Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Josh Machamer Appointed
Josh Machamer has been appointed assistant vice president of strategic initiatives. In this role, he will work closely with campus leadership to strengthen communication, coordination, and alignment of institutional priorities, initiatives, and projects. He will also play a key role in supporting presidential initiatives, including the Cal Maritime–Cal Poly integration. Josh brings valuable experience from his position as Associate Dean for Operations in the College of Liberal Arts, where he led several impactful student success and strategic planning efforts. Please join us in congratulating Josh on his new role.
AmeriCorps Programs
Help Students Make a Meaningful Impact After Graduation in SLO
Do you know a graduating student seeking a purposeful gap year? Encourage them to join AmeriCorps VIP (Volunteer Infrastructure Program) through Cal Poly’s AmeriCorps Programs. Members serve full-time (August-June) at local nonprofits and agencies, tackling issues like healthcare, education, food insecurity and more. Benefits include:
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$2,727.27 monthly stipend.
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$10,000 education award.
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Valuable hands-on experience in public service.
Encourage your students to apply or reach out to learn more! Cal Poly AmeriCorps Programs is also seeking more host sites. Interested? Visit the website to learn more.
Biological Sciences Department
Kay Perryman-Snow
Former Cal Poly faculty member Kay Perryman-Snow (also known as Elizabeth K. Perryman) died Feb. 10, 2025. A pioneering female biological sciences professor in Cal Poly’s (Bailey) College of Science and Mathematics, Perryman-Snow served as an instructor between 1972-2007. Perryman-Snow funded the Sarah Perryman Memorial Scholarship in memory of her mother. A celebration of life service will be held at the Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo at 2201 Lawton Ave. at 2 p.m. April 26. Donations may be made in Perryman’s memory to the Sarah Perryman Memorial Scholarship or to Woods Humane Animal Shelter in San Luis Obispo County.
Food Science and Nutrition Department
Cal Poly Made
Cal Poly’s Food Science and Nutrition Department launched Cal Poly Chocolates in 2000. Now, 25 years later, it has been rebranded to Cal Poly Made to better represent all student-made products developed in the department.
The Cal Poly Made website, www.calpolymade.com, offers bundles of sauces, jams and chocolates that can be mixed and matched to create a curated box of your favorite products — perfect for gifting yourself, family or friends. For the first time, nationwide delivery of products is available. All orders placed by 5 p.m. on Thursdays will be processed for shipment the following week. Order pick-up is also available at Bldg. 24 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Visit the Cal Poly Made Website
Set to Reopen Fall 2025
Kennedy Library
Kennedy Library remains under construction and is on schedule to reopen during Week of Welcome. This spring, library collections and books will begin moving back into the building. The campus community may experience minor disruptions at temporary service points during the transition.
Learn About Construction Updates and Project Details
ChatGPT Edu
New AI Resource for Cal Poly Launches April 28
Starting Monday, April 28, students, faculty and stateside staff can access the new ChatGPT Edu. This private version of ChatGPT is funded by the CSU Chancellor’s Office for at least the next 18 months as part of the CSU AI initiative. Activity within ChatGPT Edu is confidential and not used to train OpenAI’s public models. ChatGPT Edu is an optional resource to help streamline work, improve communication and simplify complex tasks. Training, guidance and policies for effective and ethical AI use are available on CSU’s AI Commons and the Cal Poly ChatGPT Edu landing page. For questions or support, submit a ticket to the Support Center.
Contact General Help Support Center
Checking In
ASI Recreational Sports
Love the water? There are still spots open in Advanced Swim Courses and Personal Aquatics Training — perfect for swimmers looking to improve technique with personalized coaching. Have kids? Enroll them in Youth Swim Lessons for ages 4-16, where they’ll learn in small groups with peers of similar skill levels and instructors tailored to their needs. More of a land-lover? Try Cardio Sport, one of ASI’s newest fitness classes! This high-energy workout mimics a game-like experience with a follow-the-leader format set to motivating music. Dive in or gear up — just get moving!
Learn More About ASI Recreational Sports Offerings
Join Safer in Celebrating – April 30
Denim Day
Join Safer in celebrating Denim Day, Wednesday, April 30! Denim Day grew out of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the survivor wore tight jeans. Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work, which became an international symbol of protest against destructive attitudes and myths surrounding sexual assault. There are lots of ways you can get involved. Join Safer for any of our upcoming events, wear denim on April 30 and share with your students and colleagues how your jeans protest violence!
Cal Poly Foundation
Board of Directors to Meet May 3
The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting Saturday, May 3 at 9:30 a.m. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, April 25. The agenda will be available after April 28 upon request via email. Virtual participation is encouraged; register for Zoom login details via email at least 72 hours prior to 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 ext. 6-7147 or via email.
Space Optimization
Creating Space for Learning, Community and Belonging
Several units across campus will relocate this summer as part of a university’s Space Optimization initiative. These centers are moving to Building 15 to form the core of a new student-serving neighborhood: Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC), La CASA, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Cal Poly Scholars, and TRIO Achievers. The Dream Center will co-locate with the Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center (NAICC) in the yakʔitʸutʸu residential community (No. 172). Several programs will move to the newly renovated Kennedy Library: Office of Writing and Learning (including the Tutoring and Learning Center); Cal Poly International Center; University Honors Program and Cal Poly Print and Copy.
Accepting Applications
Faculty Fellow for Student Success Data Analytics
This fellowship supports data-informed, equity-focused strategies that enhance the student experience and faculty development. The fellow will collaborate with Institutional Research and unit leaders to identify and interpret key data, craft data narratives, and guide strategic planning for student success initiatives. Applicants must submit a CV and a one-page statement of interest. The priority deadline to apply is May 5, 2025.
Learn More About the Fellowship
Campus Invited to Celebrate
Bring Your Dependent to College Day
The Students with Dependents Program will celebrate National Bring Your Dependent to College Day on Thursday, April 24. This event is open to students, staff, faculty and their families. Join us at the Advanced Technology Labs (Building 007) from 3-5:30 p.m. for carnival games, prizes, food and a panel event.
Music Department - May 1-4
Inaugural Cal Poly Cello Fest
The Music Department will present Cello Fest from May 1-4 at locations on and off campus. On May 1, composer Aaron Kline and cellist Megan Chartier will give a lecture-demonstration; and Eric Sung, principal cellist of the San Francisco Ballet, will lead a master class. On May 2, music major Emiko Wong will present a recital with pianist Janet Joich. The Cal Poly Cello Ensemble will give a concert May 3. And Chartier will present a faculty recital May 4. All events are free and open to the public.