san josé state university 2015-2016 guide for parents

2015–2016A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

San José State University4

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Student InvolvementDivision of Student AffairsSuite 1400, Student UnionOne Washington SquareSan José, CA 95192-0038(408) [email protected]/getinvolvedSJSU

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contents

| SJSU GuideComprehensive advice and information for student success

6 | From the Vice President of Student Affairs

8 | University Mission & Goals

9 | Building a New Relationship with Your Student

10 | Is Your Student the First in the Family to Attend College or Graduate School?

11 | Academic Advising Resources on Campus

12 | Campus Map

14 | 2015–2016 Academic Calendar and Other Important Dates

15 | Student Records and Privacy

15 | Helping Your Student with Finances

16 | Student Wellness: It’s Important for Academic Success!

16 | What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? The Career Center Can Help You Decide.

17 | Living on Campus

18 | Spartan Shops — Campus Dining

19 | Show Your Spartan Pride

20 | Getting Involved

21 | Alumni Services

21 | The Truth About Fraternity and Sorority Life

22 | Important Contact Information

www.universityparent.com/sjsu 5



Dear Families, Welcome to San José State University!

We are excited to have you and your student as part of the Spartan family and community. This guide is intended to help you to connect — and stay connected — to the University, so you can be part of a circle of individuals supporting your student’s academic and personal success during and after their Spartan journey.Whether your student is the first in your family to attend college, or is continuing a college-going legacy within your family, congratulations! We know you are proud of their accomplishments, and we are

honored that they have chosen to join the San José State community.

College is a time for new beginnings and explorations. It is a place and opportunity to unlock one’s deepest potential and to build foundations for dreams and ambitions. Your care and support for your student is especially important and so is the need to allow them to sort through things independently so they have sustainable tools for success. This guide provides resources and information to help you be meaningfully involved in your student’s college journey, while also giving them space to grow and explore. This balance of involvement and distance is far more an art than a science.

From the VIcE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS


Please know that we are here to offer advice, answer questions about SJSU, and help you guide your student as they become actively engaged in their new home here at SJSU. To stay connected, we encourage you to visit the campus and perhaps take in a campus speaker, performance, sporting event, or celebration. In any case, be sure to stay in touch with your student — email, text, hand-written notes, and other reminders — to let them know that you are there to support them. We are here to support your student and you as a parent or family member.

Again, welcome to SJSU. We are excited that your student is here, and that you are joining the Spartan family. Let’s work together to help ensure that we celebrate their graduation from SJSU and their future success as Spartan alumni.

Go Spartans!

Sincerely,Dr. Renee Barnett Terry Interim Vice President for Student Affairs ■



MissionIn collaboration with nearby industries and communities, SJSU faculty and staff are dedicated to achieving the university’s mission as a responsive institution of the state of California: To enrich the lives of its students, to transmit knowledge to its students along with the necessary skills for applying it in the service of our society, and to expand the base of knowledge through research and scholarship.

Learning Goals

⊲ Specialized Knowledge

⊲ Broad Integrative Knowledge

⊲ Intellectual Skills

⊲ Applied Knowledge

⊲ Social and Global Responsibilities

University Facts and FiguresFounded in 1857 as Minns’ Evening Normal School, SJSU is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library is the first university-city library partnership in the nation.

A few notable SJSU alumni include novelist Amy Tan, Oracle co-founder Edward Oates, and US congressman Mike Honda.

SJSU has an Olympic-sized pool, one of the largest outdoor pools in California.

Over 2,200 courses are offered each year in over 134 bachelor’s degrees and master’s degree programs.

SJSU hosts the nation’s leading centers of research on the lives and careers of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and writer John Steinbeck.

Students are involved in approximately 450 student organizations, including more than 40 fraternities & sororities, 23 club sports, and eight residence hall leadership groups.

The Associated Students (AS) of SJSU is a corporation owned, funded, and run by students. AS represents the interests of the student body.

SJSU President Mohammed Qayoumi, an engineer and accountant by training, has over 25 years of teaching and administrative responsibilities at CSU campuses.

Over 30,000 students enroll at SJSU every year, with over half coming from communities in Santa Clara County.

SJSU Athletics consists of seven men’s sports and 10 women’s sports, and is part of the Mountain West Conference and NCAA Division I.

SJSU is the #1 supplier of education, engineering, computer science, and business graduates in Silicon Valley. ■

UNIVERSITy MISSION & Goals


Your student is entering their first year of college, and regardless of how many times they tell you, “It’s going to be fine,” you will still worry about them — it’s inevitable.

This transition time for your student is exciting yet challenging in both academic and personal ways. Whether you are a mother, father, sibling, uncle, aunt, grandparent, or any other family member (i.e. step-, guardian, etc.) who is supporting and engaging in your student’s college endeavors, you play a significant role in your student’s college success.

Below are a few tips to assist you in supporting your student:

⊲ Listen to and validate your student. Seek to understand them first.

⊲ Become familiar with the campus resources so you can guide your students to them when necessary.

⊲ As you provide guidance and advice, consider asking questions that would lead your student to understand all of their options and consequences to the decisions they are going to make. Empower them to take the initiative to navigate through their own dilemmas.

⊲ Encourage your student to take advantage of various learning opportunities by being involved on campus or working. As this may result in a busier schedule, continue to communicate with your student to determine the best time to call. To have a positive college experience for both you and your student, communicate your continued love and support for your student as well as your willingness to work with them around their busy schedule.

⊲ Sometimes, your student will make mistakes. Still, trust your student’s decisions and learning process. ■

BUIlDING A NEw RElATIONShIP with Your student



You are planning to support your student as they head off to college, but who is going to support you mentally and emotionally as you watch your student grow? Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Today’s College Experience by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger is a great resource suggested to parents of first-generation college students. This book can help you understand what your student is going through and suggest coping strategies.

We want to congratulate and welcome them to SJSU! First-generation college students are also called “First in My Family” or “Students Whose Parents Did Not Attend College” in the US. At SJSU, about half of incoming students are considered first-generation, so know that your student is not alone!

First-generation college students may experience a sense of excitement and pride in this role. They may also encounter many challenges, such as financial stress, unfamiliarity with the college experience, and possibly challenging family expectations. MOSAIC Cross-Cultural Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offer several workshops, events, and resources for first-generation college students on their educational path.

is Your student ThE FIRST IN ThE FAMIly to attend ColleGe or Graduate sChool?

For more information, contact GENERATE, the First Generation College Student Program:

Website: www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs/current_students/first-generationPhone Number: (408) 924-6255Program Location: Student Union Center, 1st Floor (next to the bookstore) ■

SUPPORTING YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT

www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs/current_students/first-generation

www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs/current_students/first-generation


All students should be in regular contact with their academic advisors. Each academic department is unique, so seeking out assistance from a major advisor is imperative to student success. In addition to major advisors, students should also meet regularly with a General Education (GE) advisor about their GE requirements. More information can be found below:

Major/Minor Advising:Your student can call their major/minor department for information on how to set up an appointment with an advisor specific to that major or minor. Advisor contact can be found here: http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/advisor_contact_info/#deptnums

General Education (GE) Advising:GE advising is available through Academic Advising & Retention Services (AARS). Call (408) 924-2129 or email [email protected]

Other Academic Resources on Campus:Counseling & Psychological Services (Educational, Personal, and Psychiatric): (408) 924-5910

Accessible Education Center: (408) 924-6000

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Advising: (408) 924-2637

Peer Connections (Tutoring & Mentoring): (408) 924-2587 ■

AcADEMIc ADVISING RESOURcES on Campus


http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/advisor_contact_info/#deptnums

http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/advisor_contact_info/#deptnums


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FALL SEMESTER

Fall Welcome Days Kick-off Event August 19

First Day of Instruction — Classes Begin August 20

Labor Day — Campus Closed September 7

Veteran’s Day — Campus Closed November 11

Thanksgiving Break — Campus Closed November 26–27

Last Day of Instruction December 8

Study Day — No Classes December 9

Final Exams December 10–11, 14–16

Winter Recess December 22 – January 26

SPRING SEMESTER

First Day of Instruction January 28

Spring Recess March 28 – April 1

César Chávez Day — Campus Closed March 31

Last Day of Instruction May 16

Study Day — No Classes May 17

Final Exams May 18–20, 23–24

Commencement May 28 ■

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DISCOVER EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AND AMENITIES.

2015–2016 AcADEMIc cAlENDAR and other important dates

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as FERPA, helps protect the privacy of student information by placing certain restrictions on the disclosure of information contained in a student’s university records. A parent’s rights with respect to their children’s education records are transferred to the student when they reach the age of 18 or attend a postsecondary institution. For more information regarding FERPA, visit the Department of Education’s Family

Compliance Office website: www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

Your student can authorize certain information to be released to you by signing consent forms from the following offices: Registrar’s, Bursar’s, and Financial Aid. To best support your student, communicate with your student to determine the best ways to keep in the loop regarding important information such as grades and tuition payment deadlines. ■

STUDENT REcORDS and privaCY

The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, located in Student Services Center, is a great resource for questions regarding scholarships, work-study, loans, and grants. Encourage your student to check their MySJSU account frequently for messages regarding financial aid. Important deadlines, such as filing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application (financial aid for AB540 students) can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov and https://dream.csac.ca.gov.

Additionally, understanding finances as a college student goes well beyond financial aid. Whether your student is receiving financial aid, working their way through college, or getting financial support from

helpinG Your student with FinanCesfamily members, a conversation regarding student finances cannot be overlooked as your student begins college.

There are a number of important financial topics to cover with your student. Show them how to set a budget and determine financial priorities. If they don’t already have a bank account, help them open a checking and savings account and teach them how to track their spending. Discuss how much they should contribute to a savings account and how it is helpful in the case of emergencies. Lastly, if your student has not already begun receiving credit card offers, they will soon. Explain to them the benefits and dangers of credit cards as well as the importance of having good credit. ■


www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

www.fafsa.ed.gov

https://dream.csac.ca.gov


16

Student wellness consists of not only physical health but also emotional and mental health. During their transition, many students may feel stress which can lead to an overall negative effect on their well-being. First-year students will often turn to family to talk about their trials and tribulations. It is helpful to listen sympathetically, validate your student’s experiences, and remind them that they are not alone. Encouraging healthy practices (e.g., sufficient sleep, regular physical activity, use of effective time management techniques, eating healthy, and journaling) and referring your student to the appropriate resources can make a huge impact to your student’s success.

The Student Wellness Center is dedicated to the total well-being of your student. The Student Wellness Center treats acute injuries and illness and provides general health exams. Encourage your student to walk in to the Student Wellness Center or visit www.sjsu.edu/studenthealth.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is another resource available to support your student’s well-being at no additional cost. Students can talk to a counselor in a confidential setting regarding a range of topics. Free workshops and group sessions are also available to help students reach their full potential and learn important life skills. Topics include: overcoming procrastination, stress/anxiety management, effective communication, money management, and healthy relationship building. For a full list of services, see www.sjsu.edu/counseling. ■

STUDENT wEllNESS: it’s important For aCademiC suCCess!

Some students have known the answer to this question since they were five years old; others are still trying to figure it out. Regardless of your student’s situation, the Career Center offers a variety of tools to help throughout your student’s journey.

Students that are still in exploration mode can utilize self-assessment tools to identify strengths and interests. A number of assessment exercises are available on the Career Center website. Another possible option is to enroll in EDCO 004: Personal, Academic and Career Exploration. This course covers career development planning.

The Career Center can also help students develop their resume, prepare for interviews, and connect to employers for on- and off-campus jobs and internships. Internships are a great way to get real world experience and possibly even make some money. It is never too early to start planning life after college. With workshops and career fairs every semester, your student will be prepared. Check out the SpartaTrack Career Plan for Students on the Career Center website to better guide your student through the next few years.

The Career Centerhttp://www.sjsu.edu/careercenter ■

what do You want to Be when You Grow up? the Career Center Can help You deCide.

San José State University

www.sjsu.edu/studenthealth

www.sjsu.edu/counseling

http://www.sjsu.edu/careercenter

17

If you just dropped your student off for their first semester at SJSU, you made the right choice in choosing on-campus housing. There are many benefits to living on campus during the college experience.

⊲ Students living on campus are more likely to have increased social interaction with peers, providing more opportunities to connect. Making connections is important, as many students may leave a university if they feel disconnected.

⊲ Living on campus means that students are closer to faculty and other administrators, making it more convenient to seek help when necessary. A connection with faculty enables students to become more engaged in the classroom and their area of study.

⊲ On-campus residents are more likely to be involved in co-curricular activities and use campus resources. This allows students to better navigate the university system, and thus increases students’ overall satisfaction with their college experience.

In reality, as this may be your student’s first time living away from home, there are common transitional challenges that your student may face. The following are some of these challenges and some possible ways to address them:

⊲ Roommate disputes. Listen to your student but do not choose sides. Choosing sides may escalate the feud. Each student is assigned to a Resident Advisor (RA) whose job is to enforce housing policy as well as mediate conflict. To avoid some of these conflicts altogether, suggest that your student and their roommate(s) set ground rules from the beginning such as quiet hours, having guests over, borrowing each other’s personal belongings, privacy, etc.

⊲ Homesickness. Your student may get homesick, especially as the semester becomes more challenging. Remind them that they are not alone. Sending a card or something small like their favorite snack or item from home may help.

⊲ Adjusting to shared space. This may be the first time your student has had to share a bathroom with a large number of students. A portable shower caddy to tote items back and forth, shower shoes, and a robe are essential to making this new experience run as smoothly as possible.

As you move your student into their new home, do so with confidence. With time, both you and your student will adjust. The SJSU staff is here to support you and your student along the way. ■

lIVING ON cAMPUS




Enjoy numerous dining options across campus that can satisfy any craving! Whether it’s Panda Express, Jamba Juice, delicious sandwiches at Le Boulanger, Just Below, and On Fourth Café, organic and vegetarian meals at Grounded Café, snacks and gourmet pizza at the Village Market, or a variety of flavors at our newest dining facility, Union Square, your student can meet all their dining needs without leaving campus.

Meal PlansSpartan Shops offers Membership plans, including a five-day plan and a seven-day plan, which provide unlimited entry into the Dining Commons. We feature a wide variety of American and ethnic cuisine including sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta, burritos, vegetarian items, sushi, Weaver’s gourmet coffee and Jamba Juice. Membership plan holders are able to eat as much as they desire and as often as they desire — all you want, whenever you want! Members also enjoy perks like exclusive events as well as free Wi-Fi in the Dining Commons. All freshmen living on campus are required to have

Membership meal plans. For commuters and those living off campus, these Membership options and other meal plans are available.

Ready to eat at the Dining Commons? Those living on campus can sign up for a meal plan with the Housing office. Those living off campus can purchase a meal plan at dining.spartanshops.com or by calling (408) 924-1885.

Gold PointsGold Points are a safe and convenient way to make purchases on campus. The Gold Points account is a debit account accessed via the Tower Card (campus ID card). Gold Points can be used for purchases at any dining location on campus as well as at the Spartan Bookstore. To add Gold Points, visit us online at www.spartanshops.com/goldpoints, visit our office in MacQuarrie Hall, or call (408) 924-1885. ■

SPARTAN ShOPS Campus dininG

dining.spartanshops.com

www.spartanshops.com/goldpoints


Remind your student to show their Spartan pride! The Annual Kick-Off event is held August 19 from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. on Tower Lawn. Free games, giveaways, food, and a chance for your student to meet fellow Spartans! Students who wear their Frosh Orientation T-Shirt and “We Are SPARTA” pin are eligible to win great prizes! For more information, visit: www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved/orientation/fwd

As the parent or family member of a student, you too are a Spartan. Embrace the Spartan within! To receive information on events for Spartan Parents and Families, email: [email protected].

There are many ways for you and your student to show your Spartan pride at SJSU.

Fall semester is a great time to head out to Spartan Stadium to cheer on the football team. Spartan Stadium is located on the South Campus at South 7th Street and Alma Avenue. Homecoming is September 24 – October 4, 2015 and is open to the whole Spartan community, including you! A wide variety of events are scheduled for the entire week leading up to the big game such as Fire on the Fountain, Campus Movie Fest, and much more. Fire on the Fountain is an opportunity for your student to join the Spartan Squad, the official student athletic booster program designed to support SJSU athletics and increase pride, unity, and spirit within the student body.

In addition to sports related events, SJSU is also embracing creative ways to build campus community. Every Thursday is Spartan Pride Day. Spartans are encouraged to wear SJSU gear or other clothing bearing the Spartan blue and gold. For the “We are SPARTA” campaign, students at Frosh Orientation receive a Spartan pin and card to remind them of what it means to be a Spartan.

The five pillars are:

⊲ Integrity

⊲ Respect

⊲ Responsibility

⊲ Achievement

⊲ Community

We encourage students to wear this pin with dignity, honor, and spirit.

SPARTAN FIGHT SONGFight on for dear old San José State;Fight on for victory!We are with you in every way.No matter what the price may be!Onward for Sparta noble and true,Fight hard in everything you do!And so we’ll fight! (RAH!) Win! (RAH!)March onward down the field and we will win the day!S, J, S, U, S, J, S, U, SJSU,San José State!

SPARTAN ALMA MATERHail, Spartans, Hail!Hail, gold, blue, and white!We pledge our hearts and hands, To keep thy colors ever bright, Forward we go! We will not fail!Sing to our Alma Mater, Hail, Hail, Hail! ■

ShOw yOUR SPARTAN PRIDE


www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved/orientation/fwd



Taking College to the Next Level and Beyond

Going to class and studying tops every college student’s priority list. However, there is much more to an SJSU education than labs, lectures, and textbooks. The Spartan experience offers roughly 450 recognized student organizations (RSOs), a vibrant fraternity and sorority community, club sports, intramurals, opportunities for leadership development, and the chance to thrive in one of the most diverse learning environments in the nation.

Research shows that students who are involved with campus life are more academically successful, have better connections with faculty, are more likely to graduate, and have a greater level of satisfaction with their time in college. In addition to doing well in the classroom, students want to feel like they belong to a community that cares about them. At SJSU, there are opportunities for students to explore virtually any interest or passion they may have. From aviation to yoga and everything in between, SJSU has something for your student.

Employers say over and over that they want college graduates who can communicate effectively, think critically, value teamwork, and work strategically toward accomplishing goals. Student

organizations, community service opportunities, student government, intercollegiate athletics, and club sports teams serve as “leadership laboratories,” allowing students the chance to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are most sought after in today’s job market.

SJSU students are presented with the amazing opportunity to create their own college experiences. Many activities and programs at SJSU are offered at no cost to students, while others incur modest fees. With students involved in the planning and coordination of SJSU’s most popular activities, flexibility and a respect for busy class, family, and work schedules is always taken into consideration.

How can you be involved as a parent? Encourage your student to explore their interests, try new things, and meet new people. Show interest in the activities with which your student gets involved. Help them to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the leadership skills they are gaining. Your perspective matters and SJSU wants to partner with you to help your student have the best educational experience possible.

The bottom line: student involvement produces more engaged students and leads to student success.

Empower your student to get the most out of college! Find out more at www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved. ■

GETTING INVOlVED

www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved


In addition to providing career and network opportunities with your student beyond graduation, the SJSU Alumni Association has a variety of programs and services that can support your loved one while they are a current student!

⊲ Scholarships Each year, we provide nearly $100,000 in student scholarships. Applications are open January through March. Students can apply through the university’s online scholarship tool, STARS Scholarship Online.

⊲ Skill Building Seminars and programs focused on building life skills outside the classroom are provided for free (or at very low cost) and help students prepare for the job search and their careers.

⊲ Networking Building a network of personal and professional contacts is critical to career success. In-person networking opportunities are available for students to meet alumni and interact with individuals in their chosen career field.

⊲ SJSU Online

• Search “SJSU Alumni Crib Sheet” in your app store.

• Facebook.com/SJSUaa

• @SJSUalumni

• Search “San José State University (official group)”

More information about the programs and services above can be found on the SJSU alumni website at sjsualumni.com/students. We are honored to have an important member of your family begin their lifelong relationship with SJSU. Welcome! ■

Thanks to media, movies, and TV, Greek life is often portrayed as nothing but partying, drinking, and skipping class. In reality, fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that make a positive impact on our community.

MYTHFRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES HAzE.

TRUTHHazing is illegal in California and San José State University has a strict NO HAzING policy. All chapters have anti-hazing policies and programs. SJSU continually educates all fraternity and sorority members about hazing and responds immediately to all allegations of hazing.

MYTHBEING IN A FRATERNITY OR SORORITY WILL TAKE UP TOO MUCH OF A STUDENT’S TIME.

TRUTHWhatever time a student puts into their Greek organization is exactly what they will get out of it. Many students learn time management skills that will help them with the rest of their lives. Many SJSU fraternity and sorority members have expressed that they only started using a calendar once becoming affiliated with their Greek chapter.

MYTHALL GREEK MEMBERS WANT TO DO IS DRINK AND PARTY.

TRUTHWhile fraternity and sorority members socialize as much as other college students, they are also committed to academics. Students in Greek organizations are required to maintain a certain grade point average by the university and their individual chapter to remain in the organization. Our fraternities and sororities also donate thousands of hours of time and thousands of dollars to service projects and philanthropic activities locally and nationally. ■

AlUMNI SERVIcES

the truth aBout FRATERNITy AND SORORITy lIFE

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Facebook.com/SJSUaa

sjsualumni.com/students


Academic Advising and Retention Services (AARS)

http://www.sjsu.edu/advising (408) 924-2129

Accessible Education Center http://www.sjsu.edu/aec (408) 924-6000

Alumni Association http://www.sjsu.edu/alumni (408) 924-6515

Bursar’s Office http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar (408) 924-1601

Career Center http://www.sjsu.edu/careercenter (408) 924-6031

Counseling & Psychological Services

http://www.sjsu.edu/counseling (408) 924-5910

Financial Aid and Scholarships Office

http://www.sjsu.edu/faso (408) 283-7500 (Press #6)

Office of the Registrar http://www.sjsu.edu/registrar (408) 924-5680

Parking Services http://www.sjsu.edu/parking (408) 924-6556

Spartan Shops http://www.spartanshops.com (408) 924-1900

Student Wellness Center http://www.sjsu.edu/studenthealth (408) 924-6122

Student Involvement http://www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved (408) 924-5950

University Police Department

http://www.sjsu.edu/police (408) 924-2185 (Administration)

(408) 924-2222 (Emergency)

Vice President of Student Affairs

http://www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs (408) 924-5900

IMPORTANT ContaCt inFormation

http://www.sjsu.edu/advising

http://www.sjsu.edu/aec

http://www.sjsu.edu/alumni

http://www.sjsu.edu/bursar

http://www.sjsu.edu/careercenter

http://www.sjsu.edu/counseling

http://www.sjsu.edu/faso

http://www.sjsu.edu/registrar

http://www.sjsu.edu/parking

http://www.spartanshops.com

http://www.sjsu.edu/studenthealth

http://www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved

http://www.sjsu.edu/police

http://www.sjsu.edu/studentaffairs

What banks are near campus?

Who should I call if I want to send my student flowers?

Where should we stay when we come to visit our student?

Where can students store their belongings over the summer?

What's the best way to get from the airport to campus?

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