Annual Teach-In Moved to May 9
The eighth Social Justice Teach-In has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 9. The annual event is a daylong series of talks and workshops by and for the Cal Poly community, centered around equity and social justice. It is hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Office of University Diversity and Inclusion. More than 50 workshops led by faculty, staff and students from across campus were selected from the proposals this year. The event will still include in-person and virtual presentations and will also encourage local residents and Cal Poly alumni to join the conversations.
Stay tuned for more info on the Eighth annual Teach-in
Cal Poly Receives STARS Gold Rating for Sustainability
Cal Poly has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in recognition of sustainability achievements. Earning a score of 75.14%, Cal Poly is now the third highest-ranked campus in the 23-campus CSU, behind California State Polytechnical University, Humboldt and Chico State University. Notably, the 2023 report marks a significant improvement over the university’s 70.16% score from 2019. The university was recognized for its progress on a number of fronts, including:
- Integrating sustainability strategies throughout the 2035 Campus Master Plan.
- Completing a comprehensive Utility Master Plan (with a strong focus on carbon reduction and electrification strategies).
- Updating the campus Climate Action Plan to accelerate the path to carbon neutrality.
- Updating greenhouse gas inventory showing campus has reduced total Scope I, II and III emissions by over 14% since 1990 (despite campus more than doubling its building square footage and on-campus residency over that time).
- Completing a 430-kilowatt solar power system at the yakʔitʸutʸu student housing complex.
- Creating a High-Performance Buildings policy to guide design and construction of low-carbon, life-cycle optimized facilities using the LEED certification framework.
The list doesn’t end there. STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. The ranking is valid through November 2026.
See Cal Poly’s STARS report
Public Safety Promotion Targets Campus Safety on Valentine’s Day and Beyond
As the campus is in motion Valentine’s Day, take a moment to share the love with peers and others by slowing down for safety. Due to Cal Poly’s hilly topography, skateboards, scooters and similar micro-mobility devices are not allowed on campus because of safety concerns. Complaints from the campus community about collisions, near collisions and close calls between those on foot and those on wheels have increased over the last year. Cal Poly Public Safety has some advice about getting around, from the UU to the Engineering Plaza and the Green House to the Grand Avenue Parking Structure without micro-mobility devices:
- Bikes are a great way to avoid parking fees and squeeze in some exercise.
- Mustang Shuttle is an easy way to leave the driving to someone else while people watching.
- Get your steps in by walking; hills provide great cardio training.
- And Public Safety also offers some common safety reminders:
- Look both ways before crossing.
- Follow posted traffic signs.
- Wear a helmet.
- Make yourself visible.
Campus roads are shared by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians, all trying to get to destinations safely and on time. Looking out for others means sharing the road safely and sharing the love — on Feb. 14 and beyond — with fellow campus denizens.
How A Career Curveball Started Netflix
Cal Poly alumna Christina Kish, co-founder and vice president of Merchandising for Netflix, will speak on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 11:10 a.m. to noon in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7). The talk will also be available virtually on Zoom. Kish, who earned a degree in business administration from Cal Poly and an MBA from Golden Gate University, has over 30 years of success within software, retail, entertainment and e-commerce industries. During the moderated discussion, she will discuss entrepreneurship, business development, her role at streaming-giant Netflix and how there is no single career path. At Netflix, which has over 260 million subscribers, she played an integral role in creating and launching the popular digital entertainment content network and was directly responsible for developing content and usability for the site, was instrumental in acquiring and retaining customers with user experience strategies to convert trial members into subscribers, and led efforts in promotions and increasing lifetime value for customers. A Q&A session will follow where attendees can question Kish about her experience working in startups, navigating career shifts and beyond. This event is co-sponsored by the Leadership and Service Department, Cal Poly Scholars, Educational Opportunity Program and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Lunch will be provided to in-person attendees. The event is hosted by Career Services.
Learn more about the event
Cal Poly Alumna, Architectural Historian to Speak Feb. 22 on Preservation in San Simeon
Architectural historian and Cal Poly alumna Amber Long will give a talk titled “Beyond Hearst Castle: The History of the San Simeon Townsite” on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 11:10 a.m. to noon in Room 102 of the Baker Center for Science and Math (No. 180). Long (Political Science, ’03; M.A., History, ’15) will share her experiences working locally in historic preservation, as well as recent work done in San Simeon to restore Sebastian’s General Store, California State Historic Landmark 726, the oldest store building along the north coast of San Luis Obispo County. It was built in the 1850s and moved a half-mile east to 442 San Simeon Road in 1878. It was operated by the Sebastian family for over half a century. Long is a principal architectural historian and founder of Long Historic Preservation Services LLC. She has spent the past 11 years working in cultural resources management, primarily with historic buildings. This free public event is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and the History Department.
Read more about the San Simeon talk
2024 Aspire to Grow Conference Returns Feb. 28
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is hosting the sixth annual Aspire to Grow Conference, exploring innovation in food, agriculture and natural resources, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 3:30 p.m. at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture (No. 156). Featured speakers include:
- Monica Chacòn-Baucke, senior strategic inclusion manager at Nutrien.
- Gina Bella Colfer, sustainable solutions manager at Wilbur-Ellis.
- Jonnalee Dunn, growth and development manager at Henderson Farms Inc.
- Rob Goff, vice president, West Valley Farming, and research and development at Wonderful Orchards.
- Joelle Mosso, vice president, science programs at Western Growers Association.
- Katie Tougeron, Asia regional business manager, global launch manager at Valent BioSciences.
- Blong Xiong, state executive director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.
The Aspire to Grow Conference aims to inform and empower students from across campus about the many and varied career opportunities in these industries. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend.
Learn More about the Aspire to Grow Conference
Campus Beautification Initiative: Utility Box Art Application Deadline Extended
Applications are being accepted for the Utility Box Art Project, a campus beautification initiative transforming utility boxes into works of public art to enhance the vibrancy of the campus and showcase local talent. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to email an application by Friday, March 1, to [email protected]. Selected artists will be notified in March and will receive a $250 VISA gift card to cover necessary materials. Pictured: Chet Crummett, an architectural engineering senior, and his utility box artwork.
Find Utility Box Art Project guidelines and application
A Taste of the World to Serve Up Delicious Cuisine Feb 28
The flavors of the world will come to campus Wednesday, Feb. 28, as the International Center hosts the 9th annual Taste of the World, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the green outside the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180). The campus community is invited to this free event, which features cuisines from South Korea, Jordan, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and Germany, along with cultural dance performances and the chance to win prizes. Embark on a tasty culinary and educational journey while learning about programs offered through the International Center. Recipes are curated and prepared by students enrolled in FSN 344: Quantity Food Production in the Food Science and Nutrition Department and country-specific brochures will be presented by RPTA 412: Agritourism students in the Experience Industry Management Department.
Learn more about the Ninth annual Taste of the World
Cal Poly Crowdfunding Applications Due by March 1
Cal Poly-affiliated organizations, programs and departments are invited to submit Crowdfunding applications for a chance to be selected for this year’s Poly Gives! fundraising outreach. Space is limited, so submit an application today! Cal Poly Crowdfunding is a place where the campus community can harness the power of crowdfunding to turn many smaller gifts into big opportunities, such as money for events, expenses and other financial burdens. Cal Poly Crowdfunding campaigns typically last 30 days. To qualify, projects must be sponsored by a department and/or organization and approved and sponsored by a faculty member or advisor. Projects will launch April 11 during Poly Gives weekend and run through May 15.
Apply Today for Cal Poly Crowdfunding
March Fourth with Cal Poly Partners
To celebrate Cal Poly Partners’ new name, the campus community is invited to March Fourth with Cal Poly Partners. On March 4, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cal Poly Partners will host the campus community at 1901 Marketplace to celebrate with the Cal Poly Marching Band, a ribbon cutting for the new dining facility and a partner fair where students, faculty and staff can learn more about the impact that the organization has had on the campus over the past 80 years, and the work that is currently being done to create a better Cal Poly experience for everyone. Formerly known as the Cal Poly Corporation, the organization recently changed its name to Cal Poly Partners to help better reflect its work, vision and mission to be the most impactful Cal Poly partner.
Apply for 2023-24 Learn by Doing Scholar Awards by March 8
The deadline to submit faculty applications for the 2023-24 Learn by Doing Scholar Awards is 5 p.m. Friday, March 8. The awards will be presented at the Fall Convocation in September. The two awards given, which include $2,000 prizes, recognize faculty contributions that demonstrate the impact of Cal Poly’s educational approach, translate conventional learning into practice and make a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Faculty from all disciplines are welcome to apply, and team applications are welcome and may include Cal Poly staff and students. Faculty self-nominate and directly submit applications online to be reviewed by a faculty committee with representatives from each college and Kennedy Library. Pictured: Biological sciences Associate Professor Alejandra Yep, far right, and liberal studies Assistant Professor Jasmine Nation with President Armstrong after receiving the 2023 Learn by Doing Scholar Award last September.
For more info about the Learn by Doing Scholar Awards and the application
Womxn in Facilities Faculty and Staff Association Launches
Staff, faculty and students are invited to join the new Womxn in Facilities Faculty and Staff Association. FSAs are social and community-building groups that host a variety of events, programs and initiatives, including socials, social justice efforts, mentoring opportunities with students, educational opportunities and more. Womxn in Facilities seeks to bring together womxn to become a greater force within the facilities management industry and beyond. “We are focused on supporting womxn to maximize their networks, develop career growth and increase their opportunities,” organizers said. “You’re invited to join us in building community, sharing project successes, growing your professional network, or simply mentoring and supporting other womxn across the industry.” Questions? Email [email protected].
Faculty and Staff Mortgage Assistance Program Now Available
Cal Poly Corporation (CPC) recently launched a mortgage assistance program to help faculty and staff members purchase a home on campus. At the Oct. 26 CPC board of directors meeting, the board approved an agreement with SESLOC Federal Credit Union to create the framework of a lending program that provides mortgage assistance for faculty and staff who are looking to purchase resale units in the Bella Montana community on Paseo Bella Montana off of Highland Drive or the new Vista Meadows development at Slack Street and Grand Avenue. The program aims to help employees purchase on-campus homes with no down payment nor need for private mortgage insurance, needed if a borrower takes out a conventional loan with a down payment of less than 20 percent of the purchase price. The program involves home buyers obtaining a first mortgage for 80% of the purchase price and a second mortgage for the remainder of the purchase price. Under the terms of the program, standard SESLOC market interest rates would be available for first mortgages, with no pricing premium related to the program. In addition, second mortgage interest rates would be the same as the first mortgage rates, which is a significant benefit to Cal Poly employees. Interested faculty and staff should email Cherise Long ([email protected]) at SESLOC.
ReusePass Debuts at 1901 Marketplace
Campus Dining has partnered with ReusePass, a sustainability program offering diners the choice of ordering food in a reusable to-go container. This greatly reduces resource consumption on campus while diverting single-use containers from landfills. Students, faculty and staff now can order on the Grubhub App and select through the modifiers to have their meal served in a reusable container at 1901 Marketplace’s Pom & Honey and Picos. Used containers must be returned for cleaning within 10 days to the marked ReusePass receptacles at 1901. Last year, students across the nation participating in the Reuse Program helped divert more than 13,500 pounds of waste from landfills, conserved more than 85,000 gallons of water and saved nearly 90,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Campus Dining is proud to be a part of this effort.
Learn more about the ReusePass
Mustang Marching Band to Perform in Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco on Feb. 24
The Mustang Band will appear for the ninth time in the Alaska Airlines Chinese New Year Parade — named by the International Festivals and Events Association’ as one of the top 10 parades in the world — on Saturday, Feb. 24, in San Francisco. The band first performed along the 1.3-mile-length of the parade in 2014 and was among 15 marching bands that participated. It has received first place in the adult marching bands category multiple times, most recently in 2023. This year’s parade in celebration of the Wood Dragon will begin at 6 p.m. The band’s more than 220 members are from academic disciplines across the campus. At 3 p.m., the band will continue the tradition of performing with the UC Davis Marching Band in front of the landmark Ferry Building. The event will be broadcast live on KTVU Fox 2 and streamed live from the parade’s Facebook page.
Watch a Pod of Humpbacks Surprise Student Research Team
In Cal Poly's latest Learn by Doing video, see marine science students Adelle Wilkin and Sophie Short take an unforgettable trip from Avila Beach with a few unexpected guests: a pod of hungry humpback whales. Wilkin and Short have been working with Professor Maddie Schroth-Glanz in the marine bioacoustics lab in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics on a long-term research project to expand current marine mammal monitoring along the Central Coast. While scientists are doing similar work at marine sanctuaries at the Channel Islands and Monterey Bay, there's a need to fill the gap with local data. Learn about the research and spot a few whales in this new video, and read the students' essay in Cal Poly Magazine.
Safer Offers Series of Trauma-Informed Workshops in February and March
Safer invites faculty and staff to attend a series of virtual trauma-informed workshops in February and March:
- Content Warnings: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2:10-3 p.m.
This workshop discusses content warnings and their effectiveness vs. their potential to cause harm. Participants will have the chance to examine the impact of putting these warnings on their materials and consider multiple perspectives. - Supporting Survivors of Gender- and Power-Based Violence: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 11:10 a.m. to noon
An hourlong workshop on how to best support students and colleagues who have experienced sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, harassment or exploitation. - The Value of an Advocate: Friday, March 15, 10:10-11 a.m.
This workshop explores the ways that our state-certified advocates can serve our campus partners and positively impact the survivor experience at Cal Poly.
Learn more and sign up for a workshop
CSUBUY to Go Live March 26; In-Person Q&A Set for Feb. 28
CSUBUY — the public bid portal of the California State University — is scheduled to launch at Cal Poly in late March. An open forum about the launch will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 9:30-11 a.m. in UU 220. The forum will also include a procure-to-pay team panel and question-and-answer session. Sign-ups for in-person training will begin at the open forum. The new process will bring automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders and AP functionality with integration into the Common Financial System. CSUBUY provides a listing of open, closed and awarded formal solicitations for goods and services across the system’s 23 campuses and the Office of the Chancellor. Virtual and in-person trainings for CSUBUY will be available in March in advance of the startup on Tuesday, March 26. In-person training for campus requestors and approvers will take place Wednesday, March 13, and Friday, March 15, in UU 220. Two Zoom virtual training sessions will be held for campus requestors and approvers: a morning session Tuesday, March 19, and an afternoon training Thursday. March 21. Times of those will be announced soon. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 6-2232.
‘Blindspot’ Among Spring Quarter Book and Learning Circle Offerings for Employees
Employee and Organization Development announces its spring quarter Book and Learning Circles. Register below or add your name to the waitlist for future sessions:
Book Circles
Read and discuss over three to four sessions:
- “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.
- “Blindspot” by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald.
- “Anatomy of a Breakthrough” by Adam Alter.
Learning Circles
Watch a video or other media and discuss during a single session:
- “ChatGPT's astonishing potential” by Greg Brockman.
- “When to take a stand — and when to let it go” by Ash Beckham.
- “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor.
To read book descriptions and register
Faculty and Staff Invited to Tour Career Services and DRC on Feb. 21
Faculty and staff are invited to a Career Services and Disability Resource Center (DRC) tour and discussion on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Learn how Career Services and the DRC collaborate to help faculty and staff serve students effectively. The tour will begin in the Student Services Building (No. 124) Conference Room , Room 117, with a brief presentation by Career Services.The structure, across from Spanos Stadium on the western edge of campus, also contains the professional wardrobe closet, interview rooms, quiet study places, a testing center and more. The session will conclude in the Conference Room with a brief DRC presentation. This event is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
Peace Ambassador and Observer Virtual Training Offered Feb. 27
The Dean of Students office is offering Peace Ambassador and Observer training from 11:10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 27, conducted virtually via Zoom. Occasionally, campus organizations host controversial events that draw protestors and demonstrators, making it essential to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of these gatherings. Peace ambassadors assist in safety matters during social action, protests and demonstrations, potentially engaging with participants to defuse situations when safe to do so, providing support, answering questions about logistics and safety, and facilitating communication with campus administration or law enforcement. Observers, on the other hand, play a neutral and impartial role, attending events where conflicts might arise, reporting objectively and inadvertently contributing to a calming effect through their presence. Questions? Contact the Dean of Students office ([email protected]).
Register for Peace Ambassador and Observer Training
Deadline for Continuing Instructionally Related Activities Proposals is March 1
The deadline to submit proposals for continuing Instructionally Related Activities for the 2024-25 academic year is Friday, March 1. Proposals are due to Dean’s offices and the Vice President for Student Affairs office by that date. IRAs are extracurricular “out-of-class experiences” that provide enrichment and enhance student learning, including the Concrete Canoe Team (pictured). IRA funds cannot be used to pay for specific projects or field trips as part of an academic course. Demand for funding typically exceeds available funds, so recognition as an IRA does not guarantee funding. Questions or assistance? Email Jessica Carson ([email protected]).
Find forms, instructions, videos and other info
University Personnel Offers Wellbeing Workshops in February and March
University Personnel – Employee Wellbeing has worked with the university’s Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, to offer upcoming synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
- Assertive Communication, Thursday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m.
Improve effective communication styles. This session will discuss four styles of interpersonal behavior, assertive versus aggressive communication, self-esteem, how to address conflict, how to set boundaries and tips for effective workplace communication. - Creating a Healthy Mind: Addressing Burnout, Wednesday, March 6, at 2 p.m.
Burnout leaves workers exhausted, detached from work and inefficient in all areas of their lives. Foster burnout recovery by creating a healthy mindset, increasing flexibility and adapting to stress. Learn to cultivate mindful habits, build resilience through managing energy and increase emotional intelligence through self-awareness, self-management and empathy. - Problem Solving, Thursday, March 7, at 11 a.m.
Identify how people process thoughts and approach problem-solving, and become familiar with other approaches that can expedite problem-solving abilities. The workshop will show attendees how to become familiar with how they deal with problems, their thinking style, and the steps in problem-solving and solution-development.
Contact Lisa Gray for more information on well-being workshops
Equity-Minded Pedagogy Workshop Signups Open for Faculty; Workshop Opens March 4
The Equity-Minded Pedagogy Workshop, offered through the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, gives faculty an opportunity to bring institutional data, human-centered design and equity-mindedness to teaching practices with the goal of eliminating equity gaps and improving completion rates. Participants in this virtual workshop experience will be supported by CTLT facilitators as they experience being part of a community of practice along with faculty from multiple other CSU campuses. The workshop opens Monday, March 4, with synchronous online sessions on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. All faculty —tenured, tenure-track and lecturers — are welcome to apply. Enrollment is limited to 30. Those who complete the workshop series will receive a $1,000 stipend. The deadline to register is 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23.
For more information and to register for the Pedagogy workshop
Lower Heart Disease Risk During American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, and University Personnel encourages a focus on heart health. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and many Americans are at risk, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Fortunately, the disease is largely preventable. “Studies show self-care routines, such as taking a daily walk and keeping doctors’ appointments, help us keep our blood pressure in the healthy range and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke,” said David Goff, NHLBI’s director of cardiovascular sciences and a physician. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips to prevent heart disease. The NHLBI also shares heart-healthy recipes. See this Self-Care Tips for Heart Health fact sheet. Consider doing something new to improve heart health awareness or routines in February. Contact Lisa Gray ([email protected]) for more information.
Learn more about heart health
Edgar “Ed” Carnegie, who headed the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department from 1982 to 1995 and helped make it what it is today, died peacefully Jan. 19 at his Cayucos home under the loving care of his wife, Mary Ann. Carnegie was 90. Born Feb. 11, 1934, in Santa Monica, he was a humble, hardworking, creative and dedicated individual who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Raised in Orange County on a goat dairy, he and his family moved to the Central Coast for him to attend Cal Poly, where he majored in agricultural engineering. Carnegie had a successful 33-year career as a tenured agricultural engineering professor. Among his accomplishments: He founded the Swanton Pacific Historical Railroad Society and served as director and treasurer for 28 years; started the Los Osos 4-H; and served for 24 years as commanding officer of the Naval Reserves in San Luis Obispo. Carnegie and his wife founded the Mary Ann and Ed Carnegie Scholarship at Cal Poly in 2007 to support BRAE and agricultural systems management students. A memorial service will be held Monday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Cayucos Community Church, 60 South Third St., followed by a reception at the Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero.
Read Carnegie’s full obituary
ASI Seeks Student Input on How Student Fees are Used
ASI is calling all students to participate in a campuswide survey on how ASI fees are used. The survey will run through Monday, March 4. Feedback is crucial for the organization to understand students' opinions on how their fees are utilized for future planning of ASI programs, services and managed facilities. Students who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win a Cal Poly parking pass, Shabang tickets, AirPod Pros and more! Faculty members are urged to share this survey with their students.
Learn More about the ASI survey
Nutrition and Heart Health Research Volunteers Needed
Interested in helping find out if strawberries improve heart health? Student and faculty researchers from the Food Science and Nutrition Department are looking for postmenopausal women to participate in ReCHARGE with Strawberries, a research project looking at the impact of strawberries on heart health. Women who participate will be eligible to receive $350, free heart health assessments and a free diet consultation driven by participant goals. Anyone interested in participating should call ext. 6-1175 or email [email protected].
Learn more about ReCHARGE with Strawberries
Maya Hislop to Discuss Teaching ‘Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl’ in the 21st Century on Feb. 17
To commemorate Black History Month, Maya Hislop, assistant professor of English, will discuss the landmark 1861 book “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to noon at the San Luis Obispo Library Community Room, 995 Palm St. Hislop, whose book “Bodies in the Middle, Black Women: Sexual Violence, and Complex Imaginings of Justice” will be published later this year, will talk about how she first came into contact with the 19th century narrative by Harriet Jacobs, who was born into slavery in 1813, and the work’s impact on Hislop’s life — as a person, teacher and activist. The book documents Jacobs’ life as a slave and how she gained freedom for herself and for her children. This free event is presented by the San Luis Obispo Branch of the American Association of University Women and co-sponsored by the County of SLO Public Libraries, SLO County NAACP and Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly is an AAUW University Member School, which allows students to become online members for no cost each year that they are enrolled. For membership information for students and others, visit the AAUW website.
Catch an Overview of Clubs and IRA Funding on Feb. 26
A presentation about Instructionally Related Activities, or IRAs, and ASI Clubs will be held Monday, Feb. 26, from 1:10-2 p.m. in the ATL Building (No. 7), Room 2. Faculty, staff and students are invited to learn the difference between the more than 400 campus clubs and IRAs, such as Rose Float and the Concrete Canoe Team, how each is funded and how faculty and staff can get involved. This event is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
Become a Certified Lifeguard with ASI Aquatics and the American Red Cross
ASI Aquatics offers a course for those interested in becoming a certified lifeguard. Join ASI Aquatics for a blended learning Lifeguard Certification course by the American Red Cross. Successful completion of the course results in an American Red Cross certification for Lifeguarding/CPR/AED/First Aid that is valid for two years. Registration is open through Friday, March 1, with session dates set for March 15–17. Time to dive in and get certified!
Duo Login Changes Coming Feb. 19
Starting Monday, Feb. 19, Duo Multi-Factor Authentication will be updated to introduce a new prompt, offering improved security features and a refreshed look. Please know that this new look and functionality is planned and not a security concern. No action on your part is required to trigger this change.
What will happen when I log into my email or other service with Duo on or after Feb. 19?
- Log in to an application with your Cal Poly Account as you usually would. If you are due for a Duo notification, the new Duo prompt will automatically replace the old one, changing the look of your login page.
- Duo’s new prompt will present the most secure method to authenticate you. Choose this option.
- Duo will remember your choice and present that method the next time you log in. It’s that simple.
Why the change? Duo prompt features a redesigned interface with improved security measures, ensuring a faster and more straightforward login process. If you have further questions or need help, request support online or contact the ITS Service Desk at 6-7000 or [email protected]. The Service Desk also provides in-person assistance in the Environmental Health and Safety Building (No. 80), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about the new Duo Multi-Factor Authentication
Delight-Ful Event Continues Through Feb. 16
Campus Dining invites diners to participate in Delight-Ful, a week of events from Feb. 12-16 to encourage kindness and spread cheer throughout the campus community with the assistance of campus partners and outside vendors. The events, to be held in the 1901 Marketplace courtyard, will be open to faculty, staff and students. Delight-Ful attendees are urged to carry out random acts of kindness throughout the week, with the goal of creating 500,000 acts of kindness nationwide in conjunction with other participating universities and colleges. Students can participate in such activities as making Valentine’s Day cards and friendship bracelets, entering giveaways and enjoying delicious dessert samples. Campus Dining will collaborate with campus partners for a career development event, at which students can get tips and advice on résumé writing and headshot photography.
Join Professor Emeritus, Author Victor Valle for Feb. 22 Book Launch and Discussion of ‘The Poetics of Fire’
Join Cal Poly ethnic studies Professor Emeritus Victor M. Valle, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Chicano author, for an hourlong talk of his latest book, “The Poetics of Fire: Metaphors of Chile Eating in the Borderlands,” at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180), Room 101. Valle, in this work published in November, posits the chili pepper as a metaphor for understanding the shared cultural histories of ChicanX and LatinX peoples from preconquest Mesoamerica to 20th-century New Mexico. He uses the pepper as a decolonizing lens to analyze preconquest Mesoamerican cosmology, early European exploration and the forced conversion of Native peoples to Catholicism, as well as European and Mesoamerican perspectives on food and place. Arrive on time to enter a drawing for a free copy of the book. Questions? Email Jenell Navarro ([email protected]).
Filmmaker to Screen, Discuss Manzanar Water Controversy Feb. 22
The Ethnic Studies Department is hosting a screening of the 2021 documentary “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust,” Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the ATL (No. 7), Room 2. It will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Ann Kaneko, Noah Williams, Big Pine Paiute Tribe water program coordinator, and historian Hana Maruyama of Japanese American incarceration and settler colonialism. Manzanar, at the foot of the majestic Sierra mountains, is the site of one of 10 American concentration camps, where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. This national historic site becomes the confluence for memories of Payahuunadü, the now-parched “land of flowing water.” Intergenerational women from Native American, Japanese American and rancher communities form an unexpected alliance to defend their land and water from Los Angeles. The event is made possible with support from the College of Liberal Arts, the Office of University Diversity Initiatives and Ethnic Studies.
Read more about the film and speakers
Nominate a Campus Sustainability Hero by Feb. 23
Nominate members of the campus community for the fourth annual Sustainability Awards that celebrate those who have exhibited extraordinary commitment to sustainability initiatives and efforts on campus. The deadline is midnight Friday, Feb. 2. The awards, in a number of categories, recognize faculty, staff and students, as well as contributions from a recognized campus organization. Individual recipients receive a $500 award, and the honored group receives a $1,000 sponsorship. Nominators and candidates are invited to an April 19 awards luncheon with President Armstrong. Each nomination must be on a separate form. Questions? Email Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh ([email protected]).
Learn more about nominations and the electronic form
Presidential Inaugural Poet to Headline 22nd Annual Change the Status Quo Lecture Series Feb. 27
Award-winning poet Richard Blanco will read from his works and deliver a moderated discussion at the 22nd annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice and Service Lecture Series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Chumash Auditorium. Selected by President Barack Obama in January 2013 as only the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, Blanco’s personal negotiation of cultural identity and the universal themes of place and belonging characterize his many collections of poetry. His work asks such universal questions as: Where am I from? Where do I belong? Who am I in this world? Cal Poly’s Center for Service in Action’s annual 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. Admission is free and open to the public. Additional details are available at serviceinaction.calpoly.edu/CSQ.
Parking Services Wins State Award for License Plate Recognition System
Transportation and Parking Services recently won the “Focus on Efficiency” award at the 2023 California Higher Education Collaborative (CHEC) Conference for implementing License Plate Recognition (LPR), which eliminated the need for most parking permits on campus. Since its implementation, this virtual parking permit environment resulted in program and service efficiencies while reducing Cal Poly’s carbon footprint. Without physical permits, LPR eliminated customer wait times and staff processing times associated with those transactions. Thanks to the program, there is no longer a need for tens of thousands of plastic hangtags, stickers and paper permits, reducing the space needed to store and secure permits. There were also reductions in postage and processing costs, fuel and emissions. This program demonstrates how successful technology implementation is critical to program effectiveness and sustainability operations. The four-day CHEC event, held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center, brought together administrative leaders and professionals from CSU, UC and California Community College campuses to encourage exchanging ideas and practices to improve administrative performance, service and outcomes among the Golden State’s higher education system of 148 public institutions.
Read more on the campus License Plate Recognition program
Art Gallery Exhibit Continues til March 8
University Art Gallery winter show, “Reconstructing Ruins,” is a solo exhibition of sculptures by artist Alicia Piller through Friday, March 8. The University Art Gallery is on the ground floor of the Dexter Building (No. 34). Piller is a Los Angeles-based artist working in sculpture and installation whose practice contemplates the intersections of climate change, shifting political climates and historical traumas. Entry to the University Art Gallery is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Perk Up! Something New is Brewing at 1901 Marketplace: Julian's
Among the dining options in the newly opened 1901 Marketplace is Julian’s, a familiar destination for the campus community. A favorite of faculty, staff and students in Kennedy Library for years, the shop offers coffee and a quick bite. Much like its predecessor, this new iteration of Julian’s has a menu created with the campus lifestyle in mind. It serves coffee, smoothies and a variety of delicious grab-and-go options perfect to enjoy between classes. Get creative with the Build-Your-Own-Breakfast Bowl option, and choose from a wide array of toppings, and cold and hot bases. The lunch menu offers a tasty assortment of wraps and pinwheels, with vegan and vegetarian options. Pair meals with a coffee creation, assorted teas and smoothies or a hot chocolate and enjoy!
Kennedy Library Transformation Team Shares Results from Fall Survey
The Kennedy Library Transformation team has revealed results of a fall campus survey seeking feedback and insights on temporary study locations and library service points during the library’s renovation. Over 1,100 campus community members provided input on what is important to library users. The results will be used by the library to provide improved services, hours and opportunities. Nearly two in three users live off campus, results said. Over 330 respondents said the top temporary study space was the second floor of the UU. The largest percentage — 43 percent — said they used the facilities for one to two hours, while just 4 percent spent five hours or more studying. One of every two students used the facilities between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Save the Date for Strategic Enrollment Management Summit on March 13
Strategic Enrollment Management will host a Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Summit Wednesday, March 13, at the PAC Pavilion. Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. The summit will include a series of presentations and Institutional Research-led workshops. Block time on the calendar, and keep an eye out for the opportunity to register in the coming weeks. The in-person summit seeks to inform the campus community about timely happenings in the division as well provide a forum to answer questions.
Cal Poly Corporation Recognized as a Family-Friendly Workplace
The Cal Poly Corporation was recently recognized as a SLO Family-Friendly Workplace for implementing strong and inclusive workplace policies. CPC was recognized as a Blue Diamond employer for offering family-friendly CPC policies, including 100% employer-sponsored health care coverage, a flexible work policy, workplace wellness programs, dependent care flexible spending, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs and many more. The San Luis Obispo County Family-Friendly Workplaces Award is courtesy of the Family-Friendly Workplaces Accelerator Program, hosted by the SLO Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by First 5 SLO County and San Luis Obispo County, in collaboration with the We Are the Care Initiative.
Read More about the award
Cal Poly’s United Movement Returns Feb. 17 with Illuminate Dance Showcase for Two Shows
The Cal Poly United Movement club will present the sixth annual Illuminate Dance Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 and 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Illuminate brings together the cultural dance clubs of Cal Poly on one stage for a display of artistic and creative expression. United Movement is a non-audition dance club at Cal Poly that fosters a safe and inclusive environment in which people of all backgrounds and abilities assemble to learn and grow as individuals and dancers. It upholds its motto: “Growth in Community; Community in Growth.
Get Tickets to the sixth annual Illuminate Dance Showcase
Jazz Ensembles Take PAC Stage for Winter Concert Feb. 23
The Jazz Ensembles’ Winter Concert, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in Performing Arts Center, will include the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Combos and the University Jazz Band. The Cal Poly Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Inga Swearingen, will perform Stevie Wonder’s well-known “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” as arranged by Matt Falker with Montuno/Tumbao rhythms typical in Latin dance music; an arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie’s “Birk’s Works” by Bill McIntosh, which has close harmonies and improvisational scat solos; and other tunes. The three jazz combos, directed by Dylan Johnson, will present a variety of jazz classics, student arrangements and contemporary songs adapted for small ensembles. The University Jazz Band, directed by Dave Becker, will conclude the concert with classic big-band arrangements by Sammy Nestico, Don Menza, Lennie Niehaus and Gordon Goodwin, as well as new composers. More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Get Tickets to Jazz Ensembles’ Winter Concert
Cal Poly Cantabile to Perform Concert on March 1
Cantabile will present a send-off concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, in the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. The concert will be a preview of Cantabile’s performance at the ACDA Western Region Conference in Pasadena on March 8, one of the largest choral conferences in the U.S. Cantabile has commissioned two pieces that will be performed at both concerts: “She Weeps” by celebrated choral composer David N. Childs of Dallas and “Charity Begins Today” by Cal Poly Professor Meredith Brammeier. The concert will also include a modern setting by Michael Engelhardt of Hildegard von Bingen’s “O Antiqui Sancti,” and a portion will be dedicated to the theme of imagination that will include a setting of “Pure Imagination” from the soundtrack of the 1971 musical fantasy “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” as well as the impressionistic composer Lily Boulanger’s setting of “Les Sirènes.” More information is on the Music Department’s calendar website. Tickets are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849.
Get tickets to Cantabile’s March 1 send-off concert
Shaolin Jazz’s ‘Can I Kick It?’ to Light Up PAC Pavilion Feb. 15
Cal Poly Arts will present Shaolin Jazz’s “Can I Kick It?” on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the PAC Pavilion. Experience the entertaining fusion of hip-hop, jazz and martial arts. Witness cult classic and contemporary martial arts/action films come to life as they’re scored scene by scene with a vibrant blend of hip hop, soul and funk by live DJs — uncovering the unique intersections of these dynamic cultures. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Get Tickets to Shaolin Jazz’s ‘Can I Kick It?'
Grammy-Winner Amy Grant to Play PAC Feb. 18
Martin Media will present award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Grant on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put contemporary Christian music on the map, becoming the first CCM artist to earn a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the Grammy Awards. She has received six Grammys and 26 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. Additionally, she was most recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. Grant, 63, continues strumming and humming her way through a 30-plus year adventure as a singer-songwriter, author, TV host and speaker.
Check Ticket Availability for Amy Grant
Australian Ensemble the TEN Tenors to Perform at Miossi Hall on Feb. 19
Rotary de Tolosa will present the TEN Tenors for their annual benefit concert on Monday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Hailing from Australia, the TEN Tenors are celebrating their greatest hits with a new show. The Greatest Hits tour will feature the most loved and requested songs the tenors have performed across their 28-year history and from across multiple genres of music — the best from the world of opera, pop and rock music and so much more! The TEN Tenors are renowned for their dynamic performances of some of the great songs of all time, accompanied by spectacular Broadway-style choreography. They are also known for fun musical medleys and include up to 24 songs mashed up together for a jaw-dropping romp through a spectacular hit catalog. Net proceeds for this event go to support local youth charities.
Blues Hall of Famer Taj Mahal to Play PAC Feb. 24
Cal Poly Arts will present Taj Mahal Quartet and Sona Jobarteh on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. With a half-century performing career, three Grammy wins, 14 nominations, a Blues Hall of Fame membership and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, Mahal’s impact on the blues is undeniable. For more than 40 years, internationally renowned bassist Bill Rich and revered percussionist Kester Smith have taken blues on a joyride through reggae, funk, jazz, Cajun and more, leaving a trail of swinging hips and raised palms in their wake. In 2019, guitarist and lap steel master Bobby Ingano joined the group, and the trio became the Taj Mahal Quartet. Joining the quartet is widely acclaimed Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh, one of the first female Kora virtuosos who is known for her skill as an instrumentalist, her distinctive voice, her infectious melodies and her grace onstage. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Get tickets to Taj Mahal Quartet and sona jobarteh
Lightwire Theater’s DINO-LIGHT to Perform Feb. 25 at PAC
Cal Poly Arts will present Lightwire Theater’s DINO-LIGHT on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Lightwire Theater features semifinalists from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and winners of Tru TV’s “Fake Off” in an electrifying production of DINO-LIGHT. Recipient of a prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant, this glow-in-the-dark adventure weaves a heartwarming story with a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance that has dazzled worldwide audiences. In this original storyline, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Get Tickets for Lightwire Theater’s DINO-LIGHT
SLO Comedy Festival’s ‘Best of the Best’ Returns to PAC Feb. 25
SLO Comedy Festival will return to the PAC with its “Best of the Fest” show on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. This last show of the festival features the best performers from the entire four-day event, as chosen by audience members from Saturday’s show. The lineup will be announced at 4 p.m. on the day of the show. The SLO Comedy Festival runs Feb. 22-25 with 40 comedians — including a Cal Poly journalism alumnus and a current industrial engineering senior — from around the country performing at 10 venues in Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. View the full list of comedians at www.slocomedyfestival.com/comedians. The show is recommended for ages 18 and up.
Get Tickets to SLO Comedy Festival's 'Best of the Fest'
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 Cal Poly Now. Download the new Cal Poly Now app on your Apple or Android device to easily find events and activities, follow clubs and organizations, and network and grow connections across campus.