Experience Industry Management Department
Pop-Up Resilience Room at Downtown SLO Farmers Market
Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management (EIM) Department is launching a new research initiative aimed at fostering greater inclusion in public spaces. For five consecutive Thursdays this spring, visitors to the Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers Market can experience the Pop-Up Resilience Room — a calming, neuroinclusive environment located at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 872 Higuera St. The project is specifically designed to support individuals who experience sensory overwhelm or sensory overstimulation, including those who may have avoided community events like the farmers market in the past.
The Critical Language Scholarship
Zoya Meydbray-Gonodanova
Cal Poly senior Zoya Meydbray-Gonodanova has won the Critical Language Scholarship. A Political Science major with four minors, she holds leadership roles on campus and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate in San Luis Obispo. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program offers fully funded immersive summer programs for U.S. students to learn languages critical to national security. With around 5,500 annual applicants for approximately 500 scholarships, the selection process is highly competitive.
Road Closures
Go Safely During Open House
This weekend, with thousands of prospective students and their supporters visiting campus, it’s important to know how to get around safely:
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Leave your electric scooter at home; they are never allowed on campus.
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Use Mustang Shuttle.
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Ride SLOTransit.
Know the road closures:
April 11
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California Boulevard, 9-11:30 a.m.
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University Drive at Highland Drive, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 12
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Grand Avenue at Deer Road, from 8-11 a.m.
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North Perimeter at Village Drive, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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University Drive, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For More tips See the Inside Cal Poly Blog
Mixer Set - April 9
Heterodox Academy Campus Community
Cal Poly’s Heterodox Academy Campus Community Network meets the second Wednesday of the quarter to discuss open inquiry at Cal Poly. Join faculty and staff for a mixer 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory (Building 72). The academy’s mission is to promote values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement to improve research and education. The academy supports members’ daily work; showcases and models academy values; strives to improve institutional policies, practices, and culture; and collaborates with colleagues at other campuses. Membership is free.
Become a Member of the Heterodox Academy
Call for Submissions
International Engagement Symposium
Faculty and staff are invited to submit poster abstracts by April 23 for the International Engagement Symposium to be held 4-6 p.m. May 7 at the 1901 Marketplace Pavilion. This event, in collaboration with the Cal Poly Division of Research, highlights global scholarship, research, and cross-cultural engagement.
Consider submitting if you:
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Conduct international research
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Lead a Cal Poly Global Program or engaged in service-learning abroad
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Participate in faculty exchanges
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Are a Fulbright or Global Teacher-Scholar Grant recipient
Join us for networking, discussions, and refreshments. Contact international@calpoly.edu for details.
New Membership Mixer Thursday, April 17
Announcing the Cal Poly Arab FSA
We are pleased to announce the first Arab Faculty and Staff Association (FSA) at Cal Poly — aimed at building community, fostering connections and strengthening relationships between Arab-identifying faculty and staff. We hope to create greater synergy with Arab-affiliated student clubs and organizations, to enhance our community’s contributions and provide opportunities to center our experiences through programs and events. We would love to connect with any colleagues on campus who are connected to Arab identity and culture. Join us for our first membership mixer 11 a.m. to noon April 17 in the Berg Gallery (05-105). Email arabfsa@calpoly.edu for more information.
RSVP for the Arab Faculty and Staff Association
Discover Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities
National and International Fellowships and Scholarships
Explore unique academic and professional opportunities with the National and International Fellowships and Scholarships (NIFS). This program provides holistic support for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in meaningful experiences such as research, teaching, or internships, both domestically and internationally.
Our NIFS Team, guided by Susan Cheng, associate provost for student success, and Nishi Rajakaruna, NIFS faculty coordinator, offers personalized support to help students navigate and apply for prestigious awards, including the Churchill, Rhodes, and Truman scholarships.
We're pleased to announce our updated NIFS website, featuring a searchable database of over 45 opportunities. Schedule a meeting with Rajakaruna.
April 10-12
Poly Gives
It's almost time for Poly Gives, when the Cal Poly community unites in support of Learn by Doing. We especially appreciate our faculty and staff, who are vital to making this day a success. Will your college, department, team, or club show up in the rankings this year? Not without your support! During Poly Gives, your gift fuels a collective impact that funds the Learn by Doing experiences that change students' lives. This includes gifts to student-led crowdfunding campaigns, which support student projects and organizations. Take part in the excitement — you won't want to miss the fun!
Survey Continues Through April 21
Intergenerational Child-Adult Care Assessment
Cal Poly seeks input on creating an intergenerational child and adult care facility to better support the campus community. The proposal features hands-on learning and research opportunities for students while fostering meaningful connections between children and seniors. The online survey, which continues through Monday, April 21, will help gauge interest and assess the feasibility of an intergenerational care facility to serve the needs of campus workers, students and other stakeholders. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.
School of Education
Louis Pippin
Louis D. Pippin, a faculty emeritus in the School of Education, died Monday, March 24, at his residence in San Luis Obispo County. Teaching education at Cal Poly from 1971 to 1992, Pippin was the recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award for the 1973-74 academic year. Memorial services will be held at Reis Family Mortuary at 991 Nipomo St., in San Luis Obispo, at 2 p.m. April 12.
University Art Gallery
2025 Student Juried Exhibition
The University Art Gallery will showcase the 2025 Student Juried Exhibition from April 4-25. Celebrate the work of art and design students, selected by our invited juror, Nick Wilkinson, owner and director of Left Field Gallery. Wilkinson carefully reviewed many submissions and assembled a great range of selected work. As part of the jurying process, awards were given in the categories of 2-D Studio, 3-D Studio and Sculpture, Graphic Design, Photography, and Time-Based work. Congratulations to our student-artists exhibiting at the University Art Gallery.
Visit the University Art Gallery Website
Kickstart Your Spring
ASI Recreational Sports
Every Monday and Wednesday of spring quarter, learn Shorin-Ryu karate and envelop yourself in one of the oldest styles of karate! This full-body workout will help to improve your power, speed and self-confidence. Looking for something faster pace? Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Latin dance at ASI’s Salsa and Bachata Workshops! Learn the fundamental steps, turns and partner connections of Salsa in a fun and casual environment, led by an experienced instructor. Registration is required for both offerings, and a fee is associated with the programs.
Learn More About Specialized Fitness Classes
Division of Research – April 14-16
Intellectual Property and Patents Discussions
Cal Poly faculty are invited to meet with Holly Meadows, the Division of Research’s technology transfer consultant, from TreMonti Consulting in-person and on Zoom Monday-Wednesday, April 14-16. Faculty inventors can learn about intellectual property and the patenting process by attending a virtual information session 11:10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 15, via Zoom. Meadows will also host one-on-one consultations Monday-Wednesday, April 14-16. Sign up to schedule an appointment. Questions? Email techtransfer@calpoly.edu or visit the Technology Transfer webpage.
Attend the April 15 Zoom Session
EPaCE Offers Course
The Rise of Cults, From Jonestown to NXIVM
Extended, Professional and Continuing Education (EPaCE) at Cal Poly will offer a non-credit course, "Cults: From Jonestown to NXIVM," exploring the rise of controversial religious movements. Taught by Religious Studies Professor Steve Lloyd-Moffett, the course runs May 6-20, with three Tuesday sessions from 6-8 p.m. Topics include Scientology, Heaven’s Gate, NXIVM, and more. Participants will examine how scholars differentiate cults from religions. The $149 course fee covers all materials. On-campus location TBD. Register now to delve into one of America’s most fascinating cultural phenomena.
Office of University Diversity and Inclusion
2025 President’s Diversity Awards: Call for Nominations
Nominations are open for the 2025 President’s Diversity Awards, an annual celebration of members of the Cal Poly community who have demonstrated a commitment to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Seeking nominations for students, faculty, staff, departments/organizations and clubs that are making a meaningful impact in our campus community. Winners will be honored at the awards ceremony May 22. Submit your nomination by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 13.
Learn About the Event Including Past Winners and Nomination Criteria
Cal Poly Student Opera Theatre – April 12
Presents ‘Gianni Schicchi’
Student Opera Theatre will present “‘Gianni Schicchi’ and Opera Scenes” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in Spanos Theatre. Giacomo Puccini’s one-act comedy will be performed with orchestra, featuring professional opera singers Gabriel Manro and Dominic Salvati alongside Cal Poly students. Scenes from other operas will also be on the program, accompanied by Paul Woodring on piano. More than 50 students are participating in the production. Amy Goymerac is director and producer; Scott Glysson is conductor; and Laina Babb from the Theatre and Dance Department is costume designer.
Visit the Music Department’s Website
Civic Ballet of SLO - April 18-19
‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ at the PAC
Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo presents an innovative adaptation of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, at the Performing Arts Center’s Harold Miossi Hall. Civic Ballet will share the stage with an 11-piece jazz orchestra featuring Inga Swearingen, Damon Castillo, Dave Becker and others performing an all-new score based on influential classic American songbook music. Artistic Director Drew Silvaggio has returned to L. Frank Baum’s original text to bring the full scope and character of this story to the stage for its world premiere. This event has a student/youth and senior (65+) discount.
Purchase Tickets to 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'
Cal Poly Music Department - April 12
Presents Open House Recital
The Music Department will present an Open House Recital at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. The recital is one of many scheduled events for Cal Poly’s 32nd annual Open House. The student instrumentalists and vocalists are from a variety of majors, and all are involved in at least one of the department’s large, premier ensembles, which include the Arab Music Ensemble, Choirs, Jazz Ensembles, Symphony, Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The recital is free and open to the public; no tickets or advanced reservations are required.
Visit the Music Department’s Website
Cal Poly Arts - April 13
Written in the Waters: A Conversation with Tara Roberts
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Tara Roberts will speak about her new book, "Written in the Waters," reflecting on her work with the underwater archaeology group Diving With A Purpose, exploring slave shipwrecks and uncovering the stories of those lost during the Middle Passage. Roberts delves into her own family’s history, confronting the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade — reflecting on Black identity and the past through her personal journey. Cal Poly Arts is offering FREE tickets to this event for current Cal Poly students, faculty, and staff.
Talk and Concert - April 17
The Mivos Quartet
The Mivos Quartet will give a free talk and concert Thursday, April 17, in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. Its members are violinists Olivia De Prato and Adam Woodward, violist Victor Lowrie Tafoya and cellist Nathan Watts. Their pre-concert talk at 6 p.m. will focus on performing, commissioning and collaborating on new music. For the concert at 7:30 p.m., they will perform pieces by Victor Báez, Ingrid Laubrock, George Lewis and Cal Poly’s Julie Herndon. The quartet received the Dwight and Ursula Mamlok Prize for Interpreters of Contemporary Music among other awards.
Learn More on the Music Department’s Website
Cal Poly Faculty to Present - April 18
‘A Musical Time Machine’ Concert with Guests
Cal Poly Music Department faculty members Sarra Hey-Folick, clarinet, and Aaron Kline, composer, will showcase the voice, clarinet and piano through the ages at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center. Titled “A Musical Time Machine,” the program’s works will range from W.A. Mozart’s “Parto Parto, ma tu, ben mio” to Kline’s “The Rose.” Guest artists include Kate Meyer, mezzo-soprano, and pianists W. Terrence Spiller and Alin Melik-Adamyan.