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University Message

Cal Poly Campus Reopens After Storm
The entrance to the Cal Poly campus during a rainstorm in January 2023.

Update, 9:20 a.m. Wednesday:

In addition to the road closures announced yesterday, the following areas are also impacted:

  • Mt. Bishop Road is closed to non-essential operations, but students and employees who need to access the road are still able to do so. This includes Tech Park employees.
  • Highway 1 is closed both north and southbound at Stenner Creek and is estimated to be closed all day. A campus contractor is working to clear a fallen tree blocking drainage under the bridge.
  • Poly Canyon is closing due to safety concerns.

Two campus parking lots are also closed due to the storm. To see a full list of campus lot and street closures, please visit the Transportation Services and Parking page.

Update, 4:15 p.m. Tuesday:

Campus will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 11. 

In-person and virtual classes will be held, along with campus activities, with exceptions for those impacted by closures listed below. All operations will resume. 

The following roadways are closed to non-essential operations:

  • Sports Complex Road as well as the entire Sports Complex is currently closed.
  • Mt. Bishop Road is closed.
  • Poly Canyon Road is closed at Village Drive.
  • Stenner Creek Road is closed east of the train trestle.

Students who are unable to attend class this week due to storm-related issues should communicate with their instructors; instructors are encouraged not to line drop students unable to attend classes as a result of storm conditions. The Office of the Registrar will send follow-up messaging with updated information about enrollment deadlines.

Students who are impacted by the storm can find support across campus, including the Dean of Students Office at [email protected]. Cal Poly Cares grants are available to students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship. The Cal Poly Food Pantry is open until 5 p.m. today and reopens at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday (faculty and staff can also access the Food Pantry all week). Any changes will be updated via social media @calpolyfoodpantry.

Housing front desks will remain open for in-person service and administrative offices will be available via email at [email protected] or through the Call Center at 805-756-1226.

Employees who need support can reach out to Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can help faculty, staff and their household members with personal and workplace challenges. Learn more and find contact information. Employees with extenuating circumstances may contact Lisa Gray, University Personnel Operations and Wellbeing advisor, at [email protected] or 805-756-5018.

Many Cal Poly employees, including our custodial, trade shop, housing, dining, public safety and other teams, worked diligently over the past two days to respond to reports of flooding or damage across campus, and we are grateful for their commitment to the safety and well-being of the Cal Poly community.

While the situation has improved, we urge you to continue to take precautions. Avoid trails and flooded roadways. Local health officials are also advising residents to avoid contact with flood water, ocean water, creeks and lakes. Local road closure information is available on San Luis Obispo County’s Public Works webpage.

Additional community resources include:

 

Update, 3:50 p.m. Monday:

All in-person and virtual classes, as well as campus activities, are canceled on Tuesday, Jan. 10, due to storm conditions. 

The add-drop date will be extended for students; more information will be shared with students separately. 

Campus will only be open to essential operations.

Essential operations are: Food Services, Housing, Police and Emergency Services, Facilities and Infrastructure, Healthcare and Counseling, Agricultural Care and Facilities, IT Services and Communications, Leadership, Procurement and Contracts, Research. Some essential areas may be closed if it is unsafe for community members to travel.

Non-essential operations will remain closed on Tuesday. If you’re not part of an essential operation, please contact your supervisor and determine appropriate direction for your work status. 

Any displaced campus community members and local residents can find assistance at the Performing Arts Center through 5 p.m. Tuesday. 

For information on local roadways, visit San Luis Obispo County Public Works’ webpage and Caltrans QuickMap. 

For updates, please watch your email inbox; look out for PolyAlert text messages; watch the university’s social media pages and visit the Cal Poly News site.

Original story:

All in-person and virtual classes at Cal Poly have been canceled today, Jan. 9, due to weather, and all non-essential campus functions are closed. Essential operations are continuing.  

Out of an abundance of caution, students, faculty and staff are urged to evacuate from agriculture facilities bounding Mt. Bishop Road between Stenner Creek Road and Highland Drive, especially those living north of Parker Ranch. Facilities that must be evacuated include the Cal Poly Creamery. Everyone is asked to stay away from the area.

Campus authorities are working to evacuate animals in the area that may be impacted. There is no imminent threat to the campus core at this time.

Current weather conditions are very serious — in some areas possibly life-threatening. All campus community members are strongly urged to exercise abundant caution to help keep themselves and others out of harm’s way. This includes avoiding creeks and trails and staying off of roads whenever possible, to avoid flooded areas and to ensure that emergency services have necessary access.  

Road closures on campus include: Highland Drive at Mt. Bishop Road, Stenner Creek Road at Highway 1, Via Carta and Village Drive, and the Sports Complex Road.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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