Professor Co-authors Research Article Examining Strategies to Maintain Weight Loss After Regain
Science shows that weight regain over time is common, but a new study — co-authored by Suzanne Phelan, director of Cal Poly’s Center for Health Research and professor of kinesiology and public health — assisted in the article published Oct. 25 in Obesity, a peer-reviewed journal covering topics regarding health and medicine in association with weight-related topics. Phelan’s team surveyed thousands of participants in the WW (WeightWatchers) program. The study used data from extensive questionnaires, distributed to participants in 2019-20, that surveyed behaviors, goals, successes and setbacks. “This asks the very question: ‘How do people who have successfully maintained weight loss over the long-term do it?’” said Phelan, whose body of research is focused on discovering ways to promote weight loss and weight gain prevention in a variety of settings. “What can we learn from them to help others going through a similar journey be more successful?” Key study findings revealed individuals who successfully maintained weight loss: resumed weight loss efforts responsively after showing limited gains; frequently self-monitored; and used coping and problem-solving skills to get back on track.
Take Survey Starting Nov. 7 to Help Build a Better Dining Experience
Campus Dining is looking to build a better dining experience and seeks feedback from the campus community. Creating an eclectic, on-trend dining experience is a job that takes near constant tweaking and research. The annual fall survey is a big part of that process. Completing the survey, which takes about eight minutes, enters respondents into a sweepstakes to win one of three prizes: an Apple Watch Series 8; a Keurig coffee maker plus a $100 Amazon gift card; or a Nintendo Switch. Responses will help Campus Dining improve the customer experience for staff, faculty and students, and help develop more innovative ways to deliver products and serve the campus. The survey is open from Nov. 7-18.
Campus Coronavirus Site to Sunset Nov. 10, Visit Roadmap for Updates
As part of Cal Poly’s continued response to the coronavirus pandemic, several changes are coming to campus websites. The coronavirus website will be removed on Thursday, Nov. 10, and redirected to the Roadmap website, which contains the latest updates and links to information for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Roadmap will continue to be updated, and campus community members are encouraged to bookmark the site and check back for any changes to campus COVID-19 protocols. In depth information for students and employees is being moved to websites managed by Student Affairs and University Personnel. Information on student vaccination, testing, isolation and other resources is available on Campus Health and Wellbeing’s website at chw.calpoly.edu/covid-19. Employees will soon be able to check Human Resources webpages for information on employee vaccination and testing resources. Can’t find the information you need? Email Cynthia Lambert, communications specialist, at cmlamber@calpoly.edu.
Fire Sprinkler Installation to Impact University Union
The McPhee University Union will see some interruptions of facilities because of a safety-enhancement project, according to ASI. By Monday, Nov. 7, second-floor UU programs and organizations will be relocated to temporary locations. On Friday, Nov. 11, work crews will resume installation of a new fire sprinkler system. As a campus student hub, ASI is excited to move on to the next phase of a project to increase the facility’s safety features. Through winter quarter, second-floor conference rooms, professional workspaces and lounges will see periodic closures to accommodate the construction. Contact individual departments directly for more information on new locations and service operations.
Reminder on Employee State Law and CSU Election Compliance
With the upcoming general election, it is important that all faculty and staff comply with state law and CSU policy regarding the use of CSU resources in connection with election issues. Section 8314 of the California Government Code provides: (a) It is unlawful for . . . any state or local appointee, employee or consultant, to use or permit others to use public resources for a campaign activity, or personal or other purposes which are not authorized by law. In this context, “public resources” means any property or asset owned by the state or any local agency, including, but not limited to, land, buildings, facilities, funds, equipment, supplies, telephones, computers, email system, vehicles, travel and state-compensated time. (Cal. Gov’t Code § 8314(b)(3).) CSU policy regarding what election-related activities are allowed and what activities can be prohibited, as well as guidelines on how to exercise appropriate discretion, are set forth in the CSU Handbook of Election Issues published by the Office of the General Counsel.
Cal Poly Foundation Board Hosts Fall Meeting Nov. 12
The Cal Poly Foundation board of directors will hold its fall quarterly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The agenda will be available on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Request a copy of the agenda by emailing calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu. According to Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, written comments must be emailed to to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu before the meeting. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Staff and members of the public are encouraged to participate virtually, but they must register first. Request Zoom login information by registering as a non-speaking guest at least 72 hours before the meeting with the Cal Poly Foundation Office, at calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu. For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation office at ext. 6-7147 or email calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu.
CIE’s Nov. 4 Elevator Pitch Showcases Entrepreneurs in 90 Seconds
Join the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a group of student entrepreneurs for CIE’s annual Elevator Pitch Competition on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Performing Arts Center. The 90-minute competition starts at 4:30 p.m. Student presenters will have just 90 seconds — simulating the time it would take to ride in an elevator — to pitch their innovative ideas for the chance to win $1,000. The event is open to the public, and audience members will have the chance to help select the $500 audience choice winner.
UCM Wins Five Regional CASE Awards for Outstanding Publications
University Communications and Marketing (UCM) recently earned five awards for outstanding work in university communications and publications from the Western regional district of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The awards included commendations for the university’s website, Cal Poly Magazine, Cal Poly Magazine Online, a content series documenting Cal Poly’s impact on space exploration and a photography series featuring a biomedical engineering student who is also an accomplished ballet dancer (Tori Barrington, pictured). Including these, the division has earned 24 regional CASE Awards and six national awards.
Exposing Hidden Bias Workshops Offered Nov. 18 and Dec. 7
Employee and Organization Development continues to offer the Exposing Hidden Bias workshop with sessions scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Dec 7. The workshop brings attention to the unconscious biases we all possess and provides some strategies for overcoming its impact in our work and relationships. Attendees will learn about diversity and inclusion at Cal Poly, how to recognize areas where unconscious bias may surface, identify strategies for avoiding bias, and learn of resources available for additional learning and involvement. Registration begins Monday, Nov. 28, for the Dec. 7 session.
View the workshops and register
Safer to Offer Planning Workshops for Staff and Faculty Nov. 8, 14
Safer wants to assist faculty and staff members to grow as leaders in gender and power-based violence prevention through its two-hour Safer Action Planning Workshop. Each session will delve into the root causes of gender and power-based violence and explore risk and protective factors for sexual violence perpetration. Attendees will learn how to create individual plans to integrate violence prevention activities into their specific position on campus. Two workshops will be offered: from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8; and 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 14. Register for the Nov. 8 session; or register for the Nov. 14 session.
Building Toward Equity Faculty Development Program to Launch
The Office for University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) have developed a Building Toward Equity faculty development program that scaffolds DEI learning to develop faculty awareness, knowledge and skills. A group of eight Faculty Associates for DEI in Teaching collectively designed a Racial Equity Series of workshops that are the core element of this program. One highlight of this series debuts on Wednesday, Nov. 9 — Trauma Healing for Educators of Color. Additional workshops launch in winter quarter, including Community Cultural Wealth and Asset-Based Teaching, Linguistic Justice, Power Dynamics in the Classroom: Becoming Antiracist Educators, DEI and Social Justice in STEM, Equity-Minded Assignments and Assessment, and Trauma-Informed Approaches to Teaching and Learning. Faculty members wishing to complete the Building Toward Equity program need to take CTLT’s Introduction to Equity and Inclusion in Teaching, participate in the Racial Equity Series, attend campus offerings related to DEI and submit a culminating portfolio. More information on the program will be forthcoming on OUDI and CTLT’s websites.
Trauma Healing for Educators of Color to be offered Nov. 9
As part of the Building Toward Equity faculty development program, faculty of color at Cal Poly are invited to join the “Trauma Healing for Educators of Color” a workshop from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. It aims to provide faculty of color with a space to acknowledge, process and begin to heal from traumatic experiences, especially experiences with racism, discrimination and other negative experiences resulting from the oppression of marginalized and intersecting identities. Workshop activities will include an opportunity to discuss and process negative racialized academic experiences with similarly marginalized peers. Participants will also use evidence-based practices, such as letter writing, breathing exercises and affirmations development to heal from those experiences and become more efficacious and self-assured in an environment that often denigrates and invalidates BIPOC faculty. It will be facilitated by faculty members Susana López, Joni Roberts and Amber Williams, OUDI/CTLT Faculty Associates for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Teaching.
Nominations Sought for Outstanding Staff Award
Staff employees, faculty members and department or division heads are encouraged to submit nominations for the Outstanding Staff Award. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2022-23 award is Friday, Jan. 20. To be eligible, nominees must be permanent, full-time employees of the university, corporation or ASI, who have completed at least three years of employment as of Dec. 31, 2022 (10-month employees are eligible). Employees represented by bargaining unit 3 (faculty), former recipients of the award and student assistants are not eligible.
Find selection criteria and the nomination form
Form Available for Employees with Dependents Seeking Admission
Faculty and staff members who have a dependent applying to Cal Poly as an undergraduate for fall 2023 should complete the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Faculty/Staff Dependent Inquiry Form for the Admissions office. The form is required to be considered as a possible faculty/staff dependent.
Distinguished Teaching Award Nominations Are Open
The Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes Cal Poly faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Only students and alumni may submit nominations, so faculty are encouraged to notify their classes and direct them to the nomination form on the Distinguished Teaching Award webpage. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Day. For more information, contact the Academic Senate Office at academic-senate@calpoly.edu.
CSU’s Got Talent November Webcast to Focus on ‘The New Future of Work’
All employees are invited to participate in another edition of the CSU’s Got Talent series. Jenna Butler, senior applied research scientist at Microsoft, will present a webcast, “The New Future of Work: Challenges, Gratitude and Opportunities.” Learn how to navigate both the obstacles and possibilities on your horizon while thanking yourself for getting there. The webcast will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.
Register through the Learning Hub
Take Advantage of Professional Development Courses in November
Employee and Organization Development is sharing the release of the November professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration — a series of online workshops offered by Cal Poly and other CSU campuses. These unique opportunities extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. New courses and dates have been added for November. View and register using the links below. Registration opens Oct. 24 on a first-come basis.
- Communicating with Impact!: Nov. 2, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Book Circle: Crucial Conversations (Session 1 of 3): Nov. 2, 1-2 p.m.
- Personal Branding for Career Success: Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-noon.
- Nurturing Emotional Well-Being: Nov. 8, 2-3:15 p.m.
- Communicating with Impact!: Nov. 9, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Preparing Emotionally to Transition to Retirement: Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-noon.
- Interviewing 101 Workshop: Nov. 16, 2-3 p.m.
- Exposing Hidden Bias: Nov. 18, 9-10:30 a.m.
- The Five Elements of Well-being: Nov. 18, 10:30-noon.
- Personal Branding — Building your Professional Presence: Nov. 30, 2-3 p.m.
ASI Poly Escapes Climbing Park to Close for Maintenance Nov. 6
Starting Sunday, Nov. 6, the ASI Poly Escapes Climbing Park will undergo routine maintenance to prepare for winter quarter. This revitalization will provide the campus community with new climbing routes and the latest weathering features for the Climbing Wall. ASI appreciates the campus community’s patience while the popular facility is freshened.
Learn more about the climbing park
International Center to Host International Education Week Nov. 14-18
The International Center will host a series of events Nov. 14-18 to celebrate International Education Week to highlight the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The brainchild of the U.S. departments of State and Education, International Education Week will be celebrated across the nation. Cal Poly activities will provide opportunities for the campus community to participate in cultural and educational programming by sharing their international experiences. Events include:
- Prize drawings for students, faculty and staff. Use the hashtags #IEW2022 and #CPGlobalMustangs to enter to win swag bags.
- Sample international meals from Campus Dining all week.
- Attend information sessions on study abroad opportunities, faculty-led programs, financial aid and scholarships, Fulbright and internship opportunities all week.
- Test your international trivia knowledge on Dexter Lawn, Nov. 15 and 16.
- Attend a Nov. 15 student-led panel, “Living Abroad,” to connect with students who have lived in different cities, cultures and countries.
- Faculty and staff can learn about teaching abroad, international fellowships and more on Nov. 15.
- On Nov. 17, a panel of international and domestic students will give their perspectives on living in a different culture while attendees sample specialty coffee and teas from around the world.
Theatre and Dance to Present ‘Twelfth Night, or What You Will’ in November
The fall 2022 Mainstage Production, “Twelfth Night,” will be performed at Spanos Theatre at 8 p.m. Nov. 3-5 and 10-12, and at 2 p.m. The Theatre and Dance Department is pleased to welcome guest director Peter Hadres for its highly anticipated production of William Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night.” Hadres is a seasoned Shakespearean director, actor and fight choreographer who has spent decades working in Shakespeare festivals and regional theaters all over the country. He was a resident artist at the Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA) for 20 years. “Twelfth Night” is one of Shakespeare’s most successful comedies. Its popularity with audiences is due partially to the fact that it has something for everyone — music, shipwrecks, romance, mistaken identities, unrequited love, comic relief and even swordplay.
Get Tickets to 'Twelfth Night'
Intercultural Competence Set for Nov. 4
The School of Education and the World Languages and Cultures Department invites faculty and staff to an event from 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the Mathematics and Science Building (No. 38, Room 121) for discussion and networking around the importance of intercultural competence for faculty, staff and the students they serve. The event is intended to create a space for like-minded faculty and staff to meet and collaborate. The event will include a panel presentation by Paso Robles High School Social Studies teacher Geoffrey Land and his students, “In Search of Self: Identity in the Curriculum.” Following this presentation, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to make connections with colleagues across disciplines and to brainstorm pathways for our students to become culturally responsive professionals.
Wind and Mustang Bands to Present Bandfest Nov. 4
Nearly 300 students will perform for Bandfest at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the Performing Arts Center. The combined forces of Cal Poly’s Wind Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Mustang Band will open the concert with Stephen Montague’s “Intrada, 1631.” The Wind Orchestra’s set will include Kim Archer’s “Awakenings,” Julie Giroux’ “Let Your Spirit Sing” and Gustav Holst’s Suite in E flat. The Wind Ensemble will continue the program with “Distanced,” composer Alex Shapiro’s response to the COVID-19 protocols; “Esprit de Corps” by Robert Jager, a celebration of the bond that sustained arts organizations during the pandemic shutdown; and Giovanni Santos’ new work, “Chavez, 1927,” which celebrates the life and work of civil rights activist and leader Cesar Chavez. Mustang Band will conclude the concert with arrangements the group is performing at this fall’s football games in Spanos Stadium. The band will perform music by Lizzo and Green Day, traditional school songs and more. More information is on the Music Department calendar website. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, call ext. 6-2406.
Writers at Work Event to be Held Nov. 10
The campus community is invited to an upcoming Writers at Work event that is free and open to the public and supported by the College of Liberal Arts and English Department. An in-person reading with Cal Poly faculty member Mira Rosenthal will be held at 2:10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180), Room 102. Rosenthal’s “Territorial” was recently selected for the Pitt Poetry Series, and her first collection, “The Local World,” won the Wick Poetry Prize. She has received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and a Wallace Stegner Fellowship from Stanford University.
Join Campus Dining for ‘Thank-Ful’ Event Nov. 16
Join Campus Dining for “Thank-Ful” — a national college campus event — from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Campus Market. Thank-Ful is designed to celebrate the Cal Poly community and give thanks through food, gratitude activities and giving back. Activities will include outdoor games, a special “Friendsgiving” lunch, donation tables for the Cal Poly Food Pantry, a special Thanksgiving edition of Teaching Kitchens and more.
Check out the Thank-Ful activities
Cal Poly to Host Andrew Surmani for Music Industry Lecture and Q&A on Nov. 17
Business coach and teacher Andrew Surmani will present a free lecture and Q&A about the music industry, music business and entrepreneurship at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Room 216 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). He is president and CEO of Surmani Business Coaching, and he teaches music industry studies at CSU Northridge, where he is also the academic lead of its music industry administration master’s degree program. He previously served as CEO of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse, a contemporary music training program. As chief marketing officer for Alfred Music, he oversaw global sales and marketing operations. While there, he helped consolidate company operations following the largest acquisition in print music publishing history — Alfred’s purchase of Warner Bros. Publications — and launched and oversaw numerous major music-related product lines. Surmani also works as a freelance musician and has performed in numerous international jazz festivals. For more information on the free presentation, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Cal Poly’s Fall Jazz Concert on Nov. 18 to Include Release of Two Singles
The Fall Jazz Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in Spanos Theatre. Cal Poly’s Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform music by jazz legends, including Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, Pat Metheny and Wayne Shorter. The concert will also celebrate the release of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble’s two new singles: “Sunlight,” by Esperanza Spalding, which was arranged by Director of Jazz Studies Arthur White; and “Let the Good Times Roll” by Fleecie Moore and Sam Theard, arranged by Jeremy Fox. “Sunlight” features music major Danna Dumandan on lead vocals and Grammy Award-winning Gregg Bissonette on drums. “Let the Good Times Roll” features Bissonette, plus Kim Nazarian and Darmon Meader of the New York Voices. Both singles will be available for free download the day of the concert. Tickets 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 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 includes 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.