News
Astronaut Victor Glover Shares Journey to the Moon at Cal Poly Event
At a campus event at the Performing Arts Center on June 15, alumnus and astronaut Victor Glover told a packed house about the journey that led him from Cal Poly to the moon and back. “The only way to learn how to live in space is to live in space. And so every space mission is an opportunity to Learn by Doing,” Glover said. It was the first campus visit since he made history piloting NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission — humanity’s first voyage to the moon since 1972, marking the farthest a human space crew has ever been from Earth.
News
UCM Wins 3 New CASE Circle of Excellence Awards
This month the Council for Advancement and Support of Higher Education (CASE) awarded University Communications and Marketing (UCM) three Circle of Excellence awards — the industry group’s prestigious international award honoring outstanding work promoting higher education. The winning projects included a series of photos documenting a student-managed prescribed burn on campus, a stunning photo of biology students measuring one of the world’s largest juniper trees and a multimedia story highlighting Cal Poly’s scientific diving class. Altogether, CASE has awarded 11 Circle of Excellence awards and another 35 regional awards to the UCM division for outstanding storytelling work.
News
26 Faculty Research Projects Awarded Teacher-Scholar Mini Grants
Cal Poly’s Office of Research recently announced that 26 awards for the 2026-27 cycle of the Teacher-Scholar Mini Grant (TSMG) program were funded. Supported by funds from the Office of the Provost, the TSMG program is one way Cal Poly demonstrates an institutional commitment to advancing discovery, integration, application and engagement in the context of teaching and learning. Congratulations to those who were awarded grants, and thanks to everyone who submitted proposals.
Student Success
ROTC Commissions 4 New Army Officers in Spring Ceremony
Cal Poly’s Army ROTC program welcomed four new officers during its spring commissioning ceremony held June 13 at the Officer’s Club at Camp San Luis Obispo. The students, who represent three of the university’s six colleges and Cal Poly Maritime Academy, will begin careers as second lieutenants in logistical support, flying and the infantry. Each took the solemn pledge of allegiance to the Constitution, received rank insignia from family and exchanged their first salute as an officer — a longstanding military tradition.
Faculty and Staff
Biological Sciences Professor Wins Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award
Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, is the 2026 recipient of the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award from the Botanical Society of America, one of its highest recognitions in botanical education. This award recognized Rajakaruna’s outstanding contributions over 22 years, noting his teaching “weaves together fieldwork, food, culture and rigorous science in ways that make botany impossible to ignore.” Rajakaruna said, “Teaching has always been my first love. It always has been and always will be. There is no greater reward than knowing that you may have made a positive difference in the lives of your students.”
Faculty and Staff
Transition to Retirement
Join Empathia Life Matters, Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program, on July 22 10 a.m. to discuss the transition from active employment to retirement. Many people only think of things like relaxation and financial planning when they think of retirement. There is an emotional aspect to retirement that is important to explore as well. Content includes: The phases of retirement, mentally preparing for retirement, hazards and opportunities and reaching a rewarding retirement.
Faculty and Staff
Help Shape the Future of Sustainability at Cal Poly
Cal Poly is conducting a short sustainability assessment survey to better understand your knowledge, attitudes, values and experiences related to sustainability. Feedback will help inform campus programs, research opportunities and curriculum development at Cal Poly. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and you may enter to win a $50 gift card at the end of the survey. Please share your perspective by completing the survey by July 24. Email Amy Unruh alunruh@calpoly.edu with questions or for more information.
Faculty and Staff
Maritime Academy Data Now Available on the IR Website
Institutional Research (IR) has launched a new Cal Poly Maritime Academy page on its website. The page brings together historical reports on enrollment, admissions, retention and graduation rates, including annual reports, two five-year enrollment reports and a retention/graduation report covering 10 years of data. If you missed it, our SEMSA Summit presentation on Cal Poly Maritime Academy data is also available on the page. Questions? Contact Gary Moser at gmoser@csum.edu.
View the Maritime Data Landing Page
Faculty and Staff
Register Today for Training on New Institutional Research Dashboards
Institutional Research (IR) invites Cal Poly faculty and staff to a 45-minute online training session Thursday, July 30, introducing its new internal dashboards. Learn how to access and use dashboards featuring admissions, enrollment, degree completion and retention/graduation data. The session will include a guided overview of each dashboard, followed by time for questions. Registration is required — please register by July 27 to reserve your spot. Questions? Contact ir@calpoly.edu.
Faculty and Staff
Grow Your Problem-Solving Skills
Join Empathia Life Matters, Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program, on August 19 at 10 a.m. to discuss problem solving and what type of thinker you are (as well as those around you). Content includes how do you deal with problems, systematic vs. intuitive thinkers, steps in problem solving and how to develop possible solutions.
Catastrophic Leave
Delores Lencioni, confidential support, in Academic Affairs – Provost, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Lencioni remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, please contact catastrophic leave coordinator Yvette Reynoso at (805) 756-0887 or ymreynos@calpoly.edu to request a donation form.
Retirements
Linda Ortiz to Retire from SEMSA
After 19 years at Cal Poly and 10 years at Hearst Castle, Linda Ortiz is retiring. Linda began her Cal Poly career in Accounts Payable and later served in Accounts Receivable, General Accounting and Strategic Enrollment Management, where she spent the past 12 years supporting student success in several key roles. Known for her warmth, positivity and dedication, Linda was recently honored with the Mudita Award for bringing joy to others and lifting up those around her. She will miss the people and students most. In retirement, Linda looks forward to spending time in nature and pursuing her herbal certification.
Post a message, photo or video for Linda
Retirements
Executive Director of Finance and Treasury Marc Benadiba Retires
Congratulations and best wishes to Marc Benadiba, who is retiring after more than two decades of extraordinary service to Cal Poly. Marc started in 2002 as assistant director of financial services and, in 2018, became university controller and foundation treasurer. His legacy of stewardship of Cal Poly’s fiscal resources is one of innovation, integrity and dedication to Cal Poly’s students, faculty and staff. Over his decades at the university, Marc was a trusted advisor and mentor to so many Cal Poly colleagues and a friend to many more.
Campus Announcements
Save the Date: Fall Convocation is Aug. 17
Please mark your calendar for Fall Convocation — an important opportunity to hear from a wide range of campus leaders, learn about priorities for the coming year, celebrate our shared successes and acknowledge award-winning faculty and staff.
Monday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m.
San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center
Solano Campus Compass Room
Campus Announcements
Fall Parking Permits Available Aug. 10
Faculty and staff may purchase fall semester parking permits beginning Monday, Aug. 10. Permits will be valid Aug. 17 through Jan. 15, 2027. Motorcycle permits will be available Aug. 24. Employees can purchase permits online through the Parking Portal.
Learn More About Parking Permits
Campus Announcements
Statistics Consulting Services Available through Aug. 12
The Statistics Department offers statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through Aug. 12 by appointment only. Statistics Professor John Walker will serve as the consultant. He is available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, he is 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. To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
Visit the Statistics Department Website
Campus Announcements
2026-27 Career Fair Schedule Now Available
Career Services has published the 2026-27 Career Fair and Employer Engagement Schedule, featuring recruiting events across the San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses. To maximize student and employer participation, campus partners are encouraged to avoid scheduling career fairs, recruiting events or other major employer engagement programs on the same dates whenever possible. Faculty and staff are also invited to share these opportunities with employers in their networks. Career fairs connect students from all majors with internship, co-op and full-time employment opportunities, with our largest events attracting up to 200 companies and organizations representing a wide range of industries.
Campus Announcements
2026-27 Season Tickets on Sale Now
Cal Poly Arts is one of the premier arts presenters on the Central Coast, bringing internationally touring musicians, dynamic speakers, Broadway National Tours, captivating dance companies and more to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo each season. The 2026-27 Season is on sale now and better than ever! Experience 32 unforgettable performances from over a dozen countries, including four Broadway shows brand new to San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly staff and faculty receive 20% off select titles throughout the season. Secure your seats today and be part of an extraordinary season with Cal Poly Arts!
Campus Announcements
Board of Directors to Meet Aug. 22
The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. The agenda will be available after Aug. 17 upon request via email. This meeting is virtual; register for Zoom login details via email at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Login details will be provided to each registrant to join as an attendee. For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation office at 805-756-7147 or via email.
Campus Announcements
Summer Fitness in Full Swing at Rec Center
ASI’s summer fitness has started at the Cal Poly Recreation Center! Enjoy a full schedule of options for everyone to enjoy that runs through Aug. 8, offering classes such as yoga, Breakaway and lap swimming. Amplify your summer by staying active at the Recreation Center — take advantage of all the amazing offerings available for members. With a variety of fitness and wellness classes to try, summer gives you the perfect opportunity to learn something new. Don’t miss out — make the Recreation Center a part of your summer!
Learn More on the ASI Fitness Webpage
Campus Announcements
Enjoy Family Fun Days at the Rec Center
ASI’s Family Fun Days run daily for all ages through Aug. 18. Members can bring up to two adults and six children per visit to enjoy the Leisure Pool, sand volleyball, basketball and more. Daily and full-summer guest passes are available. It’s the perfect way to stay active and connect with loved ones! Learn more on the ASI Family Fun Days webpage.
Learn More on the ASI Family Fun Days Webpage
Campus Announcements
H Lots Reconfigured for Solar Infrastructure This Summer
This summer, Cal Poly is preparing to expand solar power and energy storage that will power our campus, lower electricity costs and advance our zero emissions goals. The installation of a solar array above the H Lots along Via Carta is a two-year project that began in mid-June. The first phase will be completed by early August with lot reconfiguration, adding at least 75 new parking spaces across H12 and H16. The lots are temporarily closed for reconfiguration one at a time over the summer and will be fully reopened for the fall semester.
Campus Announcements
Grand and Perimeter Roadway Painting This Summer
A pilot project to enhance pedestrian, motorist and cyclist safety along Grand Avenue and Perimeter Road between Slack Street and University Drive kicks off this summer with the repainting of traffic and bike lanes as well as new paint and signage at pedestrian crossings and transit stops. Roadway painting will begin on July 20 and be completed by mid-August. The roads will remain open throughout, but users should obey any temporary lane shifts and flagger instructions.
Events
Experience BODYTRAFFIC at PACSLO with this Exclusive Ticket Offer
After 20 extraordinary years, BODYTRAFFIC takes its final bow, making this one of your last chances to experience the company live July 16. Founded in 2007, the Los Angeles–based contemporary dance company is internationally acclaimed for its bold artistry, technical brilliance and vibrant performances. Co-presented by Festival Mozaic and Cal Poly Arts, this unforgettable event celebrates the energy and innovation that have defined BODYTRAFFIC for two decades. Cal Poly staff/faculty: Use code POLY15 (max. 4 tickets) for $15 tickets. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of contemporary dance’s most celebrated companies in a final season performance.
Events
Strawberry Center to Hold Annual Field Day July 23
Join more than 600 strawberry growers, researchers and industry representatives for Cal Poly Strawberry Center’s Tenth Annual Field Day 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 23. The event, held on campus at the Strawberry Center, is the strawberry industry’s largest research and education event, celebrating the innovative collaboration between the California Strawberry Commission and Cal Poly. Participants will rotate through five interactive stations, showcasing over 20 dynamic demonstrations led by students, staff and industry partners. Topics include the newest automation technology, arthropod pests and predators, soil-borne pathogens of strawberries and much more.
Events
Grimm Family Center to Hold Annual Field Day on July 23
The Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research hosts its annual Organic Field Day from 1 to 4 p.m. July 23 at Cal Poly’s Organic Sandbox on Highland Drive. The free, public event is for farmers, agricultural professionals, students and others interested in organic agriculture, offering hands-on access to student-led research in organic nutrient and pest management, a Coalition for Food Safety and Sustainability workshop and a discussion of flea beetle and cucumber beetle trap crops. Participants can expect guided field tours, live demonstrations and conversations with Cal Poly researchers and faculty working on practical solutions for organic producers.
News
Training Ship Golden Bear Returns Home from Final Summer Sea Term
Training Ship Golden Bear returned to Vallejo on July 6 following the completion of Summer Sea Term 2026, bringing home 283 Cal Poly Maritime Academy cadets after a 12,500-mile voyage across the Pacific Ocean. After 30 years of service as the academy's primary training vessel, the journey marks Golden Bear’s final training voyage and the end of an important chapter in the history of Cal Poly Maritime Academy. For three decades, Golden Bear has served as a floating classroom where thousands of cadets transformed classroom knowledge into practical experience at sea.
Read the Press Release