Cal Poly Transitioning to Saliva-Based COVID Surveillance Testing
The university is transitioning students to a new saliva-based method of testing for COVID-19. Saliva-based COVID surveillance testing is now the only method of testing offered at the Poly Canyon Village testing site and is only available to students at this time. Saliva testing will be added to the Performing Arts Center testing site Thursday, Feb. 25. The university will continue to offer nasal swab testing at the PAC, but this testing method is no longer available at PCV. All employees can continue to use nasal swab testing with Avellino Labs at the PAC while we work on the transition for students. We are hopeful that employees can access saliva-based testing in the near future. Continue to visit the Employee Testing webpage to make appointments to test. Employees must be registered with Avellino Labs and select nasal swab testing to make an appointment at the PAC testing site. The university will share more details with employees about accessing saliva testing as it becomes available.
Marketing Professors Lead Research That Finds Broad Impacts from Political Polarization
Political polarization has far-reaching impacts on American life, harming consumer welfare and creating challenges for leaders, from politicians and policymakers to corporate executives and marketers, says a study led by a pair of Cal Poly professors. That’s one of the conclusions of a new scholarly paper co-led by T.J. Weber and Chris Hydock, assistant professors of marketing in the Orfalea College of Business, and co-authored by researchers from five other universities across the country. The paper, published in January, appears in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing of the American Marketing Association. “In a polarized society, politics tend to infiltrate all aspects of life, because every American is inherently a consumer and most are also employees,” said Weber, who is the Orfalea College of Business’s Richard and Julie Hood Assistant Professor of Marketing. “From how people are hired to which companies they choose to purchase from, political identities are increasingly a primary factor in every type of decision making.”
Cal Poly Wins CASE Awards for Videos, Photos, Websites and Donor Engagement
Cal Poly's communications, marketing, development and alumni relations projects earned several awards of excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) District VII. The awards hailed Cal Poly’s ability to tell its story, to provide engaging and inspiring resources, and to pivot when faced with a pandemic. The 2021 awards include:
- Gold in the Alumni Relations “Pivot” category: College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ Learn by Doing at Home Virtual Event Series.
- Gold in the General Information Videos – Long category: The Band Always Wins.
- Gold in the Individual Photos category: Architecture Models.
- Gold in the President’s Reports and Annual Reports category: University Development and Alumni Engagement's Frost Fund Annual Report 2018-2019: Excellence Empowered.
- Silver in the General Information Videos – Long category: A Virtual Cup of Tea.
- Silver in the Institutional Web Pages category: The Cal Poly Website.
- Silver in the Student Recruitment Videos category: Campus Virtual Tour.
- Bronze in the Donor Relations and Stewardship category: University Development and Alumni Engagement's Expanding Cal Poly’s Donor Recognition Programs and Enhancing Engagement Opportunities.
- Bronze in the Individual Photos category: Dairy at Night.
The district’s annual Awards of Excellence highlights the work of institutions throughout the West Coast. For a full list of winners, visit the CASE District VII website.
Visit CASE District VII website
Key Dates Finalized for Cal Poly’s Accreditation Site Visit
Cal Poly is currently in the process of reaffirming its accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). A successful reaffirmation process will provide a valuable university-level peer review process, and will also ensure eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Cal Poly’s self-study theme is “Promoting the Success of All Cal Poly Students While Achieving the Goals of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025.” Specifically, the university is focusing on three sub-themes: “Developing a Campus Culture that Is Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive,” “Recruiting and Retaining a More Diverse Community of Students, Staff and Faculty,” and “Teaching and Learning How to Live and Work in a Diverse World.” Cal Poly will submit its self-study report to WSCUC by Feb. 16, 2022. A team of WSCUC commissioners will visit the campus from April 27-29, 2022, and a decision on the university’s accreditation will be made by June 23, 2022. WSCUC and Cal Poly hope that all members of the university community, including students, staff, faculty and external stakeholders will be able to participate in the April 2022 visit. For more information, see Cal Poly’s WSCUC Accreditation page.
Construction Management Students Capture Historical Win at Regional Competition
Cal Poly students brought home 11 trophies from this year’s annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 6 and 7 Student Competition, breaking their record set just last year when they won 10 awards, including six first-place trophies. This year 11 of Cal Poly’s 14 teams finished in the top three spots, including 10 trophies won by construction management (CM) students and one trophy by civil engineering students. Four Cal Poly teams placed first, including three Construction Management Department teams — Project Management, Electrical and Mixed-Use teams — and the Virtual Design and Construction Team from the Civil Engineering Department. In addition to the four top-place finishes, Cal Poly’s Commercial, Design Build, Integrated Project, Sustainable Building, Preconstruction and Concrete Solutions teams took second place. A second Cal Poly Virtual Design and Construction team placed third. Cal Poly teams were made up of nearly an equal number of women and men.
Submissions Open Through Feb. 26 for Outstanding Student Employee Recognition;
Due to the unusual circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Outstanding Student Employee of the Year (OSEY) committee, with the support of the National Student Employment Association (NSEA), will not have an Outstanding Student Employee of the Year for 2021. Instead, Cal Poly would like to honor students' accomplishments and celebrate more than one student. The process has been simplified and requires a one-page submission letter highlighting the student’s accomplishments. There is no restriction on length of employment for the student. All student employees are eligible for consideration, including state, ASI, Cal Poly Corporation and University Store student employees. Nominees can be Federal Work-Study and non-Federal Work-Study students. Faculty and staff may nominate more than one student. The NACE core competencies fact sheet may assist supervisors with their submission. The top recognition letter will be submitted to the state liaison for state, regional and national student employment recognition. Recognition letters, preferably on your Cal Poly department letterhead, are due to Financial Aid ([email protected] or [email protected]) by Friday, Feb. 26. Questions? Contact Barbara Rollins at [email protected].
Custodial Supervisor Jesse Carlon is retiring Feb. 26 after more than 20 years as part of the Cal Poly community. Carlon helped Campus Dining make huge strides in cleanliness, modernization and sustainability. In 2003 Carlon started the Campus Dining food waste recycling program that today turns 230 tons of food scraps and coffee grounds into locally composted nutrient-rich soil. He created and implemented a number of new programs that modernized Campus Dining custodial services, including procuring new equipment and restructuring the department. He advanced the department with new cleanliness standards that exceeded prior expectations. The Santa Maria native had worked in healthcare for more than 17 years and was running his own custodial business when he took the position at Cal Poly. “It’s been a great ride,” Carlon said. “It’s been great to have the opportunity to give back all the knowledge that I have gained over the years.” In his retirement he plans to work around the house and, more than likely, restart his own business or work at a local cleaner. That will have a wait, however — his first day of retirement has him starting the drive to New York, helping his youngest move to the city for a new job.
‘Reimagining Dinosaurs’ to Air on Cal Poly Arts Website Feb. 24
For the past two years, Cal Poly Arts, in partnership with the Performing Arts Center, has presented a wildly popular series of evocative speakers from National Geographic Live. During this pandemic closure, Cal Poly Arts is proud to continue that tradition with a new four-part, virtual speaker series. Each 60-minute event will include stories and visuals; live, moderated conversation; and audience Q&A. Tickets are $16.50 per device, per event. The first event, “Reimagining Dinosaurs,” airs via the Cal Poly Arts website at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, and covers groundbreaking new science that is changing what we thought we knew about how dinosaurs looked, moved and lived. For example, in Chile, scientists have discovered a shocking new therapod. Unlike its cousins, Velociraptor and T. rex, Chilesaurus consumed a vegetarian diet. Join leading paleontologists and National Geographic explorers Nizar Ibrahim and Sebastián Rozadilla for stories and conversation about the evolving science of dinosaurs. Visit calpolyarts.org for tickets and more information.
‘A Conversation with Michael Phelps’ to be Held Feb. 24
Join the conversation with author, mental health advocate, and one of the most decorated athletes of all time, Michael Phelps. ASI Events presents "A Conversation with Michael Phelps" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, via Zoom Webinar. The event is free to access with @calpoly.edu email address for students, faculty and staff. Submit your questions for Phelps now for a chance to have them answered live during the event. Before the event, stream for free the 2020 documentary "The Weight Of Gold,” on which Phelps served as executive producer. "The Weight Of Gold" is available anytime on Feb. 23 starting at midnight. The documentary explores the personal struggles and mental health issues of Phelps and other athletes who share their own challenges and highlight the need for available support. To learn more, visit asi.calpoly.edu.
Free Concert Featuring Bear Market Riot to be Held Feb. 26
The LIVE from the PAC free virtual concert series continues with local duo Bear Market Riot at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26. Formed in 2014 on the Central Coast, their energetic blend of sounds from folk to funk resonates with audiences of all ages. They are two heartfelt voices singing in harmony playing five instruments with their hands and feet, telling tales of adventure, equality and romance. With a driving beat and layers of melody, Nick Motil and Kirk Nordby create a sound greater than the sum of its parts. This event will be streamed on Feb. 26 and will then be available to watch on demand. Any donations raised will be split between the artists and the Performing Arts Center. Full information about the show and how to watch can be found at pacslo.org. Tickets are not required.
Poet, Activist Sonya Renee Taylor to Headline 19th Annual Change the Status Quo Conference
Award-winning performance poet and activist Sonya Renee Taylor will deliver the keynote address for the 19th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Leadership Conference to be held virtually from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The annual event, hosted by Cal Poly’s Center for Service in Action, is free for all community members and aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change. This year’s event will focus on the theme “Action over Apathy” and will be headlined by Taylor, a former national and international poetry slam champion and founder and radical executive officer of digital media and education company The Body is Not An Apology. For additional information and to register, visit the Change the Status Quo webpage.
‘Picture a Scientist’ Film Screening March 1-7, Panel Discussion March 4
The documentary “Picture a Scientist” will be available for free virtual screening for the Cal Poly community March 1-7. Faculty, staff and students are invited to view the film; engage in a discussion with their department, club or other group; and attend a virtual panel discussion with the film director and two Cal Poly science alumnae from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, March 4. The film chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. A biologist, a chemist and a geologist lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, overcoming brutal harassment, institutional discrimination and years of subtle slights to revolutionize the culture of science. Register to view the film, watch a trailer or view more information about the event online. The event is sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics. Email [email protected] with any questions.
More Information About this Screening
Illustrating the Intersections of Masculinity, Race and Ethnicity at March 4 Event
The Men and Masculinities Program is hosting “Pass the Mic” from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, on Zoom. Pass the Mic is an open-mic style event featuring student speakers, engaging media pieces, group discussion and open mic segments. This is a great opportunity for faculty and staff to connect students to an intersectional experience and an engaging conversation about masculinities. This event creates a unique experience for students to listen, discuss and share their perspectives on the intersections of masculinities, race and ethnicity. There will also be an opportunity to win a prize from one of the event sponsors. Use Zoom ID 892-3754-1722 to join. Questions? Contact Nick Bilich at [email protected].
Visit MEN and Masculinities Website
Streaming of ‘Shelter’ Starts March 6
Cal Poly Theatre and Dance Department presents “Shelter: An Immersive Theatrical Audio Experience in Your Living Space.” Streaming begins on March 6 and will play through the rest of this academic year. This devised play will explore our current circumstance of “sheltering in place” by creating a theatrical piece that examines the emotional connection to our homes through an autobiographical lens. The play features a cast of seven students plus production work by Theatre and Dance Department students, faculty and staff.
Cal Poly Wind Bands to Present Virtual Concert Titled ‘Community’ on March 6
The Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra will present a virtual concert titled “Community” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 6. “Music has the ability to bring together minds and souls,” Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff said. “For this concert, the members of the Cal Poly Wind Bands explore the connections between individuals that make us part of a larger whole, whether they are performing in person or remotely. We are excited to have this performance recorded in the Performing Arts Center’s Miossi Hall, which offers the student musicians an acoustical experience that brings out the best possible musical communication.” Compositions by Katherine Bergman, Percy Grainger and Rossano Galante will be performed. Woodruff and Associate Director of Bands Nicholas P. Waldron will conduct the concert. Tickets are sold at the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
Music Department calendar website
International Women’s Day Activities Include Virtual Panel on March 8
On March 8-13, Cal Poly will honor International Women's Day by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. From 11:10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 8, the Cal Poly International Center will host a virtual panel presentation, “Choose to Challenge Gender Inequity,” discussing cross-cultural frameworks for understanding gender, equality and equity. Panelists include Joni Roberts, assistant professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Department; Dawn Neill, associate professor, Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts; Ning Zhang, professor, Political Science Department; and Olivia Bảo-Khanh Trần, coordinator, womxn and gender equity initiatives, Student Diversity and Belonging. The panel is co-sponsored by the Men and Masculinities Program, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Mathematics. The panel will cover gender-related issues from cross-cultural and international perspectives, including how gender norms have shaped and influenced the career paths and academic achievements of Cal Poly faculty and staff. To find out more about International Women's Day and ways to celebrate, visit the International Center website or the Facebook event page. Then get ready to join the #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021 #IWDCP conversation.
Visit the International Center website
Cal Poly Symphony’s Virtual ‘Soloist Showcase’ Set for March 12
The Cal Poly Symphony will present its annual Soloist Showcase through a virtual presentation at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 12. The symphony held auditions in November for student soloists from a variety of majors for the opportunity to be featured in the showcase. The winners were computer engineering major Kiran Manikonda on clarinet and double civil engineering and music major Grant Smith on piano. Manikonda will play Gioachino Rossini’s “Introduction, Theme and Variations,” and Smith will perform the first movement from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor. The program will also include two movements from Gordon Jacob’s “Old Wine in New Bottles,” performed by the winds and brass of the orchestra, and Edvard Grieg’s “Two Elegiac Melodies,” performed by the strings. There will be a live Q&A session immediately following the recorded performance with Music Professor and conductor David Arrivée, the soloists and other students. Tickets are sold at the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
Music Department calendar website
Cal Poly Choirs to Present ‘Breathe in Hope’ Virtual Concert on March 13
The choirs will present “Breathe in Hope,” a virtual winter concert that will feature a variety of selections on the theme of perseverance and hope at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13. PolyPhonics will perform music by Camille Saint-Saëns and influential African American composer Adolphus Hailstork. The University Singers will present music by André Thomas, plus Ernst Toch’s celebrated “Geographical Fugue.” Dale Trumbore’s “Breathe in Hope” will be performed by the Cal Poly Women’s Chorus. The piece is based on a Facebook post in response to the killing of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. The Cal Poly Chamber Choir will present a special mass with movements from a variety of Renaissance composers that showcase the development of the genres in that period. Scott Glysson conducts the Cal Poly Choirs, which are accompanied by Paul Woodring. Tickets are sold at the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
Music Department calendar website
Event Postings
Events.calpoly.edu is a new platform that shines a spotlight on high-profile special events at
Cal Poly and throughout our community, focusing on the wide and diverse range of activities on and around our campus. This site is designed to help our colleges, programs, departments and facilities promote exciting events that can be seen by a selected audience. It will update regularly and include events happening in the next 30-45 days. It is not a calendar of all events, and it does not include student club events. Here are some links to help you navigate:
Submitting an Event to Events.calpoly.edu
To submit your event for consideration, please send the event title, date, time, duration, ticket information, intended audience(s) and image (1600 bpi wide) to [email protected].
University Events Calendar
To find a listing of all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more — visit our Master Calendar.
Scheduling/Booking Venues
25Live: Space and Event Scheduling can help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event.