News
Cal Poly Ranks Best in the West for 34th Consecutive Year
Cal Poly has again ranked No. 1 overall in the West among public and private master’s-level universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The recognition marks the fourth consecutive year Cal Poly has earned the top overall position in the region of 15 western states and the 34th as No. 1 among regional public institutions. Cal Poly also earned No. 1 regional rankings for Best Colleges for Veterans (for the seventh straight year) as well as for Best Value for In-State Students (a new ranking).
Learn More About Best in the West
News
Historic 390-Acre Brughelli Ranch Donated as Living Classroom to Cal Poly
The historic 390-acre Brughelli Ranch, located just south of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, will become Cal Poly’s newest agricultural land following the Brughelli Estate land donation to the university. Brughelli Ranch is a working agricultural property in San Luis Obispo, rich in history, productive farmland and water resources. For Cal Poly, the gift offers hundreds of acres of farmland near campus where students can apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments and collaborate with growers, industry partners and researchers.
Read More About Brughelli Ranch
News
Q & A with ASI President Tanner Schinderle
For Tanner Schinderle, the ASI president for 2026–27, leadership is all about creating opportunities for those around him. Cal Poly News spoke with Schinderle, a fourth-year political science student, about why he got involved in student government, what his priorities are for his year in office and how students and campus administrators can work together.
Read the Q & A with Tanner Schinderle
News
Cal Poly Maritime Academy Student Receives CSU Trustees’ Award, $10,000 Scholarship
Vincent Huff, a junior at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, has received a 2026 California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement and a $10,000 scholarship as the Trustee Emeritus Murray L. Galison Scholar. The annual trustees’ awards recognize CSU students for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. Huff and fellow awardees from the additional 21 CSU campuses were recognized Sept. 22 at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach.
Student Success
Carlos Arencibia Charts His Own Course
Carlos Arencibia has spent much of his life moving toward the next challenge. From serving in the Army and deploying overseas to earning a business degree and moving across the country to attend Cal Poly Maritime Academy, each experience reinforced his belief that growth requires stepping outside his comfort zone. Today, Arencibia, a marine transportation student, brings that philosophy to one of the most prominent student leadership positions on the Solano Campus as ASI Maritime Academy Council chair.
Read More About Carlos Arencibia
Faculty and Staff
Faculty Invited to Career Connections Sessions
Help your students turn learning into career success. Join Career Services for “Career Connected Classrooms” on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and discover practical tools for incorporating career readiness into your courses, including Canvas modules, Big Interview, Big Resume and classroom presentations. RSVP for an in-person session (11 to 11:50 a.m.) or virtual session (3 to 3:50 p.m.) or receive materials by email. Questions? Email Tammy Martin at tsmartin@calpoly.edu. Also join a hybrid session on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 11 to 11:50 a.m. to explore how Cal Poly Career Connections can support student networking, mentoring and assignments. Questions? Email Evie Kriegbaum at ekriegba@calpoly.edu.
Faculty and Staff
Meet the New CTLT Senior Faculty Fellow of Faculty Development
Ariel Setniker is an associate professor of mathematics education at Cal Poly Maritime Academy with expertise in pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and faculty professional development. She served for three years as director of faculty development at Cal Maritime, where she secured external funding and designed and facilitated programs supporting teaching and faculty success. Setniker now joins the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology as senior faculty fellow, supporting the integration of faculty development programming and resources across Cal Poly’s San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses.
Faculty and Staff
Meet CTLT Faculty Fellow for Teaching Innovation and Student Success
M. Taylor Haynes is an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. Taylor grew up in Southern California and earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. He then earned a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in post-secondary science education. After a post-doc with the REBUILD program at the University of Michigan, he joined the Cal Poly Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 2015. Taylor now joins the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology as faculty fellow for Teaching Innovation and Student Success. He will support several initiatives and projects.
University Announcements
Take the CSU Systemwide AI Survey
We encourage you to participate in the current CSU Systemwide AI Survey. The purpose of this study is to understand how students, faculty and staff in the California State University system use AI, their perceptions of it and their AI-related needs. The findings will inform institutional research and contribute to the development of resources and policies regarding AI use in academia. Those who choose to include their name with their submission will be entered into an opportunity drawing for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card or an iPad. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
University Announcements
Deadline Today: Nominations for the AY 2026 – 2027 Distinguished Teaching Award
The nomination period for the annual Distinguished Teaching Award concludes at 5 p.m. today, Sept. 30. The honor recognizes Cal Poly faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Only students and alumni may submit nominations, but faculty may notify classes and direct them to this nomination form. Learn more about the award and prior recipients on the Distinguished Teaching Award webpage. Only full-time, tenured faculty members who are teaching during the current academic year and have not previously won the award are eligible. Questions? Email the Academic Senate office at academic-senate@calpoly.edu.
Campus Announcements
Vista Meadows Welcomes First Homeowners
Homeowners are beginning to move into Vista Meadows, Cal Poly’s new faculty and staff housing community at Grand Avenue and Slack Street. Eligible faculty and staff still have an opportunity to apply to purchase a home, with prices starting at $749,500. The 34-home community features three floor plans ranging from 1,600 to more than 2,100 square feet. The SESLOC Mortgage Assistance Program is also available to eligible buyers and features no down payment or requirements for private mortgage insurance.
Explore the Vista Meadows Homeownership Opportunity
Campus Announcements
Preschool Learning Lab Has Openings for Faculty and Staff
The Cal Poly Preschool Learning Lab offers a high-quality preschool environment that supports the developmental needs of the whole child in a warm, nurturing, play-based environment. The learning lab is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and faculty and staff receive first priority. To be eligible, children must be 3 years old by their start date and fully potty trained. Contact director Patty Clarkson at preschoollabadmin@calpoly.edu for tuition rates and more information.
In Memoriam
Stuart “Stu” Goldenberg
Stuart “Stu” Goldenberg, Ph.D., passed away peacefully Sept. 6, surrounded by family. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from UC Riverside and joined Cal Poly’s Mathematics Department in 1970. A respected professor, calculus coordinator, Hillel advisor and Applied Option contributor, Stu inspired generations of students. An avid cyclist, he pedaled to campus daily until his retirement in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Janie; children, Marni and Adam; and three grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held Oct. 17 at Meadow Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make a memorial bike rack contribution, email stuartgoldenbergmemorial@gmail.com.
In Memoriam
George Wurzel
We are saddened by the passing of George Wurzel (Plant Sciences ’86), a devoted Cal Poly alumnus and longtime agricultural leader. From working at the Cal Poly farm as a student to building the cattle operation at Swanton Pacific Ranch, George embodied Learn by Doing. He spent four decades with J.G. Boswell Co., retiring as president and COO. George did not get to see the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building in person, but he recently enjoyed a virtual tour of the building named in his honor. A scholarship in his name was established to help future students pursue an agricultural education.
Events
Music Faculty Showcase Set for Oct. 2
Music Department faculty members will be featured in a Mustang Family Weekend Faculty Showcase at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. Percussionist John Astaire will play a solo piece. He will also join vocalist Inga Swearingen for two songs and perform a piece with Jennifer Jo, flute; Ken Hustad, bass; and Idona Cabrinha, piano. Dylan Johnson will join Hustad for a bass duet. Cabrinha will play works with tubist Stephen Nutt and clarinetist Sarra Hey. Vocalist Kaitrin Cunningham and violinist Emily Lanzone will perform together. Pianist Janet Joichi will also play solo selections.
Find Out More About the Faculty Showcase
Events
Buck the Stigma 2026
ASI Student Government is partnering with Campus Health and Wellbeing and PULSE for Buck the Stigma, a weeklong campaign promoting mental health awareness, wellness and connection to campus resources. Join us Oct. 5 to 9 for activities including: an encouragement wall, resource day, yoga with PULSE, a movie night and therapist Q&A, a wellness fair and the Mark S. Reuling Volleyball Tournament. Events will offer opportunities to connect with others, explore mental health resources and participate in wellness activities. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate and help continue conversations around mental health and well-being at Cal Poly.
Learn More About Buck the Stigma
Events
Forbes Organ Series: ‘The General’ (1926) Accompanied by Christian Elliott on Oct. 22
Christian Elliott — San Luis Obispo favorite, acclaimed concert organist and silent film accompanist — brings Buster Keaton’s masterpiece “The General” (1926) to life on the Forbes Pipe Organ, celebrating the film’s 100th anniversary. Inspired by the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase, the film follows railroad engineer Johnny Gray as he pursues a stolen locomotive and rescues the woman he loves. Blending inventive comedy, thrilling action and astonishing stunts, “The General” remains a landmark of silent cinema and an unforgettable live performance experience. This event has Student Tickets and a 20% Cal Poly staff and faculty discount available.
Events
An Evening with Cal Poly CAFES and Athletics
The Cal Poly Alumni — Modesto Community is pleased to host a meet-and-greet with Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ Dean Brian Horgan and Cal Poly Athletics Director Carter Henderson. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at alumni-owned Dust Bowl Brewing Company in Turlock. Tickets include one drink, light appetizers and Cal Poly swag. All Cal Poly alumni and supporters are welcome to attend. Wear your Cal Poly gear and enjoy an evening with fellow Mustangs.
Athletics Schedule
Saturday, Oct. 3
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Football vs. Weber State, Mustang Memorial Field, 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4
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Men’s soccer vs. California Baptist, Mustang Memorial Field, 3 p.m.
Events
Save the Date: Fall Preview Day is Oct. 9
Discover how Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach prepares students with the technical skills, leadership experience and professional connections needed for meaningful careers by joining us on our waterfront campus to explore academic programs, facilities, student services and resources — while enjoying complimentary parking, lunch and Cal Poly Maritime Academy swag.