Student Groups
Student Groups
Students at the San José State University School of Information are highly encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional associations and special interest groups. It’s a great way to meet peers, gain experience for resume building, and network.
Check out the student groups offered at the SJSU iSchool:
Advocacy Student Group
The Library Advocacy Student Group’s vision is to provide engaging opportunities for students interested in library advocacy. We hope to create and sustain a community that values learning experiences, collaboration and networking, sharing of informational resources and mutual encouragement by facilitating educational opportunities and activities to influence decision-making at the local, regional, state, national, and international level that result in funding or policy changes in support of public, school, and special libraries. The Library Advocacy Group believes that libraries are an essential public good that are fundamental to democratic societies. The Library Advocacy Group believes that libraries are an essential public good and are fundamental to democratic societies. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom, resist censorship, and strive to empower voices who have been excluded from positions of power and the historical record with a focus on human rights and dignity.
American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC)
The American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) at SJSU was founded on May 17, 1994, and is the 42nd official student chapter of the ALA. The purpose of ALASC is to foster participation in the ALA and use of its publications, scholarships and conferences; to encourage scholarly achievement and professional awareness of issues in library and information science; to provide a local forum for the exchange of information about trends, issues, and opportunities; to provide a supportive environment in which members can share their creativity, teach their skills, offer their experience, their expertise, and learn from each other.
Association for Information Science & Technology Student chapter (ASIS&T SC)
The Association for Information Science & Technology Student Chapter (ASIS&T SC) supports professional growth & career development of student members by providing educational programming, networking & other enriching opportunities. We strive to uphold the values of the ASIS&T professional organization including promoting research, sharing interdisciplinary knowledge, open access, & EDI by creating a community of iSchool students that explore, learn and apply principles of information science and technology that empowers the future of information workers across the globe.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) iSchool Student Group
The AANHPI iSchool Student Group is focused on bringing awareness to the needs of AANHPI students and staff in information professions, engaging the student body in recognition and support for AANHPI students and communities, and promoting connection and cultural understanding. We invite any students interested in supporting the AANHPI community to join. All are welcome!
Black Student Library Collective (BSLC)
The Mission of the BSLC at San José State is to champion the creation and advancement of library outreach and resources that cater specifically to the needs and interests of those from the African Diaspora. We aim to do the following: educate, inspire, and empower our members and the iSchool community through workshops and speaker series; provide a platform for Black voices in librarianship in allied professions to be heard; and create inclusive spaces that foster engagement, dialogue, and learning.
Joining the BSLC offers a unique opportunity to be part of a movement passionate about making a difference. Whether you are interested in research, community outreach, event planning, or want to learn more about black culture and history, there is a place for you here.
Cyber Intelligence & Security (CIS)
The Cyber Intelligence and Security Club at San José State University is committed to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by fostering the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities through projects, competitions, professional networking, and industry presentations.
First Generation Student Group (FGSG)
We are the First Generation Student Group at the SJSU iSchool. We define first-gen as being the first in your family or chosen family to attend graduate school (however that manifests for you, whether it’s first female, first on your father’s side, or first in your entire extended family).
We aim to have a tight-knit community of first generation SJSU iSchool students that look to each other for academic, social, and professional support as they navigate graduate school. We have monthly Coffee and Chat Zoom meetings with varying topics related to first-gen issues like going through resources we’ve found helpful, or sharing first job or application process experiences; however, many of the leadership team members are always open to one on one conversations if that’s what you need. We also have a General Meeting once per term in place of the coffee and chat where we interview a first-gen faculty member and hold a Q&A with them about their experiences as a first-gen and we try to keep an ongoing list of helpful resources for first-gen students on our website and/or blog, so they can be accessed outside of our meetings.
Our group is pretty informal, we just enjoy networking with each other, and being able to discuss our shared experiences, and offer advice and support to each other. We’d love to have you join us. If you’re interested in joining the first-gen student group, you can reach out to us on our socials, email us, or head over to our website to join the mailing list! We hope to see you soon!
REFORMA SJSU iSchool Student and Alumni Group
REFORMA San José State University (SJSU) School of Information (iSchool) Student & Alumni Group will cultivate a welcoming environment to develop, engage, and support students and alumni who are interested in working with Spanish-speaking communities. We strive to create opportunities for engagement with REFORMA National, and REFORMA Chapters, and plan activities that offer professional development and networking. We support students and alumni to become culturally competent professionals in the communities they serve.
Society of American Archivists Student Chapter (SAASC)
The Society of American Archivists – Student Chapter (affectionately known as SAASC, pronounced “sassy”) strives to promote archival interests in our academic community, to provide a platform for discussing archival issues, and to engage students in professional activities in order to enhance career development. Our group represents the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the largest national organization of archivists in the United States, for the SJSU iSchool student body: we welcome all MLIS and MARA students to join, and we aim to incorporate as many of SAA’s tools and resources into our programming and communication as possible.
Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC)
The Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC) believes that special librarians – those working in specialized settings – have unique and important skills to contribute at the highest levels of the profession, including the ability to help implement best practices within their organizations. SLASC members connect with their umbrella organization, the Special Libraries Association, which has members and chapters across the United States and in over 75 countries. Through student leadership opportunities, educational programming, members communications, virtual study groups and social events, SLASC cultivates meaningful, lasting connections among iSchool students and with the broader special library world.
Sports Analytics Club
The Sports Analytics Club at San José State University is sponsored by the iSchool and has a mission to provide students hands-on experience in a sports analytics environment with the assistance of faculty by analyzing and producing relevant data to SJSU athletic teams, in order to improve their on-field performance. The club has partnered with the baseball team in the past, with a goal to expand to other sports. We are looking to incorporate new technologies and programs along the way to make the most of the information that is made available to us. Opportunities to travel with a team(s) will be available, and all students and faculty members are welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact us on social media or via email. We look forward to meeting with you!
Contact Information:
- Andrew (Andy) MacKay: Club President andrew.mackay@sjsu.edu
- José Aguiñaga: Co-Faculty Advisor jose.aguinaga@sjsu.edu
- Crystal Fausett: Co-Faculty Advisor crystal.fausett@sjsu.edu
- Anthony Chow: School of Information Director a.chow@sjsu.edu
Student Research Journal (SRJ)
The Student Research Journal (SRJ) is the foremost double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal developed and led by current graduate students at San Jose State University’s School of information. Our goal is threefold: to empower budding researchers, to publish relevant content of the highest quality, and to build an international community of student researchers. The SRJ concentrates on providing students with deep developmental editing during the peer review process. Our goal is not to simply publish pieces that meet the baseline criteria, but to compliment your graduate-level studies with an immersive experience of the peer review process.
User Experience Student Group (UXSG)
The User Experience Student Group at SJSU iSchool (UXSG) exists to bring together MLIS, MARA, Informatics and BSISDA students who are interested in User Experience, though all iSchool students are welcome! UXSG aims to bring together those interested in usability from all backgrounds. We offer study sessions, webinars, and speaker events. Whether you’re already familiar with user experience (UX) as a concept or are brand new to the field, UXSG is excited to hear from you!
Virtual Worlds & Social VR Club (VCARA)
The iSchool’s Virtual Center for Archives and Records Administration (VCARA) began as a student group in our MARA program in 2009, but has evolved into an informal club open to all (students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other remote friends/colleagues). We promote social, creative, and educational collaboration using multiple virtual environments; from desktop virtual worlds (like our beloved Second Life region) to platforms accessed with VR headsets.
If you’re the adventurous type interested in virtual worlds, virtual reality, and related aspects of information science (including archives, education and libraries), you’ll fit right in. Best of all, no special equipment is needed. Read more at our website, connect with us on Discord, and come hangout with us in-world at conferences, events, explorer outings, or end of semester dance parties.
Women in Cybersecurity, San Jose State University Student Chapter
Women in Cybersecurity is a national organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field. The organization’s mission is to “[r]ecruit, retain and advance women in cybersecurity to build a robust and diverse cybersecurity workforce” with a vision of “[a] world where cybersecurity workforce is an inclusive space” (Source: Women in Cybersecurity national website).
The club is open to women, as well as others who wish to be allies toward reaching these goals.
San Jose State University has just become a student chapter. It will be known as the Women in Cybersecurity, San Jose State University Student Chapter. The organization is open to all SJSU students, undergraduate and graduate, both on campus and from the iSchool. You can learn more about the chapter here.
Award-winning Student Chapters
The SJSU iSchool’s student chapters have won numerous awards recognizing their excellence and their innovative approach to serving online students. The ASIS&T Student Chapter has been named the association’s Student Chapter of the Year. The SLA Student Chapter has received the organization’s Student Group Certificate of Merit for Innovative Programming. The SLA Student Chapter was the only U.S. student group to be recognized for the 2014/2015 academic year. In addition, the ALA Student Chapter has been named Student Chapter of the Year five times!
Get Involved
Many of the school’s student groups host meet-ups, special events, and networking opportunities – both virtual and in-person. Check the SJSU iSchool Facebook page often for updates about upcoming events and the Pinterest board for fun pins. The SJSU iSchool student groups also have their own social media. In addition, the student-run Student Research Journal editorial team manages a Student Resource blog.
Your Voices Student Projects
Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The School of Information and the Applied Data Science Department recognize how critical it is to foster discussion and solicit input about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion to educate the next generation of information professionals. Without an inclusive and culturally aware environment, our academic units cannot enhance the student experience or understand the value of their presence at San José State University.
Virtual Center For Archives & Records Administration (VCARA)
An iSchool student group, VCARA is a MARA-created space and community based in the virtual world Second Life (SL). We offer many resources both in SL and online including annual conferences, events, exhibits, trainings, and webcasts.
VCARA is open to all students, alumni, educators, and other professionals interested in virtual worlds and any aspect of information science including archives, education, libraries, records, and special collections.