News
Semesters, the Solano Campus and Start Times: Here’s What’s New at Cal Poly
Students are heading back to Cal Poly a few weeks earlier than usual — marking one of several significant changes taking place this fall in San Luis Obispo. In addition to an August start date, there are changes related to Cal Poly Maritime Academy, passing periods, UU Hour, on-campus housing, Athletics and more.
Read the full Story About What’s New at Cal Poly
News
How Learn by Doing helped Zion Jerge save lives
When Cal Poly Maritime Academy cadet Zion Jerge heard screams coming from a nearby apartment complex in Foster City, he didn't hesitate. He ran toward them. “When I arrived, I saw the father floating face down. My body kind of just took over, like a fight or flight reaction, and I jumped over the fence into the pool,” said the Marine Transportation senior.
Student Success
Cal Poly Graduate Accepted to Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program
Torrey Gage-Tomlinson (Biology, ’22) has been accepted into the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Global Change Ecology and Biodiversity Management (GLOBE), a highly competitive, international two-year graduate program focused on global change, biodiversity conservation and environmental management. Gage-Tomlinson will begin this fall at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid, Spain, before continuing his studies at partner institutions in the United Kingdom, Mexico and Portugal. Since graduating from Cal Poly, Gage-Tomlinson has conducted field research in Ecuador and served as program director at Morro Coast Audubon Society, where he helped expand research opportunities for students from underserved Central Coast communities.
Learn More About Fellowships and Scholarships at Cal Poly
Faculty and Staff
Faculty Advisor Training Series for Fall 2026
University Advising is pleased to offer a Faculty Advisor Training Series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. Follow the links below to register for each training session.
- FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: Sept. 11
- FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: Sept. 18
- FA 103: Building Student Success through Faculty Advising: Sept. 25
If you have any questions, please contact Advisor Training Coordinator Christina Wolfe-Chandler at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Learn More About Faculty Advising Training
University Announcements
ASI Access Transitions to FusionGO
Accessing ASI facilities, programs and events is getting easier! ASI Access is officially transitioning to the FusionGO mobile app alongside its web platform, unifying the ASI digital experience. With FusionGO, students, faculty and campus members can scan their digital barcode for facility entry, manage memberships, register for classes and special events, view facility schedules and access programming right from their phones. Download FusionGO from the Apple App Store or Google Play, search “Cal Poly” to connect, and log in using your Cal Poly credentials.
Faculty and Staff
Register Now for ‘Building Belonging’ Workshops
Culture and Institutional Excellence invites Cal Poly employees to participate in “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. Workshops are offered in person on the San Luis Obispo campus during fall and spring semesters. The series welcomes employees from all divisions and supports them in building belonging across campus.
Register for Building Belonging Workshops
Campus Announcements
South Perimeter Road Impacts for Football Tailgate Aug. 28
A football tailgate Friday, Aug. 28, will result in temporary parking and traffic changes near South Perimeter Road. Parking spaces on the north side of South Perimeter Road will be unavailable beginning at 7 a.m. After 2 p.m., vehicles will not be permitted to enter Cuesta Avenue from Campus Way. Vehicles already on Cuesta Avenue may exit through College Avenue. Drivers should allow additional travel time and follow posted signage and instructions from traffic-control staff.
Read More About Traffic Impacts
Campus Announcements
New Campus Event Management Service Provider Agreements
Is your department planning a campus event and hiring vendors to provide critical support services? Cal Poly’s Strategic Business Services (SBS), which oversees procurement and contracting with university vendors, has awarded four event management and security service providers for all campus events. If your department is planning an event that uses security services, you must obtain quotes and select from the awarded providers only. Find more information, including the list, contact information for the awarded providers and frequently asked questions on the SBS website.
Learn more about event management and security services
Campus Announcements
Building 26 Renovation Prep Work to Begin Aug. 31
Facilities Management and Development will begin preparatory work Aug. 31 for a year-long renovation of Building 26 that will add 10 classrooms with 424 seats and five faculty offices. Through Nov. 16, work will occur primarily on the first floor and include removal of flooring, ceiling tiles, furniture, debris and electrical and data cables. Portions of the first floor will be closed during this phase, with personnel and equipment working in and around the building. The next phase will include construction of new classrooms and faculty offices on the first floor, with work continuing through July 2027.
Campus Announcements
Showcase Your Department or Program at Mustang Family Weekend
Mustang Family Weekend is Oct. 2–4, and we’re excited to welcome up to 10,000 guests to campus! Campus partners are invited to help make the weekend memorable by showcasing their departments and programs. Consider hosting a talk, activity, reception or meet-and-greet, or giving families a tour of your facilities. Submit your event by Sept. 4 using the form below. Final details aren’t required. Parent and Family Programs will follow up to help bring your plans together.
Campus Announcements
Stay Active and Connected: Fall 2026 ASI Programs
A new quarter brings fresh opportunities for the Cal Poly community, including staff, faculty and alumni to stay active and connected! Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is launching a full fall lineup of fitness classes, Craft Center workshops and Poly Escapes gear rentals — plus customizable private group fitness sessions for department team building. Staying engaged is simpler than ever with the new FusionGO mobile app. Download FusionGO, search "Cal Poly" to connect to numerous features, including entry barcodes, memberships and class schedules right from your phone.
Catastrophic Leave
Brandi Santillan, custodian in University Housing, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Santillan remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, please contact catastrophic leave coordinator Esther Wilkinson at (805) 756-7781 or eswilkin@calpoly.edu.
Retirements
Retirement Reception for Bob Crockett
Over more than 25 years at Cal Poly, Bob has served as a professor in the Biomedical Engineering Department, associate dean for innovation infrastructure in the College of Engineering and interim dean of the College of Engineering. His commitment to Learn by Doing and to helping students connect engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship has made a lasting impact on the university community. Please join us as we celebrate his retirement.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 4:30–6 p.m.
Where: Bonderson High Bay (Building 197, Room 107)
Refreshments will be provided. We hope you can join us in honoring Bob and celebrating his many contributions to Cal Poly.
Events
Explore the World at the Study Abroad Fair
The world comes to Cal Poly at the Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Kennedy Library Courtyard. Faculty and staff are encouraged to connect with program partners and learn about opportunities to study, intern or conduct research in nearly 70 countries and destinations across the U.S. The fair also offers insight into international programs that can support professional development opportunities and global engagement.
Learn More About the Study Abroad Fair
Events
Arturo O'Farrill Trio Performs Live Sept. 17 at Spanos Theatre
A six-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Latin Grammy winner, Arturo O’Farrill has built an extraordinary career by blending Afro-Latin traditions, modern jazz and innovative contemporary composition into a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly forward-looking. This event has student tickets and a 20% Cal Poly staff and faculty discount available.
Athletics
Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 27
- Women’s soccer versus San Diego, Mustang Memorial Field, 4 p.m.
- Men’s soccer versus San Jose State, Mustang Memorial Field, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28
- Football vs. Idaho, Mustang Memorial Field, 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30
- Men’s soccer versus San Diego State, Mustang Memorial Field, 7 p.m.
Campus Announcements
ASI Expands Web Resources for the Cal Poly Maritime Academy Community
Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is excited to showcase dedicated new offerings and resources for the Cal Poly Maritime Academy community on the ASI website. This update marks an important milestone toward building a unified student experience across both campuses. Visitors can now easily access essential campus resources, events and facilities — including the Physical Education and Aquatic Center (PEAC), Morrow Cove, Bodnar Field and ASI Recreational Sports Memberships. The site also highlights key integration milestones and leadership opportunities, such as applying for the inaugural ASI Maritime Academy Council (AMAC) to help shape shared student governance.