San José State University Mexican American Studies Department

08/31/2026

🏵️ Curious about Ethnic Studies? Maybe one of three Ethnic Studies majors?

The Ethnic Studies Collaborative is hosting an Open House to showcase the Departments of African American Studies (AFAM), Asian American Studies (AAS), Chicana and Chicano Studies (CCS), and Native and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) this semester of Fall 2026!! 📚

Whether you’re considering an AFAM Major/Minor, CCS Major/Minor, AAS Major/Minor, NAIS minor or any other Ethnic Studies Major/Minor, have questions about classes, want to explore career possibilities within our Ethnic Studies Department—don’t be afraid to stop by and meet our wonderful faculty!

Save the date!
📅 Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM
📍 SJSU Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
💬 Drop-in!

Have questions? Please contact Jonathan D. Gomez, Ph.D. | [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you! 💛💙
SJSUCCS nativeamericanandindigenousstudies

08/30/2026

Our Communities are beautiful and Knowledge is Power.

CCS showed up to the 56th annual Chicano Moratorium at Backesto Park in San José. Thank you to the organizers, artists, poets, speakers, dancers, and all the people who created a powerful event.

56 years later, Chicana/o/x communities are still calling for an end to war at home and abroad. Actions like today remind us that together, we have what it takes to create a world rooted in peace and justice.

08/24/2026

📚 Need help planning your semester? Let’s chat!
Dr. Kim Miranda is offering Fall 2026 Undergraduate Advising Hours for students interested in Chicana/o Studies (CCS).

Whether you’re considering a CCS major or minor, have questions about classes, want to explore career possibilities with a CCS degree, or just need some guidance—we encourage you to stop by!

📅 Tuesdays | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Clark Hall 229B
💬 Drop-in or by appointment
🗓️ Beginning August 25

Have questions? Come by and connect with Dr. Miranda. We look forward to seeing you and helping you make the most of the semester ahead! 💙💛

SpartanUp Chicana Studies ChicanoStudies

08/21/2026

CCS Community, please help us congratulate Dr. Christine Vega on achieving Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at SJSU!!

Dr. Vega is a committed educator, Mother Scholar, caring mentor, and fierce advocate for our students. She brings a wealth of knowledge with her and leans into the demanding work of being a professor with heart and wisdom.

CCS is honored to have her and her lovely familia as part of our community here at SJSU. Please share some love!

08/21/2026

Join fellow SJSU alumni for a pregame celebration as we gather together before the Spartans take on the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Kick off game day by reconnecting with fellow alumni and build excitement before we head into the stadium to cheer the team on to victory. 🏈💙💛

Get tickets: https://bit.ly/USCTailgate26

08/21/2026

08/14/2026

We are very excited to share the information for the Men's Círculo starting this fall.

On August 27, 2026, Dr. Sergio Barrera will hold an informal meet and greet, with refreshments included. The first official meeting will be on September 10th and every other Thursday after that for the fall. 

*****†**†***********************
The Men's Círculo welcomes anyone who identifies as a man of color at SJSU. This includes undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty and staff who would like to participate. 

Dr. Barrera will be hosting refreshments, so please RSVP so we have an accurate count.

07/27/2026

At Chicana and Chicano Studies, we do not typically endorse films or documentaries. However, we are pleased to share this opportunity with our community because American Pachuco features Luis Valdez—a San José State alumnus, pioneering playwright, filmmaker, and foundational figure in Chicano Teatro.
If you’re interested in the history, culture, and legacy of Chicano theater, we encourage you to attend one of the upcoming American Pachuco screenings in San José or Mt. View and celebrate the work and impact of one of our distinguished alumni.

🎬 Screening information:

Alamo Drafthouse Valley Fair, San José: opens Friday, August 1, playing for one week
Alamo Drafthouse Mountain View: opens Friday, August 1, playing for one week

07/21/2026

The Ethnic Studies Collaborative was honored to be joined by Dr. George Lipsitz for The Frontline is Everywhere, a community-building initiative at San José State University. As part of this gathering, we had the opportunity to read and discuss Dr. Lipsitz’s recent book, Ethnic Studies at the Crossroads.

Together, we listened and learned from Dr. Lipsitz, as well as explored how solidarity is built through collective care, study, and struggle for social justice.
 
Our conversation was enriched by an incredible community of participants, including guests from the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, members of local grassroots organizations, and educators from high schools, community colleges, and universities across the Bay Area. Together, we listened, dreamed, and platicamos across difference, exploring how solidarity is built through creative acts of resistance, accompaniment, and study.

In a time of converging crises, this gathering reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. The frontline is everywhere, and each of us has a role to play.

05/20/2026

Happy Commencement, Spartans! 🎓✨

From Wednesday, May 20, through Friday, May 22, we celebrate the hard work, resilience, leadership, and accomplishments of our graduates. This milestone reflects years of dedication, perseverance, late nights, meaningful connections, and unforgettable memories made here at SJSU.

As our graduates take the next step toward new opportunities and future goals, we are proud to recognize all they have achieved and the impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.

Visit www.sjsu.edu/commencement to view the full commencement schedule and ceremony details.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your Spartan journey continues, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish next. 💙💛