University Communications and Marketing
Students Shine in the Winter Edition of Cal Poly Magazine
In the latest issue, dive into stories that illustrate how dynamic Mustangs can be. Get to know the impactful leadership of Nailah DuBose, tag along with a senior project class orchestrating the university’s first controlled burn and meet four students who embody the polytechnic ideal by blending their majors with unique extracurriculars. Find more stories online at the Cal Poly Magazine website on alumni entrepreneurs, recovery at Swanton Pacific Ranch and the men’s basketball team‘s multinational roster.
Academic Affairs
Cal Poly Student to Serve with Peace Corps in El Salvador
Cal Poly student Anabel Fredman (Biology, ’26) will serve with the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Coordinator in El Salvador for the next two and a half years. In this role, Fredman will work with local schools and communities to co-facilitate community-based programs and activities that support life-skills development among Salvadoran youth. She will also mentor students in long-term life planning and collaborate with parents and community leaders to establish and sustain youth-led community projects.
Campus Dining
Chef Advances to NACUFS Challenge
Chef Arthur Dulin of Cal Poly Campus Dining has been selected to compete in the 2026 NACUFS Pacific Regional Culinary Challenge, earning a spot through a juried recipe submission. He will represent Cal Poly in a live regional competition March 24 at the University of Washington, where chefs prepare original dishes featuring mandatory ingredients under timed conditions. The competition highlights culinary excellence in collegiate dining, with regional winners advancing to the national conference later this year.
Learn More About Campus Dining
Career Services
Access NACE Resources Through February 2027
Cal Poly faculty, staff, administrators and student employees may access Cal Poly’s institutional membership with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) through February 2027 by submitting a membership request form. The membership is supported by Cal Poly Opportunity Fee (CPOF) funding through the Office of the Associate Provost for Student Success, in collaboration with Career Services. This resource supports Cal Poly’s implementation of the CSU Student Success Framework by providing research and best practices that strengthen career readiness, equity and student outcomes. Questions? Email careerservices@calpoly.edu.
Submit a Membership Request Form
Academic Affairs
Apply to be a Service-Learning Faculty Fellow
The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) and the Center for Service in Action (CSA) invite faculty teaching in Fall 2026 to apply individually or in teams for the Spring 2026 term. Fellows will receive support to redesign Fall 2026 courses with service-learning projects. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23. Click the link below for program details and the online application. Questions? Email Anurag Pande, faculty liaison for service-learning, or join his in-person office hours during Winter 2026 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mondays in Room 35-319C (International Center).
Academic Affairs
Nominate a Faculty Advisor for the 2025-2026 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who has a positive influence on students through academic advising. The recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong at Fall Conference. Faculty, staff and current students may nominate; at least one submission must come from a current student, and self-nominations will not be recognized. Nominations are open now and close 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026. More information and the nomination form are available online. Questions? Contact Denise Bryden.
University Personnel
Nominations Now Being Accepted for the 2025-26 Cal Poly Outstanding Staff Award
This award is presented annually by the Office of the President to three staff members who demonstrate service and commitment to the university that truly set them apart. Nominees must be permanent, full-time employees of the university, Cal Poly Partners or ASI, who have completed at least three years of employment as of Dec. 31, 2025 (10-month employees are eligible). The deadline for staff employees, faculty members and department or division heads to submit nominations for the Outstanding Staff Award is Friday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Employees represented by bargaining unit 3 (faculty), former recipients of the award and student assistants are not eligible.
Cal Poly Arts
Ukrainian Folk-Rock Quartet DakhaBrakha Brings ‘Ethno Chaos’ Sound to SLO
Meaning “give/take” in old Ukrainian, DakhaBrakha embodies the push and pull of tradition and innovation. Known for their theatrical performances and rich visual style, they reflect Ukraine’s heritage and evolving identity. Cal Poly is excited to welcome these internationally acclaimed and award-winning artists back to the Central Coast after opening for Cake at Vina Robles Amphitheatre in 2024. This event offers student tickets and a 20-percent staff and faculty discount.
Benefits & Employee Services Team
Learn ‘How to Bring Your Best Self to Work’ at Feb. 18 Webinar
Join this Empathia-hosted wellness webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 that will address the importance of bringing your best self to work, while emphasizing strategies to enhance job performance, improve relationships and contribute positively to your team. Please contact benefits@calpoly.edu or (805) 756-2236, Opt. 2, with any questions you may have.
Cal Poly Arts
See Patti LuPone’s ‘Matters of the Heart: 25th Anniversary Tour’ Feb. 25
Renowned for her iconic roles on stage and screen, including Joanne in “Company” (Marianne Elliott’s production), Madame Rose in “Gypsy” and the title role in the original Broadway production of “Evita,” Broadway icon Patti LuPone is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed theatrical concert “Matters of the Heart.” LuPone takes the audience on an exploration of the crimes, affairs and mysteries of the heart, with electrifying performances of over two dozen love songs ranging from Broadway favorites to works by today’s top contemporary songwriters. This event has a 20-percent staff and faculty discount available.
Culture and Institutional Excellence
Internationally Recognized Scholar to Visit Cal Poly for Multiple Belonging Events
Terrell L. Strayhorn will deliver a campus keynote focused on belonging at 11:10 a.m. Feb. 25 in Chumash Auditorium. An internationally recognized scholar, author and higher education expert, Strayhorn’s work centers on student success, racial equity, diversity, inclusion and cultivating a strong sense of belonging in educational settings. Strayhorn is widely regarded as a leading authority on belonging in higher education, particularly for students from historically marginalized communities. He will also lead two workshops on Feb. 26:
- A workforce belonging workshop for staff from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the PAC Pavilion. RSVP here.
- A building belonging in classrooms and labs workshop for faculty from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the PAC Pavilion. RSVP here.
Seating is limited and RSVP is encouraged for both events.
Black Academic Excellence Center
State of Blackness Panel Scheduled for Feb. 25
Join the Black Academic Excellence Center at 4 p.m. Feb. 25 in Chumash Auditorium for State of Blackness, an annual panel event that centers the voices and lived experiences of Black- and African-American–identified students at Cal Poly. Bringing together students, campus leaders and community members, the discussion fosters honest dialogue about challenges, achievements and opportunities for growth. More than a conversation, it serves as a call to action, inspiring meaningful change and strengthening initiatives that advance equity, belonging and long-term student success across the campus community and beyond. RSVP is encouraged.
International Center
Celebrating 10 Years of A Taste of the World
The International Center will serve up food and fun at the 10th annual A Taste of the World from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 25, on Baker Lawn (180). A collaboration with the FSN and EIM departments, this global showcase highlights how international experiences enrich our campus. Come sample delicious bites and drinks from this year’s featured countries: Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco and Portugal, while enjoying live performances and exploring international opportunities at Cal Poly. Bring a friend and your appetite! Co-sponsored by Semester at Sea, Cal Poly Student Affairs and Cal Poly Latin American Studies.
Music Department
Jazz Ensembles to Present ‘Sounds of Groove’ Concert on Feb. 27
The Cal Poly “Sounds of Groove” Winter Jazz Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the Performing Arts Center. The University Jazz Band’s set will include Dave Samuels’ Latin-fusion composition “Rendezvous,” Jacob Mann’s funk-driven piece “Kogi,” and Toshiko Akiyoshi’s blues shuffle, “Tuning Up.” Among the combos’ performances will be an arrangement of Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” by Dan Reagan, Steve Turre and Andy Gonzalez; “Peace” by Horace Silver; and “Llorarás” by Oscar D’León. Jamaal Baptiste directs the University Jazz Band, and Dylan Johnson directs the Jazz Combos. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website.
Performing Arts Center
SLO Comedy Festival’s ‘Best of the Fest’ Scheduled for March 1
SLO Comedy Festival returns with the “Best of the Fest” show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. This show wraps up the four-day festival with the best performers voted on by audience members the night before. The SLO Comedy Festival runs Feb. 26 through March 1, with 40 comedians in 10 local venues. Cal Poly staff and students can get $28 tickets with a valid staff/student ID in person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Get Tickets to ‘Best of the Fest’
Campus Dining
Fuel Your Next Event at the Catering Showcase
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Cal Poly Catering Showcase 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Cal Poly Partners Pavilion, located across from Panda Express. The showcase will feature food service options from University Catering, Panda Express and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Attendees can sample menu items, connect with campus colleagues and explore convenient catering solutions for meetings, events and celebrations across campus.
Visit University Catering’s Website
Performing Arts Center
See ‘SLO Symphony: Classical Hits’ on March 7
SLO Symphony presents “Classical Hits” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Celebrate the brilliance of musical genius with three timeless works from history’s greatest composers — Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2,” Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A Major,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica.’” This event has a student and youth discount.