Ethics + Emerging Sciences
Faculty Host Vatican Workshop on Emerging Tech
Picture this: You’re waiting excitedly for a table at your town’s hottest pop-up restaurant, eager to try a famous specialty created by a Michelin-starred celebrity chef. Only you don’t have to travel to her fine-dining restaurant in Europe. You’re about to enjoy a dish made famous half a world away, in your own hometown, at a fraction of the price — but it’s prepared by a robot.
In May, philosophy professors Patrick Lin and Daniel Story, religious studies professor Anya Foxen and psychology professor Jennifer Jipson will travel to Rome to discuss these questions and many more at an interdisciplinary workshop hosted by the Vatican.
Building Student Housing
Cal Poly Presents on Modular Student Housing Initiative
Vice President for Facilities Management and Development Mike McCormick presented at the Student and Workforce Housing Development Conference and Expo, highlighting how Cal Poly is pioneering modular construction within the CSU through a partnership with FullStack Modular. This project is the system’s first large-scale modular housing project.
The session explored how this approach accelerates construction, reduces costs and supports enrollment growth. Recently, Cal Poly’s innovative building approach to student housing was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle (subscription required to read the full article).
Graphic Design
Student Exhibition, May 9-15
The exhibition “File format .grad” will feature the work of 32 graduating seniors in the Art and Design Department’s graphic design concentration. A reception for friends, family, alumni and the community will be held Saturday, May 10, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the University Art Gallery, located in Dexter (No. 34). The exhibition will run from May 9-15. Please join in celebrating the achievements of the senior designers!
Learn More About “File format.grad”
Commencement
Honor the Class of 2025 with a Graduate Celebration Slide
Cal Poly Graduate Celebration Slides give faculty, staff and departments the unique opportunity to honor and recognize the Class of 2025 in a big way on a big screen. Send a special message for a graduate to see on the large video screen as they enter Spanos Stadium.
Each slide will showcase a graduate’s name, degree, college, two photos and a personal message. They will run in a celebratory slideshow visible to graduates and attendees before each college commencement ceremony June 14 and 15. Space is limited — purchase your slide today before the May 16 deadline.
Join on May 14
Memory Day
Join for ‘Memory Day’ on Wednesday, May 14, from 2-6 p.m. in the ATL (No. 7). Enjoy an interdisciplinary day of talks by several Cal Poly and Cal Maritime faculty about their memory-related research, culminating with dinner and a keynote address by Charan Ranganath, a leading neuroscientist and professor at UC Davis and author of New York Times bestselling book, “Why We Remember.” Refreshments and dinner will be provided for all. Email James Antony (jwantony@calpoly.edu) or Kelly Bennion (kbennion@calpoly.edu) with questions.
School of Education
Multilingualism in Education Symposium Coming to Cal Poly
Join leading scholars Karla Lomelí, Anthony Muro Villa III and Eduardo Muñoz-Muñoz for a symposium on multilingualism in education taking place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the ATL (No. 7). The event is hosted by the School of Education and supported by the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Inclusion and Equity Fund. For more information, contact Efraín Brito at britoe@calpoly.edu.
Commencement
Sign Up to Volunteer
The Cal Poly Commencement team is seeking employee support to help celebrate graduates at Commencement on June 14 and 15. Sign up for a volunteer shift today and help create a memorable spring celebration for graduates and their supporters. Volunteer tasks may include greeting graduates and guests; ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid; helping with stadium logistics, and more. Volunteers will receive a $50 gift card to the Mustang Shop for each shift completed. For additional details on faculty and staff shifts at Commencement, go to the Employee Volunteer Program page.
Sign Up for a Commencement Shift
Coming May 12
Commencement Roadshow
The Commencement Office invites faculty and staff to the Commencement Roadshow event 1-3 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Advanced Technology Labs (No. 7). Meet the commencement team, learn about this year’s ceremony and receive important updates. The office is ushering in a new era of excellence and innovation for graduates and wants employees to be part of it. Don’t miss this chance to prepare for a spectacular commencement season!
Learn More About This Year’s Ceremony
Fidelity 403b
Retirement Plan In-Person Appointments Available May 19
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet with CSU 403b Fidelity Investments representative Jon Lee, a licensed financial professional who will be on campus May 19 to provide confidential consultations on employees’ everyday financial needs, from investing in the workplace 403b retirement plan to identifying ways to save for college tuition and more. To schedule an appointment, click the link below, select “California State University” as the employer, and “In-Person” as appointment type, and San Luis Obispo, CA, will pop up with the available time slots. All consultations will be in the Employee Shared Services Center in Building 1, Room 222.
Financial Services
Dee Louie
After nearly 20 years of service to Cal Poly, all in University Financial Services, Dee Q. Louie will retire May 31. Always prudent and thinking ahead, Louie notified his colleagues of his pending retirement two years ago! He did so to allow plenty of time to cross-train each member of his team.
Known for his institutional knowledge and deep understanding of accounting policies as well as his patience, kindness and thoughtfulness, Louie will be sorely missed by his coworkers. In lieu of the excitement of year-end close and the GAAP report, Louie looks forward to biking, surfing and D-I-Y projects at his house. He also promises to kick off his shoes and relax every once in a while!
Dexter Lawn University Drive Extension
Campus Blood Drive May 14
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel on Wednesday, May 14. A Vitalant bus will be parked at Dexter Lawn University Drive Extension. 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 humanresources@calpoly.edu for more information.
Music Department
Summer Music Camp for High School Students — Application Deadline June 15
The Cal Poly Music Department will host its 2025 Summer Music Camp July 16-19, open to all California high-school-age instrumentalists and vocalists. Applications are accepted through June 15. Participants can stay in residence halls while they engage in a variety of opportunities, including rehearsing with faculty and students in a choir, percussion ensemble or string chamber group; having private lessons with Cal Poly instructors; sampling music classes; spending time with current music majors; and exploring local areas of interest.
Learn More About Summer Music Camp
Protect Yourself
Cal Poly Heat Illness Prevention Plan
Warmer days are on the way. Now is the time to be mindful of best practices to prevent heat illness and heat stroke. To ensure the safety of all professional and student staff, Cal Poly requires employees to understand the signs and symptoms of heat illness as well as their right to preventative cool-down rests, easy access to water and, when needed, first aid or emergency care. Supervisors have the responsibility of ensuring employee compliance with the Cal Poly Heat Illness Prevention Plan, when outdoor temperatures equal or rise above 87 degrees, or indoor temperatures equal or rise above 82 degrees.
Associated Students, Inc.
Craft Center Makers Market
Today’s the final day of the spring Makers Market — and it’s buzzing with creativity! Don’t miss your chance to discover an electric lineup of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind treasures, from stunning jewelry and bold ceramics to unique fashion finds and so much more. Every piece is made by talented local artisans. Hurry over to Chumash Auditorium (No. 65) between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today for your last shot to snag something truly special. Shop small, support local, and make it unforgettable!
Learn More About the ASI Craft Center
Cal Poly Arts - May 23
Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Elvin Bishop and Grammy-winner and Blues Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Musselwhite share the stage for a stripped-down set of American roots music. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.