Cleared for Success: Unprecedented Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program Announced
Cal Poly has announced the launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to support Cleared for Success (CFS), a landmark workforce development initiative that will cultivate a talent pipeline of highly skilled STEM students interested in pursuing cybersecurity careers in the public service and national defense sectors. The groundbreaking CFS program aims to transform the national security landscape and the future of Learn by Doing. Hosted by the California Cybersecurity Institute at Cal Poly, the program will introduce students from the Noyce School of Applied Computing in the College of Engineering to foundational security concepts; assist them in their professional journeys as future cybersecurity professionals; and provide them the opportunity to network with leading employers recruiting for this specialized skillset. For many prospective graduates, careers in cybersecurity in the public or private sector are often under-considered due to security clearance requirements and the lengthy process typically involved in being cleared. CFS addresses and lifts this potential barrier, creating access to well-paying opportunities for undergraduates who may not have considered pursuing work that requires a security clearance.
Cal Poly College Corps Extended Through 2026; Application Period Opens
Faculty and staff are encouraged to make students aware of the opportunity to participate in the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program, a statewide initiative that engages students to solve problems in their communities while helping to create debt-free pathways to college. Cal Poly’s College Corps Program has been granted additional funds to extend the program to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Cal Poly leads the program’s Coastal California Civic Leadership Consortium, which also includes CSU Long Beach, Cuesta and Allan Hancock colleges. Cal Poly can accept up to 195 students for next year’s fellowship. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 15. Questions? Email the AmeriCorps team at collegecorps@calpoly.edu.
Learn more and apply for the program
Safer Hosts Sexual Assault Action Month in April
Join Safer in April for Sexual Assault Action Month through its Rise Up, Resist, Reclaim campaign. This year’s theme is a call to action for the campus community to engage in radical violence prevention and widespread survivor solidarity. Drawing inspiration from 1990s feminist activists — with a commitment to intersectional anti-oppression frameworks — Safer aims to galvanize the campus to rise up against complacency, resist the status quo and reclaim a collective voice. Events throughout the month include: open mic night, a flow arts workshop, therapy dogs and donuts, zine-making workshop, movie night, a drag show, healing-centered yoga and Safer’s annual capstone event, Take Back the Night.
Learn about Sexual Assault Action Month and the events
Alumni Wine and Beer Garden Will be at Open House April 13
Register now for the Cal Poly Alumni Wine and Beer Garden! The event will run from 1:30-4 p.m., Saturday, April 13, at the Engineering Plaza, after guests experience a day of exploring student projects and displays celebrating Learn by Doing. Faculty and staff presale tickets are $15 and include wine and beer, a souvenir Cal Poly Proud wine glass and a taco bar. Limited tickets will be available at the door starting at 2 p.m. This event sold out last year. Don't wait; get tickets today!
Get tickets to Alumni Wine and Beer Garden
Retired Faculty and Staff Association Spring Luncheon Goes to the Rodeo April 23
The Retired Faculty and Staff Association’s spring quarter program will feature the highly successful Cal Poly Rodeo Team and program, as coach and alumnus Ben Londo and team members display their skills in several competitive events Tuesday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex off Mount Bishop Road. Since 1956, the program has earned 44 national titles, making it one of the most winning rodeo programs in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association history and bringing national recognition to Cal Poly and its supporters. As a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association member since 2003, Londo (Construction Management, ’07) has amassed an admirable list of achievements. As a student on the Rodeo Team, he earned Bareback Riding and All-Around Championship titles for two consecutive years at the College National Finals Rodeo. The Cal Poly Rodeo Team has continued to flourish as one of the most competitive college teams under Londo’s direction.
Journalism Students Earn Prestigious National Pacemaker Award
Mustang Media Group (MMG), the student-run campus media organization, received a National Pacemaker Award at the Associated Collegiate Press Spring National College Media Conference held March 7-9 in La Jolla, a coastal community in San Diego. It was the sixth time that MMG had earned the honor, considered the pinnacle of achievement in college journalism. The conference was attended by over 1,000 student journalists and advisors. MMG's recognition comes on the heels of two National Pacemaker Awards received last fall: one for multiplatform journalism and another for its print newspaper. The most recent honors singled out MMG's business and operations teams for demonstrating operational excellence and exceptional financial management. At the state level, the California College Media Association awarded the organization top honors for advertising, design and photography. Its website and newspaper ranked third, behind UC Berkeley and UCLA.
VITA Tax-Prep Students Experience a 50 Percent Increase in Demand in 2024
Accounting students assisted 377 members of the community with their tax forms so far this year -- a 50 percent increase from 2023. The students helped clients receive $357,000 in refunds, according to the university’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clinic (VITA). Every year, accounting seniors host the clinic on campus every Saturday for seven weeks, beginning in February. As part of their senior project, the students assist members of the community who earn less than $67,000 a year on their individual tax returns. Through the clinic, led by faculty members Trisha Daughtrey and Steven Danowitz, clients receive free assistance and advice on numerous tax issues, including deductions for small business owners, multiple incomes and deductions for children, tuition and rent. Meanwhile, students gain real-world experience, working six-hour shifts with actual clients.
CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: Relationship Intelligence; Watch it Live April 16
Author and Core Strengths founder Tim Scudder, who holds a doctorate in human and organizational systems, will present on the art and science behind “relationship intelligence.” Relationship intelligence provides insight to communicate with people across a diverse spectrum of personalities and experiences. With the right tools and a little practice, workers can transform conversations, prevent conflict and benefit their lives in and beyond the workplace. Register and attend this and other free webcasts. 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 April 16 webcast
Understanding and Mitigating the Impacts of Chronic Stress
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says stress hormones are elevated in people when the body is in a stressed state over time, leading to a weakened immune system, sleep problems, headaches, and learning and memory problems. Chronic stress contributes to the development of heart disease, anxiety, depression and obesity. Use of alcohol, nicotine products, cannabis or other drugs may contribute to the condition because these substances can act as stressors. Fortunately, there are ways to effectively address chronic stress, including meditation, breathing exercises, seeking support, practicing self-care and launching a gratitude practice. Take a stress screener and review the National Institute of Mental Health worksheet featuring a comparison of stress and anxiety, including information on coping. The CDC offers Tips to Improve Your Emotional Wellbeing. Contact LifeMatters at 800-367-7474 or visit mylifematters.com and use “calpoly” to sign in. For more information, email Lisa Gray (lcgray@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.
“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 the learnandgrow.calpoly.edu website.
University Personnel Offers Well-being Workshops in April and May
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, Tuesday, 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.
Eat Right, Live Well, Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m.
Join this session to learn how exercise and nutrition support a healthy lifestyle, including the components of a healthy diet, meal planning strategies and practical strategies for including exercise in your day.
Conflict Management Styles, Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m.
Learn to assess conflict management styles and determine which style is most effective in each situation. Discussion will include common types of workplace conflict, how to identify chronic conflict situations and strategies to use when conflict is best avoided. As a result of this session, attendees will have improved the ability to manage and grow from conflict situations.
For more information on well-being workshops, contact Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
Take Advantage of Upcoming Professional Development Courses; Virtual Sessions are Live
Employee and Organization Development is offering 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. Registration for the following and additional Cross Campus Collaboration courses are on a first-come basis.
Breath and Health, Tuesday, April 23, 2:30-3 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, April 25, 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, April 26, 8-8:30 a.m.
Breath and Health, Tuesday, April 30, 2:30-3 p.m.
Excel Tips and Tricks, Thursday, May 2, 10-11 a.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, May 2, 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, May 3, 8-8:30 a.m.
See the full list of sessions and register
Faculty and Staff Lunch Spot at Cal Poly Partners Pavilion to Open April 15
Faculty and staff can enjoy a private lunch spot conveniently located on the UU grounds. The Cal Poly Partners Pavilion (No. 19A) is adjacent to 1901 Marketplace. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the spot is a quiet space to eat and relax among colleagues and peers. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks or purchase a meal from any of the nearby Campus Dining venues. With 1901 Marketplace just steps away, the campus community is encouraged to grab a customizable option from Red Radish, Picos, Poly Deli or Pom & Honey. Those who don’t want a full meal can stop by Julian’s for coffee and a snack. To access the Pavilion, use the South Poly View Drive entrance, directly across from the Science Building (No. 52). Stop by and take a well-deserved break away from the office.
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
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.
Registration is Open for ASI Craft Center Classes
ASI’s expert instructors can guide both novice and seasoned crafters through hands-on experiences in various artistic mediums, including ceramics, stained glass, painting and much more. Stop by and connect with fellow creators in the ASI Craft Center’s vibrant studio environment.
Learn more about ASI Craft Center Classes
ASI Specialized Fitness
ASI’s unique and fun specialized fitness classes can help individuals switch up their exercise routines. Enjoy a dynamic cardio session in kickboxing class, begin a transformative fitness journey suitable for all levels with the TRX Suspension training and more! Spots fill quickly in these classes, so register today!
Learn more about ASI Specialized Fitness classes
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
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.
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!
Music Department to Present Open House Recital April 13
An Open House Recital featuring student instrumentalists and vocalists will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). The student performers are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s large, premier ensembles, which include Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Symphony, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The program is one of many scheduled events for the university’s 31st annual Open House. The recital is free and open to the public; no tickets or advanced reservations are required. It is sponsored by the Music Department and College of Liberal Arts. For more information, visit the Music Department’s calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Student Opera Theatre to Present ‘Spring Opera Scenes’ April 13
Student Opera Theatre will present “Spring Opera Scenes” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Spanos Theatre. Sung in English, French, German and Italian, with English supertitles, the program will include selections from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute,” Lehár’s “The Merry Widow,” Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea,” von Weber’s “Der Freischütz,” Puccini’s “La rondine,” Bernstein’s “Candide,” and Offenbach’s “La Périchole.” Over 50 students are participating in the production. Theatre and Dance Department students will provide choreography, members of the Chamber Choir will sing and some of the artwork will be produced by student artists. The Music Department’s Kaitrin Cunningham is the director and producer, Scott Glysson is conducting, Paul Woodring is the pianist and coach, and Theatre and Dance Department’s Laina Babb is the costume designer. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. Call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406 for more information.
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 216 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.
Singer-songwriter Jewel Comes to PAC April 6
Four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actress, author and mental health pioneer, Jewel is coming to the Performing Arts Center Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. for a concert benefitting the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center. Jewel went from a child who grew up with no running water on an Alaskan homestead to homeless teen in San Diego to award-winning, multiplatinum recording artist with worldwide sales of over 30 million albums. Her 1995 debut, “Pieces of You,” remains one of the best-selling debuts with hits like “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant for Me” and “Foolish Games.” Net proceeds from the concert will support the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, serving to ensure the PAC remains accessible to the community through the School Matinee Program, providing grants to community arts organizations that perform at the PAC and more. Sponsored by Couch Family Wines, this concert will not only offer an unforgettable musical experience but will also celebrate and follow the grand opening of the Trust Automation Plaza Enhancement Project, which was made possible by the Safreno family and Trust Automation.
Bruce Hornsby and yMusic Perform at PAC April 9
Bruce Hornsby, the American songwriter, pianist and three-time Grammy Award-winner, is joined by yMusic, the genre-leading contemporary classical ensemble, for a performance showcasing new collaborative compositions plus other favorites from Hornsby’s illustrious catalog on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Hornsby rose to fame with his Grammy-winning debut album “The Way It Is” and its title track, the most-played song on U.S. radio in 1987. Since then, he has released more than 20 albums as a leader, toured with the Grateful Dead and appeared on over 100 records from artists who include Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples and Willie Nelson. Hornsby is touring with the New York-based classical-pop ensemble yMusic, a sextet known for its original compositions as well as collaborations with Ben Folds, John Legend, Paul Simon, St. Vincent and others. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Buy tickets to Bruce Hornsby and yMusic
Ukrainian company Grand Kyiv Ballet brings ‘Giselle’ to the PAC April 13
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents the French ballet, "Giselle," Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Filled with passion, betrayal and forgiveness, Giselle is a classical ballet that tells the story of a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner. Tragically, the girl dies of a broken heart when she discovers the truth about her lover’s identity. The ballet, known for its stunning choreography and beautiful music, is a true masterpiece of the ballet repertoire. Grand Kyiv Ballet is honored to have the prime dancers from the National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine bring this timeless classic to life on stage.