You’re invited – Dec 4
Employee Holiday Party
All campus employees are invited to join President Armstrong and Sharon Armstrong for a holiday reception 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the JUSTIN & J. LOHR Center for Wine & Viticulture - Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall (Bldg. 156). During the event, guests are invited to provide donations for the Students with Dependents and Guardian Scholars programs, serving parenting students and former foster youth. Visit the online wish list for a list of needed items or make a donation online. For questions, contact the Office of the President at ext. 6-6000 or [email protected]. Happy holidays!
Drupal 7 Extended Support
Cal Poly Has Contracted HeroDevs to Support University-Hosted Websites
Cal Poly currently manages approximately 200 websites running on the outdated white/green Drupal 7 theme. Drupal support for these sites will officially end on January 5, 2025. To ensure continued functionality, ITS has partnered with HeroDevs, a company specializing in extending the lifespan of open-source platforms. This extended support will provide additional time for transitioning to Cal Poly's new Enterprise Web Service (more details will be shared soon). For Drupal 7 technical support or questions, contact or submit a ticket with the ITS Service Desk.
Agriculture and Food
Thousands of Student-Grown Poinsettias for Sale
Cal Poly’s annual poinsettia sale, with thousands of plants and dozens of varieties and colors, will be held on two Saturdays, Nov. 23 and Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Poly Plant Shop. The first sale will offer a limited supply of holiday colors, followed by a second sale in early December with additional stock. The flowering holiday plants are grown by students working at Cal Poly’s horticulture unit, gaining hands-on experience cultivating specialty crops and learning how environmental concerns impact the crop on a day-to-day basis.
Read about the poinsettia sale
Cal Poly Partners
Wins 11 International MarCom Awards
Cal Poly Partners’ Marketing and Communications Department recently took home 11 international MarCom awards for programs, campaigns, branding and materials promoting outstanding collaborations and initiatives performed by the Cal Poly International Center, Kennedy Library Transformation, Administration and Finance, Public Safety and Partners. The team earned three platinum, six gold and two honorable mention awards for strategic thinking, campaign execution, website design and videos. This year, there were over 6,500 entries from throughout the U.S, Canada and 52 other countries. MarCom is one of the oldest, largest and most-respective creative competitions in the world.
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Ray Ladd
Ray Ladd, who has served the College of Architecture and Environmental Design for nearly 25 years, will retire at the end of December. After a career producing radio, TV and Internet marketing, he started in the Cal Poly Public Affairs Office and transitioned to be the college’s associate director of advancement and special projects coordinator. He is currently the Ambassadors Leadership Program coordinator and outreach and events support specialist for the Dean’s Office. While at Cal Poly, he earned a business administration degree. He looks forward to pursuing artistic endeavors. The CAED is planning a retirement celebration 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Moved to Building 1
Cal Poly Partners Cashiering
As of Monday, Nov. 18, campus community members can now find the Cal Poly Partners cashiers on the first floor of Building 1, at the University Cashiers window. Check and paycheck pickup, deposit drop off and all regular cashiering services will be available at the new location. This move is made in coordination with the Cal Poly Master Plan and will make room for more student-facing facilities on campus and help to conveniently centralize services.
International Education Week
Celebrate with Campus Dining
Campus Dining in collaboration with the International Center is celebrating International Education Week (Nov. 18-22) by showcasing student-submitted recipes at a variety of dining locations across campus. This is a great opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse culinary and cultural backgrounds within the Mustang community. In Vista Grande, Streats will have Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Pork Spareribs, Bahn Mi sandwiches and Udon salads. Noodles is offering a Pakoda dish from India. At 1901 Marketplace, Picos is serving a Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche, and Red Radish is featuring a Portuguese Caldo Verde.
Try something new and explore events
Campus Visits Reminder
CAED Dean Candidates
Dates have been confirmed for campus visits for finalists in the search for the Dean of CAED. The campus community is invited to attend open forums with finalists during their visits that will take place Nov. 21-22, Dec. 2-3, and Dec. 5-6. Additional details on the open forums, including information on each finalist and a Zoom link for virtual participation, will be shared in advance.
Registration Closes Today
Strategic Enrollment Management’s Fall Summit
Register for Strategic Enrollment Management’s Fall SEM Summit, which takes place Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Registration closes end of day Nov. 20. Review presentations and register for breakout sessions as well as your lunch preference.
Cal Poly Fall Jazz Concert - Nov 21
New Director Jamaal Baptiste
The Fall Jazz Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in Spanos Theatre. The concert is titled “Sounds of Rhythm” and will introduce new Music Department faculty member Jamaal Baptiste. He will lead the University Jazz Band in big band arrangements and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble in songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “So Danco Samba,” and an R&B- and soul-influenced arrangement of the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love.” Dylan Johnson will direct four Jazz Combos, which will perform jazz standards and original student works.
Cal Poly Choir
Book a Holiday Caroling Session
Members of the Cal Poly Choirs are offering caroling sessions again this year — perfect for a holiday party, an office, or as a gift to anyone to spread holiday cheer. All proceeds directly support the university’s choral students, including a tour to Carnegie Hall in New York City in April. Those who book by Nov. 22 will receive a $15 discount for sessions from Nov. 30-Dec. 22.
It’s time for the
ASI Craft Center Makers Market
Start your holiday shopping early! Explore an eclectic array of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations, including jewelry, ceramics, clothing and much more. All unique goods are made by local vendors, including Craft Center artists. The Fall Makers Market is Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium (Building 65). Come shop!