SDSU Student Organization Applies Technology to Overcome Pandemic Challenges

Officers from SHRM's SDSU chapter are pictured here at the organization's national convention in 2019.

 In the spring of 2020, the San Diego State University chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM SDSU) was preparing to elect new officers for the 2020-21 academic year. According to the organization’s founder, faculty advisor and management professor at SDSU’s Fowler College of Business, Michelle Dean, aspiring officers would typically give live presentations to the organization’s members immediately prior to holding the election. 

"My involvement in SHRM SDSU provided the opportunity to intern with SDSU’s Center for Human Resources. I knew that I wanted to work for SDSU and have the opportunity to give back to the university that provided me so many opportunities. Fast forward six years, and I am here working in my dream job!”- Casie Martinez, Assistant Director, Employment Services
San Diego State University and Past President of SHRM SDSU

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SDSU shifted to virtual instruction beginning in March, and student organizations had to quickly adapt to hold their meetings online. 

SHRM SDSU adjusted accordingly and even found a way to use technology to creatively hold their first virtual election. “Our president, Kelly Huynh, had all candidates submit a pre-recorded video of their campaign speech a few days prior to the election,” said Dean. “She then compiled the videos into a slide deck and had all of our members vote/rank the candidates via a Google form. It took some additional time and effort, but the process went fairly smoothly. I consider it a success for our first-ever virtual election.” 

SHRM SDSU Past President Casie Martinez.

As the fall semester approached, SHRM was required to continue their online activities meeting activities, so they found a solution to recruiting new members while respecting social distance.  “We traditionally had our officers present information about SHRM in classes which align with human resources,” said Dean. “Our executive officers produced an informational video about SHRM which we will use to connect with students in the classes we would normally visit in person this fall. The video encourages students to stay engaged in co-curricular activities despite courses moving online for the fall semester and invites them to check us out.” 

Dean noted that the lockdown and social distancing caused by COVID-19 provided SHRM SDSU members with some unique educational opportunities. “The pandemic required students to be innovative to keep the organization moving forward and to develop personally with the transition to online learning,” she said. “They learned how to pivot and to be flexible during a time of uncertainty — skills that will serve them well in their future careers.”

Representatives from SHRM's SDSU chapter are pictured here at the organization's national convention in 2019. Faculty advisor Michelle Dean is at the far right.

SHRM SDSU was founded by SDSU management students under the guidance of Professor Michelle Dean in 2011. Dean, who was named “Advisor of the Year” for 2015-16 by SHRM’s national organization, continues to serve as the organization’s faculty advisor and mentor. 

 SHRM SDSU has been recognized with an Outstanding Chapter Award five times and with a Superior Merit Award twice by SHRM’s national organization. They were also honored with an Outstanding Student Organization Award by both SDSU Associated Students (2014) and by the Fowler College of Business (2015-16). 

The dual-purpose mission of SHRM SDSU is to provide SDSU students with an interest in human Resources with co-curricular and networking experiences with professionals and SDSU alumni to prepare them for careers in human resources and to offer all SDSU students professional development preparation for the job search process in their chosen careers.