Academic Affairs
Cal Poly AI Symposium is May 6–7
Faculty and staff are invited to attend Cal Poly’s AI Symposium, now expanded to include in-person pre-symposium programming on Wednesday, May 6, followed by the full-day symposium on Thursday, May 7, in the Chumash Auditorium. Pre-symposium sessions include a faculty discussion on AI policy and practice; a featured session: “AI for Competitive Advantage, led by industry leader Stan Van Vleck”; and a networking reception. The May 7 program will explore AI in higher education, the workforce and society through keynotes, panels and applied sessions.
Employee and Organization Development
CSU’s Got Talent: ‘Rethinking Promotion and Leadership Success’
Why do high-performing employees sometimes struggle after stepping into leadership roles? Join CSU’s Got Talent on May 7 from 10–11 a.m. for an engaging session with David E. Fraser, Ed.D., based on his forthcoming book “Promoted into Incompetence.” Drawing from research and experience across government, higher education and the nonprofit sector, Fraser examines how well-meaning promotion practices can unintentionally create challenges for new leaders. This session continues the exploration of the “competence trap,” offering practical, evidence-based strategies to better assess leadership readiness, strengthen mentorship pathways and build systems that support long-term success.
Career Services
Now Accepting Clothing Donations for Professional Clothing Closet Drive
Career Services is currently seeking donations of high-demand, clean and modern professional attire for our Professional Clothing Closet Drive. Through May 8, there will be an on-campus Professional Clothing Drive to address this need. Faculty and staff are invited to contribute by donating dry-cleaned, gently used, contemporary professional clothing. For detailed information on appropriate donations and drop-off locations, please visit the Clothing Closet website. Metered parking and 30-minute staff parking are conveniently available nearby. For any inquiries, please contact Career Services at (805) 756-2501.
Benefits and Employee Services Team
Webinar on Expanding Your Sphere of Influence
Leadership isn’t just about titles or positions — it’s about the ability to positively influence others. This session will explore how you can lead from any position in an organization and create meaningful impact, regardless of your official role. Join us on May 27 from 11 a.m. to noon to learn practical ways to foster collaboration and strengthen your influence even when “manager” isn’t in your title.
Campus Community
Building 15 Receives New Name: Mustang Commons
Mustang Commons is the new name of Building 15, the home of Black Academic Excellence Center, Cal Poly Scholars, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), La CASA, TRIO Achievers and Wonderful’s College Scholarship Program. A shared space that fosters development and belonging, Mustang Commons forms the core of a new student success hub on campus, anchored by the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Success Center under construction at North Perimeter Road and Village Drive. The campus community is invited to Get to Know Mustang Commons: A Community Drop-In from 3-4:30 p.m. May 6 with conversation and refreshments.
Academic Affairs
Complete the CELT Survey for Fall 2026 Courses
Faculty teaching community-based learning courses in Fall 2026 are invited to complete the CSU Community Engaged Learning Tool (CELT) survey. This 15-minute survey (see list of questions here) helps classify your course within the community-engaged learning implementation spectrum and assigns it a designation (CSL: Curricular Service-Learning or CCEL: Curricular Community-Engaged Learning). Please complete one form per course section, reflecting your typical teaching approach and using your syllabus as a reference. Responses are requested by May 6, so students registering for Fall 2026 can view course designations. For questions, contact Faculty Liaison Anurag Pande at service-learning@calpoly.edu or attend office hours Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 35-319C.
Campus Community
Spill the Ink. Print and Copy Wants Your Feedback.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to complete a brief campuswide survey to help shape the future of Cal Poly Print and Copy services. Open April 27 through May 8, the anonymous survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will inform service offerings, pricing and new options such as design support and bundled packages. Participants may opt in for a chance to win one of four $25 gift cards. Your input will help improve a key campus resource supporting Learn by Doing.
Career Services
Access National Association of Colleges and Employers Resources Until 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 through February 2027 by submitting a membership request form. The membership is supported by Cal Poly Opportunity Fee 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.
Safer
Join Safer for Take Back the Night
Come together as a community to Take Back the Night on Thursday, April 30, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the University Union Plaza. This year’s theme, “Safer, Stronger: Moving Forward Together,” marks the 30th anniversary of Safer and the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Action Month, and coincides with the anniversary of Kristin Smart. The evening will include speakers, live music, an art gallery, a solidarity march, a candlelight vigil, and will conclude with cupcakes. Stand with survivors and support a safer campus community. Contact Christina Sholars at csholars@calpoly.edu for additional details.
Music Department
Cal Poly to Host Nic Gerpe for Contemporary Piano Performance on May 5
Nic Gerpe, a Pasadena Conservatory of Music faculty member, will give a free contemporary piano performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. He will present a range of colorful and evocative pieces which explore the many aspects and connotations of islands, from the imaginary landscapes of Almeida Prado’s "Ilhas" to Thomas Osborne’s poetic and virtuosic "And The Waves Sing Because They Are Moving." L.A. Times music critic Mark Swed described Gerpe’s playing as “wonderfully illuminating … his tone is crystalline. His technique is dazzlingly fluid.”
Academic Affairs
Cal Poly Toastmasters – Speak Easy, Speak Up!
Step into a space where confidence grows and your voice matters. Cal Poly Toastmasters invites staff, faculty, and students to its Spring Open House. Come as you are — observe, listen, or participate — and connect with others. Food is provided; drop-ins welcome. Join us Wednesday, May 6, 12–1 p.m. (mingle until 1:30 p.m.) in the UU (Bldg. 65), Room 219. Experience engaging speeches, real-time feedback, and impromptu exercises like Table Topics. Build communication and public speaking skills in a supportive environment. To learn more, contact Bianca Silva at bsilva14@calpoly.edu or click the link below.
Performing Arts Center
‘Part of Water’ Film Screening Scheduled for May 6
The Ben Carlson Foundation and The Lifeguard Project present a special film screening of Part of Water on Wednesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Part of Water brings the real world of ocean lifeguarding into sharp focus far beyond the “Baywatch” stereotype. This documentary tells the tragic story of Ben Carlson, an experienced Newport Beach lifeguard who lost his life during a rescue in July 2014. Through Ben’s legacy, the film honors the courage, professionalism and daily risk carried by lifeguards who protect our coastlines and communities. This event has a Cal Poly student discount available.
Theatre and Dance Department
‘Hurricane Diane’ to run May 7 – 16
The Theatre and Dance Department presents “Hurricane Diane,” directed by faculty member Madison Mae Williams, May 7–16, in the Spanos Theatre. Diane is a permaculture gardener dripping with butch charm. She’s got supernatural abilities owing to her true identity — the Greek god Dionysus — and she's returned to the modern world to gather mortal followers and restore the Earth to its natural state. Tickets are $30 for the public and $19 for students, senior citizens and children. Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Ticket Office. Order online or call (805) SLO-4TIX (756-4849).
Culture and Institutional Excellence
Save the Date for Cal Poly Institutional Excellence Awards
Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX) invites you to join us for this year’s Institutional Excellence Awards (formerly known as the President’s Diversity Awards) on Thursday, May 7, from 10–11:30 a.m. at the PAC Lobby and Plaza. Awards will recognize faculty, staff, students, organizations and departments advancing campus climate, equity, accessibility and belonging from both Solano and SLO campuses. The Dolores Huerta "Sí Se Puede" Award for Transformational Leadership will also be presented in recognition of leadership, integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to equity and social justice to a selected and reviewed awardee.
Performing Arts Center
Comedian Tim Hawkins Comes to SLO May 9
Awakening Foundation presents comedian Tim Hawkins on Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Known for hysterical songs like “Yoga Pants” and “A Homeschool Family,” Tim’s humor captures the quirks of family life, marriage and more. Load up the car with friends, family or your small group, and get ready for a night of fun!
Bailey College of Science and MathEmatics
Multilingual Symposium & Social Justice Education Conference Set for May 9
The second annual Multilingual Symposium and eighth annual Central Coast Social Justice Education Conference will take place May 9. The Cal Poly community, as well as interested participants from outside organizations and schools, are welcome. The free event, combining the symposium and conference, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Lab (Building 7), covering inclusive classroom practices, bilingual pedagogies and educational rights of immigrant families. The event includes workshops with scholars and industry experts, a free catered lunch and a networking poster session.
Benefits and Employee Services Team
Vitalant Blood Drive on Dexter Lawn
Join us on May 14 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to donate blood with Vitalant right on Cal Poly's campus! To schedule your appointment, call Vitalant at (877) 258-4825 and mention blood drive code K3011 or visit the provided registration link. Donations open to all employees and students with priority given to those who have a scheduled appointment. Walk-up donations are welcome. Give blood anytime between May 1 and 31 to help patients in need, and you'll get entered for a chance to win one of two $10,000 gift cards. That's enough to buy groceries for a year! Terms and conditions apply; see vitalant.org/GroceryGiveaway.
Campus Health and Wellbeing
Out of the Darkness Campus Walk is May 16
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in partnership with Campus Health and Wellbeing, will host the annual Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, May 16, beginning at 10 a.m. in the University Union Plaza. This free community event features a 1.5-mile walk around campus. AFSP seeks to raise $30,000 to fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss through this event. For questions, information or to volunteer, contact Alexis Becerra at abecer22@calpoly.edu.
Alumni
Cal Poly Night with the Golden State Valkyries
Alumni and friends are invited to the inaugural Cal Poly Night with the WNBA Golden State Valkyries at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Chase Center in San Francisco. Watch the Valkyries take on the Phoenix Mercury and receive a limited-edition Cal Poly x Golden State Valkyries co-branded T-shirt. The first 150 buyers will also be invited to join us near the court to watch the Valkyries warm up. Purchase your tickets today at the link! Ticket sales end Friday, May 29.