Cal Poly to Host National Qualifying Event for USA Pentathlon
In January athletes from across the country will come to Cal Poly to compete for a spot on the USA Pentathlon 2020 Olympic team. On Jan. 18 and 19, Cal Poly will host a national qualifying event for roughly 50 athletes competing in the modern pentathlon. This is the second of two qualifiers; the first will be held in Colorado Springs in December. The top four men and four women after both qualifiers will be named to Team USA. The modern pentathlon puts competitors through five distinct events including fencing, swimming, equestrian ride and a laser run, which combines shooting a laser pistol with cross country running — in one day. The female athletes will compete on Saturday, Jan. 18, and the male competitors will compete on Sunday, Jan. 19. Cal Poly is acting as the Local Organizing Committee and host site for the two-day event. Cal Poly Corporation’s Conference and Event Planning is leading the effort. Volunteers are being sought to fill a range of jobs and tasks, from serving as judges and referees, to handing out water to athletes. Click here to sign up and volunteer with the team.
Campus Community Invited to Participate in CPX Book Share and Book Circles
Following the campuswide Strategic Diversity Leadership Institute in October, faculty, staff and students were given the opportunity to select books from the CPX Book Bar. Participants were encouraged to read and then share their books. Anyone who would like to share their book can drop it off at the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, located in the Administration Building (No. 1), Room 209. Those who did not get a book are invited to come by and see what OUDI has available. Campus community members are also invited to participate in a book circle. Anyone interested in participating in or facilitating a book circle is asked to sign up here. Based on the response for each book title, OUDI will form book circles and provide the campus community with more information in January.
Participate in Search for Next CSU Leader
A listening tour for the search for the new CSU chancellor has started. CSU Trustee Jean Picker Firstenberg, who chairs the Special Committee for the Selection of the Chancellor, has asked that every campus encourage faculty, staff, students and alumni to share their thoughts by providing input virtually. Visit the chancellor recruitment website to learn more or submit a nomination at: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/chancellor/chancellor-search/Pages/default.aspx.
Join the Celebration at Light Up The Holidays Event Dec. 7 in Poly Canyon Village
Campus Dining is helping everyone wrap up the quarter and get a head start on their holiday celebrations with a new event in Poly Canyon Village on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Light Up The Holidays event will give the campus community the opportunity to celebrate another successful quarter with lively music, free cookie decorating, a holiday light display, and shopping with local vendors and artisans. This inaugural event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Poly Canyon Village plaza. Enjoy time with friends and co-workers and stroll through the beautifully illuminated courtyard and marketplace while noshing on delicious treats from Negranti Creamery and sipping on something delectable from Einstein Bros. Bagels’ hot cocoa station. Check out the Facebook event for more information.
Campus Dining Survey Garners 3,800 Responses; Three Win Prizes
Campus Dining’s annual Build a Better Dining Experience survey received 3,800 responses after closing in mid-November. From Nov. 4-15, campus community members were invited to participate in the survey and offer their feedback and thoughts on how Campus Dining could improve the customer experience. Everyone who participated were entered to win one of three prizes: an Apple HomePod, a Gotrax GXL Electric Scooter or a Cal Poly cornhole game. Three lucky campus community members were randomly selected and took home the prizes. With 3,800 responses, Campus Dining plans to create more innovative ways to deliver its products and serve the campus. Congratulations to each winner, and thank you for helping Cal Poly develop an eclectic, on-trend dining experience.
Students’ Designs for Moveable Wine Pavilion Available for Public Viewing Dec. 8 in San Luis Obispo
Architecture students Jerome Deck and Erica David (pictured) leaned over an intricate structure of basswood, illustration board and polystyrene sheeting during a recent studio class, carefully working on their model of an of an educational pavilion to showcase the history of wine in San Luis Obispo County. They are two of three dozen architecture, architectural engineering, and construction management students who are gaining an invaluable hands-on experience as they collaborate with peers to create a portable structure that may be visited by thousands of county residents and visitors. Cal Poly is working with the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County and Saucelito Canyon Vineyard to design a moveable, temporary structure to house exhibits and collections of historic wine tools and equipment. The project is headed by three Cal Poly faculty members: Margaret Kirk of the Architecture Department; Dennis Bashaw of the Architectural Engineering Department; and Gregory Starzyk of the Construction Management Department. The students, working in teams, will present the final eight designs to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, located at El Chorro Regional Park, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo. One design will be announced as the winner at 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Students will begin building the mobile structure in spring 2020. Learn more here.
Student-Grown Poinsettias on Sale Starting Dec. 6
The Cal Poly Poinsettia Student Enterprise is once again selling plants to the campus and the broader community, with the annual sale kicking off Friday, Dec. 6, at the Poly Plant Shop and running through mid-December. The plants make nice additions to graduation receptions, banquets and general office holiday decor. This year’s poinsettia project offers many shades of red, white, pink and other variegated varieties. Sizes range from small plants in two-inch pots to large poinsettias reaching three feet high, in 10-inch pots. Prices range from $5 to $50. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Poly Plant Shop. In addition to poinsettias, the Poly Plant Holiday Sale also features student-made wreaths, centerpieces, succulents, ornaments and gifts. Poinsettias, as supplies last, will be available at the Poly Plant Shop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 14. For more information, call ext. 6-1106.
Students Take Top Spots in Statewide Floral Competition
The Floral Design Team took home several top honors at the California State Floral Association’s 14th annual student competition, held Nov. 3 at the Original Los Angeles Flower Market. All members of the four-person team placed in the top five. Freshman Kassidy Talbot (pictured), an agricultural and environmental plant sciences major from Woodland, California, placed second; sophomore Samantha Theodozio, a recreation, parks and tourism administration major from Atwater, California, placed third; sophomore Kiara Benavides, an agricultural science major from Woodlake, California, placed fourth; and freshman Madison Reaves, a dairy science major from El Cajon, California, placed fifth. Lecturer Melinda Lynch is the team’s advisor. Students competed in two separate categories: a surprise package in which all competitors received identical materials but did not learn the theme until five minutes before the competition, and a student designer’s choice of an arrangement representing the preselected theme of “Flowers — A Visual Dialogue.”
Free Entry to the Cal Poly Recreation Center Dec. 16 to 22
Kick off winter break with free entry to the Cal Poly Recreation Center from Monday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 22. Faculty, staff, alumni, emeritus and household members are welcome to enjoy the facility’s amenities, including fitness classes, state-of-the-art equipment, the lap pool, gymnasiums, racquetball courts, and more — free of charge as a gift to you. Take advantage of quieter exercise rooms and open fitness classes with no reservations required during winter break. Visit the Membership Services front desk or call ext. 6-1366 for more information.
25Live Trainings Available in December and January
The web application 25Live is used by Cal Poly for space and event scheduling, as well as for publishing event information to the University Events Master Calendar. Join the Office of the Registrar's University Scheduling team at one of two training sessions on “How to Check Location Availability” in the newest version of 25Live. Registration is not required. The sessions will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Kennedy Library (No. 35), Room 111B; and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Kennedy Library, Room 217D.
Newer Faculty Breakfast Set for Dec. 13
All newer faculty (tenure-line faculty and lecturers) are invited to the Fall Quarter New Faculty Breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 — the last day of finals week — in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology Learning Commons, located in Kennedy Library (No. 35), Room 209. The event is an opportunity to reconnect with other recent hires from across campus and to reflect on the year's experiences. The theme of this breakfast includes review of formal policies and examination of best practices for preparing annual performance review materials (i.e., WPAFs, or Working Personnel Action Files). A hot breakfast and coffee catered by SLO Provisions will be provided, starting at 8:30 a.m. Please register to ensure enough food is ordered, and feel welcome to bring a faculty colleague. Register here.
Vet Net Ally Training Offered Dec. 13
The number of military veterans pursuing higher education in the coming years is expected to increase dramatically as veterans take advantage of educational benefits provided by the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. The Center for Military-Connected Students will host a Vet Net Ally training from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, presented by CSU Veterans Affairs Director Marshall Thomas. This awareness program is designed to educate members of the university community about the needs and concerns of student veterans at Cal Poly. The transition from military life to college life can result in significant culture shock for veterans, so providing a network of allies across campus can create a welcome environment for those who have served their country. RSVP to [email protected], and help to establish a network of visible allies to provide support, information and assistance to veterans.
Extended Education’s Quarter Plus Program Seeks Learning Assistant Coordinator for Summer 2020
The Quarter Plus Program has announced an opportunity for a faculty member to serve as the program’s learning assistant coordinator. The primary focus of the Quarter Plus Program is to provide an intensive academic experience for incoming students. The program offers first-year students an opportunity to begin their college experience early while accelerating their academic studies before the rush of fall quarter. The role includes serving as the primary point of contact for the Quarter Plus Program’s learning assistants and designing and facilitating the training program for them. Qualifications include experience with student leadership and student development, eligibility for an extra compensation assignment during spring and summer 2020, and familiarity with the Quarter Plus program. Learn more about the position, and about Quarter Plus, and apply today. Questions? Contact Dianna Previs in Extended Education at [email protected].
Nominations for Outstanding Staff Award Due Dec. 20
Staff employees, faculty members, and department or division heads are encouraged to submit nominations for the Outstanding Staff Award. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2019-20 award is Friday, Dec. 20. To be eligible, nominees must be permanent, full-time employees of the university, corporation or ASI, who have completed at least three years of employment as of Dec. 31, 2019 (10-month employees are eligible). Employees represented by bargaining unit 3 (faculty), former recipients of the award, and student assistants are not eligible. The Outstanding Staff Award selection criteria and nomination form can be found on the Administration and Finance website.
Career Services Diversity Funding Committee Announces Fall 2019 Awards
The Diversity Funding Committee (DFC) was established by Career Services and campus collaborators, with support from the Career Partners Program, to foster diversity and inclusion at Cal Poly. Each quarter, the DFC allocates funding to campus events that increase understanding of and appreciation for diversity and inclusion. The following DFC recipients are planning events related to diversity and inclusion during winter 2020:
— Cross Cultural Centers - Womxn of Color Mixer on Jan. 23.
— Orfalea College of Business Multicultural Business Program: 2020 Leadership Beyond the Resume Summit on Jan. 31.
— Robert E. Kennedy Library: Change The Subject on Feb. 4.
— Center for Service in Action: Change the Status Quo Social Justice Leadership Conference on Feb. 29.
— CAED Diversity and Inclusivity: Social Stigmas Workshop Series Winter 2020.
— Men and Masculinity Program: The Men of Color Initiative on March 6.
— Women's, Gender and Queer Studies: Jasbir Puar Talk “The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability” on March 10.
— Pilipino Cultural Exchange: Pilipino Cultural Night on April 24.
University groups and departments can apply for funding to support campus events. The winter 2020 application will be available from Monday, Jan. 6, through Friday, Jan. 24. For more information, visit the Diversity Funding Committee website.
New NINJIO Information Security Training Video on Gift Card Fraud
This month’s four-minute NINJIO information security video, “Gift Card Fraud,” is especially timely, since a number of faculty and staff have recently been targeted with this type of scam. Watch the video to learn how to recognize a gift card scam and avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud. All NINJIO training videos are available on the Cal Poly Learning Hub under the Staff and Faculty Training tab on the My Cal Poly Portal.
Campus Transition to Adobe Sign is Underway
Cal Poly is currently in transition from DocuSign to Adobe Sign to route forms and facilitate e-signatures. At this time, no new templates or processes should be created in DocuSign. Moving to Adobe Sign will happen in phases. Administration and Finance will be one of the first divisions to begin the migration. Students, faculty and staff may begin to receive notifications from Administration and Finance via Adobe Sign (using the email address [email protected]) in the coming weeks. By February 2020, all campus divisions will be transitioned to Adobe Sign. The project team will continue to update campus users as the migration progresses and there are more details to share. Anyone with questions can reach out to their area’s Document Unit Coordinator (DUC) or email [email protected].
Pat Hermenegildo will retire at the end of December after 25 years in the Financial Aid and Scholarship office. A reception will be held in the Administration Building (No. 1) lobby from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Marikay Pannone, administrative support coordinator II for the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives, is retiring after 13 years of service to Cal Poly. Pannone began her work in the Office of the Registrar in 2006 as a records associate and transferred to the Writing Skills Program a year later. She supported the program’s progression to the University Writing and Rhetoric Center, and more recently to the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives. Pannone has been integral to Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) program administration, processing the milestone of every Cal Poly student since 2007. Her insight and expertise was instrumental in developing online registration for the Writing Proficiency Exam, and her impact on student success will leave a lasting imprint. The most meaningful part of her job has been witnessing the energy that radiates from students when they accomplish their goals. In retirement, Pannone looks forward to volunteering for Literacy for Life, learning to golf, traveling and spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pannone will be honored at the Writing and Learning Center’s Holiday Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
Christopher L. Kitts is retiring after more than 24 years of service to Cal Poly. He will be honored with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in Fischer Science Hall (No. 33), Room 385. After earning his doctorate from UC Santa Cruz, Kitts arrived at Cal Poly in September 1995, fresh off a post-doctoral appointment at Los Alamos National Laboratory. At that time, he was the first Biological Sciences Department's tenure-track hire in 17 years. Kitts taught mostly general microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbial physiology in his first decade at Cal Poly. He also developed and taught courses in proposal writing for both graduate students and seniors in his department. During this time, Kitts co-founded the Environmental Biotechnology Institute, which was renamed the Center for Applications in Biotechnology when he began as the director in 2011. In 2008, he became chair of biological sciences, taking the department through a major transition as 15 tenured faculty retired in the first two years of his stint as chair. Throughout his time on campus, he has been most recognized for his ability to make people feel welcomed, part of a team, and encouraged to fully express themselves as professionals. His proudest accomplishments are the students who stay connected and bless him with knowledge of their vibrant lives. He’s also proud of the traditions of collegiality and teamwork that he nurtured as department chair, center director, and interim dean of research. In retirement, Kitts is looking forward to working with many more students on wild and improbable research projects as professor emeritus. For more information on Kitts' retirement reception, contact the Office of Research and Economic Development at [email protected], or the Biological Sciences Department at [email protected].
David Mason will retire from on Dec. 30 after 31 years of service, and a reception will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the PAC lobby. Mason began his time at Cal Poly as a student in 1982 and never left. He started as a student assistant in Disabled Student Services (now Disability Resource Center or DRC) and transitioned into a state position in 1988 with Student Academic Services as a database programmer. He moved to ITS as the first dedicated PC support person. Mason’s next transition was to the Administration and Finance division to start the ANTS support group. Academic Affairs was his next home, where he implemented the ImageNow system and started the DOTS support group. After a two-year stint with ITS, he returned to Academic Affairs to wrap up his career. Cal Poly is a family tradition for Mason. His parents, his wife, and their two daughters are all Cal Poly Proud alumni. He and his wife plan to move to Carson City, Nevada, to start the next chapter of their lives.
Campus Invited to Donate to Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by Dec. 6
The Center for Service in Action (CSA) invites all students, staff, faculty and families to contribute to the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive. Campus community members can contribute by either picking up a gift tag and purchasing a gift ($20-30 value) for a child in need this holiday season, or donate money via the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive's Spur Change crowdfunding website. The CSA will use the donated money to purchase the remaining gifts at the end of the drive to ensure as many children as possible receive gifts this holiday season. To pick up a gift tag, visit one of the Giving Trees located throughout campus: on the first floor of Kennedy Library (No. 35), the second floor of the University Union (No. 65), and the CSA office in the Science Building (No. 52, Room E22). Campus members can also arrange to have a CSA staff member bring the tags to an office, staff meeting or other event by contacting Kaylee Roe at [email protected]. Each tag represents a specific request supporting local children and families in need. Bring newly purchased, unwrapped gift items to the CSA office by Friday, Dec. 6, to help make a child smile this holiday season. For more information about the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive, visit the Center for Service in Action website.
Extended Education to Offer Cloud Academy Professional Certificate Program
Extended Education’s Cloud Academy will begin its sequential cloud series with “Cloud Fundamentals” this winter. The online class will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday from Jan. 14 through March 5. The Cloud Professional Certificate program consists of three class offerings and is an online, non-credit class series designed for those seeking to understand cloud technology and prepare for a career managing and developing solutions using cloud technologies. The program gives participants a hands-on Learn by Doing experience with Amazon Web Services cloud technologies and prepares them for AWS Cloud Certification exams. Students who complete the three-class series will be awarded a professional certificate and 12 continuing education units (four CEUs per class) from Extended Education. Learn more here or by calling ext. 6-2053. Register here.
License Plate Recognition is Live; Link Your Vehicle to Your Permit
License plate recognition (LPR) went live across campus at the start of fall quarter. To stay compliant, all faculty and staff must ensure that license plate information is correct and that their vehicle is linked to an active permit. This can be done in the parking account. Once a vehicle is linked to an active permit, the physical permit will no longer be necessary. Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is collecting the physical parking permits for repurposing, and all campus community members who drop off their outdated permits in the University Police Building (No. 36) may win fun prizes throughout fall quarter. For more information about LPR, visit the TAPS website at parking.calpoly.edu/LPR. Employees are asked to log onto the parking account to make sure their license plate number is correct and linked to an active parking permit. All students, faculty and staff can access and update information, purchase permits, and pay or appeal citations via the parking account.
Beautiful Bella Montana Unit Now Available for Sale
Interested in living within walking distance to campus? For sale at Bella Montana is a craftsman-inspired three-bedroom, two-bath unit with 1,314 beautifully appointed square feet. The distinct, thoughtfully crafted layout offers stainless steel appliances, bamboo flooring, and a two-car garage. Bella Montana is a unique housing community of 69 individually owned homes designed exclusively for faculty and staff. The community is located within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and schools. Visit www.bellamontanahomes.com for more information.
Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes to Perform at the PAC on Dec. 4
Pink Martini will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, presented by Cal Poly Arts. Pink Martini’s “little orchestra” draws inspiration from the romantic Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and ‘50s, and crosses genres to make an eclectic, modern sound. This concert will include some seasonal pieces from the ensemble’s holiday album "Joy to the World," popular favorites from throughout the band’s 25-year career, and songs from Pink Martini’s latest release, "Je dis oui!," taking the audience on a musical trip around the world to France, Iran, Armenia, South Africa and more. Tickets range from $36-$76 for students, faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m., by calling ext. 6-4849, or online on the PAC website.
Cal Poly Symphony Opens Season with ‘Teamwork’ on Dec. 6
The Cal Poly Symphony celebrates the many kinds of teamwork that are uniquely possible on campus in its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the Performing Arts Center. The program begins with music from the album “Charlie Parker with Strings,” performed by guest saxophonist Dave Becker. The newly formed Cal Poly Chamber Orchestra will perform the first movement of Leoš Janáček’s “Idyll for String Orchestra.” The first of two works that explore the story of Romeo and Juliet will conclude the first half of the performance: the full orchestra will present music from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet, “Romeo and Juliet,” with large screen projections crafted by student teams from the Art and Design Department, under the guidance of Sky Bergman. The orchestra will join forces with a student team from the liberal arts and engineering studies major to present video game music with visual projections on the interior of Miossi Hall. This immersive experience will include the works “Tetris Theme,” “Advent Rising – Muse” and “Final Fantasy – Liberi Fatali.” The concert will conclude with a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story,” a 20th-century re-telling of the Romeo and Juliet story. Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department website or call ext. 6-2406.
Cal Poly Choirs to Present Third Annual ‘Holiday Kaleidoscope’ on Dec. 7
Cal Poly’s Choirs will continue a tradition of community collaboration in the annual “Holiday Kaleidoscope” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Performing Arts Center. This year’s concert will include the Cabrillo High School Madrigal Singers directed by Jennifer Peterson, and the Central Coast Youth Chorus directed by Melody Svennungsen. The directors are both Music Department alumnae. A student orchestra of 25 instrumentalists from the Cal Poly Symphony will be featured on several pieces, including a carol sing along. The University Singers will perform works by C.P.E. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn and more. The Cal Poly Chamber Choir will perform Hans Leo Hassler’s famous “Dixit Maria” as well as a new arrangement of “Deck the Hall” by faculty member Laura M. Kramer. The Cal Poly Women’s Chorus will perform selections from Benjamin Britten’s celebrated “Ceremony of Carols.” PolyPhonics will close the program with Felix Mendelssohn’s “Ave Maria” and John Mackey’s “The Rumor of a Secret King.” Scott Glysson conducts the university choirs, and staff member Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs on piano and organ. Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department website or call ext. 6-2406.
Kennedy Library Exhibit Highlights Special Collections and Archives
Kennedy Library’s Special Collections and Archives marks 50 years of collecting with “Eye Candy and Mixed Nuts,” an exhibit that spotlights absorbing subjects that are documented and expressed in a variety of forms — from original manuscripts and photographs, to publications and audio recordings. Highlights include a focused look at modernist architect Mark Mills; Julia Morgan and her role in designing Hearst Castle, which celebrates its centennial in 2020; contemporary book arts “in conversation” with rare books on printing technology and typography; cultural history in San Luis Obispo County; a first edition of Charles Darwin’s influential book on orchids and insect fertilization; records from the Cal Poly Pride Center; and a recent donation of inventive works by Joe D’Ambrosio, an engineer-turned-artist and book binder. The exhibit is located on the fourth floor of the library and runs from Friday, Nov. 1, through Monday, March 30, 2020. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit the library’s event page: http://lib.calpoly.edu/events/eyecandy50.
Event Calendar
To find out what’s going on at Cal Poly, visit the Events Calendar. The site includes community events that are open to the public and Campus Life events open to students, faculty and staff. The calendar also includes events at the Performing Arts Center. A link from the calendar allows staff, faculty and students to check facility availability before requesting and reserving on-campus locations for activities and events. For more information about publishing an event on the calendar, contact [email protected], or visit the university scheduling page.