Campus Blood Drive Planned at PAC Loading Dock April 17
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour on Wednesday, April 17, when the campus blood drive will be held. A Vitalant bus will be parked at the Performing Arts Center loading dock, between the PAC and the Davidson Music Center. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. The drive is hosted by University Personnel, Orfalea College of Business and Campus Health and Wellbeing. Questions? Contact Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu).
Updated Cal Poly Report Submission Guidelines to Take Effect May 1
To improve Cal Poly Report’s readability and make production of the newsletter more efficient, we are implementing updated guidelines for submissions, effective for the May 1 edition. These include:
- Submissions will be limited to 100 words.
- Items will run only once, except Catastrophic Leave and Employment Opportunity announcements, which may run twice.
- Submissions will be due no later than 5 p.m. the Thursday before publication.
- All submissions should be strictly employee-focused and should link to more information online.
Read the updated Cal Poly Report Submission Guidelines
Campus Dining Joins Earth Day Cross-Country Challenge
To celebrate Earth Day, Cal Poly, along with more than a dozen other universities, will participate in ReusePass’s Earth Day Cross-Country Challenge. During Earth Week, April 14-22, the campus community is encouraged to help divert a combined 20,000 single-use containers from waste streams by utilizing ReusePass containers in lieu of single-use containers for their daily meals. If 20,000 reusable containers are checked out and returned during that time, ReusePass will sponsor the planting of 100 trees in U.S. national forests. In addition, three random student participants will be chosen to win a Zero Waste Kit and a $25 gift card to either Starbucks, Amazon or Grubhub. The Mustang community can utilize ReusePass conveniently through Grubhub at Picos and Pom & Honey.
Learn more about the ReusePass program at Cal Poly
Center for Service in Action to Honor Volunteers and Host Service Fair April 18
The Center for Service in Action, its community partners and volunteers will host a week of service opportunities in honor of National Volunteer Week in April. All members of the Cal Poly community are invited to join the fun and check out the schedule of events on Cal Poly Now. The events include the spring quarter volunteer and service fair for faculty, staff and students from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 18, on Dexter Lawn. This is for anyone who has wanted to serve on a board of directors or an advisory committee or engage in meaningful service at a local nonprofit or governmental agency. Come by the volunteer and service fair to speak to representatives from organizations doing meaningful work throughout the county. Several community partner agencies will share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students.
Volunteer to Work at Commencement June 15-16
The Commencement team is seeking staff support to help create memorable celebration experiences for graduates and guests at Commencement 2024 at Spanos Stadium on June 15-16. Volunteers will receive a $60 gift card to the University Store for each shift completed.
Volunteer tasks may include greeting graduates and guests, ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid or helping with stadium logistics and more.
For additional details on faculty and staff shifts, visit the Employee Engagement Program page.
April 19 Deadline Set for Inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards Nominations
The Leadership and Service Department is seeking nominations for the inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards for service, leadership and engagement on and off campus. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 19. The campus community is invited to the May 1 ceremony in the Performing Arts Center Grand Lobby, where President Armstrong will recognize award recipients for their efforts. These awards combine Cal Poly's Community Service and LEAD awards. The latter for the past seven years has honored members of the campus community demonstrating excellence and distinction in leadership and engagement on campus. For 37 years, the Community Service Awards recognized faculty, staff, students and community partner agencies for off-campus contributions to the quality of life in San Luis Obispo County and their spirit of civic engagement. Candidates for the new Learn by Doing Good Awards will be selected from written nominations reviewed by a panel of faculty, staff and students. Nominations can be submitted via an online form in Cal Poly Now. Questions? Email serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
TAPS Receives Best Practices Recognition with Industry Accreditation
Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) was recently approved as an Accredited Parking Organization through the International Parking and Mobility Institute, the world’s largest association of professionals in parking, transportation and mobility. The designation recognizes the effort and best practices that TAPS has in place for responsible parking management and operations, access management, customer service, professional development, security and sustainability. With this designation, TAPS demonstrates its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of program outcomes through the implementation of industry best practices. The accreditation is the result of a yearlong collaborative team effort. TAPS Director Marlene Cramer will attend the 2024 IPMI Conference and Expo in Columbus, Ohio, in June to receive Cal Poly’s official designation.
Safer Events Hosts Denim Day, Take Back the Night to Promote Safety April 24-25
Safer’s Sexual Assault Action Month, themed Rise Up, Resist, Reclaim, continues through April. Faculty and staff are invited to join Safer to wrap up its monthlong campaign at two major events:
Denim Day Reception, Wednesday, April 24, 8-10 a.m. in the Campus Health and Wellbeing downstairs patio (No. 27). Show support for survivors by wearing denim in recognition of an international campaign that evolved from an Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. Write letters to survivors, make buttons and take a photo against a denim backdrop.
Take Back the Night, Thursday, April 25, 5-8:30 p.m. in UU Plaza. Employees are invited to join Safer for a daylong symposium featuring faculty presentations and student senior projects. The day ends with an evening community celebration in the UU Plaza with food, speakers and a solidarity march. Take Back the Night is an international movement against sexual violence, with roots in San Luis Obispo since the 1980s.
Join Safer for Sexual Assault Action Month
Learn How to Conquer Impostor Syndrome on April 25
Psychotherapist Stevon Lewis will present an hourlong talk titled “Conquering Impostor Syndrome: Tools to Help You Silence Your Inner Bully” at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Advanced Technology Labs Building (No. 7). His talk will focus on helping participants identify impostor syndrome and learn effective ways to address the rigidly held beliefs that sufferers hold onto that prevent them from connecting to the parts of themselves responsible for their success. The goal is to help people reduce feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally by learning to connect their thoughts, feelings and behavior to allow them to counter irrational beliefs that lead to distress. Lewis is a speaker, author, executive advisor and the host of the podcast "How to Talk to High Achievers About Anything," produced by LWC Studios.
Learn more about the Stevon Lewis April 25 talk
Alumnus Brandon Rolle Presents 'Life After Cal Poly: Building an Interdisciplinary Career'
Los Angeles-based composer Brandon Rolle (Political Science and Music, '10) will give a free talk at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 25, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center about his career since graduating. He will explain how political science research, gigging as a jazz guitarist and working for a video game firm coalesced into his music career as a composer and conductor. The presentation will include audio and video examples of his music and discussion about how networking, expertise and curiosity play a role in his career, and what he wishes he had known when he started his work. A Q&A will follow the talk. Questions? Call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406.
View the Latest Service-Learning Innovations at April 26 Showcase
The 2023-24 Service-Learning Faculty Fellows will present the Service-Learning Showcase of course redesign proposals Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-noon in the Architecture Building (No. 5) Berg Gallery, Room 105. The event is organized by the Center for Service in Action and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology. This poster-session-style event will be an opportunity to view and discuss the latest innovations of service-learning developed by faculty and is open to the entire campus community. Light refreshments will be provided.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERVICE-LEARNING FACULTY FELLOWSHIP
Tune in to Space Grand Challenge April 27
The California Cybersecurity Institute’s (CCI) annual Space Grand Challenge will take place April 26-27, and the Cal Poly community is invited to watch. This Learn by Doing platform developed by Cal Poly CCI students is a free, national, virtual esports competition in which middle and high school students develop space, cybersecurity and tech skills in an engaging manner. Teams of three to six students collaborate to solve a simulated, gamified space-based cybersecurity breach called Mission Luna. The mission is clear: inspire the next generation of cyber defenders, promote STEM education and expand the talent pipeline in cybersecurity and information technology. By participating in the challenge, students gain hands-on experience, improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster teamwork abilities. Faculty and staff can catch the livestream on the CCI’s Twitch channel April 27. The competition runs 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. with the closing ceremony to begin at 5 p.m.
Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors to Meet May 4
The Cal Poly Foundation board of directors will hold its quarterly meeting Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. This meeting serves as the board’s annual meeting. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments for this meeting must be submitted in writing by 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, via email to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu. Other items can also be obtained through that email address:
- Obtain a copy of the agenda after April 23.
- Staff and members of the public are encouraged to participate virtually and can request the Zoom login information by registering with the Cal Poly Foundation Office.
- Registration as a non-speaking guest for electronic or telephonic meetings is required prior to the meeting. Once registered, login details will be provided to each registrant to join as an attendee. Registration requests need to be emailed at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation Office
Apple Products on Sale Through April 19
Cal Poly Mustang Shop is hosting a staff and faculty appreciation sale offering discounts on Apple computers and iPads through Friday, April 19. This sale offers an additional 10% off the already low education pricing on all models. This is the most popular sale of the year, and supplies are limited to computers and tablets in-store. In appreciation for faculty and staff and all they do for the campus, all items are also being made available online. A university ID is required, and sales exclude departmental purchases. Questions? Call the Mustang Shop at 805-457-9652, option 5, or email d.hanna@follett.com.
See Cal Poly Mustang Shop Apple sale computers and iPads
Faculty and Staff Invited to Students with Dependents Inclusion Virtual Training May 14
The Students with Dependents Program, within the Office of the Dean of Students, will host its Students with Dependents Inclusion Training from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The training is designed for faculty, staff and student employees interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to support students with dependents’ success. The goals of this virtual training are to help participants understand more about students with dependents, learn about higher education policies specific to parenting/caregiving students and to think about how to apply the new knowledge to their campus roles. Questions? Contact Courtney Moore (cmoore90@calpoly.edu).
Register and receive the Zoom information
Register Today for Professional Development Courses in May; 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. Register now! 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.
Getting Started with MS OneNote, Thursday, May 9, 10-11 a.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, May 9, 1-1:30 p.m.
Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, May 10, 8-8:30 a.m.
Self-Coaching 101, Friday, May 10, 1:30-3 p.m.
Success as First-Gen Professional, Wednesday, May 15, noon-1 p.m.
See the full list of Cross Campus Collaboration Sessions
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. Contact Lisa Gray (lcgray@calpoly.edu) for more information.
Faculty and Staff Have New Lunch Spot at Cal Poly Partners Pavilion
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.
Help Improve Kennedy Library Website by May 3 and Receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Kennedy Library is assessing and improving its website to ensure it supports the community’s needs. The library is conducting a usability study on the search experience of homepage prototypes in active development and is seeking faculty and student users to evaluate the new designs. Participation will take 45-60 minutes and includes completing a short demographic and feedback questionnaires, as well as four task-based scenarios. Community participation is important and will help improve the library website for all users. Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card upon completion of the session. Testing ends Friday, May 3. If interested, email Camille Paradis (clparadi@calpoly.edu).
Tours are Back at the Recreation Center
Guided tours are available at the Recreation Center Thursday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m., no reservation needed! Learn more about the state-of-the-art facility and the amazing amenities offered. Stop by the Membership Services desk at the front of the Recreation Center to take a tour!
Free Recreation Center Guest Passes for Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff members can redeem two free $10 guest passes or $20 off a new or renewed membership through Oct. 31!
Learn more about Recreation Center membership specials
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.
Register for luncheon and program
Cal Poly Partners Board of Directors to Meet April 26
Cal Poly Partners board of directors will meet Friday, April 26, at 8:30 a.m. at Vista Grande Dining Complex, third floor. The meeting is open to the public. Written public comments must be emailed by Wednesday, April 24, to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu. People who want to speak on an agenda item must submit a Board Appearance Request at least 24 hours before the meeting to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu. A Zoom webinar is also available. Public comments promptly begin at 8:30 a.m. Speakers need to arrive at 8:15 a.m. More information will be made available on the Cal Poly Partners website along with the meeting agenda five days before the meeting. Questions? Call Holly Clark at ext. 6-1131.
Zoom link for Cal Poly Partners directors meeting
Nominate Campus DEI Leaders for President’s Diversity Awards by April 29
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion is seeking nominations for the annual Cal Poly President’s Diversity Awards, which recognize individuals and groups who have exhibited commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on the campus. The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 29, at 5 p.m. Recipients will be honored at June 6 ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the PAC lobby and courtyard.
President’s Diversity Award categories include:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Student
- Campus Department/Unit
- Student Group/Organization
- Dolores Huerta Si Se Puede Award for Transformational Leadership
- Excellence in Inclusive Design
Recipients of the Group and Dolores Huerta Si Se Puede awards include a $1,000 prize. All other categories include a $500 prize. Pictured are 2023 faculty award recipient School of Education’s Tina Cheuk, center with President Armstrong and Denise Isom, vice president for diversity and inclusion.
Submit DEI Leader nominations Online by April 29
Texas Tech Communication Professor to Discuss Design Thinking and Social Innovation April 29
Jason Tham, associate professor of technical communication and rhetoric and assistant chair of the Department of English at Texas Tech University, will give a talk on design thinking as a mindset and methodology for social innovation Monday, April 29 from 2:10-3:30 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Lab Building (No. 7). For decades, practitioners across multiple industries have employed design thinking as a technology for innovation that deals with complex issues, also known as “wicked problems.” As a mindset and a methodology, design thinking can promote critical awareness and create socially responsive solutions that aim toward positive changemaking. Tham, who has a doctorate in rhetoric and scientific and technical communication, will discuss design as an activity that involves studying problems, understanding human and environmental needs and devising desirable solutions. Questions? Contact Krista Sarraf, director of the technical and professional communication program.
Kennedy Library Transformation Project Hits Significant Milestones
Significant milestones have been reached in the Kennedy Library transformation project, including the reopening of a California Boulevard parking lot. The delivery of the building's energy-efficient window systems is complete, and the team is preparing for installation. Progress is steady on all levels for the rough-in of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, fire sprinkler systems and framing on all floors. Additionally, C-7 parking spaces are available again for staff and faculty. However, there will be a road closure on North Perimeter Road, from Dexter Road to University Drive (on the west and east sides of the library respectively), from Monday, April 15, to Friday, April 26. The closure will facilitate the safe loading of new stair structural steel by a large construction crane. While vehicular access will be restricted, the north sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians.
See the Kennedy Library construction timeline
Registration 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
Get Your Kicks Through 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
Counseling Services Offers Body Positive Training to Students in Spring
Faculty and staff are encouraged to tell students about an opportunity to participate in the Body Positive Facilitator Training. Counseling Services is offering this training to enrolled students of all gender identities and expressions. Participants will complete online facilitator training over six weeks — about an hour per week — and meet to discuss the material with Cal Poly counselors Amelia Ramirez and Shawna Dobson (pictured from right) from 2-3 p.m. each Friday via Zoom for six weeks starting April 19. Students completing the training can facilitate their own Be Body Positive groups and workshops on campus. Interested students should email Ramirez (arami191@calpoly.edu) by Thursday, April 18 and include a paragraph describing their interest. The Body Positive is a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 "that teaches people to listen to their bodies, learn and thrive."
Learn more about the Body Positive
Award-winning Author to Discuss Mindful Travel in an Unequal World on May 15-16
University of Washington Professor Anu Taranath, an award-winning speaker and author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” will appear at the Performing Arts Center Pavilion May 15-16. At her keynote presentation, from 5:30-7 p.m. May 15, she will lead an illuminating conversation on the intersections of travel and social change. A book signing will follow. On May 16, from 11:10 a.m.-1 p.m., faculty and staff are invited to join an interactive workshop. The first 20 registrants will receive a free copy of the book. The events, hosted by the International Center and campus co-sponsors, are free and open to all. In advance of Taranath’s visit, the campus is invited to join the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology’s book circles that begin April 25 and 29. Taranath understands that the most effective conversations on race, identity, power and belonging take place when people feel valued and heard.
For the full listing of International Symposium events and to register
‘TikTok Organist’ Anna Lapwood to Perform at PAC April 17
Cal Poly Arts will present organist Anna Lapwood as a part of the Forbes Organ Series
Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Lapwood, a trailblazing organist and social media sensation, captivates audiences with her fresh approach to classical music. As director of music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, England, and deemed “the TikTok organist” with more than 550,000 fans on the social media site, she bridges genres and generations by performing movie compositions, Bach and jazz-infused pieces. Discover a unique musical experience with this innovative artist. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available. Cal Poly students can get $17 tickets in-person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office by showing their student ID.
Get tickets to Anna Lapwood’s performance April 17
Civic Ballet of SLO Presents ‘The Scarlet Ibis’ and ‘Rodeo’ in Spanos Theatre April 20-21
The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo presents two Drew Silvaggio’s original contemporary ballets, “The Scarlet Ibis” and “Rodeo” Saturday, April 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m. in Spanos Theatre. Based on the short story by James Hurst, “The Scarlet Ibis” explores themes of family, acceptance, pridefulness, fragility and survival in a world that you may not belong. “Rodeo,” a crowd-pleasing update of the Agnes de Mille classic, features energetic original choreography, a contemporary popular score and a poignant, timely message about strength, femininity and vulnerability.
Get Tickets to Civic Ballet of SLO April 20-21
SLO Master Chorale Presents Rachmaninoff’s ‘All-Night Vigil’ at PAC April 21
The SLO Master Chorale presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil” Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Rachmaninoff’s signature choral work has become a fixture in choral repertoire, standing as the crowning achievement of the “Golden Age” of Russian Orthodox sacred choral music. Much of the melodic material was drawn from ancient unison chants made contemporary through the addition of three to 10 vocal lines. The music is for chorus a cappella, the traditional vocal complement in the Russian Orthodox Church. The SLO Master Chorale will perform the work in a rare concert given without the Master Chorale Orchestra. A dynamically diverse work, members of the group will be spread out all over the Performing Arts Center stage.
Get tickets to the SLO master chorale performance April 21
Small Island Big Song Comes to PAC April 26
Cal Poly Arts presents Small Island Big Song Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Based on the 2019 documentary film “Small Island Big Song,” the concert is a musical collaboration between artists who are on the frontline of the climate crisis of 16 seafaring nations in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The performance “Our Island” brings together some of the most prominent artists of Taiwan, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti and other islands, who choose to maintain the cultural voice of their people, to sing in the language and play the instruments of their land. A musical blend of roots-reggae, R&B, folk and spoken-word is framed with live visuals filmed across those island nations to create what Billboard described as “one coherent, jaw-dropping piece.” This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available. Cal Poly students can get $17 tickets in-person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office by showing their student ID.