Cal Poly News
Astronaut Victor Glover is Over the Moon
At the end of May, in the thick of training for NASA’s upcoming 2025 Artemis II lunar mission, alumnus and astronaut Victor Glover (General Engineering, ’99) made his way back to Cal Poly. He spoke with students working to answer the challenges of space and flight — and stopped by the Preschool Learning Lab to answer frank questions from some of the youngest fans of the former Mustang student athlete, U.S. Navy pilot, NASA spaceman and Cal Poly Proud dad.
Read more at Cal Poly News
Division of Research
18 Faculty Projects Funded Through Cal Poly Grant Program
Eighteen awards for the 2024-25 cycle of the Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) grant program were funded, the Division of Research recently announced. Supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor's Office and Provost’s Office, the RSCA program enables faculty to contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally and economically. “These RSCA grants demonstrate the innovative research of our faculty,” said Sarah Lester, chair of the Grants Review Committee of the Academic Senate. “Embracing the teacher-scholar model, these projects provide unique opportunities for faculty to collaborate with students.”
Outstanding Staff Award Committee
President’s Office Names 2023-24 Outstanding Staff Honorees
Three exemplary staff members will receive the Outstanding Staff Award, the President’s Office announced. Honorees are recognized for dedication and loyalty; expertise on the job; teamwork; initiative; excellent relationships with the campus community; and their contributions to Cal Poly.
The 2023–24 recipients
- Albert Rangel, associate director of Custodial Operations, University Housing, Student Affairs.
- Amie Hammond, executive director, Career Services, Student Affairs.
- Robert Brewster, electromechanical equipment technician, Design and Fabrication Facility, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics.
They will be recognized at Fall Convocation on Sept. 16.
Learn more about the outstanding staff honors
Office of University Diversity
Diversity Awardees to be Honored June 6
The campus community can celebrate the President's Diversity awardees on Thursday, June 6, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Performing Arts Center Lobby. The Dolores Huerta “Si Se Puede” Award for Transformational Leadership by an employee or student will be announced at the event. RSVP to this event.
This year’s recipients
Students
- Individual: Cristian Reyes, Child Development.
- Organization: Black Student Union.
Faculty
- Individual: Farah Al-Nakib, History Department, College of Liberal Arts.
Staff
- Excellence in Inclusive Design: Michelle Chariton, Facilities Management and Development.
- Individuals: Mandy Blackburn, Admissions; and Maria Manzano, College of Engineering.
- Department: Counseling Services Diversity Inclusion Task Force.
Trademark Licensing
Feedback Sought for Cal Poly Vintage Merchandise
University Marketing has gathered vintage logos, marks and graphics from the Cal Poly archives.
The Trademark Licensing office is interested in developing vintage inspired merchandise and values feedback from the campus community as the team explores the possibilities. Take the short survey if you’re interested in seeing these visuals and offering input. All responses are anonymous and shared only internally.
Start the survey to share your input
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
BEACoN Research Symposium Set for June 12
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion will host the annual BEACoN Research Scholars Symposium, a showcase of over 50 research projects by undergraduate student and faculty teams across the six colleges, as well as campuswide projects with a DEI focus. The event is set for Wednesday, June 12, from noon-2 p.m. in the MAC (Multi-Use Activity Center). BEACoN students will share testimonies throughout the event. Free tacos and shave ice will be available.
Orfalea College of Business
TikTok Organist Offers Marketing Students Tips on Social Media
Trailblazing British organist Anna Lapwood started her master class with mostly Orfalea College of Business students with a song from the 1996 Disney feature “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” At 28, the TikTok organist, with over 1.5 million social media followers, is close in age to members of Catherine Hillman’s Business 453: Digital and New Media Marketing class. Hillman wanted her students to hear from Lapwood at the Performing Arts Center because she “has a powerful and savvy digital presence on social media. We often hear about the business side, but not nearly as much the personal side from the influencer. She had great advice for the students.”
Transportation and Parking Services
New Vanpool Starting for Santa Maria Commuters
A Santa Maria vanpool is being formed, Transportation and Parking Services announced. This van will run Monday to Friday and will accommodate an 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. work schedule. TAPS subsidizes Cal Poly vanpools to make them an extremely affordable option to commute to and from campus. For more details on the Santa Maria Vanpool, contact Colin Pollington, sustainable transportation coordinator, at ext. 6-6680 or [email protected].
Employee and Organization Development
CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: The Burnout Epidemic
Feeling burned out? Recognizing signs of burnout among your team? You’re not alone! Join CSU’s Got Talent on Tuesday, June 18, for an enlightening fireside chat with Jennifer Moss, author of 2021’s “The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It.” Dive into the pressing issues of workplace overwhelm, lack of support and organizational culture challenges, and discover practical strategies for creating more sustainable work environments.
Register for webcast and other free CSU’s Got Talent Webcasts
Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Learn of Summer Workshop Opportunities
The summer quarter lineup of professional development offerings for faculty and staff from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available on the CTLT Workshops webpage. These include:
- Artificial Intelligence Buffet.
- Creating Accessible Course Materials.
- Designing Learner-Centered and Equitable Courses.
- Examining Whiteness Foundational Series.
- Team Learning Basics.
- Writing in the Disciplines.
The workshops page includes information on Book Circles, stand-alone workshops and additional resources.
The campus community is invited to recognize three retiring professors from the Electrical Engineering Department. With a combined 67 years of service at Cal Poly, Ali Shaban (40 years), Daniel J. Malone (18 years) and Richard Murray (nine years) will be honored at a celebration Monday, June 10, from 4- 6 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Lab (No. 07).
Career Services
June 17: Symplicity to Host Job and Internship Opportunities
Career Services will switch in June to Symplicity, an alternate job and internship platform, and discontinue the use of Handshake. “MustangJOBS, powered by Handshake,” will be be retitled “MustangJobs.” Symplicity will deliver job and internship postings for students and alumni, as well as career fair and information session registration. Access to Symplicity will begin Monday, June 17. Campus departments using Handshake are asked to migrate to Symplicity for future student job postings. Career Services will end its relationship with Handshake July 1. Questions? Email to [email protected].
Campus Market
Support the Local Student Print Shop in Style
Campus Dining has partnered with University Graphic Systems (UGS) to sell reusable tote bags and stickers exclusively at Campus Market. To buy a tote, ask the cashier at checkout. The stickers and totes are designed and printed by graphic communication students at UGS. Totes are $12 and stickers are $3 but cannot be purchased with Dining Dollars. Since 1968, UGS has provided hands-on experience for students entering the graphic communication industry. Celebrate their dedication and hard work today!
Kennedy Library
Transformation Team Shares Spring Town Hall Results
The Kennedy Library Transformation Team extends its gratitude for the Spring Town Hall turnout. Stakeholder feedback, including comments from the May 20 session, is critical to the success of the project. Attendees received comprehensive updates on the project scope, milestones and future plans for the 2024-25 academic year from design-build partners, Miller Hull and Hensel Phelps. Look for another town hall this fall.
View the May 20 presentation (PDF)
ASI Aquatics
Summer Pre-Swim Family Lessons Available for Babies and Toddlers, Too
Previously open only to Recreation Center members, pre-swim family lessons are open to faculty, staff and other campus community members regardless of membership status! ASI Aquatics is offering Baby and Me and Toddler and Me courses. These lessons are a fantastic opportunity for children of any skill level to embrace the water with confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
Student Concert
June 8: Symphony and Choirs to Present French and American Music
The “France Tour Preview Concert,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday June 8, in the Performing Arts Center, will feature works the Cal Poly Symphony and PolyPhonics will perform while on a tour of France in late June. The tour is part of the 80th D-Day anniversary at the American Cemetery in Normandy, in the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Paris, and other locations. Tenor Wayne Jennings will be featured on R. Nathaniel Dett’s “Chariot Jubilee,” based on the African American spiritual “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” He is staff soloist of the Washington National Cathedral.
Learn more about The France Tour Preview Concert
Risa and Michelle Moeller
June 9: Guest Artists to Present Electroacoustic Show
Guest artists Risa and Michelle Moeller will present an electroacoustic concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). Risa is a duo composed of Brendan Glasson and Mitch Stahlmann. They primarily play improvised electronic music using a system that electronically connects instruments in various dimensions. They use an Oberheim Xpander synthesizer triggered by a crackle box and Voyetra-8 synth. Moeller will perform works from her upcoming album “Late Morning.” She uses piano, custom effects and computer synthesis to build intricate electroacoustic systems.