News
Concrete Canoe Team Wins Seventh National Title in 13 Years
The Cal Poly concrete canoe team, the defending national champion, was the school to to beat out of the 20 teams gathered at the 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe Competition at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on June 10-12. It became official at the awards presentation at the end of day three: “We won our seventh national title,” beamed civil engineering senior Heather Migdal, one of the paddlers and the team’s project manager. The team’s 2022 victory snapped what had been a four-way tie of five titles with UC Berkeley, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of Wisconsin. The seventh win (in 13 years) of the 36th annual competition adds an exclamation mark to the title. “This year, we’ve had our fair share of obstacles, but we’ve all come together, put in a tremendous amount of work and effort into this,” Migdal said. “The five senior captains were all on the team last year. We all know what is expected … and I'm just beyond excited and happy that we’re able to say ‘We’re a two-time, national-winning team.” Other team members include Clarissa Arredondo, Peter Cline, Adam Loewenherz, Jonathan Maas, Sarah Sakakihara, Sarah Scherzinger, Nicholas Toma and Ryan Trainoir.17 Faculty Research Projects Funded Through RSCA Program
Aubrie Adams: 2022-23 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Awardee
Assistant professor of communication studies Aubrie Adams was named the 2022-23 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. She will be recognized at the Fall Conference general session in September and will receive a cash stipend. The honor recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students as an academic adviser. Adams has had a profound impact on the success of her students, fostering professional growth and encouraging them to strive for success — personally and academically. For more details on Adams and past outstanding faculty awardees, visit the Outstanding Faculty Advisor website.Campus Invited to Annual BEACoN Research Symposium June 14
PAC Adds Scenic Mural as Part of Summer Spruce-up
There’s something new at the Performing Arts Center that patrons won’t need a ticket to see. A colorful, postcard-like mural featuring the PAC welcomes all to the venue and San Luis Obispo. The work, finished in early June by San Luis Obispo-based Marmalade Mural Co., graces a formerly blank concrete wall by the stage door. “We wanted to add some art to an otherwise ugly/boring place, and welcome artists arriving for a show with a taste of the Central Coast,” said Ryan Gruss, PAC managing director. “The hope is they will utilize it for their social media. We wanted it large enough to be seen from the parking structure as well to hopefully begin updating the PAC’s overall aesthetic.” The timing is also good as the campus readies for a flood of visitors for the upcoming June 17-18 commencement ceremonies. And the mural makes a colorful backdrop for glown-clad graduates-to-be strolling the campus for personal farewell photos. The PAC is adding more art and updating the lobby this summer. In addition, a project to make improvements at the PAC plaza will start in July.Pardon the Dust: Summer Campus Construction to Get Underway
Summer at Cal Poly will be bustling with construction for nearly a dozen major capital projects. These include the John Madden Football Center (pictured), a larger Administration Building (A-1) parking lot, University Union interior renovations, the start of the two-year Kennedy Library transformation and the next phase of the Technology Park on Mount Bishop Road. These projects are part of the Cal Poly Master Plan, the blueprint for university efforts to grow, innovate and improve the campus through 2035. The plan, approved in 2015, supports and advances the university’s educational mission by guiding the development of the physical campus and its facilities to accommodate student enrollment goals while preserving and enhancing the quality of campus life. With so many exciting campus developments comes temporary traffic and parking impacts. Those coming to campus over the summer can check online for the latest project updates and up-to-date parking lot and street closures. Sustainable Measures Enhance Commencement Experience
Cal Poly has made several subtle changes to the commencement ceremonies on June 17-18 to lessen the environmental impact of the June celebration but not the joy and certainly not the cheers. The more than 5,000 graduation candidates will receive water in aluminum cans instead of single-use plastic water bottles. And the estimated 50,000 spectators will drink from eco-friendly paper cups. There are fewer printed programs — each grad will two and a QR code to access a pdf of the document. Other steps are being introduced by the sustainability team as the university strives to raise awareness about environmental responsibility and encourage other institutions to follow suit.Student Success
Solar Regatta Club Has 'Epic' Finish at Golden State Competition
The Cal Poly Solar Regatta Club made a big splash at the 2023 California Solar Regatta, placing first in technical design and second overall with the boat that saw water for the first time less than 48 hours before competition. Students across the state spend the school year working in teams to design and build solar-powered boats that they showcase and race in a series of events at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area, located a 45-minute drive from downtown Sacramento. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD, sponsors the annual regatta to promote renewable energy through solar technology and innovation, engaging students in a project that connects design and engineering. Faculty and Staff
Daniel Grassian Named Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Daniel Grassian, vice provost for Academic Affairs at Chico State, will begin as senior vice provost for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly on Aug. 1. He has published five books, including “Writing the Future of Black America: Literature of the Hip-hop Generation” (2008), “Iranian and Diasporic Literature in the 21st Century: A Critical Study (2013) and “An Insider's Guide to University Administration” (2020) and a number of scholarly articles in contemporary literature, cultural and ethnic studies and higher education administration. At Cal Poly, Grassian will provide administrative oversight of the units within Academic Affairs that support academic innovations and programs, student academic success, and special initiatives within the division, as well as those with cross-divisional collaborations. He will play a critical role in both the development and execution of strategic initiatives within the division of Academic Affairs. He has also served as an administrator at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, where he was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and an English professor. At Fairleigh Dickenson University, he was an associate professor of English and director of the School of English, Philosophy and Humanities at the the largest private university in New Jersey. Amanda Lathrop Appointed New Dean of Graduate Education
Interim dean of Graduate Education Amanda Lathrop has been appointed permanently to the post, effective July 1. On that same date, the office will fall under the umbrella of Academic Affairs with the new dean reporting to the provost while continuing to collaborate with the vice president of research. Graduate Education oversees 35 master’s degree, teaching credential and blended degree programs that allow undergraduates to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. The Cal Poly alumna (Food Science, ’99) has served as interim dean since June 2022. In her 14 years at Cal Poly, the professor in the Food Science and Nutrition Department has served as graduate coordinator for the traditional M.S. degree in food science and blended programs. As a graduate advisor and coordinator, she secured several grants that supported graduate student success, including a USDA National Needs Grant aimed at recruiting underrepresented students into the food science master's program. As interim dean, she collaborated with groups across campus to offer more programs focused on graduate students and advocated for graduate programs and students. Moreover, she oversaw the CSU Predoctoral and Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive programs, among others, which seek to increase diversity of students seeking doctorates. Campus Joins CSU Program to Mentor Future Faculty
Julie Garcia Named Faculty Director of Program Improvement
Julie Garcia, professor in the Psychology and Child Development Department, is the new faculty director of program improvement in the office of Academic Programs and Planning. In her new role that she’ll begin later in June, Garcia 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. Garcia has a wealth of experience on campus. She has taught at Cal Poly since 2007 and served three stints between 2014 and 2022 as associate department chair for the Psychology and Child Development Department, overseeing assessment initiatives and co-leading a program review. Garcia has also served as the interim associate vice president for diversity and inclusion in the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, where she assisted with universitywide DEI strategic planning and assessment. From 2019 to 2022, she co-led a WASC Senior College and University Commission Thematic Pathway for Review working group on campus culture. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in the U.S.Sign-Up for the ‘Examining Whiteness’ Foundational Series
Faculty and staff are invited to sign up for "Examining Whiteness,” a program inspired by Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE). The Examining Whiteness foundational series is designed as a first step for white educators to engage in critical reflection on whiteness and working toward antiracism. The series is open to individuals at all levels of learning in their personal journey toward better understanding whiteness in their lives. This six-week program will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday, from July 11-27. Participants must be able to commit to attending at least five sessions. Questions? Contact Sarah Macdonald, assistant director, diversity, equity and inclusion in instruction in CTLT.Faculty Tenure and Promotion Awards Announced
President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and Provost and Executive Vice President Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore announced the promotion of 59 faculty members and the award of tenure to 43 faculty members effective in the 2023-24 academic year. The promotions include 23 to the academic rank of professor and 36 to the rank of associate professor or associate librarian. Armstrong and Jackson-Elmoore extend their congratulations and appreciation to the faculty receiving promotion sand/or tenure.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
University Personnel — Employee Wellbeing encourages conversation and reflection on cognitive health during June. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects more than 6 million Americans. Changes in cognitive health should be discussed with your health care provider. To reduce the risk of cognitive decline, get quality sleep, stay socially active, exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet. Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters (sign in: calpoly), offers tips on sleep, exercise and nutrition, and assistance with referrals and elder care support. LifeMatters can also be reached at 800-367-7474. Services provided directly by LifeMatters are free. Additionally, the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association offers free support, education and resources to those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information. CTLT Offers Educators Summer Series of Workshops
The summer professional development offerings for campus educators (faculty and staff) from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available to explore. Workshop titles include: Examining Whiteness, Writing in the Disciplines, Blended/hybrid Course Design and Assignment Design for Academic Integrity. There are also opportunities for academic writing support and on-demand resources for academic success. Additional workshops and events will be added soon.
Learn more and register for CTLT workshops and on-demand resources
Support Mustang Move-in September by Signing Up to Help Today
University Housing is seeking volunteer support to welcome more than 8,800 Mustangs to their campus homes in University Housing next fall. New first-year and transfer students move-in Thursday-Friday, Sept. 14-15. Continuing students move in Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 18-19. Volunteers greet student residents and their supporters, direct traffic, support check-in functions and collect green moving bins. Participants receive a $50 gift card to the University Store for each shift worked and a rewarding experience meeting and welcoming new students as they start their journey at Cal Poly. For more information, contact Michelle Castillo at mcasti68@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-1567.
Sign up to volunteer at Mustang Move-in
South County Bound? Seats Available in Santa Maria/AG Vanpool
There are seats available on the Santa Maria/Arroyo Grande vanpool. This van runs Monday through Friday and accommodates a 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. work or school schedule. For specific information on the Santa Maria/Arroyo Grande vanpool, contact Sustainable Transportation Coordinator Colin Pollington at ext. 6-6680 or cpolling@calpoly.edu. Transportation and Parking Services subsidizes employee vanpools to make them an extremely affordable option to commute to and from campus.
Preschool Learning Lab Offers Spaces for Upcoming Summer Program
The Preschool Learning Lab will offer a new summer program from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 26–Aug. 31, Monday through Friday. Faculty and staff will receive first priority and will be automatically enrolled into the regular fall 2023 academic year program if their children are continuing in preschool (i.e., not going to transitional kindergarten or kindergarten). To be eligible, children must be 3 years old by June 26 and fully potty-trained. A few spaces are still available. Fill out the application form or contact Director Patty Clarkson at preschoollabadmin@calpoly.edu for tuition rates and more information.
Campus Announcements
Summer Statistical Consulting Available to Campus by Appointment
Celebrate National Safety Month with EHS at Safety Fair June 22
New Summer Book Circles Continue for Employees
- “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 Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown” by Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr. Gain the inspiration, tools and strategies needed to embrace uncertainty and thrive.
- “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown: Explores 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Learn about mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience.
For more details on the EOD book circles
Family Fun Days Return to the Recreation Center
Cal Poly Recreation Center members are invited to host their friends and familyf rom June 22 through Sept. 3 at the facility from June 22 through Sept. 3, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bring up to two adults (16 and older) and six children to enjoy the facility’s leisure pool, sand volleyball courts, racquetball and more. A one-day guest pass is $10 for adults and $5 for children. A 44-day pass is also available for $120 for adults and $60 for children. Cal Poly Rec Center Offers Youth Swim Lessons; Register Today
Learning to swim starts with ASI Aquatics’ youth swim lessons. ASI Recreational Sports offers small, tailored group lessons to the children, ages 4-16, of Cal Poly Recreation Center members. These swim lessons will give children the opportunity to learn with participants of similar skill levels. Youngsters will be paired with instructors who can best accommodate their water abilities. The first four-week session will take place on Sundays: July 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 9-9:45 a.m. or 10-10:45 a.m. Registration opened June 5. Kennedy Library Transformation Project Adds New Temporary Study Locations
Cal Poly has added additional 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 the opening of the renovated building 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. The temporary student study structures will have heating, electricity, charging stations, artificial grass carpeting, furniture and Wi-Fi.
Find more information and a map of the temporary locations
Advancing Inclusive Mentoring Program Eyes a Summer Start
Faculty, staff, postdoc and graduate students who mentor students participating in research, scholarly and creative activities are invited to participate in a free training program this summer. The Advancing Inclusive Mentoring (AIM) Program is co-led by the Office of Student Research; the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT); the College of Engineering and College of Liberal Arts’ Summer Undergraduate Research/Creative Activity programs (SURPs); and the Empowering Autistic Scholars Program. Information on eligibility is provided on the RSVP form and in the CTLT Stipend Eligibility Policies document. A $300 stipend is available from the CTLT. The program runs in the first summer session, June 26-July 14, via a mix of asynchronous learning and Zoom-based discussions. (If not available during the first three weeks of the summer but interested in future offerings, RSVP to indicate interest). Contact jlehr@calpoly.edu with any questions.
Events
Last Call: Art and Design BFA Exhibition ‘Yours Truly’ Ends June 17
The ”Yours Truly” exhibit continues through Saturday, June 17, in the University Art Gallery in the Dexter Building (No. 34). Enjoy a curated showcase of artworks created by 31 student artists from the Art and Design Department’s graduating class. The show is a retrospective of the work of graduating seniors and represents a variety of mediums. Stop by to see the work of these talented young artists.
Learn more and view the full list of featured artists
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.
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