Academic Affairs
Cal Poly Student Awarded Critical Language Scholarship to Study in Latvia
Jasper Burgard, an international strategy and security major at the Cal Poly Solano Campus, has been awarded a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), a nationally competitive program with a 7% acceptance rate in 2026. Currently studying abroad in Kazakhstan, Burgard is Cal Poly Maritime Academy's first-ever CLS recipient and only the fifth from Cal Poly overall. This summer, he will study advanced Russian in Daugavpils, Latvia. Burgard plans to apply his language and analytical skills to security research on the Baltic region and to a future career as a United States Marine Corps officer.
Academic Affairs
Faculty Advisor Semester Readiness Events
University Advising and Office of the Registrar are pleased to offer two semester readiness events for faculty advisors on Friday, April 17, 2026.
“FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising” (10:10 a.m. - noon)
The first workshop in the Faculty Advisor Training Series, FA 101 offers an overview of the advising structure and the semester-based registration process, university policies and curriculum advising tools.
“Semester Conversion and Maritime Integration Updates” (noon to 1 p.m.)
The Office of the Registrar will provide an update on the semester catalog, curriculum, scheduling, enrollment, policies, articulation and transfer credit.
For questions, please contact Christina Wolfe-Chandler at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Partners
Reminder: Faculty and Staff Invited to Share Input on Housing Needs
Cal Poly Partners is inviting faculty and staff to complete a survey about current housing needs and preferences. Feedback will help inform potential housing opportunities for the campus community. The survey will assess current housing situations, preferences and interest in for-sale or rental units. Participation is voluntary, and responses will remain confidential, with results reported in aggregate to help inform the vision and long-term objectives for future housing initiatives. Learn more about faculty and staff housing and join the interest list on the Faculty and Staff Housing webpage.
Transportation and Parking Services
Spring Quarter Staff Parking Permits Available March 18
Faculty and staff can purchase spring quarter parking permits beginning Wednesday, March 18. Permits are valid from March 30 through June 14, 2026. Employees can buy daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual permits online, with payroll deduction available for eligible staff. To purchase, log in to the Parking Portal.
Cal Poly Arts
Forbes Organ Series: Amelie Held Plays on March 22
Organist Amelie Held, known for her red organ shoes, is an internationally acclaimed performer at concerts across Europe and the U.S. Her diverse repertoire spans early music to contemporary works. Named to Diapason’s “20 under 30” in 2023, she trained at top conservatories, including Juilliard. Experience this incredible artist live on the Forbes Pipe Organ. This event has student tickets and a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Performing Arts Center
Sir El Tom Comes to SLO April 3
Elton John tribute artist Sir El Tom will perform Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Tom Cridland began performing Elton John’s music during his recovery from alcoholism and has since built a career as a singer, songwriter, producer and pianist. After teaching himself piano during the COVID-19 lockdowns, he quickly rose from playing pubs to headlining major venues. His show features beloved hits like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer” and “I’m Still Standing.”