Cal Poly Submits Institutional Report to Reaffirm Accreditation
The university has been in the process of reaffirming its accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since late 2018, with a goal to again have Cal Poly’s accreditation reaffirmed for the longest possible period of 10 years. The vehicle for doing this is Cal Poly’s self-study, whose theme is “Promoting the Success of All Cal Poly Students While Achieving the Goals of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025.” Specifically, the self-study is focused on three subthemes: “Developing a Campus Culture that Is Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive,” “Recruiting and Retaining a More Diverse Community of Students, Staff and Faculty,” and “Teaching and Learning How to Live and Work in a Diverse World.” The self-study is a process that is documented by the institutional report, which has been completed and submitted to WSCUC. A five-member team representing WSCUC institutions will read the report and visit the campus April 27-29, and a decision on the university’s accreditation will be made by June 23. All members of the university community will be able to participate in the April visit. More information will be shared over the coming weeks about how campus community members can participate. For more information about the accreditation process, visit Cal Poly’s WSCUC Accreditation page and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Poly Gives to Launch March 9
Poly Gives, Cal Poly's Day of Giving, launches March 9 at 6 p.m. A 30-hour digital giving campaign, Poly Gives is when alumni, parents and friends give back to the Cal Poly they love. In turn, our incredible students will create personalized thank you videos to show their appreciation to the thousands of generous donors, faculty and staff who help make Learn by Doing possible. The students continue to take great pride in acknowledging those who have made, and continue to make, a lasting impact on their lives. Support your favorite area of campus by making a gift at polygives.calpoly.edu.
Game-Changing CubeSats, Co-Founded at Cal Poly, Inducted into Space Technology Hall of Fame
The mini-satellite technology co-created at Cal Poly that has substantially contributed to the expansion of space exploration and research worldwide will be inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame during the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs April 4-7. Jordi Puig-Suari, a former Cal Poly aerospace engineering professor, and now-retired Stanford University professor Bob Twiggs created the CubeSat platform, a class of research spacecraft built to standard dimensions (units or U) of 10 cm (about 4 inches) per side, as a teaching tool in 1999. Initially intended to give students experience in satellite functionality, the standardization of the invention — they can be 1U, 2U, 3U or up to 16U in size, and typically weigh less than 3 pounds per unit — made it relatively simple and affordable for other schools, governments and private organizations to create satellites that could be launched into space and used for research. Learn more about the distinction.
Cal Poly Magazine Looks on the Bright Side
Cal Poly Magazine’s winter issue points toward reasons for optimism in 2022. In this digital edition, students take technology in their own hands, from drones surveying elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas rookery to powerful telescopes in the on-campus observatory. Faculty take the lead on critical climate change research and help explain the state of the global supply chain. Programs like Rose Float and Safer celebrate major milestones, thanks to the perseverance of the Mustang community. And alumni are beautifying concrete walls — including a couple on campus — and peering into the vast reaches of the universe. Find all this and more on the Cal Poly Magazine website.
Nominate a Sustainability Champion by April 9
Cal Poly Energy, Utilities and Sustainability is bringing back the Sustainability Champion Award for Earth Week 2022. The Sustainability Champion Award celebrates members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited a commitment to the value of the university’s sustainability imperatives. This an opportunity to recognize individual members from the faculty, staff and student communities as well as contributions from a recognized campus organization. Cash awards will be given for a student, staff, faculty and campus organization. Individual recipients will receive a $500 award, and the recognized group will receive a $1,000 sponsorship. Additionally, nominators and candidates will be invited to a locavore Earth Day-themed luncheon and ceremony on Friday, April 22. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 9. Award criteria and application forms can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/ihC0DACp16. Contact Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh at [email protected] for more information.
Mustangs Bring the Beat — And Pizzazz — to San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade
As fireworks popped and crowds cheered, Cal Poly’s Mustang Band and the university’s cheer and dance teams marched among brightly colored floats and dragon dancers as they helped celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. The parade, which returned on Feb. 19 after a pandemic hiatus in 2021, marks the marching band’s seventh time participating in the Lunar New Year celebration. "The crowd in San Francisco was phenomenal. We had an incredible amount of support every step of the way," said drum major Natalie Tokhmakhian, a third-year electrical engineering student. More than 200 musicians and dancers clad in green and gold took to the 1.3-mile parade route past Union Square and Chinatown. See photos from the performance in the Cal Poly News article.
Cal Poly Team Wins at National Grocers Association Student Case Study Competition
A team of four agricultural business seniors won first place in the National Grocers Association 2022 Student Case Study Competition for their presentation on March 1. This is the second consecutive year that Cal Poly has won first place. The team included students Carsen Beckwith of Clovis, California; Kaylee Earnshaw of San Jose, California; Megan Poyar of San Luis Obispo; and Brittney Tran of Danville, California. Agribusiness Associate Professor Ricky Volpe advised the team. Tran said the opportunity to represent Cal Poly at the national level was something she had dreamed of since her freshman year. “It was surreal to pitch an idea we had worked countless hours on and meet passionate members of the industry,” Tran said. “I couldn’t be prouder of how far I've come as a student at Cal Poly and of my team and what we've accomplished.” Read more about the competition.
Cal Poly Wind Ensemble to Perform for National Conference in Washington
The Wind Ensemble will perform on March 17 at the 2022 College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division Conference, which will be hosted March 16-20 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. The ensemble is one of only eight selected to participate. The conference was originally slated for March 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic. Cal Poly faculty member John Astaire will be percussion soloist for Mutsuhito Ogino’s “Concerto for Percussion and Wind Ensemble,” and Music Professor Antonio G. Barata’s composition “Winds of Change” will be performed, along with other works. Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff and Associate Director of Bands Nicholas P. Waldron will conduct the program.
First-Year Success Program Coaches needed for Spring Quarter
The First-Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for graduate students, faculty and staff from across campus who want to serve as academic coaches for first-time freshmen who are on academic probation for the first time. FSP coaches will support a small group of students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development, and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP staff will provide a training on Friday, March 18, to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members of the campus community who represent all areas of Cal Poly. All levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign-up or express interest by Wednesday, March 16. Questions? Contact Kara Hitchcock at [email protected].
Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy Nominations Due March 18
Nominations for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy are due Friday, March 18. 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 the Fall Convocation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations. The nomination form and more information are available on the Office of the Provost website. Direct any questions to [email protected].
Spring Parking Permits Available for Purchase Starting March 21
Employee spring quarter parking permits, valid March 28 to June 17, go on sale March 21. Winter quarter parking permits expire March 25. Finding a parking permit option that best fits each employee’s commute is easy using the parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available online for purchase at union rates. Permits sold in parking lots at pay stations, parking meters or by ParkMobile do not offer staff rates. Employees can buy permits online and update their vehicle information using the parking account. Visit the Transportation and Parking Services staff page for more information on staff parking. Employees with payroll deduction do not need to make any changes.
‘Disability Tapas’ Presentations Held Every Thursday
Join the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for some snack-size information and interactive discussions on a variety of disability-related topics. Presentations are provided by the DRC and are geared toward faculty and staff. The discussions will occur every Thursday at 11:10 a.m. via Zoom. Visit the DRC Disability Tapas webpage to register.
Faculty Advisor Training Series to be Held in Spring
University Advising is offering a Faculty Advisor Training Series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. The series includes:
- FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: April 15
- FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: April 22
- FA 103: Building Student Success through Faculty Advising: May 6
Learn more about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Questions? Contact Advisor Training Coordinator Christina Wolfe-Chandler at [email protected].
Workshop on Supporting Survivors to be Held March 10
Safer and the Disability Resource Center are collaborating to host a virtual workshop on how staff and faculty can better support survivors of gender and power-based violence. The workshop will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10. Topics will include how to respond to disclosures, the basics of trauma informed care and how to apply those basics in the classroom, accommodations that are available for students, and the process used to access them. Additional workshop dates are forthcoming.
Career Education Canvas Modules Available to Embed in Courses
Career Services offers career curriculum in Canvas modules that faculty can embed in their courses. Each module is designed to be delivered asynchronously and includes several customizable components, such as readings, videos and activities. Faculty are encouraged to complement the material in the modules by having a career counselor give a presentation to their class. The following career education modules are offered:
- Networking
- Interviewing
- Discovering Career Possibilities
- Navigating Your Job/Internship Search
- Resume and Cover letter
- Portfolium
To request the Canvas modules or see a brief overview video about each module. visit the Career Services website.
Faculty Nominations Open to Serve on Cal Poly Corporation Board
The Academic Senate is seeking nominations from tenured faculty to serve on the Cal Poly Corporation board of directors for the 2022-25 term. Interested faculty should complete an Expression of Intent and Willingness to Serve form. A description of board member’s responsibilities is available here. The completed form must be received by the Academic Senate office by Friday, March 11. For more information, email Sarah Best at [email protected].
Free Faculty and Staff #MoveItMarch Passes to the Recreation Center
ASI Recreational Sports wants to get you moving this March. Faculty and staff are invited to enjoy two free days at the Recreation Center as part of a #MoveItMarch special. Ever wanted to experience an Olympic-caliber swimming pool, try a group fitness class, or train in 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exercise space? Now is your chance. Just mention #MoveItMarch at the ASI Membership Services front desk, located inside the Recreation Center. Save a few minutes and set up your access before redeeming this special. Download the ASI Access app and follow the steps provided on the ASI website to receive access to the touchless entry system for future visits. The #MoveItMarch passes can only be redeemed and used during the month of March by the eligible user. For more information, contact [email protected].
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in March and April
University Personnel has worked with LifeMatters, Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, to offer synchronous well-being workshops in March and April. They include:
- Managing Multiple Priorities: How do you prioritize the many tasks demanding attention? Learn practical strategies for planning your time, prioritizing tasks, and 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. Learn the stages of grief, symptoms and reactions to grief, coping with loss, and moving forward. March 24 at 11 a.m.
- The CARE Model: Difficult, sensitive conversations are required from time to time. Has an employee told you they are ill or that they have lost someone? Learn tools to support your team and yourself during difficult times, including self-care, how to approach difficult conversations and more. April 14 at 10 a.m.
- Co-worker Communication: Effective communication skills are central to addressing disagreements and resolving conflicts with co-workers. This workshop includes understanding conflict and resolution, eliminating defensive behavior, and active listening. April 28 at 11 a.m.
CTLT's Spring Quarter Opportunities for Educators
The lineup of spring quarter professional development offerings from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available for faculty to explore. All activities will be fully virtual or offer virtual options. Workshops include:
- Assignment and Assessment Design to Promote Academic Integrity (new).
- Intro to Teaching With Writing in General Education Courses (new).
- Intro to Online Teaching and Learning .
- Blended/Hybrid Course Design.
- CTLT/CSU Training Opportunities for Teaching Online.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials.
- Examining Whiteness.
- Intro to Equitable and Inclusive Teaching (two cohorts: one for College of Engineering faculty and one for College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences faculty).
Details on workshops and links to signups can be found on the CTLT Workshops page.
In addition, two book circles will be offered in spring quarter:
- “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking The Stress Cycle” by Emily and Amelia Nagoski.
- “Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms” by Joe Feldman.
Details and links to signups for these can be found on the CTLT’s Book Circles page.
Spring Into New Professional Development Courses in March
Employee and Organization Development has announced the March professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration series. Many of Cal Poly’s and the CSU campuses’ workshops are offered online, providing a unique opportunity to extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. New courses and dates have been added in March. View and register using the links below. Registration is on a first-come basis.
- March 9, 2:30-4 p.m.: Exposing Hidden Bias.
- March 15, 9-10 a.m.: Retaining Continuity when Employees Leave.
- March 16, 10 a.m.-noon: True Colors for Personal Success.
- March 17, 1-3 p.m.: Avoiding Bias in Hiring.
- March 17, 1-3 p.m.: Positive Psychology-The Happiness Advantage.
- March 22, 11 a.m.-noon: Ask Me Anything: LinkedIn Edition.
- March 30, 2-3 p.m.: How To Get Your Child to College.
- March 31, 2-3 p.m.: Personal Branding — Building Your Professional Presence.
More classes are coming in April. Check the Upcoming Opportunities page of the learnandgrow.calpoly.edu website for updates.
Nancy Wardlaw will retire from Cal Poly on April 1 after nearly 13 years at Cal Poly. Wardlaw has been the go-to resource for students, faculty, staff and future Mustangs visiting the Administration Building since 2013. Wardlaw has greeted over 40,000 visitors by answering questions, providing directions, listening to needs, and lending helpful support to our campus community. “From bookstore to state-side, I have loved every job I have had at Cal Poly,” Wardlaw said. “My role in the lobby of the Administration Building brought together a lifetime of experience and skills at the perfect time of my life. My philosophy was to try and be whatever the person on the other side of the desk needed me to be. I hope I got it right. My plans for retirement are summed up in my favorite poem by Sam Walter Foss, ‘Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.’ Thanks for the memories!” Drop by to celebrate Wardlaw from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Administration Building Lobby. Anyone wishing to submit a written personal tribute or appreciative acknowledgement can contact [email protected].
New EV Charging Stations Available
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers have more opportunities to charge at the university’s newest and third location. Nine new charging ports located in Structure 131 are now open and available for use. Transportation and Parking Services led the installation with the help of San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District grant funding that supported the equipment purchase. The ChargePoint stations are open for visitor, resident, commuter and employee charging. Details on how to charge your EV on campus can be found on the Commuter Services EV page. Commuter Services offers many sustainable transportation programs for all types of commuters. Find a sustainable commute at commute.calpoly.edu.
Save the Date for Facilities Management and Development Virtual Spring Summit 2022
Facilities Management and Development (FMD) will host a series of virtual Zoom sessions this year in lieu of the annual Virtual Spring Summit and Open House. From March 22-25, the campus community is invited to attend sessions on a variety of interesting and informative facilities-related topics. This year’s session topics include sustainability, the environmental and safety program, campus planning, information security, service request processes and more. Visit the FMD Virtual Spring Summit webpage to view the detailed session list, schedule and register. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues in FMD and learn more about the range of services and support they provide. Questions? Contact the Facilities Management and Development Help Center at [email protected] or call ext. 6-5555.
‘Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence’ Talk, Q&A to be Held March 11
World-renowned artificial intelligence (AI) scholar and UC Berkeley Professor Stuart Russell will present a special talk, “Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence,” from 2-4 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180), Room 101. Russell is the co-author of “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach,” the gold-standard textbook in introductory AI courses that is used across 1,500 universities in 135 countries. The presentation will address his greatest concerns with how AI is progressing, followed by an audience Q&A. The talk is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts’ Lottery Speakers Fund, the College of Engineering and the Philosophy Department. Contact Philosophy Department Assistant Professor Ava Thomas Wright at [email protected] for more information.
Cal Poly Symphony to Feature Student Soloists and Music of Mexico at March 11 Concert
The Cal Poly Symphony will showcase the talents of student soloists at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Performing Arts Center. In addition, the symphony will perform four works by Mexican composers: Arturo Márquez’ “Danzon No. 9” and “Conga del Fuego Nuevo,” Blas Galindo’s “Poema de Neruda,” and Silvestre Revueltas’ “Sensemayá.” The featured students were all winners of the Music Department’s Solo Competition in November. Cellist Karlson Can will perform the first movement of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85; violinist Fiona Soetrisno will play the first movement of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, Op. 14; contralto Dylan Benander will sing “Mio cor che mi sai dir” from George Frideric Handel’s “Rinaldo”; and alto Mady Frei will sing “Erbarme dich, mein Gott” from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion.” Soetrisno is a computer science major, and the others are music majors. The concert will be conducted by Music Professor David Arrivée. 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 Choirs to Perform ‘To the Hands’ Concert on March 12
The choirs’ Winter Concert, “To the Hands,” will be a collaboration with students from other majors at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Performing Arts Center. The title piece, “To the Hands,” is by Caroline Shaw and will be performed by PolyPhonics and will feature creative engineering projections and lighting by students in the Liberal Arts in Engineering Program and dancers from the Theatre and Dance Department. The piece explores ways in which homelessness is viewed in society. “To the Hands” is based loosely on a 17th-century piece by Baroque composer Dietriche Buxtehude titled “Jesu Membra Nostri” (“The Limbs of Jesus”). It is a collection of seven short cantatas for soloists, choir and orchestra, and will be performed by the Cal Poly Chamber Choir. The concert will also feature works performed by Cal Poly’s University Singers and the Cal Poly Cello Ensemble. 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 [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.