Author Archives: ABSO

New Course Launch: Fundamentals of Enrollment Management

We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new course in the Pathway to Employee Excellence training program: Fundamentals of Enrollment Management, part of the Exploratory Track. This course is designed to deepen professional knowledge and strengthen campus-wide collaboration. Provost Vincent Del Casino and Sr. AVP of Enrollment Management Andrew Wright will lead it, along with guest speakers.

Course Description

Fundamentals of Enrollment Management provides an overview of key strategies and best practices for attracting, enrolling, and retaining students. Participants will explore recruitment planning, admissions processes, financial aid considerations, student success initiatives, and data-driven decision-making. Through discussions and real-world examples, the course equips attendees with the foundational knowledge needed to support SJSU enrollment goals effectively.

You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of how your work supports SJSU’s broader enrollment goals—and practical tools to help move the needle.

Who Should Attend?

  • Staff and Management involved in student recruitment, admissions, financial aid, or student success initiatives
  • Team members interested in data-informed decision-making
  • Anyone who wants to understand better how SJSU attracts, enrolls, and retains its students

Whether you’re new to enrollment work or looking to refresh your skills, this course offers foundational insights that apply across departments.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand Core Concepts
  • Analyze Enrollment Data
  • Develop Recruitment Strategies
  • Evaluate Admissions Processes
  • Assess Financial Aid Impacts
  • Apply Best Practices

Course Highlights

  • Format: A blend of lectures, interactive sessions, case studies, and hands-on workshops. Five modules, all delivered in person (no Zoom format) to maximize learning through collaboration, peer interaction, and hands-on engagement. If you cannot attend all modules, please consider registering for a future course.
  • Dates:
    • Module 1: July 31, 9:00 – 10:30 am
    • Module 2: August 5, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
    • Module 3: August 7, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
    • Module 4: August 12, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
    • Module 5: August 14, 9:00 – 10:30 am
  • Assessments:
    • Module quizzes
    • Final project to synthesize learning

Ready to Explore?

Join us for this valuable opportunity to learn how enrollment management connects to your daily work—and how you can help shape the student journey at SJSU from first contact to graduation.
Register by June 13, 2025.

New ABSO Training Course: Intro to Change Management – Get Ready to Lead with Confidence!

Change is constant — the real question is: Are you prepared to lead it?

This summer, we’re thrilled to launch Intro to Change Management, a highly interactive, hands-on course designed to empower you with the tools and mindset to navigate change with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This is the first course in the exploratory track of the Pathway to Employee Excellence Program and will be open to staff and managers.

Course Highlights

Dates: June 23 and 30, July 9, 16, and 23
Time: Five 1.5-hour sessions
Delivery: All in-person

Format:

  • Engaging group discussions
  • Thought-provoking interactive exercises
  • Built-in Q&A sessions to keep the dialogue flowing
  • Practical, hands-on mini-project work

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of change management
  • Use the ADKAR model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement)
  • Apply concepts through interactive exercises and a mini-project
  • Gain confidence and clarity to apply change management strategies in your unit or team
  • Define what success looks like for your leadership journey

You’ll leave with not just knowledge — but readiness to lead change.

Who Should Attend

Whether you’re a team lead, project manager, or someone passionate about professional growth, this course will help you turn uncertainty into opportunity. This course is open to staff and managers interested in change management or leadership development.

Lead change. Don’t just manage it.
Let’s learn, collaborate, and grow together this summer. Don’t miss your chance to build leadership skills that make a real difference.

Spots Are Limited – Be the First to Register!

Register for the course by May 23, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to build leadership skills that make a real difference. Any questions, please contact abso@sjsu.edu.

Celebrating Staff Achievement: Honoring our first cohort of the ABSO Certificate Program

Three people stand together. The woman in the center holds flowers and a certificate. A blue and yellow decorated backdrop is behind them.

Celebrating Staff Achievement: Honoring our first cohort of the ABSO Certificate Program

On March 19, 2025, in a heartfelt ceremony, we proudly recognized five exceptional staff members who completed the foundational track of the ABSO Certificate Program, Pathway to Employee Excellence. Launched in Fall 2023, this professional development initiative aims to refresh, strengthen, and teach new skills to staff employees within Academic Affairs.

Since its inception, the program has offered three comprehensive courses focusing on basic personnel management, basic budget and financial management, and event planning. With approximately 100 Academic Affairs staff participating in at least one course, these five individuals demonstrated remarkable persistence by completing all three courses, which included assignments and quizzes.

Congratulations to:

  • Nima Abrishamkar, Senior Analyst, Programs and Operations, Applied Data Science
  • Sarah Kam, Senior College Resource Analyst, COSS Dean’s Office
  • Kristina Luna, Administrative Services Specialist, School of Information
  • Lydie Rashel, Administrative Analyst, Mechanical Engineering
  • Mahasti Tayebi, Administrative Support Coordinator, Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

During the ceremony, Provost Vincent Del Casino and AVP Sami Monsur presented certificates of completion, joined by colleagues, directors, and deans who came to celebrate and support their staff’s professional growth. The honorees can proudly showcase their ABSO training badge in their professional portfolios, highlighting their achievements and skills.

Honoree Highlights:

“I love communicating and being in touch with students…I love the training.” — Nima Abrishamkar
“I’m grateful for this training… it gave me exposure to how the university works.” — Sarah Kam
“I love my job. I grow and learn every day… this training was wonderful.” — Mahasti Tayebi
“The better I am, the better our faculty and students can focus on their work.” — Lydie Rashel
“I’ve learned in each module… it’s necessary to stay fresh.” — Kristina Luna

Leadership Reflections:

AVP Monsur encouraged participants to see this as a stepping stone: “These trainings show that the campus is open to you — even beyond our division — as growth opportunities arise.” The program seeks to empower employees through knowledge. 

Provost Del Casino applauded the dedication shown: “This is above and beyond your day-to-day work. It’s inspiring to see people invest in each other and build community. Congratulations to everyone!”

What’s Next?

We’re excited to announce new courses in the exploratory track this summer: Fundamentals of Enrollment Management and Intro to Change Management (ADKAR Method). We’re also offering Introduction to Courses & Class Scheduling as part of the foundational track. Stay tuned for more details!

Again, congratulations to our first cohort for their dedication and achievement. We look forward to seeing more staff continue to grow and thrive through this impactful program.

Update to the Academic Affairs Division Telecommuting Agreement Process

We are implementing an important update to the telecommuting agreement process for the Academic Affairs Division. Effective immediately, we are shifting to a calendar-year model for all telecommuting agreements, regardless of an employee’s hire date. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Calendar Year Model: We are in the process of transitioning all of our telecommuting agreements to a January–December schedule. This update will standardize agreements across the Division to streamline tracking and renewals.
  • Standard Campus/Remote Model: The standard schedule for telecommuting is a 3-day campus / 2-day remote model. Any department or unit requesting a schedule other than this 3/2 split must be prepared to submit written justification from the Appropriate Administrator if requested by the Office of Equal Opportunity.
  • Agreement Cycle: When an employee’s current Telecommuting Agreement expires, the new agreement must have an end date of 12/31/25 to align with the calendar year model. For agreements ending on 12/31/2024, please submit a new agreement in December to allow for approval processing and ensure an effective start date of January 1, 2025.
  • Guidelines and Resources: Review the telecommuting process – including the policy, signing authority, and agreement guidelines – on the AA Resource Hub. As a reminder, please use the AAD-specific Telecommuter Agreement, also available on the AA Resource Hub.
  • Telecommuting Help and FAQs: For more information, check out UP’s Telecommuting Help and FAQs webpage.

If you have any questions, please consult with your DRO/manager or reach out to ABSO at abso@sjsu.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation in this transition to a streamlined telecommuting process.

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!