鶹 Earns 30th Consecutive Best in the West Ranking from U.S. News
鶹, the Golden State’s first public polytechnic school that launched its renowned Learn by Doing education in 1903, has been named the best public, master’s-level university in the West for the 30th straight year in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges guidebook. The 2023 guide, released Sept. 12, assessed an all-time high 1,500 U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 measures of academic quality. It lists 鶹 as No. 2 overall in the West — the same as last year — and as the region’s top-ranked public master’s-level university. In addition, 鶹 was again named No. 1 in the West for Most Innovative Schools; several 鶹 College of Engineering programs were ranked among the best in the nation for masters-level educational institutions; and the university was for the third straight year ranked as the top school in the West for veterans among public and private institutions that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees. Get a deeper look at how 鶹 has changed in the last 30 years on the 鶹 News site.
鶹 Wins First-Ever Grant on Space Cybersecurity from US National Science Foundation
鶹’s Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group has been awarded a $300,000 from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to study outer space cybersecurity, both technical and policy dimensions. The two-year project is the first that the NSF has funded on the subject. With interdisciplinary scholars and prominent expert consultants, the new project will generate novel scenarios for space cyberattacks while identifying and analyzing gaps in space law and norms that might allow for misunderstandings and conflict in the already contested but vital domain of outer space. According to the project’s principal investigator Patrick Lin, philosophy professor and director of the , it is urgent to study space cybersecurity given a perfect storm of factors. “All of our space laws, such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, are just too old and need to be updated for today’s technological realities,” Lin said. “At the same time, space systems are increasingly complex, which means more cyberattack vectors that need to be anticipated for informed policy planning and technical designs.”
Upward Bound Program Awarded New Five-Year Federal Grant
鶹’s Upward Bound program recently received a $2.3 million federal grant to help fund the Upward Bound program through the 2026-27 academic year. The five-year grant will award more than $460,000 annually to the program, representing a $62,000 annual increase to its previous federal grant award. The pre-college outreach program provides a variety of services to students with historically excluded backgrounds at four local high schools: Nipomo, Ernest Righetti, Pioneer Valley and Santa Maria. “I’m grateful for this new five-year award and the support it provides local students who may think college is out of reach,” said Keith Humphrey, vice president for student affairs. “This grant will not only open up possibilities for many students, it will also serve as an economic engine for the Central Coast by producing more college-educated individuals that our economy needs right now.”
Grand Re-Opening of Renovated and Renamed University Store Set for Sept. 29
Following an extensive remodel, the newly renamed Mustang Shop will host a Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 29. Following years of collaboration with the 鶹 Corporation and the university, Follet Higher Education has completed the renovation and has more additions coming this academic year. The celebration starts with a continental breakfast at 10 a.m. (no reservations needed) and a ribbon-cutting with 鶹 President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, 鶹 Corporation CEO Cody VanDorn and Follett Higher Education President Ryan Petersen from 2-3 p.m. There will be food, valuable coupons, and music and cheer provided by the 鶹 Band and Mustang Cheerleaders. The remodel work included a newly relocated entrance in the University Union Plaza, a completely redesigned interior layout and updated lighting to create a brighter, more convenient shopping experience. Students will be able to easily find books and materials, and all customers will be able to shop an expanded assortment of merchandise.
Nominations for Honorary Degrees Due Sept. 30
Confidential nominations are open for honorary degrees to be awarded by the CSU and 鶹 in 2023. Honorary degrees may be awarded to recognize achievements in all parts of the world. Nominees must demonstrate high moral character, be distinguished in their respected fields, and the eminence of persons nominated must be widely recognized. Nominees must have demonstrated intellectual and humane values that are consistent with the ideals of the CSU, the aims of higher education and with the highest ideals of the person’s chosen fields. Service or benefaction to the university do not alone justify awarding of an honorary degree. The CSU policy for awarding honorary degrees is available at the CSU PolicyStat website (): PolicyStat ID 8888541. Confidential nominations with a justification for the individual’s nomination may be submitted no later than Friday, Sept. 30, to Keith Humphrey, vice president for Student Affairs and Commencement chairperson, at humphrey@calpoly.edu.
‘Generosity’ Mural Artist Talk, Ribbon-Cutting Set for Sept. 30
鶹 will debut its first commissioned outdoor mural, “Generosity,” with an artist’s talk and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Sept. 30. Central Coast-based artist Oscar Pearson painted the mural, located in the newly renovated Via Carta Plaza adjacent to Campus Market. He will give a talk at 11:10 a.m. in Room 0001 in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7). The ribbon-cutting will follow the talk at 12:10 p.m. near Campus Market. All are welcome. To help beautify, inspire and grow the collection of campus public art, the 鶹 Corporation commissioned the mural following a thorough proposal process that included a selection committee comprised of students, faculty and staff and a member of the community. The mural has transformed a divided triptych wall into a vibrant mural that encourages student and community interaction. The mural speaks to several themes, including recognizing the valuable contributions of farm laborers on the Central Coast and 鶹 student contributions to the field of agriculture.
Public Health Student to Receive CSU Trustees’ Award and $7,000 Scholarship
A public health senior with a concentration in culture and society in health who plans to become a medical doctor has received a 2022 California State University Trustees’ Scholar Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Outstanding Achievement Awards are presented annually to one student from each of the CSU system’s 23 campuses. Like her counterparts throughout the state, Nathalie Zamora was selected for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. The 21-year-old will receive a $7,000 scholarship as one of the state’s William Randolph Hearst Scholars. “It is a great honor to be even nominated, as well as humbling. I could not be here without my support systems here at 鶹 and back home in L.A.,” Zamora said. “The work I do at 鶹 has allowed me to uplift myself by uplifting my community; the effort I put in stems from their encouragement. My community and my support system have created a safe space for me to grow and learn.”
International Center Seeking Hosts for Local Activities with International Students
The International Center is seeking faculty and staff for the International Poly Hosts Program. Volunteers will host international students for short, cross-cultural day visits that may include activities such as hiking, going to the beach, attending a sporting event or celebrating holidays/family occasions. This program is intended to help international students experience the San Luis Obispo community outside of the traditional academic setting. Poly Hosts will also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures while sharing their own. Refer to the to learn more about the program and to apply. Note: This is not an overnight/homestay program. Interested faculty and staff can contact Bianca Silva, international student advisor, with questions.
Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti Selected for Emerging Leaders Program
Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti, interim associate vice president for academic initiatives in the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and associate dean for diversity and curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts, has been selected to participate in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) cohort through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). As a member of the cohort, Teramoto Pedrotti will engage with academic and administrative leaders from 31 fellow AASCU institutions in monthly sessions through the end of the year. She will also be responsible for forwarding an initiative at 鶹. “Over the last two years, I have been working with divisions and departments across the campus to develop diversity action plans specific to their work,” Teramoto Pedrotti said. “I am now looking forward to seeing where these plans are aligned, how they fit with the university’s strategic goals and to see what universitywide goals and metrics we can establish. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues and mentors in the Emerging Leaders Program will be incredibly helpful in this work.”
Farewell Reception Planned for College of Engineering Executive Associate Dean Rakesh Goel
College of Engineering Executive Associate Dean Rakesh Goel has been named the dean of engineering at UC Merced. Goel has been at 鶹 since 1997. Before his role as associate dean, he served as chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, interim chair of the Electrical Engineering Department, chair of tenured faculty in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and as a senator in the 鶹 Academic Senate. Goel is a national and international leader in his discipline of earthquake analysis and the design of structures. His work has been adapted by seismic codes and guidelines in the U.S., and he has authored or co-authored more than 150 technical publications. Goel was awarded the Amman Fellowship, Huber Research Prize and Norman Medal by the American Society of Civil Engineers. He also received Northrop Grumman Research and Development Award for his research accomplishments at 鶹 and has received funding for his work from federal and state agencies and private industry. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Structural Engineering Institute. He chaired three prominent ASCE committees and served on the Journal of Structural Engineering and Earthquake Spectra editorial board. A farewell reception for Goel is planned from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in the Advanced Technologies Laboratory. Join the College of Engineering in saying farewell.
Open Enrollment is Coming Soon
Open Enrollment, which runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 14, is the annual opportunity to review, enroll, cancel or make changes to health, dental, vision, flexcash, dependent care reimbursement account, health care reimbursement account, or voluntary benefits plans, to be effective January 2023. Open enrollment information will be made available on the webpage as details are provided from the Chancellor’s Office and various providers. Save the date for the Virtual Benefits Fair, at which various health plan and voluntary plan providers will be present to share important information about rates, changes and key features. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about important decisions regarding coverage. The Virtual Benefits Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5. Expect an email communication from Human Resources next week with more information about Open Enrollment and registration details for the Virtual Benefits Fair.
New Charter Bus Provider Selected
Following a competitive bid process, Strategic Business Services has selected SLO Safe Ride as 鶹's primary vendor for chartered bus services. With its robust fleet of vehicles, SLO Safe Ride can meet the majority of campus travel needs. SLO Safe Ride has a simple available through the 鶹 portal. In the event that there are too many requests and SLO Safe Ride is not able to fill a request, a secondary provider, American Transportation Systems (ATS), is available. ATS should only be contacted following confirmation from SLO Safe Ride that no buses are available.
Career Services Releases Annual Report on 鶹 Graduate Outcomes
Career Services released its 2020-21 Graduate Status Report (GSR) in August, and it is now available online. The comprehensive report includes a GSR executive summary, overall report, college reports and interactive dashboard, as well as past years' reports. Overall, graduate outcomes remained strong in 2020-21, with 95% of graduates (based on a 52% response rate) securing positive post-graduation outcomes within 9 months of graduation (e.g., full-time employment, graduate school, part-time employment).
CSU’s Got Talent September Webcast to Focus on Mastering the Skill of Self-Confidence
All employees are invited to participate in another edition of the CSU’s Got Talent series. Ivan Joseph, a world-renowned leadership expert, best-selling author and keynote speaker, will present a webcast titled “You Got This: Mastering the Skill of Self Confidence.” Learn how to improve your self-confidence in order to comfortably take risks and communicate more effectively. The webcast will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Zoom Cloud Recordings to be Deleted After 180 Days Starting Dec. 16
Effective Friday, Dec. 16, videos stored in Zoom Cloud Recordings will automatically delete 180 days after they are created. On Dec. 16, videos that were saved to Zoom Cloud Recordings on June 19 or before will be deleted. Videos 180 days old will continue to be deleted daily from Zoom Cloud Recordings. To save videos longer than 180 days, download them from Zoom. Start now by viewing your Cloud Recordings at . A one-hour video is approximately one gigabit and can be downloaded in 15 seconds on campus. We recommend you upload and store videos in MS Stream, OneDrive, your computer or MS SharePoint. Find help in the or from the ITS Service Desk at ext. 6-7000 or servicedesk@calpoly.edu.
New Fall Learning Circles for Faculty and Staff Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the fall 2022 Learning Circles, where participants can engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus. Learning Circles involve watching a video, listening to a podcast or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. Learning Circles include:
- “” by Emily and Amelia Nagoski: Come learn what the term “burnout” is really referring to, how to understand the signs and discover strategies for addressing the issue.
- “” by Shannon Cassidy and Rhodes Perry: Join us as we learn strategies for building a healthy workplace culture by enabling others to feel connected authentically and by creating psychological safety.
- “” by Adam Galinsky: Learn how to assert yourself, navigate tricky social situations and expand your personal power with sage guidance from social psychologist Adam Galinsky.
- “” by Simon Sinek (pictured): A simple but powerful model for inspirational leadershi, starting with a golden circle and the question: "Why?" Be inspired and inspire those around you!
To view full descriptions and register to attend, visit .
Faculty Advisor Training Series Set for Fall
University Advising is offering a Faculty Advisor Training Series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies. The series includes:
- : Sept. 30
- : Oct. 7
- : Oct. 21
about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Anyone with questions can contact Christina Wolfe-Chandler, advisor training coordinator, at crwolfe@calpoly.edu.
Find Qualified Student Employees by Posting on MustangJOBS
Do you have a student employee job opening you’d like to promote? Easily post it on MustangJOBS powered by Handshake. Career Services offers this convenient, fast way to quickly reach many qualified 鶹 student applicants. Whether the posting is for an on-campus job or for a personal household job, MustangJOBS is the ideal place to promote your opportunity. Additionally, students who qualify for Federal Work Study are eligible for on-campus jobs at only 25% cost to the department’s budget. The federal government contributes the other 75% of the wages. Learn more about Federal Work Study. (Tip: for on-campus listings, select “on-campus” rather than “part-time” as the job type). For more information on using MustangJOBS, contact Career Services at careerservices@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-2501.
Kennedy Library Provides Resources for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curriculum
The CSU Chancellor’s Office has licensed multiple digital collections of primary sources that are available to all employees and students through the Kennedy Library. These resources include primary sources documenting the experiences of people of color in the United States, including:
- 䰿’s , which covers culture, traditions, social treatment and lived experiences of African Americans, Arab Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Jewish Americans, Latinx Americans, Native Americans and Multiracial Americans.
- The Adam Matthew primary resources from , , and .
- Proquest ‘s and primary resources.
In addition, 鶹 has added the following resources to its library collections:
- ɲ’s and .
- ʰDZܱ’s and .
- .
The new resources and the library’s over 230 databases can be found on the library .
Career Education Canvas Modules Available to Embed in Courses
Career Services offers career curriculum available in Canvas modules, which faculty can embed in their courses. The modules were developed by a team of professional career counselors, in consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Career Services Advisory Council, faculty and students. The following modules are currently offered:
- Networking.
- Interviewing.
- Discovering Career Possibilities.
- Navigating Your Job/Internship Search.
- Resume and Cover Letter.
Each module is designed to be delivered asynchronously and includes several customizable components, such as readings, videos and activities. Faculty are encouraged to complement the material by having a career counselor as well. . If you've used the modules in the past, continue to submit each quarter you use them to help Career Services track student utilization of this service.
University Personnel Offers Well-Being Workshops in September and October
University Personnel has worked with 鶹’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, to offer synchronous well-being workshops in September and October. They include:
- Communicating Cooperatively at Work: Enhance interpersonal communication skills and learn to communicate more effectively. Learn strategies for sending and receiving complex communications, discover the five levels of listening, understand how to communicate well in challenging situations and learn to emphasize communication in team relationships.
- Healthy Remedies for Managing Stress: Understand everyday stress and healthy ways to manage stress levels. This session will cover sources and symptoms of stress, attitudes, gaining perspective and relaxation.
Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information on well-being workshops.
Take Advantage of Professional Development Courses in September
is pleased to share the release of the September professional development offerings as part of the Cross Campus Collaboration, a series of online workshops offered by 鶹 and other CSU campuses. These unique opportunities extend learning beyond campus borders and offer a new way to share professional development. New courses and dates were added for September. View and register using the links below. Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
- : Sept. 14, 10-11:30 a.m.
- : Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m.
- : Sept. 16, 11-noon.
- : Sept. 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
- : Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- : Sept. 22, 10-11 a.m.
- : Sept. 23, 1-2 p.m.
- : Sept. 23, 2:30-4 p.m.
- : Sept. 27, 2-3:15 p.m.
- : Sept. 28, 2-3 p.m.
- : Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Check the page of the website for updates.
Chris Miller will retire from his managing director role at the Performing Arts Center after six and a half years. Throughout his time Miller managed the PAC’s $3 million annual operating budget, and oversaw nearly 400 annual public and university events, hosting approximately 75,000 event attendees annually. The PAC saw financial success during his tenure with operating surpluses each fiscal year, except the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. The PAC’s operating reserve balance has doubled, and nearly $2 million has been added to its Major Maintenance/Capital Renewal Fund. Miller is most proud of how the PAC staff overcame the significant challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they pivoted to provide critical support for pandemic response and testing on campus, and quickly developed the capacity to produce complex virtual events, including a concert series featuring local artists. Miller joined the PAC in May 2016, relocating from Seattle, where he enjoyed a 30-year career in various performing arts and venue management positions. His last day on campus will be Oct. 14. Ryan Gruss, current director of Patron Services and Campus Ticketing, will serve as interim managing director starting Oct. 15. There will be a reception to celebrate Miller’s retirement and welcome Gruss from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in the PAC lobby. .
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available Sept. 16 and 23
Rite Aid returns to campus Friday, Sept. 16, and Friday, Sept. 23, to administer COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in the 鶹 Recreation Center, Room 109, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rite Aid will have Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the updated booster (bivalent) shots, as well as the flu vaccine. Complete the (PDF) in advance to expedite the process. Individuals can get a booster five months after completing their primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccination series, or two months after receiving the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Campus Blood Drive Set for Sept. 26
Be a hero and save up to three lives in under an hour. Join the campus blood drive on Monday, Sept. 26, when a Vitalant bus will be parked on the concrete walkway on Dexter Lawn, near the Dexter Building (No. 34). between 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. The blood drive is hosted by the Orfalea College of Business, University Personnel and Campus Health and Wellbeing. Contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information.
Statistical Consulting Service Available to Campus Community
The Statistics Department is offering a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through Dec. 2 by appointment only. John Walker will serve as the consultant. He is available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, he is available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at 鶹. Faculty, staff and students interested in utilizing the consulting service are encouraged to access the for additional information, including what to bring to a consulting session. To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
Mindfulness Meditation Group to Meet Mondays Fall Quarter
The Mindfulness Meditation Group will meet this fall every Monday that classes are scheduled, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 252 in the Computer Science Building (No. 14). There will also be a Zoom option for those interested in attending virtually. Mindfulness meditation is a non-religious exercise of paying attention to your present-moment experience. Everyone is welcome — faculty, staff and students. No experience is necessary. Two minutes of instruction will precede 30 minutes (12:15–12:45 p.m.) of silent meditation (with headphones permitted). For more information, contact Matthew J. Moore at mmoore02@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-2895.
Space Grand Challenge Set for Oct. 7-9
Faculty and staff are invited to watch a live broadcast of the Space Grand Challenge, a global cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students, which takes place Oct. 7-9. This installment is a gamified satellite cybercrime challenge scenario developed by the California Cybersecurity Institute at 鶹 (CCI). It is comprised of a multi-layered cybercrime plot written by student employees from 鶹, complete with complex characters, physical and digital evidence chains, and puzzles that challenge participants, who are required to search through and analyze to solve a satellite hacking crime. The development team has built a virtual-immersive environment within Unity, bringing the vision to life with Unity’s interactive and real-time 3D platform. The event will highlight the convergence of space, cybersecurity and digital forensics. The event will be broadcast on the CCI’s . Employees who know of middle or high school students who might be interested can by Sept. 30.
鶹 Music Department Announces 2022-23 Events Season
The Music Department’s new season will feature numerous student and faculty performers as well as guest artists. This first event, on Oct. 6, will be a recital featuring Director of Jazz Studies Arthur White with guest artists. On Oct. 20, andPlay duo will present “Collaborating with Technology,” and the final October event will be a Faculty Showcase Recital on Oct. 21. Additional fall events include:
- Nov. 4 — Bandfest 2022
- Nov. 18 — Fall Jazz Concert
- Dec. 2 — Choirs’ Holiday Kaleidoscope
- Dec. 3 — Arab Music Ensemble Fall Concert<
- Dec. 4 — Symphony: Madrone String Quartet and the New World
The 2022-23 season offerings are available on the Music Department’s . For more information, email the department or call ext. 6-2406. Tickets are on sale at the . To order by phone, call ext. 6-4849. 鶹 faculty and staff receive a 20% discount on individual tickets.
‘Picasso Presents Gernika’ to be Screened Sept. 26
“Picasso Presents Gernika,” a film screening and discussion led by UC Riverside’s Begoña Echeverria and Annika Speer, will be presented at 10:10 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 26, in Room 126 of the Erhart Agriculture Building (No. 10). "Picasso Presents Gernika" is a play by Echeverria that explores the bombing of the Basque town Gernika during the Spanish Civil War, as well as Picasso's creative response (Guernica). The film interweaves footage of a staged reading of the play with archival and audio-visual materials. "Picasso Presents Gernika" continues to resonate powerfully with current refugee and human rights crises. The event is sponsored by the CLA, World Languages and Cultures Department, Social Sciences Department, and Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts. For more information, contact Dr. Karen Muñoz-Christian (kschrist@calpoly.edu).
Event Postings
is a new platform that shines a spotlight on high-profile special events at 鶹 and throughout our community, focusing on the wide and diverse range of activities on and around campus. This site is designed to help our colleges, programs, departments and facilities promote exciting events that can be seen by a selected audience. It will update regularly and includes events happening in the next 30-45 days. It is not a calendar of all events, and it does not include student club events. Here are some links to help you navigate:
Submitting an Event to Events.calpoly.edu
To submit your event for consideration, please send the event title, date, time, duration, ticket information, intended audience(s) and image (1600 bpi wide) to event-submission@calpoly.edu.
University Events Calendar
To find a listing of all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more — visit our .
Scheduling/Booking Venues
can help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event.
Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar.
鶹 鶹 Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more
Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by visiting the .