Dean Christine Theodoropoulos Announces Retirement
Christine Theodoropoulos, dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED), announced her intention to retire from Cal Poly. Theodoropoulos joined Cal Poly in 2012 as the first woman to serve as dean of the CAED. She is the second-longest-serving dean in the college’s 75-year history and the longest-serving dean among the current leadership of Cal Poly’s six academic colleges. During Theodoropoulos’s tenure as dean, the CAED strengthened faculty expertise and grew student enrollment while advancing the national recognition of its accredited programs. She formed a college leadership team that engaged the CAED community as it developed an academic master plan and a diversity strategic plan, expanded the size and role of the Dean’s Leadership Council, and founded the college’s first DEI Committee. Provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore will work with Theodoropoulos in the coming year while the university conducts a nationwide search for the next college dean and facilitates a leadership transition that ensures the continued success of the CAED community and positions the college for future achievements that will sustain the excellence of CAED programs. More information on the search process and opportunities for the campus community to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.
Employee Holiday Party to be Held Dec. 1
All campus employees are invited to join President Armstrong and Sharon D. Armstrong — along with fellow staff, faculty, ASI and Corporation colleagues — for an open-air holiday reception from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Rossi Grand Lobby and Plaza of the Performing Arts Center. Spouses and partners are welcome. In partnership with Cal Poly Basic Needs, guests are invited to bring personal hygiene products, nonperishable food items (such as granola bars), a gift card for a local grocery store or make a donation online. The Food Pantry has curated an Amazon Wishlist of frequently requested items that are otherwise challenging to source. All donations support Cal Poly Cares, the Food Pantry, and Health and Counseling Services. Due to predicted inclement weather, this event is likely to be held indoors in the Rossi Grand Lobby. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly, should weather permit the event to be held in the plaza. Anyone with questions can contact the Office of the President at ext. 6-6000 or [email protected]. Happy holidays!
Meet ASI President Gracie Babatola
This fall, Gracie Babatola began her term as president of Associated Students Inc. The third-year political science major ran her election campaign on a platform of “rebuilding connections.” As the new school year began, she spoke with Cal Poly News about her goals for the coming year and what it means to serve others. "I've always just loved being in a room where decisions were being made … but what really motivated me to run was I felt that there was a disconnection between students and ASI," she said. "COVID had really taken a toll in student government, but I felt that I perhaps had a fresh perspective that could be brought into student government."
Read the full Q&A on Cal Poly News
Transfer Inclusion Training for Staff and Faculty Set for Jan. 5
Transfer Inclusion Training is available for all staff, faculty and grad students on campus. This training is focused on learning about the transfer population at Cal Poly, sharing research on practices for creating transfer-inclusive environments and discussing ways to create a transfer-friendly culture. The training will run 90 minutes and includes a short break. The winter quarter training will be offered from 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, on Zoom. Email Heather Domonoske with any questions at [email protected].
Register for Transfer Inclusion Training
First-Year Success Program Coaches Needed for Winter Quarter
The First-Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for faculty, staff and graduate students from across campus who want to serve as academic coaches for first-time first-year students who are on academic probation. FSP coaches will support a small group of students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development, and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP staff will provide a training on Dec. 9 to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members from the campus community that represent all areas of Cal Poly, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Questions? Email [email protected].
New Winter Book and Learning Circles for Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the winter 2023 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. The books are:
- “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
- “Inclusion on Purpose” by Ruchika Tulshyan.
- “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success” by Adam Grant.
Learning Circles involve watching a video, listening to a podcast or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. Learning Circles include:
- “The Real Reason You Feel So Busy (and What to do About It)” by Dorie Clark.
- “How to Go Beyond Diversity and Inclusion to Community and Belonging” by E’Ula Green.
- “Well-being: Gratitude” by Hailey Bartholomew.
- “Brené Brown on Empathy” by Brené Brown.
View full descriptions and register to attend
Risk Management Launches New Web-Based Driver Safety Program
Cal Poly’s Driver Safety Program is now being managed by the Risk Management office in an effort to better align the program with auto liability management expertise. The new web-based Driver Safety Program enables the user to complete the compliance process on their own with support available when needed. All new applicants will need to go through Risk Management. This program establishes rules and regulations for Cal Poly employees who drive for university business and ensures the safety of drivers and passengers. The ability to drive a state vehicle, whether it be a rental or leased vehicle, power cart, 10+ passenger van, or privately owned vehicle, for university business requires the operator to be compliant with Cal Poly’s Driver Safety Policy.
Learn more about the driver safety program
Professional Development Courses to be Offered in December
Employee and Organization Development is sharing the release of the December 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 in December. View and register using the links below. Registration opens Nov. 28 on a first-come basis.
- Snapping the Perfect Image, Dec. 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Exposing Hidden Bias, Dec. 7, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Marketing 101: Fundamentals for the Non-Marketing Professional in Higher Ed, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-noon.
- Decisions, Decisions! Creative Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Techniques, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.
Check the Upcoming Opportunities page for updates
CTLT Workshops Focused on Accessibility to be Offered Winter Quarter
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) will host workshops on inclusive course design and creating accessible materials during winter quarter. Participants should only sign up for one course, as they overlap and stipends are limited. Both workshops are offered several times per year.
- Inclusive Course Design: Implementing the UDL Guidelines will be offered Jan. 17-Feb. 23. This online faculty workshop provides instructors with methods and strategies to apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning to course materials, activities and assessments. A $500 stipend is available for eligible participants. Learn more and register: Inclusive Course Design.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials will be offered Jan. 30-Feb. 26. This workshop provides instructors with hands-on experience creating accessible course materials, including an accessible Canvas page, an accessible Word document or PowerPoint presentation, and an instructional video with captions. A $500 stipend is available for eligible participants. Learn more and register: Creating Accessible Course Materials.
Exposing Hidden Bias Workshops Offered Dec. 7
Employee and Organization Development continues to offer the Exposing Hidden Bias workshop with sessions scheduled for 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.
After 28-plus years at Cal Poly, Associate Dean Bill Hendricks is retiring. Join the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to celebrate Hendricks’ career and thank him for his years of service from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture. The college is gathering videos to be shared at the celebration. Hendricks served as a professor and head of the college’s Experience Industry Management Department for more than two decades prior to becoming an associate dean in August 2020. While in the dean’s office, he oversaw college administration and enrollment management. In 2016, he oversaw the transition of the Experience Industry Management Department from Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration — making it the first of its kind in the country. He is the recipient of Cal Poly's Distinguished Scholarship award; the USDA Forest Service and International Journal of Wilderness, Excellence in Wilderness Management Research award; and the CAFES Faculty Teaching Excellence award. He is an elected fellow in both the Academy of Leisure Sciences and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. For more than two decades Hendricks worked cooperatively with the U.S. Forest Service and California State Parks on a variety of outdoor recreation research projects. He has also conducted research for Visit California and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. In retirement, he plans to ski, surf and hike often.
Participants Needed for Sedentary Screen Time Study
Researchers are seeking participants for a study on the best ways to reduce the use of screen time and increase health outcomes. The study is led by Professor Sarah Keadle in Cal Poly's Center for Health Research and is conducted in partnership with Arizona State University. Eligible participants must be between the ages of 23 and 64, own a smartphone or tablet and have internet access with no limit on the amount of data. Sedentary screen time consumes more than half of discretionary time and is the single most prevalent use of time for adults in the U.S. outside of work and sleep. Anyone interested in participating or learning more about the study, which is called StandUPTV, can call ext. 6-5506 or fill out an interest form.
Administration and Finance Accepting Applications for Campus Beautification Initiative
Applications are now being accepted for the Utility Box Art Project — a campus beautification initiative transforming utility boxes into works of public art to enhance the vibrancy of the campus and showcase local talent. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to submit an application by Dec. 31 via email to [email protected]. Selected artists will be notified in March and will receive a $250 Amazon gift card to cover necessary materials.
View the Utility Box Art Project guidelines and application
Cal Poly Holiday Cheese Boxes Feature Student-Made Products
Cal Poly Holiday Cheese Boxes are on sale through mid-December. The Cal Poly Creamery has award-winning cheeses and traditional favorites, available in a variety of gift box arrangements. Shipping is available throughout the U.S. and select dates are available for pick-up at the Cal Poly Creamery. Gift boxes from the creamery are a great way to share Mustang Pride this holiday season while supporting student success and Cal Poly's Learn by Doing tradition. Visit the Cal Poly Creamery website to order cheese selections by Dec. 7 in time for holiday delivery.
Campus Invited to Contribute to Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by Dec. 2
The Center for Service in Action (CSA) invites students, staff, faculty and their families to contribute to the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by picking up a gift tag and purchasing a gift for a child in need or by donating money via the Center for Service in Action’s direct giving link. Each tag represents a specific request supporting local children and families in need. To pick up a gift tag, visit one of the Giving Tower locations on campus: second floor stairway landing in Kennedy Library (No. 35), the second floor of the UU (No. 65), and outside the Mustang Success Center in the Science Building (No. 52, Room D37). Bring newly purchased, unwrapped gifts to the CSA in Sierra Madre Residence Hall (No. 113, Room L119) by Friday, Dec. 2.
Cal Poly Choirs to Present Sixth Annual ‘Holiday Kaleidoscope’ on Dec. 2
Cal Poly’s Cantabile, Chamber Choir, PolyPhonics and University Singers will present the sixth annual “Holiday Kaleidoscope” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the Performing Arts Center. The choirs will be joined by the Cabrillo High School Madrigal Singers, directed by Cal Poly alumna Jennifer Peterson (Music, ’95); and the Central Coast Youth Chorus’ Cadence Choir, led by Cal Poly music majors Danna Dumandan and Katelyn Caron. A 20-piece student orchestra will accompany the choirs on several pieces and during carol sing-alongs. The evening will include other fun features, such as College of Liberal Arts Dean Philip J. Williams narrating “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Cantabile will present a portion of the program it plans to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City in March. Its set will include music by Sarah Quartel, Jacob Narverud and an arrangement of the Puerto Rican Christmas carol “Ábreme la Puerta.” 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.
Get tickets to the Cal Poly Choirs concert
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble Fall Concert Set for Dec. 3
The Arab Music Ensemble will be joined by the Morro Bay High School Choirs and critically acclaimed guest artists for its Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Spanos Theatre. A special feature of the concert will be a collaboration with the Morro Bay High School Choirs, directed by Katie Bravante, a 1999 graduate of the Music Department. The groups will perform an adaptation of Joy Hirokawa’s arrangement of “Lamma Bada Yatathanna,” a foremost example of Arab art music. The critically acclaimed guest artists to be featured in the concert include Ishmael on qanun (zither), Fathi Aljarrah on kamanja (violin), and Faisal Zedan and Keeth CrowHawk on riqq (tambourine), daff (frame drum) and darabukka (goblet drum). San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead the dance troupe in the performance of original choreographies that dialogue with the program’s music. Music Professor Ken Habib will direct the event. 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.
Get tickets to the Arab Music Ensemble concert
Cal Poly Symphony to Feature Madrone String Quartet on Dec. 4
The symphony will begin its season with the Madrone String Quartet at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Performing Arts Center. The concert will begin with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis,” for double string orchestra and solo string quartet. This antiphonal work will feature the strings of the symphony, separated into two groups, and the Madrone String Quartet. The guest artists will then perform Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80. The concert will conclude with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, “From the New World.” Three of the quartet’s members — Emily Lanzone, violin; Mike Whitson, viola; and Laura Gaynon, cello — are applied faculty members in the Music Department. With guest artist Valerie Berg-Johansen, violin, the musicians bring rich experience in performance and education to this collaboration, which is part of their residency, and will also include a free master class on Dec. 1. 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.
Get tickets to the Cal Poly Symphony fall concert
Civic Ballet of SLO Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 9-11 at the PAC
Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo’s beloved production of “The Nutcracker” returns Dec. 9-11 in Harold Miossi Hall. Join Uncle Drosselmeyer, Mother Ginger and the Sugarplum Fairy as Clara travels to the Land of Sweets on a very special Christmas Eve. For the past 44 years, the Civic Ballet has presented this holiday classic, including 25 sold-out performances at the PAC. “The Nutcracker” is filled with all the pageantry, magic and wonder that have made this one of the most enduring holiday traditions around the globe. Featuring Opera SLO’s full live orchestra, sterling production values and San Luis Obispo County’s finest dancers, this is a ballet experience you won’t want to miss. Tickets can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, by calling ext. 6-4849 or online.
Get tickets to "The Nutcracker"
‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ Comes to Spanos Theatre Dec. 16-18
See each of the 12 days come alive on stage in Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo’s “The Twelve Days of Christmas” from Dec. 16 -18 in Spanos Theatre. The program begins with “Winter Concerto,” a winter storm danced to Vivaldi’s famous music, and “Les Patineurs” (The Skaters), BT-SLO’s signature holiday ballet. Tickets can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, by calling ext. 6-4849 or online.
Get tickets to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
SLO Master Chorale Brings Holiday Festival and Sing-Along to the PAC on Dec. 17
SLO Master Chorale will present holiday festival and sing-along “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in Harold Miossi Hall. The event features soloist Paul Woodring on the Forbes pipe organ. Sing along with the Master Chorale in the great choruses from Part I of Handel’s masterpiece, “Messiah,” as well as traditional carols and holiday arrangements for chorus, organ and orchestra. Tickets can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, by calling ext. 6-4849 or online.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with SLO Symphony on Dec. 31
SLO Symphony will present its New Year’s Eve concert “Come Together” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, in Harold Miossi Hall. Ring in the New Year with a pops concert featuring Canadian-based symphonic rock group Jeans ’n Classics celebrating the hits of the 1980s, ‘90s and 2000s. Bring your friends and your party hats to enjoy the music of Queen; Earth Wind and Fire; Michael Jackson; Stevie Wonder; U2; A-ha and more. Tickets can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, by calling ext. 6-4849 or online.
Get tickets to “Come Together”
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 [email protected].
University Events Calendar
To find a listing of all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more — visit our Master Calendar.
Scheduling/Booking Venues
25Live: Space and Event Scheduling can help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event.
Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar.
Visit Cal Poly Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more
Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by visiting the new Cal Poly Now.