Upcoming events/training from HR and others:

SFSU FALL 2026 (items added weekly - check back in)

 

August 21, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Business Etiquette - RSVP HERE

Basic knowledge and practice of etiquette is a valuable advantage in business. Your actions will be remembered as your company’s actions. 

Content includes: 

  • Practicing professionalism
  • E-mail do’s and don’ts
  • Proper meeting etiquette
  • Dressing for work
  • Socializing with clients or customers

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

Sept. 4, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Workplace Change (CCC)  - RSVP HERE

Although change happens in an instant, our adaptation to it can be a slow process during which we go through many transitions.

Content includes: 

  • Understanding change and its impact on people 
  • Becoming a positive influence on the change process 
  • Strategies to become more adaptable 
  • Managing through workplace transitions

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

September 6 through September 12: Mashouf Wellness Center – Faculty/Staff Free Week
SFSU faculty and staff can enjoy free access to the Mashouf Wellness Center from September 6–12. If you are interested, email Edward Viray @ eviray@sfsu.edu.

 

Sept 8 + Multiple Dates | 11:00am—11:30am  | Breath and Health  |  Virtual  |  Register HERE 

Have you ever experienced how altering the pattern you breathe improves your state of mind? Come experience the intimate link between our breath and our emotions. During the session, we will do some light gentle stretches and guided meditation. Come prepared to leave this 30-minute virtual session afresh, anywhere you are! Passcode: 700602

 

Sept 9+ Multiple Dates | 11:30am—112:00pm |  Weekly Dose of Mindfulness | Virtual |  Register HERE  

Weekly Dose of Mindfulness is an opportunity for all CSU community members to experience guided mindfulness practices with a trained facilitator. Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment, with kindness and curiosity. These 30-minute sessions, held twice a week, focus on practices that will reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall wellbeing of our staff. The goal of this series is to offer evidence-based mindfulness tools that research has demonstrated can help: (i) Quiet the habitual chatter of the mind; (ii) Cultivate a capacity for deep awareness; (iii) Reduce emotional reactivity; (iv) Increase feelings of connectedness, compassion and belonging; (v) Help staff thrive and develop resilience in an uncertain and rapidly changing world. No prior experience is necessary.

 

Sept. 8, 2026 from 10AM - 11:00AM: Money Matters: Supporting Financial Wellness Across the CSU - RSVP for all CSU GOT Talent HERE

Explores how financial stress can affect student success and how CSU employees can recognize signs of financial strain and connect students with appropriate resources. Using Chico State’s Financial Wellness Clinic as a case study, the session provides practical referral strategies, supportive language, and lessons for developing financial wellness initiatives across campuses.

 

Sept. 10, 2026 from 10AM - 11:00AM: Creating Belonging in the Workplace (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Community building is a key component of meeting people's needs for belonging in social settings. Community building can also foster team cohesion. Each member of a team can play a role in contributing to the community and creating a sense of belonging in their workplaces. In this workshop we will discuss the importance of belonging, explore strategies for implementing belonging at work, and examine the various -isms, microaggressions, and biases that detract from people's belonging in workplaces. All CIE programs aim to build equitable and inclusive community spaces for learning, often while simultaneously addressing issues that can be sensitive and/or challenging. To ensure that these conversations stay productive, participants are expected to follow our community agreements and the SDSU Principles of Community. Facilitators will always aim to address with empathy any behaviors that are inconsistent with these agreements; however, we do reserve the right to remove and/or prohibit from future participation any participants whose disruptive behavior persists. By registering, you indicate that you have read and agree with this statement. All CIE programs are open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

 

September 11, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM: CalPERS Retirement Webinar with Q&A

CalPERS-eligible faculty and staff are invited to attend a 2.5-hour virtual CalPERS education class to help plan for retirement. Offered in July, September and October directly by CalPERS, this webinar is their most comprehensive class that provides a deeper understanding of your benefits as you begin to prepare for retirement. Learn how your pension is calculated, ways to increase it, and payment options available upon retirement for your beneficiary. You will also learn about the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney and employer contracted CalPERS health benefits.  RSVP HERE

 

Sept. 17, 2026 from 10AM - 11:00AM: Building Trust --- SWIFTly (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Build trust between leaders and employees, peers, and cross-functional colleagues. Outcome: Participants leave with a practical SWIFT action plan they can use immediately. Learning objectives By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Explain why trust can develop—or deteriorate—through small everyday interactions. Identify three common barriers to workplace trust: assumptions, miscommunication, and perceived norm violations. Apply the five elements of the SWIFT framework to workplace relationships. Select one relationship and one specific SWIFT behavior to intentionally practice.

 

Sept. 18, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Effective Meeting Planning (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Research indicates that over 50% of meeting time is unproductive. Therefore, it is crucial to examine ways to improve their effectiveness.

Content includes:

  • Establishing ground rules
  • Considerations for virtual meetings
  • Addressing problematic behaviors.

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

Sept. 22, 2026 from 10AM - 11:30AM: Excel Tips and Tricks (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Join us for a live, hands-on Excel demonstration designed to help you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re just starting out or have been using Excel for years, this session will showcase a variety of features and techniques that can improve your efficiency and elevate your spreadsheet skills. We'll explore beginner-friendly navigation, essential keyboard shortcuts, basic formulas, and data analysis tools like PivotTables. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

  • Navigate Excel worksheets with increased speed and confidence 
  • Use essential keyboard shortcuts to streamline tasks 
  • Build and edit basic formulas 
  • Create and manipulate PivotTables for data summarization 
  • Apply time-saving strategies to improve workflow 

 

Sept. 23, 2026 - 11AM - 12PM - First Staff Forum of semester 

Human Resources will restart its monthly Staff Forums on Wed., Sept 23rd from 11AM – 12PM via Zoom. Staff (who are not MPP or Faculty) are encouraged to attend! These forums are held monthly during the academic year and are intended to share information across campus. This month welcomes remarks from President Mahoney, an SFBRN and 25Live updates and more. Don’t have the Zoom link yet? Opt-in to receive invites each month and slideshows afterwards. RSVP HERE  (https://sfsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WASgk29WuFRAEu) 

 

Sept. 23, 2026 from 12PM - 1:00PM: Understanding Ableism (CCC) - RSVP HERE

A combination of previous Ableism 101 and 102 programs, this session will define ableism, discuss the way it manifests on campus (physically and attitudinally) and share ways to counter ableist actions and attitudes. Facilitated by Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) professor and disabled scholar Dr. Toni Saia. All CIE programs aim to build equitable and inclusive community spaces for learning, often while simultaneously addressing issues that can be sensitive and/or challenging. To ensure that these conversations stay productive, participants are expected to follow our community agreements and the SDSU Principles of Community. Facilitators will always aim to address with empathy any behaviors that are inconsistent with these agreements; however, we do reserve the right to remove and/or prohibit from future participation any participants whose disruptive behavior persists. By registering, you indicate that you have read and agree with this statement. All CIE programs are open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

 

Sept. 23, 2026 from 2PM - 3:30PM: Atomic Habits: Becoming the Architect of Your Life - RSVP HERE

In this workshop we will reflect on key guidance from the bestselling book, Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book provides practical, clear, and actionable strategies for creating systems that will aid you in breaking bad habits and in developing lasting desired habits with resilience. Use the advice from this book to jump start your own positive habit formation and become the architect of your life!

 

Sept. 23, 2026 from 2PM - 3PM: Constructive Discomfort: Building a Campus Culture Where Students, Staff, and Faculty Feel Empowered to Engage Conflict Early (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Conflict rarely begins with a major confrontation. More often, it starts with a moment of confusion, tension, or discomfort that goes unaddressed. This interactive workshop introduces the Conflict Cycle and explores how everyday situations can move from discomfort to blame, accumulated frustration, confrontation, and eventually withdrawal. Participants will explore the idea of constructive discomfort and learn how engaging with these early moments with curiosity, confidence, and respectful communication can help prevent unnecessary escalation and strengthen campus relationships. By the end of the session, participants will be able to recognize the stages of the Conflict Cycle, identify opportunities to engage with conflict before tension escalates, and apply practical approaches for turning uncomfortable moments into constructive dialogue.

 

Sept. 25, 2026 from 10AM - 11AM: Cyber Awareness Presentation - RSVP HERE

This webinar will explore today's most significant cyber threats facing higher education—including AI-enabled attacks, phishing, ransomware, vendor compromises, and social engineering—and share practical strategies for maintaining operations during technology disruptions. The session will also highlight lessons learned from recent incidents and discuss how faculty and staff can better prepare for future disruptions.

Experts from the Beazley Security Advisory Team will provide current insights into the evolving cyber threat landscape and offer actionable steps to strengthen resilience and protect institutional data. Whether you were directly impacted by the recent Canvas disruption or simply want to be better prepared for future incidents, we encourage you to join us for this informative session.

 

Sept. 30, 2026 from 11:00AM - 12:00PM: Ignite Employee Engagement: A Gamified Approach to Staff Development (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Explore the transformative power of gamification in employee learning and development programs. In this session, we will discuss the foundations of game learning theory. Attendees will learn about Ignite, a pilot staff development program that incorporated gamification principles to engage employees in professional development activities at California State University, Fullerton. Program lessons, successes, and challenges will also be shared. Attendees will learn practical ideas for infusing gamification into their own employee training and development efforts. Join us to learn how gamification can boost engagement, enhance learning outcomes, and create a more dynamic and motivated workforce. Learning Outcomes: - Understand the foundations of gamification or gamification for learning and development programs. - Explore a gamified employee development program piloted at a university. - Discover practical gamification strategies to incorporate in employee development programs This session is for anyone looking for new ways to engage employees or teams in learning and development programs. The session includes lecture, interaction via chat, and an engagement activity. No pre-activities are required.

 

Oct. 9, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Neurodiversity in the Workplace (CCC) - RSVP HERE

The term “neurodiversity” is used to describe the individual differences in how people learn and process information. People with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and other learning differences are all considered neurodiverse. This session will focus on supporting these employees and helping them to thrive.

What is neurodiversity and why is it important?

  • Benefits of a neurodiverse workplace.
  • Challenges: Understanding neurodiversity traits
  • Communication strategies with neurodivergent employees
  • Offering career development and advancement

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

October 12-16, 2026 - Save the Date for Campus Safety Week!

Campus Safety Week is a campus-wide effort to raise awareness about personal safety and resources around campus that promote health and safety in our environments. Events include First Aid CPR AED training. https://oes.sfsu.edu/campus-safety-week

 

Oct. 14, 2026 from 10AM - 11AM: Mental Health Awareness in Action: Recognizing Distress and Responding with Support - RSVP for all CSU GOT Talent HERE

This presentation provides practical guidance for recognizing signs of distress and responding with care, clarity, and appropriate support. Participants will learn how to identify behavioral, emotional, and situational indicators that someone may be struggling, engage in supportive conversations, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to relevant resources. The session emphasizes empathy, boundaries, and timely referral as key elements of creating a safer and more responsive community.

 

Oct 16, 2026 from 11:00AM – 12:00 PM: Planning for life or Nearing Retirement with your 401(k)

This virtual webinar with CSU partner Savings Plus will help you explore options to either think about your retirement goals and where you might direct your CalPERS lump sum separation pay or unused vacation time, or, consider your future goals with a 401(k) with options such as withdrawal for your first home loan and hardship withdrawals. With tools and resources to support either of your goals, Savings Plus can help so attend their presentation to learn how. RSVP HERE

 

Oct. 30, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Conflict Management Styles (CCC) - RSVP HERE

While everyone has conflict in their lives, many would just as soon avoid it. Take the step to better manage and grow from conflict situations.

Content includes:

  • Common types of workplace conflict
  • Assessing conflict management styles
  • Determining the best style for use in each situation
  • Identifying chronic conflict situations
  • How to listen and what to say to avoid conflict

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

November 4, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Coordinating Student Success Efforts Across the Institution  - RSVP for all CSU GOT Talent HERE

An institutional ecosystem consists of interconnected people, processes, and systems that fundamentally shape students’ college pathways and success. This session explores how students, staff, and faculty experience and influence that ecosystem in their daily work. Integrating student-led research with staff and faculty insights, we surface patterns of tension, disconnect, and alignment. We consider what these findings mean for our campuses and invite participants to reflect on what resonates and how to build more connected student success efforts. 

 

November 6, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Beyond Hearing: Becoming a Better Listener (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Statistics show that people remember only half of what they hear, even moments after they’ve heard it.

Content includes:

  • Why we are hearing more but listening less
  • The impact of poor listening on connection and understanding
  • How to boost listening skills and increase engagement

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

November 6, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM: CalPERS Retirement Webinar with Q&A

CalPERS-eligible faculty and staff are invited to attend a 2.5-hour virtual CalPERS education class to help plan for retirement. Offered in July, September and October directly by CalPERS, this webinar is their most comprehensive class that provides a deeper understanding of your benefits as you begin to prepare for retirement. Learn how your pension is calculated, ways to increase it, and payment options available upon retirement for your beneficiary. You will also learn about the CalPERS Special Power of Attorney and employer contracted CalPERS health benefits.  RSVP HERE

 

November 13, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Co-Worker Communication (CCC) - RSVP HERE

Effective communication is essential to building and maintaining important relationships. Good communication skills are central to handling disagreements and resolving conflicts with your co-workers.

Content includes:

  • Understanding conflict and resolution
  • Tips for eliminating defensive behavior
  • Active listening and problem-solving skills

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

November 13, 2026 from 2PM - 3PM: Using your Employee Tuition Reduction/Fee Waiver benefit

Human Resources will host a presentation on the CSU Employee Tuition Reduction/Fee Waiver (Website) program on Friday, Nov. 13 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. via Zoom. This employee benefit provides an opportunity for eligible employees or their dependents to take classes at any CSU campus at a reduced rate. For employees, this can help with career development, undergraduate or graduate degrees. RVSP HERE


December 11, 2026 from 11AM - 12PM: Psychology of Spending - RSVP HERE

Learn about your “money personality” and its impact on your attitudes, relationship with money, and spending habits. 

Content includes:

  • Adjusting behavior related to money decisions
  • Strategies and tactics to decode personality types
  • Gaining control over finances

Content is presented by our EAP partner LifeMatters

 

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DID YOU KNOW (from Human Resources):

Access your PayStubs, W2's and change your tax withholdings anytime using Cal Employee Connect

As a California State University (CSU) employee, you are paid through the California State Controller's Office. By using their website (https://cecpilot.sco.ca.gov/), you can download your pay stub or W2. To get started, register a new account on their website . Please refer to the User’s Guide for detailed instructions, as you'll need some information from your HR Self-Service portal on our Gateway to access your data.  For further questions, please feel free to contact the Payroll Representative for your area.

 

Find the help you may need anytime, via your EAP (therapy, financial consulting, references and more)

Did you know your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers you (eight) 8 free visits with a local therapist, as well as a bunch of other ways to support you personally? Kickstart your personal wellness by taking advantage of this free benefit. Each person in your family who lives with you is also eligible for their own. Issues brewing at home? Teen angst? Parenting support? Addiction concerns? Depression, anxiety? Let your EAP benefit help you meet with a professional licensed provider. Options available by phone, virtual and in-person. Call (800) 367-7474 or access services on the website (https://hr.sfsu.edu/employee-assistance-program-eap), Password: sfsu.

Additionally, EAP offers more for you and your family such as unlimited work/life resources, referrals for childcare/eldercare, financial consulting for loan and debt management, legal consulting and lots of other support. Use these free services to get what you need, anytime. 

 

Connect with our campus employees via our Employee Resource Groups! 

Our Employee Resource Groups can help you find like-minded colleagues across campus who share common interests: join the Alumni Assoc., Black Faculty & Staff Assoc., LGBTQ Faculty/Staff/Allies, Parents Club, Chinese American Faculty & Staff Assoc., Staff Council, Raza Faculty & Staff Assoc., Fit Plus and more! Find them all here: https://hr.sfsu.edu/employee-resource-groups,

 

Nearing retirement? Turning 65 soon? Attend a Medicare Seminar (for CalPERS-eligible employees)

Kaiser Permanente is offering a webinar for CalPERS-eligible employees and retirees. You don’t need to be a Kaiser member to access these seminars. You'll learn how Medicare works: Parts A, B, C, and D, how to know if you are eligible, when to enroll in Medicare or switch plans. If you’re about to retire you’ll also learn about how your coverage can change when you retire and what to do if you plan to keep working after age 65. A question and answer session will be held at the end. A Kaiser Permanente consultant will conduct the webinar. This is open to employees/retirees with any CalPERS health carrier. Please register for workshops here (link) After registration, you will receive an email with log-in information. All webinars are recorded and you will receive a copy to watch on-demand.

 

Looking for Professional Development?

Check the Professional Development website here: https://hr.sfsu.edu/professional-development 

 

Keep Learning! How to use your Employee Fee Waiver

Take classes in-person or online at any CSU campus using your Employee Fee Waiver. You or your dependent can take up to two classes per semester. How-to presentations are offered 2 - 3 times a year, but you can find the information you need anytime on our webpage here: https://hr.sfsu.edu/employee-fee-waiver-tuition-reduction-program  

 

Keep Learning with OLLI for those 50+ 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at SF State is an active community of peers age 50 and up engaged in learning through classes, interest groups and events. Stimulating and provocative six-week courses and short Mini Courses provide personal and social enrichment, taught by current and retired professors and other experts. Find more OLLI info here: https://olli.sfsu.edu/ 

 

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TRAINING AVAILABLE FROM OUR CAMPUS PARTNERS:

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SFSU Compliance Training Program under Section 504 and Title II        

SFSU is required to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided equal access to programs, services, activities, and physical spaces, both academic and non-academic. Resources and reporting options are publicly available on SFSU’s website and are regularly shared in employee and student training.  Human Resources’ Employee Accommodations office works in collaboration with Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) to ensure compliance and support employees and students in navigating accommodation and access needs. For the full August 2025 Memo, find it HERE. We highly recommend the following trainings:

 

Accessible Document Training from the CSU:

This training course is available to all CSU employees, and it provides the core fundamentals for creating accessible Word and PowerPoint documents as well as some high-level best practices in regards to PDF documents. An optional Excel module has been added to the course. What you need to know about this course:

  • It consists of four self-paced online modules. ​Each module has a series of sections that include quizzes and an open book exam.
  • Time dedication required is between 2 to 4 hours per module and participants have a total of 180 business days (minus holidays) to complete all modules.
  • After successfully completing the course, a certificate of completion will be sent to the participant.

View the recorded WebAIM Course Kickoff Session​ (48:53 mins) to get a full description of the course. Find the training here: https://csyou.calstate.edu/Projects-Initiatives/ATI/Pages/CSUCO-Access-Doc-Training.aspx 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trainings

 

Active Threat Training

The San Francisco State University Police Department provides Active Threat Training to the campus community to better prepare our community in case of an active threat/shooter situation. Please refer to resources found on their website here (link). For more information about the training please contact: upd@sfsu.edu.

 

CPR/First Aid/AED training (all day)

The Environment, Health, and Safety Department at SFSU provides First Aid, CPR, and AED training to the campus community 3-4 times yearly.  First Aid/CPR/AED course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. First Aid, CPR, and AED training is designed for anyone with little or no medical training or anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Contact EHS @ sfehs@sfsu.edu for more information.

 

Stop the Bleed training

STOP the Bleed Training Learn techniques to help STOP THE BLEED (StB) in a bleeding emergency before professional emergency responders arrive. This could help save a life! This training session is being hosted by OES. Contact OES @ oes@sfsu.edu for more information or to schedule a training session.

 

Evacuation Chair training

Evacuation Chair Training is conducted by the SFSU Environment, Health, and Safety Department on a monthly as-needed basis to the campus community. Evac Chairs (Evacuation Chairs) is a universal evacuation solution for a smooth stairwell descent during an emergency. Designed to evacuate the disabled, elderly, pregnant, children, injured, blind, Epileptic, or the mobility impaired. Contact EHS @ sfehs@sfsu.edu for more information or to schedule a training session.

 

Financial Services Training Resources 

Financial Services offers training on various platforms, as needed for access to job-related specific tasks. Find them here (link)  

 

Information Technology Resources

Find links and tutorials for most campus software here: (LINK)

 

Watch Gator Games on campus!

Support our student teams by attending a free home game on campus. Look through the Gator Athletics website here: GatorSports. You can also check out the calendar and sort by your favorite sport, and choose Home to find games played on campus. Check out the Gator SPorts calendar here: GoGators website

 

Free-cycling office items on campus 

Join the campus ReUse listserv and recycle some of those office items taking up space or no longer needed so another department can benefit. It’s budget-friendly and sustainable! To join the listserv directly, email reuse-request@lists.sfsu.edu. To find all the interesting listservs across campus, check the SF State Distribution list website:  https://lists.sfsu.edu/sympa 

 

The Sutro Library 

The Sutro Library (the State Library’s San Francisco branch) is located at the top floor of the J. Paul Leonard Library.  It holds the original collection of Adolph Sutro (1830–1898), California businessman and San Francisco mayor. The library has a large collection of publications and items dating from the 13th to the 21st centuries as well as one of the largest genealogy collections in the U.S.  Adolph Sutro’s heirs donated his collection to the California State Library in 1913 with the requirement that the collection stay within the city of San Francisco. After operating in various locations for nearly a century, the Sutro Library moved to a permanent home at San Francisco State University in 2012. Check their website here: https://www.library.ca.gov/sutro/

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KEEP CHECKING THIS PAGE AS UPDATES ARE POSTED OFTEN

(looking for something in particular you'd like to see here? Email ganner@sfsu.edu)