Center for Military-Connected Students Dedicates New Home Days Before Vets Day
Scores of people, including campus leaders, staff, veterans and uniformed ROTC students, turned out to celebrate the dedication (top photo) of the new Center for Military-Connected Students on Nov. 9, a few days before Veterans Day was observed on Nov. 11. The new facility serves about 700 military-connected students, including 100 active-duty students, veterans and the rest whose parents or spouse has served. The larger space — about twice the square footage of its original location — gives students more room to study, seek guidance and to find community, support and resources to meet their specific needs. “We want students to feel incredibly comfortable in this space and use it as they need it,” said Kari Leslie (pictured), lead coordinator for the center, who received resolutions in support of the center from U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and state Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). “This is their space,” she added. “They can grab breakfast, grab a snack, sit and study in the courtyard.” It is in Room 109A of the Welding Building (No. 58), across from the University Police Department. Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey thanked District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold and District 1 Supervisor John Peschong “for key grants totaling $55,000 combined to help support and furnish this new center” and county Veterans Services Officer Morgan Boyd “for his generous grant of $20,000 to help support operating funds.” Supervisor Arnold observed that on the crowded campus “This is probably the best space you could have. It has its own patio. It's like a home on campus for you — for your very, very own.” She thanked Leslie for turning “this center into a very inviting place.”
See KSBY coverage of the event
Explore Cal Poly Magazine's Fall Issue
In the latest edition of Cal Poly Magazine explore the dynamic labs within the new Frost Center for Research and Innovation, where Mustangs push the boundaries of biotechnology, food science, media and more. Dive into other stories on an ecological restoration project on the Oceano Dunes, artificial intelligence in policing, marine bioaccoustics research and an alumna leading major toy brands, like Barbie. Find these stories, photo galleries, feature videos and more at Cal Poly Magazine. Take a moment to subscribe to future issues of the magazine in print and via email.
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CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: ‘Unstoppable Resilience’; Watch it Live Nov. 29
Dr. Eva Selhub, physician, author and founder of Resiliency Experts LLC will present “Unstoppable Resilience: Avoiding Burnout and Discovering How to Flourish Instead” from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29. Selhub explains why the six pillars of resilience – physical vitality, emotional equilibrium, mental toughness and clarity, spiritual purpose, healthy personal relationships, and being an inspiring leader and part of a wider community or team – are crucial for transformative change within personal and professional lives. Register and attend this and other free webcasts using this Zoom link. Can’t make it? View previous CSU’s Got Talent recordings on Cal Poly's Learning Hub. Employee and Organization Development is offering the live webcast as part of the CSU’s Got Talent series.
Tune in to the Live Nov. 29 webcast
Help Build a Better Campus Dining Experience and Win a Prize
Campus Dining is looking for feedback from the Cal Poly community through this year’s Cal Poly Campus Dining Satisfaction Survey. It takes about eight minutes to complete and is open through Friday, Nov. 17. Share insights for a chance to win a variety of prizes: a Nespresso, Nintendo Switch or Apple Watch Series 9. The survey will help build a better dining experience as well as show what changes respondents would like to see in 2024 and beyond. Participants can also highlight what current features they appreciate and want to see more of.
Marine Veteran Psych Major Salutes Expanded Space, Services at Center for Military-Connected Students
Student veteran David Gaspar-Martinez was the keynote speaker at the dedication of the new Center for Military-Connected Students on Nov. 9. The fourth-year psychology transfer student’s journey to Cal Poly began in the Marine Corps, which he joined “straight out of high school at 18.” After serving four years in Beaufort, South Carolina, he returned home to Santa Maria and began his studies at Allan Hancock College, graduating in spring of 2022 and starting Cal Poly that fall. “I found that the transition to a large institution was a significant change for me,” he said. “One constant throughout has been the strong sense of community that I have found at the Center for Military-Connected Students. Since I arrived, the center has served as a welcoming and safe space.” But space has been an issue. “Relocating to this new larger location has allowed our community to expand as more students can now access these crucial resources,” he said. “I want to say thank you on behalf of the students here to the campus community members who provided both funding and other support that we needed to see this new place become a reality. This is a space that truly impacts students’ lives … and for that, we are truly grateful.” Gaspar-Martinez plans to graduate in 2024. The center is in the Welding Building (No. 58), Room 109A, across from the University Police Department..
Grading 101 Presentation set for Nov. 28
The Office of the Registrar and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities invite faculty and staff to a presentation about grading on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 1:10 to 2 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Labs Building (No. 7), Room 2. Learn about student records, grading symbols, grade changes, withdrawals, academic integrity, contesting a grade and more. The event is part of the universitywide Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with places, people and resources across campus.
Save the Date for Strategic Enrollment Management’s Inaugural Summit Nov. 30
The Strategic Enrollment Management Division will host an in-person inaugural summit to inform the campus community about division happenings while creating space for answering questions on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. Participants will be able to select from an à la carte session agenda, including department presentations and question-and-answer sessions. The division includes seven university offices, including Admissions and Financial Aid, that provide support and resources to ensure long-term enrollment success for students. More details about the summit, including session information and registration, will be provided via campus email.
Faculty-Staff Housing Fall Update
Work continues on the faculty and staff housing project near the Grand Avenue campus entrance.The final design of the project at Slack Street recently completed 75% schematic design review. The project is planned to break ground in the spring. The initial phase will bring 33 much-needed single-family units, available for sale, to the site. This is the next step of a phased approach to increase housing options for faculty and staff. The second phase will include rental units at an alternate site. Additional development sites on and near campus for rental units are currently being evaluated. The long-term plans are to have 400-600 units available. Interest lists for the Slack Street and Grand Avenue, Bella Montana and future housing sites are being updated. Please note the interest list is not a waitlist for home purchase. Additional information on the waitlist process will be shared once finalized. Please direct all questions to [email protected]
Join Financial Aid for FAFSA/CADAA Simplification Information Sessions
Staff who work directly with students, or who have an interest in the upcoming changes to the financial aid application process, are urged to register and attend an upcoming FAFSA/CADAA (California Dream Act Application) simplification information session. The most significant changes to the applications in over 40 years are coming during the 2024-25 application cycle. The Financial Aid and Scholarship office is hosting virtual information sessions regarding the updates to the FAFSA and CADAA applications. These sessions will provide insight into major application changes, updated terminology and anticipated impact to students and programs. Sessions will be held:
- Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11:10 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8, at 9:10 a.m.
REGISTER FOR A FINANCIAL AID INFO SESSION
Professional Development Courses Offered in November; Virtual Sessions are Live
Employee and Organization Development is offering November professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by Cal Poly and other CSU campuses. Each provides a unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders in a convenient format for participants. Registration is on a first-come basis.
- Exposing Hidden Bias, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1:30-3 p.m.
- Fueling for Success, Thursday, Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Valerie “Val” Maijala will retire Friday, Dec. 15, after 32 years with the California State University system, including 23 years at Cal Poly. In 1999, Maijala left Cal State San Bernardino and accepted a job as an administrative assistant in the Procurement Office. She was on the first implementation team for PeopleSoft Finance, which led to her role as the CMS Finance lead. “Even though I’m looking forward to my next chapter, I’ll definitely miss my first-floor family in the Admin. Building,” she said. Her retirement plans include attending more Los Angeles Rams games, spending quality time with her family, sleeping in, traveling, pouring wine at a local winery and drinking wine (lots of wine)! Leave a farewell message on a virtual card for her, with the option to include photos and videos as well. Colleagues and friends are invited to join her for light refreshments at a farewell celebration on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Vista Grande’s third-floor patio.
Ron “RoRo” Roach, who will retire Nov. 17, has shown over the past 11 years unwavering commitment, dedication and leadership as a member of the Fleet Services team and as the union steward for Unit 6. Roach’s advancement to Fleet Services supervisor exemplified his passion for his work and exceptional leadership skills. The department includes trained mechanics and customer-service assistants who provide cost-effective repairs and maintenance to the university’s vehicle fleet. He recognized the importance of investing in the professional growth of his team and upgraded the tools and training in the shop, ensuring Fleet Services was well-prepared to meet the demands of Cal Poly’s dynamic environment. Roach successfully led the department through several management changes and navigated the pandemic challenges with grace and poise. Stop by the shop and wish him well before Friday, Nov. 17, his last day on campus. After that, you can find him continuing to serve as the Third District commissioner for the San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Commission or on the pickle ball courts.
David Bains, Information Technology Services analyst/programmer, will retire in December. His last day on the job will be Friday, Nov. 17. He began processing mainframe jobs in the Data Processing Department in July 1997 in what was then called the Cal Poly Foundation. Not long after, in the countdown to Y2K, the Foundation began converting finance, human resources and payroll systems to PeopleSoft. It was his introduction to modern Enterprise Resource Plannings and in particular, business intelligence reporting. With a promotion, he helped write the Structured Query Language and Crystal reports used across the enterprise. With a name change to the Cal Poly Corporation, and a department change to Information Technology, he continued to support the Corporation ERP systems, including multiple system conversions and upgrades, and continued to support operational staff with business intelligence reporting. He rose through the ranks and served as the interim director of Corporation IT for 18 months during the pandemic. Bains was instrumental in converting the corporation month-end reporting process to an electronic system. Over the years, he helped streamline and automate business processes, trained staff and helped the campus better understand the technology. In 2021, he became part of the ITS-ADIS Enterprise Application Engineering team. After more than a quarter century at Cal Poly, Bains plans to spend more time with family and friends and family and exploring the outdoors locally and beyond. All are invited to share a message through Kudoboard.
International Student Inclusivity Virtual Workshop is Nov. 15
The International Center will host its Third annual International Student Inclusivity Workshop from 2:10 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. The virtual Zoom event is being held in collaboration with Dr. Sonia Ramrakhiani (School of Education, BCSM), Dr. Yiwen Chiu (Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, CAFES) and Dr. Kellie Green Hall (Kinesiology Department, BCSM). The goal is to spotlight the experiences of international students on campus and in the greater San Luis Obispo community. The session aims to bring together faculty and staff interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to bolster international students’ success. Working with qualitative and quantitative data from international student surveys and focus groups last spring, attendees will discuss ways to increase academic support and foster students' sense of belonging. A range of topics will be discussed including cultural adjustment to empowering student success on campus and off.
Register for the International Student Inclusivity Workshop
Great American Smokeout Set for Nov. 16
“Tobacco-use remains the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States,” according to the American Cancer Society. Studies have shown smoking cigarettes increases the risk of many cancers, heart attack, stroke, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood vessel diseases and eye diseases. Every year on the third Thursday in November, the Great American Smokeout raises awareness of the dangers of smoking and offers support toward a healthier life. This year’s event is Nov. 16. Nicotine is highly addictive and support is available. The American Cancer Society offers tips on how to quit smoking and a smoking cessation program “empowered to quit.” The National Cancer Institute offers a quit-smoking app. Contact the employee assistance program Life Matters at 800-367-7474 to start a six-week smoking cessation program with three coaching sessions. Many Cal Poly health plans also offer smoking cessation support and programs. Contact your plan provider for details. Contact Lisa Gray for the LifeMatters Tobacco Cessation Guide at [email protected].
BEACoN Research Scholar Student Applications Due Nov. 19
The BEACoN Research Mentoring Program, run by the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, or OUDI, exists to educate, empower and advocate for underrepresented students and provide funded undergraduate research opportunities working one-on-one with faculty during winter and spring quarters. OUDI is soliciting applications for underrepresented undergraduates to become BEACoN Research Scholars; the deadline to apply is 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Selected students will receive $2,000 per winter/spring quarters ($4,000 total), distributed via financial aid, while gaining research experience and participating in professional development events within the BEACoN Program. Matches with research mentors will be finalize by the end of the fall quarter. Questions? Email Kelly Bennion.
Apply to become a BEACoN Research Scholar
Contribute to Mustang Gift Drive by Dec. 4
The Center for Service in Action invites students, staff, faculty and their families to contribute to the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by picking up a gift tag and purchasing a gift for a child in need, or by donating money via the center’s direct giving link. Each tag represents a specific request supporting local children and families in need. To pick up a gift tag, visit one of the Giving Tower locations on campus: the Recreation Center Lobby (No. 43); the second floor of the UU (No. 65); and outside the Mustang Success Center in the Science Building (No. 52) Room D37. Bring newly purchased, unwrapped gifts to the CSA in Sierra Madre Residence Hall (No. 113) Room L119 by Monday, Dec. 4.
Humor Writer David Sedaris to Speak at PAC Nov. 16
Cal Poly Arts presents the return of David Sedaris on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Known as one of America’s preeminent humor writers, whose voice on NPR helped jump-start his career, the great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. The best-selling author has penned “Calypso” (named by the Washington Post as Best Book of the Year), “Barrel Fever,” “Holidays on Ice,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.” This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Catch the Wit and Wisdom of Humorist David Sedaris
Fall Jazz Concert Set for Nov. 17 at Spanos Theatre
The students of Cal Poly’s jazz groups will open their season with the Fall Jazz Concert Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Spanos Theatre. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Inga Swearingen, will sing a variety of a cappella tunes, plus arrangements with piano and bass accompaniment. The group will perform Kerry Marsh’s up-tempo samba arrangement of Jule Styne’s standard “Time After Time”; “It Had To Be You/You Made Me Love You,” set by brothers Adam and Matt Podd; and an arrangement of J. Fred Coots’ “For All We Know” by Peter Eldridge and Darmon Meader. The jazz combos, led by Dylan Johnson, will perform jazz classics as well as more current repertory. The University Jazz Band, directed by Dave Becker, will close the program with classic big band arrangements by Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster and Bill Holman, as well as new young award-winning composers. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Fall Jazz Concert at Spanos Theatre
SLO Master Chorale to Perform Works by Mozart Nov. 19
SLO Master Chorale presents “Chants Encounter” on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. “Chants Encounter” begins with a performance of Te Deum by the contemporary composer Arvo Pärt. One of today’s most frequently performed living composers, the Estonian octogenarian forged his own personal style that evolved into compositions deeply influenced by medieval chant. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 1791 concert aria, “Per questa bella mano,” for baritone and with contrabass obbligato, concludes the first half of the concert. The second half features Mozart’s Mass in C minor, one of his greatest wor
‘Whose Live Anyway?’ Comes to PAC Nov. 21
Martin Media presents Whose Live Anyway? on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Four masterful improv artists take the audience on the high-wire act of comedic acrobatics. The rapid-fire wit and nonstop jokes will have audience members’ sides splitting and begging for mercy … while also begging for more. The PAC will welcome Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops, both seen on ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” as well as Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray.
Masterful improv: laugh til you cry
Mariachi Group Flor de Toloache to Perform at PAC Nov. 28
Cal Poly Arts will present Flor de Toloache Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Returning to San Luis Obispo after an incredible and memorable 2019 show, this Latin Grammy-winning all-female ensemble is revolutionizing traditional Latin American music with its edgy, versatile flair. The group’s name envisions the radiant trumpet flower that hangs on the banks of rivers and the wilderness of Mexico. Transcending culture and gender,the band has enchanted global audiences with four studio albums and a fresh rock-inspired compilation. “Flor de Toloache stuns at the crossroads of fusion and mariachi girl magic,” said NPR’s Marisa Arbona-Ruiz. Experience the ensemble’s boundary-breaking fusion and be captivated by its unique sound. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Latin Grammy-winning Flor De Toloache
Cal Poly Choirs to Present ‘Holiday Kaleidoscope’ Dec. 1
Cal Poly’s Choirs will present the seventh annual “Holiday Kaleidoscope” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, in the Performing Arts Center. As a special treat, the concert will include performances by the Cal Poly Wind Ensemble and the Cuesta College Chamber Singers. In what has become an annual tradition, the Cabrillo Madrigal Singers from Lompoc will make a guest appearance, directed by Cal Poly graduate Jennifer Peterson (Music, ’95). Other fun features will include performances by the a cappella groups Take it SLO and That’s the Key. Cal Poly faculty guitarist Jim Bachman will accompany on Alf Houkum’s “Rune of Hospitality,” and new Cal Poly voice instructor and tenor Lorenzo Johnson Jr. will be featured in a powerful “modern” spiritual. University Organist Paul Woodring will accompany the choirs on piano and organ, and Scott Glysson will conduct. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website.Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Get Tickets for ‘Holiday Kaleidoscope’
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble to Perform on Dec. 2
The Arab Music Ensemble will give its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Performing Arts Center. The concert will open with the world premiere of “Tahiyya” (“Salutation”) by Ken Habib, the ensemble’s director, and a suite of instrumental and vocal pieces selected from Arab art and popular music and celebrated across the Eastern Mediterranean, including classic examples of the muwashshah, a genre of poetry and music that arose in 10th-century Andalusia. The program will also include a Romanian folksong and a Turkish instrumental piece that reflect the historical interconnectedness of West Asia, North Africa and Europe. Several critically acclaimed guest artists will join the ensemble on stage: Ishmael, qanan; Fathi Aljarrah, kamanja; and Faisal Zedan, percussion. San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead a dance troupe in choreography that dialogues with the music. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Get Tickets for the Arab Music Ensemble’s Fall Concert
Cal Poly Symphony Concert Includes Harmony Magnet Academy on Dec. 3
The Harmony Magnet Academy Symphony Orchestra (HMASO) will join the Cal Poly Symphony for its Fall Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, in the Performing Arts Center. Harmony Magnet Academy, located in Strathmore, California, was recently named one of the top 5% of high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and the top high school in Tulare County. The concert will begin with selections played by the HMASO, including Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, fifth movement, “Shepard’s Hymn.” The strings of both ensembles will fill the stage to perform John Corigliano’s “Voyage for String Orchestra.” The Cal Poly Symphony will perform Valerie Coleman’s “Umoja,” the Swahili word for “unity,” and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Get Tickets for the Cal Poly Symphony Fall Concert
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:
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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].
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