Cal Poly Awards Over $108,000 in Grants for Student Research Projects
Cal Poly has awarded more than $108,000 to support 33 student research projects through the university’s Baker/Koob endowments, which support hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for individual students and groups. Student projects will be focused on issues including space exploration, machine learning and climate change. Students from four colleges were awarded funding and will work with faculty advisors to complete their projects. For many, the projects will serve as part of senior projects or master’s theses. Colby Scanlon, a student in the blended civil and environmental engineering program, is using his funding to further test designs for his master’s thesis on creating origami-inspired deployable disaster relief shelters and to present his findings at the Cal Poly Pomona Civil Engineering Conference. “It’s exciting to get support for this project as we look for new ways to create shelter when people need it most,” said Scanlon, who will earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Amanda Lathrop to Assume Role as Interim Dean for Graduate Education
Amanda Lathrop, professor in the Food Science and Nutrition Department, will serve as an administrative faculty fellow for Graduate Education effective March 28, overlapping with Elizabeth Lowham through the end of the quarter. She will assume the interim dean role on June 13 and will continue in the role through August 2023 or until a permanent dean is appointed. Lathrop joined Cal Poly in 2009. Her research interests include produce safety focused on leafy greens, citrus fruits, and the use of biofumigation for the control of food pathogens in agricultural soils. She is actively involved in a multidisciplinary project assisting underrepresented small farmers with on-farm food safety practices. Lathrop has also served as an advisor to numerous graduate students and as graduate coordinator for the Food Science master’s and blended master’s programs. Prior to joining Cal Poly, Lathrop served in multiple roles at The National Food Laboratory Inc. In Livermore, California. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in food science from Purdue University and her B.S. in food science from Cal Poly.
Victor Glover Returns to Cal Poly
After a historic mission to the International Space Station, alumnus and astronaut Victor Glover made his way back to Earth — and 1 Grand Ave. This time, he brought Cal Poly banners that flew on the ISS and a fresh perspective he was eager to share with the campus community. “All of the richness of life is right here,” he said of his home planet, “and that was made really evident when I left this place for six months.” While on campus, Glover delivered opening remarks at PolyCultural Weekend, met with student-athletes, toured the Aerospace Engineering Hangar and explored the CubeSat lab. The trip to 1 Grand Ave. had special significance to the Glovers. Victor and his wife, Dionna Odom Glover, met while pursuing their undergraduate degrees at Cal Poly, and their eldest daughter is now a Mustang. “This is truly my original launchpad. Cal Poly is the reason that I've been able to do some amazing things,” Glover said.
Read the article on Cal Poly News
Building 19 Dining Complex Renamed 1901 Marketplace; Renovation Underway
The new 1901 Marketplace is the next phase in the renovation and update of the Cal Poly dining experience. Following months of campus feedback, the re-imagined Building 19 will be named 1901 Marketplace, a nod to the university’s founding. The reconstruction of the campus’ primary food service and production facility, the former home of The Avenue and 805 Kitchen, will create a gathering place at the center of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing culture. 1901 Marketplace will be home to nine separate food venues ranging from Campus Dining originals to national favorites like The Habit Burger Grill, Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. A variety of new in-house concepts will include Mediterranean, Mexican and sandwiches. The marketplace will also be home to a large community space featuring pop-ups with local shops, vendors and Cal Poly groups. Built to LEED Gold certification standards, the new facility is expected to open in fall 2023.
Professor Aydin Nazmi Explains Lessons Learned from Omicron
As the omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, public health protocols are easing, and many seem ready to return to normal. But is it time to declare victory against COVID-19? Aydin Nazmi, who studies public health and epidemiology and serves as Cal Poly’s presidential faculty fellow for COVID-19 response, weighs in on what we’ve learned and what might be coming next. "We know that COVID is now endemic, but it has also exhibited several significant epidemic phases," Nazmi said. He thinks what comes next depends in part on human behavior and waning immunity. "I think some element of humility on what the virus is capable of is probably called for here. Given that such a low proportion of the population in the country and in the world is vaccinated, that means more variants potentially on the horizon."
Read the article on Cal Poly News
Cal Poly Awarded Bicycle Friendly University; Bike Night Set for April 7
Cal Poly has been awarded the designation of Bicycle Friendly University by The League of American Bicyclists. The Bicycle Friendly University program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. It provides the roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for cycling. Commuter Services is seeking input to help it promote and grow sustainable commutes on bikes. Take and share this five-minute survey about your bike commute and what keeps you pedaling. And join ASI the first Thursday of each month to ride from Cal Poly to downtown for Bike Night. Meet up from 8:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in the UU Plaza for free bike lights and fun. Find more information about Commuter Services bike programs at commute.calpoly.edu.
Earth Week is Coming Up April 14-23
Green Campus and the sustainability community invites faculty, staff and students to events from April 14-23, including a festival, career panel, film fest, garden work day and so much more. The events are open to the entire campus community. RSVP to secure free Earth Week swag and get updates on all the events!
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.
Bid Farewell to Elizabeth Lowham on April 22
Join Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education for a farewell reception for Elizabeth Lowham from 3-5 p.m. Friday, April 22, on Dexter Lawn. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. Lowham joined the Political Science Department faculty in 2007 and was department chair from 2015-19. She has also overseen the creation of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts department; the Science, Technology and Society Minors program; the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. She served as the founding director of the Center for Expressive Technologies, has led Graduate Education as interim dean since 2019, and has served as the administrator in charge for R-EDGE since April 2021. Lowham’s leadership, collaboration, mentorship and care will be very much missed at Cal Poly. Help say goodbye as she imparts on an exciting new career opportunity as dean of the College of Social Sciences at Fresno State, and join us in thanking her for all she has done for Cal Poly students, faculty and staff. Anyone with questions about the event can contact Kim Infante at kinfante@calpoly.edu.
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.
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 has been extended through April 22. 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.
Retired Faculty and Staff Spring Quarter Tour Set for April 21
The Retired Faculty and Staff Club’s spring quarter program will be held April 21 at the JUSTIN and J.LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, the largest completely donor-funded capital project in CSU history that will enhance Cal Poly’s wine and viticulture program for years to come. The complex includes a state-of-the-art 5,000-case bonded winery with a fermentation hall, bottling room, barrel rooms and research labs. The adjacent E. & J. Gallo Winery and Family Building includes viticulture, enology and sensory labs, shared offices for faculty and students, and an expansive conference hall. The program will begin at 11 a.m. with a tour led by College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean Andy Thulin. Following the tour, participants will drive to the Cal Poly Dairy Unit to enjoy a barbecue lunch provided by the Agriculture Engineering Society student group. The event will end with complimentary wine tasting of student-made wines.
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
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:
- 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.
Ann Wilenius, administrative specialist in the Office of the Provost, has announced her retirement after 20 years at Cal Poly. Several areas across campus have benefited from her institutional knowledge, assistance and kindness. Wilenius started her career in the College of Engineering, Computer Engineering Program office, then joined the newly formed Center for Teaching and Learning and worked there through its reorganization to Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology. She then transferred to Information Technology Services, working her way to executive assistant to the vice president/CIO, and finally to her current role as administrative specialist in the Office of the Provost. Wilenius leaves with a grateful heart and many fond memories and states it has truly been a privilege to work with Cal Poly’s amazing campus leaders, faculty and staff members. Wilenius is looking forward to playing golf, volunteering, spending more time with family and friends, and traveling to visit relatives in Dubai and in her native Canada. Her last day working on campus will be April 15. In lieu of a party, celebrate Wilenius with well wishes through this Kudoboard.
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.
Rec Center Offers Special Open House Weekend Guest Pass
Workout at the Cal Poly Recreation Center during Open House weekend for just $10. From Friday–Sunday, April 8–10, Open House attendees and eligible Cal Poly community members can utilize everything the Recreation Center has to offer by purchasing a $10 special Guest Day Pass. The Recreation Center is a community hub for workouts and wellness, equipped with an Olympic-caliber lap pool, 20,000 square feet of diverse exercise space, 138 cardio machines and much more. See it all with a free tour of the facility from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on April 8. Visitors can purchase their Guest Day Passes at the Memberships Services front desk inside the Recreation Center. Pass is $10 per day, per guest, and is valid for day of purchase.
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.
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.
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.
Safer To Host Me Too Founder Tarana Burke on April 11
Cal Poly Safer is recognizing its 25th anniversary during Sexual Assault Action Month in April by hosting a discussion with activist, author and founder of the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke, from 5-6 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the Multi-Activity Center (MAC). The event will feature a brief keynote address from Burke, followed by a moderated discussion on activism, healing and thriving, and a Q&A session. Admission is free to all campus and community members; registration is required in advance. Submit questions for Tarana Burke in advance.
‘Activity 4 All — Access by Design’ Seminar to be Held April 12
The campus community is invited to the “Activity 4 All – Access by Design” seminar from 10:10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7), Room 01. The seminar will focus on promoting access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings. Faculty will discuss their current work: Kevin Taylor, director, School of Education (“Disability Studies and Social Perspectives on Disability: Designing Inclusive Social Environments”); Darren Avrit, faculty member, Kinesiology and Public Health Department (“Adapted Physical Activity Programs @ Cal Poly: Designing Inclusive Activity Programs”); and Brian Self, professor, Mechanical Engineering Department (“Design and Construction of Equipment for Inclusive Physical Activity: Designing Inclusive Equipment”). Contact Christine Hackman at chackman@calpoly.edu for more information.
Patricia Caicedo Vocal Master Class and Talk to be Held April 12
Soprano and musicologist Patricia Caicedo will present a vocal master class and talk at 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. Recognized as the voice of the Iberian and Latin American art song and often described as its ambassador, Caicedo is one of the leading interpreters and researchers of this repertoire. She will coach Cal Poly voice majors and give a brief talk on the significance of Latin American repertoire within the broader context of classical music. The Music Department presentation is free and open to the public. 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.