|
One of the best things about being involved in a university is that I continually have the opportunity to engage with people and learn new things. Just this month, I attended the Homecoming football game, a celebration of the CIES’ International Gateway’s 40th anniversary, the Academic Affairs Staff Appreciation Breakfast, and the Faculty Diversity Committee’s Fall Fling, among many other events. This busy month has been a reminder for me that one of my important roles as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs is fostering a culture of engagement and continual learning for all of you.
 I am proud that the Academic Affairs Leadership Team has come together to develop new opportunities for professional growth. Two new programs have been developed to help members of our community acclimate to the culture at San Jose State. With University 101 and an administrator on-boarding program, faculty and administrators are learning about how each division on campus works together to support student success. These programs are about showing people what it is like to be a Spartan while also providing opportunities for growth.
We are also focused on providing resources to our staff. I am pleased to share the news that 48 groups and individuals received a staff professional development grant to use by May 30, 2016. A second call for applications is open now, with applications due Nov. 13. For faculty, a new slate of research, scholarship, and creative activity support services launched this fall, including the University Grants Academy. See a full list of upcoming events online. We continue to support the Academic Affairs Leadership Discovery Group. In its third year, Social Work Professor Peter Allen Lee is now facilitating the program. It provides faculty and staff members a chance to evaluate their readiness to take on new responsibilities while also creating an action plan to attain their career goals. Dean Lisa Vollendorf, from the College of Humanities and the Arts, is also leading the Dean’s Leadership Academy. The program focuses on faculty who want to take on more responsibilities and learn about pathways to leadership positions in the Academy. The program is sponsored and paid for by the deans and is currently supporting 17 faculty members. I look forward to hearing suggestions from you on ways we can continue to support your professional growth.  Andy Feinstein Provost and VP for Academic Affairs |
