New Vaccination Clinic Opens, COVID-19 Testing Program Announces Changes
On April 29, Rite Aid opened a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in UU 220 open to all students, faculty, staff and local community members. To register, visit Rite Aid’s appointment page and use the ZIP code 93407 for on-campus appointments. Last week, the President’s Office announced that fully vaccinated students can request an exemption from the ongoing COVID-19 testing program requirements. All students have the opportunity to upload their completed COVID-19 vaccine records into the COVID Info tab of the student portal to request the exemption. After the upload, students who are two weeks past their final vaccine dose will no longer be required to test beginning May 6. Find more details on the Testing Compliance page. The Health Center’s Student Vaccination Clinic continues to schedule first-dose appointments for students who want to be vaccinated through Campus Health and Wellbeing, and second-dose appointments will be available soon. First- and second-dose vaccine appointments are also available throughout SLO County at county clinics, local hospitals and pharmacies through the My Turn appointment system and vaccinefinder.org. Getting vaccinated is free, quick and does not require information about immigration status. See a summary of recent vaccination announcements, links for making an appointment, and transportation resources on the vaccine page of the coronavirus website.
Vaccine Fact Check: Vaccine Development Technology
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 a myth that the vaccines were developed too quickly using brand new, untested technology. No, says immunologist and biological sciences Professor Candace Winstead. “Decades of behind-the-scenes research went into developing the vaccines we are using today, which is part of the reason the currently authorized vaccines were able to be developed on time and be so effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a viral vector platform that was developed and previously validated for Ebola virus vaccine responses. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines would not have been developed without the pioneering work of Dr. Katalin Karikó and her collaborators originating in the 1990s. This group did the groundbreaking but rather mundane work to make the notoriously unstable mRNA molecules less fragile. They, and others, also determined how to design these mRNAs to dampen the initial host response so they could be used clinically. Both the viral vector and mRNA platforms are quite flexible and can easily pivot to accommodate the generation of booster shots for the variants, should they be needed.” Read a full Q&A about how vaccines work on the Cal Poly News website. Look for more COVID Vaccine Fact Check posts in future editions of the Cal Poly Report.
Cal Poly Named One of The Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for 2021
For the third straight year — and fourth year since 2017 — Cal Poly has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs by ACPA-College Student Educators International and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. The university previously earned the distinction in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Cal Poly Student Affairs is among 30 student affairs divisions throughout the U.S. recognized in 2021 for its commitment toward workplace and staffing practices that promote diversity, equity and inclusion; for providing professional development opportunities and family-friendly practices and policies for staff; and other attributes. The university is one of four California State University (CSU) campuses to receive the distinction this year, alongside CSU Channel Islands, Humboldt State University and Sonoma State University. The full list of recognized universities will appear in the June 10 magazine edition of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Read the news release.
Cal Poly Joins the CSU Systemwide Fleet Partnership Program
Cal Poly has joined the CSUwide Fleet Partnership Program, which works to partner all universities in the system with one manufacturing company for all fleet purchases. The main goal of this partnership is to have the chosen manufacturing company provide fleet for all campus needs at a lower cost with added benefits such as extended warranties and discounted parts. This partnership will also promote sustainability, as Cal Poly will be able to purchase a fleet of electric vehicles constructed with a much higher content of recyclable materials in order to reduce fuel emissions and the university’s overall carbon footprint. The partnership with this manufacturer will also promote Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing experience as it is likely that the company will offer internships and scholarships to various academic departments. Additionally, the fleet partnership will benefit veterans, provide scholarship opportunities to athletics departments, and allow for vehicle demonstrations to acquaint the campus community with the fleet. The relationship between Cal Poly and the selected manufacturing company will be mutually beneficial as the company will get to build a talent pipeline of Cal Poly students for future career opportunities. For more on this, visit the Inside Cal Poly blog.
National Society of Black Engineers Receives Chapter of the Year Honor
A live Q&A with astronaut Victor Glover in space was one of several highlights that helped Cal Poly’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) earn recognition as Small National Chapter of the Year. The recognition was relayed by NSBE’s national executive board, which wrote, “This has not been an easy year, but the programming and events held by your chapter demonstrate true resilience in the face of adversity.” The small chapter award goes to those with 25 or fewer members. Cal Poly’s chapter was also recently recognized as the regional chapter of the year for a third consecutive time. The Cal Poly chapter was established in 1974 to support minority STEM students, both academically and professionally. The club offers mentorships, career fairs, guest speakers and social events. To receive the national recognition, Tayo Aleru, a senator with the club, compiled a list of NSBE’s activities from the past year, including mentorship meetings, game nights and guest speakers. Read the news release.
Educated Renters Certificate Program Relaunched by University Housing
University Housing has relaunched the Educated Renters Certificate Program (ERCP). This program is designed to give students an advantage in the local housing market by educating them about their rights and responsibilities as tenants and neighbors. In turn, an ERCP certificate helps property owners choose responsible tenants. Faculty and staff who know of any students seeking community housing can encourage them to visit University Housing’s Off-Campus Housing Resources page to learn more about ERCP. Anyone with questions about the program can contact Zach Zimmerman at [email protected].
Ann Wilenius to Join Provost’s Office Team
The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that Ann Wilenius has accepted the administrative specialist position in the office. Wilenius has been part of the campus community since 2002, most recently with Information Technology Services, where she is serving as the executive assistant to the vice president/chief information officer. Wilenius has also worked in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) as an administrative coordinator and the Computer Engineering Program as administrative support assistant. The Office of the Provost congratulates Wilenius and is thrilled for her to bring her experience to the team.
Volunteers Needed for Spring Graduate Recognition Events
The Commencement Office is looking for faculty and staff volunteers to take part in celebrating the Class of 2021 during in-person Graduate Recognition Events on June 12 and 13 in Spanos Stadium. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in various roles during the events such as checking in guests, handing out programs, and leading students to the stage as they hear their names announced. Help create one of the most memorable moments in a student’s college experience and sign up today. In addition to faculty and staff volunteers, the Commencement Office is looking to recruit student workers. If you have students in your area looking for leadership experience, encourage them to sign up. They will be compensated at $16 an hour. Questions? Contact the Commencement Office at [email protected] or ext. 6-1600.
Applications Open for Faculty-in-Residence Program
University Housing is seeking a new Faculty in Residence (FiR) for the 2021-22 academic year. The Faculty-in-Residence program is a partnership between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs that bridges academic and residential life for campus residents. While living in University Housing’s residential communities, FiR participants form strong connections with residents and become an integral academic and community partner. This opportunity is open to full-time faculty. Interested faculty members should complete the Faculty in Residence application by Monday, May 24. Faculty members with questions regarding the FiR position can email Allison Elliott at [email protected].
Do-It-Yourself Video Captioning Training Available to Campus Members
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) offers monthly DIY video captioning trainings via Zoom for faculty, staff and/or their student assistants. The next training will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11. Attendees will learn how to use various automated transcription tools to create accurate closed captions for videos uploaded to YouTube. Visit accessibility.calpoly.edu to register for this training and to request accommodations as needed. Once registered, participants will automatically receive a Zoom link for the training. Questions? Email John Lee at [email protected]. Live captions and transcripts are available for this training session.
Virtual Information Session on Medicare and Retirement to be Held May 11
Human Resources has partnered with the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a local nonprofit organization, to provide an information session on Medicare and retirement. HICAP will present on Medicare, and Human Resources will give a brief presentation on retirement procedures on Tuesday, May 11. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Learn more and register. Attendance is subject to supervisory approval and based on departmental operational needs. Contact [email protected] or ext. 6-2236 with any questions. Upcoming benefit events can be viewed on the Human Resources Upcoming Benefit Events webpage.
LifeMatters Training Offered May 11: Managing Fear and Anxiety as the Pandemic Eases
Experiencing some fear and anxiety as the pandemic eases and more activities and business reopen is understandable. A training session from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, will teach practical strategies for managing emotions and preparing for re-entry. Join LifeMatters for “Preparing for Re-entry from COVID-19: Managing Fear and Anxiety” to share challenges and focus on practical strategies to enhance coping and build resilience. Click here to join. Enter the password: u2SdpfNny54. View in other time zones or languages.
Last Chance for the 30% Discount on Department Canopy Tents or Table Covers
The exclusive pricing University Marketing and Strategic Business Services secured with our licensed vendor, ID Me College, a California-certified small business, will expire June 30, 2021. Due to the pandemic, the pricing was extended through the end of this fiscal year, so make sure to get orders in as soon as possible directly with Jodi or Kimberly from ID Me College. Details are in the link below. This offer is for 10-foot by 10-foot canopy tents and 6-foot or 8-foot fitted table covers. These are high-quality, durable products with excellent printing. With the newly refreshed university branding, existing canopy tents and table covers with old logos and colors will expire at the end of 2021, so this will ease the burden of purchasing these new items at the full retail cost. Access the ordering details and visual templates from the offer webpage.
New Ninjio Information Security Video on Push Notifications
Watch this month’s information security video from NINJIO to learn about the dangers of approving “push notifications” from websites. Generally, the notifications are harmless, but occasionally they can be exploited by threat actors. In this episode, learn how push notifications can be abused and how to remove them. All NINJIO training videos are available on the Cal Poly Learning Hub access through the Staff and Faculty Training tab on the My Cal Poly Portal. Emeritus and students can view the latest episode on the InfoSec Microsoft Stream.
Transfer Inclusivity Training to be Held May 14 and June 4
To help create a more inclusive and equitable environment for transfer students at Cal Poly, the Transfer Center is offering a Transfer Inclusivity Training to all staff and faculty on campus. This training will run 90 minutes and includes a short break. Spring training dates are Friday, May 14, and Friday, June 4 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register today.
Replacement Program for Off-Campus Fuel Purchases Coming Soon
The off-campus fuel program known as Voyager is being replaced, and current cards will expire June 30. Employees and departments with an off-campus fuel card must take immediate action to avoid any gap in service. Instructions to apply for a new Fleet Fuel Card as well as policies and procedures can be found by visiting the Cal Poly Fleet Services webpage and clicking on Fuel. Completed applications can be returned by email at [email protected] and should be submitted no later than May 14 to ensure continuity of service. Questions? Contact the Fleet Fuel Card administrators by emailing [email protected].
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:
- 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.
Anti-Asian Racism and Mental Health Training Offered May 6
The campus community is invited to attend the Anti-Asian Racism and Mental Healthy Training workshop, which will educate participants about ways to disrupt racism and how to provide support to people who have experienced harm and harassment. This workshop is presented by the National Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health Association and sponsored by Campus Health and Wellbeing and the Ethnic Studies Department. To join, register in advance. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Recycling Training Available for Campus Community
Student Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZWAs) have developed a brief recycling training to present at staff meetings, student trainings or safety tailgate sessions. The zero-waste training is a short (15-20-minute) training session held over Zoom and led by Zero Waste Ambassadors for faculty, staff and student groups to learn how to effectively recycle and compost on campus. Anyone interested in holding a training session for a team, department or club, can email [email protected]. California Assembly Bill 2812 requires that state agencies offer employees training in recycling at least once per year.
Lunch and Learn with Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American Faculty and Staff Association
The Cal Poly Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American Faculty and Staff Association invites all members of the campus community to the inaugural Lunch and Learn series for APIDA Heritage Month. In celebration of APIDA “Identity,” the association is presenting weekly seminars for our communities to engage and connect with. Visit the APIDA website for more information. The series includes:
- Friday, May 14, 12:10-1 p.m., “Model Minorities, Perpetual Foreigners and Asian/American Racialization.” Olivia Tran and Lilianne Tang (Student Diversity and Belonging) dive into the historical foundations of Asian racialization in the U.S. and the inherent anti-Blackness of the model minority myth. Register here.
- Friday, May 21, 12:10-1 p.m., “Understanding the Second-Generation Asian American Experience.” Join Professors Jess Lee (Sociology), Nisa Morey (Chemistry), and Grace Yeh (Ethnic Studies) in a moving discussion about the history and social context of the second-generation experience for Asian Americans. Register here.
- Friday, May 28, 12:10-1 p.m., “Mixed-Asian Representation on Netflix.” Join Dean of Students Joy Pedersen and Jacob Campbell (data and budget analyst, Cal Poly Scholars) for a virtual discussion on the rise of mixed-Asian stories and characters on Netflix and the challenges/opportunities of on-screen representation. Register here.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Nominations for 35th Annual Cal Poly Community Service Awards Due May 16
Nominations for the 35th annual Cal Poly Community Service Awards are due by before midnight Sunday, May 16. Awards for the categories of individual faculty, staff and student contributions, along with student organizations and community partner of the year, will be bestowed on those making extraordinary impacts to address community needs. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, honorees will first be notified by email before awards and written recognition are delivered to them in lieu of a traditional in-person ceremony. More information about the history of the awards, details on each category, and a link to the nomination form can be found here. Anyone with questions about the nomination process can email the Center for Service in Action at [email protected].
Participants Needed for Sedentary Screen Time Study
Sedentary screen time consumes more than half of discretionary time and is the single most prevalent use of time for adults in the U.S. outside of work and sleep. Participants are needed for a study on the best ways to reduce the use of screen time and increase health outcomes. The study is led by Professor Sarah Keadle in Cal Poly's Center for Health Research and is conducted in partnership with Arizona State University. Eligible participants must be between the ages of 23 and 64, own a smartphone or tablet and have internet access with no limit on the amount of data. Due to COVID-19, this study will be conducted virtually. Anyone interested in participating or learning more about the study, which is called StandUPTV, should call ext. 6-5506 or fill out an interest form.
CLA Black Lives Matter Speaker Series Continues May 7
Join the College of Liberal Arts at noon Friday, May 7, for the next event in the Black Lives Matter Speaker Series, “From Reproductive Choice to Reproductive Justice,” with Dorothy Roberts, a leading voice for reproductive freedom who has helped to transform advocacy for women’s health and rights. In this talk, she will explain how the mainstream rhetoric of “choice” has privileged women who have the ability to choose from reproductive options that are unavailable to poor and low-income women, especially women of color. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the Black Lives Matter Speaker Series and register for this event now.
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. Get your tickets now. 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.
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. Get your tickets now. 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.
‘The Muse Hour’ Features Las Cafeteras on May 8
Cal Poly Arts’ virtual music and conversation series “The Muse Hour” welcomes Los Angeles-based Afro-Mexican music group Las Cafeteras at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8. Born and raised east of the Los Angeles River, Las Cafeteras is remixing roots music and telling modern-day stories of Latino and immigrant lives. Using traditional Son Jarocho instruments like the jarana, requinto, quijada (donkey jawbone), and tarima (a wooden platform), Las Cafeteras sing in English, Spanish and Spanglish and meld styles from rock and hip-hop to rancheras. Produced in cooperation with Tacoma Arts Live in Washington and The Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, California, this event includes a prerecorded performance, followed by a live virtual and moderated Q&A session with members of Las Cafeteras. 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. Visit calpolyarts.org for more information.
Join ‘Not Your Average Farmer’ Event May 12
Join the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences for a conversation with Nikiko Masumoto, farmer, artist and creator. “Not Your Average Farmer: A Conversation with Nikiko Masumoto” will be held virtually from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, and will explore her experience as a person of color in the food and agriculture industry. Masumoto was born in California’s Central Valley and spent her childhood on the Masumoto family farm, an 80-acre organic farm in Del Rey. Before returning to farm side by side with her father, Masumoto earned a bachelor's degree in gender and women’s studies from UC Berkeley and a master's degree in performance as public practice from the University of Texas at Austin. Her passion for arts and activism is woven with her love of the land and dreams of a sustainable future. Access to the Zoom link can be found here. Registration is not required. This event was planned by the CAFES Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
‘Rubí: A DACA Dreamer in Trump’s America’ Film Screening and Discussion Set for May 14
The campus community is invited to attend a film screening of “Rubí: A DACA Dreamer in Trump’s America” followed by conversation with executive producer Lázaro Lima, professor of Africana and Puerto Rican/Latino studies at Hunter College in New York. The webinar event will take place at noon Friday, May 14. The film is an intimate true-life portrait of 22-year-old Rubi, an undocumented Mexican-American Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Dreamer. In revealing interviews filmed over three years, Rubí and her parents (also undocumented) recount their family’s harrowing immigration story and detail why they came to the United States with their then-7-year-old daughter. The event is presented by the World Languages and Cultures Department; the College of Liberal Arts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund; and the Ethnic Studies, History, and Social Sciences departments. Register for this event. For more information, contact Professor of Spanish Karen Muñoz-Christian at [email protected].
Central Coast Social Justice Education Conference to Take Place May 15
The fourth annual Central Coast Social Justice Education Conference will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15. The conference will focus on naming and challenging forms of oppression by bringing together local educators and activists committed to racial justice. The keynote speaker is Jamila Lyiscott, a community-engaged scholar, nationally renowned speaker, and the author of “Black Appetite. White Food: Issues of Race, Voice and Justice Within and Beyond the Classroom.” The conference will also include a panel of K-12 educators and Central Coast activists and a curriculum fair featuring social justice lessons created by Cal Poly School of Education students. It is free and open to the public. Register at tinyurl.com/CCSJEC2021. The conference is co-organized and sponsored by the Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success and the Cal Poly School of Education.
W. Terrence Spiller to Perform Beethoven Sonatas Virtually May 21
Pianist and Professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will give a virtual all-Beethoven recital that will be released at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 21, and will be available through May 28. The recital is the fifth in Spiller’s survey of the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven and will be presented from the main stage of Miossi Hall in the Performing Arts Center’s Christopher Cohan Center. This year’s program will include Sonata in E Major, Op. 14, No. 1; Sonata in D Major, Op. 28 (“The Pastorale”); and Sonata in E Minor, Op. 90. The program will conclude with Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 110, considered a poetic masterpiece. Spiller retired from full-time teaching in March, but he will continue to teach applied piano in the Music Department. Tickets are sold from the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the 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.