College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Names Marc Swackhamer as Dean
Marc Swackhamer has been named dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED), beginning Aug. 18, 2025. Currently serving as chair of the Architecture Department at CU Denver, Marc brings expertise in digital fabrication, sustainable design, and architectural education. He previously led the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture and is co-author of Hypernatural: Architecture’s New Relationship with Nature. Marc looks forward to advancing CAED’s Learn by Doing philosophy and engaging with faculty, students, and industry partners to shape the future of the built environment at Cal Poly.
Learn More About His Appointment
Save the Date – March 12
Annual Service Awards at the PAC
State, Cal Poly Partners and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2024 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in the Performing Arts Center Miossi Hall, followed by a reception in the Performing Arts Center Main Lobby (appetizers will be served). View the program for a complete listing of awardees. All attendees must RSVP no later than Friday, Feb. 28, to attend. There is no cost to attend the ceremony or reception. Contact the Office of the President events team for additional information at presidentsevents@calpoly.edu.
RSVP for the Annual Service Awards
Ask an Expert
What is Bird Flu, And Why Is It Such a Big Deal?
Bird flu headlines have been everywhere in recent months. But besides skyrocketing egg prices, how worried should consumers be about it? Cal Poly News spoke with animal science professor and veterinarian Kim Sprayberry about the agricultural impact and what we can do to protect ourselves and our pets.
Expanded Event Set for April 9-12
83rd Annual Poly Royal Rodeo
Tickets sales are open for the 83rd annual Poly Royal Rodeo. There is an additional performance night added to accommodate more attendees. Poly Royal will be held at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex on campus during Open House, with four full nights of action-packed performances.
The three-night general admission events will begin Thursday, April 10, with the first Cal Poly Rodeo Showcase Performance, and conclude Saturday, April 13, with the Poly Royal Rodeo Finals. In addition, a Cal Poly Rodeo Showcase and ASI-sponsored concert will be held exclusively for students Wednesday, April 9.
Join the CSU’s
Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Enhance your professional and personal growth by participating in the CSU’s Cross Campus Collaboration series. Explore interactive workshops like “Dealing with Triggers” for emotional resilience, “Identity-First and People-First Language” for inclusive communication, and many more topics of interest. Whether you’re focusing on your wellbeing or your workplace growth and development, or identifying ways to include and engage, these sessions provide useful information and practical tools for success. Join us to connect, learn and grow together! Employee and Organization Development invites you to register for these free sessions, designed to support your well-being and professional success.
Explore Upcoming Live Learning Opportunities
A&F Annual Survey
Win Prizes for Sharing Your Opinion
From Facilities Management and Development and Public Safety to the Performing Arts Center and more, Administration and Finance (A&F) wants to hear how their teams are doing. A&F is continually working to improve, and a major part of this effort is based on feedback. The annual Focus Forward Survey launched today to gain insight into how departments and units are performing. The results will help teams fine-tune services and deliverables and further understand customer needs. For each department survey completed, respondents will be entered into a prize drawing. Respondents are only asked to complete the relevant surveys.
Celebrate with Alumni
Cal Poly Founders Day
The Cal Poly Alumni — San Luis Obispo Community invites you to celebrate Cal Poly's founding date at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Woodstock's Pizza in downtown San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $15 and include pizza, salad, breadsticks, one drink ticket for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and a special Cal Poly alumni swag item. This event is open to alumni and guests of all ages.
Partner Fair
“March Fourth” with Cal Poly Partners
The lineup for the campuswide “March Fourth” with Cal Poly Partners event is set. The celebration next Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1901 Marketplace will feature a Partner Fair where faculty, staff and students can learn about Cal Poly Partners’ Faculty and Staff Housing Program, Cal Poly Arts, Print and Copy, Conference and Event Planning, Campus Dining and University Catering, the Mustang Shop and others. An open house and tours of Harvest Lofts, the new faculty and staff apartments, will also happen, with buses available to shuttle visitors. Join us and “March Fourth” with Cal Poly Partners.
Winter Concert – March 1
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble
The Arab Music Ensemble will give its winter concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Performing Arts Center. A suite of Arab art and popular music will begin the program with classic instrumental and vocal pieces ranging from the Ottoman era to contemporary times. A takht (chamber ensemble) will introduce the second half, followed by several Turkish pieces, including “Uskudara Gider Iken” (“While Going to Uskudara”), which has been widely adapted by many cultures. Ken Habib will direct the show, and San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead the dance troupe.
Learn More on the Music Department’s Website
Theatre and Dance Department
Clue: The Musical
“Clue: The Musical” turns your favorite board game into a lively whodunit. This entertaining show serves up a murder mystery with a side of campy fun, inviting you to get your sleuth on. Join us for an interactive evening where every note could be your last clue, and every suspect has a secret to hide.
The Spanos Theatre will stage the musical Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27 – March 1 and March 6–8, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee March 2. Tickets are $19 for students/faculty/staff and $30 for general admission.
Learn More About the Production
SLO Comedy Festival – March 2
'Best of the Fest’ Returns to the PAC
SLO Comedy Festival presents their ‘Best of the Fest’ finale show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. This event brings you the best performers from the entire festival voted on by audience members from Saturday. The show line-up will be announced at 4 p.m. the day of the show. The SLO Comedy Festival runs from Feb. 27 through March 2 with 40 comedians in 10 local venues. Cal Poly staff and students can purchase $28 tickets with a valid staff/student ID in person at the Cal Poly Ticket Office.
SLO Symphony – March 8
‘Novacek Plays Brahms’ at the PAC
SLO Symphony presents ‘Novacek Plays Brahms’ featuring pianist John Novacek at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. Well-known locally through his performances with Festival Mozaic, John Novacek’s acumen for big works will be on full display as he performs Brahms’ mighty Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat. The concert will also feature Changes by Andre Myers, who serves on the composition faculty at Redwood University, and Symphony No. 3 by Louise Farrenc, a mid-19th century French composer.
Cal Poly Arts – March 15
ARC CIRCUS: "A Bee Story"
This uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families uses circus, acrobatics, dance and live music to tell the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after it is destroyed by a bushfire. Featuring ARC Circus co-founders Robbie Curtis (Circa, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet) and Lizzie McRae, “A Bee Story” has themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.