CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 Convening Set for Oct. 22
All members of the campus community are invited to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 Convening to be held virtually from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 22. The convening’s theme is “Advancing Equity Together” and will feature students, faculty and staff sharing inspirational stories of how their daily work promotes equity on their campuses. The Chancellor’s Office will also share the most recent data tracking progress toward meeting our ambitious Graduation Initiative 2025 goals. Attendees will also hear from speakers, including:
- Isaac Alferos, president, Cal State Student Association.
- Ji Y. Son, professor, Psychology, Cal State Los Angeles.
- Joseph I. Castro, chancellor, California State University.
- Sylvia A. Alva, executive vice chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, California State University
An Engineer Takes the Lead, Helping a Club Reunite
Biomedical engineering student Lauren Barrera Reny is helping the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) take a fresh perspective on supporting its members as the club restarts in-person operations. While the last year and a half has redefined priorities and educational journeys for many, SHPE’s team of officers is focused on blending cornerstone activities with new resources. As president, Reny is establishing four new chair positions this year, including a Wellness Chair to build workshops and resources centered around mental health — an important support structure for students of color, historically underrepresented in the engineering field. SHPE also aims to be more inclusive by reaching out to more students in STEM fields beyond engineering. Reny was initially hesitant about running for president of the organization, but it was her mother's encouragement that made the difference. "My mom was always telling me, ‘Sí, se puede,’” quoting the United Farm Workers of America motto that translates to ‘yes, we can.’ "Although she used to say it for such small things when I was a child, hearing her say those words meant even more to me and gave me the confidence to make this leap of faith.”
Read more about Reny's efforts
Safer Hosts Dating Violence Action Month in October
Join Safer for Dating Violence Action Month 2021: “Our Vibrance Breaks the Silence.” Throughout the month, topics will be centered on raising marginalized voices, identifying paths to healing, and developing strategies for collective action. In collaboration with campus and community partners, Safer will host a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost to domestic violence; a dating and social media workshop, Purple Thursday; weekly outreach booths and Instagram lives; and a collaboration with the Swim and Dive team. The month will culminate in a keynote address on Oct. 28 by Shawn Ginwright, Ph.D., who coined the practice “healing-centered engagement,” a framework that promotes healing from trauma through a holistic and culturally responsive lens.
Learn more, download backgrounds and signatures, and register for events
Student Art Advisory Committee Call for Participation
Campus Health and Wellbeing is redesigning its space to better foster a welcoming, supportive and inclusive community environment. As part of this effort, CHW seeks to install artwork that is representative of the state of California; that is primarily from artists of color or queer or disabled artists; and that is collaboratively curated with students and explores diverse perspectives, identities and experiences. To this end, students are invited to join CHW’s Student Art Advisory Committee to help research artists; identify prints and artwork for potential selection based on the themes of mental health, holistic well-being and physical health; and to advise in the placement and installation within the Campus Health and Wellbeing footprint. CHW seeks four to six students who can meet four times during fall quarter. The first meeting will take place the week of Oct. 18. Participating students will receive a $100 Visa gift card. Interested students should email Kimberli D. Andridge and Catherine Trujillo by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.
National Transfer Student Week to be Held Oct. 18-22
Join the Transfer Center and offices across campus in celebrating National Transfer Student Week, with a week full of events focused on building community, connecting transfers with campus resources, and sharing transfer pride with campus. Save the time and date for the kickoff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, in the UU Plaza, and for Transfer Stories from 2-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, in the Erhart Agriculture Building (No. 10), Room 206.
Check out all the Transfer Week events
Funding Available for Student Research Projects Through Baker/Koob Endowments
Proposals are being accepted for the Baker/Koob Endowments, which support hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for individual students and groups at Cal Poly. This year, approximately $126,000 is available with anticipated funding for 36-48 projects. All students are invited to apply for funding, which may be used for student support, student and faculty travel, student and faculty expenses associated with participation in student research, group projects, conferences, competitions, and equipment and materials related to student research. Completed proposals, including a letter of support from a faculty advisor, are due electronically to Baker/Koob Endowments by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12. Email with any questions.
Join Cal Poly Soccer for Faculty/Staff Appreciation on Oct. 10, 13
In appreciation of everything faculty and staff members do for the university, Cal Poly Athletics is offering four free general admission tickets to the Cal Poly women’s soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 10, and the Cal Poly men’s soccer match on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Both games are at Spanos Stadium, with kickoff for the women’s game set for noon against CSUN, while the men take on Cal State Fullerton at 7 p.m. All faculty and staff can claim their four free tickets to these games by showing their Cal Poly ID at the Cal Poly Ticket Office or at the Spanos Stadium box office on the day of the game. For more information or to purchase tickets to other Cal Poly soccer games, visit www.gopoly.com.
Free Document and Web Accessibility Webinars Set in October
Members of the Cal Poly community can take advantage of free trainings on document and web accessibility in October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Document Accessibility webinars are a high-level introduction to accessibility guidelines and principles and processes used in Word, PowerPoint and Acrobat Pro DC. Over the course of two-hour sessions on Oct. 5 and 12, attendees will review the basics needed to meet legal requirements for electronic documents. The two-hour Web Accessibility webinar on Oct. 19 is a high-level introduction to accessibility guidelines and principles and processes used to create content with a built-in editor. For details and registration links for these free webinars, visit the Ongoing Opportunities section of the Cal Poly Accessibility homepage.
New Look Coming to Duo Mobile App
Duo, Cal Poly's multifactor authentication (MFA) service, will roll out a new user interface the week of Oct. 11. Those who use the Duo mobile app to verify their identity when logging into Cal Poly technology resources will notice that the approval prompt looks slightly different once the app updates. The "approve" button will be on the right side of the screen, instead of the left, and if a user is logging into a resource that's protected by Cal Poly's Single Sign-On (SSO) service, the prompt will ask if you're logging into "Web Login Service." Information Technology Services (ITS) will update MFA Duo articles in the ITS Knowledge Base with new screenshots soon after the new user interface is rolled out, so anyone needing help navigating the new Duo can use the Knowledge Base as a resource.
Technical Service Request Quick Link to be Removed from My Cal Poly Portal Oct. 7
On Thursday, Oct. 7, the Technical Service Request quick link on My Cal Poly Portal under "My Apps" that points to the Service Request System (SRS) will be removed. It will be replaced by a "Tech Support" quick link that points to the ITS Support Center. Only a few types of transactions are still available in SRS, including software downloads and some CMS security permissions requests, which is why the link is being removed. Links to download software and request security permissions for the CMS Human Resources and Common Financial System (CFS) environments in SRS will remain available through the ITS Service Catalog and ITS Knowledge Base. Information Technology Services (ITS) began transitioning away from SRS more than a year ago when the Support Center was launched. In parallel with that transition, IT centralization efforts are well underway, and ITS is working to set up a support model that will serve the entire campus community. Shifting away from the outdated SRS system in favor of the more modern, user-friendly Support Center is a critical component of these efforts.
International Center Seeking Hosts for Local Activities with International Students
The International Center is seeking faculty and staff for the International Poly Hosts Program. Volunteers will host international students for short, cross-cultural day visits that include activities such as hiking, going to the beach, attending a sporting event, or celebrating holidays/family occasions. This program is intended to help international students experience the community outside of the traditional academic setting. Poly Hosts will also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures while sharing their own. Refer to the Poly Hosts Application to learn more about the program and to apply. Interested faculty and staff can contact Bianca Silva, International Student Advisor, with any questions.
Business Writing
CSU Learning and Development presents a series of live online webcasts every month that feature innovative and essential training for employees’ professional and personal success. October’s webcast, "Better Business Writing: Lessons in Power and Persuasion,” will be presented by writing skills trainer, business writer and author Nancy Flynn from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, All faculty, staff and student employees are invited to attend this free webcast.
Learn more or register for this webcast
October Brings New Professional Development Courses
Employee and Organization Development has released the October professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration series. Many of Cal Poly’s and the CSU campuses’ workshops are offered online, providing a unique opportunity to extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. Use the links below to see and register for new courses and additional October dates. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Classes include:
- Mazoezi-African Dance Fitness Class
- Let’s Talk Virtual Interviews
- Strategies for Managing Nerves and Public Speaking
- The Value of Making Values Valuable for You and Your Team
- Understanding and Leveraging Your Strengths
- Avoiding Bias in Hiring
- Train the Trainer
- Positive Psychology
- Resume 101
- Respect in the Workplace
- Leading Without Authority
- Assertive Communication
- Getting My LinkedIn Life Together!
- Onboarding New and Reassigned Employees
- The Five Elements of Well-being
- Exposing Hidden Bias
- Sustainability 101
More classes are coming in November. Check the Upcoming Opportunities page for updates.
Safer to Host Four-Part Book Circle Series for Faculty and Staff
Safer is hosting a book circle in October for faculty and staff on “Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power and Assault on Campus.” To truly prevent violence at Cal Poly, the entire campus community needs to be engaged. Through this four-part book circle series, faculty and staff can learn how they can help transform Cal Poly’s physical and social environments to be violence-free. Registration is limited to 12 participants.
Retired Faculty and Staff Association to Tour Vista Grande Oct. 14
The Retired Faculty and Staff Association will hold a luncheon, informational presentation and guided tour of the newly remodeled Vista Grande Dining Complex from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. The three-story building, located across the street from the Performing Arts Center on Grand Avenue, offers indoor and outdoor seating, six unique dining venues, lounge space and game tables. All of these amenities are housed in a modern building that boasts LEED Gold certification for sustainable, resource-efficient design. The six nutrition-focused restaurants provide fresh, healthy, made-to-order food options for all diets, lifestyles and busy student schedules. Visit the Retired Faculty and Staff Association website for more information, including registration and associated fees.
International Center to Hold Study Abroad Fair Oct. 14
The International Center will host the annual Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, on Dexter Lawn. This year's fair will be a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Students can stop by to talk with International Center representatives and learn about opportunities to go abroad. After the in-person fair on Oct. 14, the International Center will host a series of virtual sessions where students can learn about all the study abroad programs offered and meet representatives from partner programs. Cal Poly has over 500 programs in 75 countries. Programs can help fulfill GE courses, major-related courses, and even offer internships. Study abroad experiences can range from a week to a year. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a new country and make amazing lifelong memories during their college career. This experience also gives students the opportunity to gain skills that are crucial in the global market and extremely valuable to employers.
Learn more about the Study Abroad Fair
Center for Service in Action to Host Fall Volunteer and Service Fair Oct. 19
The Center for Service in Action will host a volunteer and service fair for the Cal Poly community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, on Dexter Lawn. This event is for anyone who has wanted to serve on a board of directors or an advisory committee, or engage in meaningful service at a local nonprofit or governmental agency. Come by the volunteer and service fair to speak to representatives from organizations doing amazing work in San Luis Obispo County. Several community partner agencies will be present to share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students.
Nutrition, Heart, and Gut Health Research Volunteers Needed
Faculty and student researchers from the Food Science and Nutrition Department are looking for postmenopausal women to participate in the "ReCHARGE with Strawberries" project, a research project looking at the impact of strawberries on heart and gut health. Women who participate will be eligible to receive $350, free gut microbiome and heart health assessments, and a free diet consultation driven by participant goals. If you or someone you know may be interested in participating, learn more by calling ext. 6-1175 or emailing the program.
Campus Community Welcome to Participate in Mindfulness Meditation
The Mindfulness Meditation Group will meet this fall in Room 124 of the Erhart Agriculture Building (No. 10) from noon to 1 p.m. every Monday that classes are scheduled. There will also be a Zoom option for those interested in attending virtually. Mindfulness meditation is a non-religious exercise of paying attention to your present-moment experience. Everyone is welcome — faculty, staff and students. No experience is necessary. Two minutes of instruction will precede 30 minutes of silent meditation (with headphones permitted). For more information, email Matthew J. Moore or call ext. 6-2895.
Annual Conference Set for Oct. 13-14 to Focus on Forging New Visions for Equity in the CSU
The Cal Poly community is invited to attend the virtual CSU Student Success Network Conference, “The Time Is Now: Forging New Visions for Equity in the CSU,” on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 13-14. The conference is designed by and for middle leaders and students in the CSU. Its purpose is to advance equitable student success by providing faculty, staff, administrators and students with an annual statewide opportunity to share actionable research, evidence and practices for use or adaptation on individual campuses. The convergence of two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice, has magnified structural inequities in the U.S. and created renewed momentum for immediate change, including in higher education. For this year’s conference, presentations from middle leaders and students across the CSU will focus on their perspectives and experiences in understanding, adapting and innovating to respond to and reduce racial and other inequities at all levels on campus. Registration is free for all CSU faculty, staff, administrators and students.
Learn more and register for the conference
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 dpi 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.