Author Archives: FinanceConnect

Travel Restrictions from Chancellor’s Office to be Lifted as of 6/1/2021 – SJSU Issues Modification of Travel Restrictions

SJSU continues the SJSU ADAPT plan and our four-phase approach for the continuation of campus operations.  Currently the campus is in ‘Phase 3: Hybrid Campus’ with education in the form of a hybrid learning modalities.  Recently the CSU Chancellor’s Office announced that travel restrictions issued previously would be lifted as of 6/1/2021 and that campuses would continue to evaluate travel based upon guidance from Centers for Disease Control (CDC).   An additional resource is available at the  California Department of Public Health (CDPH).  CDC continues to recommend delaying travel until fully vaccinated and to continue to choose safer travel options.  Most systemwide meetings will continue to be held virtually.

  • Domestic Travel is discouraged for non-essential travel as travel continues to exacerbate the spread of this virus.  
  • International Travel is reviewed on a case by case basis based upon the program location or travel destination. 

CSU policy requires that we consider the health and safety of students and employees when making plans for traveling. In all cases, travelers must adhere to the latest travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health(CDPH).  Additionally, when returning to California, travelers are required to follow the guidelines of the CDPH and CDC as their recommendations are updated regularly.

As of June 1, 2021:

  • Domestic authorization to travel will be approved by the department approving official with consideration of the travel guidance from CDC and CDPH.  The google form “Adapted Travel Process for Presidential Approval” is no longer required for Domestic Travel.  Please remember SJSU has a list of States in the US where Travel is banned based on AB 1887.1
  • International travel requires approval by the President and cannot be sub delegated per CSU policy.  The established process for a Travel Authorization is conducted through FTS, and will automatically be routed to the President for approval.  Remember there is a list of countries currently considered high-risk, consult the CSURMA High Hazardous Country List and also review each country’s current COVID-19 risk.2  
  • RSCA-related travel is approved by Mohamed Abousalem, VP Research & Innovation.

Reminder:  Departments who have tracked and maintained their employees travel vouchers should utilize them before they expire.  For additional information see the FinanceConnect Blog Message dated 3/10/2020 COVID-19 Travel Suspension, COVID Travel FAQs or contact the Travel Coordinator for assistance.

1 Domestic Travel – Current banned states per AB1887,

2 International High Risk Countries

Announcement: Sr. AVP Marna Genes is Retiring!

After 10 happy years with San José State University, Marna Genes, Senior Associate Vice President Finance & Business Services has announced her upcoming retirement.  Her official retirement date is June 30, 2021.

SJSU has benefitted from Marna’s passion for developing people and working collaboratively across teams.  After assuming her role in 2017, she established the Finance Leadership Team and charged them with targeting enhancements in customer service, process improvement, and change management.  During her tenure, the team moved off campus to a remote worksite, implemented technology solutions, and streamlined processes and improved efficiencies. We wish her well in her post-work life, which she says will include a lot of hiking and fly fishing.

Finance and Business Services is well-prepared for the upcoming change in leadership. Kathleen Prunty, current AVP Business Services, will assume the role as the Interim Senior Associate Vice President Finance & Business Services. Kathleen joined SJSU in 2018 after 10 years with Cal Poly Pomona, and she has co-led the Finance & Business Services team with Marna for the past two years. Her effective leadership and acquired knowledge will ensure a seamless transition.

Please join me in wishing the best retirement can offer to Marna and congratulating Kathleen in her new role.

2020/21 Campus Fiscal Year-End Deadlines

The 2020/21 Year-end deadlines are now available and posted on the Finance and Business Services website.

These deadlines enable the campus to meet financial reporting and audit requirements of the State Controller’s Office, CSU Chancellor’s Office and various other agencies. Please do your part to ensure transactions are recorded in the proper fiscal year by meeting these deadlines.

Don’t forget to register and join us this Friday for our What’s Up presentation!