Al Liddicoat named Vice President for Human Resources and Academic Personnel
Al Liddicoat has been named vice president for the new division of Human Resources and Academic Personnel, effective July 1. He had been serving as interim executive director for these two areas since Nov. 1, 2020, and previously served as vice provost for Academic Affairs and Personnel. “I am proud to have been selected to lead this exciting new division that will benefit from the experience and skills of two incredible teams,” Liddicoat said. “On behalf of Human Resources and Academic Personnel, we look forward to working closely with partners across campus to best serve the university community.” Liddicoat has served in Academic Affairs leadership for 15 years and has led Academic Personnel; the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology; Academic Affairs Technology Services; and Institutional Research. He has participated in strategic planning, budgeting and recruitment efforts, as well as led critical CSU systemwide initiatives, including chairing the CSU steering committee for a common human resource system.
鶹 Names Damon Fleming as New Dean of Orfalea College of Business
Damon Fleming, dean and professor of accounting at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, has been named dean of the Orfalea College of Business, effective Aug. 2. Prior to his current role, Fleming spent nearly 13 years on the faculty of the Fowler College of Business at San Diego State University, where he was professor of accounting, Ernst & Young Faculty Fellow, and William E. Cole Director of the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy. “I am honored to be the next dean of the Orfalea College of Business, which is well positioned to lead the future of business education with its focus on student success through career-ready experiential learning,” Fleming said. “The powerful combination of exceptional students, highly collaborative faculty and staff, and engaged business community offers the opportunity to ingrain the application of theory to practice and advance the California and global economies. I look forward to working with all 鶹 and Orfalea College of Business stakeholders to fully realize the Learn by Doing mission in what will be an exciting new era.”
Physics Professor Named California State University STEM-NET Faculty Fellow
Louise Edwards, an assistant professor in the Physics Department, has been appointed a faculty fellow to the California State University (CSU) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEM-NET) affinity group. STEM-NET is a multi-campus collaboration working with all 23 CSU campuses and areas of STEM research and education. STEM-NET connects and strengthens faculty research and educational collaborations across the CSU system and across disciplines. “I am excited to form new connections with the STEM community here at 鶹 as well as throughout the other CSU program partners — and especially with those who may have shared interest in developing collaborative research programs,” Edwards said. “Additionally, being a member of this group affords me some extra time to apply for external grants, which could help fund summer research opportunities for students here at 鶹.” In addition to her research work, Edwards anticipates this opportunity will create new opportunities for her in the classroom as well. .
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available on Campus in July and August
Employees, community members and students can access free COVID-19 vaccines on campus this summer through pop-up clinics hosted by Rite Aid. Clinics will take place in University Union (No. 65), Room 220, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on: July 16, 20, 23, 28 and 31; August 4, 7 and 10. First and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available to anyone 12 and older. The clinic will also provide other basic vaccinations. To schedule an appointment, use and search ZIP code 93407 for appointments on campus. Walk-ins are welcome, though scheduled appointments will expedite the process. Find more details about insurance, co-payments and parking on the of the coronavirus website. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are also available throughout the community through the system and .
鶹 to Open New Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center in Fall
鶹 will open a new Native American and Indigenous Cultural Center (NAICC) this fall to foster increased support for the Native and Indigenous community on and off campus. The center will be part of and serve as an intertribal space that fosters partnerships with 鶹’s American Indian Student Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, American Indian and Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association, University Housing and Academic Affairs, the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe and other local and statewide tribes. The center will be a community gathering space featuring mentorship opportunities, academic support, beading and basket weaving workshops, Native and Indigenous Heritage Month programs, decolonial healing workshops and much more. The university is slated to hold a grand opening ceremony and celebration in fall. Additional details will be released when available. .
鶹 Engineering Labs Receive $350,000 from Key Figure in Auto Racing and Machining
Two manufacturing labs at 鶹 will be renamed in honor of a $350,000 donation from the Gene Haas Foundation, which will help the labs remain up to date and safe for the hundreds of engineering students who use them every year. “The new gift for the Gene Haas labs pairs two successful organizations, 鶹 and the Gene Haas Foundation, and links together our interests toward graduating top-notch engineers and making sure our labs are state-of-the-art and in excellent condition,” said Dan Waldorf, chair of the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department. To recognize Haas’ commitment, the Material Removal Lab and the Advanced Machining Lab, located in the Grant M. Brown Engineering Building (Building 41A), will be called the Gene Haas Material Removal Lab and the Gene Haas Advanced Machining Lab for the next 10 years. .
鶹 Student Affairs Receives Gift to Fund Tanklage Family Homelessness Initiative
The estate of the late Carole Tanklage has donated a revenue-generating commercial real estate property that will fund a 鶹 initiative aimed at ending student homelessness. The real estate gift will fund the Tanklage Family Initiative to End Homelessness, which Mrs. Tanklage initially established in 2018 with a three-year gift totaling $150,000. Mrs. Tanklage, who passed away in 2020, originally created the initiative in 2018 in honor of her late husband, 鶹 alumnus Donald Tanklage (Architectural Engineering, ’57), to assist 鶹 students struggling with homelessness and housing instability. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 100 struggling students with on- and off-campus housing support. Since its inception in 2018, the homelessness initiative has been administered through the program, which provides one-time emergency grants to students unable to afford housing, tuition and other expenses essential to their success and well-being. Overall, 鶹 Cares has provided more than $1.4 million in emergency grants since its creation in 2015. .
Researchers Launch Project RattleCam
A multi-university team that includes 鶹 researchers launched a community science project that seeks to understand rattlesnake behavior by using cameras to view the snakes in their natural habitat. Project RattleCam, which is hosted on the Zooniverse community science website, gives members of the public the chance to analyze thousands of time-lapse images taken at rattlesnake dens near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Members of the public can register for a free Zooniverse account and immediately begin assisting with research by answering questions about the photos, including counting the number of adult and baby snakes in each photo, identifying predators, and more. “Community science is a way of bringing the process of discovery to people from all walks of life, improving the accessibility of science,” said Emily Taylor, 鶹 biology professor, project co-lead, and a nationally recognized expert on reptiles and amphibians. “We are really excited to work with community scientists to discover the secrets of rattlesnake behavior. There’s so much we don’t know yet about these fascinating creatures.” Read the rest on 鶹 News.
Study Reveals How Weddell Seal Pups Learn to Swim
They’re cute, they’re furry, and they start diving into frigid Antarctic waters at 2 weeks old. According to a new 鶹 study, Weddell seal pups may be one of the only types of seals to learn to swim from their mothers. Weddell seals are the southernmost born mammal and come into the world in the coldest environment of any mammal. These extreme conditions may explain the unusually long time they spend with their mothers. The study, “Early Diving Behavior in Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes Weddellii) Pups,” was published earlier this month in the Journal of Mammalogy. In most seal species, pups nurse on land for up to four weeks and don’t go in the water until after they’re weaned. They must then learn to swim and forage by themselves. Weddell seal pups, on the other hand, stay with mom for six to seven weeks. .
Noise and Light Pollution Can Limit Which Birds 鶹 Our Backyards
A new study led by 鶹 researchers reports that birds across the continental U.S. tend to avoid backyard feeders in louder areas. When light pollution is also present, even more species stayed away. The study, published June 10 in Global Change Biology, used data from the community science program Program FeederWatch, which includes thousands of participants reporting bird observations at feeder locations across the nation. The research team analyzed more than 3.4 million observations of 140 different bird species across the continental U.S. “Broadly speaking, we are just starting to dive into the consequences of light and noise for animals,” said Ashley Wilson, a 鶹 graduate student who led the study. “Most studies focus on a single species’ responses to noise or light pollution. As such, our study involving 140 species provides the most comprehensive assessment of how noise and light influence which birds we see in our backyards and neighborhoods.” .
Rattlesnakes May Like Climate Change, 鶹 Study Says
When it comes to climate change, not all organisms will lose out. A new 鶹 study finds that rattlesnakes are likely to benefit from a warming climate. A combination of factors makes a warming climate beneficial to rattlesnakes that are found in almost every part of the continental United States but are especially common in the Southwest. Rattlers are experts at thermoregulation. Researchers found that, when given a choice, the snakes prefer a body temperature of 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit, a much warmer temperature than they generally experience in nature. “We were surprised to see how much lower the body temperatures of wild snakes were relative to their preferred body temperatures in the lab,” said Hayley Crowell, a graduate student researcher and project lead. “There are a lot of ecological pressures in nature that could prevent rattlesnakes from basking, such as the risk of increased exposure to predators. A warmer climate may help these snakes heat up to temperatures that are more optimal for digestion or reproduction.” .
鶹 Foundation Board Meeting to be Held Aug. 7
The 鶹 Foundation board of directors is scheduled to meet on Saturday, Aug. 7. The meeting will be held virtually beginning at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact the 鶹 Foundation office at ext. 6-7147 or calpolyfoundation@calpoly.edu.
New Students to be Welcomed to Campus During SLO Days
New Student and Transition Programs (NSTP) is welcoming 鶹's newest group of Mustangs for , July 7 to Aug 10. All new students participate in SLO Days, the first part of 鶹’s award-winning orientation program. A two-day experience, SLO Days gives students and supporters a chance to prepare for the college experience. This year’s programming will include separate tracks for students and supporters — covering topics from mental health to financial aid. SLO Days will transition to fully in-person sessions for students, starting July 15. . As a reminder, new students start moving in on Sept. 14 and then launch directly into Week of Welcome, part two of 鶹’s immersive orientation program. Anyone with questions about SLO Days or WOW can reach out to Nicolaza Owens at nkortiz@calpoly.edu.
鶹 Rodeo Team Advances to National Finals
Eleven members of 鶹’s Rodeo Team qualified to compete in the 72nd annual College National Finals Rodeo held June 11-19 in Casper, Wyoming, where one student-athlete came away with a second-place win: Grant Peterson, a second-year agricultural systems management major, placed second in the steer wrestling event (pictured). Student-athletes who advanced to the finals are: Peterson and regional champion Ethan Usher in steer wrestling; Maggie Usher and Hannah Steagall in goat tying; Karson Mebane and Quintin McWhorter in saddle bronc riding; Cole Tart in bareback riding; Kathryn Varian and Kelsey Cadwell in barrel racing; Jason Andersen in tie-down roping; and Tyree Cochrane in team roping. “I’m extremely proud of these athletes, who faced a unique and difficult qualifying season due to COVID-19 impacts and competed as individuals at eight rodeos throughout California and Nevada to advance to the finals,” Rodeo Coach Ben Londo said. .
Political Science Student Accepted to Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program
Third-year political science major Desiree Nunes will serve as 鶹’s 2021 representative to the Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program. After a two-week training period at the Panetta Institute at CSU Monterey Bay, she will work in the capitol office of a California congressional representative in Washington, D.C., for 11 weeks in the fall. “Ultimately, I know that I want to work in the intersection of law and government, and I can't think of any better way to gain experience toward this goal than learning from the leaders in Congress themselves through the Panetta Institute,” Nunes said. Nunes’s previous experience includes working with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group as a member and investor relations coordinator, a legal assistant at a local law firm, and an organizer for the 2020 Dawn Addis Assembly campaign. Nunes also served as a research assistant for political science Professor Jean Williams to explore the influences and emerging patterns of anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the rest on 鶹 News.
Animal Science Students Commemorate 2021 World Turtle and Tortoise Day with Outreach Education
Animal science undergraduates observed World Turtle and Tortoise Day on May 24 with a live-streamed webinar to inspire California elementary school children about the importance of turtle and tortoise conservation. These students, who provide daily care and husbandry for the on-campus colony of 17 leopard tortoises, worked collaboratively to create an entertaining lesson introducing young children to these incredible animals, discussed careers supporting wildlife, and shared the hands-on experiences available to all 鶹 students. This event is part of an ongoing educational outreach effort highlighting topics with California school-aged children. The Animal Science Department’s Reptile Husbandry Enterprise is a one-of-a-kind student opportunity to gain hands-on experience with non-domestic animal husbandry and research. Alumni from this academic program serve in career positions of animal care, management and conservation in zoos, aquariums and allied industries across the United States.
Roberts Named Faculty-in-Residence for University Housing
Joni Roberts, Ph.D., assistant professor of kinesiology and public health in the College of Science and Mathematics, has been named faculty-in-residence by University Housing. She joins Nishi Rajakaruna and Padma Maitland, who are also serving in this role. Roberts, a behavioral health researcher and health educator, earned her doctorate in public health with an emphasis in health education from Loma Linda University. Roberts’ research interests include maternal and child health issues surrounding the preconception, conception and post-partum periods of a woman’s life. She also studies cultural beliefs, implicit bias and health disparities impacting women’s health care. Roberts was born and raised in Jamaica. She enjoys traveling and has lived in Poland, Malawi and Nigeria. She is looking forward to more international travel adventures as the world reopens, and she is eager to get together with others to cook and share meals and enjoy the outdoors Roberts will be living in the Cerro Vista Apartments. Those interested in collaborating with Roberts on a housing event for student residents can email her at jrober81@calpoly.edu.
Fourteen Faculty Research Projects Awarded RSCA Grants
鶹’s division of Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education (R-EDGE) announced the awards for the 2021-22 cycle of the Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) grant program. The RSCA faculty grant program is supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor's Office and the 鶹 Provost's Office and is designed to enable faculty to contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally and economically. The RSCA program is one mechanism by which 鶹 supports the teacher-scholar model, in which faculty integrate excellence in teaching with excellence in research, scholarly and creative activities. The RSCA program has been active at 鶹 since 2014-15 and has provided over $2.8 million in grants to faculty members during this period. .
鶹 Magazine Wins Gold Circle of Excellence Award from CASE
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently awarded 鶹 Magazine’s digital edition the . The honor distinguishes the publication’s online presence from higher education entries around the nation. “鶹 accomplished what they set out to do. Their magazine is not only visually appealing and easy to navigate, but it is also interactive,” said the CASE judges. “What set this entry apart from the others was their strong shared brand and voice. It's a great example for everyone to look at.” Since the pandemic began, 鶹 Magazine has published online exclusively. Its latest issue is now live at .
Remember to Plan for Parking Before Returning to Campus
Faculty and staff working on campus this summer can purchase quarterly and annual parking permits . Summer quarter permits are valid from date of purchase and expire Sept. 10. Annual permits are valid from date of purchase and expire June 17, 2022. Payroll-deducted parking is also offered as a convenient option for staff and faculty to pay for a long-term parking permit. Eligible state, ASI and 鶹 Corporation employees may start payroll deduction at the beginning of any month. Employees of ASI and CPC can enroll or cancel payroll-deducted parking through Human Resources. Eligible state employees can enroll, change, or cancel payroll deduction status through the 鶹 portal. Access the “Update” link by navigating to the “My Job Tasks” portlet. Any updates to state payroll-deducted parking must be submitted before the third of the month to take effect in that month. Purchase permits online and update your vehicle information using your . 鶹 Transportation and Parking Services for more information on staff parking.
Export and Save All Grades from PolyLearn
Per CSU policy, faculty must access their old PolyLearn courses to export their Gradebooks (fall 2017-summer 2020) and save them to OneDrive (safe for level-two data) before Aug. 29, 2021. The policy, , can be viewed online. It requires faculty to save full gradebooks for up to five years. to learn more about how to access PolyLearn and export your Gradebook. Canvas courses starting fall 2019 will remain in Canvas until the start of spring 2022. Faculty can also and save on OneDrive.
Respondus Monitor Online Proctoring Software Expires July 30
The Respondus Monitor Online Proctoring software will expire July 30, however, instructors can prepare that do not require Respondus Monitor’s services. 鶹 the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology’s webpage to assist with the transition. The CTLT offers one-to-one, small group and departmental consultations on developing a variety of pedagogical practices. 鶹 the CTLT to view consultation options and to schedule a session. Respondus LockDown Browser, which prevents students from browsing the internet during an online exam, will be renewed for the 2021-22 academic year.
Ninjio Information Security Training: ‘See Something, Do Something’
for a possible explanation of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident. 鶹 has seen numerous examples of suspicious emails with links to malicious sites or even the occasional file with a virus, which is why it’s important to be wary of emails with unexpected URLs or attachments. If you’re unsure, using the "Report Phishing" button in your email inbox and 鶹’s Information Security team will review it. All Ninjio training videos are available on the under the Staff and Faculty Training tab on the My 鶹 Portal. They are also available to emeritus on the .
Faculty Advisor Training Series Available in Fall 2021
University Advising is offering a Faculty Advisor Training series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. The series includes:
- : Oct. 1
- : Oct. 8
- : Oct. 22
about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Questions? Contact Christina Wolfe-Chandler, advisor training coordinator, at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Cleaning Out Your Office? Read These Tips First
Facilities Management and Development wants to help employees with any summer cleaning they have planned. Here are a few tips:
- Separate student records or confidential material and arrange for .
- Those with more non-confidential papers, periodicals and other recyclables than will fit in a single desk-side recycle bin should request free delivery of a wheeled recycle cart from the Facilities Help Desk at ext. 6-5555.
- To remove furniture or larger items, put in a .
Questions? Call the Facilities Management and Development Help Center at ext. 6-5555 or email facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu.
Mary Glick will retire in September after nine years as Journalism Department chair. Glick raised the department’s profile with community engagement, including the 100th anniversary of Mustang News and the 50th anniversary of KCPR. Glick helped develop a minor in integrated marketing communication, designing two courses: Media, Self and Society; and Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She also engaged the Journalism Advisory Board in establishing an endowment for departmental enrichment, including the Jim Hayes Symposium, a program to advance integrity in journalism and communication. Glick came to 鶹 following 12 years as associate director of American Press Institute, where she facilitated seminars for newspaper executives during a time of industry upheaval. Prior to API, Glick designed and directed an interdisciplinary journalism program at SUNY Oswego and worked as a journalism instructor at Cal State Long Beach in the 1990s. Before her work in education, Glick had a career as a journalist and public relations professional in Southern California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from SUNY Oswego and a master’s in Communications from CSU Fullerton. Glick plans to continue teaching and serve part time in the Faculty Early Retirement Program. Brady Teufel will succeed her as department chair.
Ray Aronson, executive director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects, retired from 鶹 on July 1 after four years of service. Originally from Los Angeles, Aronson worked with Caltrans to build the Century Freeway and later moved to Santa Barbara, where he was the project engineer along Highway 101. Aronson worked for over 25 years at UCSB in the Design and Construction Department, where he became director prior to leaving for 鶹 in October 2017. At 鶹 his department oversaw all campus space and environmental planning as well as the design and construction of all capital building projects. He mentored and expanded a young and talented group of architects, engineers, construction managers and hard workers to improve the physical campus. His time at 鶹 is highlighted by completing many projects, including yakʔitʸutʸu, Vista Grande Dining Complex, Oppenheimer Equestrian Center, Swanson Beach Volleyball Complex, Doerr Family Field, Dignity Health Baseball Clubhouse, Hoffman Baseball Pressbox, Plant Conservatory, as well as hundreds of smaller capital projects. In retirement Aronson plans to take a few months to relax, unwind, be with family and travel. He plans to work on his golf game, continue to bike both mountain and road rides, get back to the beach and surf, and volunteer in the Santa Barbara community, where he currently resides. Aronson said he enjoyed every day he spent at 鶹 and he’s very thankful for his team and what they accomplished.
Chris Blackburn is retiring from 鶹 after 25 years of distinguished service. Blackburn began her 鶹 career in 1996 as a payroll technician in Payroll Services. In 2004 she transferred to Human Resources, where she spent a decade managing human resources information system (HRIS) initiatives and projects, most notably the implementation of the PeopleAdmin recruiting system and the design of many of the PolyData dashboards. After observing her keen data analysis skills, Academic Personnel poached her in 2014, and since then she has been the office expert in all things HRIS. In all of her positions, Blackburn has exuded a calm expertise that instills trust and admiration. Coworkers appreciate her ability to solve problems by examining every side of an issue as well as the patience and grace with which she approaches others. Her dry sense of humor brightens the office and has been especially appreciated in this year of remote work. As she retires from her position at 鶹, Blackburn is looking forward to traveling and to her new position as grandmother. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her new adventures.
Lee McFarland retired last spring after 22 years of teaching in the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) departments. McFarland came to 鶹 in 1999 after retiring from his first career at 3M. He enrolled in the industrial engineering graduate program and was quickly enlisted as a teaching associate to teach Drafting (now ME 129) and Engineering Economics (IME 314). He later taught Process Improvement (IME 223), Human Factors Engineering (IME 319), Engineering Management (IME 421) and the Mechanical Engineering three-quarter Senior Project series (ME 428, 429 and 430). “Lee’s industry experience, along with his commitment to the success of his students, allowed him to make a remarkable contribution to the education of thousands of engineering students,” ME Department Chair Jim Widmann said. IME Department Chair Dan Waldorf added, “Lee’s career design experience from a company famous for making ingenious discoveries has always helped him inspire and energize student innovation at 鶹.” McFarland says advising senior projects has been a highlight of his time at 鶹, and the , a permanent attraction at the annual Cambria Christmas Market, stands out as the most fun. Outside of 鶹, McFarland has devoted decades of service to teaching and helping students in Cambria. In retirement he plans to continue his work as a trustee of the Coast Union School District board and teaching religious education to adults at his church. McFarland is also looking forward to spending more time with Linda, his wife of 55 years, his three sons and five grandkids.
Go Full Circle with 鶹 Magazine
The latest issue of 鶹 Magazine explores the past, present and our post-pandemic future. Dig into the history of PolyCultural Weekend with the alumni who founded the event. Walk with a graduate who carries the Mixtec community close to her heart. Hear how faculty experts see the workplace, entertainment and public space changing forever after the pandemic. Find more stories about a future veterinarian, a legendary beekeeping course and student-athletes running away with a Big West Conference title. Read these stories and more at .
Call for Volunteers to Help at Mustang Corral Barbecues
鶹 Athletics is seeking volunteers for the fall 2021 Mustang Corral Barbecues. The Mustang Corral Barbecue is a fun and family friendly event hosted before every home football game featuring delicious food, unlimited drinks and live entertainment. Volunteers are needed to help check in guests and pour beer. All volunteers will receive a ticket to the game and a barbecue lunch, including drinks. Volunteers at three or more barbecues will receive a 鶹 swag bag. .
鶹 Recreation Center Membership Specials
The campus community is eligible for a new membership promotion at the 鶹 Recreation Center. Pre-pay for three months of membership, and the Recreation Center will gift an extra month. The offer is available to faculty, staff, alumni, emeritus and their families. The promotion expires on Oct. 31. Learn more about membership promotions and pricing at , or contact Membership Services at cpreccenter-memberships@calpoly.edu.
Free AWS Cloud Training Available July 21
鶹 Extended Education is offering another opportunity for campus community members to receive free cloud training through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Discovery Day event. From noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, 鶹 will offer a Discovery Day session hosted on Zoom. This event is free and offers a great way for those who are interested to learn more about AWS fundamental cloud concepts and services. 鶹 joined the in October. The program enables authorized instructors at the university to deliver training developed by AWS. To learn more about this unique partnership and to register for the Discovery Day event, visit 鶹’s AWS Training .