Cal Poly Establishes University Personnel
Following the decision to create a new division that brings together Human Resources, Academic Personnel and the Office of Equal Opportunity, division leaders are delighted to share the name of the new division, University Personnel, and the restructuring made to better serve the campus community and strengthen the combined teams. As previously announced, University Personnel (UP) will be led by Vice President, University Personnel and Chief Human Resources Officer Al Liddicoat. UP will continue to include the departments of Academic Personnel, Human Resources and the newly titled Civil Rights and Compliance Office (formerly Office of Equal Opportunity). The leadership team consists of Kathryn Rummell, interim associate vice provost, academic personnel; Adrienne Rather, assistant vice president, employee and labor relations; Samson Blackwell, senior director, talent acquisition and workforce planning; Lanaya Gaberel, director, employee and organization development; Margie Coolidge, director human resource information systems; and Maren Hufton, director, civil rights and compliance. For more information on UP contact Lisa Gray at [email protected].
COVID-19 Reporting Form Available to Faculty and Staff
To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the university provides support and resources to faculty and staff, the university requests that employees (or a designee) who have tested positive or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have been on campus in the past 14 days complete the confidential COVID-19 Online Reporting Form or call Human Resources at ext. 6-2236 to report. The information will assist the Cal Poly COVID-19 Response Team and public health officials with monitoring and mitigating the incidence of COVID-19 cases occurring in our community. Your personal health information will be kept confidential and will only be shared as required by law. Auxiliary employees, including ASI and CPC, should consult with their human resources department on how to report. Please remember to wear your face covering when accessing any indoor space on campus, regardless of vaccination status.
Cal Poly Researchers Studying Food Challenges in San Luis Obispo County
An interdisciplinary team of faculty members is working to create a coherent, coordinated approach to food policy to replace outdated and uncoordinated policies currently governing food systems and nutrition education. With a goal to address human and environmental health and 21st-century-food-system challenges, including food insecurity, obesity, sustainable food production and more, the student and faculty researchers have been working with the SLO Food System Coalition to help organize four roundtables to discuss local food-system challenges. This work is an important first step in utilizing research findings to establish actionable policies working collaboratively with stakeholders in the local food system, including farms, businesses, health and food security advocates, and farmworkers. The research team includes Dawn Neill of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts Department; Aydin Nazmi of the Food Science and Nutrition Department; Marilyn Tseng of the Kinesiology and Public Health Department; Nicholas Babin of the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department; Richard Volpe of the Agribusiness Department; and Elizabeth Lowham, interim dean of Graduate Education. Read the news release to learn more.
Study Reveals Morro Bay Seagrass Loss Causes Shift in Fish Populations
The loss of seagrass habitat caused a dramatic shift in fish species in Morro Bay, according to a recently published paper by Cal Poly researchers. Areas of the bay once covered with lush eelgrass meadows and unique fish species are now home to muddy seafloor-loving flatfish. Seagrass meadows were previously common throughout the Morro Bay estuary, according to the study “Effects of Estuary-Wide Seagrass Loss on Fish Populations,” which was published this spring in the journal Estuaries and Coasts. “Seagrass, like the eelgrass in Morro Bay, is important because it supports a range of marine life,” said Jennifer O’Leary, who led the research as a California Sea Grant extension specialist based at Cal Poly. “It’s like the trees in a forest — these underwater plants provide food, structure and shelter to many of the marine animals that live in the bay.” Read the news release.
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is Headed to Paso Robles
Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation for Entrepreneurship (CIE) is expanding — bringing its Incubator program and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to THE SANDBOX Paso Robles, a resource center for North County entrepreneurs. The two programs have been at the forefront of technology, innovation and economic development in San Luis Obispo County. The CIE will host an open house for its new partnership with the facility at 1345 Park St. from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1. RSVP on Eventbrite at cieopenhouse.eventbrite.com. The SBDC, a top resource for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, offers no-cost, expert one-on-one business consulting, training and online courses in startup assistance, debt and equity funding, sales and marketing. The center has 35 consultants with a wide array of business and entrepreneurial backgrounds and expertise. Learn more.
Cal Poly Enology Professor Awarded Prestigious Italian Wine Ambassador Certification
Federico Casassa, associate professor of enology in the Wine and Viticulture Department, was named an Italian Wine Ambassador by Vinitaly International Academy — making him one of only 240 such ambassadors in the world today. Casassa, who has taught winemaking since his arrival at the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences in 2015, sought the certification to broaden his knowledge of the diversity of Italian wines. His scholarly research, which is assisted by his undergraduate and graduate students, focuses on wine chemistry and biochemistry and on the chemical and sensory aspects of winemaking, particularly in red wines. “We live in a global world, and our students need to be exposed to the broadest possible array of aspects of the wine industry,” Casassa said. Read the news release.
Faculty Members Design App to Help Students with Autism
A new project in the School of Education hopes to take students with autism on aquatic adventures — and help them reach goals in the classroom. Leah Wood and Stephen Crutchfield, coordinators of the Special Education/Education Specialist (Special Education) Mild/Moderate Disabilities Credential Program, are developing the project, a self-guided app called GoManage, to help students with autism remain on task and self-assess their classroom progress. In order to turn the project into reality, they applied for and received grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences Small Business Innovation Research Program, which provides up to $1.1 million in two phases: the first phase is for prototype development, and the second is for product development. To test the app, Wood and Crutchfield worked with teachers they had previously collaborated with on other projects. They also got help from School of Education graduates working in local special education programs. Read more on the Cal Poly News website.
Another Corpse Flower Blooms on Campus
This summer, for the second time in as many years, something unexpected happened at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory. One of the conservatory’s corpse plants bloomed. Even rarer? This one blossomed for the first time at nearly 18 years of age. The corpse plant that flowered last summer, dubbed Musty, was just six years old. The blooms also differed in size: this year, the plant’s flower is about a foot taller and quite a bit wider. Gage Willey, the conservatory’s curator, said he noticed the plant start to shoot up through the soil on July 11, and it grew quickly from there. The plant, which Professor Matt Ritter named Bertha in honor of Willey’s grandmother who loved unusual plants, bloomed over the weekend of Aug. 7. “It was maturing pretty quickly and just kept getting bigger,” Willey said. “It was pretty exciting to watch it grow.” Read the full article on the Cal Poly News website.
CCI Launches Initiative to Bring Cyber Curriculum to Underserved Communities
The California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI) has launched a new initiative called Cyber to Schools that prepares K-12 students and the future workforce for the digital revolution and careers in cyber and space industries. With a focus on training students and reaching underserved cyber communities, the program highlights a nontraditional approach to learning through training programs, professional certificates that prepare students for future careers, and by emphasizing Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy. As part of the initiative, CCI partnered with the Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and Missouri’s Kansas City School District to start a summer school program for 700 K-12 students this summer. Students completed a variety of training courses centered around digital literacy, cybersecurity, cloud computing and more. For more information about Cyber to Schools, visit cci.calpoly.edu/empower/cyber-to-schools.
Welcome New Mustangs at Fall Move-in
University Housing invites all faculty and staff to volunteer to help new and returning students move into campus residence halls and apartments during Mustang Move-in, Sept. 10-19. This is a fun way to be one of the first to welcome students and their supporters to the campus community. As a volunteer, you may:
— Welcome new students and their supporters.
— Provide directions and answer questions.
— Help unload cars into rolling carts and direct students to buildings.
— Collect rolling carts.
— Coordinate student and staff volunteers (leads only).
Most students will be arriving Sept. 14 and 15. All volunteers will receive a meal voucher and a commemorative pin and be entered into a drawing for some great prizes. Join us in creating a positive and welcoming experience for our new students. To learn more and sign up, visit the Mustang Welcome Team Volunteer Sign-up webpage.
Class of 2020 Commencement Celebration to be Dec. 12
Cal Poly will host a special in-person commencement ceremony celebration for the Class of 2020 on Sunday, Dec. 12. This celebration will be held in addition to the Fall Commencement 2021 ceremonies scheduled on Dec. 11, 2021. Graduates must RSVP for the celebration by Oct. 1 to help the university determine the number of ceremonies to host, event times and other important details. Additional event information will be shared after the Oct. 1 deadline. To learn more about the celebration and sign up to receive email updates, visit the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony Celebration page.
Affordable Learning Solutions Help Cal Poly Students Succeed and Save
For years, students have been tired of the cost of purchasing books and the strain of hauling them around campus. But thanks to the Affordable Learning Solutions Program, those aren't an issue anymore. “Open Educational Resources (OER) are materials used in academic courses that are in the public domain or permitted for free use,” said Anne Regan, who has led the Affordable Learning Solutions program at Cal Poly since 2019 and also is a lecturer in the English Department. “OER can vary in format, including textbooks, e-books, software, online learning modules and much more.” To help support students and remove financial barriers to their success, the CSU began the Affordable Learning Solutions program in the 2016-17 academic year. The program helps faculty members across the CSU provide access to Open Educational Resources to students in their courses. Since the start of the program, 103,544 Cal Poly students have saved over $9,875,060 thanks to instructors using OER in their courses. In addition to saving students money, instructors have been able to consistently refine their course materials. Read the full story on the Cal Poly News website.
Student, Faculty Researchers Home in on Rare, Understudied Lichens
Lichens, the unsung heroes of global ecosystems, present a rare opportunity for genuine scientific discovery — and this summer, Cal Poly students are part of that process. Biology Professor Nishi Rajakaruna, who was recently part of an international team that discovered several new species of lichens in South Africa, is guiding several key research projects with the hope of educating the next generation of lichenologists. “Even though California is a heavily botanized state, very few ecologists have paid attention to this cryptic, not-so-charismatic part of the biodiversity we have here,” said Rajakaruna. Eli Balderas, who is earning a master’s degree in biological sciences, is conducting an ecological study of one species in its maritime chaparral habitat and is attempting experimental transplants of lichens to new ecosystems. With this data, he plans to petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department for federal listing status. Another research project is focused on lichens growing on rocks. Michael Mulroy, a master’s student in biological sciences, is leading a lichen community ecology project, in which he samples species growing on serpentine and sandstone outcrops across several counties on the Central Coast, from the foggy coastline to warmer inland environments. Read the full article on the Cal Poly News website.
Student Startup in CIE's Summer Accelerator Aims to Help Global Food Supply
This summer, the startup TractorCloud is developing hardware and software to help heavy machinery operators and agricultural managers diagnose equipment problems and predict maintenance needs. The team believes its technology can ultimately help grow food more efficiently and strengthen the global food supply. The venture is one of nine startups putting their ideas to the test in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (CIE) Summer Accelerator, a 13-week program that helps students and recent graduates develop their ideas and launch their companies. The team is developing a hardware component that rides onboard with tractors and other heavy equipment to stream data to the cloud. The information translates to live dashboards and mobile interfaces that help managers and operators understand their equipment’s performance and make better calls in real time. The team will present at the Accelerator's Demo Day on Sept. 14. For the full article, visit the Cal Poly News website.
Cal Poly Alumni Go for Gold at Tokyo Olympics
Several former Mustangs competed in the recent Olympic Games, representing several different nations. Sierra Hyland, a graphic communication alumna and an All-American for Cal Poly softball, represented Team Mexico. Encouraged by her mom and her grandpa, who is from Mexico, Hyland tried out and made the Mexican national softball team. In mountain biking, Christopher Blevins represented Team USA after graduating earlier this year with a degree in business administration. The delayed Olympics gave Blevins extra time to train and improve before the global competition, he said. On the baseball field, former Mustang Joey Wagman pitched for Team Israel. After graduating with a degree in business administration in 2013 and playing for minor league teams, he began competing for Israel’s national team in 2017.
Cynthia Stocker Named Outstanding Staff Member
As a limited number of students returned to campus for the start of fall quarter and began to test regularly under isolation and quarantine orders, Campus Dining joined its university partners in supporting students, and Campus Dining Operations Manager Cynthia Stocker jumped into action. She helped create and implement the food service and delivery system for students in isolation and served as not only a point of contact, but almost as a second mom. She answered the questions she knew and researched the responses she did not. Stocker came back to campus many late nights, weekends and holidays when students were moved into isolation to ensure they had food. Throughout the implementation of the isolation food program, Campus Dining delivered up to 350 meals a day to students. Stocker worked with University Housing to find solutions when student numbers exceeded residential options. Often this meant needing to deliver isolation meals to six or seven different dorms throughout campus. While this was happening, Stocker also received a national Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Catering-Online Menu. Stocker’s recognition for the 2020-21 Outstanding Staff Award reflects her drive, dedication and overall care for the Cal Poly campus and community.
Cheryl May Named Special Advisor to the Provost
Cheryl May has joined the Office of the Provost as special advisor to Provost Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, effective Aug. 16. In this role, May will work across the division and university to represent and help advance projects and priorities in partnership with the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. She will also provide operational leadership for the Office of the Provost and serve as a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Cal Poly in the new special advisor to the provost role,” May said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my excellent campus colleagues and members of our university community, and to support them in our collective efforts in ensuring the excellence of the Cal Poly experience and student success.” May previously served as executive director of operations for the Kennedy Library. She had worked in the library since 2011 and previously worked in Human Resources at Cal Poly. She has served on the CSU Library Associate Deans Committee; the Love, Empathy, Respect #MustangsUnited Group Leadership Team; and Cal Poly Human Resources Business Partners. Over the past year, she has played a key role in moving the library’s operations online and preparing for the reopening of its study space.
Scholarship Established to Honor Emeritus Faculty Member John Edmisten
The Architectural Engineering (ARCE) Department has established the John Edmisten Global Travel Scholarship, which honors the distinguished career and service of emeritus faculty member John Edmisten, who passed away last summer. Edmisten was a 1965 alumnus of the ARCE program and taught in the department from 1968 to 1994. The scholarship is an endowed fund that will allow a student who lacks financial resources to participate in global experiences through international exchanges, humanitarian missions and the department’s summer programs. The ARCE Department’s goal is to raise $50,000 to support international Learn by Doing opportunities. Donors may access Cal Poly’s secure giving site by clicking here or by mailing a check payable to the “Cal Poly Foundation” to: Architectural Engineering Department, Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-9701. Include “John Edmisten Global Travel Scholarship” on the check. For more information contact the ARCE Department at [email protected] or ext. 6-1314.
Campus Dining Wins Gold and Bronze Awards in National Competition
Campus Dining has been recognized by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) as a gold tier recipient for the 2020 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Catering-Online Menu. “It’s great to be recognized for the hard work and pride that we put into all that we do,” Campus Dining Assistant Director Russell Monteath said. “Every day our primary goal is to better the dining experience to support the success of all students who dine in our facilities, and this is a nice confirmation.” The menus must showcase a variety of food selections and various colors, textures, flavors and temperatures, according to the judging criteria. This is the third time that Campus Dining has received a Gold for its catering-online menu. The first time was in 2014, then again in 2018 and most recently in 2020. Campus Dining was also awarded a Bronze in the Most Innovative Wellness and Nutrition Program for its ChooseWell Ambassadors. Launched in 2019 to make healthy eating on campus easier, the ChooseWell Ambassadors are nutrition students who are stationed in the dining facilities to offer nutritional help and advice.
Sept. 1 Workshop on Trauma-Informed Leadership: How We Emerge from the Pandemic
As the Cal Poly community continues to return to working on campus, it may not feel like “business as usual” for many teams. Managers and leaders play a critical role in employee wellness and navigating trauma, burnout and feelings of being overwhelmed among their teams. Trauma-informed workplaces center the employee as a whole person and see the workplace as a source of connection and community. A workshop, offered by Campus Health and Wellbeing on Zoom from 3:10-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, will introduce trauma-informed supervision practices, provide practical strategies to incorporate these practices into your team culture, and learn from other leaders on campus. The workshop is open to all employees. To sign up and receive the Zoom link, email [email protected].
Fall Parking Permits on Sale Starting Sept. 13
Staff and faculty parking permits will go on sale Sept. 13. Finding a parking permit option that best fits your commute is easy using your parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available online for purchase any time of day at your union rate. Permits sold in parking lots at pay stations, parking meters or by Parkmobile do not offer staff rates. Fall quarter permits are valid Sept. 13 to Dec. 19. Summer quarter parking permits expire Sept 10. Employees can pay for their long-term permits via payroll deducion as a convenient option. Purchase permits online and update vehicle information using your parking account. Visit Transportation and Parking Services staff page for more information on staff parking.
New Parking Rates Coming Sept. 1
Starting Sept. 1 guest and limited-time parking rates are increasing as follows:
- Daily Parking: $6 for parking in K-1 and H-1 parking lots. There is no change to visitor rates in Structure 131.
- Resident Visitor Daily: $8 for guests parking overnight in resident parking areas.
- Meter and Limited Time: $2.50 per hour at parking meters, pay stations and for ParkMobile sessions.
- Reserved Space: $18
To give departments extra time to settle in, Sponsored Guest rates are scheduled to increase Oct. 1. Any requests for pay station codes or Sponsored Guest permits received before Oct. 1 will honor the 2020-21 rate of $10.
- Sponsored Guest, $12
Visit Transportation and Parking Services at parking.calpoly.edu for up-to-date parking information.
Human Resources Offers Well-being Workshops in August and September
Well-being helps us maintain life balance, improves resiliency, and supports people’s ability to reach their full potential. Cal Poly’s Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, will present an overview of services during a live webinar at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24. Join this webinar to learn about the various services offered by LifeMatters, including overall well-being, relationships, financial and legal assistance, health, counseling and more. Learn how to access these services and when LifeMatters may be of assistance. Register here. In addition, mark your calendar for these workshops:
- Financial well-being is effectively managing the aspects of your economic life. Take a moment to reflect on and improve your financial well-being, learn to save for each goal, and get next steps for saving by signing up for the Identify and Prioritize Your Savings Goals workshop provided by Fidelity Investments retirement planner George Nofel from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24. Learn more and register here.
- Learn the basics of investing, understanding asset allocation and diversification, and identifying your ideal investment approach by attending the Take the First Step to Investing workshop provided by Fidelity Investments retirement planner George Nofel from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1. Learn more and register here.
New Employee Resources Available Online, On-Demand
The Employee and Organization Development department has live, online and on-demand resources to support all new employees and their managers throughout onboarding. Managers are encouraged to share the New Employee Page with new personnel to ensure access to critical information and onboarding professional development resources as well as convenient answers to frequently asked questions. Make sure to dedicate time in each new employee’s onboarding schedule to attend the live New Employee Orientation as well as watch the informational department introductions specifically designed to connect new employees to the campus culture, colleagues and information. Visit the New Employee Page for more information or reach out directly to [email protected].
Applications Due Sept. 16 for Men of Color Success Initiative Mentorship Program
The Men and Masculinities Program’s Men of Color Success Initiative (MOCSI) is accepting faculty and staff mentor applications through Sept. 16 for the 2021-22 cohort of its MOCSI Mentorship Program. The mentorship program serves to connect first-year and transfer undergraduate and graduate men of color at Cal Poly with a dynamic community of peer and faculty/staff mentors who create a network of social, professional and academic support for mentees. This network serves to further develop mentees’ self-identity and to increase their sense of community, engagement and persistence toward achieving their degree. Check out the application link for more details, mentor qualifications and to submit an application. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. Space is limited. Please share with any colleagues and students who might be interested. Questions? Contact Nick Bilich ([email protected]).
Find Qualified Student Applicants, Post On-campus Positions on MustangJOBS
Have a student employee job opening you’d like to promote? Easily post it on MustangJOBS powered by Handshake. Career Services offers this convenient, fast way to quickly reach many qualified student applicants. To post positions on MustangJOBS, click here to get started. A custom on-campus job posting guide for faculty and staff to maximize their recruiting efforts can be found here: On-Campus Job Posting Guide. For more information on using MustangJOBS, contact Career Services at [email protected] or ext. 6-2501.
PolyLearn Data to be Deleted After Aug. 29
The PolyLearn service will be decommissioned and all data will be deleted after Sunday, Aug. 29. Faculty will need to access old PolyLearn courses and export gradebooks for fall 2017 to summer 2020 and save them to OneDrive (which is safe for Level 2 data) before Aug. 29. The associated policy, CSU: Records/Information Retention and Disposition Schedule: 4.2.22, can be viewed online. The policy requires faculty to save full gradebooks for up to five years. Visit this support page to learn more about how to access PolyLearn and Export your Gradebook. PolyLearn has not been in use since Canvas became Cal Poly’s only Learning Management System in fall 2019. Canvas courses starting in fall 2019 will remain in Canvas until the start of spring 2022. Faculty can also export those gradebooks from Canvas and save to OneDrive.
Career Education Canvas Modules Available to Embed in Courses
Career Services offers career curriculum in Canvas modules, which faculty can embed in their courses. The modules were developed by a team of professional career counselors in consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Career Services Advisory Council, faculty and students. The following modules are currently offered:
- Networking
- Interviewing
- Discovering Career Possibilities
- Navigating Your Job/Internship Search
- Resume and Cover letter
- Porfolium (e-portfolio) (New!)
Each module is designed to be delivered asynchronously and includes several customizable components, such as readings, videos and activities. Faculty are encouraged to complement the material in modules by having a career counselor visit the class synchronously as well. Click here to gain access to curriculum modules or to learn more about them.
New Process For Requesting CMS Student Administration Security Permissions
Common Management System (CMS) Student Administration security permissions requests for Cal Poly staff are now managed directly in PeopleSoft. These types of requests will still be available in the Service Request System (SRS) through the end of the month, but after Aug. 31, they will only be accessible via the new PeopleSoft workflow. Only managers and staff with direct reports are able to make CMS Student Administration security permissions requests in PeopleSoft on behalf of employees. If this task needs to be delegated, it must be done by another manager. Access to the other CMS environments, Human Resources and Financial Services, will continue to be managed in SRS for the time being. Step-by-step instructions for using the new security permissions request system in PeopleSoft are available in the ITS Knowledge Base, and a training video is available in the Cal Poly Learning Hub. Need tech support? Request help from the ITS Service Desk online via Support Center, or call ext. 6-7000.
Learning Hub Gets an Upgrade
The Cal Poly Learning Hub has recently received a system upgrade with a new user interface (UI) menu toolbar. Employee and Organization Development hopes the new interface enhances users’ learning experience and provides them with tools for success. Highlights include the Self tab, which has quick links to the most frequently used areas, including Training Transcript and Assignment Notifications. The embedded search feature lets users find learning activities, access over 23,000 e-books and 36,000 videos, and even share their favorite learning activity with their colleagues. The Library tab allows users to browse content by topic, including CSU-created learning bundles on such topics as Return to the Workplace, DEI and Communication Best Practices. For a quick video guide of the new user interface, log into the Learning Hub or watch it on YouTube.
Faculty Advisor Training Series Available in Fall 2021
University Advising is offering a Faculty Advisor Training series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. The series includes:
- FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: Oct. 1
- FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: Oct. 8
- FA 103: Building Student Success through Faculty Advising: Oct. 22
Click here for more information about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Questions? Contact Christina Wolfe-Chandler, advisor training coordinator, at [email protected].
Cleaning Out Your Office? Read These Tips First
Facilities Management and Development wants to help employees with any summer cleaning they have planned. Here are a few tips:
- Separate student records or confidential material and arrange for confidential shredding.
- Those with more non-confidential papers, periodicals and other recyclables than will fit in a single desk-side recycle bin should request free delivery of a wheeled recycle cart from the Facilities Help Desk at ext. 6-5555.
- To remove furniture or larger items, put in a request to Moving and Surplus.
Questions? Call the Facilities Management and Development Help Center at ext. 6-5555 or email [email protected].
Mary Glick will retire in September after nine years as Journalism Department chair. Glick raised the department’s profile with community engagement, including the 100th anniversary of Mustang News and the 50th anniversary of KCPR. Glick helped develop a minor in integrated marketing communication, designing two courses: Media, Self and Society; and Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She also engaged the Journalism Advisory Board in establishing an endowment for departmental enrichment, including the Jim Hayes Symposium, a program to advance integrity in journalism and communication. Glick came to Cal Poly following 12 years as associate director of American Press Institute, where she facilitated seminars for newspaper executives during a time of industry upheaval. Prior to API, Glick designed and directed an interdisciplinary journalism program at SUNY Oswego and worked as a journalism instructor at Cal State Long Beach in the 1990s. Before her work in education, Glick had a career as a journalist and public relations professional in Southern California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from SUNY Oswego and a master’s in Communications from CSU Fullerton. Glick plans to continue teaching and serve part time in the Faculty Early Retirement Program. Brady Teufel will succeed her as department chair.
Professor emeritus in biological sciences and former associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics Harry L. Fierstine passed away on April 22, 2021. He was 88. Fierstine taught biology, zoology, comparative anatomy and ichthyology at Cal Poly for 29 years. An innovative teacher, Fierstine was a leader in the anatomy program, always ensuring that students had access to cadavers, an unusual opportunity for undergraduates. Fierstine received Cal Poly's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1977. In the 1970s, Fierstine visited most of the medical, dental and veterinary schools in California to promote Cal Poly students as competitive applicants to the health professions. Back on campus, he developed the Health Professions Advising group to help students with the application process and provide mock interviews and recommendation letters. His legacy can be seen in the universitywide Pre-Health Career Advising services available to students today. An active scholar, Fierstine published frequently even after retirement. His research focused on the osteology and paleontology of billfish. He and his wife, Arline, were a fixture at seminars and master's thesis defenses in the Biological Sciences Department, continuing to attend after Fierstine received emeritus status. His commitment to science extended into the local community, where he cofounded the Central Coast Biological Society. Fierstine was also a dedicated husband, father and brother. A service is being planned for September. Email kamster1200@gmail to be notified when details are available. For more information, read the obituary online.
Kennedy Library to Fully Reopen with Updated Hours for Fall Quarter
Book lovers, researchers and fans of quiet study will have cause to celebrate on September 13, when the Kennedy Library reopens its doors and all five floors for the first time since closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Following student input and an analysis of occupancy data, the library has adjusted its fall hours. Due to popular demand from the campus community, the main building and Circulation Desk will notably be open until 9 p.m. on Fridays, effective Sept. 20. The Service Desk, ITS Tech Rentals and PolyCard Services will open in Hub24 starting Sept. 13. Before Sept. 13, the Service Desk will continue to offer virtual tech support throughout the summer Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To get help, create a request online via Support center, or call ext. 6-7000. For more information, visit https://lib.calpoly.edu/.
Campus Dining to Feature New Venues and Improvements
Campus community members who are returning or coming to campus for the first time this fall will be greeted with numerous new and improved dining experiences. Vista Grande is fully open and offering indoor dining. The Dining Complex (Building 19) is closed for renovation, and two food truck parks, one located outside Mott Athletics Center and the other at Upper Mustang Way, are being created to serve this area. One of the biggest changes this fall is that Campus Dining is asking for all orders be placed through Grubhub. Campus Dining started using mobile ordering in 2018 and switched completely to Grubhub during the pandemic. This method has proven to be an efficient way to order and an effective means of lessening crowds. Customers can order ahead and pick up when they are notified. Along this line, Campus Dining will no longer accept cash payment. For more information about what’s new, Campus Dining has created a flyer.
Commute With Confidence this Fall
As the campus community continues to return to campus this fall, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) would like to invite everyone to come back safely, sustainably and together. To enable this, TAPS has increased commuting options that include additional new Rideshare vans and incentives for participating, free public transportation throughout the county and more. Not only are rides on SLOTransit free for faculty, staff and students, but trips to campus from throughout the county on RTA are now also free. Interested in employee Rideshare but worried about not having a ride home in an emergency? Faculty and staff who are registered on Cal Poly iRideShare and actively record their smart commutes qualify for an emergency ride home. As 57% of students and 33% of faculty and staff live within five miles of campus, bike commuting is supported with more than 7,000 bike rack spaces and 252 secure bike lockers available. Commuting to campus saves money, time and helps Cal Poly get another step closer to reaching our sustainability goal. Learn more about the commute to campus options and give one of TAPS commuting options a try this fall and “Commute with Confidence.”
Volunteers Needed for Cal Poly Cat Program
The Cal Poly Cat Program (CPCP), a nonprofit, 100% volunteer, full-service cat shelter located on campus, is seeking volunteers. Since last year, 160 kittens were rescued, over 160 feral cats were TNR’ed (trapped, neutered, and released), and 186 adopted. The program is geared for students — it provides excellent Learn by Doing opportunities in animal care — but shelter volunteers also include Cal Poly staff, faculty, and community members. Shelter duties include cleaning cages, litter boxes, and doing laundry. After the cleaning is done, it's playtime — all the cuddles and love you can handle! Shelter volunteer shifts are seven days a week, beginning at 7 a.m. and lasting into the late evening. If you’re not up for cleaning but would like to assist with our TNR effort, we’d be happy to have you help us. To learn more, visit the CPCP website; to volunteer, contact [email protected].
Cal Poly Recreation Center Offering Membership Special
The campus community is eligible for a new membership promotion at the Cal Poly Recreation Center. Pre-pay for three months of membership and receive an extra month. The offer is available to faculty, staff, alumni, emeritus and their families. The promotion expires on Oct. 31. Learn more about membership promotions and pricing at bit.ly/CalPolyRecreationCenterMemberships, or contact Membership Services at [email protected].
Participants Needed for Sedentary Screen Time Study
Sedentary screen time consumes more than half of adults’ 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 805-756-5506 or fill out an interest form.
Free AWS Cloud Training Available Aug. 25
Extended Education is offering another opportunity for campus community members to receive free cloud training through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Discovery Day event. Cal Poly will offer a Discovery Day session hosted on Zoom from noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25. This event is free and offers a great way for those who are interested to learn more about AWS fundamental cloud concepts and services. Cal Poly joined the AWS Partner Network (APN) Training Partner Program in October. The program enables authorized instructors at the university to deliver training developed by AWS. To learn more about this unique partnership and to register for the Discovery Day event, visit Cal Poly’s AWS Training website.
Call for Volunteers to Help at Mustang Corral Barbecues
Cal Poly Athletics is seeking volunteers for the fall 2021 Mustang Corral Barbecues. The Mustang Corral Barbecue is a fun and family friendly event hosted before every home football game featuring delicious food, unlimited drinks and live entertainment. Volunteers are needed to help check in guests and pour beer. All volunteers will receive a ticket to the game and a barbecue lunch, including drinks. Volunteers at three or more barbecues will receive a Cal Poly swag bag. Click here to sign up today.
Cal Poly Recreation Center Membership Specials
The campus community is eligible for a new membership promotion at the Cal Poly Recreation Center. Pre-pay for three months of membership, and the Recreation Center will gift an extra month. The offer is available to faculty, staff, alumni, emeritus and their families. The promotion expires on Oct. 31. Learn more about membership promotions and pricing at bit.ly/CalPolyRecreationCenterMemberships, or contact Membership Services at [email protected].