Project RattleCam
Study Suggests Rattlesnake Livestreams Can Improve Public Perception of ‘Maligned’ Species
The installation of livestream cameras across the U.S. capturing real-time rattlesnake behavior has resulted in mass viewership, public education and improved perceptions of a vilified viper, according to a study by Project RattleCam, a collaboration between scientists from Cal Poly and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Led by Cal Poly biological sciences professor Emily Taylor, Project RattleCam first captured rattlesnake behavior in 2021 with a livestream in California. There is another RattleCam in Colorado, and a third is planned for launch in Pennsylvania in 2026. Project RattleCam has reached over 21,300 subscribers and more than 4.4 million views on YouTube.
Office of the Provost
Deloitte’s Mekena McGrew to keynote Cal Poly’s AI Convening Nov. 6
Cal Poly will welcome Mekena McGrew — quantum information lead at Deloitte and member of the Noyce School of Applied Computing Advisory Board — as keynote speaker for the AI Convening on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL). McGrew will speak on AI and business transformation from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. The convening also features panel discussions with Cal Poly faculty and staff on applied and responsible uses of AI. The keynote and all panels will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewing.
Office of Academic Programs and Planning
Seeking Faculty Lead: Quantitative Reasoning Core Competency Assessment
The Office of Academic Programs and Planning (APP) is seeking a faculty lead for the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Core Competency assessment. Working with APP, the Academic Assessment Council and faculty, the lead will coordinate campuswide QR assessment planning, organization and documentation. The role includes four units of assigned time in academic year 2025-26, with an estimated six hours per week during winter and spring quarters and possible renewal for 2026-27. Those interested should submit a CV, statement of interest and department chair or head confirmation by Nov. 21 to Jean Lee at jlee473@calpoly.edu.
Associated Students, Inc.
ASI Receives 2025 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award
ASI is proud to announce it has received the 2025 SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award at the prestigious Red Diamond level for the second consecutive year. The Red Diamond level, the program’s highest honor, recognizes organizations that prioritize employer-sponsored childcare and implement a wide range of family-friendly workplace practices. The SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces Program promotes an inclusive local workforce through policies that drive success, economic growth and advance diversity, equity and inclusion. ASI remains dedicated to supporting employees’ ability to balance career and family, reinforcing that family-focused workplaces strengthen both community and economic well-being.
Cal Poly Mustang Shop
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day is Oct. 29
The Cal Poly Mustang Shop is hosting a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day today, Oct. 29, at both their campus and downtown locations. Faculty and staff will receive a free Cal Poly branded lunch tote with a purchase of $75 or more, while supplies last. The event also features 25 percent off drinkware, with limited exclusions. Faculty and staff are invited to enjoy refreshments from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the campus store. Faculty and staff receive a 10 percent discount every day, with limited exclusions, and it cannot be applied with other discounts.
Music Department
Faculty Showcase Set for Oct. 31 During Mustang Family Weekend
The Music Department will present a Faculty Showcase Recital as part of Cal Poly’s Mustang Family Weekend at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center:
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Flutist Jennifer Jo and pianist Idona Cabrinha: Astor Piazzolla’s “Night Club 1960” from “Histoire du Tango”
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Violinists Emily Lanzone and Grace Seng: a movement from Sergey Prokofiev’s “Sonata for Two Violins,” Op. 56
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Pianist Janet Joichi: two movements from Frédéric Chopin’s “Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat Minor,” Op. 35
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Trumpeter Christopher J. Woodruff and tubist Stephen Nutt: Nicole Piunno’s “The Mountains Beckon.”
Clubs and Organizations
Own the Floor at Cal Poly Toastmasters
Discover why Cal Poly SLO’s award-winning Toastmasters club is a Distinguished Club of Excellence! Join us for our Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 12-1 p.m. in Building 70, Room 110. This is your chance to connect with students, faculty and staff in a fun, no-pressure environment — no speeches required! Enjoy lunch, meet inspiring speakers and experience how Toastmasters empowers individuals to grow personally and professionally. Come see how confidence is built, community is strengthened and every voice finds its place. Stop by, connect and own the floor.
Theatre and Dance Department
Faculty-Written Play, ‘Luna,’ to Run Nov. 6-15
The Theatre and Dance Department will present Ramón Esquivel’s play “Luna,” Nov. 6-15 in Spanos Theatre. Soledad, the daughter of migrant farm workers, decides the moon will be her best friend. Can the moon help Soledad make human friends, too? Recommended for ages 7 and up, “Luna” employs magical realism, music and clowning to tell a universal story about friendship. Tickets are $30 for the public and $19 for students, senior citizens and children. Tickets are available online or by phone: (805) SLO-4TIX (756-4849).
Performing Arts Center
Do Some ‘California Dreamin’’ with SLO Symphony
SLO Symphony presents “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Step into a rich tapestry of sound with a captivating concert that blends cinematic flair, American spirit and virtuosic brilliance. Rising star violinist Vladyslava Luchenko takes the spotlight in Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D — a romantic masterpiece brimming with sweeping melodies. This event has a youth (12 and under) and student discount.
Performing Arts Center
Enjoy ‘GOOD THINGS: A Conversation with Samin Nosrat’
Cal Poly Arts presents “GOOD THINGS: A Conversation with Samin Nosrat” on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Spend an uplifting afternoon with “Salt Fat Acid Heat” author Samin Nosrat as she discusses her new book, “GOOD THINGS,” on stage moderated by Aja Goare, managing editor of Edible San Luis Obispo Magazine. Samin will share stories around the inspiration for the cookbook, her development and selection of the recipes, and the culinary rituals she shares with close friends. This event has a 20-percent staff and faculty discount available.
Music Department
‘Sounds of Rhythm’ Jazz Concert Set for Nov. 14
The “Sounds of Rhythm” Jazz Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in the Performing Arts Center with the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and University Jazz Band directed by Jamaal Baptiste, and Jazz Combos directed by Dylan Johnson. Highlights include Latin works: Alberto Domínguez’ “Frenesí,” and an arrangement by Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santamaría of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man”; and Frank Foster’s “Shiny Stockings,” made popular by the Count Basie Orchestra.
Music Department
Three Cal Poly Bands to Present Bandfest: ‘Over Sky and Sea’ Concert on Nov. 21
All three Cal Poly Bands — Mustang Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra — will perform for Cal Poly’s Bandfest at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, in the Performing Arts Center. Titled “Over Sky and Sea,” the concert is the first in a series that will culminate with a tour of Europe. Cal Poly has a crowdfunding campaign through Oct. 31 to support the tour.