English Professor to Explain ChatGPT’s Limitations and Teaching Potential
While the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT has caused disruption and concern in many educational and professional settings across the nation, Associate Professor Jason Peters, coordinator of the English Department’s first-year composition program, said the program is only as good as its user — at least for now. As an expert in composition and linguistics, Peters has been experimenting with the program since its November 2022 release. He found that while the AI is effective at composing essays, it currently lacks the ability and sophistication needed for college-level writing. Peters will speak on the topic March 23 at Good Morning SLO, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s monthly morning breakfast program. The hybrid event is open to the public and will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. at Grace Central Coast Church, 1350 Osos St., in San Luis Obispo and streamed on Zoom. Purchase tickets on the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce website.
Honors Students Design Campus Communal Spaces
When incoming University Honors Program students began their orientation course last fall, program director Jasna Jovanovic asked them to dream up new community spaces of belonging on campus. “It’s a good opportunity for the students to familiarize themselves with the campus and also get to know each other even better by hearing what makes them feel a sense of belonging,” said Jovanovic, who created the project as part of the course’s theme: The Science and Culture of Love. The program uses discussion-based courses like this, along with opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, leadership and community service, to support high-achieving students in the program. The curriculum includes themes of diversity and inclusion, sustainability, ethics and global perspectives and is meant to enrich and supplement the learning of honors students in their majors. Honors students were directed to research and study Cal Poly’s campus and propose a new place that could serve as a space of belonging.
Read the full story on Cal Poly News
Find 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.
Students Advance to CSU Research Competition
Ten research projects were selected to represent Cal Poly at the 37th annual CSU Student Research Competition, a systemwide event, hosted by San Diego State University on April 28-29. The 19 Cal Poly delegates were chosen from 34 projects involving 69 undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni. The Academic Senate Grants Review Committee selected the 10 projects from Cal Poly’s internal competition in February. “It is exciting to see how students, faculty and staff are making a difference in their disciplines and our world with their research, scholarship and creative activities,” said Jane Lehr, director of the Office of Student Research. “This year’s participants in the internal competition gave the most consistently strong presentations that I have had the opportunity to see compete in this process. Congratulations and thanks to all for their work.” Pictured is history major Ethan Gutterman, whose research with Dr. Thanayi Jackson on “Special Collections at Kennedy Library: The Historic Black Community of San Luis Obispo” is one of ten projects selected to represent Cal Poly.
Learn about the competition and view the list of projects
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.
Submit Nominations by April 10 for Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy
Nominations are being accepted for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy. This award celebrates visionary leaders who have forged critical partnerships to advance the mission of Cal Poly. Nominees may be current or former faculty member who have been instrumental in comprehensive development and fundraising efforts. The award recipient will be recognized at Fall Convocation. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations, which are due by Monday, April 10. The nomination form is available on the Office of the Provost website. Direct any questions to academicaffairs@calpoly.edu.
Sign Up by March 22 to Volunteer for CP Thrift
Volunteers are needed June 12-22 to collect, sort and clean donations for two pop-up CP Thrift stores open to the campus community during Mustang Move-in in September. Items will be collected from residents of University Housing as they move out of campus residence halls and apartments at the end of spring quarter in June. To volunteer, sign up by Wednesday, March 22. CP Thrift is a popular place for students, faculty and staff to shop for gently used household items and décor, in exchange for a donation. Located near campus housing, the shops are stocked with clean and ready-to-use items — dishes, cookware, utensils, mirrors, fans, shoe racks, picture frames, plants and more. By preventing the disposal of items used for just nine months, Cal Poly keeps more than 6,000 pounds of waste out of our local landfill every year. Proceeds support campus sustainability efforts. For more information, contact Suzanne Aguirre at skaguirr@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-9323.
Sign up to volunteer for CP Thrift
CTLT Offers Spring Opportunities for Educators
The spring lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators, including faculty and staff, from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) is available to explore. Workshops focus on equitable and inclusive teaching, assignment design for academic integrity, accessibility and Universal Design for Learning and blended/hybrid course design. Book circles include titles on equity in academia, equitable grading practices, fostering intrinsic motivation among students and effective communication practices. There are also opportunities for academic writing support and on-demand resources for academic success.
- Learn more and register for CTLT Workshops and on-demand resources.
- Learn more and register for CTLT Book Circles.
- Learn more about the Equitable Grading Community of Practice.
Eat with Sustainability in Mind During National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, and University Personnel — Employee Wellbeing has joined with Campus Dining Nutritionist Kaitlin Gibbons to support employees in creating sustainable, healthy habits. Reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying nutritious foods by eating plant-based meals, minimizing packaging and growing food at home. Shopping locally and enjoying seasonal foods also support the environment. San Luis Obispo County features many opportunities to find local, seasonal foods at weekly farmers’ markets. The Cal Poly Organic Farm offers produce at the San Luis Obispo farmer’s markets, recipes and storage tips for fruits and vegetables. This month, try an earth-friendly, seasonal recipe such as Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Kale. For additional sustainability tips, see ”Six Tips to Lighten Your Carbon Footprint.” Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information.
Sign up for the weekly Cal Poly Farm newsletter
Spring Quarter Parking Permits On Sale March 27
Spring quarter staff/faculty parking permits go on sale Monday, March 27. Find a parking permit option that best fits your commute by using your parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available online for purchase at your union rate. Permits sold in parking lots at pay stations, parking meters or by ParkMobile do not offer staff rates. Spring quarter permits are valid April 3 to June 16. Winter quarter parking permits will expire April 2. Purchase permits online and update your vehicle information using your parking account.
Learn more about staff parking
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.
New Spring Book Circles for Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the spring 2023 Book Circles. Engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus while reading a book over the course of three to four sessions. The books are:
- “Mastering Community: The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us From Surviving to Thriving” by Christine Porath. Discover how to create communities that support personal wellbeing and enhance our work experience.
- “The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown” by Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr. Gain the inspiration, tools, and strategies to embrace uncertainty and thrive.
- “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do” by Claude M. Steele. Examine racial and gender-based stereotypes, learn how negative stereotypes can diminish performance, and discover techniques to mitigate "stereotype threats."
- “The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More” by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb. Explore the psychology behind consumerism, what shapes spending habits, and practical tips for a fulfilling way of life.
View full descriptions and register
CET Seed Grant Program Accepting Applications
The Center for Expressive Technologies (CET) Seed Grant Program is open to faculty and staff from all departments until Friday, April 28. Any project studying or using technology in creative ways to improve the human experience is eligible for up to $4,000 in funding for student assistants, travel or additional compensation to support the research or creative activity. This year, CET is also looking for projects that could utilize its new studio space in the center of campus, where users can experiment with the latest projection, sound and lighting technologies; exhibit art, video, audio or mixed-reality experiences; or conduct live performances and community engagement. Have questions or need help finding a collaborator? Email CET Interim Director Martine Lappé.
Find more information on the grant program
Faculty Advisor Training Series Offered in Spring
University Advising is offering a Faculty Advisor Training Series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. Register using the links below:
- FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: April 14.
- FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: to be offered in fall quarter.
- FA 103: Building Student Success through Faculty Advising: to be offered in fall quarter.
Questions? Contact Advisor Training Coordinator Christina Wolfe-Chandler at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about the Faculty Advisor Training series
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at the PAC April 1-2
Ballet Theatre SLO presents the world premiere of Theresa Slobodnik’s epic three-act ballet adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2, in Harold Miossi Hall. In 1460s Paris, a hunchbacked and hideous-looking little boy is abandoned on Notre Dame Cathedral’s steps, rescued and fostered by a clergyman. A mother’s beautiful, beloved infant daughter is stolen from her home and raised by criminals. Fifteen years later when their paths cross, one simple act of kindness unleashes a whirlwind of love, cruelty, betrayal, prejudice and hypocrisy. Slobodnik’s vision and choreography brings fresh insight to Victor Hugo’s complex characters amidst professionally mounted sets, stunning period costumes and the compelling storytelling by the dance artists of Ballet Theatre SLO.
Get tickets to "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"
Drummer Nate Smith comes to Spanos Theatre on April 7
Cal Poly Arts presents drummer, composer and producer Nate Smith with his band KINFOLK at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, in Spanos Theatre. Smith fuses his original compositions with an eclectic mix of music, including jazz, R&B, hip-hop and pop. His visceral, instinctive and deep-rooted style of drumming has led to three Grammy nominations and work with esteemed artists, including Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Brittany Howard, Van Hunt, The Fearless Flyers, Norah Jones and Somi. His latest album, “Kinfolk 2: See The Birds,“ was the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2017 Grammy-nominated album, “Kinfolk: Postcards From Everywhere.” In recent years, Smith’s viral videos have been viewed by millions of people, underscoring his popularity as one of the most influential drummers of his generation. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
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.