Cal Poly Alumnus Victor Glover to Pilot Next Lunar Mission
Cal Poly alumnus Victor Glover will pilot the crew that will travel around the moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA’s path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration. NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced Glover and three other astronauts at a televised news conference Monday morning. The mission will be the second spaceflight for Glover (General Engineering, ’99), who served as pilot and second-in-command on the SpaceX Crew Dragon, named Resilience, which launched in November 2020. The Navy captain and test pilot then became the first Black astronaut to complete a long-term stay on the International Space Station. During his 168 days in space as a station systems flight engineer, Glover contributed to scientific investigations and technology demonstrations, completed four spacewalks, spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris, and even delivered Cal Poly’s fall 2020 commencement address. He also learned his eldest daughter was going to attend Cal Poly, a moment of joy only enhanced by zero gravity.
Stay Connected to Kennedy Library Transformation Project News
It’s no secret that Kennedy Library, an essential catalyst to student success, is in need of renovation. With $77 million in funding secured from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, the university can begin the work in earnest. Construction is projected to start in summer 2023, and the target date for re-opening the renovated building is fall quarter 2025. Ongoing updates will be shared throughout the transformation project. The library renovation project team has developed a monthly newsletter, Connections, to keep the campus community informed. Learn about the latest library services and program, get updates about renovation progress and discover some tips and tricks to help successfully connect.
Subscribe to the library transformation monthly newsletter
English Professor Addresses Ethical Implications of ChatGPT
Assistant Professor Deb Donig, English Department faculty and co-founder of Cal Poly’s Ethical Technology Initiative, talked to Cal Poly News about the potential impact of ChatGPT. She says the tool will alter how people value interactions with writing, and consumers will need to build a degree of digital literacy to navigate content from different sources. In this Q&A, Donig addresses what the artificial intelligence application can do, what it can’t do, and if professional writers should worry about job safety. “ChatGPT and large language models cannot ideate,” Donig says. “They take existing thought and they remix that thought. I am not so arrogant or pessimistic as to think that we have already thought of all of the great ideas out there. I think that there are new ideas out there waiting for people to invent, and we won't get there if we just remix the past.”
Read the full Q&A on Cal Poly News
Faculty and Staff Housing Project Set to Break Ground in 2023
The new faculty and staff housing project located on the corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue is on schedule to break ground this year. Cal Poly Corporation (CPC) leadership announced at the Feb. 3 board of directors meeting that a design-build team was brought on late last year, and the conceptual design for this latest housing project had been completed. The design-build team will be led by Thompson Dorfman Pacific as the master developer, SVA Architects for architecture and Pismo Beach-based Coastal Community Builders for building. Pending board of trustees approval, the team is ready to start construction in 2023. The development will feature 200 units, including 150 rental multifamily units and 50 single-family units for sale expected to be available for faculty and staff by 2025. The Corporation is also working to establish financing to make the units as attainable as possible.
Learn about faculty and staff housing
Nominate Campus DEI Leaders for President’s Diversity Awards
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion invites members of the campus community to submit nominations by 5 p.m. Monday, April 17, for the annual Cal Poly President’s Diversity Awards, which recognizes individuals and groups who have exhibited commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, in the PAC Lobby and Courtyard. The President’s Diversity Award categories are:
- Faculty.
- Staff.
- Student.
- Campus Department/Unit.
- Student Group/Organization.
- Dolores Huerta “Si Se Puede” Award for Transformational Leadership.
- Excellence in Inclusive Design Award.
Winners of the Group Award and Dolores Huerta "Si Se Puede" Award for Transformational Leadership will each receive $1,000, and all other recipients/groups will receive a $500 award.
Submit nominations for the President's Diversity Awards
Campus Dining Eliminates Plastic Water Bottle Usage Ahead of Deadline
Cal Poly surpassed a January 2023 deadline to eliminate the use of single-use plastic water bottles. The CSU has been making strides to enforce systemwide sustainable practices, including a policy to eliminate the use of single use plastics. Plastic straws were eliminated in 2019, and Styrofoam food service items were eliminated in 2021. The deadline for the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles was January. At Cal Poly, all single use plastic water bottles (20 ounces or less) have been eliminated from Campus Dining venues and replaced with aluminum. Cal Poly headed into the new year with even more ambitious sustainability goals for Campus Dining.
Learn more about the CSU plastic policy
Will This Winter’s Gloom Bring Super Blooms?
Following an unusually wet winter, the hillsides of the Central Coast are beginning to dazzle with colorful flowers. But will we see a superbloom this spring? Botany Professor Jenn Yost said scientists are anticipating a big flower event this year — and the prolonged rainy season indicates that some plants may come out of hiding. "Botanists tend to get really excited about years like this because plants that might not come up every year when rains aren’t good tend to come up when it’s wet," she said.
Celebrate Community Impact with Campus Dining ‘Power-Ful’ Event
On Friday, April 14, Campus Dining will join over 300 college campuses to host “Power-Ful,” a nationwide event to recognize individuals’ power and potential to create a positive impact in their community. Power-Ful will be celebrated at Vista Grande from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event, which coincides with Cal Poly’s Open House, will feature fresh Poly Produce; samples and giveaways from Campus Dining partners, including Coke, Grubhub and Jamba; a photobooth to capture the memories; and much more.
Deaf Student, Interpreter Amplify Importance of Accessibility in College of Engineering
Mechanical engineering student Yosef Towfique and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter Jennifer Beevers are enhancing the culture of the College of Engineering while raising awareness about accessibility. Towfique, who lost his hearing at age 2, was paired with Beevers of the Disability Resource Center after transferring to Cal Poly as a junior. Beevers joins Towfique for his classes to interpret spoken English into American Sign Language, bridging the communication gap between Towfique, his peers and professors. "Yosef has opened other students' minds to what deaf people can do," she said. "When a student-interpreter team goes into a classroom, they improve the worldview and accessibility awareness for everyone in that class."
Learning Café Offers Expanded Hours for Employee Use
The Learning Café, open to all faculty and staff to pursue learning opportunities, has expanded its hours to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment. Located in Room 125 of the Administration Building (No. 1), the Learning Café is a quiet place to take advantage of online learning opportunities through the Cal Poly Learning Hub and LinkedIn Learning. The Learning Café serves as a personal study room with six individual computers available for online training as well as space for in-person activities. Staff and faculty can also create their own personal learning plan with the help of the Employee and Organization Development team. Watch a video to learn more about the space.
Schedule an appointment on the Learn and Grow website
Building Toward Equity Program Open to Faculty in Spring
The Office for University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) are launching new workshops in spring quarter with the Building Toward Equity faculty development program that scaffolds DEI learning to develop faculty awareness, knowledge and skills. A group of eight Faculty Associates for DEI in Teaching collectively designed a Racial Equity Series of workshops that are the core element of this program.
Save the date for upcoming workshops:
- Community Cultural Wealth and Asset-Based Teaching: Wednesday, April 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Amber Williams, Susana López and Sarah Macdonald.
- Equity-Minded Assignments and Assessment: Wednesday, April 14, 9-11 a.m. Dawn Janke and Joni Roberts.
- DEI/Social Justice in STEM: Thursday, April 20, 10-11:30 a.m. Arnold Deffo and Michael Whitt.
Learn more and register for the workshops
Disability Tapas Resumes Spring Quarter
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) will kick off its quarterly Disability Tapas series with a session geared toward faculty called “Testing Agreement Q&A with K&A” from 11:10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 6, on Zoom. During the first 30 minutes, testing coordinators Keisha Cannon and Adrian Lindsey will give a brief overview of the DRC’s Accommodated Testing Services and walk instructors through the process of completing the testing agreement. Cannon, Lindsey and new DRC Director Jen Donaldson will spend the remaining 20 minutes answering questions from instructors. Stay tuned for the rest of the Disability Tapas schedule this quarter.
Register on the Disability Tapas webpage
Nominations Sought for Faculty Director of Program Improvement
Academic Programs and Planning is accepting nominations for the position of faculty director of program improvement. The position will provide leadership and direction for academic assessment and continuous improvement efforts at the program and institutional levels; work with the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology to provide professional development workshops for faculty and staff; and coordinate the administration of external campuswide assessments. This is a full-time faculty position covering the academic year and four to eight WTU (weighted teaching units) of summer work. The successful candidate will be released 100% from teaching and service responsibilities in their home department. The initial appointment will be for two years, renewable for additional three-year periods. Nominees must be full-time, tenured faculty members with significant teaching experience in higher education and two or more years of experience with academic assessment. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Contact Maureen O’Connor at [email protected] with questions.
Find the position description and how to apply
Apply by April 15 for New Global Teacher-Scholar Grant
The Cal Poly International Center has announced new Global Teacher-Scholar Grants, available thanks to generous funding from an anonymous donor committed to expanding opportunities and access to international education and scholarship for students and faculty. Grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded; up to 15 grants are available. The deadline for faculty to submit proposals is April 15. Grant information can be found by visiting the Faculty Opportunities webpage on the abroad.calpoly.edu website. Proposals will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the International Advisory Council with notifications given by May 15. Faculty may send questions to Cari Vanderkar, assistant vice provost for international programs, at [email protected].
Nominations Open for the 2023 LEAD Awards
The LEAD Awards recognize students, student organizations, programs and events in Student Affairs. This collaborative awards ceremony honors the following pillars: Leadership, engagement, advocacy and distinction. The LEAD Awards are geared toward celebrating the outstanding efforts on campus and are given to students or student organizations based on three categories:
- Leadership.
- Engagement.
- Distinction.
Students can nominate themselves or others. Additionally, nominations can be submitted for the Advocate Award, which recognizes Cal Poly faculty/staff or offices/departments that are allies for students, programs or events, organizations and beyond.
Grant Opportunity: Up to $180,000 Available to Support Technology and Public Benefits
Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) is accepting proposals for its 2023 Challenge Grants of up to $180,000. PIT refers to the study and application of technology expertise to advance the public interest in a way that generates public benefits and promotes the public good, particularly for those members of our society who are least well-served historically and today by existing systems and policies. The number of submissions are limited, so there will be an internal competition to determine which submissions will be made on behalf of Cal Poly. For more information, review the internal competition RFP. Pre-proposals are due by 9 a.m. Friday, April 14. Contact Stephanie Fabro at [email protected] with any questions.
Learn how to submit a pre-proposal
Institutional Research to Give Data Dashboards Overview
Need data? Don’t know where to find it? The Office of Institutional Research (IR) wants to help. Its data dashboards are the source of data for accreditation and surveys and to help employees make informed decisions. IR will give a Zoom presentation Wednesday, April 19, from 11-11:30 a.m. to provide employees a virtual overview of the data dashboards that have admissions, enrollment and employee data, as well as graduation rates and much more. In this overview, participants will see all the data that is available to them and will learn how to navigate and interact with the dashboards.
Career Education Canvas Modules Available to Embed in Courses
Career Services offers career curriculum available in Canvas modules that faculty can embed in their courses. The modules were developed by a team of professional career counselors in consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Career Services Advisory Council, faculty and students. The following modules are currently offered:
- Networking.
- Interviewing.
- Discovering Career Possibilities.
- Navigating Your Job/Internship Search.
- Resume and Cover Letter.
Each module is designed to be delivered asynchronously and includes several customizable components, such as readings, videos and activities. Faculty are encouraged to complement the material by having a career counselor visit their class as well. Those who have used the modules in the past are asked to continue to submit a form each quarter they use the modules to help Career Services track student utilization of this service.
Learn more about the modules and/or request access
CTLT’s Spring Quarter 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, online course design, hybrid course design, assignment design for academic integrity, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning. 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, equitable grading community of practice, 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.
New Spring Book and Learning Circles for Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the spring Book and Learning Circles, in which 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:
- “Mastering Community: The Surprising Ways Coming Together Moves Us From Surviving to Thriving” by Christine Porath.
- “The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown” by Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr.
- “Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do” by Claude M. Steele.
- “The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More” by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb.
Learning Circles involve watching a video, listening to a podcast or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. They include:
- “Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat, and Higher Education” by Russell McClain.
- “How to Write Less but Say More” by Jim VandeHei.
- “Three Rules for Better Work-Life Balance” by Ashley Whillans.
Mark Your Calendars for ChatGPT and Writing Instruction Event
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) invites the campus community to attend an informative 80-minute panel and Q&A about ChatGPT and its implications for writing instruction Thursday, April 13, from 11:10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kennedy Library, Room 209. Panel participants will define artificial intelligence (AI) large language models; discuss the particular AI ChatGPT; share how they are integrating this tool into writing instruction across disciplines; and offer new perspectives on higher education's approach to writing. An opportunity for informal discussion and refreshments will follow from 12:30-1 p.m.
Volunteers Needed for Healthy Kids Research
The Healthy Kids Lab is seeking participants for two different research studies on infant feeding and development. The studies are open to pregnant women and new mothers with infants under 6 months of age. The iBaby Study aims to examine the relationship between technology use in families and infant development. Participants receive $460 if they complete this 18-month study. The Paced Bottle-Feeding Study aims to support families during breast and bottle-feeding. Participants receive $140 if they complete this weeklong study. For more information, visit the Healthy Kids Lab website, call or text 805-242-6566, or email the team at [email protected].
Campus Blood Drive to Take Place April 18
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel, Orfalea College of Business and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Tuesday, April 18. 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.-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.
Statistics Consulting Service Available to Campus Community
The Statistics Department is offering consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through June 9 by appointment only. Statistics Department faculty Emily Robinson and Bret Holladay 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].
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.
Tap Dance Troupe Dorrance Dance Comes to the PAC April 12
Cal Poly Arts will present Dorrance Dance in Harold Miossi Hall at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Founded in 2011 by artistic director and 2015 MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance, the New York-based company shares the incredibly dynamic range that tap dance has to offer through performance and education. The company’s goal is to engage with audiences on a musical and emotional level and to share the complex history and powerful legacy of this American art form throughout the country and the world. Faculty and staff can receive a 20% discount.
Cal Poly Music Department to Present Open House Recital April 15
The Music Department will present an Open House Recital at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45) on campus. The recital is one of many scheduled events for Cal Poly’s 30th annual Open House. Both instrumentalists and vocalists will be featured. The student performers are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s large, premier ensembles including Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Symphony, University Jazz Bands, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The recital is free and open to the public; no tickets or advanced reservations are required. The event is sponsored by the Music Department and College of Liberal Arts. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre to Present ‘Spring Opera Scenes’ April 15
Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre (CPSOT) will present “Spring Opera Scenes” Saturday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre. The program will feature a delightful array of duets, trios and ensemble numbers from numerous works, including Giuseppe Verdi’s famous “Brindisi” from “La Traviata,” Gaetano Donizetti’s sassy “gossip chorus” from “The Elixir of Love,” and CPSOT’s first-ever stage brawl from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s comedy “Le nozze di Figaro.” The two dozen CPSOT performers represent majors in business, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental management and protection, English, music and sociology. The opera chorus will include 24 members of the Cal Poly Chamber Choir conducted by Scott Glysson. Faculty member Amy Goymerac is the director and producer, staff member Paul Woodring is the pianist and coach. The production is one of many scheduled events during Cal Poly’s 30th annual Open House. 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 "Spring Opera Scenes"
San Salvador Performs on April 21
Cal Poly Arts presents the six-voice percussion collective San Salvador at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, in Spanos Theatre. Hailing from Correze in southwestern France, San Salvador combines Occitan poetry with hypnotic vocal harmonies propelled by surging percussion. Their compositions use the Occitan language — a Romance language spoken in southern France, Italy’s Occitan Valleys and in parts of Spain and Monaco — as a rhythmic instrument, combining poetry with hypnotic vocal harmonies cascading over shifting patterns of compelling percussion to create their own compositions. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
The Theatrical Mendelssohn: ‘Elijah’ Comes to the PAC on April 23
SLO Master Chorale presents The Theatrical Mendelssohn: “Elijah” at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, in Miossi Hall. This dramatic oratorio tells the story of the prophet Elijah in a series of scenes, including the resurrection of a youth, a contest between the prophets of Baal and Elijah, the plotting of Queen Jezebel against Elijah, and Elijah’s final ascension into heaven. Mendelssohn imitates the great oratorios of Bach and Handel. Conducted by Professor Emeritus Thomas Davies, musical director and conductor of the San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, “Elijah” is performed in two parts, with a dramatic overture to begin the action.
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.