2022 Poly Royal Rodeo Celebrates 80 Years of History at Cal Poly
The 80th annual Poly Royal Rodeo is returning to its roots to commemorate eight decades of history at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex. The Poly Royal Rodeo Finals will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and will be followed by a concert by a headlining country music band, which will be announced soon. Tickets go on sale March 1. The Poly Royal Rodeo is the marquee event on campus during Open House. The event will feature the top collegiate rodeo athletes from around the West Coast who have advanced to the championship performance from the weekend’s earlier rounds. Athletes will compete for a championship title in events such as barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. “This is our big comeback event,” Coach Ben Londo said. “These students have been working hard behind the scenes for the last two years while COVID-19 precautions limited their ability to compete. Now, they get to shine.” Read more about the event.
Two Cal Poly Studies Reveal Strategies to Keep the Pounds Off
About one in five Americans who have lost weight have kept those pounds off long term. A new Cal Poly study powered by machine learning reveals some secrets to how people lose weight and keep it off: persevering despite setbacks, regularly looking back at what their life was like before the weight loss, and remaining focused on their health. The findings, published Feb. 9 in Obesity: The Journal of The Obesity Society, are from the first large-scale study that allowed weight loss maintainers to identify in their own words what helped them succeed. The more than 6,000 participants were WW (Weight Watchers) members who had lost more than 50 pounds on average and kept it off for more than three years. They answered open-ended questions about their motivations and strategies for maintaining weight loss and the resulting lifestyle changes. Researchers then used machine learning to group responses by topic. Learn more about the study.
BSU President Becomes First Student To Receive MLK Legacy Award
Fifth-year architecture major Chloe Wardrick is the first student to be nominated for the annual Cal Poly MLK Legacy Award, which she co-accepted with Professor Amber Williams in late January. She currently serves as the president of the Cal Poly Black Student Union, treasurer for the Cal Poly Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and is working on a thesis project exploring how architecture can create inclusive communities. She recently sat down with Cal Poly News to discuss her reaction to receiving the MLK award, her roles as a leader on campus, and her hopes for the future. Read more on Cal Poly News.
Nominations Due Feb. 22 to Serve as Cal Poly’s 2022-23 STEM-NET Faculty Fellow
Faculty are encouraged to nominate themselves or colleagues to serve as Cal Poly’s 2022-23 STEM-NET Faculty Fellow. Nominations are due by 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, and can be submitted here. Fellows will receive $5,000 in Summer 2022 and 6 semester units (converted to quarters) in academic year 2022-23 to work with faculty at Cal Poly and in the CSU to develop and submit targeted STEM-based proposals; develop collaborative STEM education and/or STEM disciplinary grants; promote a culture of scholarship on campus; and support initiatives designated by the provost. Fellows must be tenure-track or tenured faculty members with a disciplinary association with science, technology, engineering or math and who are active disciplinary and/or pedagogical scholars. Learn more about STEM-NET.
Nominations Open for the 2021-22 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The award recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong at Fall Conference. One faculty member is recognized annually. The nomination should describe the nominee’s academic advising services, activities and interactions as distinct from the nominee's teaching responsibilities, as well as include any special activities that relate to student development. Faculty, staff and current students are eligible to nominate faculty for this award. However, at least one submission must come from a current student, and no self-nominations will be recognized. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28. More information and a link to the nomination form is available here. Questions? Contact Shelly Wolf at scwolf@calpoly.edu.
Nominations Due March 18 for Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy
Nominations are being accepted for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy. This award celebrates visionary leaders who have forged critical partnerships to advance the mission of Cal Poly. Nominees may be current or former faculty members who have been instrumental in comprehensive development and fundraising efforts. The award recipient will be recognized at Fall Convocation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations, which are due by March 18. The nomination form and more information are available on the Office of the Provost website. Direct any questions to academicaffairs@calpoly.edu.
CSU Steps Challenge is Underway
Join the CSU Systemwide Virtual Journey. Employees begin at San Diego State, where they will head north, virtually visiting each of the 23 CSU campuses. Employees will earn five virtual steps for every step they take, and be inspired by fun facts about each campus along the way. The challenge is self-paced, so participants can visit as many campuses as they’d like on their own schedule. Employees can join as a team or participate on their own. Those who virtually visit 50% of the campuses and complete the survey by May 20 will be entered to win one of 24 prizes. Employees can visit the website to sign up and log steps.
Cal Poly Women’s Chorus Invited to Perform at California All-State Music Education Conference on Feb. 18
The Cal Poly Women’s Chorus was honored to be one of only two college choirs invited to perform for the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC). Its performance on Feb. 18 at Fresno City College for CASMEC attendees will include music by Hildegard von Bingen, Carlos Cordero, Dale Trumbore and a traditional Eastern European carol. Other activities will take place in the Fresno Convention Center. The choir is directed by Scott, Glysson, Cal Poly director of choral activities and vocal studies.
Join Cal Poly Basketball for Faculty/Staff Appreciation on Feb. 22
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 Cal Poly Men’s Basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 22. The Mustangs are playing CSU Bakersfield and tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Mott Athletics Center. All 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.
International Student Inclusivity Workshop Postponed
The International Student Inclusivity Workshop scheduled for Feb. 24 has been postponed. The workshop will take place during spring quarter. Additional details are forthcoming. Hosted in collaboration with the International Advisory Council, this virtual workshop is for faculty and staff who are interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to help international students achieve success. Participants will learn about international student experiences within the classroom and campus community and engage in discussion about ways to increase academic support and build students' sense of belonging. Visit the International Center’s Considerations for Teaching International Students webpage for information on promoting an inclusive campus environment for international students.
Call for Proposals for Continuing Instructionally Related Activities
The Instructionally Related Activities Advisory Committee is accepting proposals for the 2022-23 fiscal year for any activities seeking continued recognition and funding. 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. Requests for funding typically exceed the available funds, so recognition as an IRA is no guarantee of funding. Videos and workshops to help prepare the forms are available. Find forms, instructions, videos, and dates and times for preparation workshops. Proposals for continuing IRAs are due to the college deans and vice president for Student Affairs by Friday, March 4.
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in February and March
University Personnel invites faculty and staff to participate in virtual well-being workshops in February and March. They include:
- Personal Resilience: Resilience and energy management are connected. This workshop challenges long-held beliefs about maintaining balance. Principles of energy management, understanding engagement and developing energy rituals will be discussed in this session. Feb. 17 at 10 a.m.
- Being a Champion: Strategies for Getting Ahead: Career advancement begins before the opportunity for promotion comes along. Learn strategies for getting ahead, including building trust and relationships, managing emotions, demonstrating professionalism and qualities of a champion. Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.
- Eat Right, Live Well: Learn how exercise and nutrition support a healthy lifestyle. Learn the components of a healthy diet, meal planning strategies and practical strategies for including exercise in your day. Feb. 24 at 11 a.m.
- Managing Multiple Priorities: How do you prioritize the many tasks demanding your attention? In this session you will learn practical strategies for planning your time, prioritizing tasks, organizing and managing workload. March 10 at 10 a.m.
- Coping with Grief and Loss: Knowing and recognizing the symptoms of grief are the first steps toward feeling good again. Join us to learn the stages of grief, symptoms and reactions to grief, coping with loss and moving forward. March 24 at 11 a.m.
German and Russian Conversation Tables Open to All
Grab lunch and head to Kennedy Library to practice your language skills, learn more about German and Russian cultures, and meet new friends. The German Conversation Table occurs every other Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon with upcoming events on March 3 and 17 on the steps in front of Kennedy Library. The Russian Language Conversation Table meets every other Wednesday from 11:10 a.m. to noon with upcoming events on March 2 and 16 in Room 220C on the second floor of Kennedy Library. Contact German lecturer Angelica Browne at anbrowne@calpoly.edu for more information.
Mustang Shuttle Gets Extended Hours to Improve Service and Access Around Campus
Cal Poly community members now have more access to Mustang Shuttle with two additional hours of service and shuttles running past midnight. Mustang Shuttle, a free convenient shuttle service that gives students and employees a ride across campus every evening, is now available from 5:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. The change in schedule took place on Feb. 1 and will run through the end of winter quarter. With the switch to Daylight Savings Time, the shuttle will run from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. during spring quarter, effective March 28. Transportation and Parking Services partners with SLO Safe Ride to provide Mustang Shuttle, which runs seven days a week with the last pickup leaving Kennedy Library at 12:10 a.m. The loop across campus will be covered by two shuttles running 10 minutes apart. To ensure that every Mustang can use the service, one of the shuttles is accessible to those with disabilities. Riders must show Cal Poly ID when boarding. For more information, visit https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/safetyprograms/.
More Dining Venues and Plant-Based Choices Available
To better serve the Cal Poly community, Campus Dining introduced five more dining venues and added more vegan and vegetarian options across campus. Venues new to Cal Poly include Health Shack outside the Dexter Building, which features acai bowls, pressed juices and other healthy selections; local vegetarian food truck Plant Ivy, which offers a variety of plant-based burgers with meat lovers in mind; and Market UU, a convenient grab-and-go spot on the first floor of the UU across from the Multicultural Center. In addition to these three newcomers, Campus Dining welcomed back campus favorites Julian’s Café Bistro on the second floor of Kennedy Library and a special Chick-fil-A pop-up in Poly Canyon Village featuring a limited menu of classic items. The expanded plant-based options can be found with vegan and vegetarian icons on menus across campus. Visit calpolydining.com for hours and menus for Cal Poly’s nearly 30 restaurants.
Boosters Available on Campus
Need a booster? COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are available Wednesdays and Fridays through Feb. 18 in the Recreation Center Main Gym Lobby (No. 43, Room 101). Vaccines will be administered by Rite Aid to employees and their families. The clinics are walk-in only at this time. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage to see updated dates and times, which vaccines will be offered, vaccine and booster eligibility, what to bring and more.
Sixth Annual Social Justice Teach in to be Held Feb. 17
Join the College of Liberal Arts on Thursday, Feb. 17, for the sixth annual Social Justice Teach In — a daylong series of talks and workshops centered around equity and social justice, designed to inform and inspire. These virtual and in-person events are open to all and will feature presentations from students, staff, faculty and community leaders. With over 40 sessions to choose from, four tracks are focused on specific topics to help attendees find sessions to match their interests: Equity-Minded Education, Self-Care and Community Well-Being, Art and Creative Efforts, and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and STEM. The day will culminate with visual artist and social practitioner Christine Wong Yap presenting her keynote address titled "How I Keep Looking Up: Art and the Social Practice of Belonging and Resilience." Visit the CLA website for the full schedule and registration. Register here.
Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert on Feb. 18 to Feature Guitarist Pat Kelley and Cuesta Jazz Ensemble
Renowned guitarist Pat Kelley will perform with the Cal Poly Jazz Ensembles and Cuesta Jazz Ensemble for the Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert at 7:30 Friday, Feb. 18, in the Performing Arts Center. Kelley has enjoyed a successful career in Los Angeles as a musician, composer, producer, arranger, vocalist, recording engineer and educator. He taught guitar at the Thornton School of Music at USC for 24 years. He recorded and toured with George Benson, Natalie Cole, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Burt Bacharach, Jose Feliciano and many others, including numerous symphony orchestras. Three big band charts will have their world premiere by the Cal Poly ensembles: “The Way Home” by Cal Poly Director of Jazz Studies Arthur White, “The Bright Side” by music major Wyatt Willard, and “Cite’ Soleli” by materials engineering major Bryce Yuen. Works composed by Thad Jones, Charles Mingus and Esperanza Spalding will also be performed. The Cuesta Jazz Ensemble, directed by Ron McCarley, will also perform a set of music. 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.
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble and Chookasian Armenian Folk Ensemble to Perform Concert on Feb. 19
The Arab Music Ensemble and the internationally acclaimed Chookasian Armenian Folk Ensemble will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the Performing Arts Center. The group consists of artistic director John Chookasian on clarinet, Barbara Chookasian on vocals and hand drum, Frank Giordano on guitar, John Martin on hand drum, Ishmael on qanun, and Paul Ohanesian on oud. The first half of the show will include some of the most celebrated repertoire of Arab art and popular music. The second half will include a presentation of Armenian folk music in ensemble and solo formats and in a variety of vocal and instrumental genres. Distinguished composers and artists to be represented include Edward Bogosian, Khachatur Avetissyan, Kousan Ashod and Tatoul Altounian. San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead a dance troupe in original choreography. Music Professor Ken Habib will direct the event. 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.
Cal Poly Mustang Marching Band to Perform in Chinese New Year Parade Feb. 19 in San Francisco
The Mustang Band has been invited for the seventh time to participate in the Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, Feb. 19, in San Francisco. The band has been awarded first place in the adult marching bands category at each appearance. Prior to the 6 p.m. start of the parade, the band will continue the tradition of performing some of its favorite pep and postgame tunes with the UC Davis Marching Band in front of the landmark Ferry Building on the San Francisco Embarcadero. The parade will celebrate the Year of the Tiger with floats, dragon dancers and other festive entries. The event will be streamed live from the parade’s Facebook page. It will also be broadcast on San Francisco Bay Area TV stations: KTSF Channel 26 from 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20; and on KTVU Fox 2 from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, and 9-11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.
Learn About the Impact of Physical Activity on Public Health
Eduardo Esteban Bustamante, director of the Healthy Kids Lab at the University of Illinois, Chicago, will give an in-person presentation on the impact of physical activity on public health from 11:10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Education Building (No. 2), Room 213. Bustamonte's research focuses on generating evidence-based lifestyle interventions that promote physical and mental health among children and families in underserved communities. The presentation is hosted by the Kinesiology and Public Health Department.
Activist Hoda Katebi to Headline 20th Annual Change the Status Quo Conference
Award-winning activist Hoda Katebi, an abolitionist, organizer and creative educator, will deliver the keynote address for the 20th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Leadership Conference to be held on Saturday, Feb. 26. The annual event 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. Further details and preregistration for the all-day conference is now live at serviceinaction.calpoly.edu/CSQ. Early-bird conference fees are $10 for Cal Poly students (and AmeriCorps fellows) and $30 for faculty, staff and community members. Fees include admission to keynote address, lunch and a full array of workshops. Those interested in underwriting the cost of their students to attend should email the Center for Service in Action at serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
Percussionist John Astaire to Perform at Feb. 26 Cal Poly Wind Bands Concert
The Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra will present a concert titled “Afterimage” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Performing Arts Center. John Astaire, who teaches percussion at Cal Poly, will perform Mutsuhito Ogino’s “Concerto for Percussion and Wind Ensemble.” Astaire is an active orchestral performer and session artist. The Wind Ensemble will also perform music Professor Antonio G. Barata’s “Winds of Change” and Joan Tower’s “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 5.” The group will conclude its set with Julie Giroux’s “La Mezquita de Córdoba.” The Wind Ensemble will perform these and other works for the 2022 College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division Conference to be hosted March 16-20 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. The ensemble is one of only eight selected to participate. At the Feb. 26 concert, Cal Poly’s Wind Orchestra and Chamber Winds and Percussion will also perform. The groups are directed by Christopher J. Woodruff and Nicholas P. Waldron. 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.
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.