Captain’s Log. Star Date: 4-17-2020
It’s been almost a month since COVID-19 disrupted all that we know and all of the  normal  ways that we work, breathe, and interact in our work and professional environment. Since the beginning of this, most of the crew had a week-long break, which I hope allowed them to be rejuvenated and re-connected with what is most important about the work we do. A few crew members shared pet memes, notes from students, and moments of beauty during this time. As much I have asked members to stay away from the workplace, I recognize how much the University means to their lives, to their professional and personal identities, and to their social structures which have formed over years. I also realize that changing the formats that we deliver our messages for and to our students is a source of anxiety and loss. In fact, I recognize that many of the crew have sheer moments of grief and disbelief. What do we do? How do we move to the new normal? How do we let students know that we understand their anxiety during these uncertain times?
 
Just like you, I do not have all the solutions. However, what I do know is that I am surrounded by the best crew of faculty and staff who take a student-centered approach in problem-solving and in the delivery of our services - even virtually. I hope that you join me for our next NSS Connect with the Dean on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 as we continue to share best practices for remote learning while also building community.
 
Lastly, as we navigate these times, I encourage you to read the following articles which helped me rethink our previous delivery models. I hope that the articles inspire ways to approach your pedagogy. See you on Wednesday! 



P.S. - Please visit the Cal State LA Health Watch page for up-to-date COVID-19 information and resources available to students.
Fifth Annual Social Theory Symposium
Join the Department of Sociology for its Fifth Annual Social Theory Symposium on Thursday, April 30, 2020. The symposium, "The Dialectic of Space: Communities, Capitalism and Pandemics", will feature presentations that depict, potray, analyze and interpret migration and diaspora as well as the movement of capital, goods, animals and viruses.

The conference planning committee is calling for abstracts and are interested in research and writing that explore the combined and dialectical interaction between these different types of space. If interested, please submit a 200 word abstract for individual or panel presentations by Friday, April 24th, 2020 to wchoi@calstatela.edu.

Virtual meeting information to follow.
NSS Connect with the Dean
Dean Scott-Johnson held a virtual open forum on April 8, 2020 for faculty and staff as an opportunity to build community and share best practices for remote learning. A virtual forum for NSS students was also held on April 10, 2020 to inform students about the resources available, and as a platform for students to voice their concerns during these unprecedented times.

The next virtual forum for NSS faculty and staff will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 12:00 p.m . Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit questions beforehand to nssnews@calstatela.edu .

Connect through zoom here
Zoom meeting ID: 971-926-325
CaSIG Career Development Panel
The Civic and Social Innovation Group (CaSIG) and the Career Development Center will host a virtual panel on "Building Networks to Open Career Opportunities" on April 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m . The panel will explore strategies for networking, job searching, and staying healthy and productive during the COVID-19 Safer at Home period.

Registration link : https://lnkd.in/gDX_gU9
Annual NSS Spring Meeting


The NSS Steering Committee invites you to the college's annual spring meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:20 p.m . Below are the meeting details:

Zoom meeting ID: 992-0899-4946
Faculty Focus
Professor Ramani Durvasula (psychology) is quoted in a Vogue article on the anxiety and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Tuyetdong Phan-Yamada's (mathematics) article, "From Polar to Spherical Coordinates" was published in the MathAMATYC Educator journal.

Seeking opportunities to get involved in the college? Please contact Dean Scott-Johnson, Associate Dean Ye, or Associate Dean Subrahmanyam for more information. 
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