Leadership Updates
Welcoming Three New Deans This Summer
In winter quarter, Cal Poly named new deans for three of the six academic colleges. Kate Murphy will lead the College of Liberal Arts, Marc Swackhamer will lead the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and Brian Horgan will lead the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Learn More About Our New Deans
Student Developed
Poly Canyon App
When Parker Jones first set foot in Poly Canyon during Week of Welcome, he was captivated.
“I was very fascinated that a place like that could exist so close to campus,” said Jones, now a second-year software engineering major. “It sort of had this ... secretive appeal. [Poly Canyon] is something you sort of discovered on your own.”
Jones began regularly hiking, stargazing and exploring the area, but quickly realized that most Poly Canyon maps he consulted contained inaccuracies. To solve the problem, Jones created the Poly Canyon app.
Read About the Poly Canyon App
Celebrating Excellence in Journalism
Mustang Media Group Wins 43 Awards and Joins Hall of Fame
In early March, Mustang News was inducted into the Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame, a national organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in student media.
The honor was given during the Associated Collegiate Press Spring National College Media Conference, which took place at the same time as the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference. Besides the Hall of Fame recognition, the organization received a combined total of 43 awards, including a Best Faculty Advisor for Radio award for journalism professor and KCPR advisor Patti Piburn.
April 23 Deadline
Learn by Doing Good Awards Nominations
The Leadership and Service Department is seeking nominations for the Learn by Doing Good Awards for service, leadership, and engagement both on and off campus. Nominations are due by April 23. The campus community is invited to the May 6 ceremony in the Performing Arts Center Grand Lobby, where President Armstrong will recognize recipients. Awards celebrate individuals for their contributions to campus life and their spirit of civic engagement. Candidates will be selected from written nominations reviewed by a panel of faculty, staff and students. Questions? Email serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
Nominate on the Learn by Doing Good Awards Site
Upgrade by May 29
Windows 10 Support Ending
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 and it will no longer receive security updates or technical support. To ensure security and compliance, all university-managed Windows 10 devices will be automatically upgraded to Windows 11 on May 29, 2025. Users are encouraged to upgrade on their schedule before this date to avoid disruptions. For self-service upgrade instructions, visit Upgrade to Windows 11 on a Cal Poly Owned PC. Need help? Contact the Cal Poly Support Center.
Learn More – Microsoft's Official Announcement
Centering Global Voices
International Student Panel
Faculty and staff are encouraged to join the International Center for an engaging and insightful discussion at the Centering Global Voices: International Student Panel on April 15 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Frank E. Piling Building (No. 14), Room 251. Hear firsthand from current Cal Poly international students Saanvi Dua, Alessandra Stango, Skyler Han, and Asmahan Karam as they share their unique perspectives on acclimating to life and culture in the U.S. Gain valuable insights into our international student community and discover how you can help foster inclusivity and enhance the international student experience on campus in the current climate.
Survey Launches April 7
Intergenerational Child and Adult Care Needs
Cal Poly is exploring the creation of an intergenerational childcare and adult care facility to better support the campus community, and we'll need your input. The proposal features Learn by Doing with hands-on learning and research opportunities for students while fostering meaningful connections between young children and older adults. The survey, which goes live Monday, April 7, will help gauge interest and assess the feasibility of an on-campus intergenerational care facility to serve the needs of campus employees, students and other stakeholders. The online survey will take about 15 minutes to complete, and responses are confidential.
Watch a 30-second Video on Intergenerational Care Centers
New Electronic Research Administration Platform
Announcing "My Cal Poly Research"
As part of Cal Poly’s ongoing commitment to the Teacher-Scholar Model, we are excited to introduce My Cal Poly Research, a new electronic Research Administration (eRA) platform designed to streamline research administration and regulatory compliance tasks. This system will enhance efficiency and transparency for Cal Poly’s research community by integrating key research administration processes into a single online platform. The first module to launch is the pre-award module. To learn how to use My Cal Poly Research for your next sponsored project proposal, we encourage you to attend a training session.
Explore Training Dates and Resources
Statistics Department
Stats Consulting Services Available Through June 6
The Statistics Department is available to provide statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines.
Consulting is available through June 6 by appointment only. Statistics faculty members Emily Robinson and John Walker will serve as the consultants. They’re available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects.
Additionally, they’re available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly.
To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
Visit the Statistics Department Website
Support the Class of 2025
Commencement Ads
Cal Poly Commencement and Mustang Media Group are offering a variety of opportunities for faculty, staff and departments to celebrate the Class of 2025! Graduation Celebration Slides, featuring photos and messages of graduates, can be purchased for display on the jumbotron during commencement ceremonies. It is also encouraged you to write a "Dear Mustang" letter to share heartfelt messages to graduates which will be shared to them via their Cal Poly email. Additionally, Mustang Media Group’s special Graduation Edition allows supporters to purchase full, half or quarter-page ads to spotlight graduates' achievements.
Visit the Commencement Website for More Details
By the Numbers
CSUBUY One Year
Last March Cal Poly was the third CSU to go live with CSUBUY, the system-wide procure to pay system. Since then, 4,500 purchase orders have been issued totaling over $500 million, 200 change orders have been processed, 1,500 suppliers have been approved, and 6,500 invoices have been processed totaling over $150 million in supplier payments. CSUBUY has streamlined the procurement process. Electronic approvals allow campus customers to see exactly where their purchase request is in the process. Suppliers can self-register, submit their invoices directly and receive electronic payments. Saving time for both parties. Thanks for making CSUBUY a success.
Cal Poly Partners Takes Home
Gold from International Educational Advertising Awards
Cal Poly Partners was recently recognized by the Educational Advertising Awards with gold and silver for a 2024 brand launch and accompanying website. The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest competition of its kind in the country. In 2024 — its 40th year — the competition welcomed over 2,000 entries from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all fifty states and several foreign countries. The silver-winning branding effort included integrated campaigns, redesigned logos and a campus-wide event. The new website won gold. The campaign and website were designed, built and implemented by the Cal Poly Partners Marketing and Communications team.
View Award Winners on the Educational Advertising Awards Website
Cal Poly Alumni
Wine and Beer Garden at Open House
Join us for one of our favorite events of the year — the Cal Poly Alumni Wine and Beer Garden, happening Saturday, April 12, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., at the Engineering Plaza on campus! Faculty and staff presale tickets are only $15 using code CPREPORTfacstaff at checkout. Tickets include tastings of wine, beer and cider (for guests 21+) as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, enjoy a delicious taco bar from Efrens with all the tasty fixings, Cal Poly Creamery ice cream and local favorite Cowboy Cookie. Limited tickets will also be sold at the door starting at 2 p.m.
Get Your Tickets to the Alumni Wine and Beer Garden
Join Safer in Celebrating
Denim Day on Wednesday, April 30
Denim Day grew out of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the survivor wore tight jeans. Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament protested by wearing jeans to work. Wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against destructive attitudes and myths surrounding sexual assault. There are lots of ways you can get involved this year. Check out Safer’s Denim Day Participation Form for ideas and let them know how you're going to stand with them against sexual violence!
Dexter Lawn University Drive Extension
Campus Blood Drive April 17
Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel on Thursday, April 17. A Vitalant bus will be parked at Dexter Lawn University Drive Extension. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. to 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 humanresources@calpoly.edu for more information.
Create, Relax, Restore
Spring at the ASI Craft Center
Registration for spring quarter six-week courses, one-day workshops and quarter-long studio passes at the Craft Center is now open. Craft stunning jewelry, revamp thrift finds, shape a ceramics masterpiece, customize a surfboard and more! The Craft Center provides the classes, tools and space to bring your passion projects to life.
Discover Spring Quarter at the ASI Craft Center
Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Expand Your Skills
Tap into the CSU’s expertise by attending a Cross Campus Collaboration workshop. Join "Weekly Dose of Mindfulness" to practice guided techniques for reducing stress and improving well-being. Boost productivity with "Getting Started with MS OneNote," an introduction to this powerful digital note-taking tool. Develop leadership skills in "Practicing Leadership in Hectic Times," exploring authority and effective decision-making. Finally, attend "Recognizing the Impact of World Events on the Workplace" to learn strategies for supporting colleagues and fostering an inclusive environment. All sessions are held via Zoom. Engage, learn and thrive with us!
Get a Great Deal
Used Bike Auction — April 9 and 10
The Cal Poly Used Bike Auction is happening April 9 and 10 and is open to everyone in the campus community looking for a cost-effective transportation option. With roughly 100 bikes available there is something for everyone looking to get around sustainably on the cheap. Faculty, staff and students can bid through the Cal Poly Surplus webpage. It is strongly suggested to preview the bikes at Building 80 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 9 and 10, before purchasing as some may need some work.
View the Bikes and Bid on the Surplus Website
Construction Begins Spring Quarter
Water Reclamation Facility
The new Water Reclamation Facility is set to begin construction in spring quarter. The project is located south of the Swine Unit and will have minor impacts to the campus community. The trail located off Sports Complex Road will close due to construction. Those who utilize the trail will be asked to take an alternate route.
University Housing Launches
Spanish-Language Housing Tours
The campus community is invited to join University Housing’s inaugural Spanish-language housing tours. A kick-off celebration will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, on Sequoia Hall Lawn. The celebration will include a short program and the opportunity to speak with the Spanish-speaking housing ambassadors. Guests can also join a student-led tour from 12:10 p.m. to 1 p.m. Questions? Contact Heather Young at hyoung8@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Arts - April 2
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: 40th Anniversary Tour
Often imitated, never duplicated, the all-singing, all-strumming original ukulele orchestra has been entertaining audiences for 40 years with their unique, energetic blend of arrangements — from ABBA to ZZ Top, Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, Bluegrass to Broadway, all played on the ‘bonsai guitar.’ This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Cal Poly Arts - April 5
Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned
The creator, producer and host of "This American Life," the iconic weekly public radio program with millions of listeners around the world, is coming to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo — LIVE. Using audio clips, music and video, Glass will mix stories live onstage and help his audience better follow the creative process of one of our foremost storytellers. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Cal Poly Arts - April 8
Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher: COUNTERPOINT
Counterpoint is a collaboration between pianist and composer Conrad Tao and choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher — showcasing their unique blend of classical music and dance, creating a captivating conversation between sound and movement. With pieces from Bach to Gershwin, they explore the beauty of their contrasting styles, inviting you to experience the magic that happens when music and dance truly connect. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Holocaust Survivor Talk – April 6
Manny Lindenbaum at the PAC
Chabad of SLO and Cal Poly presents The Journey of Manny Lindenbaum: A Holocaust Survivor’s Legacy of Resilience and Unity on Sunday, April 6, at 7p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Harold Miossi Hall. At age 7, Manny was separated from his family and escaped to England on the Kindertransport just before WWII. A lifelong peace activist, Manny has worked with refugees and spoken to children about confronting hatred. In 2014, at 82, he retraced his Holocaust journey with family and friends, biking the final 220 miles back to his hometown in Poland.
Dialogue on Peace in the Middle East – April 9
Ambassador Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari
Join us for a dialogue on Peace in the Middle East with Ambassador Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari. Ross worked for three U.S. presidents in Middle East peace negotiations. Ghaith Al-Omari is a former advisor to the Palestinian Authority and its president. Together, we hear from two world class leaders guiding us through a conversation about the most burning topics on Israel and Palestine — including one of the most pressing questions: Is peace possible? Presented by SLO Hillel, the College of Liberal Arts, and Student Affairs.