Agriculture and Food
(Almost) Wine Time: See Scenes from This Year’s Grape Harvest
In early September, the first wine grapes arrived at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Wine & Viticulture Center from Cal Poly's Trestle Vineyard for processing. "Harvest is a unique opportunity for students, especially those that haven't experienced it before," said enology professor Federico Casassa. "It's about hard work (both physical and mental), attention to detail, craftsmanship, intent, applied science and direction in terms of their stylistic choices — such as what they want to accomplish with their wines."
Aerospace Engineering
Professor Leads Record-Setting High-Altitude Flight
Cal Poly aerospace engineering professor Paulo Iscold directed a high-altitude flight test on Oct. 28, 2025, that sent a lightweight Carbon Cub UL to 37,609 feet over the Central Coast. The climb exceeded the altitude mark for Cub-style airplanes set in 1951. The flight departed San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport at 9:55 a.m. and reached peak altitude after about an hour of climbing in temperatures near minus 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Test pilot Jon Kotwicki flew the aircraft while Iscold served as project manager and flight test lead.
University Communications and Marketing
UCM Wins Five CASE Awards
CASE District VII, the West Coast region of the national professional organization promoting higher education, announced that Cal Poly’s University Communications and Marketing (UCM) division won five awards for work published in 2024. The winning projects include videos about campus life and a unique student archaeology excavation; a feature story in Cal Poly Magazine about the history of the Rose Float program; and a story and photo series about a wildland fire team crewed by Cal Poly students (pictured). Since 2014, UCM has earned 35 regional and eight national CASE awards for outstanding storytelling work.
Bailey College of Sciences and Mathematics
Undergraduate Research Magazine Wins 2024 CASE Award
Bailey College’s Undergraduate Research magazine (2024 issue) received a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) award, featuring a cover story — in both English and Spanish — about bilingual microbiology education outreach through the Nuestra Ciencia program led by professors Alejandra Yep and Jasmine Nation. More than 100 Bailey College student researchers have been part of Nuestra Ciencia since the program began in 2020, including 12 presenting at Cal Poly’s inaugural SPARK Conference on Friday, Nov. 14. Hector Reyes, (Psychology, ’23), penned the cover article about his Nuestra Ciencia experience and will be the keynote speaker at the SPARK event.
Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships
Chemistry Alumna Earns Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Cal Poly chemistry alumna Audrey Klein has been awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to support her research on light-responsive ruthenium-based compounds for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Now a third-year doctoral student at the University of Oregon, Klein uses bioluminescent proteins as in vivo light sources to trigger controlled drug release. She credits Cal Poly’s Chemistry Department for fostering collaboration, research readiness, and teaching skills that have contributed to her success in graduate school.
Kennedy Library
Library Dean Search – Faculty Listening Session
Faculty are invited to participate in a Library Dean Search Faculty Listening Session on Friday, Nov. 14, from 2:10 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. This session seeks input from faculty to help shape the position profile. The discussion will focus on key priorities for the role, desired qualities and experience, opportunities and challenges for the new dean, and hopes for leadership and communication style.
Office of Research
2026-27 RSCA Grant Program
The Office of Research reminds faculty that proposals are currently being accepted for the 2026-27 Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) grant program. The RSCA Grant Program is supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost. Proposals should be submitted by noon Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, via the Cal Poly InfoReady system. For full application and submission instructions, please view the RSCA Request for Proposals on the Office of Research website. Please direct questions to research@calpoly.edu.
Bailey College of Science and Mathematics
Action Research for STEM Equity Learning Community – Winter and Spring 2026
Faculty are invited to apply to participate in this learning community where they will:
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Explore problems of practice centered on inclusive pedagogies.
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Learn about action research and its effectiveness in addressing these challenges.
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Develop individual or collaborative action research projects.
No prior experience with action research is required. The Bailey College Inclusive Excellence Project will compensate faculty participants approximately $500 per quarter and provide limited financial support for IRB-approved action research projects. Applications must be completed by end of day Nov. 19, 2025.
Academic Affairs
Distinguished Scholarship Award to Honor Faculty Efforts: Nominations Open through Nov. 21
Nominations are open for the 2025 - 2026 Distinguished Scholarship Award, which recognizes faculty with outstanding achievements in scholarship and/or creative activities, including writing, scientific research, the fine arts and many other fields. Faculty, students, staff and alumni can submit nominations through Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
Academic Affairs
Students and Alumni Can Nominate Faculty for Distinguished Teaching Award through Nov. 21
The nomination period for the annual Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) has opened. The honor recognizes Cal Poly faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Only students and alumni may submit nominations, so faculty are encouraged to notify classes and direct them to the nomination form. Learn more about the award and prior recipients on the DTA webpage. Only full-time, tenured faculty members who are teaching during the current academic year and have not previously won the award are eligible. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. Questions? Email the Academic Senate office at academic-senate@calpoly.edu.
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
BEACoN Research Scholar Student Applications Open until Nov. 19
Student applications are open for the BEACoN Research Mentoring Program. Centering on underrepresented students but open to all undergraduates, BEACoN seeks to make research accessible by providing students with funded research opportunities working with faculty mentors. In addition to research experience, BEACoN Scholars gain access to professional development workshops and community events, fostering belonging. Selected students will receive $2,000 during Winter/Spring quarters ($4,000 total) distributed via financial aid. Students may apply for up to three projects until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 19. For more information, contact beacon@calpoly.edu.
New Zoom Updates Enhance Transparency
Custom Disclaimer for Zoom AI Companion
To promote transparency when artificial intelligence tools are used in meetings, ITS will soon introduce a custom Zoom AI Companion disclaimer. The message will appear at the start of meetings whenever the Zoom AI Companion is enabled, notifying participants and supporting informed participation. Updated guidance on using Zoom AI Companion is available in the ITS Knowledge Base.
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Cal Poly Holiday Cheese Boxes Feature Student-Made Products
Celebrate the season with Cal Poly Creamery’s award-winning, student-made cheeses! Choose from a variety of gift box arrangements featuring traditional favorites. Orders ship nationwide through mid-December, with select pick-up dates at the Cal Poly Creamery. These gift boxes are a perfect way to share Mustang Pride while supporting student learning and success. In addition, Cal Poly Made offers handcrafted treats made by students that are also great for gift giving, and Cal Poly wines and gift packs are also available.
Music Department
Book a Holiday Caroling Session
Members of the Cal Poly Choirs are offering caroling sessions again this year — perfect for a holiday party, an office, or as a gift to anyone to spread holiday cheer. All proceeds directly support the university’s choral students, which this year will include a tour to South America! Those who book by Nov. 21 will receive a $15 discount for sessions from Nov. 29 –Dec. 14.
Employee and Organization Development
Grow Awareness and Skills with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Expand your perspective and strengthen your skills with CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration workshops! On Nov. 13, join Breath and Health (9:30 – 10 a.m.) to explore the link between breath and emotion through guided meditation. On Nov. 14, center yourself with Weekly Dose of Mindfulness (8 – 8:30 a.m.). On Nov. 18, uncover strategies in Exposing Hidden Bias (10:30 a.m. – noon) and deepen your AI expertise with Enhancing Your Workflow with ChatGPT (2 – 3:30 p.m.).
Register for Free Virtual Sessions
Associated Students, Inc.
It’s Time for the ASI Craft Center Makers Market!
Start your holiday shopping early this year! Explore an electric array of handcrafted one-of-a-kind creations, from jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and much more. All unique goods are made by local vendors. The fall Makers Market will be Monday, Nov. 17, to Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in Chumash Auditorium (Building 65). Come shop!
Cal Poly Mustang Shop
‘Tech the Halls’ Event to Run Nov. 17 – 22
The Cal Poly Mustang Shop on campus will host a “Tech the Halls” sale Monday, Nov. 17, to Saturday, Nov. 22. Take advantage of our best technology deals of the year. Save up to 10 percent off on sale items, including Apple, Dell and HP, with limited exclusions. Enjoy daily surprise discounts on select accessories. Preorders for hardware open Monday, Nov. 10. For preorders and product questions, please contact Deanna Hanna at d.hanna@follett.com or (805) 457-9652, Option 5.
Cal Poly International Center
Join Us for International Education Week, Nov. 17 - 21
Cal Poly International Center invites the campus community to celebrate International Education Week, featuring events that highlight global food, cultures and perspectives.
International Opportunities for Faculty and Staff Open House
Tuesday, Nov. 18, noon – 1:30 p.m., Bldg. 35, Room 319
Learn about teaching abroad, developing study abroad programs, fellowships, group trips and more. Refreshments will be provided. Faculty and staff are encouraged to help promote student panels and info sessions, including Study Abroad for Transfers, CP Scholars, Study Abroad in Africa and Latin America, and scholarship opportunities.
View the Full Lineup of Events
Pride Center
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Nov. 18
Join the Pride Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the UU Plaza for a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil. The event will honor those whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. All are welcome and encouraged to come and reflect.
Campus Dining
Attend the ThankFul Celebration Nov. 18
Join Campus Dining for ThankFul from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Campus Market. Enjoy free samples from Barilla and Sweet Loren’s Cookies, festive fall treats and cookie decorating while celebrating the season of gratitude. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share the spirit of giving by donating a meal through Mustang Meal Share on Grubhub — Dining Dollars can help support students facing food insecurity. Come together to celebrate community, kindness and good food.
Learn More on Campus Dining’s Website
Music Department
Three Cal Poly Bands to Present Bandfest: ‘Over Sky and Sea’ Concert on Nov. 21
All three Cal Poly Bands will perform for Bandfest at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Performing Arts Center. Titled “Over Sky and Sea,” the concert by the Mustang Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra is the first in a series that will culminate with a summer tour to Europe. “Aloft” by Stephen Bryant, “Into the Clouds” by Richard Saucedo and “Kentucky 1800” by Clare Grundman are among several works to be performed by the Wind Bands. The 220-member Mustang Band will close the concert with arrangements of popular music from this season’s field shows.
Performing Arts Center
SLO Master Chorale: Songs of Joy on Nov 23
SLO Master Chorale presents Songs of Joy at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. The San Luis Obispo Master Chorale invites you on a joyful sonic journey! Enjoy an afternoon of inspiring music for chorus and orchestra, performing alongside talented soloists for a delightful concert of uplifting compositions. Featured works include Antonín Dvořák’s “Te Deum,” Amy Beach’s “The Canticle of the Sun” and W.A. Mozart’s “Vesperae solennes de confessore.” Soloists include Jamie Chamberlin, soprano; Max Potter, mezzo-soprano; Manfred Anaya, Tenor; Joel Balzun, bass. This event has a youth-under-12 discount available.