鶹 Rose Float Reveals 2023 Design
鶹 students have shifted their sights from the heavens to a forest world of gigantic snails, mushrooms and colorful fungi for their 74th entry in the upcoming Pasadena Rose Parade.® The 2023 Tournament of Roses theme is “Turning the Corner,” which symbolizes the positive change and unlimited potential that each new year can bring. The 鶹 float, “Road to Reclamation,” will demonstrate that through these vibrant revitalizers, a new start can come from unlikely places — by transforming a dead tree branch into a catalyst for new life. For students, it also represents their efforts to fully reclaim the Learn by Doing education that is the hallmark of 鶹, as well as the seven-decade partnership with 鶹 Pomona.
Gina Ann Garcia to Deliver Keynote Address for Hispanic Heritage Month
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion will welcome Gina Ann Garcia, associate professor in the department of Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh, to 鶹 to provide a keynote address from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, in Chumash Auditorium. Garcia is an author, professor and leading scholar on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Her keynote address will challenge students, staff, faculty and administrators to think about what the individualized path of becoming an HSI could look like for 鶹 and will explore the role HSI status plays in ensuring a more just and equitable future for Latinx students on campus.
Campus Partnership Helps Extend Mustang Shuttle Hours with Daytime Service
Campus community members will have an easier time getting around campus this fall, thanks to a new partnership. ASI, the University Union Advisory Board, University Housing and the 鶹 Corporation have partnered with Public Safety to extend the Mustang Shuttle Service with new daytime hours. Mustang Shuttle is now running from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in the evening from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The daytime shuttle will run on weekdays; the evening shuttle will run seven days a week, not including academic holidays or breaks. Catching a ride on the shuttle will be even easier this fall, following the release of a Mustang Shuttle app that will allow users to track the location and times of the shuttles. Mustang Shuttle will have six campus stops throughout the day and nine in the evening.
鶹 Irrigation Training and Research Center Awarded $6.3 Million
The Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) was awarded $6.3 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to support technical assistance over the next five years. Since 1996, the ITRC has worked in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, California-Great Basin Region, to offer technical assistance in researching and implementing state-of-the-art technologies, techniques and education to irrigation/water districts throughout the western United States. This latest renewal of the technical assistance contract will extend the program into 2027. To date, with ITRC Director Stuart Styles as the principal investigator, the ITRC has received more than $22 million in funding that is managed through 鶹’s Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education. The technical assistance efforts have resulted in over 10,000 student-hours of supervised work experience annually, and more than 30 student are employed each year. The ITRC was started in 1989 by Charles M. Burt, who serves as chairman of the ITRC. In the photo, students learn how to use flowtrackers to verify flume accuracy — a method of measuring the flow of water.
Chumash Auditorium Is Open to the Campus
Chumash Auditorium is open to the campus community. As a host to hundreds of campus entities and some of the university’s largest events, Chumash Auditorium is now accepting reservations for performances, banquets, presentations, job fairs and more. For more information or support regarding 2022–23 academic year reservations and event planning, reach out to your scheduling entity or visit the .
New Outdoor Community Spaces Created to Enhance Campus Experience
Two new outdoor community spaces and 鶹’s first commissioned outdoor mural have been recently completed. The two outdoor spaces, one in front of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the other outside of Campus Market, as well as the mural, were commissioned and created by the 鶹 Corporation. The space outside the PAC has shaded tables and chairs and lighting for dining alfresco with two food trucks. In addition, two local pop-up restaurants will be serving nearby. 鶹 donated funds to beautify the perimeter spaces, transforming the entire space in front of the PAC. Outside Campus Market features parklet-style landscaping, umbrellas, and Santa Maria style barbecue and food truck areas. It is also home to a three-panel public mural created by Grover Beach artist Oscar Pearson. These projects are part of the Corporation’s ongoing outdoor campus enhancements. In addition to donating funds, 鶹 and ASI are assisting with the maintenance and upkeep.
Students Awarded Pre-Doctoral Fellowships Aimed at Preparing Future CSU Faculty Members
Two students have been selected as through the CSU’s Pre-Doctoral Program. Graduate student Jacob Campbell in the higher education counseling and student affairs program and Jennifer Luevano, a second-year graduate student in the nutrition program, were admitted to the program. Campbell, who also works as a retention specialist in University Advising, researches the intersection of data, policy and multiraciality in and beyond educational contexts. He is broadly interested in investigating the visibility and/or invisibility of multiracial students as a function of federal, state and institutional policy while interrogating how data shape the ways in which educational institutions see and support multiracial students. Luevano’s research involves the use of metabolomics, the study of small molecules (metabolites) produced by the metabolism of a biological system. She also works at the 鶹 Metabolomics Service Center, performing data processing and analysis for a variety of metabolomics studies. During her time at 鶹, she has contributed to metabolomics research related to COVID-19, head and neck cancer, and gestational diabetes.
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.
CAED Announces Department Head Appointments
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) has appointed Mark Cabrinha head of the Architecture Department and Amir Hajrasouliha as head of the City and Regional Planning Department. An alumnus of the CAED’s architecture program, Cabrinha earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois and his doctorate in architectural science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Over the last five years as CAED associate dean for academic affairs, he has been the primary liaison between the college and university for student success and strategic college initiatives, including shepherding the college’s Diversity Strategic Plan. Cabrinha will lead the department’s priorities, including the comprehensive restructuring of the curriculum in the transition to semesters while focusing on a new architectural accreditation process that draws on the program's unique identity and quality. Hajrasouliha earned his doctorate in metropolitan planning, policy and design from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Michigan. He has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate CRP courses, including urban design studios and courses on graphic communication and GIS methods, digital and global influences, population, housing and economic applications. Hajrasouliha will lead the CRP’s priorities of curriculum revision, supporting hands-on courses, labs, and international programs and providing more scholarships to support students. Learn more about and .
Interim Managing Director of the PAC Named
Ryan Gruss, current director of Patron Services and Campus Ticketing, has been chosen to serve as the interim managing director of the Performing Arts Center starting Oct. 15, following the retirement of Chris Miller. “I’m excited and honored for the opportunity to lead our team at the PAC. I look forward to continuing to work together to provide the campus and our community with an amazing venue showcasing the talents of those on the Central Coast and artists from around the world,” Gruss said. Gruss started at 鶹 as the box office manager for the Performing Arts Center in 2013, before leading the unification process and creation of the 鶹 Ticket Office in 2014. Gruss previously worked for four years at Azusa Pacific University as a ticket manager and assistant manager of the on-campus Event Center. Gruss graduated from Azusa Pacific in 2008 with a degree in communication studies and earned his master's degree in business management.
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 Runs Sept. 19 Through Oct. 14
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is employees’ annual opportunity to review, enroll, cancel or make changes to their health, dental, vision, flexcash, dependent care reimbursement account, health care reimbursement account or voluntary benefits plans to be effective January 2023. Open enrollment details are available on the webpage, including information on how to make changes. The page also highlights information sessions from select providers. Attend the Virtual Benefits Fair where various health plan and voluntary plan providers will be present to share important information about rates, changes and key features. This is also your opportunity to ask questions as you make important decisions regarding your coverage. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 5.
Examining Whiteness Foundational Series Starts in October
Faculty and staff are invited to sign up for "Examining Whiteness,” a program inspired by (BARWE). The Examining Whiteness foundational series is designed as a first step for white educators toward engaging in critical reflection on whiteness and working toward antiracism. The series is open to individuals at all levels of learning in their personal journey toward better understanding whiteness in their personal and professional lives. This six-week program will meet on Tuesdays, 9:30-11 a.m., from Oct. 11-Nov. 15. Participants must be able to commit to attending at least five sessions. . Contact Dr. Sarah Macdonald in CTLT with any questions.
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.
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 nine 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.
New Fall Book Circles for Faculty and Staff Employees
Employee and Organization Development has announced the fall 2022 Book Circles, where participants can engage in enriching conversations and connect with peers across campus. Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three to four sessions. The books are:
- “” by Amber Pierce: Pierce details the five stages of burnout, what makes each of us susceptible to burnout, how to assess your individual situation and practical strategies to facilitate burnout recovery.
- “” by Rhodes Perry: This book will support all employees in cultivating a campus culture in which everyone can show up authentically and feel valued and respected for their contributions.
- “” by Adam Grant: This book addresses the challenges of being an advocate for change. Learn how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, and manage fear and doubt.
- “” by Warren Berger: In this book Berger shares how the power of inquiry can help you make decisions, face challenges, identify opportunities, check your biases and lead.
View full descriptions and register to attend on the webpage.
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.
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.
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. .
Reminder: Don’t Enter Animal Units Without Permission
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is sharing a friendly reminder that visitors, including students, faculty and staff, are not allowed inside animal units — including fenced enclosures — without express permission. Faculty, staff and students are actively engaged in classes, labs and research, as well as in the ongoing care of the college’s livestock, and it is essential for the health and safety of all that outside exposure is limited. No trespassing signs are posted at all campus animal units making it clear where viewing can occur in a safe manner. Anyone who would like to request a tour of a livestock operation can contact animalscience@calpoly.edu.
Grand Re-Opening of Mustang Shop Set for Sept. 29
Following an extensive remodel, the newly renovated and renamed Mustang Shop, formerly University Store, 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.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters Available Sept. 23
Rite Aid returns to campus 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. All new students and employees are required to upload proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster, per the CSU's COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Two Upcoming Opportunities to Participate in Campus Blood Drives
Be a hero and save up to three lives in under an hour. There are two opportunities to join the campus blood drive: from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, and Tuesday, Oct. 4, when a Vitalant bus will be parked on the concrete walkway on Dexter Lawn, near the Dexter Building (No. 34). for the Sept. 26 blood drive. for the Oct. 4 blood drive. Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. The Sept. 26 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). The Oct. 4 blood drive is hosted by the Center for Service in Action.
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.
‘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 113 of the Business Building (No. 3). "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).
‘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.
Director of Jazz Studies and Guests to Give Recital Oct. 6
Arthur White, 鶹’s director of jazz studies, will present a jazz recital with guests at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Pavilion of the Performing Arts Center. White will play saxophone with out-of-state guest musicians Henry Johnson, guitar; Jo Ann Daugherty, piano; Dale Black, bass; and Thomas Taylor, drums. The program will feature original compositions by White and Johnson. Johnson and Daugherty are coming from Chicago; Black is from Wichita, Kansas, and often works in Los Angeles; and Taylor is from North Carolina. More information is on the . are sold at the , ext. 6-4849. 鶹 faculty and staff are eligible for a 20% discount. For more information, call ext. 6-2406.
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.
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 .