SJSU College of Humanities and the Arts

“A part of feeling safe is being able to express ourselves without worrying about how others around us will react.”

Associate Professor Daniel Rivers shared their thoughts on SJSU’s 3rd annual Transgender Teach-In, where participants learned about the history of the transgender community and the impacts of the current global climate. https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

’s “Long Story Short” workshops demonstrated that artistic expression does not require mastery, scale or certainty. The series featured workshops in two-minute plays, flash prose, mini zines and short films, each led by artists specializing in their respective forms—emphasizing the beneficial constraints of short-form work as a way to make artistic practice more accessible.

Read more in the Spring 2026 Expressions newsletter: https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

“I really want to give students an opportunity to shine,” says Phuong-Trang Vu, ’27 Pictorial Art. The Student Art Showcase invited all SJSU students to share and promote their art—including digital illustrations, photography, pottery and pastel art.

Learn about the exhibit’s creation and the importance of facilitating accessible spaces for artists: https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

“All stories are grief stories,” says author Venita Blackburn. At a CLA event, Blackburn read from her latest novel Dead in Long Beach, California.

In the Spring 2026 Expressions newsletter, read “Grief on the Page” to learn how writing about grief and loss can help to navigate emotional experiences. https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

“This country has always been multilingual. And to deny it, to me, is a real injustice,” says Associate Professor David Malinowski. Translate San José is a year-long collaborative research and workshop-based project focused on the impact of language within the city.

From political action and urban planning to classroom experiences and digital maps, project participants explore the importance of linguistic representation. Read more in the Spring 2026 Expressions newsletter: https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

“We’re giving voice to people who don’t typically get the ‘big play,’” says Assistant Professor Will Detlefsen.

Wolf Play’s cast and crew are shattering the molds of storytelling to unleash their own, authentic creative voices. Read more in the Spring 2026 Expressions feature, “I am Not What You See.” https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

H&A proudly presents the Spring 2026 Expressions newsletter, our 50th edition! From powerful performances and live readings to teach-ins, art showcases and explorations of linguistic diversity, Expressions showcases how students and faculty members are creating spaces where everyone is empowered to be their true selves and pursue their passions. Check out this new collection of stories centered on themes of home, authenticity and belonging: https://www.sjsu.edu/humanitiesandarts/about-us/expressions.php

Artistic Excellence Programming Grants help amplify the voices shaping the community.

The College of Humanities and the Arts is excited to be part of SJSU's 1857 Minutes of Giving! Though the campaign will be ending today, you can help us achieve our crowdfunding goal through April 30th. Make a lasting impact at San José State, every contribution counts! https://give.sjsu.edu/schools/SanJoseStateUniversity/1857-minutes-of-giving/pages/humanitiesandarts/deans-fund/?a=12424785 .ha

Humanities & Arts, Real-World Impact I Invest in Student Success at SJSU Make every minute count for SJSU students—join me in giving today!