Welcome Back, Mustangs!
See Memorable Moments From the First Week on Campus
Campus buzzed with activity a week before the start of fall quarter as thousands of Mustangs moved in, and new students gathered on campus to kick off a time-honored tradition: the Week of Welcome. The award-winning campus program, which stretches back more than 60 years, brings new students together with more experienced student mentors who introduce them to campus life and critical resources for a successful college career. This year, more than 6,400 students and 547 WOW leaders participated in WOW, according to Dale Stoker, director of New Student and Transition Programs.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Three Startups to Watch from the CIE’s Demo Day
At the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Demo Day in early September, eight startup teams who participated in the CIE’s 2024 Summer Accelerator showcased their businesses to the community – and the future looks bright. “This year’s cohort is really exceptional in that they are showcasing such a diverse range of innovative solutions that reflect their understanding of market needs and entrepreneurial resilience,” said CIE Academic Programs Director Dr. Thomas Katona. The cohort included many recent Cal Poly graduates representing a variety of industries and disciplines, from medical devices to gaming software.
NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Coordinator Hired
Dr. Kent Spiers
Cal Poly has hired Dr. Kent Spiers to coordinate the university’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its California equivalent, CalNAGPRA. Spiers began in his position on Sept. 23. He has worked with various levels of government and Indigenous communities in several different capacities in the U.S., and Canada. He has published on innovative approaches to collaborative research and holds a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Calgary, where his dissertation focused on research collaboration with Inuit communities in the Eastern Arctic. Spiers can be reached at 805-756-6060 or [email protected].
Office of the Provost
Faculty Transfer Fellows Announcement
The Provost’s Office is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Tanya Flushman and Dr. Jennifer Jipson as faculty transfer fellows. Flushman is collaborating with Cuesta College, including the upcoming 2+2 Liberal Studies program launching in fall 2025. Jipson is collaborating with Allan Hancock College, focusing on the 2+2 Sociology program that began this fall. Together, they are working to strengthen partnerships with localcommunity colleges and improve transfer pathways to Cal Poly. Their efforts began this summer and will continue throughout the 2024-25 academic year.
Office of the Provost
Faculty Fellow for National and International Fellowships and Scholarships
The Provost's office is excited to announce that Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna has been selected as the new coordinator of national and international fellowships and scholarships. In this role, Rajakaruna will guide students and recent graduates in applying for competitive awards such as the Churchill, Rhodes and Truman scholarships, offering personalized advising and support throughout the process. Under the leadership of Susan Cheng, associate provost for student success, Rajakaruna’s work began this summer and continues through the 2024-25 academic year.
Office of the Provost
Call for Applications: YRO Faculty Fellow
The Provost’s Office is seeking a YRO Faculty Fellow to support the planning and implementation of Year-Round Operations (YRO), which is expected to launch in 2027. The faculty fellow will serve on the YRO Steering Committee, collaborate with campus stakeholders and help develop a communications strategy. The work begins in winter 2025 and extends through spring, with possible renewals. Interested tenured or tenure-track faculty should submit a C.V. and a statement of interest by Thursday, Oct. 10, to Senior Vice Provost Daniel Grassian at [email protected].
Office of the Provost
Allied Health Initiative and Faculty Fellow
Cal Poly is dedicated to engaging with our community, which includes addressing critical regional needs. The Allied Health Initiative, led by Faculty Fellow Dr. Aydin Nazmi aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals on the Central Coast by building a more robust healthcare education and workforce ecosystem. In partnership with numerous campus and community stakeholders, Nazmi is exploring how our allied health and health professional portfolio might be strengthened by expanding existing and developing new pathways to the healthcare workforce.
Meeting Oct. 26
Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors
The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. The agenda will be available after Oct. 21 upon request via email [[email protected]]. Virtual participation is encouraged; register for Zoom login details via email [[email protected]] at least 72 hours before the meeting. Login details will be provided to each registrant to join as an attendee. For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation office at 805-756-7147 or [email protected].
Latest Issue Released
Cal Poly Magazine
The fall edition dives deep into how members of the Cal Poly community are preserving California. Read articles about student and alumni firefighters learning to battle blazes across the state, student research leveraging an advanced drone to understand monarch butterflies, a startup keeping harmful batteries out of the waste stream, and a hands-on excavation that brought a family closer to their ancestors. Pick up a print copy in racks throughout campus or find all stories — and a brand-new video — on the Cal Poly Magazine website.
University Communications
Seeking Nominees for 2025 Great Grads Feature
University Communications is retooling the annual Great Grads commencement feature that highlights a graduate candidate from each college, and the office is seeking nominees by Nov. 22. The focus on each college nominee is California Impact: How a Cal Poly education provides students the opportunity to take part in research, academic work and co-curricular experiences that directly and tangibly impact California, and how grads are headed to careers that will allow them to continue impacting the Golden State.
Submit 2025 Great Grad Nominations
Faculty and Staff Housing
120 New Housing Units Now Available
Cal Poly Partners is excited to announce a new addition to its portfolio of faculty and staff housing. Cal Poly Partners recently acquired 120 units in the newly constructed Harvest Lofts in the San Luis Ranch community. Just 4 miles from Cal Poly, Harvest Lofts offers four distinct floor plans, from studio to one-bedroom apartments. The units are ready for occupancy. Available for Cal Poly faculty and staff to rent, these units will provide a reliable, hassle-free housing solution. For more information contact Patty Martin at 805-752-1082 or email [email protected].
Join CSU’s
Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Enhance your professional and personal growth with a variety of wellbeing workshops. From guided mindfulness sessions (“Weekly Dose of Mindfulness”) to reduce stress and build resilience, to interactive workshops like “Creating a Culture of Feedback” and “Dealing with Triggers,” these programs offer practical tools for thriving in today’s fast-paced environment. Whether you're looking to cultivate emotional intelligence, improve communication skills, or develop a resilient mindset, there’s a session tailored to your needs. Join to build a stronger, more connected community and empower yourself with strategies for success.
Lead Counselor Financial Aid Office
Barbara Rollins
Barbara Rollins, lead counselor in the Financial Aid Office, is retiring after 30 years of service. She entered Cal Poly as a postbaccalaureate in 1994, started work as Federal Work-Study student in the Financial Aid Office eventually becoming a full-time counselor. Rollins has helped countless students and supporters during her time at the university and is grateful for having worked with so many talented and passionate colleagues. Her last day in office is Oct. 10., soon after she’ll see both her sons’ weddings—she’s also looking forward to spending quality time with her husband Bob and their boxers, Maggie and Dani.
Strengthen Your Security
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication
Week Two of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Since passwords alone aren't always secure, Cal Poly requires MFA for all students, staff and faculty accessing their portal, email and business apps. This two-step process, like using a code or fingerprint, adds extra security. ITS recommends enabling MFA on personal accounts like banking, social media and email. If you receive repeated MFA notifications without attempting to log in, don’t approve it — change your password immediately. Set up MFA for all sensitive accounts with Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency’s guidelines.
Set up MFA for all sensitive accounts
CSU’s Got Talent Webcast
Frugal Innovation — Co-building a Better World with Less
Join CSU's Got Talent on Oct. 16 with Navi Radjou, innovation and leadership advisor, bestselling author and Thinkers50 Innovation Award winner where we will discuss how you can harness frugal innovation, a radically new paradigm to generate greater social and economic value using fewer resources. Businesses and nations worldwide are embracing frugal innovation to serve thrifty, socially conscious and eco-responsible citizens. Learn how to adopt principles and techniques to boost agility, innovate efficiently and co-create an inclusive, healthy and sustainable society.
Register for the Oct. 16 webcast
Oct. 10 on Dexter Lawn East
Campus Blood Drive
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel, Orfalea College of Business and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Wednesday, Oct. 10. A Vitalant bus will be parked at Dexter Lawn East. 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. Contact Human Resources at [email protected] for more information.
Screening of
“Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire”
The Cal Poly Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) FIRE Institute is hosting a free screening of the award-winning documentary “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire,” on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Spanos Theatre. A Q&A panel discussion, including the filmmaker Ralph Bloemers, WUI Director Frank Frievalt and retired San Luis Obispo County fire chief Robert Lewin will be held after the screening. The event is open to the entire community.
Learn more about the film and get tickets
Center for Service in Action
Volunteer and Service Fair Oct. 17
The Center for Service in Action will host a volunteer and service fair for the campus community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, on Dexter Lawn. This event 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 government agency. Come by the fair to speak to representatives from organizations doing amazing work in San Luis Obispo County. Several community partner agencies will share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students.
Learn by Doing Research Showcase
SURP+ Research Poster Symposium Oct. 18
The annual SURP+ Research Poster Symposium will showcase over 125 projects completed as part of Cal Poly’s Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURPs). Student researchers from five colleges will present their findings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Engineering Plaza, between Engineering IV (No. 192) and Bonderson Engineering Projects Center (No. 197). Student poster presenters worked with faculty members and community partners last summer, resulting in student-faculty co-authored publications and university, industry and community collaborations. In addition, 35 Central Coast Community College students active with the C6 NSF LSAMP Program will share their research. Light refreshments provided by the Office of Student Research.
Division of Research
Mini Graduate School and Research Opportunities Fair
Collocated with the annual SURP+ symposium on Friday, Oct.18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Engineering Plaza is Cal Poly's Mini Graduate School and Research Opportunities Fair. The fair is for students interested in learning about graduate programs or learning how to get involved in research activities in preparation for graduate studies. Off-campus recruiters include Northern Arizona University, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and UC Santa Barbara. Cal Poly resources include Career Services; Graduate Education/Graduate Admissions; Office of Student Research/BEACoN/CSU LSAMP; Extended, Professional and Continuing Education; the School of Education and five colleges.
Learn more about the Graduate and Research Fair
26th Annual
Mark S. Reuling Volleyball Tournament
The 26th Annual Mark S. Reuling Volleyball Tournament is back on Friday, Oct. 25. All faculty and staff are invited to join ASI Intramural Sports and Campus Health and Wellbeing in this annual tournament that aims to raise funds for the Reuling Memorial Endowment promoting education and prevention programs regarding bipolar disorder and depression for our community. The tournament is part of Buck the Stigma presented by ASI Student Government and PULSE, which includes a series of events held in an effort to reduce the stigmas around mental health. Registration opens Friday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.
Learn more about the tournament
Elevate U Grand Opening
Cal Poly Mustang Shop
Help celebrate the grand opening of our Elevate U Beauty collection on Oct. 11from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring iconic brands such as Maybelline, NYX, Kokie, Milani and others. Join us for sample giveaways, refreshments and fun. Receive a special discount on a future Elevate U item purchase with an Elevate U purchase at our grand opening event. Visit the Cal Poly Mustang Shop website to see some of our new Elevate U beauty offerings. Giveaway quantities are limited, restrictions apply with future purchase coupons. Contact the store for more details.