College Based Fee Student Aid and Learn by Doing Plan Consultation Begins
On Jan. 5, Provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore announced the start of the alternative consultation process for the Cal Poly College Based Fee Student Aid and Learn by Doing Plan, which would create a new campus-based source of financial aid and more fully fund our academic mission. All students and employees are encouraged to learn more about the proposal by attending a campuswide open forum. These forums will be held virtually from 1:10 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, and 11:10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 24. A Cal Poly email address will be required to join the Zoom forum. Recordings of the first forum will be posted online following the event. More information and Zoom links for the forums can be found on the CBF website. Learn about the proposed fee adjustment, read arguments for and against the proposal, see frequently asked questions and more on the CBF website.
Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Legacy Event Set for Jan. 20
The campus community is invited to honor Martin Luther King Jr. at the sixth annual celebration that will include an open-air reception from 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by the main event from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, at the MultiActivity Center. The Black Academic Excellence Center in partnership with ASI Events hosts this event to honor King’s legacy and to celebrate a yet-to-be-named campus community member who leads with love and hope to create a better campus for all. This event will feature special guest speaker Hill Harper, star of ABC's hit drama "The Good Doctor." Harper is a humanitarian, an award-winning actor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, health and wellness ambassador/educator and philanthropist. Harper has been recognized with seven NAACP Image Awards, four of them for his writing. His story is an example of how MLK's legacy remains relevant and ever-evolving. Seats are limited, and registration is required. Nominations for the 2022 MLK Legacy Award are due Wednesday, Jan. 12. Click here to nominate someone who most represents the values reflected by King's legacy.
Dream Center, Campus Health and Wellbeing Launch Food Cabinet for Students
Campus Health and Wellbeing’s Basic Needs Initiative, in partnership with the Dream Center, has launched a new food cabinet location within the Dream Center, located in the Science Building (No. 52), Room E-11. This new collaboration aims to increase accessibility to nutritious and culturally relevant food for students. The food cabinet is open to all students on campus. Items in the food cabinet include current items found in the food pantry, along with culturally relevant dry and canned goods. The Food Pantry was created out of a need identified by faculty and staff to better address basic needs and food insecurity on campus. This collaboration furthers the mission and goals of the pantry by continuing to provide and improve access to resources for historically underrepresented students. Learn more about this new resource.
Cal Poly Public Safety Releases New Guardian App
Employees and students can download the free Rave Guardian app and turn their smartphone into a personal safety device. Rave Guardian offers Cal Poly users a single safety app that provides easy communications with the Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD), sendsCPPD anonymous tips, sets a safety timer when walking from place to place on campus, text Mustang Patrol, and connects to 24-hour police or support services. A significant addition to public safety’s portfolio of services, the app connects the campus community with help, security and resources. Rave Guardian offers a Safety Timer that alerts selected friends, family or CPPD of a fixed time for your departure and arrival, and then notifies them when you reach your destination — like always having an emergency blue light system and a trusted friend with you. Rave Guardian is available from the Apple Store or Google Play.
2023-24 Academic Calendar Approved
The Academic Calendar for summer 2023 through spring 2024 has been approved by President Armstrong. The calendar is available online. The signed approval memo is available for viewing in the Office of the Registrar. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
Cal Poly’s Panetta Intern Recaps Her Experience in Washington, D.C.
In the fall, Cal Poly’s 2021 representative to the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program, Desiree Nunes, worked in the office for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Nunes, a fourth-year political science major from Fremont, California, has responded to constituent and general inquiries to the speaker’s office and attended briefings on subjects from natural disaster response to immigration policy. In the last few weeks of her internship, Nunes worked on legislation that is part of the president’s Build Back Better plan and saw the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act pass in both chambers of Congress. “I’ve realized there’s so much left to learn when you see how government operates up close,” said Nunes. “It really was the ultimate Learn by Doing experience.” Nunes says the experience solidified her desire to attend law school after graduating from Cal Poly this year. Read the full story on the Cal Poly News website.
Transfer Inclusion Training for Staff and Faculty to be Offered Jan. 21
In an effort to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for transfer students at Cal Poly, the Transfer Center is offering a transfer inclusivity training to all staff, faculty and grad students on campus. This training will run 90 minutes and includes a short break. The winter quarter training will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 21, on Zoom. Register today at https://forms.office.com/r/MWv3s2mbkM. Have questions about the training? Reach out to [email protected].
Vice President for Student Affairs Named Board Chair of Local Medical Center
Cal Poly Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey has been named incoming chair of the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center board of directors. Humphrey, who has been a member of the Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center Board since 2016, currently serves as the governing body’s vice chair. His one-year term as board chair began Jan. 1. Humphrey previously served as a member of the Community Counseling Center of San Luis Obispo board of directors from 2017 to 2018. An advocate and leader in community health and well-being at Cal Poly, Humphrey plans to apply his knowledge and experience to support Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center’s prominent role as a trusted healthcare provider for community members in San Luis Obispo and the larger Central Coast region. Read the news release.
Resources for Academic Success Now Available
Faculty and staff now have access to professional development resources designed to enhance scholarly productivity and support navigating life in academia. These resources are available online through a one-year institutional membership in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD), courtesy of the Provost's Office. The offerings include self-paced resources for individuals and scheduled collaborative-style workshops and events for groups of participants. Join at the start of the NCFDD’s Core Curriculum series, which teaches the 10 key skills necessary to thrive in an academic career. The live version of “Skill 1: Every Semester Needs A Plan” will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, and will be available on demand afterward. Subsequent live sessions for the rest of the Core Curriculum series are scheduled once per month. Easy-access links to account activation and previews of key resources, events and workshops are provided on the CTLT’s “Thriving in the Academy” page.
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.
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. View the report here.
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.
Deadline for Proposals for New Instructionally Related Activities is 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 college deans’ offices by 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 will 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].
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.
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. 14, 21, 25 and 28, and additional dates in February. These clinics are open to employees and their family members of employees. 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.
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.
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.
RSVP for the CAED-Hosted Reception
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.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Comes to the PAC on Jan. 26-27
The national Broadway tour of “Fiddler on the Roof” comes to the PAC for two performances on Jan. 26 and 27. Presented by Cal Poly Arts and directed by Tony Award-winning Bartlett Sher and the team behind “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and 2017’s Tony-winning “Oslo,” this is a fresh and authentic vision of this beloved theatrical masterpiece, set in the small Russian village of Anatevka at the beginning of the 20th century. Tickets are on sale at calpolyarts.org or at ext. 6-4849.
‘Twanguero’ Performs at the PAC Jan. 29
Join Cal Poly Arts for an evening of international music at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, in the Spanos Theatre. Spanish guitar great and Latin Grammy-winner Diego “Twanguero” Garcia will perform his signature “Latin-Twang” sound that ranges from Spanish guitar to American folk, flamenco and tango. Tickets are on sale at calpolyarts.org or at ext. 6-4849. A 20% faculty and staff discount is available.
An Evening with Fran Lebowitz Set for Jan. 30
Join Cal Poly Arts in welcoming Fran Lebowitz to the PAC stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30. In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Lebowitz stands out as one of the most insightful social commentators and cultural satirists. An author, journalist and social observer, her essays and interviews offer acerbic views on current events and the media, as well as her pet peeves, which include tourists, baggage-claim areas, after-shave lotion, and adults who roller skate. Tickets are on sale at calpolyarts.org or at ext. 6-4849. A 20% faculty and staff discount is available.
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.