^{AI-generated image of “faculty and staff reacting to something exciting or dramatic,” inspired by The Pitt (fans may recognize fictional Drs. Robby and Mohan).}

I remember when the television drama ER premiered in 1994. All of my pre-med friends were obsessed. Back then, the only way to watch was on the sole TV in the dorm's common lounge, everyone piled onto weathered couches or sprawled on the floor, totally rapt, shushing anyone who spoke before a commercial break. I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about until I caught a glimpse of Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney in his swoony prime) and found myself elbowing others to get a good seat every week.

Last year, I got hooked on another award-winning hospital drama: The Pitt. Each season follows the medical staff at a Pittsburgh emergency room over a single day, and each episode is one hour of their shift, unfolding in real time. The characters are distinct and well-drawn, both heroic and flawed; the dialogue is witty and fast-paced; the medical scenarios are queasily realistic. My adrenaline surges when an urgent case comes in and the team races into action, calling out vital signs, quizzing the interns, firing up the defibrillator, doing whatever they can to save a life.

I sometimes imagine a drama that follows a full day, hour by hour, at SJSU. Two episodes (or more!) might focus on a single committee meeting. Another episode or two might be completely devoid of dialogue as main characters write emails, revise a manuscript, plug numbers into a spreadsheet, or catch up on grading. Half of one episode might just be the search for a parking spot or the wait at Philz. But on some occasions, we do get a Pitt-like experience: a faculty member helps a student teetering on the edge of withdrawal connect to the right campus resources and stay enrolled. A long-shot funding opportunity comes through, and word spreads across the college that a longstanding mentoring program will continue. A programming event hits a technical glitch hours before launch, but a small team rebuilds it into something that works even better than planned.

What makes The Pitt's most dramatic moments land is everything that happens in between. The intern who recalls an obscure diagnosis does so because the attending physician took time to teach it; likewise, the team that rallies around a crashing patient does so because they built trust during the slow hours. The drama works because the ordinary holds it together. And it's the same on our campus: The student who connects to the right resource at the right moment doesn't experience that as luck, but rather as someone in their corner who knew what to do and cared enough to do it. The grant that comes through represents months of unglamorous preparation. The rebuilt event starts on time because of goodwill accumulated over years and favors called in from trusted colleagues.

As we finish out the academic year, I hope you will take the time for a post-season debrief. Is there someone who showed up quietly and consistently for you this year? What behind-the-scenes work from this year do you want to ensure makes it into next season? Whatever comes to mind, I hope you'll act on it by communicating your thanks or making a note of what you want to carry into the fall. Like ER and The Pitt, SJSU is built on an ensemble cast, and the best thing about a season finale is that it's only a pause before the production team gets back to work. Here’s to a restful summer, and we'll see each other again in August!

Sincerely,
Magdalena L. Barrera
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and
Accreditation Liaison Officer

As you reflect on what went well in your courses and some changes you’d like to make for next semester, remember that CFETI Instructional Designers are here to support you! Reach out to cfeti@sjsu.edu to schedule a coaching session, a consultation or to collaborate! We’re available on Zoom or in Clark Hall all summer!

Useful Course Design Resources:

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is May 21, 2026! 

Please take a moment to explore the SJSU Global Accessibility Awareness webpage!

CFETI and the Division of Research and Innovation are excited to invite tenure-track assistant professors and recently tenured associate professors (0-2 years after tenure) to participate in The Scholar’s Retreat on June 24-25, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day). 

This in-person 2-day retreat is designed for faculty who seek to develop a clear, sustainable, and highly visible scholarly program and identity. Participants will clarify their research focus, map out a strategic research plan, and explore practical approaches to increasing their visibility and impact as scholars. 

Complete this form to register for the retreat. Please note that seating is limited and will be assigned on a first come first serve basis. Upon the successful completion of the retreat faculty will receive professional development funds in the amount of $500 that they can use towards their RSCA activities. Light breakfast and lunch will be served during both days of  the retreat. 

Are you submitting a dossier in Fall 2026? Looking for company and support? Want to assemble your dossier EARLY?

Join Friederike Bruehoefener (Assistant Vice Provost, CFETI) for hands-on, Zoom-based sessions in July and August. Sessions are held from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on the following dates: July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, and August 10. Complete this form to register.

Each week focuses on a different section of the dossier: you will be guided through an explanation of that section and best practices for compiling materials, followed by working time to get it done. This accountability group is especially helpful for faculty assembling their first comprehensive dossier or who have been assigned a special review. 

Check out this feedback from a past participant: “The Power Hour provided not just information, but a lifeline. . . . It wasn't just about what to include, but how to present your case in the most compelling way. . . . Because of the support, community, and practical guidance I received, I was able to approach the dossier process with confidence and clarity.”