To engage students in learning and personal development by fostering connections within our diverse university community, promoting campus citizenship, and preparing students for current and future leadership roles.

Our Educational Goals (Learning Outcomes)

PDF Version of the Educational Goals

San José State University and Student Involvement provide students an outstanding educational experience, preparing them for active and productive lives, effective relationships, and access to enriching opportunities. To this end, students will achieve six educational goals, categorized by skill or orientation, through programs and services offered by Student Involvement.

Skill - a proficiency that is acquired or developed through training and hands-on experience

Communication
Reasoning
Leadership

Orientation - an awareness of self in relation to time, place, and person; an adaptation to a new environment, situation, custom, or set of ideas

Individual Responsibility
Social Responsibility
University Responsibility

Our Benchmark Goals

PDF Version of Our Benchmark Goals

The mission of Student Involvement is "To engage students in learning and personal development by fostering connections within our diverse university community, promoting campus citizenship, and preparing students for current and future leadership roles." In addition to establishing departmental educational goals. Student Involvement has developed a plan for growth and performance from 2006-11, as compared to peer standards. They are our indicators of growth and performance.

National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) Category - Enriching Educational Experience

Leadership and Educational Development Programs
Transition Programs

National Survey on Student Engagement (NSSE) Category - Supportive Campus Environment

Associated Students Development and Advising
Community-Building Programs
Student Organization Services

Office Hours

Summer and Winter Break
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Spring and Fall Semesters
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information

Suite 140, Clark Hall
One Washington Square
San José CA 95192-0038

[P] 408.924.5950
[F] 408.924.5953
[W] getinvolved.sjsu.edu
[E] getinvolved@sjsu.edu

Our Staff

PDF version of the Organization Chart

Blake Balajadia
Coordinator, Fraternity and Sorority Life
blake.balajadia@sjsu.edu

Blake joined the staff of Student Involvement's Fraternity and Sorority Life team nearly two years ago, and has never looked back. He is a proud alumnus of Alpha Kappa Omega and founder of the United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC). Blake earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business (Human Resources) from San José State University. His passions include anything involving the Pilipino culture, social justice, and hip hop.

Blake advises the A.S. Director of Faculty Affairs, as well as the Director of Community and Environmental Affairs, the A.S. University Affairs Committee, and the National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC) and United Sorority and Fraternity (USFC) Councils.

Emily J. Bauer
Associate Director, Orientation and Transition
emily.bauer@sjsu.edu

Emily has recently joined the staff as Associate Director for Orientation and Transition (OAT). She brings with her a love of program planning and student leadership. Emily earned her Bachelor's Degree in Recreation from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and also holds a Master of Education degree in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. Emily works closely with the OAT staff to implement Freshman orientation. She also advises Fall Welcome Days, as well as parts of the Associated Students. Emily is very involved in the National Orientation Directors Association and hopes to bring her passion for helping new students to SJSU. In her personal life, Emily loves to spend time with her dog (Agave), play outdoors and attend rock shows!

Emily advises the A.S. Election Board and the Director of Campus Advising Affairs, and the Fall Welcome Days - Welcome Board

Alissa Christenson
Coordinator, Frosh Orientation
alissa.christenson@sjsu.edu

Alissa is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a major in Human Services. In 2006 she moved to sunny, warm California to complete her Masters degree in Educational Administration at the University of the Pacific. She served as the Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership and Involvement and New Student Programs. She joined the SJSU family in June of 2008. She has a passion for programming and is excited to work with the amazing OAT staff.

Alissa advises the A.S. Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities, as well as the Director of External Affairs, and the A.S. Lobby Corps Committee.

Alicia Deadrick
Graduate Intern, Orientation and Transition
alicia.deadrick@sjsu.edu

Alicia received her Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History with a minor in Classics from Gustavus Adolphus College in small town St. Peter, Minnesota and is currently working on her Master's in Ancient History here at SJSU. She has studied in Hawaii and Greece. She has also lived in small towns in Minnesota her entire life, so she and her new husband decided to really try something new and ended up here in sunny San José, and they are loving it! Alicia loves to go on adventures, explore new areas, attempt to travel, watch movies of all kinds, attending Phi Alpha Theta/History Club meetings and events, and to read everything she can get her hands on.

Alicia is the Graduate Intern for Orientation and Transition and is looking forwards to her first summer working orientation with the awesome OAT team, making sure things are running smoothly and answering any questions.

Alana Hamlett
Coordinator, Student Organizations and Development
alana.hamlett@sjsu.edu

Emily Jensen
Graduate Intern, Orientation and Transition
emily.jensen@sjsu.edu

Emily received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (minors in French and Philosophy) and is currently working on her Masters of Education degree, both from Iowa State University. As the NODA (National Orientation Directors Association) Intern for Programming, Emily oversees the student life and evening entertainment sessions for the Frosh Orientation program. She also assists in supervising the Orientation Advisors and Core Staff. Emily enjoys riding her bike and being outdoors, and has one dimple on her left cheek, which has been the source of many related nicknames.

Richard C. Kelley
Director
richard.kelley@sjsu.edu

Rich attended Slippery Rock University (PA), and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Foreign Languages (having studied Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, German, and Chinese) and a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel Services. Prior to joining the SJSU family in 2006, he worked previously at Olivet College (MI) from 1992-99, Williams College (MA) from 1999-04, and Washington State University from 2004-06. Rich loves to cook, watch movies (owns a library of over 500), listens to techno/euro pop music, and enjoys spending time with his friends.

Rich advises the A.S. President and Vice President, Directors of Business Affairs, Programming Affairs, Extracurricular Affairs and Communications, as well as the A.S. Program Board

Pauline Le
Coordinator, Student Organization Development
pauline.le@sjsu.edu

Pauline Le is one of the Coordinators of Student Organization Development. She received her B.A. in English and minors in Education, Human Development, and Contemporary Leadership from the University of California, Davis. She then earned an English teaching credential and Masters in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles. After teaching high school English and Life Skills for two years, Pauline is thrilled to be back in the Bay Area at San José State University. Independent film festivals, discovering restaurants, good conversations, and freelance writing make her happy.

Pauline advises the A.S. Director of Internal Affairs and the A.S. Rules Committee. Among coordinating the Fall Student Organization Faire and the Spring Student Organization Recognition Banquet, she is the liason to Club Sports and works specifically with the groups: Political, Recreation/Leisure, Cultural/Int'l/Social Justice, Religious/Spiritual, Service and the Governance/Advisory Board

Nam Nguyen
Associate Director, Student Organizations and Leadership
nam.nguyen@sjsu.edu

Nam Nguyen is the Associate Director for Student Organizations and Leadership at San José State University. In this capacity she manages a team who oversees the leadership and growth of nearly 300 student organizations, while providing solid student development opportunities. With a primary focus on the holistic growth of students through co-curricular education, Ms. Nguyen provides trainings on topics such as: leadership skills, cultural competency, effective communication skills, ethical leadership, goal-setting, and event planning.

Nam attended the University of California at Irvine where she received bachelor degrees in General Social Sciences and Asian American Studies. At the University of Southern California she received her Masters of Education degree in Postsecondary Administration & Student Affairs. Her research interests include student leadership development of Asian Pacific Islanders, identity development of South East Asian students, and organizational leadership structures.

In her spare time, Ms. Nguyen enjoys cooking, creating arts and crafts, and football. She loves music and is a HUGE Harry Potter fan! Having just returned from sailing as a member of the Student Life team for the fall 2006 term at Semester at Sea, Nam was able to simultaneously enjoy two of her life passions ? travel and education!

Maria Rodrigues
Administrative Analyst
maria.rodrigues@sjsu.edu

Maria Rodrigues is the department's Rock of Gibraltar. She is responsible for monitoring the department?s budget, purchasing and delivery of commodities and supplies, day to day administrative operations and departmental procedures, and human resources. She has been with the department for ten years, likes to travel, watch movies, dance, enjoy dinners with friends, and has a newfound happiness for her grandson, Charles.

Diana Rubio
Program Support Coordinator, Student Organizations and Leadership / Fraternity and Sorority Life
diana.rubio@sjsu.edu

Diana is the Program Support Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life (FASL) and Student Organizations and Leadership (SOAL). She is a proud undergrad of SJSU; while she attended SJSU she work at MOSAIC Cross Culture Center as Assistant to the Program Coordinator. She was also part of Latino Business Association, Ballet Floklorico Luna Y Sol de SJSU and Chicano Commencement. In Spring 2005 Diana graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business; she then joined KB Home where she took the position of Purchasing Coordinator. Two years later Diana decided to come back and join the Student Involvement team at SJSU, where she is looking forward to interacting with students and making sure their experience at San José State University becomes unforgettable. As the Program Coordinator she assists with the recognition process for all organizations on campus and helps organizations with any issues/questions they may have. Some of Diana's hobbies are traveling and dancing.

Jeannie Sabaroff
Assistant Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
jeannie.sabaroff@sjsu.edu

Jeannie is a graduate of Temple University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and Bowling Green State University, where she earned her Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel. She has primary responsibility for leading a comprehensive fraternity and sorority life program, consisting of nearly 1000 students, amongst 20 fraternities and 15 sororities, and 4 governing councils. She is also responsible for visionary programming and guides the program area in providing quality student development opportunities. Jeannie brings with her a passion for fraternity and sorority organizations, and the development of student leaders. In her spare time, she loves to travel, have new adventures, cook gourmet foods, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends.

Jeannie advises the A.S. Directors of Student Fee Affairs, Student Resource Affairs, and Campus Climate Affairs, as well as the Interfraternity (IFC) and National Panhellenic (PHC) Councils, and the Order of Omega.

Ruth Sterner
Graduate Intern, Orientation and Transition
ruth.sterner@sjsu.ed

Ruth received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology (Biochemistry minor) from the University of Colorado-Boulder and is currently working on her Masters of Education degree in College Student Services at Oregon State University. As the NODA (National Orientation Directors Association) Intern for Advising, Ruth oversees the implementation of all advising and registration aspects of Orientation, assists with preparing the Transfer Information Program (TIP) and supervision of Orientation Advisors. She also plans and facilitates staff trainings and meetings. Ruth has completed two years of national service with Americorps National Civilian Community Corps, attended Semester at Sea in 2001, and has hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Harshal Vadera
Graduate Intern, Fraternity and Sorority Life
hvadera@email.sjsu.edu

Harshal earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Purdue University and is currently working on his Master of Science degree in Biotechnology at San José State University. He is a member of the Indiana Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, an avid enthusiast of "real" football (soccer).... diehard fan of Manchester United, and his dream job would be to work for the health sciences division of the United Nations. Harshal coordinates the Greek Retention, Education, Achievement, and Training (GREAT) program, which includes securing presenters and venues, and he serves as a liaison to the Greek Advisory Council (GAC). He also serves as a member of the Student Affairs Diversity Committee.

Esmeralda Victoria
Program Support Coordinator, Orientation and Transition
esmeralda.victoria@sjsu.edu

Esmeralda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. As the Program Support Coordinator for Orientation and Transition, she tracks the Orientation and transition programs budgets and coordinates the administrative functions of Orientation and Fall Welcome Days. Esmeralda lived in Paris for three months, loves to cook, enjoys scrapbooking and eating sushi, likes to sew, and her favorite author is Jane Austin.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

COMMUNICATION: Students will speak, listen and write to achieve intended and meaningful understanding.

Students will demonstrate communication skills by their ability to:

communicate in speech, presentation, and writing in order to convey meaning, significance, emotion, and values in and beyond their peer groups
appreciate background and interests of a group or audience and how this impacts the exchange of information
visually express ideas, propositions, and beliefs in coherent, concise, and technically correct forms effective with general and disciplinary audiences

REASONING: Students will use knowledge of evidence and context in order to reach conclusions and reason, as well as to innovate in imaginative ways.

Students will demonstrate their reasoning skills by their ability to:

analyze and critically examine real-world issues
propose solutions to complex challenges
consider multiple perspectives from various people while not censoring their own perspective
synthesize, analyze, and process quantitative information
strategically plan for short term and long term success

LEADERSHIP: Students will acquire core leadership skills, enabling them to lead productive and meaningful lives within the SJSU and global community.

Students will demonstrate their leadership skills by their ability to:

develop and manage teams, and facilitate groups of people
mediate interpersonal and group conflict
delegate tasks and responsibilities, set goals, and serve as a resource to peers
plan, implement, and evaluate both social and educational programs or events
serve in positional roles
understand various leadership styles and dynamics

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY: Students will advance their understanding and sense of self and live healthier lives in order to be successful at SJSU and beyond.

Students will demonstrate individual responsibility by their ability to:

participate in programs that examine character and identity development
learn more about themselves through social interaction
clarify and align their actions with their values
make responsible and ethical decisions
practice personal integrity, citizenship, and service to others shaped by a spirit of compassion and cooperation
develop healthy eating patterns
engage in physical activities that help to improve personal physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle
participate in relaxation or meditative activities in order to enhance a sense of peace and calm

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Students will cultivate their understanding and duty to be socially responsible and global citizens.

Students will demonstrate social responsibility by their ability to:

display cultural competency
engage in cross-cultural communication with others
participate in social justice programs or events
participate in service organizations, programs, or initiatives
plan, implement, and evaluate programs or events involving themes of diversity or social justice
advocate for social justice through academic and co-curricular arenas

UNIVERSITY RESPONSIBILITY: Students will be responsible to SJSU for becoming a campus citizen and seeking out ways to become academically and socially integrated into the community. Demonstrating this responsibility will lead to an increased institutional commitment.

Students will demonstrate university responsibility by their ability to:

make satisfactory progress toward graduation
seek out opportunities to engage socially with other students
participate in campus student organizations
attend and/or lead events related to the campus and community
take responsibility for one?' actions and developing a plan for college success

BENCHMARK GOALS

LEADERSHIP & EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: Implement a values-driven and outcomes-based leadership and educational development program at SJSU

By Spring 2007, set the foundation for Orientation and Transition Staff culture/identity
- by introducing and implementing the FISH! Philosophy
By Fall 2007, implement a comprehensive model of involvement by students in University programs and initiatives
- by encouraging and tracking the involvement of students from their first semester until they graduate
By Spring 2008, fully incorporate leadership praxis into UNVS 199, Orientation Leadership Studies
- by adding more universal leadership components in addition to the specific Orientation Staff role
By Fall 2008, select, train, and support student leaders in planning and conducting leadership program
- by creating student leadership opportunities within each departmental program area
By Fall 2008, ensure the stability and longevity of leadership and educational development programs
- by securing external funding to support program and service growth
- by increasing departmental reach to external constituents and establishing partnerships and fundraising efforts
By Fall 2008, establish a comprehensive leadership and educational development program
- by creating a leadership library and resource center (2007)
- by offering interactive/challenge programs like a ropes course (2007)
- by offering 1 and/or 2 day institutes and conferences (2007)
- by offering a systematic and comprehensive workshop series that incorporates departmental learning outcomes, and includes tracks for Fraternities & Sororities and Club Sports, Specific Careers, and Emerging & Advanced Leadership (2008)
- by implementing a campus Leadership Minor that fuses curricular and co-curricular elements, and is jointly managed by Student and Academic Affairs (2008)
- by implementing a Standards of Excellence Program for the Fraternity and Sorority Community (2008)
- by creating a Peer Leadership Advisor/Mentor program (2008)
- by strengthening Leadership Today, reaching out to more students, and finding the most cost-effective ways to produce program initiatives (2008)
By Fall 2009, establish a recognition and school spirit program
- by creating a reward system (accumulated points) during major campus events, like Homecoming and Welcome Week
- by implementing a Spring Recognition Banquet/Program that celebrates student and organizational accomplishments

TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Implement a series of programs aimed at assisting students in transitioning to and succeeding at SJSU

By Summer 2007, educate first year students about the topics of citizenship and campus culture
- by making it an Orientation and Transition program component
By Spring 2008, implement a database capable of housing accounting, payments, involvement, and welcome week invitations
- by working closely with the technical staff in Enrollment and Academic Services who oversee the Orientation database
By Fall 2008, create a comprehensive Frosh Involvement Program
- by collecting information from students at Orientation and subsequently collaborating with the Student Organizations and Leadership Team to connect students to involvement opportunities
By Summer 2009, offer oral and written communication in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese at Orientation
- by utilizing bilingual translators to facilitate sessions and translate materials into these respective languages
By Fall 2011, better analyze the effectiveness of the Orientation program's impact on retention
- by collecting data on students who participated in Orientation and non-participants using the Peoplesoft student system

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS DEVELOPMENT & ADVISING: Implement a comprehensive model of advising and standards of practice

By Fall 2007, provide a cohesive A.S. advising model
- by developing and implementing an advising team that assists A.S. leaders in their growth and development

COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROGRAMS: Establish quality community-building programs focused on the interests of the SJSU student body

By Fall 2007, reposition the First Year Transition Guides' involvement in Welcome Week
- by reviewing and revising the 2006 Welcome Week Discussion Group format and timing and incorporating feedback from guides and students
By Fall 2008, create a sense of student organizational community
- by establishing councils based on areas of classification that will provide a forum/environment for student organization leaders to communicate with one another
- by organizing activities or programs for each classification and encouraging groups to collaborate
By Fall 2008, officially make Orientation Group Reunions part of Welcome Week programming
- by working with the Welcome Week steering committee and Orientation Staff
By Fall 2008, analyze students' needs with regard to Welcome Week programs to determine best practices
- by collecting data during Admitted Students' Reception and Orientation
By Spring 2009, increase campus-wide community building programs
- by partnering with Associated Students and other constituents to expand programming opportunities
- by increasing annual student participation in events like Homecoming, Welcome Week, and Greek Week
By Fall 2009, incorporate community orientation into Welcome Week
- by bussing students to and from downtown San Jose to local business and venues
By Fall 2009, increase participation during Convocation by 10%
- by direct marketing through pre-enrollment programs such as the Admitted Student Reception, admissions publications, and Orientation

STUDENT ORGANIZATION SERVICES: Create a cohesive structure to provide better services and resources to student organizations at SJSU

By Fall 2007, establish a training protocol for student organizations
- by offering Student Organizations and Advisors Handbooks
- by offering Advisor training and support
By Fall 2008, establish a comprehensive series of programs and services geared towards SJSU student organizations
- by retooling the Student Organizations Leadership Conference
- by establishing a Spring Student Organizations Faire
- by expanding the Nuts and Bolts for Student Organizations series
By Fall 2009, improve service effectiveness through technology use
- by establishing an online registration process for student organization recognition
- by establishing an event registration and advising protocol that fuses human contact and technology use
- by developing a more comprehensive and well-organized departmental website