Inaugural San Luis Obispo Prescribed Fire Training
Event Brings Diverse Partners Together to Burn and Learn
An inaugural Prescribed Fire Training Exchange, hosted by Swanton Pacific Ranch’s Fuels and Vegetation Education program, kicked off this week in San Luis Obispo County. The program, funded by CALFIRE's Healthy Forest Initiative and the California Climate Initiative, incorporates eight days of training — inside the classroom and at two prescribed burns. The Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) brings together diverse groups of participants, allowing attendees to gain prescribed fire training and hands-on burning experience. TREX also develops key relationships and networks, with the goal of helping to expand the use of prescribed fire in California’s Central Coast region.
Addressing Education Challenges
Cal Poly Receives $8 Million in Federal Grants
Cal Poly’s School of Education has received two highly competitive grants, totaling more than $8 million, from the U.S. Department of Education to help address a variety of critical issues and areas of need in education. With the funding, School of Education faculty and staff will recruit, train and support a diverse pool of more than 1,500 teachers; help address current classroom challenges and teacher shortages; better serve bilingual students and students with disabilities; and continue to encourage long-term career success for program graduates.
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
George Hughes
As part of the university’s continued reinvestment in campus safety, George Hughes was recently named the associate vice president for Public Safety. For the past 12 years Hughes has served as chief of the Cal Poly Police Department and the assistant vice president for Public Safety performing an instrumental role in building a complete department that stretches beyond policing. In his new role he will serve as an advocate for further growth, changes and maturation of our Public Safety program. Deputy Chief Bryan Cox will serve as interim chief of police. A national recruitment is underway for a new chief of police.
Application for fall 2025
Is your dependent applying to Cal Poly?
The application for fall 2025 is open until Dec. 2. If you are a full-time faculty or staff member and your dependent (spouse, child, or stepchild) is applying, please complete the Faculty/Staff Dependent Inquiry Form by the Jan. 15 deadline to receive additional consideration.
Visit Admissions for more information
Campus Health and Wellbeing
New Wellbeing Certificate
Campus Health and Wellbeing is offering a new non-credit certificate program for students, faculty and staff. The Social-Emotional Wellbeing Certificate Program is open to all Cal Poly community members interested in building knowledge and confidence as mental health supporters. Learn how to respond to mental health challenges, foster your interpersonal skills and practice supporting your own mental health. This self-paced program offers events, workshops and more for you to choose from. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Santa Maria, Nipomo and Arroyo Grande Commuters
A Vanpool is Forming!
A group of Cal Poly staff and faculty from South County have formed a carpool and are seeking one more person to start an official subsidized Cal Poly Vanpool. This van will run Monday through Friday and accommodates an 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule. The van will start in Santa Maria with the potential to stop and pick up riders in Nipomo or Arroyo Grande. Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) subsidizes vanpools to make them an extremely affordable option to commute to and from campus. For more information, please contact Colin Pollington, sustainable transportation coordinator at 805-756-6680 or [email protected].
Student Affairs Honors Three Employees
Chandler Awards
Three Student Affairs employees received Chandler Awards at the division’s Fall Kick-Off on Oct. 16. The 2024 award winners include Christina Warren of the Orfalea Family and ASI Children’s Center, Dot Tallman of Campus Health and Wellbeing’s Clinical Services, and Brian Patty of ASI UU Facility Operations. The Chandler Awards recognize staff within the division of Student Affairs who exemplify outstanding performance and service to students and the general campus community.
Learn more about the Chandler Awards
Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology
Managing Challenging Classroom Conversations
Navigating complex or emotionally charged topics in the classroom can be difficult, but these conversations can be managed effectively with clear communication and thoughtful responses. CTLT’s updated guides offer strategies for preparing for challenging discussions, promoting an inclusive and respectful environment, and addressing harmful language or behavior. Included are practical tools for maintaining a positive classroom environment and fostering productive dialogue, even in the most sensitive situations.
Recreation Center, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7
Rite Aid Hosts Vaccine Clinics
Rite Aid will host multiple clinics with COVID-19 and flu vaccines and additional vaccination offerings. Clinics are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31, and Thursday, Nov. 7, in the ASI Recreation Center (No. 43), Room 107, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clinics are open to students, employees and community members. Most insurances are accepted, and cash payment is also available. Vaccine Consent Forms are available to download in English and Spanish. Forms will also be available at the clinics.
See a full list of available vaccinations and more information
Campus Beautification
Explore New Utility Box Art
Cal Poly is on a continuous mission to beautify campus and encourage engagement with its surroundings by transforming blank walls and utility boxes into stunning public art. Showcasing the latest round of artwork, a Cal Poly Utility Art Box Map is now available with details about each box, its theme, the artist behind it, and of course, its location. You can also find all 30 unique illustrations on a curated Google map. The campus beautification program started in 2021 and highlights the creative skills of the Cal Poly community. Some themes include native plant life, monarch butterflies and seaside landscapes.
Explore University Catering’s
New Menu
Feast your eyes on University Catering’s new menu. On Nov. 5 faculty and staff can start discovering unique favorites for their next on campus event from University Catering’s new innovative full-service catering menu! Choose from hot and cold appetizers, breakfast options, taco bars, Santa Maria Style Barbecue, plated lunches, dinners and more. Experience elegant table service, a flavorful buffet, delightful small plates, or internationally inspired specialty stations. University Catering is ready to cater to any style with grace and expertise while helping create an unforgettable experience. Email questions to [email protected] or call 805-756-1177.
Learning Hub Expands Access to Students
Retiring Skillsoft for Students
Students now have access to the Cal Poly Learning Hub, replacing the Skillsoft for Students platform, which will be retired Dec. 13. Update any links to Skillsoft for Students and direct students to the Learning Hub for training. The Cal Poly Learning Hub now serves students, employees, and auxiliary members, offering thousands of professional development resources, including courses, books, assessments, and AI simulators on topics like technology, business, leadership, and personal growth. For assistance, help locating training in the Learning Hub, and user guides, please visit the Learning Hub support page and create a ticket.
Last Chance to Get $20 Off
Cal Poly Recreation Center Membership
Don’t miss your final opportunity to enjoy the Energize Your Life membership special at the Recreation Center! This exclusive one-time offer for Cal Poly faculty and staff ends Oct. 31. Stop by the ASI Recreational Sports Membership Services desk at the Recreation Center to receive $20 off your membership.
Learn more about Cal Poly Recreation Center memberships
Fall Workshops
ASI Craft Center
Didn't get to sign up for a six-week Craft Center course? Try a workshop! Workshops are the perfect opportunity to test out a new craft or perfect one you know and love, in just one or two days. Spots are still open for select paint nights, stained glass and weekend surfboard shaping.
Learn more about ASI Craft Center workshops
Now Accepting Vendor Applications
Fall Makers Market
The ASI Craft Center is excited to announce the return of the Makers Market and invites Cal Poly community artists of all mediums to apply now to be a vendor! The Makers Market is a vibrant event that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship, showcasing local vendors and their artistic creations. Join us 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in Chumash Auditorium (Building 65). If you are interested in selling your craft at the Makers Market, please apply now.
Learn more about ASI Craft Center Makers Market
Campus Groups and Departments
ASI Poly Escapes Trips
Looking for a great way to bond with your team? Join Poly Escapes for an overnight camping trip at Lopez Lake (Nov. 9–10 or Dec. 6–8) for up to 12 participants. Secure your spot for these trips by Nov. 1! All camping essentials, activities, and transportation are included. Prefer a custom day trip? The Poly Escapes team can help with that, too. All trips are professionally facilitated and customized to fit your group’s needs! Contact Sarah Sindel, coordinator––outdoor recreation, at [email protected] for details.
Learn more about Poly Escapes trips for on-campus groups
ASI Poly Escapes Rental Center
30% Off Special
Dressing up for Halloween? Come to the Rental Center in costume and get 30% off your equipment rental. This offer is valid Thursday, Oct. 31 until Monday, Nov. 4.
Registration Opens Nov 6
Strategic Enrollment Management’s Dec. 4 Summit
Strategic Enrollment Management’s (SEM) fall SEM Summit is Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the PAC Pavilion. The conference-style summit will consist of presentations, hands-on workshops, lunch and opportunities to network. Registration for it all opens Nov. 6. Keep an eye on your email and Cal Poly Report for an invitation to register to attend sessions and workshops dedicated to informing, providing tools and answering your questions.
Cal Poly Music Department
Mustang Family Weekend Student Showcase Nov. 1
The Music Department will present a Mustang Family Weekend Student Showcase at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center as part of Cal Poly’s Mustang Family Weekend. Student instrumentalists and vocalists from a variety of majors will be featured, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s major, premier ensembles. The recital is free and open to the public.
View the Music Department’s Calendar
Join Cal Poly Alumni
Cal Poly Career Connections Lunch and Learn Event
Cal Poly faculty and staff are invited to join us 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, for an exciting opportunity to learn about Cal Poly's unique networking and mentorship platform — Cal Poly Career Connections! This free event features both online and in-person options. The in-person session includes lunch and is located at the Cal Poly Alumni House (Bldg. 28 on the corner of Campus and Crandall Way). We encourage you to bring a laptop, tablet or smart device so you can follow along live with our presenters.
Dexter Lawn
Campus Blood Drive Nov. 6
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 Thursday, Nov. 6. A Vitalant bus will be parked at Dexter Lawn University Drive Extension. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 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 Human Resources at [email protected] for more information.
Theatre and Dance Department
“The Lion in Winter,” Nov. 7-16
What's a little civil war among family? “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman is a modern-day classic — comedic in tone and dramatic in action. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, once the most powerful woman in the world, is allowed out of prison to spend Christmas with her husband, King Henry II of England, and their three sons. When the question of royal succession is raised, the plotting begins, alliances are formed, betrayals start, and knives are drawn. Tickets are $19 for students, faculty and staff, and $30 for general admission.