Cal Poly Spring 2022 Commencement Set for June 11-12
Nearly 5,500 students are eligible to be honored in this year’s six spring commencement ceremonies Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, at Spanos Stadium. The 2022 commencement will feature each college hosting an in-person celebration. This year’s ceremonies will be held at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. each weekend day. An estimated 50,000 guests are expected across all the ceremonies. While masks and distancing will not be required in the stadium, COVID-19 remains on people’s minds. The Class of 2022 began their campus experience in the fall of 2018; however, their sophomore year was upended by the rapid spread of coronavirus. As the pandemic forced students home and classes online, with a steady transition back to on-campus living and in-person learning over the last two years, these graduates have proved their mettle. “Succeeding in higher education and earning a degree is a mammoth achievement even under the best of circumstances — to say nothing of navigating the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. But Cal Poly students are up to the challenge, and this weekend we will celebrate that success for several thousand new graduates,” President Armstrong said.
Read about Commencement and six outstanding grads
Faculty Tenure and Promotion Awards Announced
President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and Provost and Executive Vice President Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore have announced the promotion of 56 faculty members and the award of tenure to 32 faculty members effective in the 2022-23 academic year. The promotions include 21 to the academic rank of professor and 35 to the rank of associate professor. Armstrong and Jackson-Elmoore extend their congratulations and appreciation to those faculty members receiving promotion and/or tenure.
Spark Joy with Cal Poly Magazine’s Spring Edition
The latest issue of Cal Poly Magazine is full of stories featuring students, faculty and staff diving into their chosen fields with a smile. See life through the eyes of budding architects boldly building for Design Village, hear from Mustangs with academically inspired tattoos and get to know one engineer inspired by a trip to rural Haiti. All this, plus articles on climate change research, environmental rhetoric courses, organic farming and alumni addressing homelessness is live on the Cal Poly Magazine website. Look for copies on racks throughout campus. Have a tip for a future magazine story? Share it by emailing [email protected].
Mustang Shuttle Campus Partnership to Continue
In fall 2021, a nightly pilot shuttle service coined Mustang Shuttle was launched, with ASI and the University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) providing 100% of the operating costs. Thanks to their partnership, plus support from the Cal Poly Corporation and University Housing, this seven-day evening shuttle service will return next fall. Ridership has continued to increase each quarter with nearly 35,000 rides provided since it started in November. “It’s been great to see the popularity and early adoption of Mustang Shuttle this past year, and we are very excited to continue to offer it,” Transportation and Parking Services Director Marlene Cramer said. “But we couldn’t have done this alone. A huge thanks goes to ASI and the UUAB for partnering to help make this pilot program happen.” TAPS is once again partnering with ASI, UUAB, Cal Poly Corporation and University Housing on expanding Mustang Shuttle service this fall. Stay tuned for further details closer to the start of the academic year.
Amateur Radio Club Awarded Grant for Variety of Projects
Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club (CPARC) has received a $22,000 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), a private foundation that supports amateur radio and digital communication science and technology. CPARC has been using this grant to perform a variety of projects, including an upgrade of the club's remotely operable high frequency radio station, which will allow students to operate the station with just a computer or smartphone, as well as upgrading the station’s electrical grounding system to ensure ongoing safe and reliable operations. Club members are also upgrading the station’s battery backup system and installing solar panels to allow "off-grid" emergency operations in support of the club's role as an Emergency Communication Center for San Luis Obispo County.
2021-22 Federal Work-Study Program Ends June 11
Saturday, June 11, is the last day students may work through the Federal Work-Study program for 2021-22. Work-study payroll must be submitted prior to the June payroll deadline. Any late payrolls will be processed through regular student pay since late work-study pay cannot be authorized. During finals week, work-study students may work up to 20 hours. The 2022-23 Federal Work-Study program will resume Sept. 19.
Christina Wolfe-Chandler Recognized By Advising Association
Christina Wolfe-Chandler, academic advisor in the Mustang Success Center (MSC), was recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) for sharing her expertise in designing advising workshops. Wolfe-Chandler’s presentation, “Using Curriculum Design to Create Outcomes-Based Advising Workshops,” was awarded “Best of Region” for NACADA Region 9 at the 2022 Region Conference by NACADA’s Executive Office and Region 9 Conference Committee. Wolfe-Chandler brings a wealth of knowledge to her position in the MSC, and all those who have benefited from her comprehensive training programs over the years would agree. In recognition of being named Best of Region, Wolfe-Chandler has been invited to present at the 2022 NACADA Annual Conference, to be held Oct. 23-26, in Portland, Oregon. Join the Mustang Success Center in congratulating Wolfe-Chandler on this prestigious award.
Institutional Research Launches a Revamped Cal Poly Fact Book
The Office of Institutional Research (IR) has revamped the Cal Poly Fact Book by transitioning Fact Book data to a series of Data Dashboards, which makes the information clearer and easier to navigate. The goal of the dashboards is to use the data to tell a story. As such, there are more charts and less tables and figures. The Data Dashboards include Admissions, Enrollment, Degrees, Retention and Graduation Rates, Financial Aid and Employee data. These can be accessed via the IR website by clicking on “Data Dashboards” under the “IR MENU.” There is an “About This Dashboard” icon (lightbulb icon) and a link to a glossary on each dashboard. The dashboards are interactive in that you can select any variables you would like via the filters to get the data you are looking for. The dashboard views can be downloaded as PDF’s. Happy dashboarding!
Share Your Experiences with Cal Poly’s Global Learning Program
Faculty and students are invited to share their experience with global learning at Cal Poly through a 10-minute survey to inform ongoing global initiatives. Dawn Neill, College of Liberal Arts’ director of research engagement and internationalization, is seeking to measure students’ and faculty’s current understanding, motivations and satisfaction with global learning. All responses will be handled with confidentiality, discretion and respect. Faculty can take the survey here. Students should use this link to access the survey. Anyone with questions can contact [email protected].
New Summer Book and Learning Circles for Faculty and Staff
Employee and Organization Development announces the summer 2022 Book and Learning Circles, where participants can engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus. Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three to four sessions, including:
- “Melissa” by Alex Gino: Read this young adult book and discuss the characters’ experiences and how we might use this and similar books to introduce diverse topics to the youth in our lives.
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: “Atomic Habits” provides practical strategies for creating systems that will help individuals break bad habits and develop lasting and resilient new ones.
Learning Circles involve watching a video, listening to a podcast or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session:
- “Educating Kids About Gender Norms” by Elvis Pedersen-Nielsen: Learn about the often- prevalent gender norms in today’s society and how to engage in conversations with the youth in our lives about the full gender spectrum.
- “Think Again” by Adam Grant: “Think Again” invites us to productively challenge our own views so that we can flourish as lifelong learners.
To view full descriptions and register, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
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 from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 19 to Aug. 4. Participants must be able to commit to attending at least five sessions. Learn more and register for Examining Whiteness. Contact Sarah Macdonald, Ph.D., assistant director for diversity, equity and inclusion in teaching in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, with any questions at [email protected].
Volunteer Signups Available for 2022-23 Commencement and Move-In
Volunteer shift signups are available for 2022-23 Commencement and Mustang Move-in events. Sign up to volunteer and play an important role in supporting students and their supporters during these milestone events:
- Mustang Move-In, Sept. 13-18.
- Fall Commencement, Dec. 10.
- Spring Commencement, June 17-18, 2023.
All employee volunteers will receive a $50 gift card to the University Store for completing their shift. Opportunities are also available to make this a great team-building activity for you and your colleagues.
CSU’s Got Talent June Webcast to Focus on ‘Building a Culture of Strategic Thinkers’
All employees are invited to participate in another edition of the CSU’s Got Talent series from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28. President of Teibel Education and Consulting Howard Teibel will present a webcast titled “A New Organizational Practice: Building a Culture of Strategic Thinkers.” Learn to better identify opportunities, increase your credibility and pave the future for both you and your employees.
Register through the Learning Hub
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in June and July
University Personnel has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops in June and July. They include:
- Respect in a Diverse Workplace: Learn about the benefits of a diverse, inclusive workplace and how to remove barriers through constructive, assertive confrontation. This session will review definitions of diversity and respect, examples of respectful and disrespectful behaviors, and assertive confrontation. June 16 at 10 a.m.
- Workplace Change: While change can happen in an instant, our adaptation to it can be a gradual process. Learn about transition through change, including understanding the impacts and learning how to influence the change process and adapt new strategies. July 19 at 11 a.m.
Contact Lisa Gray at [email protected] for more information on well-being workshops.
Matthew White began his Cal Poly career in 1992 as a graduate student in the Math Department. After finishing his master's degree in 1994, he enrolled in the Ph.D. program at UCSB. White earned his Ph.D. in 2000 under UCSB Professor Daryl Cooper and returned to Cal Poly as a full-time lecturer that same year. White later accepted a tenure-track position and became an active member of the geometry/topology group. During his 24 years of service, he taught 33 different courses across the curriculum, as well as supervising senior projects, undergraduate research, master's theses, and the graduate teaching seminar. He also served as the graduate coordinator from 2007-09 and 2019-22, shepherding the program to its current 30 students as well as overseeing the implementation of the applied specialization option for the degree. White plans to move to Hawaii with his wife, Linda Patton, also retiring from the department this summer.
Linda Patton finished her Ph.D. at UCSD in 1991 under Jim Agler, now professor emeritus at USCD. Patton came to Cal Poly that fall as an assistant professor of mathematics. She has been an active member of the Analysis group in the department, with 14 peer-reviewed publications, three with student co-authors. During her 31 years she has taught 34 classes across the curriculum, from Beginning Algebra Review to Graduate Real Analysis and nearly everything in between. In addition, she has supervised 25 senior projects, 29 independent studies, and (currently) three master's theses. Patton’s service contribution has been extensive; for example, she twice served as the undergraduate coordinator, participated on four screening committees (twice as chair), coordinated the Math Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) from 2003-17, and has chaired the department scholarship committee continuously for 22 years. Patton plans to move to Hawaii with her husband, Matthew White, also retiring from the math department this summer.
Celebrating Mentorship Across Cal Poly
Has a member of the Cal Poly community served as your mentor? Tell us about the person — faculty, staff, student or alumni — who supported you and made a big difference in your journey. Fill out this form to share your story with Cal Poly Magazine. The publication will share highlights from the campus community this fall. Pass the link on to any colleagues or students who may want to participate.
Campus Dining Wins Silver Award in National Food Service Competition
The National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) has recognized Campus Dining’s Vista Grande Dining Complex as a silver tier recipient of the 2021 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Retail Sales – Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace. “Vista Grande was designed to create an environment of community with menus that appeal to all tastes and dietary needs, and it’s an honor to be recognized for that,” said Andrea Burns, Cal Poly Corporation’s associate executive director, commercial services. “It’s great to be acknowledged for the uniqueness of Vista Grande, with its focus on sustainability, nutrition and amazing food, as well as its success and impact on campus.” The Retail Sales category recognizes outstanding retail locations on campus that have innovative features and techniques. Vista Grande was designed to be flexible to the ever-changing palate of guests who visit the complex multiple times a day. Each restaurant features a rotating menu of seasonal dishes reflecting the latest culinary concepts, including international street food, global noodle dishes and fresh, locally sourced desserts.