News
What is El Niño, and How Could It Impact California and the West Coast?
It’s been appearing in headlines for weeks now: a “super Godzilla monster El Niño” could potentially bring increased rainfall to California in the coming months. But what does that mean exactly? Cal Poly News sat down with biological sciences professor Ben Ruttenberg, who heads the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, to talk about the climate phenomenon and what it may hold for the West Coast.
Student Success
Learn by Doing in Action on Capitol Hill
For Liam Pogue-Hartwig, a junior majoring in international strategy and security at Cal Poly Maritime Academy, the next chapter of his undergraduate experience is a congressional internship through the Panetta Institute for Public Policy. Founded by Leon and Sylvia Panetta, the institute offers students opportunities to explore government, public policy and politics. Through its internship program, a select group of California State University students gain firsthand experience in the legislative process by working in congressional offices in the nation’s capital.
Read More About Liam Pogue-Hartwig
Faculty and Staff
Seeking Faculty Lead: Oral Communication Core Competency Assessment
Academic Programs and Planning invites applications for a faculty lead to guide campuswide oral communication assessment. The spring 2027 appointment includes three WTUs of assigned time, with an expected commitment averaging eight hours per week. There is an opportunity to renew for the next two academic years (2027–28 and 2028–29) to complete the project. Submit a CV, statement of interest and confirmation of department chair/head support to Li Dang at ldang@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. on Nov. 13.
See Full Call and Application Instructions
Faculty and Staff
Do You Know How to Protect University Data?
Faculty and staff create, collect, share and store university information every day, but not all information requires the same level of protection. Understanding how information is classified helps ensure sensitive data is handled appropriately and supports university and CSU requirements. Knowing how to protect the information you work with helps safeguard both individuals and Cal Poly. You can also explore CSU Cybersecurity Awareness Month webinars for additional cybersecurity resources.
Review the Information Classification and Handling Standard
University Announcements
Students with Dependents Inclusivity Training Nov. 2
The Students with Dependents Program, within the Office of the Dean of Students, will host its inclusion training from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, via Zoom. The virtual training will help participants learn more about students with dependents, understand higher education policies specific to parenting/caregiving students and consider how to apply what they learn to their campus roles. The training is designed for faculty, staff and student employees who are interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to support students with dependents' success. Questions? Contact Students with Dependents Program Coordinator Courtney Moore at cmoore90@calpoly.edu.
University Announcements
Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors to Meet Nov. 6
The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The agenda will be available after Nov. 2 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.
In Memoriam
Passing of Charles Edison Smith
We are saddened to share the passing of Charles Edison Smith, Cal Poly alumnus and legal pioneer, on Sept. 15. Smith earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly in 1965 and became one of the first African American patent attorneys in the United States in 1973. A Vietnam-era veteran and dedicated educator, he spent more than four decades teaching at North Carolina Central University School of Law, where he was the state’s first Black professor of patent law and co-founded the Performance-Based Admissions Program. He is survived by his wife, Queen Utley-Smith, his children and extended family.
Campus Announcements
CPPD Releases 2026 Regulated Equipment and Tools Report
The Cal Poly Police Department has released its 2026 Regulated Equipment and Tools Report, detailing the department’s use, policy compliance, funding and inventory for equipment covered by Assembly Bill 481. CPPD will also hold the required public meeting to discuss the report and hear from the campus community on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. at Building 36, Room 105. The meeting is open to all students, faculty and staff at Cal Poly.
Read the Regulated Equipment and Tools Report
Events
Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band Come to PACSLO Nov. 2
Four-time Grammy winner and Texas State Musician Lyle Lovett has redefined American music with 14 albums across the decades, blending country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues with poetic lyrics and captivating storytelling.
Events
Cal Poly Vocal Faculty to Present a Recital Oct. 29
A vocal faculty recital will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. The music department’s Kaitrin Cunningham, Jennifer Freye, Amy Goymerac and Lorenzo Johnson, Jr. will perform arias, duets and a rousing quartet in languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and even “cat.” The nearly 20 works on the program will include Gioachino Rossini’s famous “Cat Duet,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Sull’aria” from “The Marriage of Figaro,” Moses Hogan’s “Give Me Jesus” and Frederick Loewe’s “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady.” Paul Woodring will play piano.
Events
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Runs Oct. 22 to 31
The Cal Poly Theatre and Dance Department presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by faculty member Karin Hendricks-Bolen. This production blends physical comedy, magic, music, movement and theatrical wonder into a bold and visually stunning interpretation of the classic play. Audiences will journey from the rigid order of the Medici court into a surreal Tuscan dreamscape filled with mischievous fairies, enchanted lovers and sunflower forests. Tickets are $28 for the public and $20 for students, senior citizens and children. Get tickets through the Performing Arts Ticket Office. To order by phone, call 805-SLO-4TIX (805-756-4849) or order them online here.
News
SCUBA Club Dives Into Adventure at Lake Tahoe
Students at Cal Poly Maritime Academy are finding plenty of opportunities to take Learn by Doing beyond the classroom. The Cal Poly Maritime Academy SCUBA Club recently traveled to Lake Tahoe for its first club trip, giving students the opportunity to explore one of California’s most distinctive and beautiful recreational environments while strengthening their diving skills, confidence and teamwork.
Learn More About the SCUBA Club
Faculty and Staff
Maritime Academy Faculty and Staff Retirees Invited to Nov. 6 Luncheon
As part of the ongoing integration of Cal Poly Maritime Academy, members of the Cal Poly Retired Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA) will visit the Solano Campus on Friday, Nov. 6. The association will host a luncheon for retired maritime academy faculty and staff from noon to 2 p.m. in the Compass Room. The gathering will provide an opportunity for retirees to meet Cal Poly RFSA members and learn about the association. To RSVP, email Cristal Cruz at ccruzrio@calpoly.edu by Tuesday, Oct. 27. For questions or information about the RFSA, contact association President Bill Kellogg at bkellogg@calpoly.edu.
Campus Announcements
Provide Input to the Cal Poly Strategic Plan
Cal Poly is refreshing its long-term strategic plan. We developed the current plan before the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the vision remains relevant, refreshing it will allow us to align our priorities with the CSU Forward framework and fully integrate Cal Poly Maritime Academy into our goals and objectives. Join a discussion session in the Topp Room on Thursday, Oct. 29, to share your input about the plan. RSVP for one of the sessions below:
Faculty and Staff
- 10 – 11 a.m.
- 3 – 4 p.m.
Students and Cadets
- 11 a.m. – noon (lunch will be available)
- 4 – 5 p.m.