Tickets on Sale for Poly Royal Rodeo
Tickets are available for the 81st annual Poly Royal Rodeo, which will include three nights of action-packed performances at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex on campus during Cal Poly’s Open House. The two-night general admission events will begin Friday, April 14, with the annual Poly Royal Rodeo Performance, and conclude Saturday, April 15, with the Poly Royal Rodeo Finals. Both events start at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a concert. In addition, a Cal Poly Rodeo Showcase and concert will be held for students only at a reduced cost on Wednesday, April 12. The Poly Royal Rodeo is the marquee event on campus during Open House. The event will feature the top collegiate rodeo athletes from around the West Coast who have advanced to the championship performance from the weekend’s earlier rounds. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Cal Poly Rodeo Program.
Get tickets to Poly Royal Rodeo
Cal Poly Earns Sixth “Most Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs” Recognition
ACPA-College Student Educators International and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education recently named Cal Poly one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for the sixth time. The university is among 27 institutions of higher learning to receive the honor in 2023. This year’s honorees were recognized for their focus on workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment, which includes key attributes like family friendliness, salary and benefits, and professional development opportunities. “I am once again honored to receive this award on behalf of our division because it is a direct reflection of our daily work to create a welcoming, inclusive environment,” said Keith Humphrey, vice president for student affairs. “This award is possible because we have amazing staff who are motivated to help each other succeed through our shared values of teamwork, mutual respect and of course, our work in helping students achieve their goals.”
Read the news release on the recognition
RSVP by Feb. 24 for Annual Service Awards
State, Corporation and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2022 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, in the Performing Arts Center Miossi Hall, followed by a reception in the Performing Arts Center Main Lobby. Appetizers will be served. View the program for a complete listing of awardees. All attendees are required to RSVP by Friday, Feb. 24. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. All award recipients will receive an email with a link to RSVP. Contact the committee chair for additional information at [email protected].
Learn more about the annual service awards
Change the Status Quo Feb. 23 Keynote Event to be Postponed
Steven Canals’ visit to Cal Poly on Feb. 23 has been postponed due to speaker illness and will be rescheduled. Canals, an Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning co-creator, executive producer, director and writer of the FX drama series “Pose,” will appear at a future date as the keynote speaker of the 21st annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice and Service Lecture Series. A groundbreaking queer, Afro Latinx creator, Canals recently signed his first deal with 20th Century TV and is developing projects that represent diverse and inclusive voices and stories of historically marginalized communities. The Center for Service in Action, which hosts the annual event, will announce the new date when available. The event aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change.
Learn more about change the status quo
Support Mustangs Struggling with Food Insecurity through Feed Cal Poly
Feed Cal Poly makes it easy for all faculty, staff, students and supporters to donate to Mustangs in need. Food insecurity is a very real and persistent problem on campus. Support of the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative through donations to Feed Cal Poly helps ensure all Mustangs have access to the resources they need to succeed. The Feed Cal Poly website makes donating quick, easy and accessible, with no limit on donation size. Simply login and follow the steps. Students with dining memberships also have the option to donate unused dining dollars through the Mustang Meal Share Program. All donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Watch for the Feed Cal Poly tent at events throughout campus for more ways to get involved and support fellow Mustangs.
Campus Invited to The Vibe: Open Mic Night and Poetry Slam on Feb. 25
The Vibe: Poetry Slam and Open Mic Night is an inaugural communitywide event hosted by the Black Student Union from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the PAC Pavilion. The purpose of this event is to showcase and celebrate Black culture through spoken word and creative expression. Additionally, the BSU wants to create a safe space for members of the San Luis Obispo Black community, allies, and beyond to come together, share powerful stories and create community. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. One performer will take home a grand prize. Questions? Email Nailah DuBose at [email protected].
Business Professor Says Employees Maintain Leverage at the Workplace Despite Recession Fears
While fears of an economic downturn have prompted some workers to prioritize job security over quality-of-life preferences, a professor said employees will continue to have leverage gained during the pandemic — and hybrid work models are here to stay. “I think that we still are in an employee market,” said Allison Ellis, an associate professor of management and human resources in the Orfalea College of Business. “When you zoom out a little bit, there are long-term trends in the labor market that suggest more broadly that it’s still really difficult to find people with qualifications that companies need today.” Ellis, who has researched workplace stress and well-being, said employers were seeking ways to improve worker well-being even before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Student Receives U.S. Department of Transportation Student of the Year Award
Graduate student Peyton Ratto was honored with the Student of the Year award by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Santa Clarita, California, resident was among 34 students nationwide to receive the title. The award was presented in January by U.S. DOT’s University Transportation Centers Program. Each Outstanding Student of the Year honoree is selected based on accomplishments such as technical merit and research, academic performance, professionalism and leadership. Ratto, who is pursuing dual masters’ degrees in civil engineering and city and regional planning, was nominated by civil engineering Professor Anurag Pande, who recognized her exemplary work on the book Pande was writing. Ratto added a section to help non-engineering students succeed in their math, physics and statistics prerequisite courses.
Campus Invited to Feb. 24 Cal Poly Student Research Competition
The campus community is invited to attend the Cal Poly Student Research Competition from 12:30-4:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, and 9:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the Business Building (No. 3), Rooms 111 and 112. In a series of 10-minute oral presentations, undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni from across the colleges will present their research. Members of Cal Poly’s Academic Senate Grants Review Committee will serve as jurors and select 10 student projects to represent the university at the annual CSU systemwide competition April 28-29 at San Diego State. The CSU Student Research Competition is held each spring to promote excellence in scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments across the 23 CSU campuses. Supporters who are unable to attend in person can join via Zoom through meeting ID 850 8277 8192. Note that support for Zoom participants will be limited, as the primary focus of organizers will be on the in-person competition. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Innovation Quest 2023 Applications Due March 17
Faculty and staff who know of students working on innovative projects with market potential can encourage them to apply to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Innovation Quest (iQ) 2023 by Friday, March 17. iQ empowers and supports innovators and entrepreneurs to build interdisciplinary teams to go from ideas to prototypes to companies. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded students from all colleges to showcase what they’ve built, coded, designed or prototyped throughout their efforts at Cal Poly and to get help with funding to turn their ideas into businesses. The winners receive $15,000. Pictured is the 2022 second-place team.
Learn more about Innovation Quest
Students Can Apply by March 17 for 2023-24 #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program
The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is accepting priority applications now through March 17 from students interested in joining its 2023-24 cohort. Created by Gov. Newsom, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps provides more than 6,000 college students throughout the state with service-learning opportunities to address statewide challenges in climate action, K-12 education and food insecurity. The program also provides participating students with up to $10,000, which includes monthly stipends and an award to be used for educational purposes at the conclusion of their service. Among other efforts, Cal Poly’s College Corps fellows contributed to local storm cleanup efforts in January, assisting residents in need in Los Osos and organizations in San Luis Obispo.
Learn more about the college corps program
Submissions Due Feb. 24 for Outstanding Student Employee Recognition
National Student Employment Week is April 4-10. The Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Committee invites faculty and staff to nominate an outstanding student employee to be recognized for their contributions. One outstanding Student Employee of the Year and two runners up will be selected from the nominations and invited to a special lunch in their honor. The committee has simplified the nominating process by requiring a one-page submission letter highlighting the student’s accomplishments. All student employees are eligible for consideration. Faculty and staff may nominate more than one student and may find the NACE core competencies fact sheet useful to assist with submissions. Recognition letters, preferably on department letterhead, are due to Financial Aid ([email protected] or [email protected]) by Friday, Feb. 24. Questions? Contact Barbara Rollins at [email protected].
Applications Open for Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program
![2021 Cal Poly Panetta Intern Desiree Nunes with Secretary Leon Panetta and Mrs. Sylvia Panetta]](/sites/calpoly.edu/files/inline-images/CPR-Panetta-Intern-Desiree-Nunes-Panettas.jpeg)
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program in Washington D.C. Matriculating third- or fourth-year students from any major that meet the program requirements are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Monday, Feb. 27. This prestigious Learn by Doing experience provides an opportunity for students to enhance their education by providing encouragement in the exploration of Congress, civil leadership and community and public service. Once selected, students participate in a two-week training session in August at the Panetta Institute, followed by 11 weeks in Washington, D.C., working in a Capitol Hill office of a California congressional delegation member. The cost of the program is fully funded to allow participation by any qualified student, independent of family income.
Nominations Open for 2022-23 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The award recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong during Fall Conference. One faculty member is recognized annually. Note that the nomination should describe the nominee’s academic advising services, activities and interactions as distinct from the nominee's teaching responsibilities, as well as include any special activities that relate to student development. Faculty, staff and current students are eligible to nominate faculty for this award. However, at least one submission must come from a current student, and no self-nominations will be recognized. Nominations are open and will close at 5 p.m. Monday, March 6. Questions? Contact Shelly Wolf at [email protected].
learn about the outstanding faculty advisory award
Nominations Sought for 2023-24 STEM-NET Faculty Fellow Position
Cal Poly is currently accepting nominations for the 2023-24 STEM-NET faculty fellow position. One faculty member will be put forward for consideration by the CSU STEM-NET Steering Committee. The program provides a summer 2023 stipend of $5,000 and three semester units of assigned time to be used in 2023-24. It is designed to support a faculty fellow to work collaboratively to develop and submit targeted STEM-based proposals; develop educational- and research-based grants with fellow faculty; and help promote a culture of scholarship on campus. Nominees must be a tenure-track or tenured faculty member with a disciplinary association with science, technology, engineering or math and who are active disciplinary and/or pedagogical scholars. The internal deadline for self-nominations is 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27. If nominating another individual, nominations are requested by 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, so that the person nominated has time to respond by the Feb. 27 deadline. Contact Jane Lehr at [email protected] with any questions.
Learn about the STEM-Net faculty fellow position
Learn How to Create a Transfer-Friendly Culture on March 29
Transfer Inclusivity Training is available for all staff, faculty and grad students on campus from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 29. This training is focused on learning about the transfer population at Cal Poly, sharing research on practices for creating transfer inclusive environments and discussing ways to create a transfer-friendly culture. The training will run 90 minutes and includes a short break. Email Heather Domonoske with questions at [email protected].
Register for Transfer Inclusivity Training
Cal Poly Employee Wellness: ‘Why is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?’
Employees are invited to join a student-led employee wellness nutrition session from 11:10 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 2, in the Human Nutrition Lab (No. 11), Room 102. This session is part of a new initiative to support employee health while providing students with valuable Learn By Doing experience under the supervision of nutrition professors and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. The session will discussing why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This session is first come, first serve. Email Anna Cahn ([email protected]) with questions.
RSVP for the Nutrition session
New CSU’s Got Talent Webcasts Announced for 2023
Employee and Organization Development is sharing the 2023 lineup of CSU’s Got Talent webcasts for all faculty, staff and student employees. CSU Learning and Development presents a series of live, online webcasts every month specially designed for the CSU community that feature innovative and essential training for professional and personal success. These free webcasts are led by influential industry leaders closely tied to the CSU campuses, including professional coaches, educators, CEOs, community organizers and psychologists. The 2023 offerings include:
- Stick With It: A Scientifically Proven Process for Changing Your Life — For Good
- Overcoming Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence
- Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Team
- How to Achieve: Peak Productivity Through Strategic Self-care
- The Secret to Getting Along: Three Steps to Creating Better Teams
- Manage Conflict So It Doesn't Manage You: Effective Methods to Reach Positive Outcomes
- Know No Limits: Achieving Successful Change Inevitably Means Overcoming Obstacles
- Psychological Safety: The Key to a Collaborative and Healthy Hybrid Workplace
- Career Management: Being the CEO of Your Life
- Unstoppable Resilience: Avoiding Burnout and Discovering How to Flourish Instead
Miss a webcast? View previous CSU’s Got Talent recordings on the Learning Hub.
Renny Joel Avey, a longtime professor in the Agribusiness Department, passed away on Oct. 31, 2022. He was 75. Avey was born on August 20, 1947, in Burbank, California, to parents Lois and Clarence Avey. He grew up on Long Gulch Ranch in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range near Yosemite National Park and Groveland, California. It was on the ranch that he developed a lifelong passion for nature and a deep spiritual connection to the land. After high school, Avey completed his undergraduate studies at Cal Poly. He earned a master’s degree at Oregon State University and a doctorate at the University of Hawaii. After completing his doctoral degree, he became a tenured professor of agricultural business at Cal Poly, where he taught for 34 years before retiring in 2007. He was well known and well loved in the department by administration, fellow teachers and students alike.
2023 Aspire to Grow Conference to Focus on Perseverance
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is hosting the fifth annual Aspire to Grow Conference, exploring innovation in food, agriculture and natural resources, at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture. The symposium will focus on the theme of perseverance, and the role diversity of thought and experience plays in achieving this. Featured speakers include Kimberly Brown, vice president, company resources at Wonderful Orchards; Boris Coto Calvo, head of field solutions at Bayer Crop Science North America; Alexandra Roberts, food safety manager at Rice Fruit Company; Roxanna Smith, senior relationship manager of Agribusiness, Food and Hospitality at Wells Fargo Bank; and and Heidi Vasseur, senior manager of fertilizer and plant nutrition at Nutrien. The Aspire to Grow Conference aims to inform and empower students from across campus about the many and varied career opportunities in these industries. It also creates a forum for students to learn from and network with companies for which diversity and inclusion are an essential part of their visions. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend.
Learn more about the conference
Celebrate Engineering This Week
The campus community is invited to Engineers Week (E-Week), a national celebration that shines a spotlight on engineering. It is a time to celebrate how engineers make a difference in the world, increase public dialogue about the need for engineers and bring engineering to life for students, educators and parents. Cal Poly's Engineering Student Council has organized a week of engineering events through Saturday, Feb. 25, ranging from Cal Poly Racing cars and coffee to sustainable energy trivia.
Learn About Heart Disease During American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, and University Personnel — Employee Wellbeing is sharing information about heart health with employees. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and many Americans remain at risk, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Heart disease is largely preventable, and focusing on improving heart health has never been more important. “Studies show self-care routines, such as taking a daily walk and keeping doctor’s appointments, help us keep our blood pressure in the healthy range and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke,” said David Goff, M.D., NHLBI’s director of cardiovascular sciences. See this Self-Care Tips for Heart Health fact sheet and visit www.hearttruth.gov to learn more about heart health. For additional well-being tips, review the Wellbeing Toolkit. Contact Lisa Gray at [email protected] for more information.
Biology Department Hosts ‘Evolution Month’ Events in February
The Biology Department is holding its third annual Evolution Month featuring a series of speaker seminars and a culminating event. The series kicked off Feb. 3 and will continue through the month. Remaining events include:
- On Feb. 24, eminent California botanist Bruce Baldwin from UC Berkeley will present “California’s Flora” on the state’s diverse plant life at 3:10 p.m. in Fisher Science Hall (No. 33), Room 286.
- The final event will be an exploration of plant evolution in the new Plant Conservatory (No. 72) at 10 a.m. Feb. 25.
CLA Presents Writers at Work Event on Feb. 28
Join the College of Liberal Arts and the English Department for in-person poetry readings with English Professor Emeritus Kevin Clark and author Marsha de la O at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Science North Building (No. 53), Room 215. This Writers at Work event is free and open to the public. Clark is a recipient of the Pleiades Press Prize and authored “The Consecrations,” and two other books of poetry. de la O is the author of three books of poetry: “Every Ravening Thing,” “Antidote for Night,” and “Black Hope.” She has received fellowships and awards including the Isabella Gardner Award, the New Issues Press Poetry Prize, and the Morton Marcus Poetry Award.
Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert on Feb. 24 to Feature Cuesta College’s Voce
The Winter Jazz Concert will feature guest ensemble Voce, Cuesta College’s vocal jazz group, and world premieres from the Cal Poly jazz program at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Performing Arts Center. Cal Poly’s Jazz Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble (MOSAIC) and Voce will perform works by Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, John Beasley, KNOWER and others. Voce, led by John Knutson, has performed at the American Choral Directors Association National Convention, the Montreux Jazz Festival and the International Association for Jazz Education Convention. Three big band charts will have world premieres: “New Day” by music major Wyatt Willard is an adventurous, odd-metered composition; “Inundación” by mechanical engineering major Bryce Yuen is inspired by salsa music; and “Bishop Peak” by Director of Jazz Studies Arthur White. The groups will combine for the final number, White’s arrangement of the New York Voices’ “Do You Wanna Know What I Want.” Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Get tickets to the winter jazz concert
‘Best of the Fest’ Show Returns to the PAC Feb. 26
SLO Comedy Festival presents the best performers from its annual festival in the “Best of the Fest” show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, in Harold Miossi Hall. The SLO Comedy Festival takes place over four days in nine venues with 20 shows. The premiere festival hosts 40 professional headlining comedians from all over the world, each with varying comedic styles, which guarantees that there will be something for everyone. The show is open to adults 18 and older.
Get tickets to "Best of the Fest"
Theatre and Dance Department Presents Sondheim’s ‘Company’ March 2-4 and 9-11
The Theatre and Dance Department will present the winter 2023 musical production of Stephen Sondheim's "Company” at 8 p.m. March 2-4 and 9-11, and at 2 p.m. March 5, in the Spanos Theatre. This Tony award-winning musical from one of musical theater’s most significant composers of all time examines relationships through the lens of its unmarried protagonist. Featuring many of Sondheim’s best-known songs, “Company” takes the audience on a comedic and heartfelt journey fueled by the complexities of love, commitment and friendship that explores the modern reality of being alive.
March 5 Wind Bands Concert to Feature Cuesta College Wind Ensemble
The Cal Poly Wind Bands Winter Concert will feature the Cuesta College Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 5, in the Performing Arts Center. Titled “Bandemonium,” the concert will be presented by Cal Poly’s Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The program will include Gustav Holst’s “Moorside Suite,” John Williams’ “Evening at Pops” and James Barnes’ “Yama Midori.” Russell Peck’s “Cave” will include staging choreographed Cal Poly Wind Ensemble students. The program will close with all three bands performing Richard Strauss’ “Feierlicher Einzug,” arranged by Cal Poly Director of Bands Emeritus William V. Johnson. The Cal Poly groups are directed by Christopher J. Woodruff and Nicholas P. Waldron, and Jennifer Martin directs the Cuesta Wind Ensemble. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Get tickets to the winter concert
Cal Poly Choirs to Present ‘Heaven and Hell’ Concert March 11
Two Cal Poly Choirs — PolyPhonics and Chamber Choir — will present a concert titled “Heaven and Hell” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, in Mission San Luis Obispo. The concert will feature two major works from both old and new traditions. PolyPhonics will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famous Requiem in D Minor, K 626, from 1791; and the Chamber Choir will perform Herbert Howells’ “Requiem,” which was composed in the 1930s. PolyPhonics will also perform “A Silence Haunts Me” by Jake Runestad; “The Heavens’ Flock” by Ēriks Ešenvalds, which will be conducted by Cal Poly music major Alfred Zoppi; and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” featuring Cal Poly faculty member Amy Goymerac as the vocal soloist. Scott Glysson conducts the choirs, and Paul Woodring accompanies the choirs. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Get tickets to "Heaven and Hell"
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.