University Communications and Marketing (UCM) is pleased to present the newly integrated Cal Poly Report. This layout features the following sections:
- Universitywide: Information that is relevant to the entire university.
- San Luis Obispo Campus: Information that applies to the Cal Poly main campus.
- Solano Campus: Information that applies to Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
- Employment opportunities for the entire university.
- Submission guidelines for the entire university.
UCM is also implementing a new process for submitting content to Cal Poly Report and Sponsored Portal Announcements (SPAs). Please follow the links below for more details.
News
Cal Poly Ranks Among Nation’s Top 10 Public Universities in TIME’s Inaugural America’s Best Colleges List
Cal Poly ranked No. 10 among public universities and No. 38 overall in the nation in TIME Magazine’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 list of 500 U.S. colleges and universities. TIME’s new rankings emphasize U.S. universities’ excellence in student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness. Cal Poly’s placement among the nation’s top 40 universities and at No. 10 among public institutions underscores the university's continued focus on providing a high-value, hands-on education that prepares graduates to lead in their fields and make an impact.
News
Cal Poly Maritime Academy Hosts Gov. Newsom for Announcement of California Jobs First Grants
Cal Poly Maritime Academy hosted Gov. Gavin Newsom, California State University Chancellor Mildred García, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and other leaders Wednesday on Mare Island for the announcement of $48.5 million in California Jobs First investments designed to strengthen key industries, expand workforce development and support the creation of 20,000 jobs statewide. The announcement included more than $8.2 million to strengthen the Bay/Delta region’s shipbuilding sector. Cal Poly Maritime Academy has also been awarded $5.8 million in California Jobs First funding to advance maritime workforce and industry development initiatives, including the creation of a maritime career pathway.
Learn More About California Jobs First
Student Success
Gilman Scholarships Take Learn by Doing Global
Two International Strategy and Security students, Tabitha Lee Chon and Alaina Rivas, are headed to South Korea for the fall semester after receiving the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a U.S. Department of State program that helps undergraduate students study and intern abroad. The competitive program is designed to expand access to international education while helping prepare students with the skills and perspectives needed in an increasingly global workforce. Scholarship funds can be used for eligible expenses, including tuition, airfare, housing, local transportation, passports, visas, insurance and books.
Faculty and Staff
CSU’s Got Talent: Supporting Financial Wellness
How can financial wellness support students across campus? Join CSU’s Got Talent on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a virtual session with Jaycob Arbogast, director of the Center for Excellence in Finance at Chico State. Through a CSU case study, learn how financial wellness connects to student support and professional practice across campus roles. Participants will gain practical language, referral strategies and program-building lessons they can adapt to support students on their own campuses.
Campus Announcements
Register Now for the 4th Annual ¡Adelante! HSI Symposium
Join Culture and Institutional Excellence for ¡Adelante!, Cal Poly’s Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Symposium, on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in Chumash Auditorium. The event will highlight the university’s ongoing efforts and progress toward becoming an HSI and the integral role this plays in Cal Poly’s mission. The day will feature a universitywide HSI update, a keynote address, a student panel discussion and topic-based workshops.
Retirements
Melinda McCann to Retire After 28 Years With Career Services
Congratulations to Melinda McCann on her retirement after 28-plus years of dedicated service to Cal Poly Career Services. As senior career partners lead, Melinda strengthened employer partnerships and expanded career opportunities for our students. Her dedication, collaboration and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on our team, campus, students and partners. Melinda is enjoying vacation before her retirement on Oct. 1. She looks forward to family time, especially with her granddaughter, along with travel, cooking, volunteering, arts and crafts, music, reading and the outdoors. We thank Melinda for her contributions and wish her a joyful retirement.
Events
New Exhibition About Oceano Dunes now Open in Kennedy Library
A new exhibition is now open in Kennedy Library. Titled “Oceano – for seven generations,” the exhibition interrogates the history and present-day conditions of the Oceano Dunes. Featuring the work of artist and Associate Professor Lana Z Caplan, this exhibition includes photographs and a video projection, as well as ephemera and issues of the rare publication Dune Forum. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Events
See ‘Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam’ live on Sept. 20
NPR’s Hidden Brain, routinely rated the No. 1 science podcast in the United States, is coming to San Luis Obispo! This live presentation, hosted by veteran science journalist Shankar Vedantam, will explore unconscious patterns and their impact on human behavior. This event has student tickets and a 20% discount available for Cal Poly staff and faculty.
Events
Performing Arts Center to Commemorate 30 Years with Community Celebration Sept. 26
The Performing Arts Center will mark 30 years with a 30th anniversary celebration from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sept. 26 featuring three stages of nonstop live music and dancing, unlimited food and drinks from Central Coast favorites, photo opportunities and more. The center was founded through a collaboration among Cal Poly, the city of San Luis Obispo and private donors. Today, the PAC serves more than 100,000 community members each year.
Athletics
Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 5
- Football vs. Central Washington, Mustang Memorial Field, 5:05 p.m.
Campus Announcements
Zipcar Now Available at Cal Poly Maritime Academy
Zipcar, an on-demand car-sharing service, is now available at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, providing faculty and staff with access to vehicles 24/7. Members can reserve vehicles for personal trips or quick, local business needs, with discounted rates starting at $10.75 per hour or $87 per day. Gas, insurance, maintenance and up to 180 miles per day are included. Membership is $25 annually, and members can access Zipcars at participating locations nationwide.