Cal Poly Decreases Recycling Contamination with Help from CalRecycle Grant
Cal Poly has decreased recycling contamination on campus by 15%, thanks to CalRecycle state grant funds totaling $225,000. The CalRecycle grant, awarded in late 2019, provided the funds to improve beverage container recycling as part of the university's zero-waste goals. These funds helped the campus decrease recycling contamination from 37% in 2019 to 22% in 2021. “We are very excited to see the needle move in a positive direction to reduce waste on campus,” said Anastasia Nicole, CalRecycle grant lead and Cal Poly’s zero waste coordinator for Facilities Management and Development. Contamination in recycle bins is a considerable obstacle to a successful recycling program; if recycling is not placed in the correct bins, it winds up in a landfill, Nicole said. “It was a lot of hard work,” said Chloe Peng, a student assistant spearheading the marketing efforts (pictured). “But it was all worth it knowing I was making a difference. It was definitely time well spent.” Read more about the program on the Inside Cal Poly blog.
Faculty and Staff Should Upload Their Booster Record
Employees can now upload proof of their COVID-19 booster in compliance with the updated CSU COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, which requires a booster six months after the final dose of the original vaccination. Individuals are eligible for a booster five months after completing the Pfizer or Moderna primary vaccination series, or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Cal Poly requires proof of vaccination, in compliance with the CSU policy and the respective bargaining unit MOUs. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes: a COVID-19 vaccination card, Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, or documentation from your medical provider. To upload your proof of vaccination and booster, go to the COVID-19 Info tab on the Cal Poly portal. The deadline for employees to update their booster information varies by bargaining unit and can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. Employees who are not in compliance with the vaccination and booster mandate by the dates indicated will be required to submit to COVID-19 surveillance testing. Need a booster? Rite Aid returns to campus Friday, April 1, to administer COVID-19 vaccine and boosters in the Recreation Center (Room 109) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
Moving the Needle: Participate in the CSU Ally Challenge
Faculty and staff have an opportunity to earn campus and systemwide recognition plus a financial award by increasing their course materials’ accessibility as part of the CSU’s Moving the Needle Challenge, a five-day system-wide competition from April 4-8. This inaugural event, hosted by the Academic Technology Services and the Accessible Technology Initiative (both in the Chancellor’s Office), is designed to motivate CSU faculty and staff to discover how easily they can improve the Ally accessibility scores of their digital instructional materials. Faculty and staff can fairly quickly and easily improve accessibility in their Canvas courses by adding "alt text" to images, using the Ally tools to identify and fix issues in documents, and using the Canvas accessibility checker to fix Canvas content. See the CTLT website for helpful resources. Prize money will be awarded to the CSU campus that records the highest total of course files with improved accessibility scores, adjusted for numbers of faculty at each campus.
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.
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].
Alumni Wine and Beer Garden Tickets on Sale Now
Faculty and staff are invited to the Cal Poly Alumni Wine and Beer Garden during Open House weekend from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Engineering Plaza. Staff and faculty tickets are $15 and include wine and beer tastings, food from alumni-owned Rib Line and a souvenir Cal Poly wine glass. Don't wait to purchase a tickets — space is limited and tickets won't be sold at the door.
RSVP now
Register for ‘Examining Whiteness’ Foundational Series
Faculty and staff are invited to sign up for "Examining Whiteness,” a program inspired by Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE). The Examining Whiteness foundational series is designed as a first step for white educators toward engaging in critical reflection on whiteness and working toward anti-racism. The series is open to individuals at all levels of learning in their personal journey toward better understanding whiteness in their personal and professional lives. This six-session program will meet on Zoom on Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. April 13-May 18. Participants must be able to commit to attending at least five sessions. Anyone with questions can contact Sarah Macdonald, CTLT assistant director/diversity, equity and inclusion in instruction.
New Spring Book and Learning Circles Offered for Faculty and Staff
Employee and Organization Development invites faculty and staff to engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus in the Spring 2022 Book and Learning Circles. 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 eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human.
- “Think Again” by Adam Grant: Invites individuals to productively challenge their own views so that they can flourish as lifelong learners.
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:
- “Educating Kids About Gender Norms” by Elvis Pedersen-Nielsen: Join and learn about the often-prevalent gender norms in today’s society and how to engage in conversations with youngsters about the full gender spectrum.
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Discussion will distill key guidance from the bestselling book through audio and video summaries and quick guides.
To view full descriptions and register to attend, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
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.
Move Fast — #MoveItMarch Ends Soon
There’s still time for faculty and staff to take advantage of free #MoveItMarch passes to the Recreation Center. During the month of March, employees without current memberships are invited to enjoy two free days at the Recreation Center as part of a#MoveItMarch special. Take advantage of the more than 20,000 square feet of experience space and state-of-the art equipment, including 138 cardio machines, the new H.I.I.T. Hub in the lower exercise room, and the Olympic-caliber lap pool. Just mention #MoveItMarch at the ASI Membership Services Front Desk to redeem the passes. Save a few minutes and set up access before arriving to redeem the special. To do this, download the ASI Access app and follow the steps provided on the ASI website to set up your record and receive access to the touchless entry system for future visits. #MoveItMarch passes can only be redeemed and used during the month of March by the eligible employee.
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].
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.
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:
- 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.
Get 50% Off Rental Center Gear for Spring Break
Taking a trip this spring break? Make sure to stop by the Poly Escapes Rental Center! Rent spring break gear on March 17 or 18 and get 50% off your entire rental. Stop by the Rental Center to plan an adventure with a variety of gear, from tents for camping, water and beach equipment for a day on the California coast, or hiking backpacks to help crest your favorite peaks. Get inspired and take a look at what's available. The Rental Center is open to the campus and the greater San Luis Obispo communities. Visit the ASI website to learn more about the promotion. All equipment rented using the spring break promotion on March 17 and 18 must be checked out until March 28 (10- or 11-day rentals), when the Rental Center reopens after spring break.
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.
Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre to Present ‘Contemporary Musical Theater Songs’ on April 9
Student Opera Theatre (CPSOT) will present an evening of contemporary musical theater songs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Spanos Theatre on campus. Seventeen music majors will participate in the production of songs from contemporary musical theater shows. A wide variety of works will be performed, including from well-known and beloved shows like “Les Miserables” and “Grease,” to the more obscure and cutting edge “SIX” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” “The audience will journey through a cross section of this amazingly prolific and ever-developing genre, which is clearly near and dear to this generation of students,” said Katherine Arthur, CSPOT producer and director. The performance will be narrated by Chris Marston, tenor, who will open the show with a hilarious and tender spoof of the genre in “A Contemporary Musical Theater Song.” Music major Grant Smith will accompany the vocalists on piano. 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 Music Department to Present Open House Recital on April 9
The Music Department will present an Open House Recital featuring instrumentalists and vocalists at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Spanos Theatre (No. 44). The recital is one of many scheduled events for Cal Poly’s 29th annual Open House. The student performers are from a variety of majors and all are involved in at least one of the department’s large, premier ensembles, including Cal Poly’s Choirs, Symphony, Jazz Bands, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Staff accompanist Paul Woodring will accompany the vocalists. The recital is free and open to the public; no tickets or advanced reservations are required. The event is sponsored by the Music Department, College of Liberal Arts and Instructionally Related Activities program. 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.