Ellen Junn at her first forum as SJSU's chief academic officer (Robert Bain photo).
By Pat Lopes Harris, Media Relations Director
Sunny skies greeted nearly 26,800 students beginning spring term 2012 Jan. 25 at San Jose State.
Around 800 transfers arrived on campus, including at least one San Francisco 49er. Donte Whitner lit up Twitter with tons of questions on everything from barbecue to student services.
New Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Junn became perhaps the first SJSU administrator ever to incorporate live audience polling via cell phone into a campuswide forum on the budget and strategic plan.
President Mo Qayoumi began the term with a welcome back message vowing to move forward on Vision 2012. “I am well aware that ‘strategic plans’ can become empty words. Let me assure you that this is not our path,” he said.
“Acceleration: The Campaign for San Jose State University” will continue to make progress toward its $200 million goal, while Governor Brown proposed a flat budget for the CSU in 2012-2013. He’ll update the numbers in May.
The University Police Department introduced an evening shuttle, providing safe transit for campus community members traveling between SJSU and nearby residences, workplaces, classrooms or public transit.
Students of course continue to work away on a wide range of academic and pre-professional endeavors. One example is a team of aspiring engineers developing a futuristic spherical drive system.
Athletics Director Tom Bowen will provide all faculty and staff two free tickets to a Spartan Basketball doubleheader Feb. 4, when rally towels will be given away to the first 500 people in attendance.
Later this semester, on Feb. 25, MSNBC political analyst Rachel Maddow will accept the John Steinbeck Award, “In the Souls of the People,” following in the footsteps of Sean Penn, Michael Moore and many others.
Spring term is for milestones. The Honors Convocation will celebrate its 50th anniversary April 20, recognizing students with top GPAs. The same day, an Investiture Ceremony is planned for President Qayoumi.
At Commencement May 26, SJSU will send more than 8,000 students into the workforce or on to graduate school. Go Spartans!