College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Names Director of New Center for Organic Production and Research
Matthew Grieshop, associate professor of organic pest management and director of the Sustainable Farming and Food Systems academic program at Michigan State University, has been named director of Cal Poly’s new Center for Organic Production and Research. Grieshop will begin in January 2022. “I am thrilled to welcome Matthew Grieshop to the team as we prepare to launch a unique learning model that will enable research and innovation across disciplines, focusing on real-world issues that directly impact the state’s multibillion dollar organic industry,” said Andrew Thulin, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. The Center for Organic Production and Research will integrate the greatest talents in academia, private industry, government and a wide range of disciplines to benefit the organic industry. Read the news release.
ASI President Tess Loarie Aims to Reshape the Student Experience by Listening
Tess Loarie was elected ASI president in spring 2021, when remote learning was still the norm for most students. Now that most everyone is back on campus, she’s hoping to lead the Cal Poly student body into a new chapter: not just emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, but setting a tone for a more inclusive student experience and a more accountable, accessible student government. "I'd like to see a more diverse student government but also offer the resources necessary to make students feel included and to help with retention," she said. "I'd like students to be able to participate in our program without fear of rejection or not fitting in. I want everyone to understand how to effectively make change on our campus." In a Q&A, Loarie talks about ASI's campuswide assessment plans, her candor about mistakes, and her plans after graduation. Read the full story on the Cal Poly News website.
Challah at Joe: Student Bakes Bread for Good
Economics student Joe Schneider had just gone home in the spring of 2020 to ride out the pandemic when his dad gave him a bread machine and encouraged him to bake challah, a traditional Jewish bread baked to celebrate the Sabbath. "I caught the baking bug," Schneider said. When he moved back to San Luis Obispo in January 2021, Schneider began baking challahs weekly and selling them for suggested donations to local nonprofits. He's now hoping to start a challah club on campus to continue the mission of doing good deeds for others through food. “I want to always find something to do where I can help others,” he said. Read the full article on the Cal Poly News website.
Cal Poly Honors Program Student Newsletter Wins National Competition
The Cal Poly Honors Program student newsletter was awarded first place in the 2021 National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) competition. The award was announced at the NCHC conference in Orlando in October 2021. The honors student newsletter is released twice per year and features a variety of student created articles and photographs. Started in 2015, the newsletter has won several awards from the NCHC in the student-run electronic division, placing four consecutive years and taking home first place in 2018, 2019 and again this year. Read the award-winning newsletter submissions.
Poinsettias on Sale Through Mid-December
Cal Poly’s annual poinsettia sale, with thousands of plants and dozens of varieties and colors, kicked off Dec. 3 and will run through mid-December at the Poly Plant Shop. The flowering holiday plants are grown by students who work in the Horticulture and Crop Science Department’s greenhouses. This year’s poinsettia project offers many shades of red, white, pink and variegated varieties. Sizes range from small plants in four-inch pots to large poinsettias reaching three feet high, in 14-inch pots (6-inch plants are sold out). Prices range from $8 to $75. In addition to poinsettias, the Poly Plant Holiday Sale also features student-made wreaths, centerpieces, succulents, ornaments and gifts. For more information, read the news release or visit the Poly Plant Shop website.
Holiday Cheese, Wine Gift Boxes and Hams Feature Student-Made Products
Gather around the table with your family and enjoy delicious Cal Poly ham, wine and cheese! Cal Poly Meats is taking orders for this year's holiday season. The bone-in hams are $4.25 a pound and are available to purchase as whole or half hams. For more information, visit calpolymeats.com or place your order by emailing calpolymeats@calpoly.edu. The Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Department has also created holiday wine, cheese and chocolate gift packs. Purchase here. Thank you for supporting our students and Cal Poly's Learn by Doing tradition.
Nominations Sought for Outstanding Staff Award
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 2021-22 award is Friday, Jan. 14. To be eligible, nominees must be permanent, full-time employees of the university, Cal Poly Corporation or ASI, who have completed at least three years of employment as of Dec. 31, 2021 (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 Human Resources website.
‘Tips for a Meaningful Holiday’ Webinar set for Dec. 8
LifeMatters, Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program, will present Tips for a Meaningful Holiday during a live webinar at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8. Take a moment to reflect on creating a meaningful holiday and setting realistic expectations to keep stress at bay. Join this hourlong webinar to learn these holiday tips plus information on services offered by LifeMatters, including advice on overall well-being, relationships, financial and legal assistance, health, counseling and more. Learn how to access these services and when LifeMatters may be of assistance. This session will include practical guidance for stress relief, tips for parents and action plan development.
Winter Parking Permits on Sale Starting Dec. 20
Winter quarter parking permits go on sale Monday, Dec. 20. Employees needing a permit can find an option that best fits their commute by using their parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available for online purchase any time of day at specific union rates. Permits sold in parking lot pay stations, parking meters or by Parkmobile do not offer staff rates. Winter quarter permits are valid Dec. 20 to March 25. Fall quarter parking permits expire Dec. 19. Purchase permits online and update vehicle information using your parking account. Visit the Transportation and Parking Services staff page for more information on staff parking.
Applications Being Accepted for the 2022-23 RSCA Grant Program
The 2022-23 Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) Grant Program is open. The program, supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the Cal Poly Provost's Office, is intended to help faculty remain engaged in their disciplines beyond the classroom and to contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally and economically. All faculty unit employees are eligible to compete for funding, including lecturers, tenure-track, and tenured faculty. Proposals should be submitted by midnight Monday, Feb. 7, via the Cal Poly InfoReady system. For more information and submission instructions, visit the Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education website. All are invited to attend the RSCA Information and Q&A session via Zoom at 11:10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14. Direct questions to research@calpoly.edu.
Register for the Jan. 14 session
Updated Microsoft 365 Toolkit Provides Valuable Digital Literacy Skills
Although many employees use some aspect of Microsoft Office every day, a large number of features that might streamline their work go unused. The Employee and Organization Development department announces the newly updated Microsoft 365 Toolkit. This is one of 24 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. Access this toolkit for a range of knowledge from introductory overviews to in-depth microlearning and general tips and tricks.
Electric Vehicle Program Updates Coming in January
Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has secured grant funding to expand the electric vehicle charging station network on campus. The Community Air Protection Program grant by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District will fund charging equipment for Structure 131 near the yak?it’ut’u residence hall. TAPS is also working to further expand the use of Cal eVIP funding ‘with the goal of bringing more charging stations to the Grand Avenue Structure and H-2A Lot. Effective Jan. 3, TAPS will be adjusting charging rates and policies. Changes include tiered pricing for visitors and the campus community, a waitlist queue for full stations, and a four-hour charging time limit. Existing rates and policies will remain in place through fall quarter. More details are on the EV webpage. Connect to the Cal Poly employee group by using the connection code CPEM22 to receive discounted charging rates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Career Education Canvas Modules Available to Embed in Courses
Career Services offers career curriculum in Canvas modules that faculty can embed in their courses. Each module is designed to be delivered asynchronously and includes several customizable components, such as readings, videos and activities. Faculty are encouraged to complement the material in the modules by having a career counselor present to their class. The following career education modules are currently offered:
- Networking
- Interviewing
- Discovering Career Possibilities
- Navigating Your Job/Internship Search
- Resume and Cover Letter
- Portfolium
To request the Canvas modules or see a brief overview video about each module, visit the Career Services website.
Weekly Workshops to Help Faculty Explore Solutions to Climate Change
Every discipline has a role to play in finding global climate change solutions, but what keeps faculty from discussing climate change in their courses? A series of 90-minute weekly workshops, held Wednesday mornings between Feb. 9 and May 5, will explore the issue. The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and Cal Poly's Facilities Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team invite faculty to apply for the CSUwide Faculty Learning Community (FLC) in Teaching Climate Change and Resilience. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. This FLC will help participants think about teaching and learning focused on climate change and resilience. The goals for participants in the FLC are to:
- Learn about and develop or modify course curriculum with a focus on climate change, climate justice, and resilience.
- Gain collegial support for teaching sustainability across the disciplines.
- Work collaboratively to identify and design pedagogical approaches to teach students about sustainability problems paired with investigating possible solutions together.
The weekly conversations will be driven by the questions that emerge from participants’ particular course contexts. Stipends of $500 are available for eligible employees who complete the FLC requirements.
Faculty Advisor Training Series – Winter 2021
University Advising will offer a three-week Faculty Advisor Training series in January and February that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies:
- FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: Friday, Jan. 14.
- FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: Friday, Jan. 21.
- FA 103: Building Student Success Through Faculty Advising: Friday, Feb. 4.
Click here for more information about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Questions? Email Christina Wolfe-Chandler, advisor training coordinator, at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Peter Schlosser, equipment maintenance technician for graphic communication, will retire at the end of December. Schlosser has been an invaluable asset to a department with seemingly 1 million moving parts. His knowledge of graphic communication and industry experience enabled him to set up incredible Learn by Doing spaces by securing much-needed equipment and contributing to the curriculum. Student success is closely tied to Schlosser's work, as evidenced by his 2018 Advisor of the Year Award for Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations. Schlosser’s favorite part about working in the department is the variety of students and hands-on work with equipment and materials. His passion is photography, and the biggest highlight of his career has been traveling with students and presenting internationally. He has also worked with the California Cyber Security Institute and law enforcement agencies on a number of projects with students. The Wisconsin native is married to a native of the Black Forest of Germany, and they both enjoy living on the Central Coast. They are looking forward to an exciting future, likely with their feet in several locales. The Graphic Communication Department wishes Schlosser and his wife, Annette, the best of luck in this next chapter of adventure!
Alexandra Kohler, director of operations and administration for Campus Health and Wellbeing, will retire Dec. 23 after 13 years of service. During these years, she has helped lead multiple, successful Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) reaccreditations and free student vaccination clinics. She has also ensured compliance with complex and ever-changing healthcare regulations and implemented the new health services fee. She began her Cal Poly career as administrative support coordinator and worked her way to her current director position. Kohler is an accomplished manager who is valued and trusted by her team. In 2016, her hard work and commitment were recognized with the Cal Poly Outstanding Staff award. Kohler’s contributions to Campus Health and Wellbeing are numerous. She will be missed. As a retiree, Kohler is looking forward to spending more time with family, taking long walks on the beach, volunteering, learning how to cook and traveling. A retirement reception will be held for her in January 2022. All are welcome to drop in and congratulate Kohler as she embarks on her next adventure. (More information to follow.) Join CH&W in signing a virtual card.
CAED Faculty and Alumni Produce Point San Luis Lighthouse Calendar
Several faculty and alumni from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design have partnered with the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, a volunteer organization, to produce a 2022 calendar featuring artwork of the site. The calendar was specially produced in support of efforts to preserve the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, which was founded in 1890 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located near Avila Beach, it is the only Prairie Victorian model lighthouse left on the West Coast.
Volunteers Needed for Cal Poly Cat Program
The Cal Poly Cat Program (CPCP) is looking for shelter volunteers who are available during winter break. CPCP is a nonprofit organization comprised of students, faculty, staff and community members who care about the health and happiness of feral and domesticated cats. Its mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for sanctuary, surrendered, stray and rehabilitated feral cats and kittens while they wait for new loving homes. CPCP is looking for volunteers to come to the shelter for two-hour shifts once a week to care for the cats during winter break. Tasks include feeding, cleaning cages and the shelter, scooping litter boxes, and socializing cats. CPCP welcomes all members of the community to volunteer, including those not affiliated with Cal Poly and minors accompanied by a parent. Interested in helping? Contact volunteercpcp@gmail.com.
ITS Service Desk Extends Hours to Sundays
The ITS Service Desk is offering expanded phone and virtual tech support. In addition to weekday hours, Sunday tech support is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Service Desk provides in-person support in Kennedy Library’s Hub24, as well as phone and virtual support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Service Desk will not offer Sunday support on holiday weekends, however. To request assistance, create a request online via Support center, or call ext. 6-7000.
Pianist W. Terrence Spiller to Perform Recital Jan. 7
Pianist and music Professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will give a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, in the Spanos Theatre. Spiller will perform works by Clara and Robert Schumann, who Spiller says are two of the most important musicians from 19th-century Germany, as well as one of the most famous married couples in music history. The second half of the program will feature French repertoire: Frédéric Chopin’s “Fantasy in F Minor,” Op. 49; Francis Poulenc’s “Trois mouvements perpétuels”; Maurice Ravel's “Pavane pour une infante défunte;” and Claude Debussy’s “L’Isle Joyeuse.” Spiller teaches applied piano at Cal Poly, though he recently retired from full-time teaching. Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Orchesis Dance Company to Present ‘Convergence’ Jan. 14-15 and 20-22
The Theatre and Dance Department will present the Orchesis Dance Company’s 52nd annual concert, “Convergence,” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 14-15, and Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 20-22, in the Spanos Theatre. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on all days, with a matinee scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. The Orchesis Dance Company celebrates its return to the concert stage after live performances were canceled due to the pandemic. In celebration of the theme of convergence, the point at which we come together, performances will include choreography by faculty, student and guest choreographers in multiple genres. The concert features original dances created during fall quarter, directed by Professor Diana Stanton and assisted by faculty member Michelle Walter. Cal Poly staff member Clint Bryson serves as both lighting designer and technical director. Tickets are $20 for the public and $12 for students, seniors and children. They can be bought at the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To order by phone or online, call ext. 6-4849 or visit pacslo.org.
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.