Hewlett Packard Enterprise Donation Will Upgrade Cal Poly’s Parallel Computing Lab
A donation from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. will significantly upgrade Cal Poly’s parallel computing lab, allowing students to be more ambitious with senior projects, theses and research that require large amounts of storage and computation power. “Jobs that might have taken three days, we could possibly do in a few hours now,” said John Seng, a professor in the Computer Science and Software Engineering and Computing Engineering departments. “So that’s a big improvement and a real benefit for students.” A virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Feb. 12 for the newly named Hewlett Packard Enterprise Massively Parallel Accelerated Computing Lab. While the lab is the only one of its kind in the California State University system, it needs upgrades to remain relevant. HPE’s $100,000 donation will allow students to continue research in high-performance computing — and elevate what they have done-in the past.
How the Low Income Tax Payer Clinic Adapts to Serve Clients in a Pandemic
In a typical year, the LITC works with clients who meet low-income guidelines and have a controversy or legal dispute with the IRS. Volunteer lawyers, along with students, remedy the situation, advocating on their clients’ behalf and finding workable solutions with the IRS. But when the pandemic hit last spring, the LITC had to readjust to continue safely upholding its mission. The clinic's executive director, Lisa Sperow, worked with staff in the Orfalea College of Business and students to protect the confidential information and sensitive documents of clients while protecting the health of all involved. “We don’t get lavish gifts from our clients; we don’t get extravagant parties. But they call us almost in tears thanking us for the work we’ve done for them,” says Juan Moreno, who is earning his master's degree in taxation.
Read the full article on the Cal Poly News website
Food Pantry Now Open to Faculty and Staff
Currently, millions of individuals face food insecurity every day. Due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, many households that experience food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs and rely on their local food banks and other hunger relief organizations for support. Due to this recognized need, the Cal Poly Food Pantry will open its doors to staff and faculty on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The food pantry is located in the lower level of Campus Health & Wellbeing (No. 27). Staff and faculty are welcome to peruse our selection of items, no questions asked. Cal Poly also hosts a SLO Food Bank Distribution site on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Mott lawn.
Learn more about Basic Needs resources, including how to donate
Campus Dining Partners to Donate Meals to Cal Poly Food Pantry
In another step to help ensure every student has access to nutritious meals so they can stay focused on their studies, Campus Dining and partner Vitco Foods will donate 80 meals per month to the Cal Poly Food Pantry. Vitco Foods, a local Cal Poly-alumni owned restaurant supplier, has delivered frozen meals to the Food Pantry since Jan. 12. The meals will continue a donation program that began spring 2020 and has seen increased use by students. Following feedback from the Food Pantry, Campus Dining approached Vitco Foods about increasing the amount and making their donations a regular accommodation. Vitco Foods didn’t hesitate. This donation program is the most recent initiative that Campus Dining leads to support students in need. Other programs include Mustang Meal Share, which allows students on a dining plan to donate to fellow students, and Feed Cal Poly, which enables all customers to donate to CP Essentials at the register of any Campus Dining venue. Last November Campus Dining Registered Dietitian Kelsey McCourt partnered with Campus Health and Wellbeing for Hunger and, Homelessness Awareness Week, during which she helped distribute 125 pre-packaged meals.
International Women’s Day Activities Planned March 8-13
Cal Poly will honor International Women's Day from March 8-13 by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women through various planned events. From 11:10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 8, the Cal Poly International Center will host a virtual panel presentation, “Choose to Challenge Gender Inequity,” discussing cross-cultural frameworks for understanding gender, equality and equity. The panel is co-sponsored by the Men and Masculinities Program, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Mathematics. The Cal Poly International Center also invites students, faculty and staff to celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness against bias and take action for equity all week long. Strike the “choose to challenge pose,” by raising a hand assertively to show that you choose to challenge inequity and post it on your preferred social media channel. A challenged world is an alert world, and from challenge comes change. How will you help forge a world built on gender equity? To join the International Women's Day movement, use #ChooseToChallenge or #IWD2021 on social posts. Men and Masculinities will also hold a #ChooseToChallenge photo workshop at noon on March 3.
Key Dates Finalized for Cal Poly’s Accreditation Site Visit
Cal Poly is currently in the process of reaffirming its accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). A successful reaffirmation process will provide a valuable university-level peer review process, and will also ensure eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Cal Poly’s self-study theme is “Promoting the Success of All Cal Poly Students While Achieving the Goals of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025.” Specifically, the university is focusing on three sub-themes: “Developing a Campus Culture that Is Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive,” “Recruiting and Retaining a More Diverse Community of Students, Staff and Faculty,” and “Teaching and Learning How to Live and Work in a Diverse World.” Cal Poly will submit its self-study report to WSCUC by Feb. 16, 2022. A team of WSCUC commissioners will visit the campus from April 27-29, 2022, and a decision on the university’s accreditation will be made by June 23, 2022. WSCUC and Cal Poly hope that all members of the university community, including students, staff, faculty and external stakeholders will be able to participate in the April 2022 visit.
Learn more about WSCUC Accreditation
Cal Poly Extended Education Offers AWS Training in Partnership with Statewide Programs
In collaboration with California's Employment Training Panel (ETP), UpSkill California and the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI), Extended Education is moving forward on an initiative to deliver cybersecurity and cloud skills training from Amazon Web Services (AWS) to upskill and reskill the current and future workforce of California. Cloud and cybersecurity technologies are increasingly helping organizations transform and defend their information and infrastructure, and trained technicians with Amazon Web Services certification are in high demand. Currently, there are over 67,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in California. The next course, Architecting in AWS, will illustrate the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on the AWS platform and show users how to optimize the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how they fit into cloud-based solutions. This three-day course will run from March 23-25. For more information, visit https://extended.calpoly.edu/.
Cal Poly Internal CSU Student Research Competition to be Held Feb. 19-20
The CSU Student Research Competition is held each spring to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments across the 23 CSU campuses. Cal Poly will host a virtual internal competition on Feb. 19-20 to select the 10 projects that will represent campus at the virtual 2021 CSU Student Research Competition at Cal Poly Pomona. Supporters are welcome to attend.
Visit the Office of Student Research for the schedule and additional information.
Nominate a Faculty Advisor for the 2020-21 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award by Feb. 22
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The award recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong at Fall Conference in addition to having their picture and award citation posted in the Kennedy Library. One faculty member will be recognized annually. The nomination should describe the nominee’s academic advising services, activities and interactions as distinct from the nominee's teaching responsibilities, as well as include any special activities that relate to student development. Faculty, staff and current students are eligible to nominate faculty for this award. However, at least one submission must come from a current student and no self-nominations will be recognized. Nominations are now open and will close on Monday, Feb. 22.
View and Register for Upcoming Benefit Events
Did you know that you can now view and register for upcoming benefit related events on the Human Resources website? Questions? Contact the Human Resources Benefits team at benefits@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-2236.
First Year Success Program Coaches needed for Spring Quarter
Interested in an opportunity to support students in their journey at Cal Poly? The First Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for graduate students, faculty and staff from across campus who want to serve as coaches for first-time freshmen who are on academic probation for the first time. FSP coaches will support a small group of first-time freshmen students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP staff will provide a training on March 19 to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members from the campus community that represent all areas of Cal Poly, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Questions? Contact Kara Hitchcock at khitch01@calpoly.edu.
Deadline for Spring Quarter Textbook Adoptions is Feb. 19
The spring course material adoption deadline is Friday, Feb. 19. Adopting on time contributes to course materials affordability. By submitting adoptions by the due date, the University Store has time to source used and rental inventory which translates to savings for students. Find the University Store’s adoption tool, Follett Discover, in Canvas. Go to my.calpoly.edu, login, click into Canvas and then on the University Bookstore link. Adopting by the deadline also ensures Cal Poly is in accordance with HEOA requirements. Throughout the pandemic and during the hybrid learning environment, the bookstore continues to be available to support learning and student success. For more information or to answer any questions, the Courseware Team is available at 805-756-1171 or courseware@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about the benefits and features of Follett Discover
Ninjio Information Security About Wire Fraud
Watch this month’s information security video from NINJIO to learn how wire fraud works and how to spot it. There have been numerous emails attempting to trick Cal Poly employees into believing they are late on a payment or that a legitimate invoice is attached to the email. In this video, a finance officer mistakenly wires money to someone pretending to be one of their vendors. Learn how this costly mistake could have been avoided. 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. Ninjio videos are also available to emeritus on the Cal Poly InfoSec Microsoft Stream.
Wellbeing Toolkit Provides Crucial Resources to Support Employees
The Employee and Organization Development department is proud to announce a new Wellbeing Toolkit. This is one of 21 toolkits custom curated for faculty, staff and student employees to provide on-demand resources to meet the personal and professional development needs of employees and managers. Workplace well-being relates to all aspects of working life — from the quality and safety of the physical environment, to how employees feel about their work and working environment. Well-being is a key factor in both an employee’s health as well as the organization's long-term effectiveness. Many studies show a direct link between productivity levels and the general health and well-being of the workforce. This toolkit has practical information on resources available to you addressing six key aspects of Well-being: community, financial, physical, social, emotional and career.
Call for Proposals for Continuing Instructionally Related Activities
The Instructionally Related Activities Advisory Committee has announced the call for proposals for fiscal year 2021-22 for any activities seeking continued recognition and funding. An Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) is an extracurricular "out-of-class experience" that provides enrichment to students and enhances their learning at Cal Poly. Note that IRA funds cannot be used to fund specific projects or field trips as part of an academic course. Requests for funding typically exceed the available funds, so recognition as an IRA is no guarantee of funding. Workshops to help you prepare the forms are available. Proposals for continuing IRAs are due to the appropriate college dean or vice president by March 5. Find forms, instructions, dates and times for preparation workshops, and other relevant information on the Academic Programs and Planning website.
New User Software Planon to Launch in February
Facilities Management and Development (FMD) will host open lab sessions this month for campus community members interested in learning more about Planon, its new work order management system. The open lab sessions will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, and from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. Planon will enable facility projects and maintenance operations, along with space and finance teams, to effectively and efficiently manage facilities throughout the entire building lifecycle. It will also be the new spot for projects, service and maintenance requests, in addition to storing all space information and details for the campus. Planon will provide an intuitive interface for Facilities’ customers, making it easier to check work statuses, see financial information, and receive automated updates on their project.
Celebrate Rec Day 2021 with the Cal Poly Recreation Center
Join ASI Recreational Sports in celebrating #RecDay2021 on Monday, Feb. 22, with a variety of fun themed fitness classes hosted by your favorite instructors to celebrate health, activity and inclusivity. One attendee per class will be randomly chosen to win a prize bundle consisting of a $50 Athleta shop gift card, a Recreation Center sticker bundle, and more. Get your costumes ready and visit ASI Recreational Sports for more information and class links.
Campus Community Invited to Provide Feedback for CSU Review of President Armstrong
Per a CSU board of trustees policy requiring campus presidents to be reviewed every three years, the university community can submit comments that provide feedback to the board of trustees and the chancellor about President Armstrong’s leadership and the current state of affairs at Cal Poly. Comments should also provide information that will further the university’s progress and assist Armstrong in the leadership of Cal Poly. The criteria for feedback are posted on the CSU website. The written responses will be summarized into a confidential report that will be discussed with Armstrong and presented to the board of trustees. None of the commentators will be identified by name and responses will be treated in confidence to the extent permitted by the law. Unsigned letters and petitions will not be accepted. Submit letters or emails by March 22 to presidentreview@calstate.edu or Chancellor Joseph I. Castro, The California State University, 401 Golden Shore, Suite 641, Long Beach, California 90802-4210.
Read Chancellor Castro’s letter to the Cal Poly community.
Submissions Sought for COVID-19-Related Research Showcase
Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research invites faculty, students and staff to submit an abstract for its fourth annual conference, which will showcase original research, results from innovation and initiative projects, and evidence-based practice related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Research topics may include, but are not limited to: health, methods of assessment, social justice, economic impacts, environmental factors and pedagogical tools. Those interested in presenting should fill out the submission form by April 19. Six authors will be selected to give a 10-minute presentation at the May 20 conference with five minutes for questions and discussion. The presentations will be live on Zoom and will be recorded and available for viewing after the event. All abstracts will be posted on the Center for Health Research website. For more information, contact Todd Hagobian at thagobia@calpoly.edu.
2021 Aspire to Grow Conference Set for Feb. 18
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is hosting the third annual Aspire to Grow Conference, exploring innovation in food and agriculture, virtually from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. The symposium will focus on new technologies and developments and the role diversity of thought and experience plays in achieving these. Keynote speakers include Michael Frank, executive vice president and CEO of retail at Nutrien; Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Justin Trabue, alumna and assistant winemaker at Lumen Wines; Patricia Carillo, executive director of ALBA Organics; Surendra Dara, cooperative extension advisor with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Fadzayi Mashiri, Mariposa County director/farm advisor. There are more than 21 million jobs associated with food and agriculture in the U.S. The Aspire to Grow Conference aims to inform and empower students from across campus about the many and varied career opportunities in these industries and create a forum for students to learn from and network with companies for which diversity and inclusion are an essential part of their visions. For more information, visit the conference webpage.
Cal Poly Jazz Ensembles to Present Virtual CD Release Concert on Feb. 19
Cal Poly's Jazz Ensembles will present a virtual CD release concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, to celebrate their recently produced double album titled “another time, another place.” The album is the result of at-home rehearsals by members of the Cal Poly Jazz Ensemble and Cal Poly Vocal Jazz Ensemble that began in March due to the pandemic. Arthur White, director of jazz studies, wrote compositions and arrangements for the groups. The album also features a student composition by Davis Zamboanga, who graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in music in spring 2020. There are guest solos by Grammy Award-winner Randy Brecker and three Grammy-Award nominees: saxophonist Ada Rovatti, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and vibraphonist Joe Locke, who contributed solos from their East Coast home studios. Cal Poly’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Contemporary Jazz Group, Hard Bop Group and other student ensembles will perform for the virtual event, which will also include interviews with students who participated in the album-making process. Tickets are $5 and are sold at the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
An Evening With DeRay Mckesson Open to Campus Community on Feb. 23
The Men and Masculinities Program and ASI events invite the campus community to an evening with DeRay Mckesson from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. Mckesson is a powerful educator, author, civil rights activist and one of the leading voices in the Black Lives Matter movement. Titled, "Let Us Cry: Black Persistence and Masculinity," this conversation will explore the intersections of Blackness, masculinity and advocacy. The Zoom webinar link is https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/85138638389 and the Zoom webinar ID is 851 3863 8389. Questions? Contact Nick Bilich.
Reimagining Dinosaurs’ to Air on Cal Poly Arts Website Feb. 24
For the past two years Cal Poly Arts has presented a wildly popular series of evocative speakers from “National Geographic Live.” During this pandemic closure, Cal Poly Arts is proud to continue the tradition with a new four-part, virtual speaker series from “Nat Geo LIVE!” Each 60-minute episode includes an introduction, approximately 20 minutes of fascinating prerecorded National Geographic speakers’ presentations and 40 minutes of live moderated Q&A. The first event, “Reimagining Dinosaurs,” airs via the Cal Poly Arts website at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, and covers groundbreaking new science that is changing what we thought we knew about how dinosaurs looked, moved and lived. For example, in Chile, scientists have discovered a shocking new therapod. Unlike its cousins, Velociraptor and T. rex, Chilesaurus consumed a vegetarian diet. Join leading paleontologists and National Geographic Explorers Nizar Ibrahim and Sebastián Rozadilla for stories and conversation about the evolving science of dinosaurs. Tickets are $16.50 per screen or device. Visit calpolyarts.org for tickets and more information.
A Conversation with Michael Phelps’ to be Held Feb. 24
Join the conversation with author, mental health advocate, and one of the most decorated athletes of all time, Michael Phelps. ASI Events presents "A Conversation with Michael Phelps" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, via Zoom Webinar. The event is free to access with @calpoly.edu email address for students, faculty and staff. Submit your questions for Phelps now for a chance to have them answered live during the event. Before the event, stream for free the 2020 documentary "The Weight Of Gold,” on which Phelps served as executive producer. "The Weight Of Gold" is available anytime on Feb. 23 starting at midnight. The documentary explores the personal struggles and mental health issues of Phelps and other athletes who share their own challenges and highlight the need for available support. To learn more, visit asi.calpoly.edu.
Poet, Activist Sonya Renee Taylor to Headline 19th Annual Change the Status Quo Conference
Award-winning performance poet and activist Sonya Renee Taylor will deliver the keynote address for the 19th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Leadership Conference to be held virtually from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The annual event, hosted by Cal Poly’s Center for Service in Action, is free for all community members and aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change. This year’s event will focus on the theme “Action over Apathy” and will be headlined by Taylor, a former national and international poetry slam champion and founder and radical executive officer of digital media and education company The Body is Not An Apology. For additional information and to register, visit the Change the Status Quo webpage.
'Picture a Scientist' Film Screening March 1-7, Panel Discussion March 4
The documentary “Picture a Scientist” will be available for free virtual screening for the Cal Poly community March 1-7. Faculty, staff and students are invited to view the film; engage in a discussion with their department, club or other group; and attend a virtual panel discussion with the film director and two Cal Poly science alumnae from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, March 4. The film chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. A biologist, a chemist and a geologist lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, overcoming brutal harassment, institutional discrimination and years of subtle slights to revolutionize the culture of science. Register to view the film, watch a trailer or view more information about the event online. The event is sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics. Email cosam@calpoly.edu with any questions.
Streaming of ‘Shelter’ Starts March 6
Cal Poly Theatre and Dance Department presents “Shelter: An Immersive Theatrical Audio Experience in Your Living Space.” Streaming begins on March 6 and will play through the rest of this academic year. This devised play will explore our current circumstance of “sheltering in place” by creating a theatrical piece that examines the emotional connection to our homes through an autobiographical lens. The play features a cast of seven students plus production work by Theatre and Dance Department students, faculty and staff. Watch and learn more.
Cal Poly Wind Bands to Present Virtual Concert Titled ‘Community’ on March 6
The Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra will present a virtual concert titled “Community” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6. “Music has the ability to bring together minds and souls,” Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff said. “For this concert, the members of the Cal Poly Wind Bands explore the connections between individuals that make us part of a larger whole, whether they are performing in person or remotely. We are excited to have this performance recorded in the Performing Arts Center’s Miossi Hall, which offers the student musicians an acoustical experience that brings out the best possible musical communication.” Compositions by Katherine Bergman, Percy Grainger and Rossano Galante will be performed. Woodruff and Associate Director of Bands Nicholas P. Waldron will conduct the concert. Tickets are sold at the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
Event Postings
Events.calpoly.edu is a new platform that shines a spotlight on high-profile special events at
Cal Poly and throughout our community, focusing on the wide and diverse range of activities on and around our campus. This site is designed to help our colleges, programs, departments and facilities promote exciting events that can be seen by a selected audience. It will update regularly and include events happening in the next 30-45 days. It is not a calendar of all events, and it does not include student club events. Here are some links to help you navigate:
Submitting an Event to Events.calpoly.edu
To submit your event for consideration, please send the event title, date, time, duration, ticket information, intended audience(s) and image (1600 bpi wide) to event-submission@calpoly.edu.
University Events Calendar
To find a listing of all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more — visit our Master Calendar.
Scheduling/Booking Venues
25Live: Space and Event Scheduling can help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event.