Kinesiology and Public Health Professor to Speak at NIH Conference April 4
Kinesiology and public health Associate Professor Alison Ventura will speak at the National Institutes of Health’s Impact of Technology and Digital Media on Child and Adolescent Development and Mental Health workshop, to be held April 4-5 in Maryland. Attendees can tune in virtually for free with advance registration. Ventura’s talk will be from 8:10 to 9 a.m. Thursday, April 4. Her research, funded over five years by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to better understand how mothers’ use of technology could impact development during an infant’s first year. The Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act, signed into law in 2023, directs NIH to convene workshops such as the April event to advance knowledge on digital technology and child development.
Register for the Virtual workshop to see Alison Ventura’s presentation
New Plant Sciences Complex Construction Expected to Start Spring Quarter
Construction work for the new Plant Sciences Complex is anticipated to begin in spring quarter. Some prep work may begin sooner, and campus could see site activity during spring break, March 26 through April 1. The project site is on the southwest corner of Highland Avenue and Mount Bishop Road. The parking lot outside of the Crop Science Building (No. 17) will be closed during construction; however, no other significant impacts to university operations are anticipated. The complex will bring together multiple complementary disciplines in one hub to tackle California’s most pressing food and agricultural challenges.
Read more about the Plant Sciences Complex
Need Stats Consulting Help? Here's How to Connect
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a variety of disciplines. Consulting by appointment only is available through June 7. Consultants John Walker and Emily Robinson will 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 statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
To utilize the Statistics consulting service
RSVP to Annual Service Awards by March 22
State, Cal Poly Partners and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2023 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 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 by Friday, March 22, to attend. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. Contact the Office of the President events team for additional information at presidentsevents@calpoly.edu.
RSVP for the Annual Service Awards by March 22
Celebrating Cindy Villa's Retirement and Lasting Impact
After nine remarkable years of service at Cal Poly and countless accomplishments, Cindy Villa will embark on her retirement March 31. Throughout her tenure, Villa has spearheaded significant capital projects, including the renovation of 1901 Marketplace and Vista Grande, as well as the construction of the Frost Center for Research and Innovation and the Center for Wine and Viticulture. She has been a trailblazer within the CSU system, leading efforts at Cal Poly to establish the Department of Emergency Management, and Audit and Consulting Services. Read more about these efforts.
As campus leadership embarks on a nationwide search to fill Villa's role, Stan Nosek, a retired UC Davis vice chancellor, will serve in the interim. To celebrate Villa’s amazing contribution at Cal Poly, a retirement celebration in the PAC Main Lobby is scheduled for Friday, March 29, from 3:30-5 p.m.
New Video: Becoming a Mustang
Cal Poly's latest video follows a new student's first week on campus. The action-packed clip features perspectives from student leaders as new Mustangs move into the residence halls, explore the Central Coast during Week of Welcome and connect with friends at the Club Showcase. This video will go to future Mustangs through Admissions’ outreach campaigns. There are more Learn by Doing videos live on the Cal Poly YouTube channel. Share a video-worthy experience happening in your area through University Communications and Marketing's pitch submission form.
H-11 Study Structure Extends Hours of Operation
Extended study times are available to students in the H-11 parking lot study structure. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to direct students there. The new hours are Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The change comes after the closure of the C-7 lot study space. The Kennedy Library Transformation Team remains committed to optimizing the library experience for students during the library building remodel. The team continues monitoring study space usage and gathering feedback from the campus community.
Find study space options on the AFD website
Deadline Extended: Cal Poly Partners Board Seeking Faculty Member to Serve
The Academic Senate is seeking nominations from tenured faculty to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board of directors for the 2024-27 term. Interested faculty should complete an Expression of Intent and Willingness to Serve form. Feel free to use additional pages if needed. Find a description of member’s responsibilities here. The completed form must be received by the Academic Senate office by Friday, March 29. Questions? Email Sarah Best (sbest@calpoly.edu).
Spring Quarter Book and Learning Circles for Employees
Employee and Organization Development announces its spring quarter Book and Learning Circles. Register below or add your name to the waitlist for future sessions:
Book Circles
Read and discuss over three to four sessions:
“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.
“Blindspot” by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald.
“Anatomy of a Breakthrough” by Adam Grant.
Learning Circles
Watch a video or other media and discuss during a single session:
“ChatGPT's Astonishing Potential” by Greg Brockman.
“When to Take a Stand — and When to Let it Go” by Ash Beckham.
“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.
To view book descriptions and register, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage or learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
Visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage
New Dining Membership Offered Exclusively for Faculty and Staff
Sign up today for the Faculty and Staff Dining Membership to maximize savings. For $350, members receive $50 bonus Dining Dollars and are eligible for these additional deals: Dining Dollars roll over from quarter to quarter and do not expire. For fans of Cal Poly Arts, membership practically pays for itself. Members receive 20% off tickets to Cal Poly Arts shows through June 2024 and Buy-One-Get-One tickets to Small Island Big Song on April 26 and the Forbes Organ Series concert by Alcee Chriss on May 31. Members can also enjoy hot coffee for just a penny every Wednesday at Julian’s as part of the Penny-Pick-Me-Up Program through June 11 plus get a 10% discount on 1901 Marketplace purchases through March 31.
Sign up today for Faculty and Staff Dining Membership
Virtual Sessions are Live
Take Advantage of Professional Development Courses in April
Employee and Organization Development is offering April 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 way for participants. Registration for the following and additional Cross Campus Collaboration courses are on a first-come basis.
Breath and Health, Tuesday, April 2; 2:30-3 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, April 4; 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, April 5; 8-8:30 a.m.
Train the Trainer, Friday, April 5; 10 a.m. to noon
Streamlining Communication: Beyond the Inbox, Tuesday, April 9; 10-11 a.m.
Breath and Health, Tuesday, April 9; 2:30-3 p.m.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity 101, Wednesday, April 10; 11 a.m. to noon
Decisions, Decisions! Creative Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Techniques, Thursday, April 11; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, April 11; 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, April 12; 8-8:30 a.m.
See the full list of Cross Campus Collaboration Sessions and register now
Spring Opportunities Offered by CTLT
The spring quarter lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators (faculty and staff) from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available on the CTLT Workshops webpage. Workshops include:
- Artificial Intelligence Buffet.
- Assignment and Assessment Design to Promote Academic Integrity.
- Building Toward Equity.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials.
- Cultivating Connections: Integrating Indigenous Perspectives into Sustainability Curricu.
- Team Learning Basics.
The webpage includes additional information on Book Circles, stand-alone workshops and additional resources.
Visit the CTLT Workshops WebPage
CSU Seeks Nominees for Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Committees
The CSU is fully committed to implementing the spirit as well as the legal requirements of the Federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA), enacted to acknowledge the fundamental human right of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to their ancestral human remains and cultural items. On behalf of the Native American Heritage Commission, the CSU is seeking applications for systemwide and campus committees focused on oversight and guidance to develop and implement systemwide and campus CalNAGPRA and federal NAGPRA compliance and policy development. Nominations are being accepted on an ongoing basis from members of the CSU and California tribes.
Learn more and submit a nomination
Nominations Sought for Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy
Nominations are being accepted for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy, which celebrates visionary leaders who have forged critical partnerships to advance the mission of Cal Poly. Nominees may be current or former faculty members 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 by Monday, April 8. Questions? Email academicaffairs@calpoly.edu. Pictured is 2023 Awardee Federico Casassa, an associate professor in enology.
Learn more and find a nomination form
March 22 Deadline to RSVP for April's Annual Service Awards Event
State, Cal Poly Partners (Corporation) and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2023 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 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 no later than Friday, March 22, to attend. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. Questions? Email the Office of the President events team (presidentsevents@calpoly.edu).
RSVP for Annual Service Awards by March 22
Tim Strawn, executive director for collections strategy, access and systems for the Kennedy Library, has announced he will retire at the end of March. Strawn joined the library in 2010 as director of information resources and archives and provided oversight to Special Collections and Archives. He actively participated in national dialogue around publishing models and pricing and has been a leader in exploring these models within the CSU and beyond. Strawn was a founding editorial board member of the Journal of Map and Geography Libraries and a member of the Cambridge University Press and Wiley Publishing advisory boards. He has presented numerous talks and keynotes at the state and national level, including at the Library of Congress. In retirement, Strawn plans to travel to Europe and India and gaze at the Pacific from his favorite perch on the bluffs of Montana de Oro State Park. Strawn’s final day on campus will be Thursday, March 28. A retirement celebration is being planned for late May and details will be shared when finalized.
April 6 Celebration of Life Planned In Memory of Joseph Callenes-Sloan
Computer engineering Associate Professor Joseph Callenes-Sloan died peacefully at home in Alexandria, Virginia, of a heart disease Dec. 27. Faculty, staff and students are invited to a celebration of life in memory of him Saturday, April 6, from 2-4 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Labs (No. 7). An afternoon luncheon will be served in Callenes-Sloan’s honor immediately following.
Student Engagement Grant Program Offers Awards Up to $500
The Office of the President and Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs are offering one-time funding through the Student Engagement Grant program to promote student learning and engagement. The program offers up to $500 in one-time grants to student clubs, organizations and campus departments for activities that encourage critical thinking, appreciation of difference, free expression and engagement. Qualifying activities include guest speakers, programs and events. Registered students, faculty and staff can apply on behalf of a recognized student club, organization or campus department. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come basis. Questions? Contact vpsa@calpoly.edu or call ext. 6-1521.
eligibility requirements, funding criteria and application instructions
Find Your Inner Tranquility Mondays and Wednesdays
In need of a little mental refresh, clarity and peace of mind during the work week? A meditation group at Cal Poly has the following offerings that can help:
- Meditation Mondays: noon-1 p.m. During these virtual sessions, different meditation practices will be explored, and each session will finish with silent reflection to help bring balance to the work week.
- Chi Kung on O’Neill Green: noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays. Explore this ancient energetic art that is often referred to as moving meditation specifically designed to help the practitioner with balance within the mind, body and soul.
For more information, or to be added to the email list, contact Brian Bryce at bbryce@calpoly.edu.
Virtual Training on CSUBUY set for March 21 in Advance of Software Launch
CSUBUY is scheduled to launch March 26. The new system will bring automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders and accounts payable functionality with integration into the Common Financial System. A virtual session on Campus Customer (Shopper and Requester) will be held Thursday, March 21, from 1-4:30 p.m. Signup is requested.
ASI Spring Programming
Ready. Set. Register! Secure a spot in some of ASI’s most popular programs! With heart-pumping fitness classes, action-packed intramural sports, adventurous outdoor trips and refreshing aquatics, ASI has something special for every faculty and staff member.
Youth Swim Programs Offered at Rec Center
Learning to swim starts with ASI Aquatics! ASI Recreational Sports offers small, tailored Youth Swim lessons to children aged 4 to 16 of Cal Poly Recreation Center members. That’s not all, Parent and Me Swim classes are available to parents of children as young as 6 months.
Register now for spring offerings!
First Year Success Program Coaches Needed
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 support a small group of first-year 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 will host a virtual coaches training Friday, March 22, and then in-person workshops for students on April 8 and 9. FSP is looking for diverse campus community members that represent all areas of the university, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign up or express interest by Wednesday, March 20. Questions? Email the First Year Success Program (fsp@calpoly.edu).
Sign up or express interest for the First Year Success Program
A&F Sustainability Team Wins State Award
The Facilities Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (EU&S) team recently won the Focus on Efficiency award at the 2023 California Higher Education Collaborative Conference for leveraging AmeriCorps and College Corps to further climate action on campus. The EU&S program used state funds to support climate resilience, K-12 education and local food systems. By establishing a College Corps program with 15 students and an AmeriCorps member, all volunteers, the EU&S team increased their work capacity without the need for additional funding. This allowed them to take on projects they would not have had the bandwidth or funding to otherwise do. Efforts accomplished include:
- “Shut the Sash” encouraging energy conservation through sash closure when hoods are not in use.
- “For Love of Water (FLOW)” encouraging water conservation in first-year residences.
- “Surplus and Lost and Found Item Recirculation” and “Graduation Gown Reuse Program,” provided opportunities for pickup and collection of items for reuse.
Ethnic Studies Hawai’i Program: 5 Weeks in Paradise
The Ethnic Studies in Hawai’i program is a five-week, eight-unit immersive academic experience in Honolulu this summer from July 28 to Aug. 31. Led by Ryan Buyco, assistant professor of ethnic studies, students will be challenged to rethink popular ideas about the Hawai’ian Islands through a consideration of how the colonial circumstances in Hawai’i shape the experiences of Native Hawaiians and the diverse communities who live there today. The program includes service-learning opportunities through the University of Hawaiʻi, field trips to learn about Native Hawaiian history and representation, Hula and Ori Tahiti dance workshops, and guest lectures by Hawaiʻi-based scholars. The required courses include ES 322, Asian Americans in Popular Culture and ES 340, Cultural Production and Ethnicity — Pacific Islander Studies. The program fulfills general education Upper Division C and D requirements. The deadline to apply is April 15.
Learn More about the Ethnic Studies in Hawai'i program
Healthy Kids Lab Studies Seeking Volunteers
The Healthy Kids Lab is seeking participants for two research studies on infant feeding and development. The studies are open to pregnant women and new mothers with infants younger than 6 months old. The iBaby Study is examining the relationship between technology use in families and infant development. Participants receive $460 if they complete the 18-month study. The Paced Bottle-Feeding Study aims to support families during breast- and bottle-feeding. Participants receive $140 if they complete the weeklong study. For more information, visit the Healthy Kids Lab website, call or text 805-242-6566 or email the Healthy Kids Lab team (healthykids@calpoly.edu).
Well-Being Workshop Set for April 23
University Personnel – Employee Wellbeing has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- Transition to Retirement, April 23 at 2 p.m. Retirement planning is more than financial planning. The emotional aspects of retirement are important to consider as well. Join this workshop to learn the phases of retirement, the importance of mentally preparing for retirement and how to ensure a rewarding retirement.
Questions? Email Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
Campus Dining Celebrates Women Behind the Food for National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Campus Dining will feature stories about several of the countless women who make this organization so incredible, as well as their contribution to the foods and beverages served on campus each day. Each week Campus Dining will highlight a different employee in The Dish newsletter, documenting the women’s dedication to the craft, the far-reaching impact they have on this campus, as well as some of their favorite culinary creations. Subscribe to The Dish. The women will also be featured on the Campus Dining social media channels. “The campus community is lucky to have so many extraordinary women working behind the scenes to ensure that the nutritional needs of Cal Poly students and employees are always met,” said Campus Dining in a release, adding that it thanks them not only this month but every day of the year.
April 10 is International Center’s Faculty-Staff Mixer
The International Center will host a faculty and staff mixer Wednesday, April 10, from 4-5:30 p.m., in the Oreggia Family Foundation Culinary Lab (Room 124) of the Frost Center (No. 181). Network with fellow international and internationally minded colleagues, and discover opportunities for global research, teaching internationally focused courses and expanding global perspectives of students. Sponsored by the International Advisory Council in collaboration with the Food Science and Nutrition Department and several colleges, the event will bring together faculty and staff who share a passion for global learning, research and engagement. Goals include:
- Building community among international colleagues.
- Connecting those involved in international programs and activities.
- Fostering collaboration on international projects and initiatives.
- Gaining awareness of international opportunities across campus.
- Supporting student global learning opportunities.
Unable to attend, but still want to connect? Add your information for future networking opportunities at the RSVP link below. Questions? Email the International Center (international@calpoly.edu).
Michael Ragonese Trio to Present Jazz Clinic and Q&A April 4
The Michael Ragonese Trio will present a jazz clinic and Q&A at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 4, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. The trio — pianist Ragonese, drummer Mark Ferber and bassist Luca Alemanno — will talk about music composition, the music business and how to have a career in the music industry. They will perform some tunes from Ragonese’s most recent album, “Stracci,” followed by a Q&A segment. Ragonese, a touring, performing and recording artist, has worked with Barbra Streisand, Bennie Maupin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Bob Sheppard and others. In 2021 he founded the Rags School of Music, which has become a prominent training ground for some of the brightest young musicians in Los Angeles. More information about the trio is on Ragonese’s website. The presentation is free and open to the public. Contact the Music Department with questions at ext. 6-2406.
Shen Yun Coming to PAC March 26 and 27
The global phenomenon Shen Yun will perform at 7 p.m. March 26 and 27 in Harold Miossi Hall. The moment the curtain opens, audience members enter a wondrous dream. Shen Yun takes the audience on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. 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.
PURCHASE Tickets FOR Shen Yun