THE BAIS EDITION

Newsletter for the SJSU Online B. A. Interdisciplinary Studies Program

FALL 2024

Fall 2024 Edition - Greetings B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies Community!

Learn about the personal experiences of some our faculty, fellow students, and BAIS alumni and stay up to date with BAIS events, opportunities, and resources.

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PROGRAM EVENTS AND NEWS

Lurie College of Education Football Tailgate

San Jose, CA - September 14, 2024 - The Lurie College of Education's inaugural tailgate at CEFCU Stadium was a resounding success, bringing together Lurie College Families for an afternoon of fun under warm weather. Attendees enjoyed games like oversized Connect Four and Cornhole alongside a delicious spread of food, with hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and kid-favorite PB&J, while loud music added to the festive atmosphere.

Notable figures, including SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Dean Heather Lattimer, and Provost Vincent J. Del Casino Jr., mingled with students, faculty, alumni, and families, fostering a strong sense of community.

As the day transitioned to evening, excitement soared during the game, culminating in a triumphant SJSU victory over Kennesaw State with a score of 31-10, leaving everyone smiling and united as the sun set on a memorable day.

San Jose State University Celebrates 2024 Graduation of

Interdisciplinary Studies, Educational and Community Leadership Program

On May 22, 2024, San Jose State University and the Lurie College of Education held its Spring Graduation ceremony, honoring the achievements of the graduates from the Interdisciplinary Studies, Educational and Community Leadership program.

The day on campus began with a lively pre-commencement gathering hosted by SJSU's College of Education. The event allowed graduates and their families a unique opportunity for online program students—many of whom had been collaborating virtually for the last couple of years—to meet each other in person for the first time. The gathering buzzed with excitement as graduates reminisced about their shared experiences while enjoying refreshments, and faculty members reflected on the journey that had brought each student to this day.

Dr. John Jabagchourian, Program Coordinator, donned his doctoral regalia as he handed out SJSU Online stoles to the graduates of the program. His heartfelt interactions with graduates symbolized the strong bond formed between faculty and students throughout the program. Many students expressed gratitude for the support they received, not only from faculty but also from each other, especially as they balanced their studies with work, family, and other commitments.

At the official graduation ceremony, the energy in the room was palpable. This ceremony marked the third graduating cohort from the Interdisciplinary Studies, Educational and Community Leadership program, which continues to grow in reputation and popularity. As names were called and graduates made their way across the stage, cheers erupted from friends, family members, and faculty alike. Several graduates walked the stage with their children in hand, making the moment even more poignant, and reflecting the spirit of perseverance and dedication that defined this group of students.

The event was a powerful reminder of the impact that education has, not only on individual lives but also on communities. Many of the graduates had pursued the program with the goal of making difference in education, community engagement, and leadership, and their journey was met with both pride and anticipation for what the future holds.

As the ceremony concluded and tassels were turned, the graduates left the stage with diplomas in hand, ready to take on new roles as leaders in their respective fields, empowered by the knowledge and skills they had acquired through their studies at SJSU.

Upcoming Event: Fall 2024 Game Night!

Join us for our upcoming Online Game Night Tuesday October 29th, on Zoom from 7:00 - 8:30pm

This is a great opportunity to relax, blow off some steam, and laugh with Faculty, students, and fellow alumni from our program. We will be playing versions of popular TV game shows with chances to win real prizes!

When: Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 on Zoom 7:00 - 8:30pm

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/82066345262?pwd=Pm30xRD6fZfnyBUrX5b4gxRr0b9YXI.1

Password: 101010

Upcoming Fall 2024 Commencement

The Lurie College Fall '24 Commencement will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the Provident Credit Union Event Center. Please see important information and links below:

Ceremony schedule and details are posted on the commencement website (www.sjsu.edu/commencement) - website is updated with information as it becomes available
Student Communications are posted on our Communications Archives page. This is a great resource for students to reference commencement communications that are sent throughout the semester
Late applicants are added to/removed from the registration system every week
All late applications must be submitted by the Registrar’s office directly
Please submit your applications ASAP

FACULTY JOURNEY

Professor Erin Scullion-Jones

What do you teach?

EDLD 110 and EDLD 140

What do you enjoy about teaching?

Teaching reminds me that I am a work in progress and always learning. Teaching is dynamic, which is something I learned I need in my work, and I love learning more about my students and their lives.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I am an over-planner who believes education is a living, breathing entity. I will say I consistently go off-book; I "go with the flow' and co-create with students, based on feedback, need, and curiosity. Each semester is carefully planned back from course learning outcomes and how folks achieve or meet these outcomes may diverge from the original path.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone trying to follow in your footsteps?

Be persistent - change is slow, the rewards may take a long time. Find your voice, seek alliances, speak your truth, and trust yourself.

What is the most challenging part about teaching? What is the most rewarding part?

The most challenging part of teaching, for me, is deciding where to commit energy. After 17 years teaching, in some capacity, I recognize the most rewarding piece for me is relational: I love to circle back with students and continue to be a small part of their journey.s in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

What was your career journey? What experiences do you have outside of teaching?

As a Middle College student, I was a bit lost in the school system and didn't see a way forward after high school. I feel like I always wanted to be in school, and in retrospect, this thinking may have absolved me of some version of 'adult responsibility' or 'choosing my path'. My career journey began in retail, at Mervyns department store, when I was 15. I worked with seasoned veterans, some folks with the company for 30+ years, who showed me how to navigate, communicate, and excel in fast-paced, chaotic environments. After graduating from Middle College, I worked both in retail and for a few Silicon Valley startups for a few years while attending De Anza College. Soon, I decided my skills would befit college, which is when I transferred to SJSU and began working for our local radio station (90.5, KSJS) as a student, and post-grad, working for KSCU, Santa Clara. For me, radio work emphasized the power and creativity of the collective - it felt good to be a part of a vision. I began more non-profit and organizational work locally, for Second Harvest Food Bank and other local organizations before finally deciding to return to school for my Master's in Education and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

ALUMNI CHECK-IN

Doris Alejos - Spring 2023 Graduate

What was one memory from the BAIS program that stands out to you?

The amazing team that the program has.

What BAIS class do you see really helping you today?

All of them, each class helped me to improve my skills.

What are you up to today? What’s your next goal?

I will start my Credential this fall.

What were some challenges you faced in your educational journey and how did you overcome them?

I am always positive and the challenges did not have space in my educational journey.

What advice would you give to current students in the program?

If you have questions, ask your teachers; they are always open to support you.

Erika De Jesus - Spring 2023 Graduate

What was one memory from the BAIS program that stands out to you?

I was initially apprehensive about connecting with my peers and staff in an online class, but I ended up forming excellent connections with the cohort. We met in person for academic collaboration, chats, and to build friendly connections. The online community provided great support.

What BAIS class do you see really helping you today?

In all of my classes, I've learned to use literacy resources and the ULD from the SPED courses to modify and adapt to student needs, ensuring equity among the community and adjudicated youth.

What are you up to today? What’s your next goal?

I've been working in alternative education and I'm excited to head back to school to pursue a career in Psychology.

What were some challenges you faced in your educational journey and how did you overcome them?

Not having the in-person commitment was a challenge in managing work, my family, and school. I had to dedicate time to meet deadlines and turn in quality work.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Kangna "Kay" Patel

What led you to BAIS to continue your education?

I was drawn to BAIS because of my deep passion for helping others and making sure they feel seen and heard. Both my lived experiences and experience working in educational settings to support students from diverse backgrounds inspired me to pursue a path where I could combine educational leadership and community service in a more impactful way. I wanted to be part of a program that allowed me to explore different disciplines so I can better understand how to uplift and advocate for others. BAIS provides me with the tools and knowledge to continue making meaningful connections and fostering inclusion, something I’m deeply committed to.

What was your journey here?

My journey here has been far from linear; it has been one of growth and exploration, shaped by the inevitable twists and turns. However, it has led me to believe that I am exactly where I need to be!

Who is someone in your life that has really supported you?

Someone in my life who has truly supported me is my husband, who has always been a source of encouragement and guidance. Through all of my personal and academic journeys, he has consistently believed in my potential, reminding me to stay focused and resilient, even when things got tough. His unwavering support and genuine belief in my ability to make a difference have been instrumental in keeping me grounded and motivated as I pursue my goals.

What educational/career goals do you have?

My educational and career goals are centered around becoming a liaison for students, advocating for their needs, and ensuring they have a truly fulfilling and successful college experience. I aim to create an environment where students feel supported and empowered, helping them navigate challenges and build meaningful connections within the academic community. By fostering these connections, I want to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally, and that their college journey is enriched with purpose and collaboration. While I’m not certain what specific role will lead me to fulfilling these goals just yet, I am passionate about counseling and building a strong sense of community.

Who is someone in this program that you have connected with?

Someone in this program who has had a profound impact on me is Professor Erin Scullion-Jones. From the very beginning, her genuine commitment to seeing each of her students not just succeed, but thrive, has left a lasting impression on me. She creates a space where vulnerability and growth go hand-in-hand, and her belief in the power of community and connection deeply resonates with my own values. Professor Erin doesn't just teach; she listens, guides, and challenges us to step into our full potential as leaders and advocates. Her mentorship has been a source of strength and inspiration for me, reminding me of the importance of leading with empathy and purpose. I feel incredibly grateful to have crossed paths with someone who embodies the kind of leadership and care that I aspire to cultivate in my own life and work.

What is your favorite activity to help you relax?

One of my favorite activities to help me relax is cooking. There’s something therapeutic about getting creative in the kitchen, whether I’m trying out new recipes or making a comforting dish I love. Cooking allows me to unwind, focus, and enjoy the process, and it always leaves me feeling happy and refreshed!

What is your favorite music genre/artist/song to listen to?

This is a tough one—I can’t choose favorites! *Cue in indecisiveness* I love so many different genres depending on my mood. I really enjoy music with good lyrics as that is what draws my attention. If I can jam and sing along while on the road, that is my vibe. Honestly, I just love discovering new artists and songs that make me feel good!

In addition to progressing in her BAIS courses, Kay is also supporting our educational community by serving as an Instructional Student Assistant in EDLD 110 and EDLD 140 during the Fall. You rock Kay!

Nominate a fellow classmate to be featured in the student spotlight in the next edition

ADVISING CORNER

Transfer Lower-division Coursework

If you have lower-division courses, you need to transfer in, you can use the website Quottly to find transferable online courses that meet the missing requirements. Classes offered Spring 2025 will be available to search on Quotly starting October 15th. Currently, you can still search for late start Fall 2024 classes. You can also use Assist.org to look up specific courses and their articulation agreements. If you find a course at a community college, you are welcome to send it to your major advisor before you sign up to confirm it will meet the requirements.

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"Remember your why. What is your motivation for pursuing this degree? Share your why with your loved ones and others in your support system. Keep this motivation in mind, especially through the stressful times of the term." - Jamie Carranza

Make an appointment with Jamie Carranza: Spartan Connect Appointment Link

SPRING 2024 COURSE DESCRIPTION

Here is a look ahead at the courses that are being offered in the BAIS program for Spring 2024. Your advisor will be in contact with you during Fall B term to plan your Spring schedule.

EDLD 110 - Introduction to Educational and Community Leadership

This course is the first course students take when entering the program. Students can expect to define their aspirations and examine what educational and community-based professionals do to learn how to best support the community they serve. The final assignment is the Positionality Statement and Portfolios. It consist of drawing upon past assignments in the class as well as in theoretical concepts developed in the course readings and discussions to create a piece of multimedia outlining identity, social and racial justice, leadership, and potential ideas for further research. (Major core course)

EDLD 150 - Communication, Leadership, & Social Justice

Students will utilize a critical lens to develop a foundation for analysis of oral and written communication in the community and expand personal written and oral communication styles that will help amplify their voices in the community and in their careers. For the major assignment, students will have the opportunity to teach each other about course content using their own creative skill sets. (Major core course)

EDLD 140 - Identity, Solidarity, and Social Justice Leadership

The final class in your journey in the BAIS program. In this course , students examine, assess, and strengthen understandings of students’ own, and others’ social identities; and build capacity for multiculturally-skilled leadership for social justice. Critically explore causes, reinforcements, and remedies for injustices; and meanings and experiences of solidarity and liberation. In this course you will be creating a portfolio using artifacts from all of your courses that demonstrate achieving each of the program objectives, providing evidence of your growth, and evidence of your joy. In this course you will create a plan for your next steps as a leader and as a changemaker. (Major core course)

ChAD 100W - Writing Workshop

Development of advanced skills in writing, particularly in the field of child development. Focus on development of a mature writing style and organization of persuasive and analytical prose. The major assignment is an academic writing project broken down into steps:

a Source Credibility Crawl, an Annotated Bibliography, a First Draft, and a Final Draft. (Major core course)

ChAD 101 - Research Methods in Developmental Science

Study of data collection techniques and methods used in child and adolescent development research, including observation, interview, experiment, and survey. Special attention to interpreting and evaluating the quality of information reported from a variety of sources. The major assignment is an Evaluating Sources Term Paper, students must include 2 non-scholarly sources of different types (e.g., newspaper, magazine, TV advertisement, Twitter feed, etc.) and 2 scholarly sources (i.e., literature review and empirical studies) in their research of the topic. (Major core course)

ChAD 152 - Foundations for Early Childhood Curriculum

This course is designed to provide students with a practical foundation and understanding of how to plan and implement an integrated early childhood curriculum. A culmination of work will be organized by the student which is meant to tie together all of your assignments and learning. (ECE pathway course or Elective course)

ChAD 164 - Contemporary Parenting

Explores concepts, theories, and substantive issues in parenting from a multicultural perspective. Focuses on how parenting changes as the child ages and current issues in parenting. Special attention is given to variation in family structure, race and ethnicity, cultural expectations, community context; and the impact of parenting on parent-child relationships. The major assignment consists of 3 research projects: Contexts & Parenting, Program Evaluation, and Research Review. (ECE pathway course or Elective course)

EDSE 224 - Methods for Emergent Bilinguals with Disabilities

This course examines the unique considerations and approaches to working with culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. The course provides a discussion and application of teaching and learning concepts, strategies, and methods related to effective and meaningful instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) with and without dis/abilities. The major assignment consists of creating group lesson plans in the content area of reading/language arts, math, science, or social studies, and presenting using SIOP. (Inclusive Ed Pathway course or Elective course)

EDSE 228A - Topics in Collaboration and Transition

Strategies for effective communication and collaboration practices with members of the various teams that plan and serve students receiving special education services. Emphasis in planning transitional life experiences across the lifespan. The major assignment is the Collaboration Experience Assignments, students will work in pairs throughout the semester to deepen their understanding of the importance of collaboration while developing the skills needed to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders. (Inclusive Ed Pathway course or Elective course)

FALL B 2024 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Continuing Student Fall B Registration Re-opens - October 11 - 22, 2024

Fall B Term Instruction Begins - October 18, 2024

Fall B Deadline to Add or Drop Classes - October 22, 2024

Fall B Term Payment Deadline - October 25, 2024

Registration for Spring 2025 Term Opens - November 5, 2024

Fall B Last Day of Instruction - December 12, 2024

Study/Conference Day - No Classes or Exams - December 13, 2024

Final Examinations - December 16 - 17, 2024

Final Examinations Make-Up Day - December 18, 2024

SJSU Commencement Ceremonies - December 19, 2024

Deadline to Apply for SJSU Scholarships - May 1, 2025

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