Student Vaccination Clinic Opens, Access Expands through My Turn
Campus Health and Wellbeing opened its Student Vaccination Clinic on campus this week to all Cal Poly students and is on track to deliver about 1,000 first doses this week. All SLO County community members ages 16 and older, including Cal Poly students and employees, are eligible for a vaccine in SLO County. More information about finding appointments at the county's mass vaccination clinics and local pharmacies and preparing the necessary documentation is outlined on Cal Poly's vaccine page. Today, SLO County is transitioning to utilize the state’s My Turn appointment registration system. The county urges the campus community to share their vaccine experience and become a #VaccineChampion to help end the pandemic. SLO County Public Health advises everyone to plan to receive their second dose, if necessary, wherever they received their first dose. Second-dose appointments through a county-run vaccine clinic can be scheduled on the recoverslo.org website and should follow the timeline given to you at your first-dose appointment. Employees and students are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine when eligible but are not currently required to be vaccinated. Learn more about the vaccines on the recoverslo.org frequently asked questions page.
Find a vaccine appointment through My Turn
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Check: What is Herd Immunity?
Welcome to the COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Check, weekly insights on the COVID-19 vaccines presented by Campus Health and Wellbeing. This week’s fact check addresses herd immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the term herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns and some people who are immune compromised. Experts agree that vaccination is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. Local and national public health leaders have stated that communities should aim to have more than 75% of the population protected through vaccination or previous infection, which means each individual's choice to be vaccinated is important to the health of the community. Look for more COVID Vaccine Fact Check posts in future editions of the Cal Poly Report.
Cal Poly Faculty Expert Guide Updated
Cal Poly’s Faculty Expert Guide has been updated with a new round of faculty members who specialize in a range of topics including astronomy, climate change, entomology, immigration, plants and soils, public health, technology ethics, and youth and popular culture, among others. Cal Poly’s expert guide launched in October 2019 to serve as a resource for members of the news media looking to connect with world-class experts on a wide variety of issues. University Communications and Marketing, which manages the guide, plans to continue to update it annually to serve as a useful, timely resource for working journalists. Faculty members who are interested in being added to the guide in future rounds can email Communications Specialist Cynthia Lambert or connect with your college communicator.
Study Sounds Alarm on Effects of Noise Pollution on Plants
Though noise may change by the moment for humans, its effect on trees and other plants lasts longer. A Cal Poly study, published April 14 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B., reveals that human noise pollution affects an ecosystem’s plant life diversity even after the din has stopped. In a study conducted 12 years ago near natural gas wells in a New Mexico woodland dominated by piñon pine and juniper trees, researchers found that there were 75% fewer piñon pine seedlings in noisy sites as in quiet ones. This was most likely due to the noise driving away the Woodhouse’s scrub jays, which plant thousands of pine seeds while storing them to eat during the winter months. Researchers recently returned to the sites to find out whether the piñon pine had recovered over time. This is the first study to explore the long-term effects of noise on flora. “The effects of human noise pollution are growing into the structure of these woodland communities,” said Clint Francis, a Cal Poly biology professor and senior author of the study. “What we’re seeing is that removal of the noise doesn't necessarily immediately result in a recovery of ecological function.”
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: Denim Day and Take Back the Night
Show your support for survivors by participating in Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month’s Denim Day and Take Back the Night events. Slated for Wednesday, April 28, Denim Day is an international campaign that evolved after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the survivor wore tight jeans. Join the Denim Day social media campaign by sending a picture of yourself in denim to [email protected], and be sure to download your Denim Day Zoom background from Safer’s website. Safer will repost pictures on Instagram on April 28 to show support for survivors. Join again the next day, April 29, for Take Back the Night, an international movement to end sexual violence. The day will feature three virtual events, culminating in an evening Survivor Speak Out and Candlelight Vigil from 5-6 p.m.
Cal Poly Corporation Board Meeting to be Held April 30
The Cal Poly Corporation board of directors will hold a regular meeting virtually using Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 30. This is a public meeting. Use this Zoom webinar link to join the meeting. Public comments for this meeting must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, April 22, via email to [email protected]. A copy of the agenda with all pertinent information for the Zoom meeting will be available starting April 23. For a copy, email [email protected] or visit the Cal Poly Corporation website.
Cal Poly Foundation Board Meeting Set for May 1
The Cal Poly Foundation board of directors is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, and will be held virtually beginning at 9:30 a.m. This meeting serves as the annual meeting of the board. For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation office at ext. 6-7147 or [email protected].
Virtual Tomato Spectacular Plant Sale Offers Plant Pickup on Campus
Online ordering for Cal Poly’s annual Tomato Spectacular plant sale, held virtually this year, started Saturday and continues until mid-May or until plants are sold out. The sale offers more than 70 different types of tomato plants, at a cost of $7 per plant. New tomato inventory for sale is uploaded to polyplantshop.com each Saturday at 9 a.m. Click here to see plant selection that will be offered starting Saturday. If you are unable to purchase your tomato selections this week, visit the website first thing Saturday morning to secure your purchases. Online ordering is available at www.polyplantshop.com. Reservations will be required to pick up plants within five days of purchase. Customers can select a time from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and should plan to bring their own containers if needed. When placing orders, customers will be prompted to provide a phone number and a time to pick up their orders in parking lot H-12, south of the Horse and Horticulture units on Via Carta Road off of Highland Drive. During pick up, customers are asked to wear a mask and to remain in the car. Plants will be delivered by students and staff.
View the 2021 tomato catalogue
Cal Poly 2021-22 Catalog Now Available
The 2021-22 Cal Poly Catalog, which is effective summer 2021 through spring 2022, is now available online at http://catalog.calpoly.edu. To view earlier catalogs, select ‘Previous Catalogs’ from the navigation menu. The Cal Poly Catalog is the official listing of academic programs and courses offered by the university. The catalog also includes student-related academic policy and provides information on student services.
ASI Poly Escapes to Launch Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Project
On Thursday, April 22, ASI Poly Escapes will launch the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Project, developed by the rental center’s Student Manager Nahla Sturm-Wang. Sturm-Wang created the series to educate community members about these national, state and recreational park areas that ASI Poly Escapes visits. A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. These parks contain a rich history of peoples who valued the land long before other individuals began to explore these scenic places for recreation. Sturm-Wang realized that it’s important to share that information. Visit Poly Escapes on Instagram, Facebook, and the ASI website to learn more about the project.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Lab to Host Focus Group for Students
The Cal Poly Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Lab, overseen by Joni Roberts, DrPH, of the Kinesiology and Public Health Department, is searching for focus group participants for a study looking at Cal Poly students’ condom use, sexual health practices, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Please pass this opportunity on to any students who may be interested in participating. The SRH Lab is trying to get as much support as possible from the campus community. Focus group participants will receive compensation for their time. To sign up for the focus group, students should fill out the participation form online.
Silvia Marijuan Named Outstanding Faculty Advisor
Silvia Marijuan, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish and applied linguistics in the College of Liberal Arts, has been named the recipient of the 20th annual Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. The award was instituted to recognize a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. Marijuan also serves as a world languages single subject credential advisor and faculty leader for the Cal Poly Global Summer Program in Spain. As a first-generation university student, Marijuan said she learned and re-learned that she needed help and support to adapt not only to the university in her country of origin, Argentina, but to the university system in the U.S., where she attended graduate school. “Mentors and advisors were crucial in helping me achieve my goals,” her advising statement reads. “As a professor, I strive to give back and help students like me — underrepresented and first-generation students — navigate a system that might seem scary and stressful, especially at the beginning, reaching out to them when I see them struggle and consistently communicating my support. Being a mentor and advisor, for me, means cultivating both a growth mindset and a sense of belonging.” Marijuan will be recognized at Fall Conference.
Faculty Invited to Submit Proposals for Cal Poly Global Programs
The Cal Poly International Center is offering travel grants to support faculty who are developing proposals for new custom Cal Poly Global Programs. Faculty whose proposals are accepted for funding will be considered for grants of up to $3,000. Grants will help fund faculty visits to single or multiple sites within one region. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2021.
New MFA Authentication Methods Available
Two new methods of authentication are now available for verifying your identity with Duo multi-factor authentication (MFA) — Touch ID and security keys. These new methods offer Cal Poly students, faculty and staff more choices so they can select the authentication method that’s most convenient for them when logging into university technology resources. Touch ID, which is available only on Macbook Pros, is a built-in biometric authenticator that uses sensors embedded in the finger pad to verify your identity. Duo-compatible security keys can be purchased and plugged into your computer’s USB port, and when the button is pressed or the device is tapped, it validates your login. For more information about using Touch ID or a security key with Duo, visit “Authenticate with Duo” in the ITS Knowledge Base. For general information about MFA, visit tech.calpoly.edu/services/mfa-duo. The ITS Service Desk is available to answer questions. Request support online at Support Center, email [email protected], or by calling ext. 6-7000.
Professional Development Courses Added in May
Employee and Organization Development is pleased to share the release of the May professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration series. Many of Cal Poly’s and the CSU campuses’ workshops are now being offered online, providing a unique opportunity to extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. EOD has recently added new courses and additional dates for May; view and register using the links below. Registration opens April 22 on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay. Classes are:
- Avoiding Bias in Hiring | May 4, 2-4 p.m.
- Giving and Leveraging Feedback for Success | May 5, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Improving the Work is the Work: Creating an Ongoing Daily Problem-Solving Culture in Higher Education | May 11, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Work-Life Integration | May 11, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Employee Engagement | May 12, 10 a.m.-noon
- Leaders @ Change | May 13, 10 a.m.-noon
- Positive Psychology | May 18, 10 a.m.-noon
- The Art and Science of Building an Organizational Culture | May 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Exposing Hidden Bias | May 21, 9-10:30 a.m.
- Self-coaching | May 25, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Respect in the Workplace | May 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon
- Virtual Facilitation | May 27, 9 a.m.-noon.
Retired Faculty and Staff Association Meeting Set for April 22
Retired Faculty and Staff Club President Bill Kellogg and Vice President Jim Murphy invite club members to join an interactive virtual presentation and discussion from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, April 22, with College of Science and Mathematics Dean Emeritus Phil Bailey, director of the Frost Fund and former associate vice president for Academic Affairs. Bailey will share pictures of the ongoing construction of the William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation. Members will learn about this historic gift to the university, as well as other construction projects taking place at Cal Poly. During COVID-19, Cal Poly continues to move forward with the construction of facilities that will play an important role to the future of the university. After you register, the Zoom meeting link, password and instructions will be emailed to you.
Register for the April 22 Meeting
Join the Spring ‘Opt in’ to Ally to Improve Student Success
Ally is now integrated into Canvas to help faculty create accessible course materials to improve usability and quality for all students. By opting in to Ally this spring, faculty can easily see which resources need improvements and are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. Students cannot see the course/files accessibility reports (only faculty can), but students will have access to alternative format options. To learn more about Ally, visit the Ally support page. Faculty who are interested in trying Ally this spring, can request for their course to be Ally enabled. Ally is scheduled to be enabled for all Canvas Courses starting summer 2021.
'Disability Tapas' Presentations to be Held on Thursdays Through Spring Quarter
Disabilities come in many different forms and can vary greatly. Join the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for some snack-size information and interactive discussions on a variety of disability-related topics. Presentations are geared toward faculty and staff (students are welcome), and offered every Thursday from 11:10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. For more information, visit the DRC Disability Tapas webpage. Past presentations are viewable at https://drc.calpoly.edu/disability-tapas. The presentations include:
- April 22: Accessibility Made Easy: Tech Tools and Tips to Try
- April 29: Introduction to Disability Allyship
- May 6: Understanding Chronic Invisible Illness
- May 13: Supporting Students with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
- May 20: The Why and DIY of Video Captioning (1.5 hours)
- May 27: Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities
- June 3: Supporting Students with Autism
Register Now for 2021 Mustang Mile
ASI Events and the WITH US Center for Bystander Intervention will present the ninth annual Mustang Mile. For the first time, Mustang Mile is going virtual and will offer participants a variety of ways to partake in this Cal Poly tradition. Whether you run, walk, hike, bike, wheel, swim or rollerskate — you can register now through the Cal Poly Ticket Office to complete the 5K your way, anytime from April 17–23. Mustang Mile is held in honor of Cal Poly student Carson Starkey, who passed away in 2008 from alcohol poisoning. This event supports Aware Awake Alive, a national nonprofit organization founded by Carson’s parents, Scott and Julia Starkey, and seeks to provide health and wellness resources to educate students on alcohol poisoning and the dangers of binge drinking. For more information, visit asi.calpoly.edu.
A&F Focus Forward is Live; Give Feedback, Win Prizes
The new Administration and Finance survey, Focus Forward, is now live. With this reimagined survey, A&F leadership is reaching out to its constituents across campus for feedback on the division’s response to the pandemic over the past year. This information will help leadership learn from customers’ experiences with each department in a way that shares their knowledge and values. Open to all faculty, staff and students, Focus Forward will be available until April 30. The survey covers every unit and department within A&F; however, campus community members are only being asked to complete the sections relevant to them. For every section that participants complete, they will be entered into a drawing for an iPad Mini or more than 60 other prizes. The information gathered from the survey will be used to reassess A&F unit offerings and deliverables. This survey gives A&F leadership an opportunity to reflect on and assess needs, necessities and requests so they can continue to evolve to meet them.
Learn more or participate in the survey
Statistical Consulting Service Available During Spring
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through June 11 by appointment only. Ulric Lund and John Walker will serve as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, they are available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. Faculty, staff and students interested in utilizing the consulting service are encouraged to access the Statistics Department website for additional information, including what to bring to a consulting session. To schedule a consultation, email [email protected].
Beautifully Designed Bella Montana Home Available for Purchase
A home at 555-A Paseo Bella Montaña (La Cumbre) is now available for purchase and can be viewed at Bella Montana. The 1,029-square-foot home comes equipped with two spacious bedrooms, two-and-a-half cleanly designed bathrooms, a one-car garage and convenient indoor laundry. The Bella Montana living community provides beautiful views of the Central Coast foothills. Living in a Bella Montana home offers an enhanced lifestyle for homeowners and their families. The surrounding location provides walks and hikes in a beautiful location and is very close to many conveniently located shops and restaurants. This home is one of 69 individually owned homes in a 5.3-acre planned housing community that was designed just for Cal Poly employees and their families. Bella Montana homes are located on Highland Drive near iconic Highway 1. Contact Kody Kester at 805-440-5665 or [email protected] for more information.
Arab American Heritage Month Events to be Held April 21, 27
Sarah Gualtieri, professor of American Studies and Ethnicity, History and Middle East Studies at USC, will join members of San Luis Obispo’s Arab American community at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, in a panel discussion, “In Between: Race, Identity and Belonging Among Arab Americans.” This free event is co-sponsored by the Cal Poly History Department and College of Liberal Arts, the SLO Diversity Coalition, and Cultural Creations. On Tuesday, April 27, at 6 p.m., join Theatre and Dance Department Professor Hala Baki for a screening and discussion of the film “Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People." This free event is co-sponsored by the Cal Poly Multicultural Center and Theatre and Dance Department, and Cultural Creations.
Register for the panel "In Between: Race Identity and Belonging Among Arab Americans"
Register for the screening and discussion of "Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People"
Free AWS Cloud Training Available April 21
Cal Poly Extended Education is offering two opportunities for campus community members to receive free cloud training through Amazon Web Services (AWS) Discovery Day events. A Discovery Day session will be hosted on Zoom on April 21 from 1-4 p.m. The event is free and an opportunity for those who are interested to learn more about AWS fundamental cloud concepts and services. The university joined the AWS Partner Network (APN) Training Partner Program in October, which enables authorized instructors at Cal Poly to deliver training developed by AWS.
Register and learn more about the Discovery Day events
Celebrate Undergraduate Research Week April 19-23
Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend Cal Poly Undergraduate Research Week taking place virtually April 19-23. The event is part of a national celebration of undergraduate research organized each year by the Council on Undergraduate Research. Session topics include research fellowships for undocumented students, conference presentations for undergraduates, summer research opportunities in liberal arts and engineering and more. The full schedule of events is posted on the Office of Student Research website. Questions may be directed to [email protected]. Undergraduate Research Week is sponsored by the Office of Student Research in coordination with the BEACoN Mentors Program, the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts, Dream Center, CSU-LSAMP Program, and Multicultural Engineering Program.
Symposium on Just Schools for LGBTQ+ Students and Staff to Be Held April 24
The Educational Leadership and Administration Program's annual symposium will be held virtually from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24. Titled “Educational Leaders for Equity and Inclusion: Just Schools for LGBTQ+ Students and Staff,” the symposium offers area educational leaders an opportunity to learn, collaborate and reflect. A three-person panel will speak about leadership, equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students and staff. Attendees will be entered into a raffle for digital downloads of Laurie Frankel's book, “This Is How It Always Is.”
‘The Muse Hour’ Continues April 24 with Mike Birbiglia
Cal Poly Arts’ lauded virtual music and conversation series, “The Muse Hour,” continues at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, with award-winning comedian, storyteller, podcaster, director and actor Mike Birbiglia, whose recent shows, “The New One,” “Thank God for Jokes,” and “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” are streaming on Netflix. Currently he hosts the podcast “Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out,” recently included in a list of Rolling Stone’s “Best Podcasts of 2020.” He has written two bestselling books, “Sleepwalk with Me” and “The New One.” Produced in cooperation with Tacoma Arts Live in Washington and The Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, “The Muse Hour” includes an exclusive live virtual conversation followed by a moderated audience Q&A session. Tickets to the second season of “The Muse Hour” are $11.50 per device, per event. Current Cal Poly Arts VIP Members at the $75 Cameo Level and up receive free access to all of “The Muse Hour” events.
Learn more about the Muse Hour with Mike Birbiglia
‘LIVE from the PAC’ to Stream the Arthur White Quartet on April 30
The Performing Arts Center invites you to celebrate International Jazz Day with the Arthur White Quartet, which will be live-streamed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 30. This performance, part of the Live from the PAC free virtual concert series, will feature Cal Poly professor and saxophonist Arthur White, joined by vibraphonist Sean Collins, bassist Dylan Johnson, and drummer Darrell Voss. White is a nationally recognized composer, arranger, touring saxophonist and director of jazz studies at Cal Poly. The local musicians have joined together for this special event for an evening of jazz standards and original compositions. The Vimeo streaming link will be available on April 30 on the event webpage, and will be available to watch on demand after the livestream. Any donations received during the concert will be split between the artists and the Performing Arts Center.
Tickets on Sale for Winemaker’s Showcase on May 7
The 26th annual Cal Poly Winemaker's Showcase will be held Friday, May 7. This year's virtual event, produced by students, will give supporters the opportunity to interact with students, alumni, faculty and friends from the comfort of their own home while enjoying wine and a catered to-go dinner, bid on live auction items, and hear directly from students. Tickets are $80-$100 and include access to the live, virtual event and a catered to-go dinner for two from Field to Table Catering. In addition, wine can be purchased to pair with your dinner selection. All funds raised support the wine and viticulture program and promote student success.
Get Tickets for the Winemaker's Showcase
Buy Tickets to May 8 Experience Industry Management Auction and Dinner
The Experience Industry Management Department’s annual Auction and Dinner fundraiser is Saturday, May 8. This year's event will feature a livestreamed program produced by students and virtual live and silent auctions. Tickets are $35-$45 per household for access to the virtual program, including a special “sunshine” box that will be sent prior to the event to help participants celebrate at home. All funds raised through the event help to develop the Experience Industry Management program and promote student success.
Get tickets for the Experience Industry Management Auction and Dinner
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 University Events Calendar.
Scheduling/Booking Venues
25Live: Space and Event Scheduling can help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event.