Mission Statement

New Student and Family Programs Mission 

New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) strives to aid in the transition of new first-year, transfer students, parents and family members to the intellectual and social climate of San José State University (SJSU). NSFP is committed to providing a supportive transition for new students and their family members by fostering a sense of belonging through intentional programming to promote a familiarity with academic and student support services catered to SJSU’s diverse population of students and families. In collaboration with SJSU faculty and staff, and informed by the Council for Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education, NSFP strives to provide a foundation for a successful transition to SJSU in support of retention, degree completion, and meaningful student learning and development.

Frosh and Transfer Orientation Learning Outcomes:

The Orientation Program for traditional undergraduate students prepares new first-year and transfer students to successfully navigate their SJSU college experience and engage in meaningful academic and co-curricular learning through fulfillment of the the program specific learning outcomes informed by the Council for Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education for Orientation Programs: 

(1) Participants will demonstrate their knowledge and awareness of their own identities as well as those of others

(2) Participants will experience the uniqueness of the SJSU campus, its history, and its resources

(3) Participants will acknowledge the SJSU student code of conduct, expectations and university policies

(4) Participants will identify SJSU academic general education and major requirements

(5) Participants will establish a connection with one or more SJSU students and staff members

Parent and Family Programs Learning Outcomes: 

The Parent and Family Orientation and programs will introduce educational, social, and personal resources to facilitate the transition of parents and families of new and returning SJSU students. We strive to cultivate inclusive, welcoming, and informed Spartan families through fulfillment of program specific learning outcomes informed by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education for Parent and Family Programs: 

(1) Participants will demonstrate their knowledgeable about the SJSU campus and its resources

(2) Participants will establish a connection with one or more parents or family members, staff and students 

(3) Participants will engage in conversation on the transitional experience of parents and families when students start school at SJSU 

(4) Participants will learn how to employ a supportive and challenging method of parenting during their student’s time at SJSU

Orientation Leaders Learning Outcomes: 

The Orientation Leader (OL) position will participate in the implementation of summer Orientation sessions and other programs and services offered through New Student & Family Programs (NSFP). Orientation Leaders will work collaboratively with their peers, NSFP professional staff, and other staff and faculty across campus to support the coordination and execution of Sparta Camp and Spartan Experience for Transfers (SET) for over 8,000 attendees. In alignment with the Council for the Advancement of Standards for Orientation Programs, SJSU Orientation Leaders will:

(1) Demonstrate a basic understanding of transitional challenges as it relates to the new student experience (homesickness, transfer shock, academic and social acclimation)

(2) Display a comprehensive understanding of student services and campus resources designed to support new students and their families in their transition to SJSU

(3) Develop positive relationships with new students, parents and family members, faculty and staff in order to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all orientation participants

(4) Employ problem solving and conflict management techniques in a professional manner upon supporting various programmatic pieces of the orientation program

(5) Gain an appreciation of SJSU’s unique history, institutional culture, and traditions while portraying authentic campus spirit to all orientation participants