Cal Poly Float Wins Animation Award at 2022 Rose Parade®
Cal Poly universities’ Stargrazers float, which brings to life a scene from the classic Mother Goose rhyme “Hey Diddle, Diddle,” received the Animation Award at the 133rd Rose Parade®, held New Year’s Day. The honor recognizes the most outstanding use of animation, said Regina Chapuis, the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, team president. It’s the first time that the schools earned the designation since the award names were changed in 1984. The entry aimed to exemplify the parade’s 2022 theme of “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” The theme celebrates education’s ability to open doors, open minds and change lives. Stargrazers mixed the whimsy of the nursery rhyme with the hardworking atmosphere of a polytechnical university campus. As the float traveled the 5½-mile-long parade route, the audience learned how “the cow jumped over the moon” — by jet propulsion. More than 80 students, equally split from Cal Poly and Cal Poly Pomona, worked to finish the float during the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s parade hiatus. Read more on Cal Poly News.
Cal Poly Names Terrance Harris Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management
Terrance Harris, currently serving as interim vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, has been selected to fill the position permanently following a nationwide search. “Terrance has been an incredible member of our community as a student, an advisor, a mentor and a leader. He truly embodies Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy,” President Armstrong said. “His leadership will be crucial in our continued efforts to make sure we are bringing students to Cal Poly and supporting them throughout their college career so they can be Ready Day One.” Harris has served as interim vice president since June 2021. In this role, he sets the strategic vision for the division, collaborates with university partners on short- and long-term enrollment goals, and leads the development of strategies and practices that leverage financial aid awards. He also leads the creation of marketing and communication campaigns designed to attract and yield prospective students. Read the news release.
Cal Poly-Developed COVID-19 Saliva Testing Technology Will be Brought to Market
Cal Poly has partnered with Santa Maria-based medical device manufacturer Hardy Diagnostics to bring to market saliva-based COVID-19 testing technology that was developed by faculty members. Faculty and staff involved in this effort hope the technology can be utilized to further combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to address future viruses and improve healthcare technologies worldwide. Nathaniel Martinez, associate professor of biological sciences, and Andres Martinez, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, have been developing microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) for low-cost and portable diagnostic applications. Originally designed to help streamline on-campus COVID-19 testing for students and employees, the new device is a strip that enables saliva sample collection from the mouth in 30 seconds and is less invasive than a nasal swab. Thanks to this innovation, implemented on campus in February 2021, Cal Poly has been able to double the number of tests it runs daily, while reducing the workload required to carry out the tests. Read more on Cal Poly News.
Look Back on 2021 with Cal Poly News
Before 2022 kicks into high gear, take a moment to reflect on the year that was 2021. The Cal Poly News team rounded up its five favorite articles from the past year, plus another five that readers might have missed. From Space Station shoutouts to another corpse flower in bloom, there was no shortage of excitement around campus. If you’re in the mood to see Learn by Doing in action, check out the university’s top photos of the year, selected by campus photographer Joe Johnston. Students show off their expertise while casting metal, showing quarter horses, launching startups, and peering into the heavens at the Cal Poly Observatory (pictured). Looking for more Cal Poly news? Subscribe to the Cal Poly News Recap email for a monthly digest of top stories from around campus.
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Available on Campus
Rite Aid is on campus to offer the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots and the flu vaccine in the Recreation Center Main Gym lobby (No. 43, Room 101). The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 7, 14, 21, 25 and 28, and additional dates in February. These clinics are open to employees and their family members, including children 5 and older. The Rite Aid clinic will be able to offer first and second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old. Second doses are available to children who received a first dose at least 21 days prior. Check the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for updated information on vaccine and booster eligibility, what to bring to an appointment and more.
‘End of a Chapter’ and Celebration for Classes of 2020 and Fall 2021
Cal Poly hosted two ceremonies honoring its graduates in December at Spanos Stadium — the 38th annual Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 11, celebrating the fall Class of 2021, and a special, in-person name recognition event Sunday, Dec. 12, for graduates of the Class of 2020. More than 810 undergraduate students and about 120 master’s students were honored at Fall Commencement, while about 1,400 members of the Class of 2020 were recognized. The Class of 2020 graduates are among the roughly 6,000 who had virtual ceremonies in June and December 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Commencement marks the end of a chapter and a celebration of accomplishment for our Cal Poly graduates,” President Armstrong said. “It gives us an opportunity to honor their hard work and to salute their support team of family, friends, faculty and mentors. This is particularly true of these graduates, who have navigated life and studies in the incredibly challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Read the news release.
University Housing Senior Director Juliette Duke Recognized by ACPA
Juliette Duke, who serves as University Housing’s senior director and director of residential student experience, was recently recognized by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) with the Distinguished Service to the ACPA Senior-Level Community of Practice Award. The award is given to ACPA members who have served a minimum of three years on ACPA’s Senior-Level Community of Practice Directorate Body and managed a variety of leadership responsibilities. Duke has served in a variety of roles in University Housing for the past 17 years and has been a member of ACPA since 2002. Duke will be formally recognized by ACPA at its annual convention in St. Louis, to be held March 6-9.
Give Feedback on Potential Faculty and Staff Housing Project
Access to attainable housing is consistently cited as a major hurdle in hiring and retaining new faculty and staff members. The Cal Poly Corporation, alongside the university, is assessing the potential development of additional housing that would be available to campus community members. A survey has been created to gather insight and feedback from the university community for the planned project at Slack Street and Grand Avenue as well as potential future projects. This feedback will help further understand their current housing situation, preferences and overall interest in a potential faculty and staff housing project. The survey is open to all faculty and staff members, including ASI and CPC, and should take nine to 10 minutes. Respondents will be entered into a drawing for an Apple Watch Series 6 GPS. The survey will be open until midnight Monday, Jan. 10.
New Report Highlights A&F Accomplishments
Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, staff from across campus collaborated in new and unprecedented ways to ensure Cal Poly continued to advance its mission. A new Administration and Finance Annual Report has been created and features a timeline, interactive highlights, a slideshow and details documenting staff accomplishments throughout that time. The report helps to tell a visual story of the outstanding work that was completed to keep campus moving forward.
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.
Center for Service in Action Seeks Proposals for Change the Status Quo Conference
Want to give students a newfound understanding of social justice and how they can take ownership of their role to advance social change? The Center for Service in Action is accepting proposals for the 20th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Leadership Conference to be held Saturday, Feb. 26. Through workshops, guest speakers and engaging sessions, the conference 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 keynote speaker is writer, abolitionist organizer and creative educator Hoda Katebi. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners and elected officials can submit a proposed 30- or 60-minute workshop topic. Themes include: the Black Lives Matter movement, environmental justice, student leadership as activism, intersectionality of social justice, white allyship, service and social justice, Jewish culture and anti-semitism. To submit a workshop proposal, download the submission form from the CSQ website, and submit it by email to [email protected]. Proposals are due by midnight Sunday, Jan. 23. Notification of proposal status will be done by Feb. 1 or sooner.
Learn How to Plan a Campus Event in Jan. 13 Virtual Session
Planning a meeting or event on campus? Join members from Campus Dining, Conference and Event Planning, Facilities Management and Development, ITS, Risk Management, Transportation and Parking Services, and University Scheduling from 3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, for a Zoom session on “How to Plan a Campus Event.” The panel will provide insight into what you need to know, from start to finish, to reserve space and work with the various campus support areas. Questions? Contact University Scheduling at [email protected]. Registration for the session is not required. Join the session through this Zoom link.
Submit Proposals for New Instructionally Related Activities by Feb. 4
The Instructionally Related Activities Advisory Committee has announced a call for proposals for fiscal year 2022-23 for any activities seeking first-time recognition. 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. Forms, instructions, and other relevant information can be found at https://academicprograms.calpoly.edu/content/IRA/index. Proposals for new IRAs are due to the college deans’ offices no later than Feb. 4. Allow ample time for signature routing in AdobeSign. The call for continued recognition for currently recognized IRAs will go out separately in early February and be due in March.
Jump Start Your New Year’s Resolutions with LinkedIn Learning
Faculty, staff and student employees receive free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning content, including thousands of online courses, videos, podcasts and audio book summaries. There are topics to meet the learning and development interests of everyone, including technical skills such as Excel, Photoshop and computer programming languages; or leadership and communication skills, such as career management; data analysis; and diversity, equity and inclusion. You can even access personal well-being courses, such as ergonomics and desk yoga, mindfulness, managing your personal finances and emotional intelligence. No LinkedIn account is necessary; simply login via the Cal Poly portal to access the free content. Look for LinkedIn Learning in the My Apps column on the left of your homepage. For more information, visit the Learn and Grow webpage hosted by Employee and Organization Development.
New Winter Book and Learning Circles for Faculty and Staff
Employee and Organization Development announces the winter 2022 Book and Learning Circles, where participants can engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus. Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three to four sessions. The books are:
- “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown: Explores 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human.
- “Conflict Resolution Playbook” by Jeremy Pollack: Real-life solutions to everyday problems to boost your communication skills for preventing, managing and resolving conflict.
Learning Circles involve watching a video, listening to a podcast, or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. They include:
- “Life Changing Lessons with Brené Brown” by Red Table Talk: Discussion welcomes researcher and author Brené Brown to talk about shame, guilt and self-doubt.
To view full descriptions and register to attend, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
Attention Electric Vehicle Drivers: Updates to Rates and Policies Now in Effect
Transportation and Parking Services has updated charging rates and policies as of Jan. 3. These changes include a new tiered pricing for visitors and the campus community, the addition of a queue waitlist when stations are full, and a four-hour charging time limit. Visit the EV webpage for more details. 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. Learn how to connect here. For more information contact Commuter Services at [email protected].
Applications Being Accepted for 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Peter Schlosser, equipment maintenance technician for graphic communication, retired 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.
McPhee University Union Sprinkler System Installation Underway
A new fire sprinkler system is being installed at the McPhee University Union, which may impact access and lead to intermittent closures for certain areas of the facility. The first phase of the installation is expected to be complete within five months. During this time, the ASI Business Office will be accessible through Chandler Lounge (UU 208). In addition, elevators will be periodically closed throughout the project. Alternate accessible entrance way-finding signage will be available at all entrances and exits. To learn more about this project and anticipated impacts, visit the ASI Managed Facilities Projects website.
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. To view more of the featured art and to purchase a calendar, visit https://www.pointsanluislighthouse.org/new-page-1.
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. A 10% discount is now available here.
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.
Exhibition and Reception Spotlights Pioneering California Architect Julia Morgan
“Julia Morgan, Architect: Challenging Convention” will open at the University Art Gallery in the Dexter Building (No. 34), Room 171, on Saturday, Jan. 15, and remain open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Feb. 11. An interactive virtual tour mirrors the exhibition online and will be open through April 30. Those interested are invited to a lecture preceding the opening, which will be given by Karen McNeill, an expert on Morgan and her work. The lecture will be held via Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 (Zoom ID: 838 0432 1753). The campus community is also invited to a closing reception of the exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Morgan was the first woman to be accepted to and graduate from the prestigious architecture program at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1904, she became California’s first female licensed architect and continued to break gender barriers throughout her career. As one of America’s most prolific architects, she designed more than 700 buildings, including Hearst Castle. She was the initial woman to receive the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, the profession’s highest honor, bestowed posthumously in 2014.
Annual Bach Week to be In Person Jan. 18-22
The Music Department will present its annual Bach Week in person Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 18-22. An Akademie lecture by co-director David Arrivée will start at 6 p.m. Jan. 18, followed by an organ showcase by Paul Woodring at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. At 11:10 a.m. Jan. 20, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center, guest artist Leif Woodward, cello, will present an instrumental master class, which will be followed at 3:10 p.m. by a vocal master class by guest artists Kerry Ginger and John Buffett. The final events will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo, including a concert, “A Musical Portrait of a Venetian Courtesan,” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. The Bach Week finale on Jan. 22 includes a lecture at 6 p.m. by co-director Scott Glysson, then a concert, “From the Depths,” at 7:30 p.m. Members of Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir, Symphony and faculty join with guest artists in a side-by-side performance. Admission is free to the events in the Davidson Music Center, though parking regulations will be enforced. Tickets for the concerts are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Bach Week website or call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406.
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 [email protected].
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.
Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar.
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.