Faculty and Staff Invited to Give Feedback, Win Prizes
Administration and Finance (A&F) has launched the next iteration of its annual customer satisfaction survey. The survey asks A&F constituents for feedback on the division’s performance over the past year. This information will help A&F leadership learn from customers’ knowledge, values and experiences pertaining to each unit and department. Available to all faculty, staff and students, the Focus Forward survey is open through April 15. While the survey covers every unit and department within A&F, campus community members are only being asked to complete the sections relevant to them. For every section that participants complete they will be entered into a drawing for an iPad Mini Pro or more than 60 other prizes. The information gathered from the survey will be used to assess offerings and deliverables. More information on the survey, prizes and a link to participate are available at A&F.
College of Engineering Dean Elected to National Deans Council Committee
Amy S. Fleischer, dean of the College of Engineering, will play a significant role in providing vision and leadership to engineering education across the nation as a member of the executive committee of the Engineering Deans Council (EDC). The EDC is a consortium of deans from all the engineering colleges affiliated with the American Society of Engineering Education and has over 350 members, representing 90% of all U.S. engineering deans. Fleischer’s election was announced during the ASEE Engineering Deans Institute annual conference, which was attended by more than 150 engineering deans March 7-10 in Las Vegas. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to help shape engineering education, which we know has such a positive impact on quality of life,” Fleischer said. “And it’s an honor to be selected by peers who recognize Cal Poly’s excellent reputation for engineering education.”
Tickets Available for 80th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo
Country duo Thompson Square will perform at the 80th annual Poly Royal Rodeo on Saturday, April 9. This year’s event is being held at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex at the Cal Poly rodeo grounds. Previously the annual Poly Royal Rodeo was held at the Spanos Stadium, offering two full nights of entertainment. However, a turf replacement project has temporarily closed the stadium, leading the event back to the campus rodeo grounds where it began 80 years ago. The Poly Royal Rodeo is a marquee event on campus during Open House. College rodeo athletes from all over the West Coast will compete for a championship in events such as barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. To accommodate the expected large crowds, a special ASI-sponsored student night has been added to the week’s offerings on Wednesday, April 6, and a Green and Gold sponsorship night will be held Friday, April 8, with the finals performance open to the general public on Saturday, April 9. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.
Strategic Business Services Earns Achievement of Excellence
Cal Poly was one of 13 universities to be recognized recently with the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute. The award is given annually to organizations that show expertise in their procurement operations. Cal Poly’s Strategic Business Services (SBS) earned the award for its leading procurement programs that include the use of e-commerce, managing an effective procurement card program, earning professional certifications, the sustainable procurement policy, and the continual pursuit of improvement through customer focus surveys. Dru Zachmeyer, assistant vice president of Strategic Business Services, received the award on Cal Poly’s behalf. The national award is given to organizations and jurisdictions of all sizes, including counties, cities, school districts, states, special districts and universities, both public and private.
Tomato Plant Sale Opens in April
It’s tomato time! More than 75 different types of tomato plants will be available at Cal Poly’s annual Tomato Spectacular plant sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1-2 and April 15-16, at the Horticulture Unit near the Poly Plant Shop. Brandywine, Early Girl, Kellogg’s Breakfast, Vintage Wine, and a selection of cherry tomato plants, including Nature’s Bites, are some of the unique cultivars that will be available during the student-run enterprise project. This year, the program is directed by a team of five students who have grown more than 3,000 tomato plants from seed. Students began seeding the plants in early February and have tended to them in the campus greenhouses. The plants cost $8 and are available on a first-come basis, with no holds or advance reservations. Customers are encouraged to bring boxes and/or wagons to transport plants to their vehicles. The sale will take place at the Environmental Horticultural Sciences Building (No. 48) on Via Carta Road off Highland Drive.
Learn more about Tomato Spectacular
Sports Complex Upper Fields Closed Beginning April 1
The Cal Poly Sports Complex’s Upper Fields will be closed for renovation starting April 1. To continue serving campus communities with premium field sport spaces, the Upper Fields must undergo turf replacement — along with the addition of several other amenities. During this prolonged closure, the Lower Fields and Doerr Family Field will still be available for open recreation. Visit the Facility Hours page to see the current and future hours for these facilities. The Upper Fields renovation is expected to be completed in September.
Finance Team Wins Opening Stage of Global Research Challenge
A team of Orfalea College of Business students won the 2021-22 Northern California Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Research Challenge sponsored by the CFA Society of San Francisco. It’s the third time Cal Poly has won the competition since 2017. The team will next compete against 11 other universities from throughout the Western U.S. in the annual global challenge. Five finance students represented Cal Poly: team captain Alexandra Joelson of San Diego; Cameron Wong and Dominic Juliano, both of San Francisco; Shingo O’Flaherty of Walnut Creek, California; and Samuel Paik of Orinda, California. Finance Professor Cyrus Ramezani and Cal Poly alumnus Scott B. Kirk (Business Administration, Financial Management, ’05) served as team advisors.
Transfer Inclusion Training for Staff and Faculty to be Held April 14
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 staff, faculty and grad students on campus. This training will run 90 minutes and includes a short break. The spring quarter training will be offered from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, on Zoom. You can register for training or learn more ways to support a transfer inclusive Cal Poly. Questions about the training? Reach out to transfer@calpoly.edu.
Learn by Doing Scholar Awards Return: Celebrating the Impact of Cal Poly’s Signature Pedagogy
Kennedy Library has announced the return of the Learn by Doing Awards in 2022 with updated criteria that focus on the impact of Cal Poly's signature pedagogy. The Learn by Doing Awards recognize faculty contributions that demonstrate the impact of Cal Poly’s educational approach, translate conventional learning into practice, and make a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Two awards will be presented, each accompanied by a cash prize of $2,000. Faculty from all disciplines are welcome to apply. Faculty self-nominate and directly submit applications. Team applications are welcome and may include students. Applications are reviewed by a faculty committee with representatives from each college and the library. Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. April 15. Award winners will be notified by April 29, and the awards will be presented at the 2022 Fall Convocation.
Safer Book Circle Kicks Off Today
Join Safer for a book circle on author and activist Tarana Burke's memoir "Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement." Book circle participants will meet at noon on three consecutive Wednesdays beginning today, March 30, and finishing on April 13. Register to join the book circle. Space is limited to 15 participants.
Show Off Your Geeky Ink!
The Cal Poly Magazine team wants to hear from faculty, staff and students who have tattoos connected to what they’re doing and learning at Cal Poly. It could be a line of poetry, a symbol or another image of something they love about their academic area of study. The team hopes to feature a roundup of campus community members with tattoos.
Sign up for a chance to be featured
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 to the alumni Wine and Beer Garden
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. Learn more and register for Examining Whiteness. Anyone with questions can contact Sarah Macdonald, CTLT assistant director/diversity, equity and inclusion in instruction.
Register for examining whiteness
Applications Open for Faculty-in-Residence Program
University Housing invites faculty to apply to join its Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) program for the 2022-23 academic year. FiR participants form strong connections with residents and become an integral academic and community partner while living in Cal Poly's campus housing communities. The program bridges the classroom experience through community programs and development such as hosting regular conversations over dinner with students, hosting guest speakers, and organizing and hosting community tours to events and landmarks of cultural, historical and social significance in the greater San Luis Obispo area, as well as FiR's creating approach to programming. This opportunity is open to full-time faculty. To learn more, check out this video. Interested faculty members should complete the Faculty-in-Residence application by Monday, April 11. Faculty members with questions regarding the FiR position can email Kolay Carver, assistant director of the residential student experience, at kocarver@calpoly.edu.
Service-Learning Showcase to be Presented on April 13
Service-Learning Faculty Fellows for the 2021-22 academic year will present the Service-Learning Showcase of course redesign proposals from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, in the lobby of the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7, Room 1). The event is organized by the Center for Service in Action and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology. This poster-session style event will be an opportunity to view and discuss the latest innovations of service-learning developed by faculty and is open to the campus community. Light refreshments will be provided.
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in April and May
University Personnel has worked with employee assistance program LifeMatters to offer synchronous well-being workshops in April and May. They include:
- The CARE Model: Difficult, sensitive conversations are required from time to time. Has an employee told you they are ill or 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.
- Mind-Body Wellness: The practice of mindfulness, breathing and guided relaxation promotes mind-body wellness. Learn to develop a centering mindset to improve focus. May 17 at 2 p.m.
- Expanding Your Sphere of Influence: The ability to influence others is central to effective leadership. Learn to cultivate influence regardless of your title. Understand the qualities of effective leaders and learn key traits for expanding influence and strategies for building leadership skills. May 24 at 10 a.m.
CET Seed Grant Applications Open Through April 22
Center for Expressive Technologies (CET) seed grant applications are open to all faculty and staff until Friday, April 22. Any project studying or using technology in creative ways to improve the human experience is eligible for up to $4,000 in funding for student assistants, travel or additional compensation to support research or creative activity. This year, CET is also looking for projects that could utilize its new studio space in the center of campus, where users can experiment with the latest projection, sound and lighting technologies; exhibit art, video, audio or mixed reality experiences; or conduct live performances and community engagement. Have questions or need help finding a collaborator? Email CET Director Matthew Harsh at mharsh@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about CET Seed Grants
Participate in ‘Moving the Needle’ CSU Ally Challenge
Faculty have an opportunity to earn recognition and an award by increasing their course materials’ accessibility as part of the CSU’s Moving the Needle Challenge, a systemwide competition from April 4-8. The Chancellor’s Office will award a $2,000 prize to the campus that records the highest total of course files with improved accessibility scores, adjusted for numbers of faculty at each campus. Second place will receive $1,000. In addition, the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is offering a campus-level award as part of its commitment to course materials’ accessibility. The Cal Poly department with the highest total of files (adjusted for faculty size) with improved scores will receive $500. This inaugural event, hosted by Academic Technology Services and the Accessible Technology Initiative, 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 improve accessibility in their Canvas courses by adding alternative text to all images, using Ally tools to address issues in documents and by utilizing the Canvas accessibility checker.
New Professional Development Courses Available in April
Employee and Organization Development announces the release of the April professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration series. Many workshops are offered online, providing an opportunity to extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. New courses and dates have been added in April. View and register using the links below. Registration opened March 28 on a first-come basis. The classes are:
- People Centered Change, April 5, 9-10 a.m.
- Identifying, Preventing and Responding to Fraud, April 5, 10-11 a.m.
- Mindfulness Wellness Circle (series 2 of 3), April 6, noon-1 p.m.
- The Five Elements of Well-Being, April 8, 3-4 p.m.
- Entrenched Conflict to Calm Collaboration – Using “De-escalation Listening,” April 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Positive Psychology – The Happiness Advantage, April 14, 10 a.m.-noon
- SMART Goals, April 14, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Personal Accountability, April 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Decisions, Decisions! Creative Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Techniques, April 14, 2-4 p.m.
- Digital Badges in Canvas, April 19, 1-2 p.m.
- How to Electrify Your Drive – The Switch to an Electric Car, April 21, 11 a.m.-noon
- Exposing Hidden Bias, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-noon
- Nurturing Emotional Well-Being, April 26, 1:30-3 p.m.
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.
Learn more and register for Book and Learning Circles
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
Questions? Contact Advisor Training Coordinator Christina Wolfe-Chandler at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about Faculty Advisor Training
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
Join the College of Science and Mathematics for a retirement celebration for Sharon Arnold from 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Leaning Pine Arboretum, located at the Environmental Horticultural Science Unit at the end of Via Carta. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. Arnold retired from Cal Poly after 33 years of dedicated service to the university. She came to Cal Poly in 1988 as a clerical assistant II in the English Department. After a series of promotions, she joined the College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Office in 1999 and worked there for 19 years. Arnold was an indispensable part of the college family and an essential member of the leadership team. She always provided excellent advice with kindness and sensitivity and was instrumental in building and supporting a talented and efficient staff. The College of Science and Mathematics and Cal Poly have benefited tremendously by having her as a member of the university community.
Campus Blood Drive to Take Place April 19
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by the Orfalea College of Business, University Personnel and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Tuesday, April 19. 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. to 3 p.m. Scheduled donations 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.
Poly Trekkers Summer Registration is Open
The Poly Trekkers Program at the Orfalea Family and ASI Children’s Center is back for more summer crafts, field trips, activities and more. This eight-week, fun-packed summer program is offered for school-aged children who have completed kindergarten. Registration for summer 2022 is open. Register your child at the Children’s Center from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Poly Trekkers starts at $450 per session. Visit the ASI website for a full breakdown of registration fees, session dates and times, and payment methods. Priority registration for families currently enrolled at the Children’s Center is open through April 1. Anyone with questions can contact the Children’s Center at asichildrenscenter@calpoly.edu.
Statistical Consulting Service Available During Spring Quarter
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through June 10 by appointment only. Jeff Sklar will serve as the consultant. He is available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, he is available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. Faculty, staff and students interested in utilizing the consulting service are encouraged to access the Statistics Department website for additional information, including what to bring to a consulting session. To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
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, and Friday, April 29, 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. Contact Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh at klsingh@calpoly.edu for more information.
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.
Tickets for Contemporary Musical Theater Song
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 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.