Robert E. Kennedy Library
Kennedy Library Reopens After Two-Year Renovation
Kennedy Library has reopened following a two-year renovation completed on time and on budget. The project enhances the library’s role in supporting Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing mission and meeting the evolving needs of students. Upgrades include a new main stair, expanded café, redesigned courtyard, modern seminar rooms, improved study and classroom seating, streamlined service points, upgraded HVAC systems and greater accessibility. The transformed space is designed to foster collaboration and innovation across the campus community.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Cal Poly Maritime Academy Welcomes Students to Newly Integrated Campus
The Cal Poly Solano Campus recently hosted media for a day of conversations with students and faculty and interaction with some of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s cutting-edge, hands-on technology and programming helping to prepare the next generation of maritime industry leaders. The gathering helped mark the start of the academy’s first fall semester integrated with Cal Poly, a move that provides needed support for the crucial maritime academy programming while taking advantage of synergies between the universities’ academic programs and shared emphasis on Learn by Doing.
in the News
Cal Poly Again Named One of Nation’s Top 25 Public Schools by Forbes
Cal Poly is again one of Forbes’ Top 25 Public Colleges, as part of the magazine’s 2025-26 list of America’s Top Colleges. Overall, Cal Poly was 55th in the nation — up from 57th in 2024 and No. 83 in 2023 — among the 500 ranked public and private not-for-profit universities in the U.S. The rankings, released Aug. 26, looked far beyond the Ivy League. Its top school was Massachusetts Institute of Technology of Boston. Also in the top five were Columbia University in New York; Princeton University of New Jersey; and the Golden State’s Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley.
See the full Forbes Best Colleges list
in the News
Digital Democracy Wins Emmy for Political Reporting
Digital Democracy, created at Cal Poly and operated in partnership with the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters, has earned an Emmy Award for political reporting by harnessing artificial intelligence to reveal hidden patterns in state government. The award, presented by the Northern California chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognized a CBS-TV and CalMatters investigation powered by Digital Democracy. The broadcast, “Using new AI, grieving moms discover California lawmakers killed popular fentanyl bill by not voting,” revealed how legislators sideline bills by simply declining to vote.
CSU Trustees’ Scholar Awards
International Strategy and Security Student Receives CSU Trustees’ Award
A Cal Poly Maritime Academy international strategy and security student has received a 2025 California State University trustees’ scholar award for outstanding achievement. Tabitha Lee Chon was selected for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. The South Pasadena, California, resident will receive a $7,000 scholarship as the CSU Trustee Leslie and Cliff Gilbert-Lurie Scholar. Awardees were publicly recognized Sept. 9 by CSU Chancellor Mildred García and the CSU Board of Trustees during the board’s meeting in Long Beach.
CSU Trustees’ Scholar Awards
Aerospace Student Receives 2025 CSU Trustees’ Award
A first-generation Cal Poly aerospace engineering student has received a 2025 California State University Trustees’ scholar award for outstanding achievement and a scholarship for $7,000. Like other honorees, Denis Gonzalez-Reyes was selected for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. “I feel very honored and have a lot of pride because, although this award only has my name on it, to me it recognizes everyone who has helped me throughout my journey thus far,” Gonzalez-Reyes said.
in the News
Computer Science Student Now Part of Lego History
Most Lego sets are dreamed up in Denmark by teams of professional designers. This summer, one of the company’s newest releases came from an unlikely place: the imagination of Alex Sahli, a computer science student at Cal Poly. His Italian Riviera build, a 3,251-piece village of pastel homes and cobbled streets, is now on shelves worldwide, complete with his name and a photo of him holding the set in the instruction manual. Priced at $299, the set was inspired by his travels in Italy. For Sahli, a resident of Portland, Oregon, the accomplishment grew out of a lifelong love of Lego
Fulbright Scholarships
Alumna Olivia Huyler Awarded Fulbright ETA
Cal Poly alumna Olivia Huyler has been awarded a 2025 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award. This year, she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in global politics and a minor in Spanish. Through this prestigious and highly competitive grant, Huyler will teach English in Spain during the upcoming academic year and serve as a cultural ambassador, promoting mutual understanding between the United States and Spain.
Biological Sciences Department
Yep Receives the Council on Undergraduate Research’s Biology Division Mentor Award
Biological Sciences Department faculty member Alejandra Yep, who joined Cal Poly in 2014, was recognized nationally as a mid-career faculty member whose sustained efforts in supervising undergraduate research students show commitment to helping students achieve success and growth. She was nominated by Cal Poly students for the award. Yep supervises multiple research studies, including the Nuestra Ciencia outreach program, connecting Cal Poly students and local elementary schools through bilingual biology education. Yep also leads research studies related to urinary tract infections.
Benefits and Employee Services
Benefits Open Enrollment Now Through Oct. 10
Join the Staff Learning Community (SLC) on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom for “Preparing for Benefits Open Enrollment,” hosted by Cathe Olson with presenters Erin Carlisle and Aylish A. Maey. This session will focus on Benefits Open Enrollment, which runs through Oct. 10. Open enrollment offers you the opportunity to choose a different insurance plan or sign up for a new plan. Come learn more about this year’s plan changes and get answers to your benefits questions.
Register for the Benefits webcast
International Travel
Submit Your Travel Request Now for Pre-Approval
Faculty, staff, students and volunteers traveling internationally on university business (including research, conferences, etc.) must submit travel requests at least 60 days before departure or any expenses are incurred. Doing so will ensure pre-approval for the trip and eligibility for coverage under the Foreign Travel Insurance Program mandated through the CSU Risk Management Authority. Retroactive trip approvals are rare and only granted under exceptional circumstances. Such requests must be approved by Risk Management and other campus approvers. The traveler or department is responsible for Foreign Travel Insurance Premium costs. Please consult the U.S. State Department Travel Advisories prior to and just before travel.
Research Support
Statistical Consulting Services Available This Fall
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available during fall quarter by appointment only. Jeff Sklar and Soma Roy will serve as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, they are available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. Additional information can be found on the Statistics Department website.
Safer
Safer Fall Book Circle Registration is Now Open
Safer will host its weekly fall book circle for faculty and staff Sept. 30 through Oct. 28. Safer’s fall book selection is “Creep” by author Myriam Gurba, who will serve as the keynote speaker at Safer’s annual symposium. The book circle will meet Tuesdays from 12:10 to 1 p.m. via Zoom and is co-facilitated by Gillian Cutshaw from Safer and Paloma Moran from Counseling and Psychological Services.
Register For Safer Fall Book Circle
Office of Research
Attend Intellectual Property and Patents Discussions Sept. 29–30
Cal Poly faculty are invited to meet with TreMonti Consulting, the Office of Research’s technology transfer consultants, in-person and on Zoom Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 30. Faculty inventors can learn more about intellectual property and the patenting process by attending a virtual information session “Trending Topics in Technology Transfer, Protecting Intellectual Property with Intention” Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11:10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Holly Meadows and Greg Sullivan will also host confidential project consultations. Sign up to schedule an appointment. Questions? Email techtransfer@calpoly.edu or visit the Technology Transfer webpage.
Attend the Sept. 30 Zoom Session
Environmental Health and Safety
AI-Powered Ergonomic Support
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is excited to introduce AI-powered Ergonomic Support. This completely optional service proactively identifies and addresses ergonomic risks. Using the advanced AI tool TuMeke, along with the Ergonomics Self-Assessment Tool, EHS can identify opportunities for ergonomic improvement by analyzing posture and movement through video and generating data-driven reports that highlight and prioritize high-risk activities. Coworkers can collaborate by recording smartphone videos of daily tasks, which are analyzed to identify hazards and recommend tailored improvements. This optional, data-informed approach helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders, ensures compliance with safety standards and fosters a safer, healthier and more productive campus.
Information Technology Services
Troy Weipert
Troy Weipert is retiring from Cal Poly after 25 years of service. Troy worked in Payroll for a year, before moving to A&F Network Technology Services (ANTS). Troy worked his way from a technology consultant to the director of ANTS. With IT centralization, Troy joined ITS as the Zone D client services manager supporting many administrative departments. He spent the last two years as the service support specialist assisting ITS with customer service. Troy was also a PolyCon club advisor, supporting tabletop gaming on campus for 20 years. He looks forward to doing more gaming and traveling in retirement.
President’s Office
Joseph Castro
We’re saddened to report the passing of Joseph Castro on Sunday, Aug. 24. Castro was a former California State University chancellor, Fresno State president and Cal Poly faculty member. He was the first California native and Mexican American to be chancellor of the CSU system. On leaving the Chancellor’s office in 2023, he came to Cal Poly teaching public policy and leadership in the Orfalea College of Business. Castro's family released a statement, saying in part, “First and foremost, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith. As a devout Catholic, he lived with humility, compassion and an abiding commitment to serving others.” Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong noted, “Our thoughts are with Joe’s family, friends and the many colleagues and students whose lives he impacted throughout CSU.”
Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs
Semester Conversion Scheduling Patterns Update
Cal Poly has finalized the course and exam scheduling patterns for semester conversion in fall 2026, shaped by broad consultation with faculty and staff. Two key updates: UU Hour will shift to Fridays, 11 to 11:50 a.m., and final exams will follow a 2.5-hour schedule with 30 minutes passing time. The complete semester scheduling patterns are available on the Registrar’s website, and additional information can be found on the semester conversion website.
Know Before You Park
Important Fall Parking Update
As the campus community returns, remember to plan and allow extra time to park. Ongoing construction tied to the Accelerated Master Plan and sustainability goals means parking patterns and lot access have changed. The good news is there are free and low-cost ways to get to, from and around campus. A second daytime Mustang Shuttle will begin the first day of classes to reduce wait times. Carpools have designated spaces and vanpools offer guaranteed parking. Rideshare has guaranteed rides home. SLO Transit remains free. With planning and flexibility, everything will move smoothly.
Visit the TAPS website to learn more
Robert E. Kennedy Library
Julian’s to Open This Fall in Kennedy Library
Julian's coffee shop is opening this fall in the Robert E. Kennedy Library after a multi-year renovation! Stop by for your favorite artisanal brews and a delicious new menu featuring fresh grain bowls, bagel sandwiches and more. It's the perfect spot to refuel and get ready for fall quarter. The new location will be open with limited hours the week of Sept. 22, and regular hours will begin on Sept. 29: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to check out the new space. We can't wait to see you there!
Campus Safety
Get Around Campus Safely This Fall
This fall as Cal Poly welcomes more than 6,000 students who are new to campus, it’s a good time to think about how to get around safely. As a reminder, electric scooters, skateboards and similar micro-mobility devices are not allowed on campus. Bikes are a great way to avoid parking fees. Mustang Shuttle is an easy way to get around. Get your steps in with some good old-fashioned walking. The road is shared by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians, all trying to get to their destination safely and everyone needs to share the road and the responsibility.
Explore new ways to get to campus
CSU’s Got Talent
Embracing Every Mind: Effective Time Management for Neurodiverse Teams
Unlock the unique strengths of all your team members! Join CSU’s Got Talent on Sept. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for “Embracing Every Mind: Effective Time Management for Neurodiverse Teams,” featuring neurodiversity coach Mike Gillerman. This engaging session will explore inclusive time management strategies, flexible tools to boost team productivity and practical communication techniques that empower neurodiverse teams to thrive while leveraging diverse cognitive approaches. Employee and Organization Development invites you to register for the Sept. 17 webcast and other free CSU’s Got Talent sessions.
Register for the CSUGT webcast
Professional Development
Join CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
This September, grow personally and professionally with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops! Refresh your mind with Breath and Health (Sept. 18, 9:30 to 10 a.m.), sharpen your skills in Excel Tips and Tricks and discover strategies to thrive at work in How to Bring Your Best Self to Work (Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to noon). Plus, join the Weekly Dose of Mindfulness series on Sept. 18 and 19 to reduce stress and boost well-being. These engaging sessions offer practical tools for balance, growth and success. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn and thrive!
Mustang Family Weekend
Showcase Your Department or Program for Mustang Family Weekend
Mustang Family Weekend is Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, and we’re expecting up to 10,000 guests. Campus partners are invited to showcase their department or program by hosting a tour, talk, reception or meet-and-greet, or welcome families with Halloween treats and festive cheer. Submit your event by Sept. 26 using the form below. Final plans aren’t required; Student Affairs Parent and Family Programs will follow up.
Campus Health and Wellbeing
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Campus Health and Wellbeing invites the campus community to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month this September. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and we can all play a role in prevention. Important resources offered by CH&W include:
- Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff
- Made for Mustangs webinars, articles, and videos
- Suicide Prevention resource booth Tuesday,Sept. 23, from 8:30 to10:30 a.m. on the Health Center Lawn
- QPR Gatekeeper Training for classrooms and campus departments; contact abecer22@calpoly.edu for more information
Public Safety
Mustang Shuttle Adds a Second Day Time Bus and Route this Fall
This fall, Cal Poly Public Safety is bringing a second Mustang Shuttle to campus, along with a new route. The new day and nighttime shuttle will increase the frequency of pick-ups and will introduce new stops in previously unserved areas of campus. The new Mustang Shuttle will run similar daytime hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and evening hours, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The daytime shuttle will run Monday through Friday with the evening shuttle running seven days a week. The new daytime route will include stops at Cerro Vista. The Kennedy Library stop will return to the H10 lot.
Discover Mustang Shuttle on the Parking Website
Campus Life
Your Fall. Your ASI.
Exciting news! Registration for ASI fall quarter programs is NOW OPEN! You can expect new and returning offerings from ASI Fitness, ASI Aquatics, ASI Poly Escapes and more. Registration at the ASI Craft Center will open on Monday, Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. Here’s to another quarter of exciting opportunities to elevate your time on campus!
Learn more about ASI fall programming
Risk Management
Ensure Participant and Worker Safety with a Required Risk Assessment
Organizers of new activities, events, field trips or research must submit a Risk Assessment at least 30 days before the planned activity. This also includes changes to existing everyday operations that may include risk. But worry not, the Risk Management team has an easy-to-use Risk Assessment Tool along with helpful resources on the website to guide through the process. The Risk Assessments are required to identify and manage potential hazards in university programs, events and operations and help to prevent injury and ensure the safety of visitors, students, staff and faculty. Stay proactive — assess early, plan wisely! Visit the Risk Assessment website to access the tool and learn more.
Youth Protection Program
Register Youth Programs and Activities Now
Starting the new academic year the campus has dozens of youth camps and programs scheduled to help broaden horizons and elevate the educational experience. Now is a great time to register any university-sponsored program and activity that will host youths. The Youth Protection Program ensures compliance with CSU policies and best practices to protect youth participants. All programs involving minors must register annually through the Youth Protection portal. Registration helps maintain oversight, provide required training and support risk mitigation efforts. Coordinators are required to register every year, at least 60 days prior to the start of the program.
Honorary Degrees
Call for Honorary Degree Nominations Due Oct. 1
Nominations are open for 2025-26 honorary degrees to be awarded at Cal Poly’s June 2026 Commencement ceremonies. Nominations are invited from both Cal Poly and the Cal Poly Solano Campus, reflecting the full breadth of our university community. Recipients are selected to recognize inspirational character, excellence and extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service to the CSU, California, the nation or humanity at large. Please see the CSU Policy for Awarding Honorary Degrees for the full criteria. Please submit your nominations by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.
OneDrive and SharePoint
New OneDrive and SharePoint Storage Limits
Microsoft has recently announced a reduction in the amount of cloud storage included with Microsoft 365 Education licenses. As a result, our institution has adjusted the storage limits for OneDrive and SharePoint to align with this change. For additional details and guidance on reducing your storage usage, please refer to the knowledge base article.
E-Plan Management
Management of E-Plans transitions to Cal Poly Clubs & Organizations
E-Plans are now managed by Cal Poly Clubs and Organizations. This update makes the process smoother, coordination easier and support for student clubs even stronger. Be sure to check out the updated resources and contact info when booking space for on-campus Recognized Student Organization events. Questions? Contact Emily Johnson, Club Event Scheduling (clubscheduling@calpoly.edu).
Performing Arts Center
See Ballet Hispánico Perform on Sept. 24
Cal Poly Arts presents Ballet Hispánico on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Ballet Hispánico is a leading force in New York’s contemporary dance scene, distinguished by its powerful dancers and daring, original works with styles ranging from contemporary and ballet to flamenco and salsa. This performance includes a collection of their renowned repertory works, Club Havana, House of Mad'moiselle and Buscando a Juan. In Club Havana, choreographer Pedro Ruiz revives 1950s Havana’s vibrant nightlife, blending conga, rumba and mambo into a dazzling reimagining of a golden era. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Get ticketS to Ballet Hispánico
Performing Arts Center
See Comedian René Vaca Perform on Sept. 25
Icon Concerts presents comedian René Vaca on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, René Vaca had already started his own landscaping business at the age of 15 after his father was incarcerated. After realizing he wanted to pursue comedy for a living, he dropped out of college and has not looked back since. He recently won the 16th annual StandUp NBC competition and earned a spot introducing comedians for the 2024 Netflix Is a Joke Festival. At just 29 years old, he has now shared the stage with revered industry comedians such as Bill Burr, Ken Jeong, Amir K., Jamie Kennedy and more.
Performing Arts Center
See ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!’ on Sept. 26
Cal Poly Arts and Nederlander Concerts present Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! on Friday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. In this a-MEOW-zing musical based on the hit series, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel in search of the colors that will make rebuilding the rainbow possible. “Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!” brings to life an exciting original story featuring an all-Australian cast, unique puppets, dynamic staging and song favorites that will have audiences singing and dancing along, from beginning to end. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Get ticket to 'Gabby's Dollhouse Live!'
Campus Health and Wellbeing
Visit the Fair Thee Well Health Fair Sept. 26
Students and staff are invited to attend Fair Thee Well, a health and wellness fair hosted by Campus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) and Students with Dependents on Sept. 26. Visit the CH&W lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about a variety of important on- and off-campus resources to help new and returning students be well. Activities include shaved ice, a flu shot clinic, Narcan training and distribution, blood donation sign-ups, STI testing, mental health support and other benefits and services available to Cal Poly students.
Learn more About Fair Thee Well
Music Department
Music Department Announces 2025-26 Events
The Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble will kick off the Music Department's new season with a concert on Oct. 25, followed by the Mustang Family Weekend Music Faculty Showcase on Oct. 31 (no tricks, but lots of aural treats!). View the entire season online. Cal Poly faculty and staff receive a 20% discount for any Music Department event sold through the ticket office. Call 805-756-4849 for more information.