Academic Affairs
Mustang Madeline Yarkin Selected for NOAA Hollings Scholarship
Madeline Yarkin, an animal science major, has been awarded the nationally competitive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hollings Scholarship, supporting undergraduate study, research and public service. The award includes funding and a paid summer internship with NOAA. Expected to graduate in 2028, Yarkin plans to pursue graduate study in wildlife research, focusing on animal behavior and reproduction. Her success reflects the support of Cal Poly’s Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships in preparing students for nationally competitive opportunities.
Campus Dining
Chef’s Table to Feature Award-Winning Chef Dulin April 29
Campus Dining invites faculty and staff to a Chef’s Table experience featuring award-winning Chef Arthur Dulin at Streats. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, in Vista Grande Dining Complex. The menu highlights Thai red curry catfish with okra and coconut rice, along with a catfish pomelo salad topped with crispy okra. Enjoy this elevated, chef-driven offering available for a limited time during the event, while supplies last.
Learn More at Campus Dining’s Event Page
Culture and Institutional Excellence
Register for the Spring Building Belonging Series
Culture and Institutional Excellence invites Cal Poly employees to participate in the last in-person sessions for Building Belonging, a three-part professional development workshop series designed to foster a culture of learning through engaging, reflective sessions tailored to meet participants where they are. In collaboration with the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and Employee and Organization Development, the series welcomes employees from all divisions and contributes to a more welcoming and inclusive Cal Poly. Food will be provided at all in-person sessions. Spots fill up quickly; we encourage you to register at your earliest convenience.
Culture and Institutional Excellence
Join a Faculty and Staff Association
In our continued dedication to fostering community, the Department of Culture and Institutional Excellence encourages Cal Poly employees to consider becoming a member of any of the university’s Faculty and Staff Associations (FSA). There are 11 total FSAs, some of which have been active for as long as 20 years, while others have been formed within the past couple of years. FSAs are social and community-building groups for Cal Poly faculty, staff and some graduate students that support events, mentorship, educational programs and initiatives that promote belonging on campus.
Commencement 2026
Sign Up to Volunteer at Commencement
The Cal Poly Commencement team is seeking employee support to help celebrate graduates at Commencement on June 13 and 14. Sign up for a volunteer shift today and help create a memorable spring celebration for graduates and their supporters. Volunteer tasks may include: greeting graduates and guests; ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid; helping with stadium logistics and more. Volunteers will receive a $50 Mustang Shop gift card for each shift completed, with a maximum of two shifts eligible for compensation. For additional details on faculty and staff shifts at Commencement, visit the Employee Volunteer Program page.
Sign Up for a Commencement Shift
Faculty and Staff Housing
Harvest Lofts Units Available for Faculty and Staff
Harvest Lofts offers studio and one-bedroom apartments for faculty and staff seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. Located in San Luis Obispo, the community features modern design, smart layouts and convenient access to campus, about 10 minutes by car. Amenities include free bike storage, optional onsite storage and access to The Harvest Club with a resident-only clubhouse, pool and spa. Demand is expected to be high this spring. Faculty and staff should contact Patty Martin soon if they need housing for the academic year beginning in August. For more information, contact Patty Martin at (805) 250-4759 or pmarti97@calpoly.edu.
Information Technology Services
Semester Conversion Cutover
As part of the Cal Poly's Fall 2026 Semester Conversion, the Cal Poly Student Administration, HR Administration and Faculty and Student Centers applications will be unavailable from Friday, April 17, from 5 p.m. until Saturday, April 18 at 8 p.m. due to required PeopleSoft maintenance. During this time, portions of the Cal Poly Portal, including the Personal Info, Money Matters and Academic tabs, will also be unavailable. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@calpoly.edu or (805) 756-7000.
Academic Affairs
Maritime Integration Update
Cal Poly continues progress toward full academic implementation of the Cal Maritime integration at the Solano Campus for the2026–27 academic year. Fall 2026 marks a key milestone, with coordinated support for students, faculty and staff across both campuses. Efforts include alignment of curriculum, program review and governance; development of a unified advising and student support model; and integration of faculty development, research, graduate education, EPaCE and international programs. Work is also advancing on library services, academic awards and administrative systems to ensure consistent access and support.
Cal Poly Partners
Board Meeting Scheduled for April 24
Cal Poly Partners Board meeting will be held on Friday, April 24, at 8:30 a.m. at Vista Grande Dining Complex, third floor. It is open to the public. Written comments must be submitted by Wednesday, April 22, to cppartners-admin@calpoly.edu. To comment on any board item, please fill out a Board Appearance Request and submit 24 hours prior to the meeting, and arrive at 8:15 a.m. The Zoom webinar is for the public to view. The agenda will be available five days in advance of the meeting on the Cal Poly Partners website. Questions? (805) 756-1131.
Cal Poly Foundation
Board of Directors to Meet April 25
The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, April 17. The agenda will be available after April 20 upon request via email. Attendees must 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.
Center for Service in Action
Learn by Doing Good Awards Nominations Due May 10
The Leadership and Service Department is seeking nominations for the Learn by Doing Good Awards, recognizing excellence in service, leadership and engagement on and off campus. Submissions are due Sunday, May 10, at 11:59 p.m. Award recipients will be honored May 20 in the Performing Arts Center, where Vice President Terrance Harris will present the awards. The program celebrates students, faculty, staff and community partners who contribute to campus and San Luis Obispo County with their spirit of civic engagement. Nominations can be submitted online, and they are reviewed by a panel. Questions? Email serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
Commencement 2026
Honor the Class of 2026 with a Graduate Celebration Slide
Cal Poly Graduate Celebration Slides give faculty, staff and departments the unique opportunity to honor and recognize the Class of 2026 in a big way on a big screen. Send a special message for a graduate to see on the large video screen as they enter Spanos Stadium. Each slide will showcase a graduate’s name, degree, college, two photos and a personal message. They will run in a celebratory slideshow visible to graduates and attendees before each college commencement ceremony on June 13 and 14. Space is limited — purchase your slide today before the May 21 deadline!
Career Services
AI Community of Practice Launch
Join faculty, staff and students for a relaxed gathering to explore responsible, human-centered uses of AI in teaching, research and practice. The inaugural community of practice gathering, a mix and mingle reception, will be held on Monday, April 20, from 4-6 p.m. in the Cal Poly Partners Pavilion. Refreshments provided. Hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities Cal Poly AI Team and Center for Teaching and Learning.
Sustainability
Celebrate Earth Week April 20–24
Faculty and staff are invited to participate in Cal Poly’s Earth Week, April 20–24, featuring events focused on sustainability, research and community engagement. Highlights include a green careers panel, sustainability research panel, Earth Day Festival on Mustang Way, a plant-based teaching kitchen and the launch of The Loop thrift pop-up. Events offer opportunities to learn about sustainability initiatives, explore career paths and engage with campus partners.
Benefits and Employee Services Team
Strategic Goal Setting: Crafting Your Path to Success
Join us on April 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. to review practical goal setting strategies, explore the difficulties in breaking old habits, and provide insights on staying motivated and committed to achieving meaningful goals with Empathia.
Campus Dining
Earth Day Festival Features Campus Dining April 22
Campus Dining will host a booth at Cal Poly’s Earth Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, on Mustang Way. Attendees can sample a plant-based dish featuring roasted cauliflower with za’atar-spiced chickpeas, test their knowledge with recycling trivia and learn about Campus Dining’s sustainability initiatives. The annual festival brings together campus and community partners to highlight sustainability through interactive booths, activities and campus-driven initiatives.
Learn More at Campus Dining’s Event Page
International Center
Founder of Cheetah Conservation Fund to Speak April 23
Join the International Center for “Chasing Survival: Cheetahs, Communities and Conservation” with Laurie Marker, PhD., founder and executive director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a campus and broader community lecture Thursday, April 23, from 4:10 to 5:30 p.m. in the ATL/Keck Lab (Bldg. 7). A global leader in conservation, Marker will explore how science, community partnerships and sustainable innovation are transforming the effort to protect wildlife — while strengthening human livelihoods. The event is free and open to the public and co-sponsored by Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.
Career Services
Faculty, Staff and Students Invited to ‘AI in the Workplace: Insights from Industry Professionals'
Join Career Services Thursday, April 23, from 4-5:40 p.m. to learn from industry experts about how AI is being used in their workplace. Panelists from a variety of industries will share key insights, answer questions, and speak towards what AI skills they are looking for in recent graduates! Questions? Contact Gabe Vazquez at gestra08@calpoly.edu.
Extended, Professional and Continuing Education
Learn the Art of Sausage Making — One-Day Workshop
Introduction to Sausage Making — a hands-on workshop perfect for home cooks, foodies and hunters alike — is scheduled for Saturday, May 23. From grinding and seasoning to stuffing and storing, you’ll learn step-by-step how to craft delicious sausages at home. Led by expert instructor Jacob Dilger, this one-day course includes all supplies — and you’ll even take your product home. Held at the J and G Lau Family Meat Processing Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot! Course Fee: $175.