Engage with new and old colleagues and participate in events, meetings, and workshops offered throughout campus this month. We hope you'll take advantage of the information highlighted below.
HR News Campus Updates & Events | February 2024
Stay Up to Date | Changes to COVID-19 Reporting Requirements
There are a few changes with regards to COVID reporting requirements that we’d like to let you know about in the coming year.
- In alignment with CalOSHA updates on workplace exposure notifications, the University will no longer maintain the COVID dashboard nor send weekly notification emails.
- In alignment with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requirements for higher education, the University will no longer send group notifications of potential close contacts for students (i.e. emails to all students registered in the same classes where there is a positive case). We will continue to notify faculty of potential COVID-19 exposures in the classroom.
- Students and employees will still need to continue reporting COVID cases and close contacts until February 3, 2025 so that the University may effectively conduct contact tracing.
Please refer to the CSUN COVID-19 information website for updated information.
Calm & HR Present: Finding Balance In Your Life
Throughout our lifetime, there will be moments when work-life balance seems to be out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you create a daily routine that instills mindfulness practices that intentionally create space for balance, it’ll benefit your overall mental well-being as well.
Start regaining balance in your life with the following Calm resources:
- Balancing, Not Balance
- In this 11-minute Daily Trip session with Jeff Warren, you’ll do a guided meditation to explore the dynamic process of finding balance in your daily life.
- Slow the Swirl in Your Mind
- In this 2-minute grounding exercise with Jay Shetty, you’ll learn how to slow negative spirals and calm feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Letting Go of the Day
- In this 6-minute guided meditation with Chibs Okereke, you’ll learn how to transition mindfully from your workday to your personal time through a body scan.
- Chillout Sessions
- In this music series from the Ministry of Sound, you’ll explore bespoke mixes to clear your mind and lift your mood.
Check out the Calm app for other diverse resources that’ll support your mental health journey. Haven't redeemed your free Calm Premium subscription yet? Visit the HR Benefits Calm website for information on how to activate your account.
Join a Calm App Webinar to learn how to personalize your app experience or deep dive into monthly themed topics to enhance your mental health toolkit.
Join HR & Calm in supporting and honoring Black History Month
February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, honor, and improve the well-being of the Black community.
In support of Black mental health, we’re excited to share two transformative programs on Calm from a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and author Dr. Rheeda Walker.
- Black Self-Worth at Work with Dr. Rheeda is designed to equip Black employees with strategies to thrive in the face of microaggressions, exclusion, and other forms of racism. She explains what “psychological fortitude” at work means and how to maximize it.
- In Minding Your Black Mind with Dr. Rheeda, she offers insights and shares strategies to help Black people handle daily challenges and assaults on their humanity with grace. Select sessions in this program are: Assume You Deserve Happiness, Using Legacy as a Superpower Against Racism, and Steering Away from the Crisis Cliff.
In partnership with Calm, Dr. Walker also introduced the ABCs of Minding Your Mind, a guide to help people in the Black community achieve empowering, incremental shifts in their mindsets and lifestyles.
UCS Presents: QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty and Staff | February 5 & 23
Knowing how to assist your family, friends, students or colleagues may be difficult without the necessary tools. Join us for this training as we provide you with insightful suicide data and trends, useful resource information, tips for recognizing signs of suicidal thoughts in others and ways to help prevent suicide.
Register for this training to receive the Zoom meeting information and online training materials information. Please email us if you have any questions regarding this training or contact our main office at (818) 677-2366, option 1.
Select the button corresponding to the date you wish to attend
Associated Students Invites You to Join the Fun: Farmers Market, Heartstrings Hangout & More! | February 6, 13, 14, 20, 27 & 29
Associated Students invites Faculty and Staff to enjoy the fun with students and colleagues at the following events:
Tuesday, February 610 am - 3 pm | AS Farmers Market Is Back! | Pick up some fresh produce and goodies, or enjoy lunch from one of many food stands/trucks. |
Tuesday, February 1310 am - 3 pm | AS Farmers Market | Pick up some fresh produce and goodies, or enjoy lunch from one of many food stands/trucks. |
Wednesday, February 1410 am - 2 pm | Heartstrings Hangout | |
Tuesday, February 2010 am - 3 pm | AS Farmers Market: Refill & Repair | Enjoy the Farmers Market of bring clothes to repair or jars to fill with soap, shampoo, etc. |
Tuesday, February 2710 am - 3 pm | AS Farmers Market:Black History Celebration | |
Thursday, February 2910 am - 2 pm | Thursday Thrifts | Bring clothes to thrift/donate |
CSUN Armenian Alumni Network Spring 2024 Mixer | February 8
Thursday, February 8, 2024 - 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Montrose Bowl - 2334 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose, CA 91020
Cost Varies - see below
The CSUN Armenian Alumni Network invites you to their Spring 2024 Mixer. Join us for an evening of fun with your fellow Matadors!
We'll have lanes reserved exclusively for you, and shoe rental is on us! Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a first-timer, this event is all about enjoying each other's company and celebrating the strong bonds we forged during our time at CSUN. Secure your spot and bring along fellow alumni and friends – the more, the merrier! We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of strikes, spares, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Cost:
Alumni chapter members: $25
General admission: $30
Onsite: $35
Admission includes shoe and lane rental. Food/drinks available for purchase onsite.
Net proceeds benefit programs & scholarships for the chapter.
Child & Adolescent Development and Psychology Alumni Chapters Networking Event | February 10
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CSUN USU Lakeview Terrace
The CSUN Child & Adolescent Development and Psychology alumni groups are joining forces for a full day of networking, learning and camaraderie. This two-part day event will include pastries and light refreshments. Join us and reconnect with your fellow alumni and make new connections.
The morning session will begin with networking among child & adolescent development alumni from various agencies, including Aviva and Nurturing Tots as well as networking with alumni and faculty. The afternoon session will include a psychology alumni keynote speaker as well as networking opportunities with psychology alumni and faculty. You may attend one or both sessions.
Session 1 - Child and Adolescent Development Alumni Networking
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Alumni and General admission: $15
- Student: $5
- Onsite: $20
Session 2 - Psychology Alumni Networking
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Alumni: $15
- General admission: $20
- Student: $5
- Onsite: $25
Both sessions: $20
Admission includes coffee, pastries and light refreshments. Net proceeds will benefit respective chapter scholarships and programs.
We encourage those who require visual, auditory or mobility assistance to attend. Please contact Hannah Labra at with any requests by February 1.
Share With Your Students: The Career Center is Hosting Internship Week | February 12 - 14
The Career Center is pleased to announce Internship Week: A week-long series of virtual career readiness workshops and employer networking events surrounding internships | February 12 - 14
Please share this list of events with your students.
Internship Week: Handshake A-Z
Monday, February 12, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: Internship Roadmap from Start to Finish
Monday, February 12, 2024
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: How to Land a Micro Internship
Monday, February 12, 2024
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: Career Fair Prep
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: Learn to Create a LinkedIn Profile- Connect with Recruiters S24
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: LA County Arts and Culture Internship Program
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
Internship Week: ResuMakeover Spring 24
Tuesday, February 14, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Select to Register!
CTL’s Education on the Edge Speaker Series | February 15
Beyond "The Look:" Behavior Support That Works
Dr. Melissa C. Jenkins
Thursday, February 15, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Melissa Jenkins of the University of Mary Washington, and co-author of Connecting High-Leverage Practices to Student Success: Collaboration in Inclusive Classrooms, will be presenting on Behavior Support that Works.
Classroom management and Behavior supports are always a top concern of educators, especially now post-pandemic. Attend in person at the CSUN College of Education Rooms ED1214-1216 or sign up to participate through Zoom! Q& A will follow the engaging, practical, strategy-oriented presentation. See attached flyer & feel free to share liberally with teachers, schools, student groups, etc.
All Education on the Edge events are free but RSVP is required (for on-site and zoom) so we can plan accordingly. Please register soon. Any problems or questions? Contact Dr. Wendy Murawski or the College of Ed CTL at ctl@csun.edu or x7494.
You can view a PDF of the following flyer here.
Share With Your Students: The Career Center is Hosting Tech Fest | February 20
The Career Center is pleased to host Tech Fest: A career fair hosted by the Career Center and College of Engineering and Computer Science. STEM industry professionals seeking to hire CSUN students and alums in the Northridge Center Complex.
Tech Fest
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Northridge Center
Select to Register!
DEI Essential Talks: Engage in Dr. King’s Beloved Community with Ekemini Uwan | February 22
Thursday, February 22, 2024 - 6:30 p.m.
Northridge Center, University Student Union
Join us in an eye-opening conversation with CSUN alum Ekemini Uwan about Dr. Martin Luther King’s journey toward the ultimate goal of love and justice. Ekemini Uwan is a public theologian, international human rights activist and co-author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award nominated book Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. Uwan’s discussion will center around King’s Beloved Community with included principles of nonviolence as powerful expressions of courage, understanding, trust and love. Don’t miss this important discussion to better your understanding of justice through community creation, reconciliation and groundedness.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and seating with be on a first come, first serve basis. Livestreaming will also be available via Zoom with this link: http://tinyurl.com/StreamUwan. Uwan will be concluding the event with a book-signing of Truth’s Table for students while supplies last!
This free program was coordinated by University Counseling Services and the University Student Union.
Attention CSUN Lecturers! Explore the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program
Are you currently enrolled in a doctoral program or currently applying to one? Is your career goal a tenure-track position within the CSU? If so, please read on to learn more about the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (the CSU system's flagship pipeline from lecturer to tenure-track) and join us for an Info Session over the next few weeks. You can learn more and RSVP on our website: https://www.csun.edu/graduate-studies/chancellors-doctoral-incentive-program
We are pleased to announce that the CSU is seeking applications for the 2024-2025 Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP). The purpose of this program is to increase the number of promising doctoral students applying for future CSU faculty positions by offering assistance in the form of grants, a forgivable loan, and mentorship by CSU faculty. The funds source is the Lottery Revenue Budget, and 25% of fellowships in this program are reserved for current lecturers in the CSU.
The CDIP provides grants for dissertation research, funds for conference travel, programming, and mentoring towards the CSU job market. In addition, CDIP will lend participants who are full-time doctoral students up to $10,000 annually (a maximum of $30,000 within 5 years). If the participant obtains a full-time instructional faculty position in the CSU, loan principal and interest are “forgiven” at the rate of 20% for each year of service. If they obtain a part-time instructional position, the forgiveness rate is 10% for each year of service.
Established in 1987, the CSU CDIP is the largest program of its kind in the nation; 2,224 participants have successfully earned doctoral degrees and 1,276 (56%) have obtained employment as CSU faculty. CSUN has hired more than 30 tenure-track faculty from this program.
For details about this program please view https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/faculty-staff/cdip. You can also find more on our website, https://www.csun.edu/graduate-studies/chancellors-doctoral-incentive-program.
If you have questions after attending an Info Session and reviewing the website, you can feel free to contact me (Heidi Schumacher, our campus coordinator) at Heidi.Schumacher@csun.edu.
Free Income Tax Preparation Available through CSUN VITA Clinic
If you made under $64,000 in 2023, CSUN's VITA Clinic's professionally trained volunteers can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income tax returns. For more information, review the informational flyer below or visit the CSUN VITA Clinic website.
You can view a pdf of the following flyer here.
Read the Latest Issue of T-CARE
The CSUN Center for Teaching and Learning is proud to publish the newest edition of T-CARE (Teachers Connecting to Advance Retention and Empowerment). T-CARE is a peer-reviewed national newsletter designed to offer practical tips for pre- and in-service educators. This particular issue focused on high-leverage and inclusive practices. We are pleased to highlight CSUN professors who were published in this 15th issue: Dr. Sami Toews, Dr. Amy Hanreddy, and Dr. Dominic Grasso. The CTL encourages other CSUN faculty to submit their practitioner-focused articles for consideration.
We hope you will enjoy this issue and share it with as many educators and educator networks as possible. T-CARE is free and we are grateful to the Eisner Foundation and the Schools First Federal Credit Union for making that possible.
Check out other T-CARE articles from the past at https://www.csun.edu/center-teaching-learning/publications. Interested in writing for T-CARE? The guidelines for being a T-CARE author are on our website as well!
Be sure to get on the CTL’s mailing list for this and other publications and events by mailing ctl@csun.edu and simply saying “I’d like to be on the mailing list.”
Call for Submissions to T-CARE, A Peer-Reviewed Newsletter
Interested in Being Published In A Peer-Reviewed Newsletter?
The Center for Teaching and Learning in the Michael D. Eisner College of Education at Cal State Northridge is actively seeking submissions for the next issue of T-CARE, which will focus on…
“AT &/or AI in Education”*
*AT=Assistive Technology; AI = Artificial Intelligence
Please email all submissions to ctl@csun.edu. You can find the guidelines for being a T-CARE author and check out T-CARE articles from the past at https://www.csun.edu/center-teaching-learning/publications.
Save the Date: CSUN Giving Day starts March 6th
CSUN Giving Day returns March 6-7. Get ready to share your love for CSUN and let the world know how much our university means to you.
Join us for 36 hours of giving when faculty and staff like you – joined by students, parents, alumni and friends – come together to support student success and invest in the transformative power of a CSUN education. On Giving Day, you are invited to support your favorite CSUN colleges, schools and causes as we build a brighter tomorrow.
Ready to get involved now? Sign up today to be CSUN Giving Day Ambassador and raise funds for your favorite university cause. As an Ambassador you'll receive access to your very own CSUN Giving Day dashboard, which includes a toolkit full of ideas for emails and social media posts to help you spread the word. You can also join our "You+2" campaign and receive fun swag!
Look for Giving Day opportunities across the university. For inspiration, check out givingday.csun.edu. Keep an eye out for special matches and challenge gifts from generous CSUN donors that will magnify the impact of your support.
With you as a Giving Day Ambassador, our Matador-powered fundraiser is destined for success. Thank you in advance for your partnership and for everything you do to help our students reach their educational goals.
Questions? Contact:
Chelsea Wisenbaker
Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship
Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
O: 818-677-4112
Register Now to Be a Faculty Judge for the 2024 CSUNposium
The CSUNposium is a student conference featuring 3-minute & 10-minute oral and poster presentations. The event aims to showcase excellence in scholarly research and creative activity conducted by CSUN students across all academic disciplines.
The 2024 CSUNposium will be held in the University Student Union on Friday, April 5th from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Please visit the CSUNposium website to view the most up-to-date information about the event.
If you are interested in serving as a faculty judge, please complete the Judges Interest form and we will contact you in early March.
We encourage the CSUN community to attend the event and support the students working on groundbreaking research projects.
For more information or with questions, visit the CSUNposium website or contact Graduate Studies at graduate.studies@csun.edu
Take Control of Your Diabetes with Marilyn Magaram Center's Thrive with Diabetes Management Program
Ready to take control of your diabetes journey? Enroll in our Thrive with Diabetes Management Program.
Our expert registered dietitian is here to guide you through a dynamic and effective management program from the comfort of your own home! Reach out now to discover the empowering possibilities that come with our program. Your path to better diabetes management starts here!
Here are 3 reasons why you should join!
- Our Thrive with Diabetes Management program will give you the tools you need to improve your diabetes management.
- Effectively managing your diabetes can lower risks of diabetes complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage and more.
- Improving your diabetes management can lead to improved overall quality of life allowing you to enjoy the things and foods you love!
Kick off your 2024 with a Premium Money Market with Premier America - The Official Credit Union of CSUN
Now through March 31, stop by the on-campus branch (or visit us online) and open a Premium Money Market with cash bonuses from $150 up to $3,750! With as little as $10,000 in new money deposits. Held at Premier America for 120 days, you will earn one of six cash bonus tiers. Plus, all deposits earn 1.00% APY!
*Bonuses range from $150 - $3,750. See our disclosure at PremierAmerica.com/premiumsavings for full cash bonus information. Maintain your tier’s minimum balance from Day 31 to Day 120 for the full bonus. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 16, 2024. Interest rates and APY may change daily after the account is opened. To earn the stated 1.00% APY, the account must maintain a balance of at least $0.01. Federally insured by NCUA.
In Case You MiIssed It: eTravel Mileage Reimbursement Rates Effective January 1, 2024
The California State University standard mileage rate for business travel occurring on or after January 1, 2024 will increase from 65.5 cents per mile to 67 cents per mile.
More information can be found at the CSUN Travel website.
In Case You Missed It: CSU Travel Policy Updates | Effective January 1, 2024
As of January 1, 2024, there were important changes to the CSU Travel and Business Expense Policy.
All travel beginning on or after January 1, 2024 now follows the federal per diem rates for the reimbursements of meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). This is to ensure that campuses are in alignment with IRS standards and current reimbursement rates.
A few important details:
- The reimbursement of daily M&IE for travel is a per diem allowance with rates based on location of travel
- No receipts will be required for M&IE.
- Travel per diem allowances and breakouts can be found on the following websites:
- For Continental US travel, rates set annually by General Services Administration;
- For Alaska, Hawaii, or the US Possessions travel, rates annually set by Department of Defense (Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC))
- For International travel, rates set monthly by the Department of State
We understand that changes like this always take some extra effort and patience. We very much appreciate being able to work with you as we implement this important and necessary update to our travel policy.
The new policy is posted on the CSU Policy Library website. More information can be found at the CSUN Travel website.
In Case You Missed It | Annual Notification of the Presence of Asbestos in Buildings at CSUN
This notification is provided to University employees pursuant to the requirements of California Health and Safety Code, Section 25915. As part of building renovation projects, a majority of the asbestos containing construction materials (ACM) have been removed from campus buildings. Despite these efforts, ACM may still exist in some buildings. For your information, a list of building locations and a brief description of the materials, which are known to contain asbestos, can be found here:
2024 CSUN Asbestos Notification
ACMs were identified via surveys that may have included detailed building inspections, material sampling, and laboratory analysis. The sampling and laboratory procedures utilized in conducting these surveys included National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods. ACMs pose no threat to your health unless the asbestos fibers become airborne due to deterioration, or as a result of damage. Therefore, it is important that proper work practices be followed to minimize the potential for disturbing asbestos-containing construction materials. Avoid touching or disturbing asbestos materials on ceilings, pipes, and duct insulation. If you find ACM that has been damaged, immediately report the condition to Environmental Health and Safety at extension 2401. Do not disturb damaged ACM or asbestos debris. Only authorized and properly trained individuals may perform any work, which may disturb ACM.
If you have any questions or wish to review the asbestos surveys and specific sampling procedures, please contact EH&S at extension 2401 during normal business hours.
Stay In The Know: Read the Latest Issue of CSU Leader: More Than Half of CSUs Still Accepting Applications for Fall 2024 | January 25
You can access the online version of the January 25, 2024 CSU Leader here.