University Leadership
Al Liddicoat Named Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
Al Liddicoat was named provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs, the senior-most academic officer at the university after serving interim since April 2025. President Jeffrey D. Armstrong made the internal announcement earlier this week during Fall Convocation. As provost, Liddicoat will collaborate with deans from Cal Poly’s six colleges, Kennedy Library, Graduate Education and Extended and Continuing Education, along with faculty and staff across the university, to ensure Cal Poly’s continued academic excellence. His portfolio includes oversight of Academic Innovations and Programs, Student Success, the Office of Research and the academic enterprise of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Learn more about Provost Liddicoat
CSU System
Complete the CSU AI Survey!
Shape the future of AI use on campus! CSU is conducting a survey about generative AI and we want your voice to be heard. If you provide your contact information, you also will be entered into a prize drawing. The 10-minute survey is available now through Monday, Oct. 6.
The survey will provide a snapshot of how we currently use GenAI, our concerns and training needs. Results will enable CSU to respond to local campus needs related to this potentially game-changing technology. As always, let’s make Cal Poly the best—including having the best participation rate of all CSU campuses!
Tournament of Roses
Animal Engineers and Huge Robot Highlight Cal Poly Universities’ 2026 Rose Float Design
The 77th Rose Parade float submission, “Jungle Jumpstart,” explores the 2026 parade theme by showcasing the dynamics between nature and technology through the story of rainforest denizens uniting to restore a robot friend with what they know best—the jungle! The sole float designed and built completely by students not only exudes teamwork in the way it looks but also the process by which it is constructed. Cal Poly universities’ Rose Float is a joint effort between California State University students on both the Cal Poly campus and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, despite being separated by 250 miles.
Read more about the 2026 Rose Float
ADA Transition Plan
Robots to Help Improve Campus Accessibility
This fall, accessibility mapping of campus will begin with the help of autonomous robots. In partnership with Bureau Veritas, a fleet of three Daxbot robots will roam Cal Poly between Sept. 22 and Oct. 17. These findings will provide recommendations for the ADA Transition Plan, helping make the campus more accessible. The robots will evaluate pathways someone with a disability could use to access any campus building, from parking to their destination, thereby determining existing barriers to accessibility. With millimeter-level precision, the robots will scan more than 31 miles of roads and pathways throughout campus.
Campus Safety
New Mustang Safe App Provides More Than Just Peace of Mind
Mustang Safe—the latest iteration of the university’s safety app—has launched and offers new and enhanced features such as instant contact with campus safety services, friend walks, a safety toolbox and so much more. Offering a more holistic approach to campus community safety and well-being, the app provides users with information and contacts for local support resources and crisis services such as counseling, health and well-being options and intimate partner violence assistance. Reminder: As of Sept. 1, the Rave Guardian app is not being supported or monitored.
Campus and Community
Students Design Resilience Room to Make SLO Farmers' Market Fun for All
The beloved Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market recently became more inclusive to an often-unseen demographic, thanks to students in Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department. For five weeks during spring quarter, students created a pop-up resilience room for neurodivergent individuals, providing an atmosphere to help calm overstimulated people and allow them to re-enter the event, versus leaving the market altogether. Resilience rooms, also known as spaces of reprieve, are becoming common in sporting and entertainment venues, but research in how they can be implemented in agriculture is lacking, according to experience industry management lecturer Amber Karson, CEO of Karson Butler Events.
Benefits & Employee Services Team
Attend the Virtual Open Enrollment Benefits Fair Sept. 30
Attend the Virtual Open Enrollment Benefits Fair on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. where various health plan and voluntary plan providers will be present to share important information about rates, changes, and key features. This is your opportunity to ask questions as you make important decisions regarding your coverage. Visit the Open Enrollment webpage for more information.
Register to attend the Virtual Benefits Fair
Employee and Organization Development
Don’t Miss CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Grow professionally with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops! Join “The Change Advantage: Adapt and Succeed Part 3” (Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. to noon) to explore resilience and adaptability, or attend “Exposing Hidden Bias” (Sept. 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m.) to learn strategies for recognizing and overcoming unconscious bias. Refresh your energy with “Breath and Health” (Oct. 2, 9:30-10 a.m.), ground yourself through the “Weekly Dose of Mindfulness” series and learn strategies for lasting change in “Atomic Habits: Becoming the Architect of Your Life” (Oct. 8, 2-3:30 p.m.). Don’t miss these opportunities to reflect, connect and thrive!
Sustainable Transportation
Seats Available for the Atascadero Vanpool
There are seats available on the Atascadero vanpool! This van runs Monday through Friday and accommodates a 7:30 a.m.-to-4 p.m. work or school schedule. For specific information on the Atascadero Vanpool, please contact Colin Pollington, sustainable transportation coordinator, at (805) 756-6680 or cpolling@calpoly.edu. TAPS subsidizes employee vanpools to make them an extremely affordable option to commute to and from campus.
Student Affairs
Annual Dean of Students Summit is Oct. 1
The Office of the Dean of Students invites faculty and staff to attend its annual summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the University Union (No. 65), room 220. Participate in resource sessions, gain understanding on how its teams and programs support Cal Poly students and review trends from the 2024-25 academic year.
International Center
Apply to Be a First Year Global Opportunities (FYGO) Mentor for Spring 2026
The International Center seeks a Cal Poly staff member to serve as Spring 2026 First Year GO Mentor in Seville, Spain. This is an opportunity to support first-year students abroad, guiding academic, cultural and personal growth. The mentor will offer support during fall and winter with pre-departure, be onsite for program launch and continue to support students virtually throughout the term. Applicants should have basic Spanish skills, experience working with students and enthusiasm for global education. Submit your statement of interest, CV and letter of support by Oct. 10 for priority consideration. For more information, email Cari Vanderkar at civander@calpoly.edu.
Transfer Career Day
Transfer Career Day Networking Mixer and Resource Fair is Oct. 3
Attention transfer faculty and staff allies! You’re invited to the Transfer Networking Mixer and Resource Fair from 2:40 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the ATL! This event is the final highlight of Transfer Career Day, hosted by Career Services, the Transfer Center and all six academic colleges. It’s a great opportunity to connect with transfer students, share resources and strengthen our transfer community here at Cal Poly. We’d love for you to stop by, and food will be provided! Questions? Email Amy Saldaña at asalda09@calpoly.edu.
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Watts Named 2025 ASLA Fellow
Congratulations to Cal Poly Landscape Architecture Professor David Watts on being named a 2025 Fellows-Elect of the American Society of Landscape Architects. This prestigious recognition honors Watts’ lifelong commitment to advancing the field of landscape architecture through teaching, research and practice. His groundbreaking “Active Nature” theory has deepened the understanding of how natural play environments foster children’s health, resilience and physical development. Additionally, he has led five service-learning internships in South Africa, where students designed and built inclusive playgrounds, memorial gardens and sustainable campgrounds. Through his mentorship, countless students have gone on to earn national design and research awards.
Disability Resource Center
DRC Updates for Fall Quarter
The DRC is launching a pilot program to offer DRC tram services to faculty and staff who have approved accommodations. Employees with approved accommodations can request rides to and from designated stops on campus for work purposes. Learn how to request an accommodation. In addition, the DRC, which provides testing accommodations for students, has developed new processes to uphold its testing policies. Changes include requiring students to schedule their exams at least five business days in advance or submit a late testing request form. Questions? Email drctesting@calpoly.edu.
Find FAQs on testing procedures
Safer
Safer Symposium Call for Proposals
October is Dating Violence Action Month, and Safer’s theme this year is “Answer the Call.” The Safer Symposium is traditionally a space where Safer can share its knowledge and perspectives while also encouraging and engaging the campus community to learn more about preventing and responding to violence. Safer encourages those with expertise in any areas with intersections to Gender & Power-Based Violence to consider applying. The Symposium will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 in Chumash Auditorium. For more information, reach out to Claire Lopez at clope105@calpoly.edu.
Healthy Kids Lab
Volunteers Needed for Healthy Kids Lab Research Studies
The Healthy Kids Lab is recruiting pregnant people for a research study on infant feeding and development. The goal of the iBaby Study (Investigating Baby Behavior and Family Technology Use Study) is to learn about associations between families' technology use and babies' development. Participants receive $490 if they complete this 18-month study. For more information, visit the iBaby Study website or email the study team at ibabystudy@calpoly.edu.
Fill Out the iBaby Study Interest Form
Associated Students, Inc.
Kickstart Your Fall with ASI Recreational Sports
Did you know you can book private group fitness classes at the Cal Poly Recreation Center? Whether it’s a one-time session or weekly tradition, you and your group can sweat it out together with a trained instructor for just $125 per class. This fall, ASI Recreational Sports is bringing the energy with exciting programs like Shorin Ryu Karate, an awesome way to build strength, speed and confidence. More into dancing? Try Salsa/Bachata workshops to master steps, turns and partner moves in a fun, social setting. Grab your crew, register today and get moving this quarter together!
Learn more about ASI Fitness offerings
Information Technology Services
Virtual Computer Labs Upgrades
Information Technology Services (ITS) has upgraded the Virtual Computer Labs to provide a smoother, faster experience for all Cal Poly students, faculty and staff. Virtual machines now have double the CPU power, more than double the memory, and—for graphics-intensive programs—eight times more GPU memory. Most applications have been updated to their latest versions and will remain at that version throughout the academic year. These upgrades mean applications will launch more quickly, run more smoothly and deliver better overall performance.
Cal Poly-Cal Maritime Integration
Integration SharePoint and Kick-Off Event
As the Cal Poly-Cal Maritime integration continues to evolve, we know that timely and accurate information is essential. That’s why the integration team has launched the Integration Resource Site, your central hub for the latest updates, key documents, FAQs and tools related to the unification of our campuses. Join us on Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon in UU Plaza for an Integration Kick-Off event! This is a chance for students, faculty and staff to ask questions, get clarity and learn about available resources. The team will be on-site with giveaways, educational resources, interactive activities and ice cream!
Explore the Integration Resource Site
University Art Gallery
Gibson + Recoder | 'Object Lessons in Obsolescence' Runs Sept. 25 – Oct. 24
An installation of film and video works by Gibson + Recoder spanning two decades, "Object Lessons in Obsolescence, "features many of their signature pieces. In these works, the materiality of the media object itself overshadows its original value as a “medium” for the moving image. Visit the University Art Gallery for the opening from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25.
Learn more about the art installation
Campus and Community
Heterodox Academy to Host Oct. 1 Mixer at Plant Conservatory
Cal Poly’s Heterodox Academy will host a HxA mixer from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Plant Conservatory. The group recently joined the nonprofit organization’s growing Campus Community Network. The mission of members — who include faculty, staff and students — is to promote values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity and constructive disagreement to improve research and education at Cal Poly. Membership in HxA is free. The Cal Poly co-chairs are Jenn Yost and Chris Carr.
Become a Heterodox Academy member
International Center
Study Abroad Fair Brings the World to Cal Poly
Explore hundreds of global opportunities at the Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Kennedy Library! Faculty, staff and students are invited to meet with program leaders and past participants to learn about Cal Poly’s wide range of dynamic study abroad and study away programs. Discover opportunities to teach or research around the world and learn how global experiences can take your career to new heights. Come get inspired and begin planning your next adventure! Faculty and staff are encouraged to invite and support students in attending the fair.
Learn more about the Study Abroad Fair
Performing Arts Center
Musician Jake Shimabukuro Performs on Oct. 1
Cal Poly Arts presents the return of ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Performing Arts Center’s Harold Miossi Hall. Shimabukuro gained fame in the early 2000s with groundbreaking ukulele playing, blending genres and pushing the instrument’s limits. Taught by his mother at age 4, he gained recognition after his viral cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” He has released over a dozen albums, performed at top venues, collaborated with elite artists and was appointed to the National Council on the Arts. A 20 percent staff and faculty discount is available.
Get Tickets to See Jake Shimabukuro
Performing Arts Center
See 'Symphony on a Sunday' on Oct. 5
SLO Symphony opens their 2025/26 season with a special Sunday matinee concert Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall featuring acclaimed violinist Steven Moeckel. Experience an unforgettable afternoon with the SLO Symphony as they play Carlos Simon's Four Black American Dances, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D op.77 featuring violinist Steven Moeckel. This event has a youth (12 and under) and student discount.
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
Register Now for ¡Adelante! HSI Symposium on Oct. 6
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) for ¡Adelante!, Cal Poly's Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Symposium, on Monday, Oct. 6 in Chumash Auditorium. The event will highlight the university’s ongoing efforts and progress toward becoming an HSI and the integral role this plays in Cal Poly's mission. The day will include a university-wide HSI Update, a student panel discussion, topic-based workshops, and a live concert from our keynote featuring the Los Angeles–based music group Las Cafeteras.
Learn more and register for ¡Adelante!
Performing Arts Center
The Marshall Tucker Band to Rock the PAC Oct. 7
Graystone Promotions presents Southern Rock legends The Marshall Tucker Band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Performing Arts Center’s Harold Miossi Hall, bringing over five decades of soul-stirring sound to San Luis Obispo! With more than 20 studio albums, countless live releases, and multi-platinum sales to their name, their catalog is both deep and enduring. A classic setlist overflows with fan favorites including “Heard It in a Love Song,” “Can’t You See,” “Fire on the Mountain,” “Long Hard Ride,” and “Ramblin.”