College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Driscoll’s $5 Million Pledge to Fund New Farm Store Uniting Food and Agriculture Enterprises
Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. This transformative investment will launch a state-of-the-art farm store, anchoring Cal Poly’s new Plant Sciences Complex and advancing the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in food and agriculture. The farm store, located within the six-acre Plant Sciences Complex, is part of the college’s vision to create a vibrant campus hub for innovation. Students will gain practical experience in growing, producing, marketing and selling campus-made products, while engaging in applied research and retail innovation.
Learn More About the Farm Store
Facilities Management and Development
Modular Stacking for New Student Housing to Start Oct. 22
The modular stacking phase for the university’s new student housing program is starting. A public viewing platform near Fremont Hall will allow community members to safely watch the progress, and a live camera feed will be available online. This is a $1.2-billion program to add more than 3,000 new beds to the University Housing portfolio and renovate several existing residential halls. The new construction is the first major modular housing project at Cal Poly. It will provide much-needed residential space for students and is a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to housing on campus.
Learn More and View the Live Camera Feed
University Communications and Marketing
Cal Poly Magazine Launches the Space Issue
The fall issue features stories about Cal Poly's impact on the past, present and future of space exploration. Check out profiles of alumni astronauts, a deep dive into the CubeSat Lab as students prepare new payloads for orbit, faculty testing ways to grow food in space, award-winning alumni test pilots and physics research answering the universe’s biggest questions. The cover story highlights the career of engineering alumnus Victor Glover as he prepares to pilot NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission in 2026. Find the new edition online or on newsstands around campus now!
Orfela College of Business
Professor: Commercial Home Construction Alone Won’t Ease Local Housing Crisis
While increased home construction is often cited as a solution to California’s affordability crisis, Cal Poly finance professor Hamed Ghoddusi says building more homes won’t solve the problem. According to Ghoddusi’s research, communities need to build homes for specific types of workers, including educators and medical providers. “The ‘medical desert’ situation that is partly caused by high housing costs is forcing residents with specialized medical needs to leave the area to reside in counties with higher density of health-care providers,” he said. The research is part of a collaboration with CSU Chico and Fresno State.
Clubs and Organizations
Big Wins for Cal Poly Toastmasters
In just its second year, the Cal Poly Toastmasters Club is making waves— and taking home trophies! As part of Toastmasters International, the global network for confident speakers and leaders, our young chapter is already award-winning. This year, Jared Mandrell captured first place in Area and Division and third at District for Table Topics (impromptu speaking), while Stacey Aragon earned first in Area and Division for the International Speech Contest. These wins prove that Cal Poly talent shines bright and bold. We’re just getting started—stay tuned for our exciting Fall Open House!
Office of the Provost
Attend the Cal Poly AI Convening Nov. 6
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Cal Poly AI Convening on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Advanced Technology Lab. Hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Noyce School of Applied Computing, the daylong event will explore applied and responsible uses of AI in teaching, research, creative practice and operations. Sessions will include faculty and staff panels, a poster session and showcase, an industry keynote and a networking reception. Virtual attendance will be available for panels and the keynote.
Cal Poly Partners
Marketing and Communications Team Earns 10 MarCom Awards
Cal Poly Partners’ Marketing and Communications team received top international recognition at the 2025 MarCom Awards, earning honors for all 10 of its submissions. The team brought home one Platinum Award, six Gold Awards and three Honorable Mentions for creative excellence across university projects that elevate Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing mission through storytelling and design. “Our team is honored to be recognized among leading professionals worldwide,” said Ellen Curtis, Cal Poly Partners’ associate executive director of marketing and communications.
Cal Poly Partners Real Estate Services
Bella Montaña Condo Now Available for Sale
The Bella Montaña condo located at 555-D Paseo Bella Montaña is now available for $577,992. The 3-bedroom, 3-bath unit features 1,327 square feet of living space with an open-concept design and a private backyard. The property is conveniently situated minutes from Cal Poly near the intersection of Highland Drive and North Santa Rosa Street, making it an attractive option for faculty and staff. Interested buyers can inquire about eligibility by contacting realestate@calpoly.edu. The SESLOC mortgage assistance program is also available to support potential homeowners.
California State University
CSU Voices — a New Way to Unite and Advocate
The CSU has launched CSU Voices, a new systemwide e-advocacy initiative that brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters to advocate for the future of the California State University. Higher education is facing unprecedented challenges, from state budget shortfalls to federal policy decisions that could impact access and affordability. Those who sign up will receive timely updates and opportunities to advocate via email and text on issues that directly affect student success and the CSU, from the California State budget to federal programs like Pell and others which support student success.
Facilities Management and Construction
Tomorrow’s Campus, Taking Shape Today
Cal Poly currently has multiple active construction projects underway as part of the Accelerated Master Plan. From new housing to modern classrooms, labs and community spaces, this growth will provide access for more students and strengthen the Learn by Doing experience. Each project reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, innovation and student success. Several new facilities are opening this academic year that will serve generations of Mustangs and strengthen California’s future workforce. Thank you for your patience as these projects move forward and tomorrow’s campus takes shape today.
Information Technology Services
High Pay, Minimal Hours — Big Mistake: Beware of Job Scams
Job scams are on the rise, often promising easy remote work with high pay. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These “offers” are usually attempts to steal your personal or financial information, including login credentials and bank details. If you receive a suspicious message, don’t engage — report it! Use the "Report" button in Outlook or forward the email to abuse@calpoly.edu, and our staff will review it. By staying alert and reporting scams, you protect yourself and help keep the entire Cal Poly community safe.
Information Technology Services
Last Chance to Enter: Test Your Online Security and Privacy IQ
There are just a few days left to test your security and privacy knowledge with the National Privacy Test, created by NordVPN to raise awareness about online security and privacy. The current U.S. average score is 63 — can you beat it? Visit nationalprivacytest.org to take the survey. Send a screenshot of your score (with your name and identify yourself as faculty, staff or student) to cybersurvey@calpoly.edu to be entered into a drawing for a $100 Cal Poly Mustang Shop gift card. One winner will be randomly selected from each category (faculty, staff and student) at the end of the month.
Employee and Organization Development
Unlock New Skills with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Continue your growth with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration workshops! On Oct. 22 (1:30–3 p.m.), join Exposing Hidden Bias to learn strategies for recognizing and reducing unconscious bias. On Oct. 30 (9:30–10 a.m.), attend Breath and Health to explore the connection between breath, emotions and mindfulness through guided practices. Later that day, from noon to 12:30 p.m., join Weekly Dose of Mindfulness to reduce stress, strengthen focus and build resilience. These are a few highlights — discover the full range of opportunities to grow and thrive by visiting Employee and Organization Development’s Upcoming Opportunities webpage.
Kennedy Library
Learn About the Roots of the Grounds for Growth Mural
The creators of the new mural at the entrance of the library will participate in a Q&A session in conjunction with the official reopening celebration of Kennedy Library. Artists Joshua Lawyer and MJ Lindo-Lawyer will discuss their newest public painting, “Grounds for Growth,” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in Kennedy Library, room 103. A reception will follow in the James P. Sargen Courtyard.
Campus Dining
Julian’s to Host Free Coffee Tasting Oct. 23
Celebrate the reopening of Kennedy Library with a caffeinated twist! Join Cal Poly Dining and SLAKE Coffee for a free hot and cold coffee tasting and discussion at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in Julian’s Café, following the library’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Learn how brewing temperatures influence flavor while exploring the newly renovated space. Samples are available while supplies last.
Music Department
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble Fall Concert Set for Oct. 25
The Arab Music Ensemble’s fall concert will be Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. It will feature a tribute to Ziad Rahbani, who passed away in July. Ensemble Director Ken Habib’s new composition “Ahbabna Al-Rahilin” (Our Departed Loved Ones), will have its world premiere. He will perform the piece on oud with guest artists who will play throughout the concert: Ishmael, qanun; Fathi Aljarrah, kamanja; Rafid Yalda, nay; and Faisal Zedan, riqq, daff and darabukka. Jenna Mitchell will lead the dance troupe in original choreography.
Students with Dependents
Register for an Inclusivity Training Oct. 27
The Students with Dependents Program, within the Office of the Dean of Students, will host its inclusion training from 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, via Zoom. The virtual training will help participants learn more about students with dependents, learn about higher education policies specific to parenting/caregiving students, and think about how to apply new knowledge to their campus roles. The training is designed for faculty, staff and student employees who are interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to support students with dependents' success. Questions? Contact Courtney Moore, Students with Dependents program coordinator, at cmoore90@calpoly.edu.
Student Success Center
Campus Showcase Set for Oct. 29
Everyone is invited to learn more about the Student Success Center, a three-story, 36,000-square-foot facility that will include flexible, multi-purpose rooms designed for classes, meetings and small events, as well as student lounges, private meeting areas and offices for student support programs. Bringing together Career Services and several student programs will create meaningful connections that enrich the student experience academically and socially. There are two opportunities to learn more — a presentation from 9:10-10 a.m. Wed., Oct. 29 in UU 220 and on Zoom, and info booths 3-5 p.m. on Dexter Lawn.
Cal Poly Partners
October Board Meeting is Oct. 31
The Cal Poly Partners Board meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo. It is open to the public. Written comments must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 29, to cppartners-admin@calpoly.edu. For comments on any board item, please fill out a board Appearance Request and submit it 24 hours prior to the meeting, and arrive at 8:15 a.m. The Zoom webinar is for the public to view only. The agenda will be available five days before the meeting. Questions? Call 805-756-1131.
Visit the Website for More Information
Performing Arts Center
See ‘Spanish Night with Pablo Sainz-Villegas & Friends’ Nov. 1
Cal Poly Arts presents Spanish Night with “Pablo Sainz-Villegas & Friends” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Sainz-Villegas invites audiences on a musical journey through Spain to explore its incredibly rich and diverse culture. Along with his trio of fellow musicians, Sainz-Villegas and friends will perform iconic, evocative and romantic pieces from his homeland in a program with some of the fieriest pieces ever written for guitar. Intertwined will be stories inspired by Spain, its culture and its one-of-a-kind music. This event has a 20 percent staff and faculty discount available.
Performing Arts Center
‘National Geographic Live: Rise of T. rex’ Comes Roaring into SLO Nov. 2
Tyrannosaurus rex is the most famous dinosaur in history, but few people know the true story of this species. At “National Geographic Live: Rise of T. rex” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, go on assignment with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Lindsay Zanno to dig sites in the remote deserts of the western U.S. to find out how T. rex evolved. Zanno is one of the world’s leading experts on the evolution of theropod dinosaurs and has discovered more than a dozen new species. This event has a 20 percent staff and faculty discount available.