Learn About College Based Fee Proposal at Second Open Forum Jan. 24
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. The next forum will be held virtually from 11:10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 24. A Cal Poly email address will be required to join the Zoom presentation. A recording of the first campuswide forum and more information 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.
Cal Poly Welcomes New Chief Procurement Officer
Darin Matthews, a procurement leader with approximately 25 years’ experience in the field, began his role as chief procurement officer on Jan. 3. Starting his career working in the warehouse and in logistics, Matthews eventually moved on to serve as the chief procurement officer for UC Santa Cruz and Portland State University before landing his current role at Cal Poly. Matthews is also a columnist for Government Procurement magazine and is the author of several books on procurement and supply chain. Outside of procurement, Matthews enjoys live music, wine tasting, riding motorcycles and volunteering. While living in his hometown, Portland, Oregon, Matthews was an advisory board member for the Teen Parent Services organization, which served the public schools of Portland. Additionally, Matthews was active in the Cascade AIDS Project, which supports and empowers people living with or affected by HIV. Cal Poly welcomes Matthews and his partner, Dana.
Thanks to Campus for Participating in Faculty and Staff Housing Survey
More than 1,000 employees recently shared insight and feedback on planned and potential future projects through the Faculty and Staff Housing Survey, and one professor won an Apple Watch for the effort. Conducted in partnership with the university and Cal Poly Corporation, the survey was sent to all faculty and staff in December then again in early January before closing on Jan. 10. The input gathered will help guide the planned housing project at the corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue, and other potential future developments. The winner of the survey drawing was Laura Cacciamani, associate professor in the Psychology and Child Development Department. Cal Poly Corporation is following up the survey with listening sessions this month to dive deeper into the faculty and staff housing topic with interested campus stakeholders. Analysis of the survey and the listening sessions will be completed in the next six to eight weeks.
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.
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. 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.
Cal Poly Corporation Board of Directors to Meet Feb. 4
The board of directors of the Cal Poly Corporation will hold a regular public meeting via Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4. To join, use the following Zoom webinar link and call-in information: https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/87520931283. Public comments for this meeting must be submitted by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, via email to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu. Obtain a copy of the agenda after Jan. 28 by emailing cpcadmin@calpoly.edu or on the Cal Poly Corporation website.
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. For more information visit Public Safety’s Rave Guardian webpage.
Submissions Welcome for Outstanding Student Employee Recognition
National Student Employment Week is April 11-16, and the Outstanding Student Employee Award Committee invites faculty and staff to nominate their outstanding student employees to be recognized for their contributions. One outstanding student employee of the year and two runners up will be selected from the nominations and invited to a special lunch in their honor. The committee has simplified the nominating process by requiring a one-page submission letter highlighting the student’s accomplishments. All student employees at Cal Poly are eligible for consideration. Faculty and staff may nominate more than one student. The committee has provided the NACE core competencies fact sheet to assist nominators with their submission. Recognition letters, preferably on Cal Poly department letterhead, are due to Financial Aid (financialaid@calpoly.edu or brollins@calpoly.edu) by Friday, Feb. 11. Questions? Contact Barbara Rollins at brollins@calpoly.edu.
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 transfer@calpoly.edu.
Join Cal Poly Women’s Basketball for Faculty/Staff Appreciation on Jan. 27
As a sign of appreciation for everything faculty and staff members do for the university, Cal Poly Athletics is pleased to offer four free general admission tickets to the women’s basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 27. The Mustangs are playing UC San Diego and tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Mott Athletics Center. Faculty and staff can claim their four free tickets to the game by showing their Cal Poly ID at the Cal Poly Ticket Office or at the Mott Athletics Center Box Office on the day of the game. For more information or to purchase tickets to other Cal Poly basketball games, visit www.gopoly.com.
New CSU’s Got Talent Webcasts Announced for 2022
CSU Learning and Development presents a series of live, online webcasts every month specially designed for the CSU community that feature innovative and essential learning for professional and personal success. These webcasts are led by influential industry leaders closely tied to the CSUs, including professional coaches, educators, CEOs, community organizers and psychologists. The 2022 offerings include:
- Do What Matters Most: Lead with Vision, Manage with a Plan, Prioritize Your Time
- Fostering Wellness: Starting with the Brain
- How to Beat Burnout for Yourself, Your Family, and Colleagues
- Thriving in the Future of Work: Hybrid Working and Team Management
- Eliminating Microaggressions: The Next Level of Inclusion
- A New Organizational Practice: Building a Culture of Strategic Thinkers
- Breakthrough Mindset: Using the Power of Focus to Create Peak Performance
- You Got This: Mastering the Skill of Self-Confidence
- Unleashing Your Greatness: Five Keys to Being Extraordinary
- The New Future of Work: Challenges, Gratitude and Opportunities
All faculty, staff and student employees are invited to attend these free webcasts. View the Learn and Grow website for more information.
Virtual Presentation, Q&A with Civil Rights Attorney Set for Feb. 14
Faculty and staff are invited to a virtual presentation, “ADA Law Protects Us All,” with Paul Grossman from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. The talk will focus on student academic accommodations. Grossman, J.D., served for more than 30 years as chief civil rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights in San Francisco. A skilled law school professor with over 20 years of classroom experience, Grossman will provide the audience with clear, useful tools for making good compliance decisions regarding students. He will explain that accommodations are not merely suggestions but that genuine qualification remains an essential standard protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. With his intersectional view of civil rights, Grossman will also share the “universal design” practices that he developed in his own classroom to the advantage of all students. This presentation is for Cuesta and Cal Poly staff and faculty. Registration is required.
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: Racial Justice/Allyship; Service, Leadership and Social Justice; Intersectionality; Socio-Economic Justice; Gender and Sexuality; and Jewish Culture and Antisemitism. To submit a workshop proposal, download the submission form from the CSQ website, and submit it by email to serviceinaction@calpoly.edu. Proposals are due by midnight Sunday, Jan. 23. Notification of proposal status will be done by Feb. 1 or sooner.
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.
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.
Winter Volunteer and Service Fair to be Held Jan. 25
The Center for Service in Action will host a volunteer and service fair for the Cal Poly community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, on Dexter Lawn. Anyone who has ever wanted to serve on a board of directors, an advisory committee, or engage in meaningful service at a local nonprofit or governmental agency should come by the Volunteer and Service Fair to speak to representatives from organizations that are doing amazing work in San Luis Obispo County. Several community partner agencies will be present to share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students.
Center for Health Research to Hold Annual Meeting Jan. 27
The Center for Health Research invites the Cal Poly community to its annual meeting from 11:10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 27. Hear the latest in health research being led by Cal Poly investigators; connect with colleagues from multiple disciplines; and learn about the center’s resources, upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Faculty, staff and student researchers from all disciplines are invited to attend this hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual options). Register here or, for more information, contact the center’s administrative coordinator Susan Staub svstaub@calpoly.edu or any member of the leadership team at https://healthresearch.calpoly.edu/leadership-team.
Campus Blood Drive to Take Place Feb. 1
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour of your time. Join a campus blood drive hosted by Orfalea College of Business, Human Resources and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Tuesday, Feb. 1. A Vitalant bus will be parked on the concrete walkway on Dexter Lawn, near the Dexter Building (No. 34). Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Scheduled appointments are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information.
University Union Fire 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 started in December and is expected to be complete within five months. During this time, the ASI Business Office will be accessible through Chandler Lounge (UU 208) and one of the two entrances to UU 217 is closed. 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.
Master Swimming Classes Available at the Cal Poly Recreation Center
Masters Swimming classes are back. A campus community favorite, Masters Swimming is an interval training series that allows participants to improve their aquatic fitness and develop their technique. Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through winter quarter. The cost is $75. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit ASI Access.
Orchesis Dance Company to Present ‘Convergence’ Jan. 20-22
The Theatre and Dance Department will present the Orchesis Dance Company’s 52nd annual concert, “Convergence,” Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 20-22, in the Spanos Theatre. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on all days. 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” is open at the University Art Gallery in the Dexter Building (No. 34), Room 171, 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. 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.
Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Legacy Event Set for Jan. 24
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. Monday, Jan. 24, 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.
‘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.
Andrew Balio to Present Trumpet Master Class at Cal Poly on Feb. 4
Orchestral trumpeter Andrew Balio will present a master class at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in the Spanos Theatre. Trumpeters from the Cal Poly Music Department and Trumpet Alliance will perform and receive input from Balio. He has been principal of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since 2001. He has also served as principal trumpet for the Oslo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Bergen Philharmonic and the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico. At the age of 15, he made his soloist debut with the Milwaukee Symphony playing Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major. He continued his solo career in performances with orchestras in Asia, Europe and South America. He has recorded for the Naxos and Delos labels, and is a Yamaha artist. The event is sponsored by the Cal Poly Music Department, Trumpet Alliance and San Luis Obispo Symphony. For more information, 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 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.
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.