problem-solving. Students will have the opportunity to present ideas on how to improve their lives, and the lives of those in their community, by solving real-world problems. All Majors are welcome. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges as they compete for monetary awards. Last year, NSM has 2 winners from our college.

NSM hosts fireside chat - NSM will host a fireside chat with Matthew Amicucci as part of Global Entrepreneur Week. The event will take place in the Carlsen Center on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Geography professor’s letter published in Science - Anna Kilmaszewski-Patterson, Associate Professor in the Geography department, had her comment letter: “Sedimentary charcoal does not implicate humans in Rancholabrean megafauna extirpation” selected as an eLetter and published by the editor online in the journal Science. The letter was in response to the article “Pre-Younger Dryas megafaunal extirpation at Rancho La Brea linked to fire-driven state shift”.

College of Continuing Education

Students to build a home in Roatán, Honduras - Students who have demonstrated an interest in residential construction will have the opportunity to enroll in CM 96C, a unique six-week summer course. As part of the Faculty-Led Study Abroad program offered through the College of Continuing Education (CCE), students will travel to Roatán, Honduras for ten days to build a single-family home during the summer of 2024. This hands-on study abroad program allows students to experience a diverse culture and construction practices while building connections and expanding their professional network internationally, as well as developing important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The course will include a 10-day study abroad experience in which students travel Honduras to build a single-family home. Read more here.

CCE faculty member named a Top 20 Black Changemaker - Angelo Williams, an adjunct professor in CCE’s Master of Arts in Workforce Development Leadership program, was named one of the Top 20 Black ChangeMakers by The Sacramento Bee. Williams earned a doctorate degree and went into education, first as an adjunct professor at UC Davis and Sac State and later as the chief deputy director of First Five California, an organization that aims to help parents navigate early childhood development. Williams told the SacBee he hopes he has helped broaden students’ minds during his time as a teacher, saying, ““I hope that I’ve provided the value of inquiry. The ability to question and to understand different cultures and perspectives.”

University Library

StingerStudio Makerspace Expanded Hours - Beginning Monday, November 6, StingerStudio will increase their hours, making hours will now be 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Mondays and Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hours are always available on our website.

Community Engagement Center (CEC)

Community Engagement Center Welcomes New Jumpstart Site Manager

The CEC is excited to announce a new Jumpstart Site Manager, Katherine Abu. Jumpstart is a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students to work with preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Katherine is a first-generation Sierra Leonan-American with extensive experience with social impact organizations, nonprofits, and education in underserved communities. After acquiring her B.A in Sociology from the University of San Francisco, Katherine spent 6 years as an educator, working with all grade levels, from preschool to high school. After finishing her Master’s in Management from Oakland’s Mills College, she went on to work with social impact and non-profit organizations. Katherine is excited to join the CEC team and serve the Jumpstart mission.

Request for Spring 2024 Internship/Service Learning (IN-SL) Agreement

The CEC reminds faculty and staff to plan ahead when preparing for the spring semester and beyond, particularly when planning to have a new community partner for academic internships and service-learning courses. Use this form to request that an Internship/Service Learning (IN-SL) Agreement be put in place between Sac State and a proposed community partner. The IN-SL Agreement, a legal contract between the community partner and Sac State, must be in place before the student(s) can begin their academic internship and/or service-learning hours. Requests submitted by Nov. 1 will have priority. Requests submitted after that date will be accepted and processed on a rolling basis.

Thanksgiving Food Distribution - The CEC, in partnership with River City Food Bank, is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Distribution volunteer event dedicated to alleviating hunger in Sacramento County. The event will take place Nov. 17, 18, and 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three locations. Volunteers will ensure a smooth distribution process and accommodate food preferences, aiming for safety and satisfaction. The CEC is looking forward to supporting this positive service opportunity in our community, alongside students, faculty, and staff. Visit the CEC page for future volunteer opportunities.

Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a week-long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship that takes place around the globe. The theme for GEW 2023 is “Entrepreneurs Thrive Here.” The Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will offer a full-week of events, activities, competitions, and networking focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. By actively engaging with the regional ecosystem, we are contributing to Sac State’s Anchor University initiative.

• GEW 2023 FourthWave: The Power of Women Entrepreneurship - This event will discuss leadership and entrepreneurship as well as how the increase in women-founded companies will lead the way to a brighter future. Entrepreneurs are the builders of our world and women starting new businesses at unprecedented rates brings a hopeful future with the creations and solutions to our world's challenges. The panel will include founders within the FourthWave community. Register here.
• GEW 2023 - 5th Annual Sacramento Entrepreneurial State of the Union - This event is set to launch us into a full week of events, workshops, and pitch competitions.This signature event will highlight the region's growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and will address how the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance is fostering an increase in connectivity in the Greater Sacramento region with an intentionality to grow entrepreneurship as economic development and expanding the investment landscape. The Sacramento Entrepreneurial State of the Union will feature a variety of discussions ranging from how we plan to grow our region from within to the role that growing our regional capital base plays. Register here.
• GEW 2023 Mentor Sprint – In partnership with StartupSac, the Carlsen Center will offer another GEW mentor sprint. The Mentor Sprint is an opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs and startups to gain invaluable expert advice and connections to solve persistent issues in their ventures. Mentor Sprint is like speed dating for startup/small business founders and mentors. Participants will have the opportunity to (virtually) meet with several expert mentors, investors, advisors, subject matter experts, and experienced entrepreneurs in 15-minute sprint sessions. The goal of Mentor Sprint is to further connect startup founders and mentors and prove the value of mentorship. An application sign up is required to reserve a spot in the Mentor Sprint. To be mentored, or become a mentor, please sign up here.
• GEW 2023 Spark Venture Competition - The Spark Venture Competition in Sacramento is an annual venture competition for early-stage startups and social impact ventures during Global Entrepreneurship Week. A total of $20,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. The competition is open to early-stage ventures aiming to operate in the Greater Sacramento Region. An application is required to be considered for Round 1 of judging. Finalists will be announced virtually and are invited to an optional pitch workshop to help prepare for the final round. In the final round, teams compete by presenting their pitches to a panel of judges (5 min presentation and 5 min Q&A) to win cash prizes. Register here.
• LevelUP E3 Sacramento | Town Hall - The LevelUP E3 Sacramento Ecosystem Town Hall is an opportunity for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs to be heard, connect, and pave the way for greater community support. Whether at the idea stage or well into your Series A funding, the LevelUP E3 Sacramento Ecosystem Town Hall is an event that's tailored to support entrepreneurs at all points along their journey. Register here.

FACULTY IN THE NEWS

California’s teacher credentialing agency wants to help aspiring educators get certified
Dean Sasha Sidorkin interviewed by SacBee about barriers facing prospective teachers in California.

Sac State exhibit utilizes fashion to bring awareness to the struggles of Iranian women
Jaleh Naasz, Fashion Merchandising & Management, talks to KCRA about the newly-opened “The Seen Iranian Woman” exhibit.

Sac State Professor Builds Communication Conduits
The Sacramento Observer profiles Criminal Justice professor Ernest Uwazie and interviews those who have studied restorative justice with him.

Can exercise help slow progression of Parkinson's disease? Sacramento State study investigates
KCRA interviews Gwénaëlle Begue and Matt Brown of the Kinesiology department about their research on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease in patients.

Emotions high during Sac State's townhall meeting on Middle East war
Sahar Razavi, political science, explains why she and Religious Studies prof Harvey Stark organized a forum for students to discuss events in the Middle East.

In big year for labor, California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivers both wins and surprises
Wesley Hussey, Political Science talks to KRON about what Gavin Newsom signing ambitious labor laws this year says about his future political plans.

Labor forged Laphonza Butler. Could unions ‘sling-shot’ her Senate bid?
Political Science professors Kim Nalder and Wesley Hussey explain how Laphonza Butler’s appointment impacts the California Senate race in an Oct. 9 CalMatters story.

Solar eclipse sweeps across western hemisphere, shadows Sacramento region
Laura Legé, Physics and Astronomy, talks to KCRA about Sac State’s Oct. 14 eclipse viewing party.

California 2030: How will AI impact journalism?
Phillip Reese, Journalism, discusses AI and the future of journalism in a CBS Sacramento interview.

Design professor explains new card came
Mario Estioko, Design, walks a reporter from CBS Sacramento through the new card game he created called “Run!”.

Do Californians still support aid to Ukraine for war against Russia? What new polling says
Wesley Hussey, Political Science, puts a poll numbers in context for the SacBee.

Sacramento State’s new Disability Cultural Center offers students a place to gather, outside the language of pathology
Katie Savin, Social Work, comments to Cap Radio on the importance of Sac State’s new Disability Cultural Center.

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Faculty resources for critical and difficult classroom discussions

November 3, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

In light of the heightened tensions on campuses nationwide rising from the ongoing violence in the Middle East, faculty need to be prepared for the possibility of tense or difficult classroom conversations. Earlier this week, we connected you with resources to help students impacted by the violence. Now we are pleased to share that the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has updated their resources for faculty on critical and difficult classroom discussions. The updated resources include guidance on facilitating respectful and constructive dialogues, recommended readings, and strategies for creating a safe space for all students to express their thoughts and emotions.

You can access these resources here. You can also find them on the CTL webpage under “Essential Course and Teaching Resources”.

We understand that navigating such discussions can be stressful and taxing faculty and encourage you to reach out to the CTL (ctl@csus.edu) or Office of Faculty Success (souza@csus.edu) directly if you need help.

Thank you for your commitment to working together to create an empathetic and compassionate campus environment for all.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Tasha Souza
Vice Provost for Faculty Success

Lynn Tashiro
Director, Center for Teaching and Learning

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R2 Carnegie Classification Information Session

November 2, 2023

You are invited: R2 Carnegie Classification Information Session

Sara Gast, Deputy Director of Carnegie Classifications, will be on campus Nov. 8 to discuss the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education. These classifications serve as a comprehensive tool for categorizing higher education institutions. They were first published in 1973 and are now updated every three years. These classifications are invaluable for facilitating meaningful comparisons and analyses, enabling educators, researchers, and policymakers to gain insights into the unique characteristics of each institution.

During her presentations, Ms. Gast will provide an overview of the classifications, share reflections on the current methodology, and outline the next steps for releasing the framework for the 2024 classifications. She will delve into the importance of nuances of this framework, shedding light on its role in comprehending the diverse landscape of colleges and universities. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience.

Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Time: 1 p.m.

Venue: Cottonwood Suite III, University Union

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Guidance for Faculty on Supporting Students During Middle East Violence

October 31, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

As I’m sure you are witnessing firsthand, many of our students are deeply affected by the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Whether due to their personal connection to the region, the disturbing images on social media, or rising societal unrest, students experiencing emotional distress may find it difficult to focus on their studies.

As educators, we are responsible for maintaining an environment that fosters both academic and emotional growth. It is crucial that we support our students during these challenging times. Please be flexible with students who are experiencing emotional distress related to events in the Middle East. This flexibility may include reasonable extensions on assignments, leniency with attendance policies, and consideration of a student’s emotional state when enforcing deadlines. By providing this support, we can help our students cope with the emotional impact of the ongoing violence without adding to their distress or sidetracking their educational progress.

I understand that each student's situation may vary, and the level of flexibility may differ accordingly. You must use your own best judgment when assessing the individual needs of your students. Remember that students look to their instructors as their main point of contact with Sac State; your empathy and understanding will go a long way in helping our students navigate this challenging time.

Please encourage students affected by the situation to contact Counseling Services at (916) 278-6461. The team offers individual, group, and after-hours crisis counseling. The CARES team provides support to students who are in crisis or experiencing unique challenges to their education. The team coordinates referrals to campus and community resources and offers follow-up support to address a variety of issues. The CARES office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with case managers meeting primarily by appointment. Students can find instructions on scheduling an appointment by viewing the Make an Appointment Instructions.

I know your students’ wellbeing is your top priority, as it is mine. Let us work together to ensure our campus environment is as empathetic and compassionate as it is academically enriching. Your continued understanding and support of your students is critical to making that happen.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

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An Introduction from Chancellor Mildred Garcia

October 23, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

I write to you – the California State University community – during these first weeks of my tenure to introduce myself and to convey to you how honored I am to serve as the CSU’s 11^th chancellor – the first Latina nationwide to be appointed to lead a four-year university system.

I am humbled to serve as chancellor because the story of the CSU reflects my own. As some of you know, I am a first-generation college student from humble beginnings, supported by my amazing parents, family and beautifully diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn, where I was born and raised. My parents’ dream was the same as that of so many families in our community: to create a better life for the next and future generations. Thanks to my parents’ vision and sacrifice – and to the undeniable power of a college degree – I have lived that dream.

Making that same dream attainable to America’s new majority – represented by first-generation students, low-income students and students of color – has been my greatest inspiration and constant motivation throughout my career.

I know that you – the CSU’s world-class faculty and mission-driven staff – share that inspiration and motivation. You could work anywhere, but you have chosen this remarkable, vital, one-of-a-kind institution. With extraordinary personal drive and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of excellence, you provide the CSU’s dynamically diverse students with the pathway and roadmap to reach their goals and become productive and engaged citizens, enriching our society and strengthening our democracy. Together, 56,000 strong, you have dedicated your professional lives to identifying, inspiring, honing and unleashing the genius that lies within each and every Cal State student.

I am thrilled – and profoundly privileged – to join and support you in this work.

I noted above that the California State University is a one-of-a-kind institution. I assure you, that is no overstatement. I return to the CSU after having served for almost six years as president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), working to advance public higher education policy and practice on a national scale.

I mention this because my work at AASCU afforded me a unique perspective of our country’s higher education landscape. And it confirmed for me what I already knew. The CSU stands alone, as the nation’s premier four-year university system. We change lives, transform entire family trees, elevate communities and drive our state’s social and economic vitality, and we do so at a scale unmatched by any other institution in our country.

And, importantly, even as we are horrified and heartbroken by the recent acts of terrorism, hatred and the tragic loss of innocent life in Israel and the Gaza Strip, all of which the CSU unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms as antithetical to our core values, the CSU stands as a place where our students – where all of us – can be supported and find strength in community. The CSU also remains a place where we are free and safe to share our perspectives, experiences and worldviews so that we may learn from and about one another and come to greater understanding.

I am so proud to serve the CSU, and to join you in advancing our shared mission. There’s no limit to what we can accomplish together.

Thank you for all that you do for the CSU’s 460,000 students, this extraordinary university system and the great state of California.

Sincerely,

Mildred García, Ed. D.
Chancellor

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Fall 2023 Graduate Studies Events for Students

October 16, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

This message has been sent to you on behalf of the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) regarding upcoming events about graduate studies opportunities. Students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, are encouraged to participate in these events. Please feel free to share this information with your students.

1. Graduate & Professional School Information Day

The Sacramento State Graduate Diversity Program will be hosting Graduate & Professional School Information Day on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. This is a free event open to all current Sacramento State students and alumni. Students are welcome to walk in the day of the event, but are asked to RSVP for event accessibility planning.

• For more information about Grad Info Day, please visit the Graduate Diversity Program website.
• Questions about Grad Info Day can be directed to the Graduate Diversity Program at graddiversity@csus.edu.

2. Are you an undergraduate student and aren’t sure that graduate school is right for you?

The Office of Graduate Studies hosts virtual Planning for Graduate School at Sac State events throughout the semester!

Fall 2023 sessions are as follows:

• Oct. 23, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Register here for one of the fall sessions and learn more about preparing for continuing your educational journey.
• If you have any questions or would like to learn about additional resources, visit the Planning for Graduate School at Sacramento State webpage or contact grad_admissions@csus.edu

3. Interested in attending law school? Register for a WashU School of Law Information Session

The School of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri has collaborated with Sacramento State to an offer to a virtual information session for students (undergraduate & graduate level) who are interested in attending law school in the future. This free information session will take place Friday, Oct, 20 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

• If you would like to attend this session, you will need to register here.
• For an overview of the JD program at Washington University, click here.

Questions about the information session can be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies at gradengagement@csus.edu

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Faculty-Led Round Table on Crisis in the Middle East

October 13, 2023

To All Members of the Campus Community:

The conflict in the Middle East is causing pain, grief, and confusion for many in our Hornet Family and beyond. In an effort to promote dialogue and education around these complex issues, faculty members from across departments are collaborating on an event to promote education, discussion, and to engage the needs of our students and the larger Sacramento community.

This round table discussion and is being organized by Dr. Harvey Stark, from the department of Humanities and Religious Studies, and Dr. Sahar Razavi, professor of political science and director of the Iranian and Middle East Studies Center. ASL-English interpretation and captioning will be provided for the program. For additional accommodations, please reach out to events@csus.edu. The event is free and all members of the campus and community are welcome and encouraged to attend. Details are listed below.

Sac State comes together to navigate and learn about the Israeli-Palestinian crisis

Tuesday, Oct. 17

5 to 7:30 p.m.,

University Union Ballroom

During times of crisis, it is critical that we create spaces for education, dialogue, and discussion. If you are hosting an educational event around the crisis in the Middle East, please send details to president@csus.edu so that we can share details with the campus community.

For those in need of resources, please see this message sent out by Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Mia Settles-Tidwell on Monday/ Let us continue to stand together against violence, to support one another and to engage with empathy during this difficult time.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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October Academic Affairs Newsletter and Message from the Provost

October 9, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Happy Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month! As our campus celebrates the contributions, culture, and heritage of the more than one third of our student body who identify as Latinx, I am proud to announce that Sac State has once again received the prestigious Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education, a national organization that promotes Latinx student success. As one of only 39 colleges and universities across the United States to hold the Seal of Excelencia, including just seven of the CSU’s 23 campuses, our Seal of Excelencia recertification recognizes our unwavering commitment to empowering our Latinx students to succeed and follow their dreams and marks us as leaders in addressing educational disparities.

As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2013, this recertification is not an excuse to rest on our laurels; it is a reminder of our imperative to continually innovate and improve our teaching and support practices to ensure that we are honoring the trust put in us by thousands of Latinx families every year. Accepting our recertification in Washington on behalf of our university and seeing the live feed of President Wood and other campus leaders cheering us on from the Global Lounge, I was filled, not only with pride, but also a renewed sense of responsibility. Our Latinx students are counting on us to continue—and exceed—our efforts on behalf of their success.

After becoming an HSI ten years ago, four-year graduation rates for Latinx students at Sac State rose from 9% to 28%. Building on that success, we will soon be adding a faculty HSI director to our campus. And Sac State was just awarded $3 million for a U. S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions grant. Our project, TECH4Equity, aims to expand flexible online course options that align with customized online wraparound student support services. It will build our technological capacity to address student demand in an evolving higher education landscape that threatens our enrollment and fiscal stability.

Truly, our Seal of Excelencia recertification is the beginning, not the end, of our journey to exemplify the full measure of what an HSI can be. As we continue celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month with an exciting variety of campus events and activities, let us also reflect on new ways we can uplift our Latinx students—as well as our Latinx faculty and staff. With the work that earned us the Seal of Excelencia as a blueprint for our future, we must always strive to ensure our campus is fulfilling our promise to be a welcoming and inclusive home to our Latinx community for generations to come.

Please scroll below to learn about more great things happening in Academic Affairs. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the success of all our students, and for being part of the journey as we shape a brighter future for our university and the communities we serve.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Arts and Letters

National Arts & Humanities Month - October is National Arts & Humanities Month, and Sac State's College of Arts & Letters is celebrating with a diverse array of events. Throughout the month, visitors can immerse themselves in the creative spirit, from weekly student shows at the R.W. & Joyce Witt Gallery, providing a platform for budding artists to showcase their talents, to the Festival of New American Music, a lively celebration of contemporary compositions. Check out all the A & L October events here.

NEA grant supports new play by faculty member - Nicole C. Limón, Theater & Dance, received a grant from The National Endowment for theArts and the City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture to create an original devised play called "Just A Pinch," focusing on the treatment of women and people with uteruses during outpatient gynecological care. It was performed to sold out houses on the weekend of September 8-10. Follow her work on Instagram @matriarchytheatre.

State Hornet named finalist for top honor - The State Hornet, Sac State’s student-run newspaper that is overseen by the Communications Department, has been nominated for a second Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP). The State Hornet is among 27 finalists the ACP has named in the second year of its Multiplatform Pacemaker competition. The winners will be announced at the ACP Pacemaker and Individual Awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at the Fall National College Media Convention in Atlanta. The Hornet won the Online Pacemaker Award in 2022-23.

Interdisciplinary Conference in the Humanities - The Department of World Languages and Literatures is renewing its tradition of an annual Interdisciplinary conference. The Sixth Interdisciplinary Conference in the Humanities will be held Saturday, October 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Union and will bring together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students for a series of panel discussions and a keynote presentation. The event will publicize research in language and literature, as well as deepen public engagement with the humanities in Sacramento and beyond. The theme of this year’s conference is “Language Justice” and will examine unexpected connections across linguistic, geographical, and disciplinary borders and explore language as a vehicle for justice.

Upcoming faculty presentations in Ukraine and Mexico - Andrew Connelly and Summer Ventis from Sac State’s Art Department will be exhibiting artworks with the artist collective ARTNAUTS in Ukraine. The exhibit will travel and be seen in schools, hospitals and military units in and around Lutsk in northwest Ukraine in December. Brenda Romero, World Languages & Literatures, will present "The Concentration of Japanese Immigrants in Mexico: Exploration of a Silenced Past Through the Lens of Literature" at the International Congress of Mexican Literature to take place in UNAM, Mexico City Oct. 23-27.

College of Business

Enhanced BHON Support - The College of Business is thrilled to announce that Five Star Banks has not only renewed its commitment to the Business Honors (BHON) program but has also doubled its annual sponsorship from $10,000 to a generous $20,000. This significant increase will now cover both BHON cohorts, ensuring an even brighter future for the college’s talented students.

Empowering Change: Strategic Planning & Cultural Evolution - The College of Business is embarking on an exciting journey of transformation. We have partnered with The Grove Consulting Group to craft a dynamic new strategic plan that will shape the future of our College. Additionally, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation. Stay tuned as we work together to bring positive change to our academic community.

Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Carlsen Center director wins international entrepreneurship award - Cameron Law, Executive Director of the Carlsen Center, received the Ecosystem Champion Award at the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Melbourne, Australia, in September. Law was among 18 individuals and organizations receiving awards at the event that recognizes excellence in entrepreneurship, policymaking, investor support programs, and research. The award announcement noted that Law is a “mindful and engaged leader across local, national and global entrepreneurial communities” who is “always ready to support his community.” This was the second time Law was nominated for an award from the GEC.

Startup Challenge October 13-15 - The Startup Challenge gathers entrepreneurs, business mentors, and industry experts to take brand-new ideas and turn them into a real business over one weekend. The event starts with networking Friday night, then moves into the next phase Saturday with 60-second pitches of new ideas. Teams are formed around the most popular ideas and the work begins to turn those ideas into businesses. Partners from the Sacramento region, including seasoned entrepreneurs, coaches, and subject matter experts will be on hand to guide the process and make sure participants are on the right track. Once again, to demonstrate Sac State’s Anchor University initiative, participants will include entrepreneurs, students, and interested individuals with diverse skill sets from throughout the Sacramento region. The event culminates with presentations of the new businesses to a panel of judges Sunday night, with the most developed businesses receiving prizes including cash and continued training opportunities. The event will be held at the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Register for the Startup Challenge here.

Save the date: Global Entrepreneurship Week is November 13-17 - The Carlsen Center invites the campus community to mark their calendars for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), an inspiring week of innovation, networking, and entrepreneurial exploration. GEW is a dynamic series of events and activities that celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community. GEW celebrates entrepreneurship, fosters collaboration, and propels our community's business ecosystem forward. Check out the events from last year’s GEW here.

Community Engagement Center

Civic Engagement Resource Fair - Information and inspiration will be available at the Civic Engagement Resource Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library Quad. Community change makers will be presenting at tables during this event to discuss important topics of policy change, equity, and equality, and to provide valuable resources on opportunities for student involvement in civic affairs. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn from community and Sac State partners how to make a difference and be a part of affecting change.

Network Café: Immigration Support Services - Network Cafe is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month and brings together over 70 representatives from local human-services organizations to learn about services, collaborate on issues, and generate solutions to serve our community. Not-for-profit agencies are invited to join Network Café as we continue to support local communities as they navigate the path to security, health, and prosperity. This month’s Network Café will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature presentations from Anti-Human Trafficking Outreach & Training Specialist Rodger Freeman of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Community Engagement Manager Julie Rietema of World Relief Sacramento. Register for the Oct. 25 Network Café here. Sign up for the Network Café mailing list here.

College of Continuing Education

Sac State’s CCE to Offer One-of-a-Kind Certificate Program - The College of Continuing Education at Sac State has added an exciting new certificate option in Cultural Competency, becoming the only Sacramento-area college to do so. The Cultural Competency Certificate Program is designed to build cultural competence among a wide range of service providers. The program focuses on a variety of vulnerable populations and their experiences with public service professionals, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, social workers and those working in the healthcare system. The curriculum will enhance critical thinking through an analysis of intersectionality (race, class, and gender) and various vulnerable populations, while increasing participant engagement through reading, discussion, role-plays, and active learning. Find out more about the Cultural Competency Certificate Program at Sac State here.

Master of Public Health degree life-changing for working parents - “Completing the Master of Public Health program at Sac State was a life-changing experience,” says Erica Davis. Today, Erica is an Environmental Health and Safety Professional and she credits the MPH program at Sac State’s College of Continuing Education with getting her there. “The faculty is amazing. It really is a safe space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and see a change. I don’t think you will find that anywhere else. I couldn’t have asked for a better cohort, faculty, or advisor,” Erica says. “I believe that the program has provided me with an even greater network of amazing and talented individuals. Also, the curriculum is tailored to the work that is done in public health, which essentially gives you a hands-on educational experience.” The Master of Public Health program can be completed in two years, including one summer (five consecutive semesters). Classes are offered in hybrid format, with classes taking place in-person two evenings per week. With a practice-based approach to coursework, students learn the foundational material and apply it in a real-world setting. Read more about Erica’s story here.

College of Education

Girl Power Grant - Aaminah Norris, Interim Associate Dean, Research & Engagement, has been awarded a grant from The National Science Foundation in the amount of $108,325. This is in support of the project: “Collaboration Between Girl Power By Design and Managing Identities Projects.”

HSI education grant call for applications - The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families is accepting applications for our professional development grant program for early career faculty at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) or Emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions (EHSIs). The $2,500 grant program is aimed at supporting professional development activities that will enhance the grantees professional growth as scholars and educators at HSIs and EHSIs. Applicants must be an early career investigator (up to 7 years post Ph. D) from an Hispanic Serving Institution or an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. Applications are due Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. PST and can be submitted here.

New faculty book on education experiences of Sacramento’s Black children - Vajra Watson, along with Professors Maisha Winn and Torry Winn of UC Davis, has edited a new book, Faith Made Flesh: The Black Child Legacy Campaign for Transformative Justice and Healthy Futures. Faith Made Flesh brings together the experience, insight, and stories of those actively addressing societal and educational disadvantages of Black children in Sacramento and seeks to offer viable solutions to racial injustice by centering the voices of organizers, policymakers, educators, scholars, and young people alike.

COE professor elected president of disability equity organization - Teaching Congratulations to Jean Gonsier-Gerdin, Teaching Credentials, who has been elected to a 2.5 year term as President of the Board of TASH! TASH is an international nonprofit organization that advances equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, with a focus on those with the most significant support needs, in the areas of education, employment, and community living through advocacy, research and practice.

College of Engineering & Computer Science

Building classroom equity through active learning - The Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department received a $595,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their Project-ACE (Active-learning-based engineering Curriculum transformation for excellence in Equity). This innovative initiative seeks to enhance the educational experience for students by reimagining six key EEE courses. These courses will shift away from traditional lecture formats to embrace project-based learning with real-world applications and undergraduate research experiences. The three-year project, which will be led by EEE associate professor Praveen Meduri, aims to improve student engagement, reduce dropout rates, and promote equity.

Office of Graduate Studies

Graduate and Professional Information Day - Sac State is set to hold their annual Graduate and Professional Information Day on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. The event will provide information to all students and alumni about graduate school opportunities. It’s a great opportunity to meet graduate and professional school recruiters and obtain valuable information about admissions policies and procedures, availability of financial aid, and other pertinent information. You can find out which schools are registered to attend or to find out more information here.

California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education - The annual California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education is being held on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the University of San Francisco. The forum has been designed particularly to meet the needs of advanced undergraduates and master's candidates who belong to groups that are currently underrepresented in doctoral-level programs. Each California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education will bring together approximately 1,000 pre-selected, high-achieving students who will explore graduate opportunities and resources by participating in numerous workshops conducted throughout the day.

Probationary Faculty Development Grant - The Probationary Faculty Development Grant is open for applications until Monday, Oct. 9. Each year, all probationary faculty members are invited to submit applications for the Probationary Faculty Development grant. Seven faculty are selected to receive $500 in professional development funds and 3 units of release time to implement a project that is research related, a creative activity, or a pedagogical enhancement. You can find out more about applying or submission requirements here.

College of Health & Human Services

Criminal Justice faculty member receives teaching award - Nicole Fox, Criminal Justice, was recently awarded the 2023 National American Society of Criminology Excellence in Teaching Award. The award, established in 2008, recognizes excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching over the span of an academic career. Dr. Fox, whose teaching covers global criminology, human rights, gender, law, and criminological theory, also serves on the United Nations Economic and Social Council and contributes to the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Associate Dean invited to become board-certified - Robert Pieretti, HHS Associate Dean, was invited by the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders. (ABCLLD) to become Board Certified in Child Language due to his recognition by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for advanced knowledge, skills, and leadership in the area of child language. The invitation comes to individuals that the board independently recognizes for their expertise in child language and language disorders and for their significant contributions to the field of speech-language pathology.

New faculty bus tour - HHS held its New Faculty Mentoring Bus Tour in September as part of its New Faculty Mentoring Program. The group explored HHS-specific clinics and departments in Folsom Hall. Then new faculty and their mentors took a bus that traveled through Sacramento where they explored the Downtown Sac State building and saw sites like the Sacramento Capitol, Old Sacramento, and the Crocker Art Museum.

Faculty work on Parkinson’s highlighted - Matt Brown and Gwen Begue from the Kinesiology department were featured in a Sac State article that highlighted their work on whether exercise can improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients. You can read it here.

International Programs & Global Engagement

IPGE launches Terra Dotta ISSS Portal - The Office of International Programs and Global Engagement (IPGE) announces the launch of the Terra Dotta ISSS Portal. The new portal, which went live on Sept. 25, is the result of a monthslong collaboration between IPGE and IRT. The platform is a centralized location for international students and visiting scholars to seek immigration and other services through IPGE and manage their profile. Students will also be able to electronically request recommendations from academic advisors and faculty via the portal. It also serves as a paperless record-keeping system for students’ immigration documents and facilitates compliance-related reporting to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Access the portal here.

University Library

Banned Books Week - Banned Books Week is held every October as a celebration of our freedom to read and a time when we reckon with and push back on the record number of attacks on one of our most basic liberties: the right to read and write about any topic. Join the Sac State Library in celebrating our core values of diversity, intellectual freedom, social responsibility, and the public good–and push back on censorship–by hanging a limited-edition poster found at the User Services desk of your favorite university library.

Library Research Workshop - EndNote 21 creates, stores, and manages your references while seamlessly integrating with MS Word allowing you to create and format bibliographies in thousands of citation styles. Join us for this 50-minute workshop to see how EndNote 21 will work for you. EndNote 21 creates, stores, and manages your references while seamlessly integrating with MS Word allowing you to create and format bibliographies in thousands of citation styles. Join us for this 50-minute workshop to see how EndNote 21 will work for you. Register here.

Media Viewing with the Library - The University Library offers several ways for you and your students to view media either in the library or at home. Schedule a visit to the Media Viewing Room, watch DVDs or listen to CDs at any PC workstation, or borrow a portable DVD player from the 1st Floor Service Desk for a 24-hour loan. More information on our website.

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Solar eclipse viewing party - On Oct. 14 from 8 to 11 a.m. the Astronomy & Physics Department will host a solar eclipse viewing party to celebrate the partial solar eclipse. There will be a viewing area set up in the garden area behind the Planetarium and eclipse viewing glasses and telescopes with solar filters will be available for safe viewing. Maximum coverage will be at 9:20 a.m. Planetarium Coordinator Kyle Watters will be hosting free planetarium shows from 8 to 10 a.m. on a first come/first serve basis. For more information contact the department at physics@csus.edu.

Chemistry professors secure $420,000 NSF grant - Stephan Paula and James Miranda of the Chemistry Department received a large and prestigious grant in September. The goal of the new NSF/RUI grant is the development of small molecules that are capable of stimulating the activity onan enzyme that moves calcium ions across cellular membranes. These molecules will find use as novel experimental research tools for the study calcium levels inside cells. They also hold promise as new therapeutic agents against heart disease. The project will provide research opportunities for undergraduate students interested in careers in biotechnology and involves collaborators at Sacramento State, in industry, and at the University of Newcastle in Australia.

Fall 2023 Student Research Symposium - The Annual Fall Student Research Symposium will be held Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom. The symposium reception celebrates the research and scholarly achievements of NSM students and allows them to display their research, which is done alone or with multiple students and always with guidance of faculty mentors. During the reception, research posters are displayed with students standing near-by. Students can be approached to answer questions and discuss their theories and research. The event had over 200 attendees last year and organizers anticipate having a large turnout again this year.

Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED)

Research Enhanced Support Grant program - President Wood and Provost Nevarez are excited to extend an invitation to faculty to participate in the inaugural Research Enhanced Support Grant program. This grant is an opportunity for faculty to secure funding that will empower them to contribute new knowledge and innovative scholarship to their respective disciplines as well as provide transformational educational experiences for their students. This program is funded by the President’s Office and is administered by Academic Affairs with support from the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED). This inaugural competition will support campus scholarship activities during the Spring 2024 and/or Fall 2024 semesters. Applications are due Oct. 30 by 5 p.m. You can find the grant guidelines here.

ORIED now accepting applications to Fall 2023 IDEA program - ORIED is inviting applications for the next cycle of the Incentive for Developing External Awards (IDEA) program. IDEA provides up to $2,500 in additional employment or professional development funds as an incentive for faculty to write a competitive grant proposal for external funding to further their research, scholarly and/or creative activity. IDEA is open to all tenured and tenure-track faculty, and lecturers with multi-year appointments of at least 0.5 time base. Applicants must identify one specific grant solicitation or a formal request for proposals to which they are interested in submitting a proposal. For this cycle, the grant proposal submission deadline must be between Feb 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024. Find more information here. Questions? Email research@csus.edu. IDEA applications due Oct. 23 by 5 p.m.

Protected Writing Time back for Fall 2023 - ORIED is pleased to announce Protected Writing Time is back for Fall 2023. Protected Writing Time provides a supportive, structured environment for scholarly writing. Faculty and staff are invited to use Protected Writing Time to focus on research, manuscript development, grant proposals, or other scholarly activities. It may be used for whatever your research and creative activity agenda requires. We are holding this time in the University Library, Room 4026F (Faculty Study) from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reserve a seat now. Benefits include a quiet place on campus away from day-to-day distractions; snacks, water and a printer; and ORIED staff are nearby to answer questions and provide assistance.

College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

Dr. David Covin Memorial Service - Sac State Professor Emeritus David Covin passed away on June 3, and the campus community is honored him with a celebration of his life, accomplishments, and legacy on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Capistrano Concert Hall. Well-known for his brilliance, wisdom, and wit, Dr. Covin helped found Sac State’s Cooper Woodson College Enhancement Program to guide African American students to success. He was also active in equity-based initiatives in the larger Sacramento community including founding the Sacramento Area Black Caucus and starting a local publishing company, Blue Nile Press, to highlight Black authors.

Annual Psychology Research Conference - The Psychology Department invites the campus community to celebrate the outstanding research accomplishments of Psychology students and faculty on October 31 from noon to 3 p.m. in the University Union Redwood Room. The Annual Research Conference has always been a popular showcase with hundreds of attendees including the president, provost, and SSIS dean. You can find more information here. To request ADA reasonable accommodations that would allow you to participate in this event, please contact Alex Bornino at abornino@csus.edu no later than five business days before the event.

CHLFSA Panel on Intersectional and Evolving Chicanx/Latinx Identities - Join the Chicanx/Latinx Faculty and Staff Association on Monday, Oct. 9, from noon to 1:15 p.m. as Chicanx/Latinx Faculty at Sac State discuss how race, class, gender, and colonialism have shaped, and continue to shape, Chicanx/Latinx identities. Join virtually at https://csus.zoom.us/j/87033908530

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P3 and NPP Research Showcase

September 26, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Last year we created the Provost’s Progress to Promotion (P3) program and the Novel Projects for Professors (NPP) program. These two new research initiatives are designed to assist Assistant, Associate, and Full Professors who take on projects which advance campus imperatives that are not otherwise supported. The P3 program assists Assistant and Associate Professors on their path to promotion while also advancing one or more of our campus imperatives. The NPP Program assists Full Professors as they take on a new project that supports projects that are new and novel to that faculty member that advanced one or more campus imperatives. For both programs, projects focused on any of the RTP areas: Teaching Effectiveness, Scholarly and Creative Activities, Service to Campus, and Service to Community.

We are excited to announce that faculty who participated in the P3 and NPP programs are ready to share their research with their colleagues.

Please join me in celebrating their work:

What: P3 & NPP Showcase

When: October 4 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Where: Center for Teaching and Learning, AIRC 3005

I am looking forward to engaging with the results of this work and learning more about how the P3 and NPP programs helped faculty advance campus imperatives.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Travel Ban Repealed

September 21, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Governor Newsom signed SB 447 into law on September 13, lifting a ban on state-funded travel to states with anti-LGBTQIA+ laws. The new law replaces the ban with an anti-discrimination campaign directed toward those states. Effective immediately, state funds may be used for travel to all states and the Provost’s office will not factor a destination state’s discriminatory laws when approving or not approving travel requests. Travel to states under the ban occurring prior to the repeal may not be reimbursed with state funds. Travel that occurred September 14 or later will be supported.

This is an abrupt reversal of a policy that deeply impacted our campus and the CSU system, particularly the ability of faculty to travel to pursue research and scholarship opportunities. Many of us have been feeling overworked and overburdened recently, and dealing with one less bureaucratic frustration certainly feels like a relief. But, as we move forward to the post-travel ban era, please remember the tense national atmosphere that brought about the ban and be sensitive to our colleagues and students who may be experiencing heightened feelings of isolation and marginalization as California shifts gears in its pursuit of civil and human rights.

When AB 1887 was originally passed into law in 2016 enacting the travel ban, it had a simple purpose that now seems a little optimistic: to pressure a handful of states that had passed laws discriminating against LGBTQIA+ people to change those laws. But what seemed at the time to be a few isolated incidents of harmful legislation has escalated into frightening movement of 26 states passing laws designed to isolate, humiliate, and intimidate people—including children—based on their identities. Meanwhile, more discriminatory laws are being introduced and school boards nationwide, including in California, are approving policies that further endanger and dehumanize LGBTQIA+ youth.

Clearly, the threats that the travel ban sought to stop are far from behind us. I ask that you keep the values of our campus in mind as you travel about the country. And remember that you have colleagues who may be unsafe travelling to regions hostile to their existence. Reinforce that we all belong—here, nationwide, and everywhere.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Latine Green and Gold Speaker Series

September 12, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

National Latinx (or Latine) & Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the history and contributions of the people and cultures that originated in Mexico, South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Spain. To mark this important month, the Division of Inclusive Excellence has organized a meaningful—and entertaining—program that I encourage you to engage with and share with your students. If it is appropriate to your courses and subject area, please consider giving your students extra credit for attending and helping us build greater understanding and belonging on our campus.

The Green and Gold Speaker Series on Latine Belonging connects to this year’s theme, Journey to Belonging, and is titled “Beats of Belonging: Latine Revolution and Restoration”. It will launch on September 26, 2023, featuring Las Cafeteras in the University Ballroom.

A little about Las Cafeteras:

Born and raised east of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras has taken the music scene by storm with their infectious live performances that cross genre and musical borders. Their electric sound & energy has taken them around the world playing shows from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl, WOMAD New Zealand to Montreal Jazz, & beyond! Singing in English, Spanish, and Spanglish and adding their own remix of sounds, from rock to hip-hop to rancheras. Las Cafeteras use music as a vehicle to build bridges among different cultures and communities and create "a world where many worlds fit." Join the Latine Community in Exploring Belonging at an HSI with an interactive workshop, followed by an exciting Las Cafeteras performance!

Las Cafeteras will facilitate an interactive workshop to allow participants to engage in the Power of Storytelling. Participants will be given tools to begin to extract their own personal narrative, and will work through breaking down stereotypes, using ‘conscious comedy,’ and engaging in conversations about race, identity and privilege.

The interactive workshop will take place from September 26 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. with the performance to follow from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom.

You can register or request accommodations here.

If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Donaville-Davis at kdonavil@csus.edu.

Thank you,

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Message from the Provost: Welcome to Fall 2023!

September 5, 2023

News from the Office of the Provost

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

Welcome to the new academic year! I hope you all had an enjoyable summer and are ready for the semester ahead. I’d like to extend a special welcome to our new faculty. Thank you for choosing to join the talented and dedicated faculty of Sac State. I hope you are building meaningful engagement with your new students as you settle into our beautiful campus. This new academic year will be like no other. Change is in the air; I ask you to embrace that change.

As the lively atmosphere to which the first week of class can attest, we are a face-to-face campus. While we continue to offer online and hybrid class and meeting modalities as warranted, we want our faculty and staff to know and understand our students as people. We forge those kinds of personal connections and foster a sense of belonging on campus by being together. This provides students the opportunity to develop problem-solving and networking skills and connect with other students from a wide range of backgrounds. Being a face-to-face campus means our students will graduate with the well-rounded skills to be the leaders we know they can be.

There has never been a more exciting time to be together with the Sac State family. We have a new president—a Sac State alum—whose school spirit and enthusiasm for the life-changing power of a CSU education is electrifying the student body and starting new conversations among faculty and staff about new possibilities and innovations. President Wood is committed to deepening our commitment to equity-based education with bold actions. This is the time to have a growth mindset, to take on new teaching practices, scholarship, and research. President Wood and I want to encourage all faculty research, but especially research that takes on issues of equity and social justice and/or includes students as researchers. Make sure you take advantage of the resources on the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED) website. There you will find links to searchable funding databases, Sac State and CSU system support, and templates and tutorials that can help faculty meet their research goals.

But our enthusiasm for new possibilities must be tempered by acknowledging our challenges; chief among them, the well-being of our students. Pandemic learning loss is real. It’s up to us to take a developmental approach to teaching and learning, reach them where they are, and take them to the next level. We are also increasing our focus on serving the “whole” student and supporting their emotional, mental, and physical health as well as their academic performance. Student Health, Counseling & Wellness Services has a variety of resources for faculty to better meet our students’ needs. Please make use of them.

Congratulations to faculty who were promoted for the 2023-24 Academic Year. You can find a list of the promotions here. Please scroll below for additional important announcements from the colleges and centers under Academic Affairs.

A few reminders as we begin the new semester and academic year:

• Service expectations for faculty: All faculty are expected to engage in department and university service. Our collective bargaining agreement Article 20.1 A and B spells out service as an expectation. Sac State campus policy on faculty responsibilities and professional ethics also states that “faculty members must share responsibilities of their departments” and “will regularly attend department meetings” and “will provide significant service to the campus including participation on Dept, College, and/or University committees to which they have been elected or appointed.”
• Course modality consistency: Students need to know that the course they signed up for will be presented in the modality that they have been led to expect and that fits their needs. Faculty are expected to adhere to the modality as published on the schedule.
• Faculty office hours: Faculty are required to hold office hours. Please review the campus policy here for the specific requirements for full- and part-time faculty office hours.

At Sac State, our mission is to enact our values and create a campus where students, faculty, staff, and our community thrive. As the Academic division of the University, we are core to that mission. Your dedication helps us provide every Sac State student the best education possible. Our students deserve nothing less than the very best.

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Highlights & Announcements

College of Arts & Letters

New A&L newsletter for Fall 2023 - The College of Arts & Letters is beginning a new monthly newsletter to share everything the college has to offer. Subscribers will receive exclusive updates on captivating shows, mind-opening exhibits, breathtaking performances, inspiring readings, intriguing debates, and more – all contributing to our vibrant arts and letters community. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hcTxWf

Dean Meyer elected president of arts board - Sheree Meyer, Arts & Letters dean, has been elected president of the board of directors for the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera (SP&O). Meyer has served on the board since 2016, including as its vice president from 2021 to 2023. During her tenure as president, she plans to prioritize strengthening and expanding SP&O’s musical and educational impact on the region; growing, diversifying, and developing its board; and enhancing its collaborations with other Sacramento arts, educational, and cultural organizations.

National Endowment for the Humanities grant - Sac State received $9,998 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in July for our work in cultural preservation. The NEH award recognizes the significance of the Sacramento State Art Collection, which represents regionally significant art movements in northern California as well as works by local Chicano and Native artists.

Professor receives grant for art and ecology project - Scott Parady, Art, founder of the Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology (CMAEP) project, recently received the Forest Health Grant awarded by the Clearlake Environmental Research Center, to restore 28 acres of overcrowded forest land to a biodiverse flora and fauna more capable of surviving wildfire, pest infestation, drought, and climate change. The CMAEP mission is to integrate art-making, sustainable living, and land stewardship with a diverse group of up to 10 artists.

The Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Stinger Expo is back - Support over 40 Sac State student entrepreneurs and craftspeople at the Stinger Expo Tuesday, Sept 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Union. There will be vintage clothing, crafts, jewelry, plants, bath goods, henna, and much more. Stinger Expo was innovated by two members of The Hive entrepreneurship club and was first held in the Carlsen Center during spring semester 2022. It has since vastly expanded and is now taking place in the University Union ballroom to accommodate many more student entrepreneurs. Find out more about Stinger Expo here.

E3: Equity for Every Entrepreneur - In partnership with the City of Sacramento and Forward Cities, the Carlsen Center is excited to announce the Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Sacramento initiative. This unique program, kicking off the week of September 25, will help our community take the next steps on the path towards designing, leading, and sustaining a more equitable entrepreneurial support community within the Sacramento region. As part of the initiative, program organizers are inviting a diverse cross-section of local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community champions to the Ecosystem Town Hall which will be held the evening of Wednesday, September 27. President Wood will provide a welcome address.

Startup Challenge - The Startup Challenge gathers entrepreneurs, business mentors, and industry experts to take brand-new ideas and turn them into a real business over one weekend. Our partners from the Sacramento region, including seasoned entrepreneurs, coaches, and subject matter experts, will be on hand to guide the process and make sure participants are on the right track. The event will be held October 13 through October 15 at the Carlsen Center. The Startup Challenge begins with networking Friday night, then moves into the next phase Saturday, starting with 60-second pitches of new ideas. Teams are formed around the most popular ideas and the work begins to turn those ideas into businesses. Attend the September 19 info session to find out more.

Community Engagement Center

Civic Engagement Resource Fair - Information and inspiration will be on hand at the Community Engagement Center's Civic Engagement Resource Fair on Tuesday, October 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sac State Library Quad. Community change makers will be available to discuss important issues of policy change, equity, and equality, and to provide valuable resources regarding opportunities for student involvement in civic affairs. Come learn from community and Sac State partners that are making a difference and how you can be a part of affecting change. Find out more here.

Network Café 9/21 and 10/25 - Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join Network Café and participate with local communities on a path to security, health, safety, and prosperity. Network Café offers an opportunity to connect with representatives from many local human services organizations to increase understanding, collaborate on current issues, and generate solutions to serve the community. Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. September 21 via Zoom and October 25 in person at the Harper Alumni Center. Sign up here to receive reminders. Registration is required for the in-person event and will open soon on the CEC Network Café page.

Faculty Learning Community: Integrating Community Engagement into your Academic Career - This FLC is intended to both introduce and enhance community engagement for faculty and students. Attendees will learn about community-engaged learning and community-based research while developing a three-year plan of progression in research, teaching, and service toward your RTP and professional goals. Participants will be guided through the process of developing a three-year plan for community engagement that will benefit their progression through the RTP process and enhance students' connections to campus and community. Days and times TBD, online via Zoom. Signups will open soon through the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).
https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/center-teaching-learning/

Writing Partners - Writing Partners is now accepting interested faculty members who would like to participate in the Writing Partners program during the Fall 2023 semester. Writing Partners is a Service-Learning experience that offers Sac State students an opportunity to teach and learn through a letter exchange with students from elementary schools in the Sacramento region. Sac State faculty are paired with K-12 teachers to make this letter exchange between students possible. Sign up here. For more information, please contact Noel Mora, community partnership coordinator: noelmora@csus.edu.

Attention Service-Learning faculty and course schedulers - For your Service-Learning course to appear in CEC Connect, your course must have the correct course attributes entered into CMS. Please see that your course has CSLI (select value “R” if required, or “O” if optional) and S4 (select value “SRV LRN”). Please check for both fall 2023 and spring 2024 courses. Have questions? Please reach out to Noel Mora, Community Partnership Coordinator: noelmora@csus.edu, or Dr. Chong Choe-Smith, Faculty Associate for Community-Engaged Learning: choe-smith@csus.edu.

College of Continuing Education

Sac State’s CCE to offer one-of-a-kind certificate program - The College of Continuing Education at Sac State has added an exciting new certificate option in Cultural Competency, becoming the only Sacramento-area college to do so. The Cultural Competency Certificate Program is designed to build cultural competence among a wide range of service providers. The program focuses on a variety of vulnerable populations and their experiences with public service professionals, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, social workers and those working in the healthcare system. The curriculum will enhance critical thinking through an analysis of intersectionality (race, class, and gender) and various vulnerable populations, while increasing participant engagement through reading, discussion, role-plays, and active learning. Find out more about the Cultural Competency Certificate Program at Sac State here.

CCE alum named Teacher of the Year - Congratulations to Donja Harding who was named the 2023 Natomas Unified School District Teacher of the Year. Harding is a proud alum of the Community College Faculty Preparation program offered by Sac State’s College of Continuing Education. Her teaching experience includes a variety of educational settings and grade levels. She has taught a wide range of subjects, such as middle and high school history and English, geometry, AVID, and public speaking at MTI College. Read more about Harding’s accomplishments here.

Sac State student receives Gilman Scholarship to study abroad - Oscar Ponce has been studying Health Science at Sac State since the Fall of 2022. When he received an email from Gabriel Hernandez, the Senior Program Coordinator of the Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) program encouraging him to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, he did so. Since receiving the scholarship, Oscar was able to attend the Faculty-Led Student Abroad programs in Costa Rica and Mexico. Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) programs are short-term international experiences designed for students who would like to study abroad and stay on track for graduation, but cannot spend an entire semester or academic year abroad. Read more about Oscar’s story and the transformational experiences available through FLSA programs here.

Alum of Sac State’s paramedic program is making a difference in Hawaii - Lyle Najita was a student from March 2019 to September 2020 in Sac State’s Paramedic Program offered through the College of Continuing Education. Today, Lyle works as a paramedic in a private mental health clinic in Honolulu, Hawaii. We recently had a chance to catch up with Lyle, who was happy to share his experiences as a student.

“At 59, I was the oldest student in the class,” Lyle explains. “I came into the program without a lot of EMS experience. They accepted me into the program in spite of this.” Read more about Lyle’s story here.

College of Business

Ping Tong named Interim Associate Dean - Ping Tong, Marketing, has been appointed as Interim Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the College of Business. Dr. Tong joined Sac State as an Assistant Professor in 2007, eventually earning the rank of Full Professor. She has served previously in various capacities, including Director of the Business Honors program, and most recently as Chair of the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department.

Maleeha Khan named ED for graduate programs - Maleeha Khan has been hired as Executive Director for Graduate Programs for the College of Business. Khan holds a BSBA in Accounting from Sac State and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of San Francisco. She progressively assumed administrative roles of increasing responsibility at UC Davis and the University of San Francisco. She will oversee the COB’s six graduate programs: MBA, MS Business Analytics, MS Finance, MS Accountancy, MBA for Executives, and Online iMBA.

College of Business professor wins best paper award - Dr. Partha Mohapatra’s paper “Aristocracy or Meritocracy? The Role of Elite Pedigree and Research Performance in New Accounting Faculty Placements” by Sid Carin Bundy; Partha S. Mohapatra; Matthew Sooy, and Dan N. Stone., Issues in Accounting Education, was voted Best Paper by the American Accounting Association.

COB looks forward - The College of Business will be engaging in a year-long strategic discovery process to update its mission, strategic plan, and culture with a view to fostering innovation, collaboration, and success for all of our students.

College of Education

State of California awards Sac State $6.5 million for ECE Center - In June, California Assembly member Kevin McCarty was on campus to present a check for $6.5 million to fund a new center for early childhood education. The Innovation Center for Early Childhood Education, which will be housed in the College of Education and will launch as early as Fall 2023, will better prepare teachers to work with preschool through third-grade students. Additionally, it will help expand and improve existing preschool and transitional kindergarten (TK) programs in Sacramento. Pia Wong will serve as Interim Director. Read more here.

Call for proposals for study on the BIPOC student COE experience - The College of Education is funding a commissioned study to understand the subjective experiences of students of color at the college, assess barriers, and possible support measures. Expectations are for a qualitative project, either focus groups or interviews or both. Send a one paragraph email to Dean Sidorkin (sidorking@csus.edu) with your vision of the project, and your current CV that would demonstrate your experience with qualitative research. Compensation may be either release time in the spring of up to 3 units, or an additional employment agreement for $6K, paid upon delivery of the report.

Substitute Teacher Fair September 22 - An annual event hosted by COE, the Substitute Teacher Fair is designed to put current students on-track to becoming a teacher and current bachelor's degree holders together with representatives from local school districts to fast-track the hiring process. If you have earned at least 90 units of university credit at Sac State and/or at a community college, or you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to become a substitute teacher. The fair will be held Friday, September 22, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Harper Alumni Center RSVP here.

College of Engineering & Computer Science

ECS leadership changes - Behnam Arad, Computer Science, has been hired permanently as Associate Dean of Research for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Associate Dean Mariappan "Jawa" Jawaharlal has been voluntarily reassigned to serve as the Interim Associate Vice President in the Offices of Research Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED). Most of Jawa’s AD duties and responsibilities will be absorbed by Dean Shafizadeh and AD Arad.

NSF renews Sac State cybersecurity grant - A College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) cybersecurity workforce development program will continue for another five years with renewed funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program provides tuition and other financial support for students who commit to work for the government in the field of cybersecurity upon graduation. Sixty Sac State students have graduated from the program since it began in 2010, landing jobs with the FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, national cybersecurity research labs and other local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies. The new grant award of just over $3 million, funded by the NSF and co-sponsored by Homeland Security, will support an additional 26 students through 2028.

Computer Science student Julian Hernandez was awarded first place at the annual California State University Systemwide Student Research Competition for his project, “Searching for Litter with Computer Vision,” which was also the winner of the ECS Pitch Competition with the Carlsen Center last fall. The CSU competition is an annual event that brings together scholars from all 23 CSU campuses and showcases undergraduate and graduate research, scholarship, and creative works by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments. Undergraduate and graduate student participants from all disciplines are judged by experts for their oral presentations and written abstracts. Students who compete in the CSU Student Research Competition can win $500 for first place and $250 for second place recognition in their session.

College of Health & Human Services

HHS leadership changes - Raquel Quirarte was selected in May to be the Director of Student Success for the College of Health & Human Services, a new position for the college. The Director of Student Success is responsible for HHS graduation rates and all HHS student success initiatives on campus and in the region.

HHS staff member wins outstanding staff award - Heather Crummett, budget analyst for the College of Health & Human Services, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Resource Development and Sustainability Award at the Sac State’s 2023 Outstanding Staff Awards. The Outstanding Staff Awards recognize employees who demonstrate excellence in their work and go above and beyond in their pursuit of the strategic imperatives in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Heather’s award recognizes her commitment to go above and beyond to increase practices that promote the principles of a philanthropic culture, environmental sustainability, accessibility, and the efficient and coordinated use of human capital.

Summer FLSA highlights - The Department of Public Health and Division of Criminal Justice Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution (CAPCR) both hosted faculty-led student abroad trips this summer. The Public Health program traveled to Costa Rica to allow students to experience a unique culture first-hand and view a different society through the lens of health, risk prevention, and well-being. The CAPCR program traveled to Ghana where students learned about justice, international human rights, restorative and community justice, and the conflict resolution process.

New RPTA minors this fall - Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration programs are growing. RPTA has two new minor programs beginning this fall: Minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Minor in Park Management. The RPTA Minor Programs are designed for non-RPTA students who are looking to enhance their education and are a great compliment to any major and make a great addition to resumes or transcripts. RPTA majors cannot complete a minor program, but are eligible to complete Certificate Programs Find out more about these new minors here.

HHS sponsors event for the unhoused - Hundreds of people without stable housing came to the Sac State Campus on August 12 to receive food and other services from an army of volunteers including students from Nursing, Social Work, and Audiology. Homeless Connect, organized by Josh’s Heart, is a daylong event that offered members of the city’s homeless population a chance to relax, enjoy a meal, shower, get a haircut, and obtain basic medical care while connecting to critical services to help lift them from the streets.  Read more about the Homeless Connect event here.

International Programs and Global Engagement

“Unconference” will explore international collaboration - The Office of International Programs and Global Engagement (IPGE) is hosting a unique event with faculty and staff across campus. Unconferences are gatherings of people united by a passion, where the content and structure of the day is driven by the participants. This Unconference is designed to encourage partnering across disciplines and explore international collaboration both within our university and outside and is part of Sac State’s commitment to growing our international engagement in new and innovative ways. Watch the invite video here or contact IPGE AVP Piram Prakasam at piram.prakasam@csus.edu

University Library

Faculty resources at the University Library - Start the school year right with help from the University Library. In addition to supporting your classes with our Course Reserves and librarian-led Instructional Sessions, you can reserve a faculty carrel for your research projects, or spend time in our Faculty Lounge and collaborate with colleagues. Information on all of our services can be found on our website.

StingerStudio Makerspace - Bring making into your curriculum with StingerStudio Makerspace. StingerStudio is now open in the University Library and is available for instructional sessions and as a resource for class assignments. To learn more about how to incorporate making into your classes, please contact our staff: lib-stingerstudio@csus.edu.

Sac State Scholars - Create your faculty profile on Sac State Scholars. Sac State Scholars is the university’s institutional repository and research networking platform where our faculty’s research, scholarship, and service are highlighted and celebrated. It is automatically available to all tenure-track faculty and part-time lecturers (with 0.5 FTE) with three-year contracts. Others with an active research history can also request a profile. Start your profile today, or visit our website for more information.

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

NSM Associate Dean Yinfa Ma retires - Associate Dean of Research and Engagement, Yinfa Ma, retired on June 30 after five years at Sac State. Beloved and respected, Dean Ma was feted with a fond farewell attended by deans, associate deans, and many other faculty and staff from across campus. During his tenure at Sac State, Dean Ma helped elevate research and engagement and expand the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. Known for his positive attitude, Dean Ma will be greatly missed. Katherine McReynolds, Chemistry, will be stepping in as Faculty Fellow for Yinfa Ma.

The SURE Program and the Fall Research Symposium - The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics puts forth a student research grant opportunity each year. The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Awards begins its application process in January. Along with a Faculty Mentor recommendation, students submit their research ideas, transcripts, resume, and state why they are qualified for the SURE Research Grant. This year out of 40 applicants, 17 students were chosen as recipients of the SURE Research Grant. The student research transpires throughout the summer and concludes with the presentation among the student research at the NSM Fall Research Symposium which will be held October 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom.

NSM Summer salsa making competition - The College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics Dean’s office hosted a staff summer event to bring some summer comradery and fun to the college staff and faculty. The competition had 9 participants making salsa for a healthy and hungry turn out of NSM staff and chairs. Winner of “Best Tasting Salsa” was Information Technology Consultant–and new staff member–Juan Avitia. The positive response to this returning event means it will definitely be back next summer.

NSM faculty-student research highlights - Associate Professor Kimberly Mulligan, Biological Sciences, and graduate student Joseph Yule were awarded a CSUPERB Faculty-Graduate Student Research Collaboration Grant; Jamie Kneitel, Biological Sciences, and graduate students, Jasmine Rios, Melanie Dibbel & Emily Flores had a Research Paper published July 2, 2023: Beyond the Hydro-Regime: Differential Regulation of Plant Functional Groups in Seasonal Ponds. Diversity 15: 832. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15070832

Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED)

New AVP for ORIED - Mariappan "Jawa" Jawaharial has been named Interim Associate Vice President for The Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED). Jawaharlal had been serving as Associate Dean in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He replaces Yvonne Harris who was named Vice President of Research and Innovation Partnerships at Northern Illinois University in May.

ORIED now accepting applications to Fall 2023 IDEA program - ORIED is inviting applications for the next cycle of the Incentive for Developing External Awards (IDEA) program. IDEA provides up to $2,500 in additional employment or professional development funds as an incentive for faculty to write a competitive grant proposal for external funding to further their research, scholarly and/or creative activity. IDEA is open to all tenured and tenure-track faculty, and lecturers with multi-year appointments of at least 0.5 time base. Applicants must identify one specific grant solicitation or a formal request for proposals to which they are interested in submitting a proposal. For this cycle, the grant proposal submission deadline must be between Feb 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024. Find more information here. Questions? Email research@csus.edu. IDEA applications due Oct 23 by 5:00 pm.

Find resources for faculty on ORIED website - Jawa and Provost Nevarez encourage all faculty to make sure they are taking advantage of the resources on the ORIED website. There you will find links to searchable funding databases, Sac State and CSU system support, and templates and tutorials that can help faculty meet their research goals.

College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies

Environmental studies prof wins outstanding educator award - Michelle Stevens, Environmental Studies, received the national Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) Award for Outstanding Educator in 2023. The Outstanding Educator Award recognizes SWS members who have made special public, academic, or professional contributions to wetland education. Stevens and her students are an important part of an ongoing effort to restore the riparian habitat at Bushy Lake, which is located on Cal Expo property within the lower American River Parkway. In partnership with Sacramento County Parks, Cal Expo, and others, they have been planting native grasses, pulling invasive weeds, cleaning up trash, and monitoring the activities of turtles and birds.

Faculty Led Study Abroad to Egypt - Faculty and students from the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies traveled to Egypt over the summer to gain a deeper intellectual understanding of the mission and purpose of the Cooper Woodson College Educational Equity Program. ETHN 98-01 - “CWC Goes to Egypt/Kemet” is a FLSA experience designed to introduce students to teachings on Pan African philosophers, intellectuals and the social/historical moments that speak to the trajectory of the African educational experience in the U.S. This year’s course, held from June 16 to 24, was a nine day, eight night journey through Nubia, Luxor, and Cairo. For more information about the trip or CWC, contact Andrea Moore: dreamoore@csus.edu.

New Ethnic Studies video lab - Work has started on a new Ethnic Studies lab for students. It is located in Library 19 and 20. The new lab features 50 new video stations, expanding resources for students to study and complete work on campus.

Office of Undergraduate Studies

New TOPSS director named - The Office of Undergraduate Studies (OGS) announces the appointment of Will Mechling as Director of the Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State (TOPSS). TOPSS is a four-year degree completion program administered and delivered inside two Folsom and Mule Creek state prisons through a partnership between Sac State and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prior to his appointment as TOPSS director, Mechling led the innovative Pawsitive Change program.This trailblazing program partnered at-risk shelter dogs and incarcerated men and women. Overseeing this program's growth across six separate adult and youth facilities in California, Mechling's leadership was instrumental in its expansion and success. Dean of Undergraduate Studies James German says of Mechling: “Will is poised to bring a passionate and impactful presence to our institution as we strive to break the cycle of incarceration and pave the way for a brighter future.”

Faculty in the News

The Gerwig Effect: Sacramento native's success paving the road for next generation of filmmakers

Kathy Kasic, communications, speaks on the significance of seeing Sacramento - raised Greta Gerwig’s smash movie “Barbie” and its influence on the film industry as a whole for women.

Poll: California voters agree political disinformation is a big problem. But how to fix it?

Kim Nalder, political science, speaks on the current uphill struggle to aid voters in separating fact from fiction when it comes to politics.

Is tipping out of hand? You need a ‘moral compass’ to figure it out, California expert says

Amanda Shigihara, sociology, discusses the unseen influences that play a role on whether or not an individual tips.

Thousands more prisoners across the US will get free college paid for by the government

David Zuckerman, communications, explains how TOPSS and other college programs are changing lives by making graduation a reality for incarcerated members of our community.

Is this all there is? How to plan a more satisfying retirement.

Francine Toder, emeritus faculty, discusses how one can plan for a more fulfilling, rich, and purposeful retirement by accessing the things you value.

Titan deep-sea tourism raises questions around ethics, safety and science

Amy Wagner, geology, discusses the safety and ethics of submersibles, as well as whether deep sea tourism has any scientific merit.

How North Bay food, labor costs impact restaurant menu prices, grocery receipts

Sanjay Varshney, finance, breaks down how multiple factors such as grocery, staff, COVID fallout, and weather can impact the financial well being of an individual.

Why do extremists bring conspiracies to public meetings? Sacramento State professor gives context

Christopher Towler, political science, discusses what drives radical extremists to attend local community meetings, and how local governments have reacted to such groups in the past.

Stitching in her own direction, Sac State professor brings love of fashion to the next generation

Jaleh Naasz, fashion merchandising and management, uses fashion camp to bring the wonder of expression, design, and fashion to younger members of society.

Society’s true crime obsession contains ethical questions about the genre’s exploitive nature

Dr. Danielle Slakoff, criminal justice, discusses our society’s fascination with true crime and the underlying ethics in indulging in such media.

Grade Appeal Information for Students For Fall 2023

September 2, 2023

Sac State Students,

Please see the following information and the attached flyer about the university’s Grade Appeal Process for this semester.

Grade Appeals are for situations where a student wants to appeal the final grade they receive in a course due to any of the following reasons: violations in grading due to arbitrariness, capriciousness, discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation, and/or violating another university policy). Grade Appeals can only be submitted in the semester after the one in which the final grade was assigned. So, only Spring 23 and Summer 23 courses can be appealed this semester.

If you believe this situation may apply to you for a Spring 23 or Summer 23 course, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Discuss your concerns about the final grade with the instructor by this Friday, September 8^th (if your instructor doesn’t respond by this date, or discussing it with them doesn’t resolve the issue, then go to step 2)

Step 2: Contact the Chair of the Department for the class by Monday, September 11^th to let them know of your concerns. The Chair will reach out to the faculty member to see if a resolution can be worked out. If no resolution is reached, then go to step 3.

Step 3: The Chair signs your grade appeal form, and you begin preparing all your grade appeal documents to submit (see the checklist after the Grade Appeal Form on what documents are needed).

Step 4: Submit your completed grade appeal to Academic Affairs at scc@csus.edu or in Sacramento Hall room 230 by Friday, September 22^nd at 5 pm. The Department Chair's signature must be on the appeal form and all required documented included or the appeal will be incomplete and denied.

If you miss any of these steps or deadlines, you will be ineligible to file an appeal for the class. This is the ONLY opportunity to submit an appeal for a Spring 23 or Summer 23 class.

The policy and forms can be found on the Grade Appeal Website.

Please reach out to the Grade Appeal Manager in Academic Affairs, Dr. Emily Wickelgren at scc@csus.edu with any questions about an appeal or the appeal process.

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Message from the Provost: Preparing for the start of classes

August 25, 2023

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues-

As we begin the new academic year, I would like to encourage you to make student, faculty, and staff wellness your highest priority. We need to recognize that wellness serves as the foundation for learning and success. As we know from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, no one can perform intellectually or professionally when their basic human needs are unmet. By taking the time to intentionally increase our focus on creating a culture of wellness on campus, we can make Sac State a better place to work, learn, and thrive.

Student Wellness

The well-being of our students will always be our top priority. After a year of increasing concern over campus safety, President Wood is putting safety front and center in his new administration by creating the Presidential Taskforce on Campus Safety and committing resources—including hiring 7 full time counselors—to address this pressing need. Ensuring that our students have the support they need to achieve their goals and live happy, healthy lives is a responsibility that falls to each of us. Indeed, a recent poll by Inside Higher Ed found that a majority of students say they want their professors to be involved in promoting students’ physical health and wellness.

To help us meet this expectation, Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services (SHCWS) – formerly Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) — will once again offer a workshop for faculty, staff, and student assistants on how to support and assist students experiencing heightened emotional distress. Please sign up for the workshop if you have not already taken it.

An important part of promoting student wellness is by making sure they feel welcome and included in their classes. The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) provides many excellent resources for getting faculty started on Fall courses. This includes guidance on a setting up a safe, accessible, and equitable classroom and using inclusive language in syllabi to ensure students with diverse skills, abilities, and cultural or social backgrounds feel they belong. CTL also Getting Started Resources can also help you with course modality, using Canvas, communicating with students, academic assessments, and getting help when you need it.

We also have a special responsibility to protect our students from sexual assault and support those who have experienced it. I encourage faculty to include a Title IX statement on all syllabi with the following information:

Sexual assault on campus is a violation of our students' rights under Title IX. This law factors into Sacramento State's policies on investigating and providing resources for anyone who has experienced sex/gender discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct (including sexual assault and rape), sexual exploitation, dating or domestic violence, stalking, and related retaliation. With limited exception, all university employees who know or have reason to know of allegations of the above listed prohibited conduct must promptly inform the Office for Equal Opportunity (OEO). Employees are required to disclose all information including the names of the parties, even where the person has requested anonymity. The OEO will determine whether confidentiality is appropriate given the circumstances of each incident. This incident reporting tool is available for that purpose.

Promoting academic honesty is another way of supporting our students. A variety of campus stakeholders are researching best practices as we learn to accept the reality of AI in the classroom and can help you if you are struggling. Please visit the CTL’s collection of ChatGPT Resources or consider attending the upcoming seminar on instructional uses of AI at 12 p.m. on September 1 hosted by Dean Sidorkin of the College of Education.

Faculty and Staff Wellness

We can’t care for our students if we don’t care for ourselves. That’s why I’m so happy that Human Resources has launched a new Employee Wellness webpage for faculty, staff, and managers. This site contains tools and employee benefits to support the physical, financial, and social wellbeing of Sac State employees and our families.

As we prepare for our students to return, please engage with these resources. When we treat our students and each other with kindness, we embody our goal of being a healing campus. We are one university, and we only succeed when we succeed together.

Sincerely,

Carlos Nevarez
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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