Cal Poly Announces Temporary Kennedy Library Locations During Transformation Project
Cal Poly has announced the temporary locations for its library services and study spaces while the Kennedy Library building closes for a planned two-year transformation project. The building is scheduled to close for renovation in summer 2023, with reopening slated for fall 2025. While the library building is closed, the services and programs provided by the library will continue in other locations on campus. Built in 1980, Kennedy Library is over 40 years old and needs significant system upgrades. To ensure the safety of the campus community and construction partners, the building will be closed during the entirety of construction. The library renovation team, working closely with partners from across the university, has identified service and student study hub locations. Tools will be available to help community members quickly find the resources they need throughout the construction.
Find a map and view the temporary locations
Noyce School of Applied Computing Director Candidates to Visit Campus March 10 and 15
College of Engineering Dean Amy S. Fleischer has invited finalists for the founding director of The Noyce School of Applied Computing position to visit campus. Biographies and curricula vitae will be available one business day prior to each finalist visit. All members of the campus community are invited to attend the forums. This is a critical position in the university, and the candidates look forward to interacting broadly with the campus community. The founding director will join a campus community poised to create the first interdisciplinary, endowed school, made possible by a transformational gift from the Robert N. Noyce Trust. Learn more about the school. Save the date for open university forums scheduled for each finalist:
- Friday, March 10, 11:10 a.m. to noon, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7), Room 2.
- Wednesday, March 15, 11:10 a.m. to noon, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7), Room 2.
Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8
Join the International Center in celebrating International Women’s Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 in the UU Plaza. Cal Poly honors International Women’s Day by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women with various events during the month of March. Activities on March 8 will include a photo booth, trivia questions and prizes, information on how the day is celebrated in other countries, books by female authors sponsored by Mustang Shop, and more. Do you want to improve equity for women in technology, elevate the visibility of women creatives, build a workplace where women thrive, empower women’s choices in health, and applaud equity for women in sports? The campus community can join the movement by using #EmbraceEquity or #IWD2023 on their social posts and answer a question: How will you forge a world built on gender equity? Visit the International Women’s Day Linktree for a list of women-run businesses, podcasts, authors, and a special Spotify playlist.
Civil Engineering Professor to Talk on Deadly Quakes in Turkey March 8
A professor who has studied earthquakes for over 20 years knew he needed to get on the ground in Turkey to collect data — and find answers — in the aftermath of one of the deadliest quakes in a decade. Robb Moss from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department is on the steering committee for a volunteer organization of geotechnical researchers that deployed him days after the Feb. 6 earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude. The temblors flattened buildings and killed more than 47,000 people across southern Turkey and northern Syria. Moss, who has taught at Cal Poly since 2006, will share details of his reconnaissance, along with the implications for Turkey and the broader seismic community, during a special presentation from 6:40 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories building (No. 7) at Cal Poly.
Read the news release to learn more
Employment Milestones to be Recognized March 9
State, Corporation and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2022 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the Performing Arts Center Miossi Hall, followed by a reception in the Performing Arts Center Main Lobby. Appetizers will be served. View the program for a complete listing of awardees. All attendees are required to RSVP. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. All award recipients should have received an email with a link to RSVP. Contact the committee chair for additional information at serviceawards@calpoly.edu.
College of Science and Math Launches Astronomy Research Fellowship Through Donor Funding
A new Astronomy Faculty Research Fellowship in the College of Science and Mathematics will expand opportunities for faculty and student collaborations on space science. The program is supported by a generous donation from the Marrujo Foundation, established by Dan (Electrical Engineering, ’08) and Rosamaria Marrujo. The fellowship, which has been funded for three years, relieves faculty from teaching duties so they can work more closely with students on research. Elizabeth Jeffery, assistant professor of physics, pictured, will lead the research in the first year. The work begins this spring using scientific methodology to study the ages of stars. She’ll soon begin actively recruiting a research team of students, who will explore data related to locations and brightness of stars to better understand how long they’ve existed.
Read the news release on the research fellowship
Nominations for 2023 Sustainability Awards Open Through March 17
The Cal Poly Sustainability Awards is an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations within the campus community who have shown a strong commitment to sustainability. Faculty, staff, students and campus organizations are eligible to receive the award. Individual recipients will receive $500, and the recognized campus organization will receive a $1,000 sponsorship. Nominators and candidates will be invited to an awards ceremony luncheon on April 21, attended by President Armstrong. The 2022 Award and honorable mention recipients are, from left to right, Fiona Reyes, Professor Jonathan Reich, Morgan Bing, Yiwen Chui, Hope Springer, Professor Erin Pearse and Lauren Londono.
Submit nominations by 5 p.m. March 17
Give Feedback in A&F Survey and Enter to Win Prizes
On Feb. 28, Administration and Finance launched its annual customer satisfaction survey. The survey asks the campus community for feedback on the division’s performance over the past year. This information will help A&F leadership learn from customers’ knowledge, values and experiences pertaining to each unit and department. Open to all faculty, staff and students, the Focus Forward survey will be open through March 24. While the survey covers every unit and department within A&F, campus community members are only being asked to complete the sections relevant to them. For every section that participants complete they will be entered into a drawing for a 36-inch Blackstone Griddle, a Ninja DualBrew Pro coffee system, Beats Studio Wireless Buds, a Spike Ball Set or one of 30 local business gift cards. Get more information on the survey, prizes and a link to participate.
Change the Status Quo Keynote Event Rescheduled to March 15
Steven Canals’ visit — which was postponed from its original Feb. 23 date due to speaker illness — is now scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in the Performing Arts Center’s Miossi Hall. Canals, an Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning co-creator, executive producer, director and writer of the FX drama series “Pose,” is the keynote speaker of the 21st annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice and Service Lecture Series. A groundbreaking queer, Afro Latinx creator, Canals recently signed his first deal with 20th Century TV and is developing projects that represent diverse and inclusive voices and stories of historically marginalized communities. The Center for Service in Action hosts the annual event, which aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change.
Support Experience Industry Management Students at Annual Fundraiser
The Experience Industry Management Department is hosting its annual student-run fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Higuera Ranch in San Luis Obispo. This year’s theme is "New Take, Old Traditions." A variety of activities, such as horseback riding, wine tasting and a beekeeping experience, will be auctioned off. Attendees will also be offered wine, beer, cider, kombucha tastings, heavy hors d'oeuvres, live music, activities and many additional auction items filled with unique experiences. Event tickets are $55. All funds from the event go to the Experience Industry Management Department to support student success, including professional conferences and immersive learning opportunities. The department plays an integral role in developing future industry leaders in hospitality, event planning, and sports and recreation experiences.
Learn more and buy tickets to the EIM fundraiser
First-Year Success Program Coaches Needed for Spring 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 session on March 24 to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members from our community who represent all areas of Cal Poly. All levels of experience and background are welcome. Questions? Email FSP.
Sign up or express interest by March 22
Innovation Quest 2023 Applications Due March 17
Faculty and staff who know of students working on innovative projects with market potential can encourage them to apply to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Innovation Quest (iQ) 2023 by Friday, March 17. 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. The winners receive $15,000. The 2022 third-place winners are pictured: GripSafe Founder Shaun Tanaka, left, with engineer Dylan DeFazio, right, and one of their mentors, Jim Finwick.
Learn more about Innovation Quest
Students Can Apply by March 17 for 2023-24 #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program
The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is accepting priority applications now through March 17 from students interested in joining its 2023-24 cohort. Created by Gov. Newsom, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps provides more than 6,000 college students throughout the state with service-learning opportunities to address statewide challenges in climate action, K-12 education and food insecurity. The program also provides participating students with up to $10,000, which includes monthly stipends and an award to be used for educational purposes at the conclusion of their service. Among other efforts, Cal Poly's College Corps fellows contributed to local storm cleanup efforts in January, assisting residents in need in Los Osos and organizations in San Luis Obispo.
Campus Network Outage Set for March 29
During spring break, ITS will perform maintenance on the data center firewall to improve security and network reliability. All services requiring login (portal, Canvas, wired and wireless network, etc.) will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, while this work is being performed. Anyone with questions before or after the maintenance period can contact the Help Desk at servicedesk@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-7000.
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in March and April
University Personnel has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer upcoming synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- Assertive Communication: Improve your understanding of effective communication styles.
March 28 at 11 a.m. Join Jessica Coats to learn about four styles of interpersonal behavior, assertive versus aggressive communication, self-esteem, addressing conflict, setting boundaries and tips for effective workplace communication. Register for the Assertive Communication workshop. - Personal Resilience: Learn how engagement and energy management relate to personal resilience.
April 20 at 10 a.m. Concepts covered will challenge long-held beliefs and habits about maintaining work/life balance. Principles of energy management, understanding engagement and developing energy rituals will be discussed in this session. Register for the Personal Resilience workshop.
Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information on well-being workshops.
Learn About Nutrition and Food Security During National Nutrition Month
In honor of National Nutrition Month, University Personnel — Employee Wellbeing is sharing information about nutrition on a budget with employees. The average price of food in the United States has increased 10.1% over the last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, buying food on a budget can go hand in hand with eating nutritious meals. To eat well on a budget, the Academy of Food Science and Nutrition suggests that people plan meals according to sales and include fresh produce, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Whole grains and dried beans are inexpensive and provide nutritious sustenance. Additionally, Cal Poly employees have access to fresh, nutritious foods through the Cal Poly Food Pantry on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. According to the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo, one in five county residents experience food insecurity. If you or someone you know is food insecure, there are resources available, including SLO Food Bank and Cal Fresh. For additional budget-friendly tips, review Shop Healthy on a Budget. Contact Lisa Gray for more information.
Learn more about the Cal Poly Food Pantry
Explore the Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams in March 28 Webcast
All employees are invited to participate in another edition of the CSU’s Got Talent series from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28. Award-winning thought-leader, speaker and best-selling author David Burkus will present a webcast titled “Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams.” In this webinar, Burkus argues that talent doesn’t make the team — the team makes the talent. Drawing on decades of research and diverse case studies, Burkus reveals what some of the most effective teams in the world do differently, and how you can start doing the same on your team.
Register and attend the free webcast
Learn How to Create a Transfer-Friendly Culture on March 29
Transfer Inclusivity Training is available for all staff, faculty and grad students on campus from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 29. 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. Email Heather Domonoske with questions.
Register for Transfer Inclusivity Training
Take Advantage of Professional Development Courses in March
Employee and Organization Development is pleased to share the release of the March 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 March. View and register for using the links below. Registration is open on a first-come basis, so don’t delay.
- March 8, 1:30-3 p.m.: The Five Elements of Well-being.
- March 9, 11 a.m.-noon: Ten Steps to Financial Success.
- March 14, 11 a.m.-noon: Preparing Emotionally to Transition to Retirement.
- March 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Critical and Strategic Problem Solving.
- March 15, 10-11 a.m.: Onboarding and Offboarding Employees — Keys to Continuity.
- March 16, 10-11:30 a.m.: Positive Psychology.
- March 21, 9-10:30 a.m.: Exposing Hidden Bias.
- March 23, 1-3 p.m.: Avoiding Bias in Hiring.
- March 29, 10-11 a.m.: How To Get Your Child to College.
Beef Barn to be Demolished to Make Way for Student Employee Housing
The old beef barn, including the barn, surrounding pipe stalls and hay barn, located above the parking lots on Via Carta, will be demolished in the coming weeks to make way for new agriculture student employee housing adjacent to the planned future Animal Health Center. The site has been largely unused for several years as beef operations have relocated to other, newer sites within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Over the years, the site has deteriorated, making it unusable and a potential safety concern if left unattended. Demolition of the beef pavilion is the first step prior to building two new six-bedroom student houses that will provide housing for up to 12 students working on campus agriculture sites. Agriculture housing offers a unique opportunity for qualified students to gain practical experience working in positions of responsibility at campus agricultural production units. In the past, the site was used for livestock events throughout the year, including FFA state finals, camps and other programs. Those activities have long been held elsewhere on campus.
ASI Program Registration Begins March 13
Registration for a wide variety of ASI spring quarter classes and events will begin on Monday, March 13. Make a splash in an ASI Aquatics class, put a spring in your step with an ASI Fitness class or workshop, or join the team with ASI Intramural Sports. There's something for everyone. Visit asi.calpoly.edu to learn more about all spring quarter offerings and schedule a reminder for the registration date.
Learn about spring quarter classes
Center for Service in Action to Host Blood Drive March 8
One blood donation can save up to three lives. Help save lives by participating in the Center for Service in Action’s on-campus blood drive on Wednesday, March 8, in partnership with Vitalant. Two Vitalant busses 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.
View the Latest Service-Learning Innovations in March 15 Showcase
The 2023 Service-Learning Faculty Fellows will present the Service-Learning Showcase of course redesign proposals from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 15, in the Bonderson Engineering Projects Center (No. 197), Room 104 (the Club Room). The event is organized by the Center for Service in Action and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology. This poster-session-style event will be an opportunity to view and discuss the latest innovations of service-learning developed by faculty and is open to the entire campus community. Light refreshments will be provided.
Theatre and Dance Department Presents Sondheim’s ‘Company’ March 9-11
The Theatre and Dance Department will present the winter 2023 musical production of Stephen Sondheim's "Company” at 8 p.m. March 9-11, in the Spanos Theatre. This Tony award-winning musical from one of musical theater’s most significant composers of all time examines relationships through the lens of its unmarried protagonist. Featuring many of Sondheim’s best-known songs, “Company” takes the audience on a comedic and heartfelt journey fueled by the complexities of love, commitment and friendship that explores the modern reality of being alive.
Cal Poly Choirs to Present ‘Heaven and Hell’ Concert March 11
Two Cal Poly Choirs — PolyPhonics and Chamber Choir — will present a concert titled “Heaven and Hell” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, in Mission San Luis Obispo. The concert will feature two major works from both old and new traditions. PolyPhonics will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famous Requiem in D Minor, K 626, from 1791; and the Chamber Choir will perform Herbert Howells’ “Requiem,” which was composed in the 1930s. PolyPhonics will also perform “A Silence Haunts Me” by Jake Runestad; “The Heavens’ Flock” by Ēriks Ešenvalds, which will be conducted by Cal Poly music major Alfred Zoppi; and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” featuring Cal Poly faculty member Amy Goymerac as the vocal soloist. Scott Glysson conducts the choirs, and Paul Woodring accompanies the choirs. 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 "Heaven and Hell"
Legendary Rock Group Los Lobos Performs March 14
Cal Poly Arts presents legendary rock group Los Lobos with Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno at 7:30 p.m. March 14 in Harold Miossi Hall. Los Lobos is considered one of the greatest American bands of all time. Gaining international stardom in 1987 with their version of “La Bamba,” the band has released 17 critically acclaimed studio albums over a 40-plus year career. Influenced by rock and roll; Tex-Mex; country; zydeco; folk; R&B; brown-eyed soul; and traditional music such as cumbia, boleros and norteños; Los Lobos has performed at the White House and been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Moreno was a Best New Artist winner at the Latin Grammys, Emmy nominee (Outstanding Original Main Theme Song for NBC’s Parks and Recreation) and has shared the international stage with luminaries such as Bono, Andrea Boccelli, David Gray, Emmylou Harris and more. There is a 20% staff and faculty discount available for this event.
Cal Poly Symphony to Feature Student Soloists at March 17 Concert
The Symphony’s Winter Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, in the Performing Arts Center. Student winners of the symphony’s Solo Competition will be featured, including bassoonist Davis Lerner performing the third movement of W.A. Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191; violinist Reenu Kutty playing the first movement of Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26; and saxophonist Ari Maman performing the first three movements of Paul Maurice’s “Tableaux de Provence.” Sarah Jane Scott, soprano, will sing “Laudate Dominum” from Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de confessore,” K. 339. The orchestra will perform “Chronicles” by student composer Yumin Park, and assistant conductor Jayden Perez will conduct John Williams’ “Theme from Jurassic Park.” In addition, the symphony will perform music by Joe Hisaishi from four Studio Ghibli films: “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Spirited Away,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” 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 Symphony's winter concert
Arab Music Ensemble Concert to Feature Greek, Syrian and Egyptian Music on March 18
The Arab Music Ensemble will hold its Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, in Spanos Theatre. Fathi Aljarrah, a critically acclaimed composer, singer and violinist who hails from Syria will be a guest artist; as will Ishmael, an Assyrian American qanun (trapezoidal zither) virtuoso. The program will feature several selections of classic Greek songs by composers, including Markos Vamvakaris, Thanasis Papakonstantinou and Yiannis Stamoulis. Original compositions by Aljarrah and a famous instrumental piece by the iconic Egyptian composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab will also be on the program. The Arab Music Ensemble is an orchestra and choir with vocal and instrumental soloists. San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead a dance troupe in the performance of original choreography that dialogues with the 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
Catapult Shadow Dance Co. Comes to the PAC on March 19
An “America’s Got Talent” finalist from Season 8, Catapult features incredible dancers who work behind a screen to create shadow silhouettes of shapes from the world around us. The production will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in Harold Miossi Hall. With the arc of an arm, the point of a toe or the twist of a torso, Catapult’s dancers stretch their bodies, telling stories with humor and pathos by transforming magically from one shape to another. Animated by the dancers’ shadows, every cinematic scene is a kaleidoscope of colorful storytelling. Catapult is a great show for the whole family — full of laughs, emotions and miraculous transformations. A 20% staff and faculty discount is available.
Two Cal Poly Choirs to Present Concert on March 19
Cantabile and the University Singers will present a concert titled “Contemporary” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. It will be a preview of Cantabile’s upcoming performance in New York City’s Lincoln Center. Cantabile will give the premiere performance of “While I Breathe, I Hope” by Jocelyn Hagen who will present a pre-concert Q&A. “I Pastured My Wolves” by music Professor Meredith Brammeier will also be premiered by Cantabile. Brammeier will accompany the group on piano and will join Cantabile on stage at Lincoln Center. The University Singers will perform modern compositions with texts by female poets Sara Teasdale, Christina Rossetti and Maya Angelou. The group will also perform works by California composer Ruth Morris Gray, Domanick Diorio and Rollo Dilworth. The pre-concert Q&A with Hagen will be at 2 p.m. and is included in the ticket price. 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.
Shen Yun returns to the PAC March 25-26
Shen Yun will take attendees on a journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and 1 p.m. Sunday, March 26, in Harold Miossi Hall. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the Earth to inspire humanity.
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.