@State May 2017

Spotlight on the Aztec Music Group

back door mural with rainbows, stars and natives

Making San Diego State history, the Aztec Music Group is proud to announce the release of their debut album! The Aztec Music Group is a student-run organization for those who are interested in pursuing a career related to the music industry, whether that's performing, management, production and more!

The Backdoor, now on sale on iTunes, is a collective effort by the AMG with proceeds going to the San Diego Tumor Association. Be sure to check out their album and read more about their involvement on campus here!

SDSU May News in Brief

Secure your commencement tickets!

graduating students at commencement

Are you graduating this month? Friday, May 5 is the deadline to secure the maximum amount of tickets for your family and friends to cheer you on. Secure your tickets while you still can! Be sure to jot down the important dates below so you don't miss out on any of the festivities!

  • Thursday, May 11

    • Imperial Valley Campus, 7 pm at the Rollie Carillo Quad.
  • Friday, May 12

    • College of Arts and Letters, 10 am at the Viejas Arena.
    • College of Sciences, 3 pm at the Viejas Arena.
  • Saturday, May 13

    • Fowler College of Business, 8 am at the Viejas Arena.
    • College of Health and Human Services, 1 pm at the Viejas Arena.
    • College of Engineering, 5:30 pm at the Viejas Arena.
  • Sunday, May 14

    • College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, 9 am at the Viejas Arena.
    • College of Education and the Division of Undergraduate Studies, 2 pm at the Viejas Arena.

Midnight Study Break

midnight study break students enjoying food

Give your tired eyes a rest and take a break from hitting the books by joining faculty and friends at the Midnight Study Break! There’ll be food, fun and prizes, so make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting, FREE event!

May 4, 10 pm - 1 am @ the Lee and Frank Goldberg Courtyard at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.

Less stress, more travel

study abroad in asia

Summer means adventure, but did you know it’s also the best time to plan future adventures? The SDSU Study Abroad Office is open during the break, and with fewer students on campus, you can explore your international options with an advisor in a relaxed setting without dealing with long waits or lines. Gather your friends and call ahead. We can even set up a special private group informational session. What service!

The Nate Harrison Dig: Q&A with Dr. Seth Mallios

students digging at the Nate Harrison dig

Since 2004, Dr. Seth Mallios has led digs at the site of the one-room stone homestead of Nate Harrison, one of Palomar Mountain’s founding pioneers. Recent findings from this year's dig have renewed public interest regarding Nate Harrison's role in early San Diego history.

Originally brought to the gold fields as a slave, Harrison was freed following the death of his master. Rumors place Harrison on Palomar Mountain as early as the 1860’s, where he quickly befriended his indigenous neighbors and fellow settlers alike. Self-sufficient as a homesteader and fond of spinning yarns as part of a rich storytelling tradition, Harrison would become a celebrated member of the community, crossing established social and racial norms of the time.

Check out our Q&A with Dr. Mallios as he uses newly discovered archaeological evidence alongside research from the historical record to separate fact from fiction and establish a legacy for one of San Diego’s most unsung heroes!

Start thinking scholarships

study abroad students dancing

Work to secure a scholarship for your 2018 study abroad experience without even leaving your beach towel. These slower summer days are the best time to get yourself organized. If you’re going abroad, that means identifying your target scholarships, getting to know the application timeline, gathering your materials and drafting your personal statement. Do this now before life gets hectic – trust us!

Volunteers needed

students at booth inquiring about volunteering

Get involved with the international community at SDSU while leading a helping hand! The International Student Center is seeking student volunteers to help out with the following events:

  • May 10: International exchange student graduation
  • May 11: International degree-seeking student graduation
  • May 26: SDSU International partners visiting campus
  • May 21-25: International student orientation/welcome week

To volunteer please contact Aanika Islam at [email protected]

Three ways to stay connected this summer

hepner hall and sky
  1. Enroll in Summer Session

    Whether you’re looking to graduate early, get some pre-requisites out of the way or just take a class for fun, Summer Session is a great way to keep your mind sharp outside of the academic year! Not going to be on campus this summer? No problem! Online classes can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection so no matter where you are this summer, you can still get ahead. With three available sessions to choose from, there’s something available for everyone! Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

  2. Stay in shape by visiting the ARC!

    You spent the year exercising your mind, now take some time to exercise your body! ARC hours may be different over the summer, but you’ll still have the chance to run, lift and play. Cool off from the heat by visiting the Aquaplex or enjoy the comfort of air conditioning by knocking down some pins at the Aztec Lanes! Visit the Aztec Recreation Center site for full summer hours.

  3. Connect with Career Services for a Summer Job!

    Let’s face it - summer’s a lot more fun when you’re flush with cash. If you’d like to have some extra spending money this summer or even if you’d just like to benefit from padding your resume with a relevant internship, contact Career Services to find new opportunities for work while your schedule is still clear!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Four ways to lower your risk

clock tower at student services west
  1. Cover yourself!

    Your hair looks great. Truly. But something as simple as wearing a hat or even sleeves can drastically reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. With one in five Americans set to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, hat hair is a small price to pay to avoid developing a tumor.

  2. Avoid the hottest part of the day!

    If it’s so hot outside that even the clouds are hiding, that’s nature trying to tell you something. If you’re going to be outside between 10 am and 4 pm, look for a shady spot or find refuge indoors. One person dies from melanoma every hour, so shade is key for reducing your risk of becoming a statistic.

  3. Wear sunscreen!

    No one likes to feel oily...but it’s better than the alternative. Use at least SPF 15 daily to reduce your melanoma risk by half! If you’re worried about chemical sunscreens, know that there are now more natural options on the market. Apply two tablespoons to your entire body a half-hour before going outside for maximum protection!

  4. Examine yourself!

    Checking yourself out in the mirror isn’t just for measuring gains from the gym. It’s also a great way to see if there are any beauty marks or unusual spots on your body that have changes in color, texture, or growth. See a physician right away if you find anything out of the ordinary.

Visit www.skincancer.org for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s tips on how to prevent carcinoma and melanoma from your future. Have other health-related, non-medical questions? Contact Health Promotion on campus for more information.

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

Asian Pacific Student Alliance (APSA)

In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’d like to put the focus on one of SDSU’s oldest active student organizations, the Asian Pacific Student Alliance (APSA)! While Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month wasn’t designated nationally until 1992, the APSA has maintained a strong presence on campus since the organization was first founded in 1972. Come and explore their weekly meetings and events!

Five dates to know

red circle: Important Campus Dates
  • May 4: Last day of classes before final examinations
  • May 4: Midnight Study Break, Aztec Student Union Courtyard, 10 pm - 1 am
  • May 11: Last day to apply for a leave of absence for spring semester 2017
  • May 12: Student residence halls (except Granada and Piedra del Sol) closed for academic year, 10 am
  • May 17: Last day of spring semester

construction sign: SDSU Students Wanted
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