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!

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.

Basic Academic Affairs Personnel Management Training Course

We are pleased to see so much interest in the ABSO Certificate Program. The first Basic Academic Affairs Personnel Management Course is scheduled in person on December 7th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. There will be no virtual option for this first session; however, subsequent sessions will be conducted online or asynchronously in December 2023 and January 2024.​ You must attend this first in-person meeting to fulfill the requirements of this course.

If you are interested, please sign up here, and you will be added to Canvas to receive additional course information and materials.

Note that this course is part of the Foundational track.

If you have any questions, please reach out to abso@sjsu.edu.

Announcing ABSO Certificate Program for AA Staff

The ABSO Certificate Program is a career-building experience for professional staff in the Academic Affairs Division. ABSO will offer various courses each semester to help you develop your full potential and grow professionally at SJSU. The courses in this program are organized into three tracks to help you decide which path to focus on.

  • Foundational
    Courses offered in this track will introduce fundamental topics and help build a foundation for your future career path at SJSU.
    A minimum of 3 courses must be completed for certification
  • Exploratory
    As you explore pathways toward your career development at SJSU, these courses will pique your curiosity and help you understand more about the functional aspects of the Academic Affairs Division.
    A minimum of 2 courses must be completed for certification
  • Specialty
    Courses focused on specific areas of interest so you can level up your career development or leadership skills.
    A minimum of 2 courses must be completed for certification

To view specific courses in each track, please visit the ABSO Certificate Program webpage.

Expectations
Courses are offered as synchronous and asynchronous and are administered in Canvas. Some courses may have multiple modules and dates. Participants can enroll in as many courses in each track but must complete the minimum number of courses to earn a certificate of achievement for the finished track. Assignments and quizzes are required and will impact the successful completion of the program.

Manager approval is required if a participant takes the course during work hours.

Timeline
Each track can be completed within 18 – 24 months if participants follow the course schedule.

Course Schedule
Fall 2023
Basic Academic Affairs Personnel Management (10 – 12 hrs). This course consists of four modules.

  • Module 1: Position Management (time certain, in person)
  • Module 2: Assigned Time (pre-recorded, set time frame to complete)
  • Module 3: Student Employee Recruitment & Hire Process (time certain, Zoom)
  • Module 4: Academic Affairs Processes & Resources (time certain, Zoom)

 As new courses become available, they will be posted on the AA Resource Hub and announced via the ABSO blog.

Registration
This program is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and is free to all professional staff in the Academic Affairs Division.

If you are interested in participating in the ABSO Certificate Program, please register here and indicate which track you are interested in. You will be added to Canvas and grouped with your cohort. We will use Canvas to communicate information and course schedules and materials.

Questions
Contact abso@sjsu.edu.