Author Archives: ABSO

Exciting Training Opportunities for Staff this Fall

ABSO is excited to offer two new specialized training courses for department staff this fall semester. These courses are part of the ABSO Certificate Program and are designed to provide key skills and insights into event planning and budgeting, essential for effective departmental operations. Both courses will be delivered through Canvas, using a mix of in-person, Zoom, and pre-recorded sessions for flexible learning.

Event Planning (October 2024)
This course offers a comprehensive overview of event planning at SJSU, from initial concept development to post-event follow-up. Led by campus subject matter experts, you will participate in four interactive modules scheduled throughout October, with the first module starting on October 10. This course is ideal for those responsible for organizing small or large events. However, all department staff are welcome to join and enhance their skills!

Basic Budget & Financial Management (November 1, 2024 – January 17, 2025)
This training series aims to equip staff with the essential skills needed to manage departmental finances. From understanding budgeting basics to navigating financial processes and systems, the course provides practical insights and tools tailored for beginners and those seeking a refresher. The series consists of seven sessions, beginning on November 1 and concluding on January 17. Sessions will be delivered via Zoom and pre-recorded videos, offering flexible participation.

If you’ve already completed previous courses in the ABSO training program, this is your opportunity to fulfill the requirements for the Foundational track and earn a badge! Don’t miss out on the chance to grow professionally and contribute more effectively to your department’s success. Sign up now!

Update on Recruitment Request Process

Following up on the Provost’s message regarding Budget Adjustments for FY 24/25, please do not submit any recruitments, classification/compensation reviews, stipends, overloads, etc., until the Provost approves your College’s/Unit’s plan for the 6% budget cut.

Additionally, University Personnel has updated the Rationale to Recruit form to be a PowerForm. Please note that we now require the Dean, Vice Provost, or AVP to sign off as the Appropriate Administrator. We also recommend that the DRO or unit manager initiate the request. Please review the process in the Academic Affairs Resource Hub.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Larsen at jessica.larsen@sjsu.edu.

New Process for Recruitments

With the implementation of the soft hiring freeze, effective immediately, the President’s Cabinet will review the justification for all recruitments before posting and at the final stage before an offer is extended. As such, the new Rationale to Recruit DocuSign form is now available and includes multiple levels of approval within the Division and up through the Cabinet. The Cabinet will also review all Temporary Appointments, including Special Consultants and Emergency Hires. The updated process is outlined on the AA Resource Hub.

For job cards awaiting approval in CHRS Recruiting, you must complete the new Rationale to Recruit form. Once approved, upload the signed Rationale to Recruit form to the existing job card, click Submit, and notify the pending approver.

For other requests (Emergency Hire, Casual Worker, Retired Annuitant, Special Consultant) previously submitted and yet to be approved, you must re-submit the request using the new Rationale to Recruit DocuSign form.

Lastly, there will be an updated form for Classification/Compensation requests, including stipends, overloads, etc. More information coming soon.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Larsen, jessica.larsen@sjsu.edu.

Courses & Their Classification Workshop Recording & Slides

Yesterday, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, we offered our workshop on Courses & Their Classifications. This workshop is part of the suite of ABSO Training Courses announced last November, and was co-hosted by the staff in the Office of Academic Scheduling and Space Management and the Office of Undergraduate Education (Curriculum). We are sharing the workshop recording and slides with those of you who may have missed the workshop or would like access for future reference.

The workshop reviewed the curricular structure (courses vs. classes), how they relate to course classifications and how this impacts requirements for class time, and the process and timelines for curricular changes as published officially in the annual Academic Catalog. This workshop was primarily designed for department schedulers, but any SJSU staff or faculty are welcome to review the recording and slides. We are planning to include this workshop recording as a small part of a larger “Introduction to Academic Scheduling” class planned as part of the ABSO Training Courses.

Courses & Their Classification Workshop

As part of the suite of ABSO Training Courses announced last November, we are excited to announce a workshop on Courses & Their Classifications on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 11:00-11:45 AM via Zoom. This workshop is co-hosted by the staff in the Office of Academic Scheduling and Space Management and the Office of Undergraduate Education (Curriculum).
The workshop will review the curricular structure (courses vs. classes), how they relate to course classifications and how this impacts requirements for class time, and the process and timelines for curricular changes as published officially in the annual Academic Catalog. This workshop is primarily for department schedulers, but any SJSU staff or faculty are welcome to attend.