iStudent Blog: Advising
The SJSU Writing Center: An iSchool Student’s Secret Weapon
Published: September 2, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Fall semester is finally here! Whether you’re just beginning INFO 200, preparing your e-Portfolio, or simply trying to recover your student brain after summer vacation, you’ll likely be tackling some major assignments in the coming months (or – gulp – weeks). Need help with a research paper? Want a refresher on citations or abstracts? Can’t be sure whether to use “who” or “whom”? The San José State University Writing Center offers a host of excellent free services – and a number are designed specifically for graduate students. From tutoring to live-chat sessions, how-to videos and handouts, the Writing Center can help you navigate the complexities of academic writing (or just master the nuts and bolts). Writing skills will be an asset in school and beyond, so there’s never a wrong time to reach out. I spoke with Michelle Hager, Director of the SJSU Writing Center, about the most useful resources for School of Information students.
“Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Linda Main
Published: March 15, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Dr. Linda Main, interim director of the San José State University School of Information, met with iSchool students earlier this month for an insightful “Ask Me Anything” session. These regular, informal meetups give students a chance to chat with the director and ask about anything from career paths to iSchool resources to the LIS world at large. Below are just a few of the questions Dr. Main fielded. To view the full Q&A, click here.
How to Find a Mentor in Graduate School
Published: November 30, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Enrolling in the San José State University School of Information is both a thrilling step and a daunting one. With so many pathways possible in the information science field – and any number of courses and specialties to choose from – how can you be sure you’re making the best decisions for your future career? Who can you turn to with your carefully considered ideas and random, panicked questions? Luckily, no matter your needs or interests, the iSchool can help you find a mentor. Whether they’re seasoned professionals, recent alumni or even senior students, mentors can offer anything from academic recommendations to career advice; they can suggest networking opportunities as well as skills to hone for your résumé. No matter if it’s a formal mentorship sponsored by a professional association or a more informal connection made through the iSchool – having a mentor is critical to professional growth. To find a mentorship opportunity that’s right for you, check out the resources below.
A Look at the iSchool Advising Toolkit
Published: October 25, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Of all the resources available to iSchool students, the advising toolkit is one of the most valuable. No matter where you are in your program, the toolkit can help you plan classes, choose an advisor, track your academic progress and get ready for graduation. With new tools and features just added, it’s worth examining at any (and every!) stage of your iSchool career. You’ll find general information at the top and program-specific links toward the bottom. (You can also click on the Getting Started tab to access toolkits related to policies and procedures, career plans, and student wellness and success.)
Mental Health for iSchool Students
Published: October 18, 2020 by Leslie Parry
The pandemic drags on, wildfires are burning and a high-stakes election looms. Meanwhile iSchool students are working hard to meet everyday challenges, balancing classes with jobs, families and other commitments. As members of the information community, we are likely drawn to systems, service and structure, which can all seem a little tenuous right now. How do we take care of ourselves during a time of anxiety and uncertainty? One valuable, free and currently virtual resource at San José State University is CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services). CAPS offers a variety of mental health and wellness services, including counseling, support groups, workshops and referrals. I asked Cat Fillmore, a faculty counselor and case manager, what resources she recommends for graduate students during this time.
Alumna Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken Highlights Top 5 Resources for iSchool Students
Published: September 27, 2020 by Leslie Parry
Hello readers! I’m Leslie Parry, a MLIS student from Los Angeles. I’m thrilled to be taking the helm of the iStudent blog. I recently had a chance to talk to my predecessor and iSchool alumna, Havilah Joy-Steinman Bakken (‘20 MLIS), about her time in the program. As a student, Havilah took advantage of as many resources as she could, not only because they strengthened her résumé and allowed her to network, but because they helped her develop skills that can’t always be mastered in the classroom. Now a reference librarian at the San Diego Law Library, she describes the resources that best prepared her for life after iSchool.
Meet Your Faculty Advisors
Published: March 26, 2018
New welcome videos help you choose the right faculty advisor for you.
You’re bound to have questions as
you navigate through your program at the School of
Information. Thankfully, the iSchool has plenty of resources
to help you along the way. One of those is the faculty advisor team, who are available
to answer your questions about course selections and career pathways based on their areas
of expertise. Now you can watch a quick one to two minute welcome
video to get to know each advisor and determine the right person
to reach out to for assistance. With 50 advisors to choose from,
you are sure to find your perfect match.
SJSU iSchool’s New Advising Pages Help Students Customize Their Unique Path to Success
Published: June 1, 2016
The SJSU School of Information is excited to introduce its new Advising pages on the iSchool website. The website advising pages and Advising Portal are like a road map, trip planner and guidebook for your journey through grad school. New and current students alike now have direct access to advisors, Content Specialists and a whole bunch of planning tools to help them navigate their graduate school experience.