Cal Poly Float Wins Extraordinaire Award at 2023 Rose Parade
Cal Poly universities’ “Road to Reclamation” float, which depicts a small scene on a forest floor featuring animated snails and colorful mushrooms, and blows it up to gigantic proportions, received the Extraordinaire Award at the 134th Rose Parade® on Jan. 2. The honor recognizes the parade’s most extraordinary float, including those 55 feet in length and greater, said Annie Doody, the Cal Poly team president. It’s the second time the schools have been lauded for creating the parade’s most extraordinary float; the first was 2019’s outer-space entry, “Far Out Frequencies.” “I am so proud of everyone on this team and all the hard work they put into making this happen,” Doody said. The entry exemplifies the parade’s 2023 theme of “Turning the Corner” — celebrating the unlimited potential that each new year brings. It was one of only six self-built entries in this year’s extravaganza.
Cal Poly Awarded $475,000 Grant for Inclusive Teaching in STEM Fields
Cal Poly received a $475,000 grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) toward advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals over the next six years among educators who teach STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It joins 103 other U.S. colleges and universities to be awarded funding as part of an initiative designed to encourage a more-inclusive learning environment for underrepresented STEM students. Camille O’Bryant (pictured), the university’s HHMI IE3 program director, said faculty will also work to develop new DEI-related instructional guidance, mentoring and evaluation, among other support mechanisms. “Cal Poly has a unique and historically grounded responsibility to address racial and economic inequality in California and the nation,” said O’Bryant, associate dean for Student Success and Welfare and Issues of Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Science and Mathematics. “We are, therefore, committed to transforming how we promote and evaluate inclusive teaching practices so that we can better create learning environments where all students thrive.”
Read the news release about the grant
Professor Patrick Lin Appointed to U.S. National Space Council Users Advisory Group
In a White House announcement Dec. 16, Vice President Kamala Harris, chair of the National Space Council, appointed philosophy Professor Patrick Lin, Ph.D., to the council’s Users Advisory Group. “I’m honored to be the first ethicist on the U.S. National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group,” said Lin, director of the Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group at Cal Poly. “This appointment is true to Vice President Kamala Harris’ commitment to bring in diverse perspectives to the UAG and to the wider space community and workforce. What I hope to bring to this important group is a new perspective, guided by my ethics experience in outer space affairs, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, bioengineering, security and defense systems, and other relevant technology domains.” Lin’s appointment speaks to Cal Poly’s leadership in applied ethics, which includes emerging technologies in frontiers such as the Arctic and outer space. He was recently awarded a grant by the U.S. National Science Foundation to study technical and policy issues in outer space cybersecurity.
Professor Receives Grant to Improve Healthcare Access for Hispanic, Indigenous Women in Santa Maria, Guadalupe
Kinesiology and Public Health Department Professor Suzanne Phelan recently received $30,000 in grant funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation to improve the Cal Poly Mobile Health Clinic’s services for women in northern Santa Barbara County. The Mobile Health Clinic, launched in 2018, offers free medical and preventive healthcare services for uninsured women and serves about 250 patients per year, including ongoing care and follow-up visits. Spanish is the most prevalent language among the clinic’s patients, but around 20% speak the Mixtec or Zapotec Indigenous languages, which are not often translated in medical forms and literature. Phelan and Mobile Health Clinic staff, including Cal Poly students, aim to change that. The grant funding is specifically targeted toward making healthcare literature — such as intake forms, health history surveys and other materials — accessible to uninsured Hispanic and Indigenous women who were never taught to read or write effectively.
Daniel Bernard Named Dean of Extended, Professional and Continuing Education
Daniel Bernard has been appointed dean of Extended, Professional and Continuing Education (EPaCE), effective Feb. 13. Bernard serves as associate dean of the Division of Continuing and Global Education at California State University, Fresno, where he is responsible for oversight and management of all academic programs of the division. He helped create and previously served as the program coordinator for the Veterans Education Program, providing educational opportunities to veterans and service members who otherwise would not be able to attend Fresno State. He has over 10 years of teaching experience in communication at four separate institutions and has received teaching, research and service awards. Bernard earned his doctorate in communication from the University of Oklahoma and his master’s degree in communication and bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Fresno State. J. Kevin Taylor will remain in the interim dean role until Bernard’s start date and will return to his full-time position as director for the School of Education.
Derek Gragson Appointed Interim Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovations and Programs
Derek Gragson, associate dean for Facilities, Resources and Enrollment Management in the College of Science and Mathematics, started serving Jan. 1 as interim associate vice provost for Academic Innovations and Programs. In this role, Gragson will provide leadership and strategic planning for academic innovation and programs and will oversee the office of Academic Programs and Planning; the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology; the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives; and the University Honors Program. Gragson is a professor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. He has taught at Cal Poly since 1999 and has been recognized with the Cal Poly Distinguished Teaching Award. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from California State University, Hayward and his M.S. in chemistry and a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Oregon. Information on a search for this position will be forthcoming.
Andrew Morris to Serve as Interim Director for Office of Academic Programs and Planning
Andrew Morris started serving Jan. 1 as interim director of the Office of Academic Programs and Planning (APP) and accreditation liaison officer. Morris currently serves as faculty director of Program Development in APP and was faculty director of the recent WSCUC self-study and institutional report submitted to reaffirm Cal Poly’s accreditation. He represents APP on the General Education Governance Board, the Academic Assessment Council, and the Academic Senate Curriculum Committee. Morris, who has been on the Cal Poly faculty since 2000, is professor and past department chair of the History Department and has been recognized with the Cal Poly Distinguished Scholarship Award. His specialty is in modern Chinese and Taiwanese history. Morris graduated from Harvey Mudd College with a double major in physics and history and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in modern Chinese history from UC San Diego. Information on a search for a director of APP will be forthcoming.
Cal Poly Police Releases Annual Report of Regulated Equipment
The Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD) is committed to transparency through communication and engagement with members of the campus community. In July 2022, the CSU board of trustees approved the systemwide Regulated Tools and Equipment policy. This policy was adopted as outlined by Assembly Bill 481 and requires that every law enforcement agency in the state of California publish certain information annually regarding specified equipment. To further its efforts toward transparency and open communication, CPPD will host two community engagement events to discuss information contained within the report. These events are set for 5 p.m. Jan. 20 and 25 in the Public Safety Building (No. 36), Room 105 (Public Safety Training Room). The community engagement event is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Outstanding Staff Award Nominations Due Jan. 20
Staff, 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. (Ten-month employees are eligible.) Employees represented by bargaining unit 3 (faculty), former recipients of the award and student assistants are not eligible. The Outstanding Staff Award selection criteria and nomination form is on the Human Resources website.
Proposals for New Instructionally Related Activities Due Feb. 3
The Instructionally Related Activities Advisory Committee has announced the call for proposals for fiscal year 2023-24 for any activities seeking first-time recognition. An Instructionally Related Activity (IRA) is an extracurricular "out-of-class” experience that provides enrichment to students and enhances their learning at Cal Poly. IRA funds cannot be used to fund specific projects or field trips as part of an academic course. Forms, instructions and other relevant information is on the Academic Programs and Planning webpage. Proposals for new IRAs are due to college deans Feb. 3. Allow ample time for signature routing in AdobeSign. The call for continued recognition for currently recognized IRAs will go out separately in early February and be due in March. For additional information, contact Jessica Carson at carson@calpoly.edu.
Winter Parking Permits on Sale Starting Jan. 3
Employee parking permits will be on sale starting Jan. 3. Finding a parking permit option that best fits each employees’ commute is easy using their parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available online for purchase at employees’ union rate. Permits sold in parking lots at pay stations, parking meters or by ParkMobile do not offer staff rates. Winter quarter permits are valid Jan. 9 through April 2. Fall quarter parking permits expire Jan. 8. Employees can purchase permits online and update vehicle information using their parking account. Visit Transportation and Parking Services staff page for more information on staff parking.
CTLT Offers Opportunities for Educators in Winter
The winter quarter lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available to explore. Topics include multiple aspects of equitable and inclusive teaching, blended/hybrid course design, learner-centered teaching practices, scholarly writing and well-being in higher education. The opportunities include:
- Workshops (some with stipends available) include Introduction to Equitable and Inclusive Teaching, Creating a Blended/Hybrid Course and ACUE Micro-Credential: Designing Learner-Centered and Equitable Courses.
- Collaborations such as writing retreats, a yearlong Faculty Writers' Accountability Group and a new Equitable Grading Community of Practice.
- Book Circles reading and discussing “If I Understood You, Would I Have this Look on my Face? My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating” and “Well-Being and Higher Education: A Strategy for Change and the Realization of Education's Greater Purpose.”
- On-demand resources are also available through the CTLT website, including the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) Resources for Academic Success, Teaching with Technology and Instructional Continuity.
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
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. 12. 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.
Bruno Giberti retired on Dec. 31. Giberti led the Office of Academic Programs and Planning and oversaw the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT), the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives, the Service Learning Program, and the University Honors Program. As accreditation liaison officer, he managed the university’s accreditation and served as primary point of contact with Western Association of Schools and Colleges. He has played a crucial role in strategic planning for the university and Academic Affairs, and in the two most recent WSCUC self-studies and institutional reports, each of which resulted in reaffirmations of accreditation for 10 years. Giberti’s leadership skills, focus on institutional improvement, and attention to student success were transformative in these efforts. Giberti came to Cal Poly’s Architecture Department in 1994 and also previously served as director of CTLT, associate head of the Architecture Department, and chair of the Academic Senate. These experiences provided Giberti with the broad perspective and institutional knowledge necessary to lead so effectively and to build networks of collaboration and support in service to the campus. Giberti is a proud Cal Poly alumnus; after graduating with a B.S. in architecture, he earned his M.A. and doctorate in architecture from UC Berkeley. In retirement Giberti plans to continue his current research project into the architecture of post-Napoleonic French Protestant churches. A retirement reception, open to the campus community, will be held from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Rossi Grand Lobby of the PAC. Share a message through Kudoboard.
Dale Kohler, ITS client services manager, retired on Dec. 31 after 23 years of service. Kohler is a Cal Poly graduate (GRC, ’88) and returned to work for ITS after working for 10 years in private industry as an IT manager. Initially hired in 1999 as part of a team of technicians addressing the Y2K crisis, he became known as the face of the Faculty Workstation Program (FWP). Kohler later assumed a position as director of Library Information Technology with the Kennedy Library, where he led many innovative efforts that transformed the library into a student-inspired space with technology as the bedrock. He returned to ITS in 2016 to focus on customer advocacy and support, which has been a passion throughout his career. In his time at Cal Poly, he has enjoyed mentoring others and building relationships across campus in every facet of his work. In retirement, Kohler looks forward to spending more time with family and friends and deeply enjoying everything life on the Central Coast has to offer.
George Gowgani, a Cal Poly alumnus who later taught crop science and served as a department head and associate dean in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences before becoming a CSU trustee, died Dec. 13. Born in Tabriz, Iran, Gowgani immigrated to the U.S. in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree in crop science and master’s degree in education at Cal Poly and then attended the University of Nevada, earning a master’s degree in agronomy and a doctorate in biological sciences. He returned to Cal Poly in 1967, subsequently serving as head of the Crop Science Department and associate dean for the college. In 1994, then-President Warren J. Baker appointed Gowgani as Goodwill Ambassador for Higher Education, CSU. Gowgani served on the CSU board of trustees from 2004-11 and was named Honored Alumnus for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences in 2006. “George’s contributions to the department and the college set a strong path for student success that continues today,” CAFES Dean Andrew Thulin said. “Both in the classroom and as a mentor to faculty, his dedication to Cal Poly and higher education was boundless.” Plant Sciences Department Head Scott Steinmaus fondly remembers Gowgani stopping by his office to share a pile of notes and slides for his Weed Science class. “George introduced me to a different way of teaching, more practical and something that college students could actually understand. He was a great perspective builder for me; and my students are very thankful.” A memorial will be held for Gowgani on Feb. 18.
Mindfulness Meditation Group Offered Mondays in Winter Quarter
The Mindfulness Meditation Group will meet this winter every Monday that classes are scheduled, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 11 (the downstairs conference room) in Campus Health and Wellbeing (No. 27). There will also be a Zoom option for those interested in attending virtually. Mindfulness meditation is a nonreligious exercise of paying attention to your present-moment experience. Everyone is welcome — faculty, staff and students. No experience is necessary. Two minutes of instruction will precede 30 minutes (12:15–12:45 p.m.) of silent meditation (with headphones permitted). For more information, contact Matthew J. Moore at mmoore02@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-2895.
Cal Poly Statistics Department Offers Consulting Services in Winter
The Statistics Department will provide 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 Jan. 9 through March 17 by appointment only. Statistics faculty members Hunter Glanz and Heather Smith will serve as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, they are 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.
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.
W. Terrence Spiller to Perform Piano Recital on Jan. 13
Pianist and music Professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will give a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, in the Spanos Theatre. The program will open with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s dramatic Sonata in A Minor, K. 310, and Maurice Ravel’s glittering “Jeux d’eau.” Both works were composed in Paris more than 100 years apart. Sergei Prokofiev’s “Visions fugitives,” Op. 22, and “Suggestion diabolique” will follow, which were written by the composer during his early years in St. Petersburg. The second half of the recital will feature Frédédric Chopin’s “Two Polonaises,” Op. 40; his Nocturne in G Major, Op. 37, No. 2; and five of his “Études,” Op. 10; many of which were also composed in Paris. Spiller teaches applied piano at Cal Poly, though he retired from full-time teaching in 2021. 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 piano recital
Holocaust Survivor Joe Alexander to Speak Jan. 15 at the PAC
Chabad of SLO and Cal Poly present an evening with 100-year-old Holocaust survivor Joe Alexander at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, in Harold Miossi Hall. Born in 1922 in Kowal, Poland, Alexander and his family enjoyed a comfortable life until Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939. From Kowal, the Nazis sent Alexander to 12 different concentration camps, including Dachau and Auschwitz-Birkenau. After the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto uprising, he was sent from Auschwitz back to the Warsaw ghetto to clean up the destruction's aftermath. As the Polish home army advanced to Warsaw, the Nazis sent Alexander to camps in Germany, and then on a death march. Hear the astonishing and fascinating personal account of Alexander’s survival, strength and determination.
Get tickets to hear Joe Alexander
Cal Poly to Present Annual Bach Week Jan. 17-21
The Music Department will present Bach Week Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 17-21. “The Art of the Fugue” lecture-recital will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. At 11:10 a.m. Jan. 19, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center, guest artists will present an instrumental master class, followed at 3:10 p.m. by a vocal master class. The final events will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20, a concert titled “Bach Reconstructed/Deconstructed” will be presented by period instrument ensemble Tesserae Baroque and guest vocalists. On Jan. 21, two Bach Week finale concerts titled “Bach and the German Chorale” will be performed at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Members of Cal Poly’s Chamber Choir, Symphony and faculty will join with guest artists to perform a variety of works. Bach Week Co-Director Scott Glysson will give a preconcert lecture at 6 p.m. prior to the 7:30 p.m. performance. Admission to the Jan. 17 lecture-recital and Jan. 19 master classes is free. Jan. 20 concert tickets and Jan. 21 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.
Grammy-Winning Trumpeter Terence Blanchard to Perform Jan. 18 at the PAC
Cal Poly Arts presents Grammy-winning trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard in Harold Miossi Hall at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18. Blanchard is known for making powerful musical statements concerning painful American tragedies — past and present. In his expansive work composing the scores for Spike Lee films, Blanchard has interwoven melodies that created strong backdrops to human stories. He is the first Black composer to have an opera performed at the Metropolitan Opera since its founding in 1883. For this Cal Poly Arts event, Blanchard will unite his internationally acclaimed band The E-Collective with the double-Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet for an unforgettable night of jazz.
Get tickets to Terence Blanchard
Cal Poly Orchesis Dance Company to Present ‘Falling Forward’ Jan. 20-21 and 26-28
The Theatre and Dance Department will present the Orchesis Dance Company’s 53rd annual concert, “Falling Forward,” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21, and Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 26-28, in the Spanos Theatre. Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on all days, with a matinee scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. The title, “Falling Forward,” celebrates a strong commitment to creativity and unbridled expression. Performances will include choreography by faculty, guests and students in multiple genres. Tickets are $20 for the public and $12 for students, seniors and children. Tickets can be purchased online at pacslo.org, by phone at ext. 6-4849, or at the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. An additional handling fee of $1 for students and $2 for the public will be assessed when purchasing tickets online.
Get tickets to ‘Falling Forward’
Step Afrika! Returns to Cal Poly Jan. 30
Step Afrika! will perform at Cal Poly’s Miossi Hall at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30. This is a free event sponsored by Student Affairs. Founded in 1994 as an exchange program with Johannesburg’s Soweto Dance Theatre, Step Afrika! is the first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. It is the United States’ largest African American-led arts organization in Washington, D.C., and D.C.’s only cultural ambassador. Step Afrika!’s dancers are college graduates, many who attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and are members of Historically Black Greek Fraternities and Sororities. Each year Step Afrika! engages 30,000 college students across the nation, teaching teamwork and discipline to all that participate. Students can RSVP at https://calpoly.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8679583 Faculty, staff, and community members can RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/step-afrika-tickets-504132894057. Questions? Contact Jamie S. Patton at japatton@calpoly.edu.
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.