Cal Poly President Emeritus Warren J. Baker Has Passed Away
Warren J. Baker, Cal Poly’s president emeritus and its eighth overall and second-longest serving leader, died Friday, Oct. 7. He was 84. Baker’s leadership was instrumental in transforming Cal Poly into one of the highest-ranked public master’s polytechnical institutions in the nation. “The Cal Poly community has lost a true champion of Learn by Doing and a leader who helped architect what our university is today — a campus in high demand among California’s and the nation’s best and brightest students and a producer of thousands of Day-One-ready graduates poised to address the world’s most pressing problems,” Cal Poly President Armstrong said. “While we are tremendously saddened by the passing of Warren Baker, we are so grateful for the 31 years of leadership he provided to Cal Poly.” It was “almost by accident’’ that Baker became a university president, let alone stayed at Cal Poly for 31 years, retiring in 2010. He had served in various capacities as teacher, researcher, engineering practitioner and university administrator for more than 40 years. “I accidentally got into this at a relatively young age, when I tried out being a dean at a college of engineering,” he said in 2010 on the eve of his retirement. “I really thought that I would not stay in the academic world. I didn’t have a plan to be a university president.”
Cal Poly Pier Open House Set for Oct. 29
The Center for Coastal Marine Sciences welcomes everyone to explore the Cal Poly Pier between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Avila Beach. Guests will be able to interact with marine creatures in touch tanks, view tiny marine species through microscopes and learn about whale migrations. Interactive displays will offer insights into scientific studies conducted by Cal Poly researchers and students on protection of local ocean ecosystems, sustaining fisheries, mapping currents and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras for photos of sea creatures and the incredible views of San Luis Bay. To best prepare, guests should be aware the pier with grating is 1.2 miles round trip. Closed-toe walking shoes are required (flip-flops or heels prohibited) and visitors should bring their own water bottles. Pets must be left at home (only ADA service dogs permitted).
Learn more about the open house
Safer Hosts Dating Violence Action Month
Join Safer and Lumina Alliance this October for Dating Violence Action Month, with the theme of “We Deserve.” In all our relationships, we deserve respect, equity, honesty, bodily autonomy, independence, boundaries, healing, joy and more. Highlighted events include weekly informal Lunch and Learns at various lawns across campus for all Cal Poly community members; engaging student workshops and booths; collaborative SLO community events; and continuous education and giveaways on Instagram @calpolysafer.
New Mustang Shuttle App Makes Catching a Ride Even Easier
Catching a ride on the Mustang shuttle is even easier this fall following the release of a new Mustang Shuttle app. The app allows users to track the location and times of the shuttles as they make their routes across campus. ASI, the University Union Advisory Board, University Housing and the Cal Poly Corporation partnered with Public Safety to extend the Mustang Shuttle Service with new daytime hours this fall. Mustang Shuttle runs during the day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and in the evening from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily, not including academic holidays or breaks. Riders can download the free Mustang Shuttle mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Learn by Doing Research Showcase, Receptions set for Oct. 14
Faculty, staff and students are invited to learn about 75 summer research projects during the 2022 SURP+ Symposium from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. The event will be held in the Engineering Plaza, near the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7). In conjunction with the poster symposium, Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education (R-EDGE) invites the campus community, including faculty, staff, student presenters and their supporters, to enjoy light refreshments in the ATL from 2-4 p.m., with formal remarks at 3 p.m. Faculty and staff are invited to join a beer and wine reception in the Bonderson Projects Center (No. 197, Room 107) from 4-6 p.m., with formal remarks at 4:30 p.m. Student poster presenters worked alongside faculty and community partners throughout the summer, resulting in student-faculty co-authored publications and university, industry and community collaborations. Students will present their research findings during the symposium, jointly organized by the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts, Orfalea College of Business and Office of Student Research in collaboration with LSAMP B2B California Central Coast Community College Collaborative. Additional support is provided by R-EDGE and the CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM Program at Cal Poly. Visit surp.calpoly.edu or email [email protected] for more information about the symposium. Email [email protected] with questions about the receptions.
Baker/Koob Endowment Funds Available for Student Research
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 $65,000 is available with anticipated funding for 18-24 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 [email protected] by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15. Email [email protected] with any questions. In the photo, civil engineering student and 2021-22 Baker/Koob Grant Recipient Corinne Watson and Professor Amro El Badawy are researching new methods for carbon capture.
Celebrate National Transfer Student Week 2022
Join the Transfer Center and offices across campus in celebrating National Transfer Student Week from Oct. 17-21. The week will be full of events focused on building community, connecting transfers with campus resources and sharing transfer pride with campus. Check out all the events on the Transfer Center website and share widely with any transfer students. Staff and faculty are encouraged to stop by the “Who Are Transfers?” booth on Dexter Lawn from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, and attend Transfer Stories from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in the Cerro Vista Community Center.
New Human Resources Director Joins CPC
Following a months-long nationwide search, the Cal Poly Corporation has a new Human Resources director who brings more than a decade's worth of corporate experience and is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher. Tiffany Kramlich started her role with CPC on Sept. 26. Along with her experience as an HR director of national and global companies, she has worked extensively with executive leaders and leadership teams to drive business transformation and growth through innovative people practices. “Learning about the ideas and plans that our leadership team have visioned for the Corporation, and how they want to grow and increase the positive impact to the campus, immediately drew me to this position,” Kramlich said. “I couldn’t be more excited to start my role in that vision.” Prior to joining CPC, she served as global human resources director for a number of international companies, including ECOLAB and HB Fuller, most recently filling that role for Land O’Lakes. Kramlich has an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
Open Enrollment Ends Oct. 14
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is employees’ annual opportunity to review, enroll, cancel or make changes to their health, dental, vision, flexcash, dependent care reimbursement account, health care reimbursement account or voluntary benefits plans to be effective January 2023. Open enrollment details are available on the Open Enrollment webpage, including information on how to make changes. Changes must be complete by Friday, Oct. 14.
Nominations Open for the Distinguished Scholarship Award
The Distinguished Scholarship Award is intended to recognize the scholarship, research and creative activity of both junior and senior faculty across all disciplines represented at Cal Poly. Faculty are encouraged to nominate their fellow faculty members for this award and let their students know that they can also submit nominations. Nominations are due by Oct. 28. See the Distinguished Scholarship Award website for more information, and contact the Academic Senate Office at 756-1258 or [email protected] with any questions.
Safer Hosts Fall Quarter Book Circle
Safer is committed to engaging every discipline on campus in the work of violence prevention and trauma-informed response. To do this, Safer has developed the Safer Learning Community, with quarterly book circles specifically geared to empower faculty and staff to join this work alongside Safer. The Fall Quarter Book Circle is “The Body Keeps the Score,” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Sessions will take place from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays starting Oct. 19 through Nov. 16.
Spots Still Available, New Dates for Examining Whiteness Foundational Series
Staff and faculty are invited to sign up for "Examining Whiteness,” a program inspired by Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE). This six-week program will meet from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays from Oct. 18-Nov. 15 and Nov. 29. Participants must be able to commit to attending at least five sessions. The Examining Whiteness foundational series is designed as a first step for white educators toward engaging in critical reflection on whiteness and working toward antiracism. The series is open to individuals at all levels of learning in their personal journey toward better understanding whiteness in their personal and professional lives. Contact Sarah Macdonald, assistant director/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Instruction, in the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, with any questions.
A Better Way to Buy is Coming to Cal Poly
The CSUBUY Marketplace update in July 2020 was the first step in transforming the way the CSU manages the Source-to-Pay process at Cal Poly. This change created a foundation for the university’s upcoming implementation of automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders and accounts payable functionality with integration into the Common Financial System (CFS). Trainings will be offered leading up to the CSUBUY launch in fall 2023 to help Cal Poly community members prepare for this new, more efficient process. More information is forthcoming.
Get a Password Manager Today to Remain Cybersecure
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Information Technology Services is sharing information this week with faculty and staff about managing numerous passwords. Doing so securely is challenging without using a password manager to help create and manage strong, unique and secure passwords. Cal Poly provides LastPass for faculty and staff to manage their professional accounts. Free access is also available to LastPass Premium or LastPass Families (for up to five users) for their personal use. LastPass can help streamline workflows by securely managing login information for all online accounts with a single password. Cal Poly also offers LastPass Premium for students at no cost.
Faculty, Staff Invited to Take Cal Poly Employee Health and Wellness Survey
Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in a survey assessing employee health and wellness. The anonymous survey, supported by University Personnel and Campus Health and Wellbeing, and deployed by faculty in the Food Science and Nutrition Department, will give valuable insight into the health of Cal Poly employees and will help inform future programming aimed at helping faculty and staff lead healthier lives. The survey will take about 30-40 minutes. Participants can pause and resume the survey at any time. Employees who provide their name and Cal Poly email will be entered into gift card drawings. Contact Anna Cahn with questions.
BEACoN Research Faculty Mentor Applications Due Oct. 14
The BEACoN Research Mentoring Program, run by the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, exists to educate, empower and advocate for underrepresented students and provide them with funded undergraduate research opportunities working one-on-one with faculty. Students typically spend about 10 hours a week with their faculty mentor during winter and spring. OUDI is accepting applications for faculty mentors (tenure-track and lecturers) until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 — note, the deadline has been extended. Research proposals on all topics are welcome, though a focus on diversity, equity and/or inclusion will be considered a strength. Selected faculty will receive $1,000 per winter/spring quarters ($2,000 total) via Faculty Service payment (taxed) for their mentoring efforts, both in research and professional development. Students will receive $1,800 per winter/spring quarters ($3,600 total) via financial aid. Matches will be finalized by the end of fall quarter, with research mentorships during winter and spring 2023. Learn more on the BEACoN Mentors website, and email Kelly Bennion, associate professor in the Psychology and Child Development Department and research fellow with the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, with questions.
PeopleSoft Upgrade: Several Applications Unavailable Oct. 21-23
The Student Administration, HR Administration and Student Center applications — accessed through the My Cal Poly Portal — will be unavailable from 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, through noon Sunday, Oct. 23, due to a required upgrade to the PeopleSoft system. During the maintenance window, links in the “Employee Info” and “Personal Info” sections of the “Personal Info” tab on the portal will also be unavailable. This upgrade is required to ensure that Cal Poly stays up to date with security patches and bug fixes. Additionally, this upgrade will feature PeopleSoft Fluid interface (similar to CSU Financial Administration) to provide better user experiences in modern responsive browsers. Questions or need help? Contact the ITS Service Desk at ext. 6-7000 or [email protected].
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in October and November
University Personnel has worked with Cal Poly’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- Healthy Remedies for Managing Stress: Understand everyday stress and healthy ways to manage stress levels. This session will cover sources and symptoms of stress, attitudes, gaining perspective and relaxation. Oct. 20 at noon.
- First Aid Kit for the Mind: Whether you are concerned about yourself, family or friend, everyone is subject to emotional upset. This workshop will include maintaining mental fitness, warning signs of mental illness and common emotional concerns. Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.
Contact Lisa Gray at [email protected] for more information on well-being workshops.
CSU’s Got Talent Offers October Webcast ‘Unleashing Your Greatness’
Cultural Intelligence Center will present a webcast, “Unleashing Your Greatness: Five Keys to Being Extraordinary.” Discover sensible, gradual keys that will help activate your personal excellence while simultaneously improving both your leadership and organization skills. The webcast will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. Register through the Learning Hub at Unleashing Your Greatness: Five Keys to Being Extraordinary.
University Advising Staff to Present on Student Retention Oct. 13
The campus community is invited to the third annual CSU Student Success Network Conference, which will be held virtually Oct. 12-14. The conference, “Sustaining Momentum for Equity and Change in the CSU,” will bring together faculty, staff, administrators and students from across the CSU to share strategies about how to sustain momentum to advance equitable student learning and success. A session from 2:45-4:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, “Active/Not Enrolled: A student-centered, data-driven approach to retention and re-engagement outreach,” will include a presentation by Cal Poly’s retention team, including Lead Retention Specialist Charlotte Rinaldi and Retention Specialists Katie McGuire, Tiffany Kwapnoski and Jacob Campbell. Last year over 340 students, faculty, staff and administrators participated in the conference, representing every campus and the Chancellor’s Office. The conference is planned and managed by the CSU Student Success Network, which is housed at Sacramento State. Registration is free.
Join Campus Dining for ‘Festi-Ful’ on Oct. 19
Join Campus Dining for “Festi-Ful” — the ultimate fall festival — on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Festi-Ful is designed to celebrate all things fall and build connections through food with our students and local farmers. Activities will include an on-campus Farmers Market, cider tastings, fall photo opportunities and so much more! Festi-Ful will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Campus Market and will then continue into the evening at Vista Grande from 5-9 p.m. Check out all of Cal Poly’s Festi-Ful activities on the Festi-Ful event page.
University Art Gallery to Exhibit ‘Mixtape’ by Los Angeles-Based Artists’ Collective
University Art Gallery presents “Mixtape,” an exhibition featuring 11 artists from the L.A. chapter of Tiger Strikes Asteroid, from Oct. 6-28. A gallery reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20, with an artist talk at 6 p.m. “Mixtape” is a group exhibition composed of members from the Los Angeles chapter of Tiger Strikes Asteroid, an artist-run collective of five spaces in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Greenville, South Carolina. Featured artists include Carl Baratta, Vanessa Chow, Ricardo Harris-Fuentes, Ichiro Irie, Brittany Mojo, Liz Nurenberg, Alisa Ochoa, Alex Paik, Kari Reardon, Jackie Rines and Katya Usvitsky. The University Art Gallery is open free to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in the Dexter Building (No. 34).
‘Carousel’ to be Performed by OperaSLO Oct. 15-16 at the PAC
Opera San Luis Obispo will bring the Tony-winning Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel” to the PAC at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 in Miossi Hall. Voted the “best musical of the 20th century” by Time Magazine, “Carousel” has moved audiences for decades, exploring themes of love, resilience and the power of forgiveness. Don’t miss the iconic score featuring songs like “If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” performed by an acclaimed cast accompanied by a live orchestra. Tickets can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, by calling 805-756-4849 or by going online on the PAC website.
Music Department to Host andPlay on Oct. 20
The Music Department will host andPlay — Maya Bennardo, violin, and Hannah Levinson, viola — for a talk and concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. Titled “Collaborating with Technology,” the presentation will feature pieces the duo commissioned by Bethany Younge, Lester St. Louis and David Bird that showcase three different ways of incorporating technology into performance. Based in New York City, Bennardo and Levinson first played to an eager crowd on Fire Island in the summer of 2012 and have since commissioned more than 40 works. More information about the free presentation and the duo is on the Music Department’s calendar website. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Music Faculty Showcase Set for Oct. 21 During Mustang Family Weekend
Music faculty will present a showcase recital at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. The event is part of Mustang Family Weekend and will feature several of the department’s applied faculty who are recognized across the region for their expertise. James Bachman, guitar, Keith Waibel, bass clarinet and W. Terrence Spiller, piano, will perform solos. Several faculty members have been collaborating and will perform in duos and chamber ensembles, including Lisa Nauful, bassoon; Richard Dobeck, clarinet; Paul Woodring, piano; Katherine Arthur, soprano; Heidi Butterfield Yi, oboe; Amy Goymerac, soprano; Mark Miller, trombone; Christopher J. Woodruff, trumpet; and John Astaire, percussion. Nauful will be joined by 2017 Music Department graduate Emelia Banninger on bassoon. Banninger studied with Nauful while she was a student at Cal Poly. For information, visit the Music Department’s faculty website or call ext. 6-2406. Admission is $10 general and $5 for students, and will be charged at the door.
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 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 includes 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.
Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar.
Visit Cal Poly Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more
Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by visiting the new Cal Poly Now.