Events

Graduate Fair
September 24, 2025

This September, the English Department participated in the Graduate Fair on the SFSU quad. A special thank-you to Cynthia and Priya for representing the department and showcasing our graduate programs to prospective students.

Summer Star's George Eliot Event
September 25, 2025

As part of the Profs & Pints San Francisco series, Summer J. Star presented “George Eliot and Hidden Mental Life” in Bartlett Hall. The talk examined George Eliot’s work in the context of emerging Victorian-era theories of consciousness.

Student Study Break: Bookmark Making
December 3, 2025

MA Literatures student and office student assistant Tadeo Macon organized a bookmark making workshop! Students made custom bookmarks with card stock, glue, and decorative supplies including flower petals, stickers, and other items. Pizza, fruit trays, desserts and drinks were offered. 

Grad Student Luncheon
February 23, 2026

With Cynthia’s help, the English Department hosted its annual Graduate Student Luncheon in February, bringing together students and faculty for an afternoon of conversation, community, and connection.

Metro Tabling Event
April 2, 2026

The English Department - represented by Heather Sawyer and M.A,. Literatures student Tadeo Macon -  joined a graduate programs fair hosted by the Metro Academy, where undergrads had the opportunity to explore graduate degree offerings on campus and in the Bay Area. 

Explore SF State
April 11, 2026

 The English Department was proud to participate in Explore SF State once again this year. The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with incoming students and share information about our programs and community. Student volunteers staffed our table, including Isabelle Carrion, Jada Staley, Japneet Khanuja, Jason Sanchez, and Tadeo Macon. Their enthusiasm and insight showcased the vibrant and supportive community that defines the English Department.

Linguistics Open House
April 13, 2026

In April, the Linguistics Program hosted an open house exploring career opportunities in generative AI. We extend our thanks to our faculty for organizing this informative event and sharing their expertise with students.

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As conversations about generative AI and large language models continue to grow, linguists play a critical role in the development of these technologies. From curating the linguistic data that models learn from to providing semantic and pragmatic frameworks that enable meaningful communication, linguists help shape how AI understands and generates language. They are also instrumental in addressing challenges such as bias mitigation, ethical development, and human-centered design.

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During the event, faculty members highlighted how the Linguistics Program within the English Department equips students with the analytical, technical, and communication skills needed for emerging careers in technology and the rapidly expanding field of generative AI.

Queer Arab Literatures: Methods, Archives, Critiques
April 28, May 5, and May 6, 2026

This event series, organized by Will Clark and Omar Zahzah, explored the intersections of queer and Arab identities through literature, culture, and contemporary social issues. Students, faculty, and community members were invited to engage in conversations about queerness, Arabness, and identity, examining how these experiences are represented in literature and shaped by broader social and political contexts.

Statewide CEETL AI Symposium 
May 1, 2026 

Centering Human Relationships and Durable Skills: Collaborative Peer Learning, Coaching & Beyond

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Kristin Agius (now at San José State University), John Holland, and Tara Lockhart presented on their work this year as part of the weekly Peer Learning with Eli Review Teaching & Learning Community (TLC). Their presentation highlighted the value of collaborative peer learning, meaningful feedback, and relationship-centered teaching practices in supporting student success.

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The Eli Review Teaching & Learning Community, which utilizes the Eli Review peer feedback platform developed at Michigan State University, is now in its tenth year. Over the past decade, faculty members have supported one another in creating feedback-centered classroom environments that foster engagement, reflection, and growth. English Department faculty participate alongside colleagues from a wide range of disciplines and institutions, sharing experiences, strategies, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Book Talk with Michelle Kuo, author of Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship
May 7, 2026

Michelle Kuo discussed events in her memoir, the importance of reading, and her writing process. The discussion brought together Melissa Ledesma and Priya Abeywickrama’s students from ENG 202 and ENG 210 who shared questions, thoughts, and responses to the book.

Graduate Conference 
May 8, 2026

Congratulations to all of our student presenters who participated in the 16th Biannual Graduate Conference. The event showcased the outstanding research, scholarship, and creative work being produced by our graduate students, and we are proud of their contributions.

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Conference photos have been uploaded to a Box folder for attendees and community members to enjoy. This event requires a lot of people power so shout-out to Jenny Lederer, Will Clark, and department staff for their work organizing the presentation schedule and making the conference a success.

Spring 2026 Graduation
May 19, 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our graduation ceremony. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with our graduates and to see so many faculty, staff, family members, and friends come together in support of our students' achievements.

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Photos from the ceremony are available to view in our Box folder.