Campus Community Invited to Seventh Annual MLK Jr. Legacy Event on Jan. 19
The Cal Poly community is invited to the seventh annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, hosted by the Black Academic Excellence Center on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the PAC Pavilion. The event will feature a dinner from 4 to 5:30 p.m., followed by the main program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The annual event honors Martin Luther King Jr.'s, life and legacy as a pivotal leader and provides an opportunity for the campus and community to reflect on his vision for equality, justice and peace. As part of the celebration, the MLK Legacy Award will be presented to two individuals who lead with love and hope to create a better campus for all. No RSVP is required for Cal Poly faculty and staff, but seating is limited. Students are encouraged to RSVP by visiting Cal Poly Now at https://now.calpoly.edu/event/8646864.
Safer Hosts Stalking Action Month in January
Join Safer this month for Stalking Action Month through its campaign: “Love, Boundaries.” Ultimately, stalking behaviors are repeated violations of boundaries — and we all deserve our boundaries to be respected. Highlighted events include weekly booths; workshops on boundaries and survivor support, a trivia brunch at Bliss Café, craft circle and continuous education on Instagram @calpolysafer. For more information on Stalking Action Month, including event information and Zoom backgrounds, visit Safer's website at https://safer.calpoly.edu/jansam.
Corporation Board of Directors to Meet Feb. 3
A Corporation board of directors meeting has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the third floor Conference Room of the Vista Grande Dining Complex (No. 112). Public comments for this meeting must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, to [email protected]. This meeting will be held in person; the Zoom webinar is for the public to view only. More information and the agenda will be made available on the Cal Poly Corporation website five days in advance of the meeting. Discussion topics can be added to the agenda at the discretion of the board. Anyone with questions should call Holly Clark at ext. 6-1131.
Apply Now to Transform Campus Utility Boxes into Works of Art
Applications are 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. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to submit an application by Feb. 15 via email to [email protected]. Selected artists will be notified in March and will receive a $250 Amazon gift card to cover necessary materials.
College Corps Program Assists with Local Storm Cleanup Effort
Students in Cal Poly’s inaugural cohort of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program are assisting with cleanup efforts following a rainstorm earlier this week that caused mudslides, flooding and property damage throughout San Luis Obispo County. More than a dozen students are helping residents in the Vista Court community in Los Osos clean up their homes after they were damaged in mudslides from a storm that dumped up to six inches of rain in some areas of the county. In addition, students in the program are also pitching in with general clean-up and restoration efforts at First Fruits Farm and the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. “Our students are members of this community too, so when they saw other local residents in need, they decided to step up and help,” said Allison Priola, program manager for Cal Poly’s AmeriCorps Programs.
Cal Poly Real Food Collaborative Offers Produce Subscription Service
The student-run Real Food Collaborative now offers a produce subscription for all campus community members interested in receiving fresh produce grown on campus at the Cal Poly Orchards and Organic Farm. Pick up a box of fresh produce every other week (weather permitting) with the following subscription options:
- Four pickups for $80: Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8.
- Four pickups for $80: Feb. 2, Feb. 15, March 1, March 15.
Prices are prorated so you will only pay for the boxes you receive. Payment in cash or check is accepted at your first pick up. Learn more about the Real Food Collaborative by visiting https://www.realfoodcollaborative.com/ or go to @realfoodcollab on Instagram. Questions? Email [email protected].
Learn About Innovation Quest 2023 on Jan. 24
The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host an info session for Innovation Quest (iQ) 2023 at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, in the Nash Family Entrepreneurship Lab in the Education Building (No. 2), Room 210. iQ empowers and supports innovators and entrepreneurs to build interdisciplinary teams to go from ideas to prototypes to companies. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded students from all colleges to showcase what they’ve built, coded, designed or prototyped throughout their efforts at Cal Poly and to get help with funding to turn their ideas into businesses — and the winners receive $15,000. Faculty or staff who know students who are working on innovative projects with market potential can encourage them to attend the info session.
Refreshed Office of Institutional Research Data Dashboards Available
The Office of Institutional Research (IR) has refreshed the Data Dashboards to include fall 2022 data and some new features. The dashboards include Admissions, Enrollment, Degrees, Retention and Graduation Rates, Financial Aid, and Employee data. The dashboards can be accessed via the IR website by clicking on “Data Dashboards” under the IR Menu. There is a lightbulb icon on each dashboard, which provides information on how to best interact with the respective dashboard. There is also a link to a glossary where variables are defined. The dashboards are interactive in that you can select any variables you would like via the filers to get the data you’re seeking. If the data you need is not available in the dashboards or you need it in a different format (e.g., Excel), contact Institutional Research at [email protected].
Whistling Vivaldi Book Circle Starts Jan. 25
To coincide with social psychologist and Stanford emeritus professor Claude M. Steele’s planned visit to Cal Poly in winter 2023, the Center for Teaching and Learnng (CTLT) is offering a book circle on his acclaimed book “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do.” Staff and faculty are invited to sign up for the book circle, which will meet Wednesdays on Zoom on Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8 and 15 and will focus on key topics related to stereotypes, identity and stereotype threat. Participants will be provided with a complimentary copy of the book. The book circle will be co-facilitated by Sarah Macdonald (CTLT) and Kari Mansager, Campus Health and Wellbeing. More information about Steele’s visit will be shared in the coming weeks.
CSU’s Learning and Development Offering ‘Principles of Supervision’ Course
A course is available for managers, supervisors and leaders new to supervising others, as well as those who would like a refresher. The online “Principles of Supervision,” offered by CSU Systemwide Learning and Development, is a workshop-style course taught via seven interactive modules with asynchronous and synchronous components over a four-week period. Topics cover fundamental skills such as directing and delegating work, performance management, providing feedback and team engagement. Visit the Learn and Grow website for more information on the course, upcoming dates and course fees; or sign up to express interest and receive alerts for future course dates.
Express interest for the course
New Winter Book Circles Available to Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the winter 2023 Book 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:
- “Inclusion on Purpose” by Ruchika Tulshyan. Inclusion takes awareness, intention and regular practice. Join in discussing the cutting-edge inclusion practices presented and learn how to meaningfully promote inclusion and diversity.
- “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson, M.D. This timeless business classic uses a parable to reveal profound truths about dealing with change to enjoy less stress and more success in work and in life.
- “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success” by Adam Grant explores why our interactions with others hold the key to success, and in the process reveals new approaches to work, relationships and productivity.
View full descriptions and register to attend
Save the Date for the Chancellor’s Office CSUBUY Roadshow
The CSUBUY Project Team will host a roadshow at Cal Poly on Wednesday, Feb. 15, in UU 220 to provide a first look at the CSUBUY Procure-to-Pay application — a streamlined automated platform that gives employees a straightforward way to purchase goods and services and covers every step from requisition to payment — and to meet the team.Different sessions covering specific topics for operational teams, campus users and fiscal approvers will be offered by invitation. A Town Hall meeting will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to ask questions. Attendees will be also able to see the application in its most configured state thus far and learn what the change will mean for them. Project next steps including training and go-live activities will also be communicated. Visit the CSUBUY website for more information or contact Strategic Business Services at ext. 6-2232.
Learn How to Secure Personal Information During Data Privacy Week
Data Privacy Week, held Jan. 22-28, is an annual campaign to spread awareness about data privacy and educate individuals on how to secure their personal information. All online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps and services collect data on behaviors, interests and purchases. Sometimes this includes personally identifiable data or even data about your physical self, like health data. While you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, in many cases, you can control how you share your data with a few simple steps:
- Know the tradeoff between privacy and convenience.
- Adjust settings to your comfort level.
- Protect your data.
View more details and examples
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
Earn $100 for Participating in Health Study Related to Sleep, Daily Activity
Kinesiology Department Associate Professor Sarah Keadle is seeking volunteers who are at least 30 years old to participate in research related to physical activity, sleep, light exposure and daily travel. Study participants will receive $100. The Physical Activity Light and Sleep (PALS) study is designed to compare different methods to collect the information. Volunteers must specifically use either their own Fitbit or Garmin health and fitness device and three additional study devices. The study will involve completing 10 days of data collection and four surveys about demographics (such as age and health), sleep, physical activity and participants’ work commute.
Learn more and complete a form to participate
Campus Blood Drive to Take Place Feb. 2
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by Orfalea College of Business, University Personnel, and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Thursday, Feb. 2. 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. and 2:45 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 [email protected] for more information.
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 [email protected].
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 to Present Annual Bach Week through Jan. 21
The Music Department will present Bach Week Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 17-21. 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. 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.
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 [email protected].
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.