Cal Poly to Lead
California's Urban Forestry Strategic Plan
Cal Poly has been awarded the contract to lead creation of California’s new strategic plan for urban forestry, a major initiative in partnership with Cal Fire. Driven by Assembly Bill 2251, the project aims to boost canopy cover by 10% by 2035, fostering healthier communities, addressing climate change and enhancing equity in green spaces. “This strategic plan gives Cal Poly students a direct path to using their data to solve real-world problems,” said biological sciences Professor Jenn Yost. The effort builds on Cal Poly’s Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute, a statewide leader in urban forestry research and tools, such as SelecTree.
Getting to Apple’s Core
Steve Wozniak Shares Perspectives with Cal Poly
In early November, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak spoke to the Cal Poly community in an event that kicked off the Noyce School of Applied Computing’s Distinguished Speaker Series. During the hourlong talk, Wozniak — also known as “The Woz” — spoke on a wide range of topics, from his own childhood and the spark that ignited his fascination with computers, to his at-times tumultuous partnership with Steve Jobs, to his plane crash in the early 1980s, his thoughts on AI — and the unconventional name that made it onto his college degree.
Cal Poly Ranked No. 1 in
Study Abroad Among Master’s-Level Institutions
Cal Poly has again ranked first in the nation among master’s-level institutions for sending students abroad, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report by the Institute for International Education. Announced during International Education Week, this is Cal Poly’s third time receiving recognition since 2020. In 2022-23, The university sent 1,105 students to 21 countries, excelling in mid-length, long-term, and short-term programs. Roughly 23% of Cal Poly undergraduates study abroad prior to graduation. The International Center is committed to raising this percentage in an ongoing effort to enrich international opportunities for all students and advance Learn by Doing in a global context.
Winter Parking
Permits on Sale Jan. 2
Employee parking permits for Winter Quarter go on sale Thursday, Jan. 2, just before the Fall Quarter permits expire on Sunday, Jan. 5. Finding and purchasing a parking permit is easy using your parking account. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual parking permits are available online for purchase at the faculty and staff bargained rates. Permits sold at pay stations, parking meters or by mobile app do not offer bargained rates. Winter quarter permits are valid Monday, Jan. 6, through Sunday, Mar. 30.
Visit Transportation and Parking Services
Making Space
For Student Success
The university's space optimization initiative continues making progress by consolidating student and employee support functions into two convenient locations. Human Resources, Payroll, Cal Poly Partners Cashiers, Financial Aid and Student Accounts are relocating to these new Shared Service Centers in Building 1 in winter quarter. These moves will increase operational efficiency, promote sustainable growth and ultimately, enhance student success – goals of Cal Poly's accelerated master plan. Earlier this year, 150 Cal Poly staff members made this possible by moving to the Mustang Business Park. These efforts underscore Cal Poly's commitment to maximizing resources and preparing for a successful future.
Seeking Faculty Lead
DEI Competency Assessment
The Office of Academic Programs and Planning (APP) is seeking a faculty lead for the DEI Core Competency Assessment project, with appointment to start winter 2025. The faculty lead will earn four units of assigned time for the 2024-25 academic year. Under the direction of OUDI and APP, the lead will work with the Academic Assessment Council and faculty assessment leaders to facilitate assessment of DEI learning on campus. Anticipated time commitment for this role is ~6 hours/week over winter-spring 2025 (possibility of renewal of assigned time for 2025-26). Interested? Contact Andrew Morris ([email protected]) for application details.
Celebrate Mustang Pride
Poly Vintage Collection Now Available
With input from students, staff, faculty and alumni, University Communications and Marketing’s Trademark Licensing office is excited to introduce a new branded-merchandise line inspired by Cal Poly's archival logos and graphics. The “Poly Vintage Collection” is a throwback to Cal Poly’s roots, restoring and revising old-school vibes to celebrate our Mustang pride. These are perfect additions to your Cal Poly gear or a fun holiday gift for family or friends. These limited items won’t last long – stop into the Cal Poly Mustang Shop. In-stock now at the campus store until 12/17; otherwise visit the downtown location.
50% off Guest Passes
Cal Poly Recreation Center
Take advantage of the Winter Break Special and enjoy your workout in a quiet, state-of-the-art environment! From Dec. 14–24, 2024, and Jan. 2–5, 2025, members of the Cal Poly community can sponsor themselves and up to two guests per day for just $5 each – no membership required! Visit the ASI Recreational Sports Membership Services desk to claim your guest pass. Don't miss out on this limited time offer!