Orfalea College of Business
Walking Tour Set for May 6
The Orfalea College of Business is offering a walking tour of the college Monday, May 6, from 12:10- 1:30 p.m. The tour will highlight unique Learn by Doing projects, career readiness initiatives, classrooms and student collaboration spaces. Gather at the Business Building (No. 3), Room 301, at noon; the tour will depart at 12:10 p.m. Attendees are free to depart the tour early if needed. Sign-ups are encouraged. This is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
Sign up for the May 6 OCB Walking Tour
Peace Ambassador Training Offered May 7
The Dean of Students office is offering Peace Ambassador virtual training on Zoom from 11:10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, May 7. Campus organizations occasionally host events that draw protestors and demonstrators, making it essential to ensure safe and peaceful conduct at 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. Interested staff and faculty can register today for the training. Questions? Contact the Dean of Students office at [email protected].
Register for the May 7 online training
OUDI
Transgender Activist Raquel Willis to Speak on May 9
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion will host a talk by award-winning Black transgender activist Raquel Willis from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in Chumash Auditorium. Willis, co-founder of Trans Week of Visibility and Action, will share excerpts from her 2023 debut memoir, “The Risk it Takes to Bloom,” followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A. The campus and broader community is invited to this free event. Learn more at diversity.calpoly.edu.
ASI Events
12th Annual Mustang Mile Returns May 15!
Registration is underway for Cal Poly’s 5K of fun, set for Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. The 12th annual Mustang Mile, hosted by ASI Events and ASI Intramural Sports, hopes to provide health and wellness resources that educate students on the signs of alcohol poisoning and the dangers of binge drinking to empower them to act and help others in harmful situations. Mustang Mile honors the memory of Carson Starkey, a Cal Poly student who lost his life to alcohol poisoning in 2008. Compete solo or enter as a team; costumes are encouraged. See you there!
Register Now for the May 15 Mustang Mile
May 15 Blood Drive is Planned at PAC Loading Dock
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel, Orfalea College of Business and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Wednesday, May 15. A Vitalant bus will be parked at the Performing Arts Center loading dock. Appointments are available from 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. Contact Lisa Gray ([email protected]) for more information.
Transportation and Parking Services
Atascadero Commuters: Vanpool Seeks Riders
Seats are available on the Atascadero vanpool that runs Monday through Friday and accommodates a 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. schedule. Cal Poly vanpools, subsidized by TAPS (Transportation and Parking Services) and San Luis Obispo County, are an affordable and convenient way to commute to and from campus. For more information, contact Colin Pollington ([email protected]), sustainable transportation coordinator, at ext. 6-6680.
Career Services
Donations Needed for Professional Clothing Closet Drive
Career Services is seeking donations through Friday, May 17, of high-demand, clean and modern professional attire for its Professional Clothing Closet. Many Cal Poly students lack the resources needed to create a memorable first impression at career fairs and interviews. To address this need, Career Services maintains a Professional Clothing Closet to provide students with free, quality work clothes. Faculty and staff are invited to donate dry-cleaned, gently used, contemporary professional clothing. For details on appropriate donations and drop-off locations with parking nearby, visit the website. Questions? Contact Career Services at ext. 6-2501.
How and where to donate to Clothing Closet Drive
‘Raising Up’ Student-Parent Film Series May 21
School of Education Assistant Professor Tina Cheuk, in collaboration with the Students with Dependents Program, will host “Raising Up,” a film screening with dinner and discussion Tuesday, May 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Labs (No. 7). This short film series elevates the narratives of student parents and is designed to foster ways higher education institutions can better support the success of student parents at Cal Poly. The event is sponsored by the Bailey College Inclusion and Equity Fund. Questions? Email Cheuk ([email protected]).
Register for the May 21 ‘Raising Up’ event
biomedical engineering
Students on Quest to Modernize Childbirth Tools
A project by four biomedical engineering students seeks to speed up assisted vaginal births while addressing the needs of the mom, her doctor and the baby. Piggybacking on work done earlier by two other students, Maddie Mumford, Brittany Trinh, Jenna Eissmann and Rachel Rowe are testing their sling prototype they hope inspires the medical community to embrace modernized birthing devices like theirs. After consulting with obstetricians-gynecologists, they identified a need for a device to manage shoulder dystocia — a condition where a baby’s shoulders become lodged during vaginal delivery, necessitating reliance on 25-30 manual maneuvers by doctors.
University Communications and Marketing
New Cal Poly Report Submission Guidelines Take Effect
To improve Cal Poly Report’s readability and make production of the newsletter more efficient, we have implemented updated guidelines for submissions, effective May 1. These include:
- Submissions are limited to 100 words.
- Items can run only once, except Catastrophic Leave and Employment Opportunity announcements, which may run twice.
- Deadline for submissions is no later than 5 p.m. the Thursday before publication.
- All submissions should be strictly employee-focused with a link included to more information online.
Employee and Organization Development
Upcoming Professional Development Courses
Employee and Organization Development is offering live, virtual, professional development workshops from Cal Poly and other CSU campuses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. Registration for the following and additional workshops is on a first-come basis.
- Getting Started with MS OneNote, Thursday, May 9, 10-11 a.m.
- Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Thursday, May 9, 1-1:30 p.m.
- Weekly Dose of Mindfulness, Friday, May 10, 8-8:30 a.m.
- Self-Coaching 101, Friday, May 10, 1:30-3 p.m.
- Success as First-Gen Professional, Wednesday, May 15, noon-1 p.m.
See full list of Cross Campus Collaboration Sessions
Cal Poly Club Advisory Board
First Club Advisor Recognition Week Through May 10
The Cal Poly Club Advisory Board has designated May 6-10 as its first Club Advisor Recognition Week. The designation, which is intended to be an annual event, recognizes the 340 Cal Poly faculty and staff club advisors who devote time, expertise and passion to guide and mentor student leaders. With help from their advisors, clubs have planned 15,283 events and processed more than $1.5 million in payments this year. The board encourages faculty and staff to join in honoring club advisors’ contributions to the campus community. For information on planned celebrations visit @calpolyclubs on Instagram.
Students with Dependents Program
Faculty and Staff Invited to Virtual Training May 14
The Students with Dependents Program, within the Office of the Dean of Students, will host its Students with Dependents Inclusion Training from 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. The training is designed for faculty, staff and student employees interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to support students with dependents’ success. The goals of this virtual training are to help participants understand more about students with dependents, learn about higher education policies specific to parenting/caregiving students and to think about how to apply the new knowledge to their campus roles. Questions? Contact Courtney Moore ([email protected]).
Transportation and Parking Services
Virtual Vanpool Info Session Set for May 9
Transportation and Parking Services will host a virtual informational session on Enterprise vanpool options Thursday, May 9,, from noon-12:30 p.m. The CSU, in partnership with the University of California, has negotiated new rates with Enterprise that make vanpooling a very affordable option for campus commuters. Participants will learn about benefits of vanpooling, current subsidies and how to form a vanpool. The meeting will be held via Zoom. Those who plan to attend should RSVP today.
RSVP for the May 9 vanpool information session
International Center
‘Mindful Travel in an Unequal World’ Anu Taranath Keynote
The International Center is bringing award-winning author and speaker Anu Taranath to campus May 15-16 to offer a thought-provoking talk and workshop about the ethics and politics of global travel. The University of Washington professor invites people to grapple with history’s challenges and navigate the present with curiosity, honesty and a commitment to social justice. Taranath believes that the most effective conversations on race, identity, power and belonging occur when people feel valued and heard. Her book, “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” will be available for purchase on May 15, after her keynote presentation from 5:30-7 p.m. at the PAC Pavilion. Faculty and staff are invited to the May 16 workshop in the Advanced Technology Labs (No. 7), Keck Lab from 11:10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Visit the International Center website to register and for more info
Campus Invited to Inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards Ceremony May 1
The campus community is invited to celebrate the recipients of the inaugural Learn by Doing Good Awards on Wednesday, May 1. The awards combine Cal Poly’s Community Service and LEAD awards. For 37 years, the Community Service Awards honored students, faculty, staff and community partner agencies for off-campus contributions to the quality of life in San Luis Obispo County and their spirit of civic engagement. For seven years, the LEAD Awards recognized campus members for excellence and distinction in their leadership and engagement at the university. This year students, staff, faculty, student organizations and community partners will be recognized for service, leadership and engagement on and off campus. President Armstrong will bestow the awards in a ceremony at 4 p.m. May 1 in the Performing Arts Center Grand Lobby. Questions? Email [email protected].
Visiting Sociology Professor to Give May 3 Talk on ‘Colorism in the Filipinx Community’
Joanne Rondilla, assistant professor at San José State University, will give a talk titled “Notes on Colorism in the Filipinx Community” on Friday, May 3, at 10:10 a.m. in Fisher Science (No. 33), Room 286. The award-winning sociology educator, whose research interests include colorism, popular culture and media representations, will explore the contours of colorism among the Filipinx community by connecting the colonial history of the Philippines to the role of skin color in families and other intimate spaces. Questions? Contact the Women's, Gender and Queer Studies Department at [email protected].
Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Committee
Submissions Sought; Deadline is May 3
The Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Committee is seeking nominations for outstanding Cal Poly student employees for the 2023-24 academic year. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 3. The OSEY award recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements of students who work while attending college and contribute to the success of the university. In addition, two runners-up will be selected. All campus student employees are eligible. Faculty and staff may nominate more than one student. The National Association of Colleges and Employers core competencies fact sheet may help with each submission. Send one-page nomination letters, preferably on Cal Poly department letterhead, to [email protected]. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Kennedy Library
May 3 Deadline: Still Time to Improve Library Website and Receive $25 Amazon Gift Card
Kennedy Library is assessing and improving its website to ensure it supports the community’s needs. The library is conducting a usability study on the search experience of homepage prototypes in active development and is seeking faculty and student users to evaluate the new designs. Participation will take 45-60 minutes and includes completing a short demographic and feedback questionnaires, as well as four task-based scenarios. Community participation is important and will help improve the library website for all users. Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card upon completion of the session. Testing ends Friday, May 3. If interested, email Camille Paradis ([email protected]).
Cal Poly Foundation
Board of Directors to Meet May 4
The Cal Poly Foundation board of directors will hold its quarterly meeting Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 a.m. This meeting serves as the board’s annual meeting. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments for this meeting must be submitted in writing by 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, via email to [email protected]. Other items can also be obtained through that email address:
- Obtain a copy of the agenda.
- Staff and members of the public are encouraged to participate virtually and can request the Zoom login information by registering with the Cal Poly Foundation Office.
- Registration as a non-speaking guest for electronic or telephonic meetings is required prior to the meeting. Once registered, login details will be provided to each registrant to join as an attendee. Registration requests need to be emailed at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation Office
Recreation Center
Tours are Back
Guided tours are available at the Recreation Center Thursday through Sunday, 1-4 p.m., no reservation needed! Learn more about the state-of-the-art facility and the amazing amenities offered. Stop by the Membership Services desk at the front of the Recreation Center to take a tour!
Volunteer for Commencement June 15-16 and Earn Smiles, Mustang Spirit and $60 Bookstore Gift Card
The Commencement team is seeking staff support to help create memorable celebration experiences for graduates and guests at Commencement 2024 at Spanos Stadium on June 15-16. Volunteers will receive a $60 gift card to the University Store for each shift completed.
Volunteer tasks may include greeting graduates and guests, ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid or helping with stadium logistics and more.
For additional details on faculty and staff shifts, visit the Employee Engagement Program page.
Transportation and Parking Services
Best Practices Recognized with Industry Accreditation
Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) was recently approved as an Accredited Parking Organization through the International Parking and Mobility Institute, the world’s largest association of professionals in parking, transportation and mobility. The designation recognizes the effort and best practices that TAPS has in place for responsible parking management and operations, access management, customer service, professional development, security and sustainability. With this designation, TAPS demonstrates its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of program outcomes through the implementation of industry best practices. The accreditation is the result of a yearlong collaborative team effort. TAPS Director Marlene Cramer will attend the 2024 IPMI Conference and Expo in Columbus, Ohio, in June to receive Cal Poly’s official designation.
Spanos Theatre
See ‘Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play’ May 9-12, 16-18
After the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors share a campfire and begin to piece together the plot of “The Simpsons” episode "Cape Feare" entirely from memory in the Theatre and Dance Department’s production of “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play,” showing May 9-12 and 16-18 in Spanos Theatre (No. 44). For over 75 years, this simple act evolves into new traditions of storytelling and performance based on memory. From myth to ritual to religion, the play explores the communal impulse to make sense during senseless times and showcases essential and primal human survival instincts. Tickets are $15 for students, faculty and staff, and $25 for general admission.
Music Department
Free Student Recitals in May, June
The Music Department has numerous free student performances scheduled through the rest of the academic year. In addition to the following, there will be several senior recitals. For a complete list with times and locations, visit the department’s calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
- Friday, May 3 Guitar Ensemble Recital
- Tuesday, May 7 'All That Brass' Recital
- May 9 'An Evening of Woodwind Chamber Music' Recital
- May 14 Instrumental Student Recital
- May 16 PolyRhythmics Percussion Ensemble Recital
- May 21 Piano Student Recital
- May 28 String Chamber Music Recital
- June 4 Vocal Student Recital
- June 7 Jazz Combos Showcase
Cal Poly Arts
Hit Musical ‘Come From Away’ Heads to PAC May 2
Cal Poly Arts presents the hit Broadway musical “Come From Away” Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. This stirring and inspiring musical takes the audience into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11. During that fateful week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high — but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us at “Come From Away.”
SLO Symphony
Season Concludes at the PAC on May 4
SLO Symphony presents its season finale with Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, Brammeier and Podell on Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Joining the symphony is pianist Salome Jordania playing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, along with Paul Woodring playing Saint-Saëns’ mighty Organ Symphony on the Forbes Pipe Organ. The concert opens with the world premiere of “Suite on Paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe” by Meredith Brammeier, a Cal Poly professor of composition, and will also premiere a new work by local composer Stefan Podell, commissioned for the symphony by Marti Lindholm.
Opera SLO
Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast the Musical’ at the PAC May 11-12
Experience the “tale as old as time” with Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast the Musical” performed live by Opera San Luis Obispo Saturday, May 11, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. The production is complete with spectacular sets and costumes, ballet, chorus and OperaSLO’s live orchestra. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, the stage adaptation includes all of the wonderful original songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Cal Poly Arts
Notable Organist Alcee Chriss Performs at PAC May 31
Cal Poly Arts presents organist Alcee Chriss as part of the Forbes Pipe Organ Series on Friday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. Chriss, featured in the 2019 PBS documentary “Pipe Dreams” and winner of prestigious organ competitions, is regarded as one of today’s leading young organists. Currently the University Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, he also serves on the editorial board of Vox Humana, an online editorial journal presenting current ideas, trends and research relating to the organ. He holds a doctorate of music degree from McGill University.