Support for Military-Connected Students Helps Mustangs Soldier On
For the second year in a row, U.S. News and World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings honored Cal Poly as the best campus in the Western U.S. for vets. The ranking reflects the work of many offices across campus, including the Center for Military-Connected Students, serving a growing number of students. “This is an incredibly culturally diverse group mostly made up of first-generation students who are using GI Bill benefits and are the first in their family to obtain a college degree,” said Kari Leslie, the lead coordinator in the center. The center has evolved to include support for dependents and offers academic advising, help navigating benefits and social events. Roughly 100 conventional vets and some 600 dependents are working toward their degree at Cal Poly. One of those students is Tae Kim, a 32-year-old computer engineering student serving in the Army Reserves. He actively balances his ongoing service with a full schedule of classes and labs. As an undocumented student, Kim entered the reserves as a way to help pay for his education; it also offered him a path to citizenship. To read Kim’s story, visit the Cal Poly News website.
Cal Poly Honored as a Tree Campus by Arbor Day Foundation
Cal Poly has been again named a Tree Campus that recognizes that trees and green space make colleges and universities more livable and healthier for students and beautiful for the community, the Arbor Day Foundation announced. The 2020 award (the foundation honors campuses for their previous year’s commitment) recognizes Cal Poly’s best practices in managing one of the largest university urban forests in the nation and the most diverse in the CSU. Cal Poly has received the honor for the seventh consecutive year. “The award demonstrates the ability of our many, often competing, campus interests and entities’ ability to cooperate, coordinate and make choices that honor the value of trees on our campus,” said Christopher Wassenberg, the university’s landscape manager. “We tend to think of the built environment — buildings and roads, etc. — as permanent and plants as transitory, but depending on the species, trees can live hundreds or even, such as the coast redwood, a thousand years. When we plant a tree, we have the potential to leave a legacy that will far exceed the lifetime of most buildings on campus.” Learn more about the wide variety of tree species on campus.
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Available on Campus
Rite Aid returns to campus in November to offer the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, and the flu vaccine in the Cal Poly Recreation Center Main Gym lobby. The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12; and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15 and 19. Walk-ins are accepted, though appointments are strongly encouraged. Make an appointment through the COVID-19 Vaccine page. In addition, these clinics are open to family members of employees. Rite Aid is now offering doses to the 5-11 age group. Check the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage of the campus coronavirus site for updated information on vaccine and booster eligibility, what to bring to an appointment and more.
Donate to Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by Dec. 3
The Center for Service in Action (CSA) invites all students, staff, faculty and their families to contribute to the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive. Contribute by picking up a gift tag and purchasing a gift for a child in need or by donating money via the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive's Spur Change crowdfunding website. Each tag represents a specific request supporting local children and families in need. To pick up a gift tag, visit one of the Gift Tag Pick-up locations on campus: second floor stairway landing in Kennedy Library (No. 35), the second floor of the UU (No. 65), and the CSA in the Science Building (No. 52, Room E22). Bring newly purchased, unwrapped gift items to the CSA by Friday, Dec. 3, to help make a child smile this holiday season. For more information, visit the CSA website.
First Year Success Program Coaches Needed for Winter Quarter
The First Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for graduate students, faculty and staff from across campus to serve as academic 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 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 Friday, Dec. 10, to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members from the campus community, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign up or express interest before Wednesday, Dec. 8. Questions? Contact Kara Hitchcock at khitch01@calpoly.edu.
Faculty and Staff Volunteers Needed for Fall Commencement Weekend Dec. 11-12
The Commencement Office is seeking faculty and staff volunteers for the following Fall Commencement events at Spanos Stadium:
- Fall Commencement 2021 ceremony (Dec. 11).
- Class of 2020 Celebration (Dec. 12).
Volunteer tasks may include greeting graduates and guests; ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid; helping with stadium logistics and more. Volunteers will receive a $50 gift card to the University Store or campus dining venues for each shift. Volunteers must follow public health guidelines and participate in a training. Sign up today. Note: Non-exempt employee participation is voluntary but should be compensated for time through compensatory time off (CTO). CTO will not incur an unbudgeted expense to an employee's department. Exempt employees may use a flexible work schedule during commencement week to shift work hours from week to weekend. All participating employees must obtain approval from supervisors to participate. Anyone with questions should contact Human Resources.
Join Volleyball for Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night on Nov. 12
In appreciation for what faculty and staff members do for the university, Cal Poly Athletics is offering four free general admission tickets to the Cal Poly volleyball match on Friday, Nov. 12. The Mustangs will host UC Davis, and the match is set for 7 p.m. in Mott Athletics Center. Faculty and staff can claim their free tickets by showing their Cal Poly ID at the Cal Poly Ticket Office or at the Mott Athletics Center box office on game day. For more information or to purchase tickets to other Cal Poly volleyball matches, visit www.gopoly.com.
Help Campus Dining Build a Better Dining Experience and Win Great Prizes
Campus Dining is looking to build a Better Dining Experience and wants feedback from the campus community. Creating an eclectic, on-trend dining experience is a job that takes near-constant tweaking and research. The annual fall survey is a big part of that process. Completion of the survey, which takes roughly eight minutes, enters each respondent into a sweepstakes to win one of three prizes: a set of AirPods Pro with a Cal Poly case, The North Face backpack with a hydro flask and $100 Starbucks gift card, or a Polaroid Now Instant Camera with film bundle. Your responses will help Campus Dining improve customer experience for staff, faculty and students, and help it develop more innovative ways to deliver products and serve the campus. The survey is open from Nov. 8-19.
Share Input on Cal Poly Branded Styles
Cal Poly’s trademark licensing team is seeking feedback about university-branded sweatshirts, water bottles and more! The team wants to better understand campus shopping habits and preferences to help inform future design, style and product decisions. As a thank you for completing this survey, participants will be entered into a drawing for one of eight $25 Cal Poly university store gift cards. Participants’ identities will only be used for entry into the drawing. The team urges faculty and staff to participate and spread the word to their peers. Thanks to survey respondents for helping to shape future Cal Poly merchandise. The survey will be open through Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Holiday Cheese Boxes Available
Students at the Cal Poly Creamery are ready for the 2021 holiday season. Find something special for everyone on your list. Gift box sales kick off in November with tempting, new options, including traditional favorites and delicious new cheeses. Three shipping options, as well as local pick-up dates, will be available. Shipping is offered within the U.S. and gift certificates are available online for direct email delivery. Order by Dec. 7 to receive an order by Dec. 25. Stay tuned on Facebook and Instagram at @calpolycreameryslo for updates.
CSU’s Got Talent November Webcast to Focus on ‘Digital Nutrition’
CSU Learning and Development presents a series of live monthly, online webcasts featuring innovative and essential training for professional and personal success. November’s webcast is "Digital Nutrition: Deguilt Your Tech-Use and Optimize Your Digital Wellbeing.” It will be presented by Jocelyn Brewer, a psychologist with a special interest in the psychology of technology and staying human in a digital age. It will take place from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. All faculty, staff and student employees are invited to attend this free webcast.
Register for Creating Accessible Course Materials Workshop
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology says accessibility is key to ensuring equitable learning experiences for students with disabilities. Join peers from Jan. 31 to Feb. 27 in this online CTLT faculty workshop to create accessible course materials. The workshop covers Canvas accessibility features, accessible documents and video creation with captioning. Participants will explore the Ally tool in Canvas to identify and fix inaccessible course content. The course is 28-40 hours total over a four-week period, depending on skill level and experience. A $500 stipend is available for eligible participants. Questions? Contact Pam Dougherty at padoughe@calpoly.edu.
Inclusive Course Design to be Held in January
Universal Design for Learning is an approach to teaching that increases access, reduces barriers and improves learning experiences for all students. The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is offering an online faculty workshop from Jan. 18 to Feb. 16 to apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning to course materials, activities and assessments. The course is 28-40 hours total over a four-week period, depending on skill level and experience. A $500 stipend is available for eligible participants. Questions? Contact Pam Dougherty at padoughe@calpoly.edu.
The Music Department will celebrate three of its retirees starting at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 12, in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center. Professor Antonio “Greg” Barata, staff member Druci Reese and Professor W. Terrence “Terry” Spiller will be honored for their more than 90 years of combined service. An RSVP is welcome, but not required. Make an evening of it by staying for the Cal Poly Fall Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the PAC Pavilion. For more information about either event, email music@calpoly.edu or call ext. 6-2406.
Starting on Nov. 15, Debbie Tuson will learn the truth of the statement that “The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off” (Abe Lemons). Tuson started her career as a payroll clerk 21 years ago and will throw in the towel after working her way up to serving as the Orfalea College of Business finance/personnel analyst and executive assistant to the dean. She has truly exemplified the spirit of Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing ethos. Tuson will be honored with a reception from 1-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in Orfalea College of Business Dean’s Office Conference Room (No. 03), Room 455. All are welcome to join in wishing her joy and happiness in retirement. For more information about the reception, contact Kathy Carpenter at kcarpe04@calpoly.edu.
Virtual Presentation on Opportunities to Study in France Set for Nov. 18
Join the World Languages and Cultures Department from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 18, for a virtual information session about the many opportunities to study in France (including for non-French speakers) and how French can benefit your career. The event is open to all students, faculty and staff who are interested in learning more. It will be held in English with French Consulate representatives Lucille Delbecchi and Benoît Labat presenting.
International Education Week to be Held Nov. 15-19
The International Center will host a series of events from Nov. 15-19 to celebrate International Education Week. An initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, International Education Week celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This week’s events provide opportunities for the campus community to participate in cultural and educational programming at Cal Poly by sharing their international experiences. Events include:
- International meals throughout the week from Campus Dining.
- International Education Week raffle for students, faculty and staff. Attend events to be entered to win!
- A student-led panel on “Living Through COVID-19: A Global Perspective,” on Nov. 15.
- A panel of international students sharing insights on life at Cal Poly on Nov. 16. Specialty coffee and tea from around the world will be provided.
- U.S. Diplomat Maureen Smith will talk with students about careers in the Foreign Service and about the U.S. Department of State’s internship and fellowship programs on Nov. 18.
Learn more about these and other events on the International Center website.
Free Mustang Shuttle Available for Trips Around Campus
Transportation and Parking Services has partnered with SLO Safe Ride to launch Mustang Shuttle, a free convenience shuttle open to students and employees. Mustang Shuttle runs seven days a week beginning at 7 p.m. with the last pickup leaving Kennedy Library at 11:40 p.m. The loop across campus will be covered by two shuttles running 10 minutes apart, providing service roughly every 10 minutes. To encourage riders to wait for the shuttle in a more populated area, two of the stop locations will be drop-off only.
Mustang Shuttle Stops include:
- Kennedy Library (pickup and drop-off).
- Poly Canyon Village: two stops; one at Foxen (drop-off only), the second at Aliso (pickup and drop-off).
- Cerro Vista: two stops; the first at San Luis (pickup and drop-off), the second at Islay (drop-off only).
- University Union (pickup and drop-off).
- Performing Arts Center (pickup and drop-off).
To ensure that every Mustang can use the service, one of the shuttles is accessible to those with disabilities. Riders must show Cal Poly ID when boarding. For more information, visit https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/safetyprograms/.
Russian and German Conversation Tables Are Open to All
Practice your language skills, learn more about German and Russian cultures and meet new friends. The German Conversation table, open every Tuesday through fall and winter quarters, meets from 11:15 a.m. to noon on the steps in front of Kennedy Library (with an alternate venue in the Faculty Fishbowls 220, second floor, Kennedy Library.) The Russian Conversation table meets at the same time and location every other Friday. Anyone interested in speaking German and Russian or just listening is welcome. For more information, contact Angelica Browne at anbrowne@calpoly.edu or Olga Dekhtyar at odekhtya@calpoly.edu.
Spacious Bella Montana Home For Sale
A beautifully designed 1,614-square-foot home is now available in Bella Montana. Learn more about the home at 611-A Paseo Bella Montaña (La Valle), which has three bedrooms, two remodeled bathrooms and a spacious two-car garage. An open-concept living and dining room, convenient indoor laundry and a thoughtfully designed kitchen make this the perfect family home. The Bella Montana community, specifically designed for Cal Poly faculty, staff and their families, is conveniently located under lush foothills on the corner of Highway 1 and the Highland Avenue entrance to campus. Bella Montaña offers proximity to campus, beautiful views, affordability and quality homes. Close to shops, restaurants and wonderful local hikes, this 69-home community is a perfect place for faculty and staff. Contact Christy Chand at christymcneil@gmail.com or 206-817-2963 for more information.
‘Writer’s Block’ to Continue Performances Nov. 11–13
The Cal Poly Theatre and Dance Department will present “Writer’s Block,” an original ensemble play, at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 11– 13, in Spanos Theatre. Ever wondered where stories come from? Watch the play to see how the Sparks work their magic at StoryCorp. They churn out page after page, volume after volume of individuals’ most beloved tales. But what happens when they are faced with a sinister force that threatens their imagination? What happens when the system they work within starts working against them? Find out how the Sparks defend their dreams, creative freedom and storytelling itself. Get tickets and learn more about COVID-19 safety guidelines.
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.
Visit Cal Poly Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more
Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by visiting the new Cal Poly Now.