California Impact
Cal Poly Pier Designated as Wave Energy Testing Site
In a new partnership established to enhance and support effective, innovative wave energy technologies, Cal Poly recently was selected as a federal agency’s first open water research pier. Research access to the Cal Poly Pier will be available through the Testing Expertise and Access to Marine Energy Research Program or TEAMER, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The pier offers applicants developing wave energy innovations open-water access from its 3,000-foot-long marine research station in San Luis Obispo Bay in Avila Beach.
Tech-Powered Reuse
Students and Startup Help Divert 10 Tons of Library Flooring from Landfill
When alumnus Jason Wheeler returned to Kennedy Library, it wasn’t to relive his student days — it was to reimagine its transformation as a catalyst for environmental change. The 2000 alumnus quickly recognized the potential of the building’s discarded flooring, destined for the landfill but full of possibilities. The Kennedy Library upgrade — underway since summer 2023 and slated to finish in September — features an energy-efficient, sustainable design and will offer improved study spaces and updated programming for students. Inspired, Wheeler founded JackRabbit Salvage Marketplace, a startup designed to connect salvaged construction materials with people ready to give them a second life.
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
Celebrate President’s Diversity Awards on May 22
All are invited to the annual President’s Diversity Awards to celebrate members of the Cal Poly community who have exhibited commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus. Please join us Thursday, May 22, in the Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall to celebrate and honor the faculty, staff and students who have championed DEI efforts for our campus community this year.
- 10:30–11 a.m. — Doors Open and Refreshments
- 11 a.m.–noon — Award Presentations
- Noon–12:30 p.m. — Reception
RSVP for the President’s Diversity Awards
Teaching and Research
Faculty Technology Survey Now Open
Cal Poly is gathering faculty input on the technology used for teaching and research. Please check your email for a short survey from the Office of the Provost and ITS. Your feedback will help guide a better academic tech experience. Survey closes May 23. Questions? Email Prema Windokun or Matt Weber.
University Personnel
Kathryn Rummell
After 28 years of distinguished service to Cal Poly, Kathryn Rummell, acting vice president of University Personnel and chief human resources officer, has announced her retirement effective Aug. 1, 2025.
Rummell began her Cal Poly career as an assistant professor in the English Department. In 2008, she was elected department chair, a role she held for 12 years — leading meaningful curricular reform, founding the department’s advisory board and championing the creation of the department’s first scholarship for first-generation English majors. Her proven leadership led to a series of impactful administrative appointments, including interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 2018 and interim associate vice provost for Academic Personnel in 2020. In 2022, following a national search, she was named associate vice provost for Academic Personnel. Most recently, she stepped in to serve as acting vice president of University Personnel.
Throughout her career, Rummell has remained deeply committed to the well-being and success of Cal Poly’s students, faculty and staff. Her integrity, compassion and unwavering dedication have left an enduring legacy on our campus community. Please join us in celebrating Kathryn’s remarkable career and contributions at her retirement celebration from 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory.
Commencement
Submit a Dear Mustang Graduate Letter to the Class of 2025
Showcase how Cal Poly Proud you are of a graduating student by writing a Dear Mustang Grad Letter. This campaign offers a meaningful way to congratulate graduates, celebrate their accomplishments, share memories and offer words of encouragement. Through these letters, the Commencement Office hopes to surprise the Class of 2025 with personal notes from the people who supported them throughout their Cal Poly journey. For optimal impact, it is asked that you please keep this letter a secret. Once submitted, the Commencement Office will begin preparations to deliver these celebratory digital letters to graduates in June on your behalf.
Cal Poly Partners
Plaza Recognized as an Outstanding Community Project
Cal Poly Partners Plaza – the tiered hospitality area in the north end zone of Alex G. Spanos Stadium – was recognized with two awards by the American Society of Civil Engineers San Luis Obispo Branch. The plaza received the Outstanding Community Improvement Project award for its significant enhancements to the community, and the Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project award for providing value and benefit. Cal Poly Partners worked with San Luis Obispo-based Wallace Group on the civil engineering. Following the May 15 award ceremony, the winners will be sent on to compete at the LA Section.
Learn More about Cal Poly Partners Plaza
Center for Service in Action
Back to School Supply Drive
The Center for Service in Action (CSA), in collaboration with the SLO Department of Social Services, is pleased to announce its Back-to-School Supply Drive. This initiative aims to collect essential school supplies for local teens and foster youth in need for their upcoming 2025-26 academic year. CSA invites you to support this worthy cause by donating items from its Amazon gift registry. Please click the link below to visit the Amazon gift registry and select an item to donate. The deadline for donations is June 15, 2025
2026-27
Academic Calendar
The 2026-2027 academic calendar has recently been approved and is now published on the Office of the Registrar website.
Campus Health and Wellbeing
Annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk May 17
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in partnership with Campus Health and Wellbeing and the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department, will host the annual Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, May 17. The 1-mile walk around the campus begins at 11 a.m. at the UU Plaza. On-site registration and activities begin at 10 a.m. Faculty and staff are invited to walk in support of a friend, a loved one, the campus community or yourself. Questions? Contact Andre Sillas at sillas@calpoly.edu.
Center for Health Research
Spring Symposium to Take Place May 21 on Health Science Advocacy
The Center for Health Research will host its Spring Symposium May 21 from 4-5 p.m. on “Health Science Communication and Advocacy” in Building 124, Room 117. The event highlights how educators, researchers, and community members can effectively communicate science and advocate for public health and academic integrity in a challenging, sociopolitical climate.
Featured speakers
- Christopher D. Nelson: “Communicating Science to Decision Makers”
- Julia Alber: “Advocating for Public Health Policies and Research Funding”
- Suzanne Phelan: ”Engaging and Serving Our Community with the Women’s Mobile Health Unit”
- Lauren Kolodziejski: “Manufactured Controversies and Vaccine Hesitancy”
Celebrating Accessibility
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Join in from 6–8 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the Cal Poly TECHE Lab (No.192, Room 130) as campus celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day for the 10th year in a row!
Explore innovative disability technologies created by students in the EMPOWER and Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) Clubs. Attendees can try out 3D printed assistive devices and discover how 3D printing is transforming the world of accessibility.
Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to see how student-led innovation is making a real impact. Event details will be posted on the Cal Poly Accessibility homepage in the coming week.
Learn More about GAAD at Cal Poly
Music Department
Free Student Recitals
The Music Department has numerous free student presentations this spring. In addition to the following, there will also be some junior and senior recitals.
- May 15: PolyRhythmics Percussion Recital
- May 16: Strings Student Recital
- May 20: Piano Student Recital
- May 22: All That Brass Student Recital
- May 23: Jazz Combos Showcase
- June 5: Vocal Student Recital
Cal Poly Arts - May 22
Forbes Organ Series — Amanda Mole: Broadway and Beyond
Hailed as a rising star, Amanda Mole is quickly earning a reputation as one of the leading concert organists of her generation. Mole will present a collection of classical repertoires, alongside pieces from Broadway’s illustrious musical theatre history. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.