info-203-meetups

Note: this is Fall 2025’s schedule. This page will be updated when Fall 2026 data becomes available.

Peer mentors for INFO 203 are conducting optional sessions for new students in the first few weeks of the fall semester. Seats are limited, but the link to a recording will be posted here, as soon as it is available. (Generally 24-48 hours after event.)

Please see the details on this page to learn about each session, and then use the RSVP form linked below to register for a session. If you do not see one of the sessions listed in the RSVP form, it means the session is full and has been closed. 

NOTE: In order to accommodate everyone, please do NOT register for more than two meet-ups. Thank you.

Meet-Up RSVP 

Utilizing VR Platforms for Projects and Assignments (or for FUN!) (Monday August 11, 6pm)

In 2023, The iSchool partnered with the American Library Association (ALA) to create the Unite Against Book Bans Virtual Reality (VR) project. The project showcased the resources offered by the ALA to support book bannings nationally.  Aside from working with national organization, the iSchool VR Team supports students learning about VR platforms during their time at the iSchool. Natali Carmona, the iSchool VR Team Lead, will be showcasing how to get started using VR for projects, assigments, or simply for fun! 

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Natali Carmona

No recording available.

 

Using AI at the iSchool: An Overview (Tuesday August 12, 5pm)

We will talk about what AI is, the ethical use of AI, and some AI resources available to iSchool students. 

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Ben Allen, Erika Downing, & Alina Wang

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

10 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started the MLIS Program at SJSU (Thursday August 14, 10am)

Looking back on our time at SJSU, we will go over some tips and advice, things we wish we knew when we started the program two years ago. The perspectives we will be sharing come from returning students after a long break. We also both live on the east coast, which can come with some challenges. Bring your questions and concerns which we will try our best to answer and alleviate.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Daisy Chia & Heather Grosso

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

“10 Things I Wish I Knew” Handout (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.) 

Career Paths and Extracurriculars: Which classes do I choose? (Thursday August 14, 3pm)

Indecisive about what to use your MLIS degree for? Overwhelmed by the amount of career paths available? Need help figuring out which iSchool courses will help you achieve your goals? Join us as we break down the different career paths offered by SJSU’s MLIS program and go over how to find and apply to internships and other extracurriculars. Find out how to pursue a career path outside of those outlined by the school and how to leverage both coursework and outside experiences to achieve all the required competencies.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Anna Zook & Nicolle Hernandez

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

Grad School + Life = Chaos? Let’s Talk Time Management (Friday August 15, 10am)

Between research, classes, teaching, work, and trying to have a life, grad school can feel like a never-ending juggling act. If you’re constantly battling deadlines, struggling to stay organized, or wondering how everyone else seems to have it together, you’re not alone. Join us for the “Grad School + Life = Chaos? Let’s Talk Time Management” meetup designed for grad students, by grad students. We’ll swap strategies, share tools that have helped, and talk honestly about what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to managing time in the middle of academic mayhem. Whether you’re a time-blocking pro or a deadline-driven last-minuter, there’s something here for you. Come for the tips, stay for the solidarity, and maybe even leave feeling a little more in control.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Emily Stockton, Cindy Ries, & Celina Ivy

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

The MLIS Won’t Be Enough – Getting a public library job before, during, or after your MLIS journey (Friday August 15, 7pm)

If you are interested in hearing from fellow students currently employed in public libraries about how they got their jobs and what employers are looking for, this is the session for you! In our experience, you don’t need an MLIS to get a job at a library, but an MLIS alone won’t be enough to get you a job as a librarian. Come learn about ways to get your foot in the (library) door and how starting as a paraprofessional will give you a foundation sure to benefit your career.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Rebecca Robertson, Asia Groves, & Laura Barrow

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

A Space for You and Me: The non-Lit/English Major Journey in LIS (Saturday August 16, 4pm)

Are you scared to admit you have a degree outside literature? Career change? This meetup is for you and peers from the non-traditional disciplines. Let’s break the sterotype of what defines a librarian.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Melinda Fredericksen

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

Picking a Pathway: Make the MLIS Program Work For You (Sunday August 17, 7pm)

Are you overwhelmed by finding which career pathway works for you? The MLIS Career Pathways resource is a broad navigation tool highlighting various careers MLIS students may pursue. While students may stick with their preferred pathway or even change it while in the program, it is an invaluable for planning and course selection. Join us in learning how to pick a pathway and making SJSU’s MLIS program work for you!

Peer mentors conducting this session:   Eva Lani High, Lo Holm, & Ariana Celis

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

Finding Your People in an Online MLIS Program (Monday August 18, 6:30pm)

Starting an online program doesn’t mean you have to go it alone! Come hang out with us on Zoom and learn how to find your people, make connections, and build community while learning asynchronously. We’ll chat about ways to meet other students (yes, even in person!), get involved in student and professional groups, and make the most of conferences and events. Whether you’re looking for study buddies, career inspo, or just want to talk Dewey over coffee, this is your invitation to plug in and feel connected.

Peer mentor conducting this session:  Melissa Tenney, Shoshanna Anthony, & Laura Barrow

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

How to Effectively Work on Group Projects (Tuesday August 19, 5:30pm)

Juggling a job, the needs of family, and now school group projects? Join us to learn some seasoned tactics, tools and tips to work more effectively on group projects to help make your life a little easier. 

Peer mentor conducting this session:  Kelly King & Emily Jee

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

Thriving as a Working Grad Student: A Welcome Session (Tuesday August 19, 4pm)

Starting grad school while juggling a full-time job? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. Join me for a virtual meetup designed for incoming online grad students who are also working professionals. We’ll share practical tips on time management, setting boundaries, staying motivated, and avoiding burnout. Whether you’re nervous or just curious, come connect with others in the same boat, ask questions, and leave with tools to help you succeed from day one.

Peer mentor conducting this session:  Carly Cretney Petersen

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

How to Prepare for the E-portfolio: An Early Start Makes Everything Easier (Wednesday August 20, 6pm)

Most MLIS students will finish their degree with an e-portfolio. Let’s discuss what you can do today to save your future self a lot of unnecessary stress. We’ll discuss how to save and organize your coursework, how to use your student success planner effectively, where to find example e-portfolios, and much more.

Peer mentors conducting this session:  Andrea Banuelos

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

From Classroom to Library: How to Obtain Your Teacher Librarian Services Credential (Friday August 22, 5pm)

Are you hoping to make the jump from classroom to library? Or are currently hold an Emergency Teacher Librarian Services Permit and need to complete the required coursework to so that it is eligible for renewal? Then this is the meet-up for you!  This meet-up will go over all the steps you need to take to complete the school librarianship MLIS career pathway and obtain your Teacher Librarian Services Credential. We will discuss required coursework, suggestions for electives, whether to obtain the MLIS degree, and more.

Peer mentor conducting this session:  Pam Wu

See the recording of this session. (SJSU iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to open the link.)

 

See the recorded sessions from the previous semester. (The iSchool Restricted Materials login is required to access the recordings.)