Despite initial worries of what life would be like in the U.S., Aishwaryaa ‘Ash’ Dev has found a safe haven here at San Diego State. Originally from India, Ash is now fully immersed in a diverse Aztec Experience as an international studies and conflict resolution major. Through her experiences, she has met students — now close friends — from around the world and traveled abroad through the Hillel of SDSU — all within her first year at State.
Celebrate DiverseAbility Awareness Month with Student Disability Services (SDS) and recognize the diverse culture of people with disabilities. On Monday, October 3, meet a trained miniature therapy pony at the event kick-off from 11 a.m. to noon on North Library Walkway. On Thursday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SDS partners with Arts Alive SDSU to host a DiverseAbility Pop-up Art Show at the Farmer’s Market. Find more events on Student Disability Services’ website.
Download Aztec Shield mobile app
All students are strongly encouraged to download “Aztec Shield”, the university’s mobile safety app that enables students, faculty, staff and visitors to reach the SDSU police department from their smart phones. Once downloaded, Aztec Shield users can receive safety alerts, request help from the police department, report suspicious activity, participate in the peer-to-peer safety service, and locate the Red and Black and Library shuttles as well as the Late Night Safety Escort vehicle. Find the free Android and iPhone app in your phone’s app store under “Aztec Shield”.
Early FAFSA filing date begins Oct. 1
On October 1, students will be able to file a 2017–18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid early, rather than beginning on January 1, 2017. The earlier submission date will be a permanent change and enables students to submit the FAFSA as early as October 1 moving forward. Starting with the 2017-18 application cycle, students will report their 2015 income information, rather than their 2016 income information. Visit the FAFSA website to complete the application and for more information about the changes.
EOP, Compact and Financial Aid offices temporarily relocated
This fall, three Student Affairs offices will be undergoing some major renovations for the remainder of the semester. Beginning September 19 to January 2017, Compact for Success will be temporarily relocated to Aztec Mesa, Room 112. Beginning September 29 through January 2017, the Office of Educational Opportunities will be temporarily relocated to Aztec Mesa, Room 110. Beginning October 31 through January 2017, the lobby for the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be temporarily relocated to Student Services West, Room 2536. Look for more details to come later this fall.
A talk with Tom Davies
You are invited to the One SDSU Community Speaker Series, “Tom Davies LGBT Warrior: The Road to the Courtroom”, on Wednesday, October 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Love Library, LL 108. Dr. Tom Davies is a Professor Emeritus of History and Director Emeritus of the Center for Latin American Studies at SDSU. He will speak about his experiences testifying as an expert witness in cases involving LGBTQ immigrants from Central and South America. For the past five years, SDSU has worked to create a digital archive of the affidavits from these trials. Visit one.sdsu.edu for more programs and events.
The scoop on study abroad
If you’re interested in studying abroad, October is a great month to get information on programs and financial aid. The SDSU Study Abroad Office will host a table at Family Weekend on October 7 and 8 where you can learn more about how to get started finding the right program for you. Are you interested in studying abroad while learning a less commonly taught language in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe or the Middle East? Come to an information session about the Critical Language Scholarship and Boren Awards on October 6 at the International Student Center. Information on Study Abroad
Calling all commuter students
Commuter students, are you wondering how to make the most out of your four years at SDSU? Participate in the new Alliance for Commuter Involvement (A4CI) and get involved in leadership, service learning, and mentoring opportunities on campus. There’s no doubt that these experiences will help you become a more competitive candidate when it comes time to apply for jobs or graduate schools. As an added bonus, all A4CI participants will receive an official Alliance 4 Commuter Involvement graduate stole to wear proudly at Commencement! Register to join A4CI.
Help spread the word about ECRT
The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) is working to help students on our campus who may be only eating once a day or without a permanent, safe place to sleep at night. If you or a student know is struggling with an immediate food or housing issue, we strongly encourage you to request help through the Economic Crisis Response Team’s website (or by emailing [email protected]). SDSU students are some of our greatest allies in helping spread the word about ECRT. Together, we can help students find and receive the assistance they need.
Be a part of Peace Village
Register now to participate in International Education Week, November 14-18. International students and domestic students alike are encouraged to share their ethnic and cultural heritage. Events include an opening ceremony and flag parade, International Peace Village where students host tables and give presentations about their countries of origin and a closing ceremony. Click here for International Peace Village or read more about the rich history this SDSU tradition.
Five dates to know
Welcome your loved ones to campus for Family Weekend on October 7 and 8
Cheer on the nationally-ranked Aztecs football team against UNLV on October 8
