California Impact
Researchers Release a Guide for Cities to Mitigate Wildfire Damage
An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Cal Poly’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute recently launched a new guidebook to improve wildfire mitigation work in urban areas. It provides step-by-step guidance for constructing a policy-driven scorecard focused on strengthening mitigation plans and actions. The two-year effort to develop the tool, called the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard™ (PIRS™) for Wildfire, was done in partnership with Texas A&M and is now available to all community planners, emergency managers and other administrators at no cost.
Cal Poly Partners
New Building in Technology Park is Officially Open
Cal Poly Partners opened the second building at the Cal Poly Technology Park, marking the start of phase two of the project, which is planned to grow into a 120,000-square-foot campus focused on innovation and workforce development. The new two-story, 16,200-square-foot facility is designed to enhance collaboration between Cal Poly students and industry partners while advancing the university’s Learn by Doing mission. Tenants in the new building include SLO County Fire / CAL FIRE, the Cal Poly Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey California Water Science Center, Harrow Services – Career Consulting and The Forward Thinking Company.
California Impact
Cal Poly Students Honored by Lawmakers at State Capitol
State lawmakers recently honored 26 Cal Poly students on the floors of the Assembly and Senate in Sacramento. The students represent the Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy, which officially came under the administration of the university last July. These ambassadors of Learn by Doing are delivering results on campus and off — from student leaders to researchers whose work is leading to industry innovations, to floral artists and race car builders (on the track and off-road). They also include the president of a student group that received the Sweepstakes Award, the top award of the 2026 Rose Parade.
Culture and Institutional Excellence
Immigration Response Protocol Postcards Now Available
In alignment with CSU priorities and in compliance with California’s Senate Bill 98, CIX has created immigration response protocol postcards outlining what to do if you are approached by a federal immigration officer on campus or if you hear reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on campus. The postcards include clear reporting and contact information specific to both campuses. Affiliates located on the San Luis Obispo campus can pick up postcards in CIX (01-209) during regular business hours, or request delivery of up to 50 postcards by emailing CIX@calpoly.edu.
View More Information and Download Postcards
Risk Management
Youth Protection Program Registration Required
Youth program directors and coordinators must register their programs annually and receive approval from Risk Management before activities may begin. Registration is required at least 60 days prior to the program start date and includes mandatory program coordinator training. All overnight and third-party youth programs must also coordinate with Conference and Event Planning before engaging in any activity involving youth. Programs submitted late risk being rejected because there may be insufficient time to complete all required compliance activities and, for third-party programs, to confirm required insurance. Email youthprograms@calpoly.edu to register a program or ask questions about youth program registration.
International Center
Get Ready for International Travel at the Passport Event on April 8
Cal Poly will open doors to global opportunities for students, faculty and staff at the fifth annual Passport Event, hosted by the International Center on April 8 in the ATL / Keck Lab. Up to 100 eligible students will receive funding for their first adult U.S. passport at the event, which will cover the $165 application fee, thanks to the generous support of co-sponsors CEA CAPA Education Abroad and all six Cal Poly colleges. Faculty and staff are also eligible to apply for a first-time adult U.S. passport by completing this form. Funding is not available for faculty and staff.
Learn More About the Passport Event
Center for Service in Action
Kal Penn to Keynote 24th Annual Change the Status Quo Event Series
The Center for Service in Action, in partnership with Cal Poly Arts, is proud to present “Kal Penn: From White Castle to the White House” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Performing Arts Center’s Miossi Hall. Penn is an Emmy-nominated actor, bestselling author and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his roles in “Designated Survivor,” “House,” “The Namesake,” the “Harold and Kumar” franchise and “The Santa Clauses” and has built a career at the intersection of storytelling and public service.