Legendary Labor Leader Dolores Huerta Speaks on Campus
In mid-October, iconic labor organizer Dolores Huerta spoke in front of a packed crowd in Chumash Auditorium. Her speech was the closing keynote of ¡Adelante!, the inaugural Hispanic-Serving Institution Symposium: Pathway to Becoming an HSI, organized by the office of University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The symposium, held Oct. 17, featured a welcome address from President Armstrong, a panel discussion with 鶹’s HSI task force, a fair highlighting Latinx-centered resources on campus and afternoon workshops.
Read more at 鶹 News
Over 200 High School Students Attend United by Excellence Latinx Heritage Celebración
Strategic Enrollment Management’s United by Excellence and admissions teams hosted more than 200 high-achieving high school seniors from Wonderful Education, Santa Maria Joint Union School, Kern High School, Salinas Union High School and Lucia Mar Unified school districts in a daylong celebration on Oct. 27. Keynote speaker Matthew J. Melendrez, a counselor and activist who is fighting for justice, liberation and freedom for marginalized communities, welcomed students before they toured campus. Participants learned more about 鶹 from a student panel, attended Learn by Doing workshops hosted by the six academic colleges and participated in Latinx topic-based lectures and a resource fair. The event was part of the university’s goal of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution, as well as ’s aim to instill a college-going culture and increase higher education student preparation experiences for historically underserved and underrepresented student populations.
Faculty-Staff Housing Fall Update
Work continues on the faculty and staff housing project near the Grand Avenue campus entrance.The final design of the project at Slack Street recently completed 75% schematic design review. The project is planned to break ground in the spring. The initial phase will bring 33 much-needed single-family units, available for sale, to the site. This is the next step of a phased approach to increase housing options for faculty and staff. The second phase will include rental units at an alternate site. Additional development sites on and near campus for rental units are currently being evaluated. The long-term plans are to have 400-600 units available. for the Slack Street and Grand Avenue, Bella Montana and future housing sites are being updated. Please note the interest list is not a waitlist for home purchase. Additional information on the waitlist process will be shared once finalized. Please direct all questions to realestate@calpoly.edu.
Join Financial Aid for FAFSA/CADAA Simplification Information Sessions
Staff who work directly with students, or who have an interest in the upcoming changes to the financial aid application process, are urged to register and attend an upcoming FAFSA/CADAA (California Dream Act Application) simplification information session. The most significant changes to the applications in over 40 years are coming during the 2024-25 application cycle. The Financial Aid and Scholarship office is hosting virtual information sessions regarding the updates to the FAFSA and CADAA applications. These sessions will provide insight into major application changes, updated terminology and anticipated impact to students and programs. Sessions will be held:
- Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 2:10 pm
- Thursday, Nov. 16, at 11:10 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8, at 9:10 a.m.
Boo! Scary Stories and Why We Love Them
What draws us to the spooky, scary and macabre? Three English professors who have studied horror in film and literature talk about our societal fascination with ghosts and goblins and a traditional Scottish children’s prayer: “From ghoulies and ghosties/And long-leggedy beasties/And things that go bump in the night,/Good Lord deliver us!”
Contribute to Mustang Gift Drive by Dec. 4
The invites students, staff, faculty and their families to contribute to the Mustang Holiday Gift Drive by picking up a gift tag and purchasing a gift for a child in need, or by donating money via the center’s direct giving link. Each tag represents a specific request supporting local children and families in need. To pick up a gift tag, visit one of the Giving Tower locations on campus: the Recreation Center Lobby (No. 43); the second floor of the UU (No. 65); and outside the Mustang Success Center in the Science Building (No. 52) Room D37. Bring newly purchased, unwrapped gifts to the CSA in Sierra Madre Residence Hall (No. 113) Room L119 by Monday, Dec. 4.
Campus Dining Hosts Event Celebrating Community and Togetherness Nov. 14
Campus Dining invites the 鶹 community to participate in this year’s ThankFul event at Via Carta outside of Campus Market on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ThankFul is part of Campus Dining’s JoyFul series of events and is dedicated to giving back by saying “thanks” to the community through food, friends and fun activities. These include a cookie-decorating station, photo opportunities, “gratitude” pumpkins that offer thanks, free food samples, and delicious seasonal menus at the outdoor, banquet-style table on Via Carte, in the heart of campus. There also will be ways to give back. Donate non-perishable items for a chance to win prizes. Receive an entry for each donated item. For more details, visit the , or email campusdining@calpoly.edu.
Great American Smokeout Set for Nov. 16
“Tobacco-use remains the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States,” according to the American Cancer Society. Studies have shown smoking cigarettes increases the risk of many cancers, heart attack, stroke, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood vessel diseases and eye diseases. Every year on the third Thursday in November, the Great American Smokeout raises awareness of the dangers of smoking and offers support toward a healthier life. This year’s event is Nov. 16. Nicotine is highly addictive and support is available. The American Cancer Society offers tips on how to quit smoking and a smoking cessation program “empowered to quit.” The National Cancer Institute offers a quit-smoking app. Contact the employee assistance program at 800-367-7474 to start a six-week smoking cessation program with three coaching sessions. Many 鶹 health plans also offer smoking cessation support and programs. Contact your plan provider for details. Contact Lisa Gray for the LifeMatters Tobacco Cessation Guide at LCGray@calpoly.edu.
Save the Date for Strategic Enrollment Management’s Inaugural Summit Nov. 30
The Strategic Enrollment Management Division will host an in-person inaugural summit to inform the campus community about division happenings while creating space for answering questions on Friday, Nov. 30, at the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. Participants will be able to select from an à la carte session agenda, including along with question-and-answer sessions. The division includes seven university offices, including Admissions and Financial Aid, that provide support and resources to ensure long-term enrollment success for students. More details about the summit, including session information and registration, will be provided via campus email.
BEACoN Research Scholar Student Applications Due Nov. 19
The , run by the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, or OUDI, exists to educate, empower and advocate for underrepresented students and provide funded undergraduate research opportunities working one-on-one with faculty during winter and spring quarters. OUDI is soliciting for underrepresented undergraduates to become BEACoN Research Scholars; the deadline to apply is 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Selected students will receive $2,000 per winter/spring quarters ($4,000 total), distributed via financial aid, while gaining research experience and participating in professional development events within the BEACoN Program. Matches with research mentors will be finalize by the end of the fall quarter. Questions? Email Kelly Bennion.
‘Dead Man's Cell Phone’ Rings Up a Fine Mystery with Theme that Lingers, Nov. 9-11
Jean is sleepwalking through her life until she literally picks up a ringing phone in Theatre and Dance Department’s production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” which continues through Nov. 9-11 in the Spanos Theatre. The imaginative comedy is an odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world. The student cast includes Lane Ludwig as Jean, Isaac Lewis as Gordon, Jordan Bates as Mrs. Gottlieb, Casey Reichenthal as the widow Hermia, Liam Armistead as Dwight and Carly Medina as the stranger. It is directed by Karin Hendricks-Bolen. Tickets are $15 for students, faculty and staff, and $25 for general admission. Performances begin at 8 p.m. For more details on the production, visit the . (Photos by Brittany App. Top of page, from left, Jordan Bates, Liam Armistead and Lane Ludwig; at right is Carly Medina.)
All of the Olive … From Pantry to Power Source
Could a green energy solution be found in a pantry staple? Food science graduate student Ningjing Hua (pictured) and fourth-year food science student Kiveli Pandelidis are studying whether the waste from olive production can be used to make biomethane, a clean-burning energy source.
Division of Research Accepting Proposals for the 2024-25 RSCA Grant Program
The 2024-25 Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) Grant Program is open. The grant program, supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the 鶹 Provost's Office, helps faculty remain engaged in their disciplines beyond the classroom and contribute new knowledge through robust scholarship programs focused on strengthening the Golden State socially, culturally and economically. All faculty unit employees are eligible to compete for funding, including lecturers, tenure-track and tenured faculty. Deadline for proposals is 11:59 p.m., Feb. 5, via the 鶹 InfoReady system. For more information and submission instructions, visit the . All are invited to attend the virtual RSCA information and Q&A session via on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 11:10 a.m. Attendees must be logged in with 鶹 credentials to join. Questions? Email research@calpoly.edu.
Professional Development Courses Offered in November; Virtual Sessions are Live
Employee and Organization Development is offering November professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by 鶹 and other CSU campuses. Each provides a unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders in a convenient format for participants. Registration is on a first-come basis.
- ,
Thursday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon. - , Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1:30-3 p.m.
- , Thursday, Nov. 16, 10-11:30 a.m.
Campus Health and Wellbeing Open House Nov. 13
Campus Health and Wellbeing is hosting an open house for faculty and staff from 12:10 to 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in the lower patio area of the Health Center (No. 27). Stop by and learn about , which supports the social, emotional and physical health of 鶹 students through education and programming; peer-to-peer health education; support; and Safer prevention education and confidential advocacy resources. The event is part of the universitywide Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with places, people and resources across campus.
If Your Student Dependent is Considering Poly, Complete the Faculty/Staff Dependent Form
Admissions will give additional consideration to a 鶹 faculty/staff dependent if they are a spouse, child, or stepchild of a full-time faculty or staff member. If your dependent is currently applying, please complete the (deadline is Jan. 15). Admission is not guaranteed, however, and applicants are encouraged to review the selection criteria for first-year or transfer students.
Ron “RoRo” Roach, who will retire Nov. 17, has shown over the past 11 years unwavering commitment, dedication and leadership as a member of the Fleet Services team and as the union steward for Unit 6. Roach’s advancement to Fleet Services supervisor exemplified his passion for his work and exceptional leadership skills. The department includes trained mechanics and customer-service assistants who provide cost-effective repairs and maintenance to the university’s vehicle fleet. He recognized the importance of investing in the professional growth of his team and upgraded the tools and training in the shop, ensuring Fleet Services was well-prepared to meet the demands of 鶹’s dynamic environment. Roach successfully led the department through several management changes and navigated the pandemic challenges with grace and poise. Stop by the shop and wish him well before Friday, Nov. 17, his last day on campus. After that, you can find him continuing to serve as the Third District commissioner for or on the pickle ball courts.
David Bains, Information Technology Services analyst/programmer, will retire in December. His last day on the job will be Friday, Nov. 17. He began processing mainframe jobs in the Data Processing Department in July 1997 in what was then called the 鶹 Foundation. Not long after, in the countdown to Y2K, the Foundation began converting finance, human resources and payroll systems to PeopleSoft. It was his introduction to modern Enterprise Resource Plannings and in particular, business intelligence reporting. With a promotion, he helped write the Structured Query Language and Crystal reports used across the enterprise. With a name change to the 鶹 Corporation, and a department change to Information Technology, he continued to support the Corporation ERP systems, including multiple system conversions and upgrades, and continued to support operational staff with business intelligence reporting. He rose through the ranks and served as the interim director of Corporation IT for 18 months during the pandemic. Bains was instrumental in converting the corporation month-end reporting process to an electronic system. Over the years, he helped streamline and automate business processes, trained staff and helped the campus better understand the technology. In 2021, he became part of the ITS-ADIS Enterprise Application Engineering team. After more than a quarter century at 鶹, Bains plans to spend more time with family and friends and family and exploring the outdoors locally and beyond. All are invited to share a message through .
$66,000 Available for Student Research Through Baker/Koob; Apply by Nov. 8
Proposals are being accepted for the Baker/Koob Endowments, which support hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for individual students and groups on campus. This year, approximately $66,000 is available with anticipated funding for 20 projects. All 鶹 students are invited to apply for funding, which may be used for student support, student and faculty travel, student and faculty expenses associated with participation in student research, group projects, conferences, competitions, and equipment and materials related to student research. The deadline for completed proposals, including a letter of support from a faculty advisor, are due electronically to baker-koob@calpoly.edu by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Questions? Email baker-koob@calpoly.edu.
'Obvious Child' Film and Talk of What Abortion Used to Look Like at Palm Theater Nov. 8
The Interdisciplinary Studies program in the Liberal Arts Department will present the rom-dramedy “Obvious Child” followed by a discussion with a visiting abortion scholar at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the Palm Theatre in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event, at 817 Palm St., is free and open to the public. The 2014 film involves the subject of abortion after a 20-something comedienne’s (Jenny Slate) unplanned pregnancy forces her for the first time to confront the realities of independent womanhood. Kelly is director of Gender Studies and a sociology professor at Mississippi State University. She has studied abortion politics for two decades, with emphases on evangelical anti-abortion activism, including crisis pregnancy centers and “post-abortion syndrome” claims-making. Her current book project is an interview and ethnographic study of abortion politics in Mississippi encompassing anti-abortion activists, pro-abortion rights activists, reproductive freedom advocates and women seeking abortions at the Magnolia State’s lone abortion clinic. Kelly’s work can be found in academic journals such as Gender and Society, Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, and Social Science and Medicine.
Intertidal Literary and Arts Journal Accepting Submissions; Will Host Info Booth Nov. 9
The student literary and arts journal Intertidal is seeking submissions for its second annual edition. 鶹 an informational booth on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dexter Lawn to meet the editorial team and learn more about submitting an entry. Intertidal is a product of English students in Assistant Professor of English Shanae Martinez's editing and publishing senior project course sequence. The word intertidal refers to the area between land and sea, where biodiversity flourishes. In the same spirit, the journal offers a diverse range of written and printed art created by an interdisciplinary blend of students, staff and faculty from the six colleges across campus. — short fiction, poetry, screenplays, photography, visual art and more — by Friday, Dec. 8. Questions? Email intertidal@calpoly.edu. Follow Intertidal on
Sip, Sample and Study at International Education Week, Nov. 13-17
The International Center will host International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and Department of Education, Nov. 13-17. This year’s events provide opportunities for students, faculty and university staff to come together to learn, share and experience global cultures and perspectives. Events include:
- International Student Inclusivity Workshop. A virtual workshop for faculty and staff to learn how to support international students.
- Virtual Open House: International Opportunities for Faculty and Staff. Join travel veterans (pictured from right) , a history lecturer and , a biological sciences professor, as they share their recent experiences abroad. Learn about international opportunities for faculty and staff including: teaching abroad; developing a new study abroad program; applying for a fellowship or professional development seminar; group trips abroad; and more. Rajakaruna went to South Africa as part of his second Fulbright Scholar Award in 2022-23. His first Fulbright award was in 2016-17. Domber, a scholar of international history and U.S.-East European relations during the Cold War, spent 2022-23 as a Fulbright scholar in Poland.
- Sipping Coffee and Spilling Tea. A panel of international and domestic students share their perspectives on adapting to a new culture. Participate in the discussion while sampling specialty coffees and teas from around the globe!
- International-Themed Meals. Sample cuisines from around the world all week long, courtesy of Campus Dining.
- Info Sessions for Students. These include Study Abroad for transfer students; Study Abroad programs in Africa and Latin America; faculty-led programs; financial aid and scholarships options; the Fulbright U.S. Student Program; Internships Abroad opportunities; and others.
International Student Inclusivity Virtual Workshop is Nov. 15
The International Center will host its Third annual International Student Inclusivity Workshop from 2:10 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15. The is being held in collaboration with Dr. Sonia Ramrakhiani (School of Education, BCSM), Dr. Yiwen Chiu (Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, CAFES) and Dr. Kellie Green Hall (Kinesiology Department, BCSM). The goal is to spotlight the experiences of international students on campus and in the greater San Luis Obispo community. The session aims to bring together faculty and staff interested in enhancing inclusive and equitable practices to bolster international students’ success. Working with qualitative and quantitative data from international student surveys and focus groups last spring, attendees will discuss ways to increase academic support and foster students' sense of belonging. A range of topics will be discussed including cultural adjustment to empowering student success on campus and off.
Pick Up Library Materials at Convenient Lockers
Checking out books and other materials from the Kennedy Library is now more convenient with the located in (Bldg. 34). Students, faculty and staff can request materials in-person in the historic (Bldg. 60), or online using , for home delivery or locker pickup at their convenience. Users have seven days to retrieve items from the lockers. The lockers provide access to physical items (books, DVDs and other materials) from Kennedy Library’s collections, located in Crandall Gym and the (No. 82), as well as books not owned by 鶹 but available through OneSearch via InterLibrary Loan.
Students, Alumni Can Nominate Faculty for Teaching Award Through Nov. 24
The nomination period for the annual Distinguished Teaching Award has opened. The honor recognizes 鶹 faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching. Only students and alumni may submit nominations, so faculty are encouraged to notify classes and direct them to the nomination form on the .Only full-time, tenured faculty members who are teaching during the current academic year and have not previously won the award are eligible. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 24. Questions? Email the Academic Senate office at academic-senate@calpoly.edu. Pictured: This year’s Distinguished Teaching Award recipients, recognized during the Fall Convocation in September are, from left, Scott Eagon, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Emily Ryalls, interdisciplinary studies in Liberal Arts, and Eric Brussel, Mathematics Department.
Get Paid to Take Library Usability Study til Nov. 30
Kennedy Library is conducting a usability study of its website and is seeking student and faculty respondents. The survey takes about 45 minutes and will include a short demographic questionnaire, four task-based scenarios and a short feedback questionnaire. Participation is very important and will help improve the library website for all users. You can make a difference while helping to improve user experiences. Those who complete the survey will receive a $5 Amazon gift card at the end of the session. The survey concludes Thursday, Nov. 30. Interested in participating? Email Camille Paradis or Trista Wang.
Boston Brass Comes to Bandfest on Nov. 9
Boston Brass will be the guest ensemble for the Bandfest concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Performing Arts Center. Bandfest is the one time each year when three 鶹 Bands are featured on stage: Mustang Band, Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra. The world-famous Boston Brass will perform alongside the ensembles as well as treat the audience to its own set on the program. Works on the program include Brian Balmages’ “A House Divided,” inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s speeches on the floor of the House of Representatives; John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”; and a jazz medley arranged by Music Department faculty member Dave Becker that will feature Boston Brass. The Mustang Band will conclude the concert with arrangements of music the group performs at football games. In recognition of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the program will include selections honoring military veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Leading up to the concert, Boston Brass will give a lecture-demonstration on Nov. 9. Tickets are available at the ext. 6-4849. More information is available on the .
Grand Kyiv Ballet Brings ‘Snow White’ to Campus Nov. 13
Artistic Space Productions presents Grand Kyiv Ballet’s production of “Snow White” on Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Based on a fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, the ballet of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs takes the vibrant style of a Disney animated movie and sets it to the musical motifs of Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky. An imaginative atmosphere is matched with bright costumes and scenery, while brilliant technical dance and comedic acting bring a heartfelt love story to life. Prime dancers from the National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine bring this enchanting tale to life on stage with unparalleled talent and skill. This performance of “Snow White and Seven Dwarfs” promises to be a magical experience for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to see these world-class dancers in action as they tell this beloved tale of jealousy, betrayal, seven quirky miners, one poisoned apple and a single princely kiss through the beauty and grace of ballet. Grand Kyiv Ballet is also proud to announce that all proceeds from this performance will support the renovation efforts of the esteemed Kiev State Choreographic College in Kiev since state funds for renovation have been paused due to the war.
Renowned Author David Sedaris to Speak at PAC Nov. 16
鶹 Arts presents the return of on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Known as one of America’s preeminent humor writers, whose voice on NPR helped jump-start his career, the great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. The best-selling author has penned “Calypso” (named by the Washington Post as Best Book of the Year), “Barrel Fever,” “Holidays on Ice,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.” This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Fall Jazz Concert Set for Nov. 17 at Spanos Theatre
The students of 鶹’s jazz groups will open their season with the Fall Jazz Concert Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Spanos Theatre. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Inga Swearingen, will sing a variety of a cappella tunes, plus arrangements with piano and bass accompaniment. The group will perform Kerry Marsh’s up-tempo samba arrangement of Jule Styne’s standard “Time After Time”; “It Had To Be You/You Made Me Love You,” set by brothers Adam and Matt Podd; and an arrangement of J. Fred Coots’ “For All We Know” by Peter Eldridge and Darmon Meader. The jazz combos, led by Dylan Johnson, will perform jazz classics as well as more current repertory. The University Jazz Band, directed by Dave Becker, will close the program with classic big band arrangements by Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster and Bill Holman, as well as new young award-winning composers. More information is on the . are sold at the , ext. 6-4849.
SLO Master Chorale to Perform Works by Mozart and Arvo Pärt Nov. 19
SLO Master Chorale presents “Chants Encounter” on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. “Chants Encounter” begins with a performance of Te Deum by the contemporary composer Arvo Pärt. One of today’s most frequently performed living composers, the Estonian octogenarian forged his own personal style that evolved into compositions deeply influenced by medieval chant. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 1791 concert aria, “Per questa bella mano,” for baritone and with contrabass obbligato, concludes the first half of the concert. The second half features Mozart’s Mass in C minor, one of his greatest wor
‘Whose Live Anyway?’ Comes to PAC Nov. 21
Martin Media presents Whose Live Anyway? on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Four masterful improv artists take the audience on the high-wire act of comedic acrobatics. The rapid-fire wit and nonstop jokes will have audience members’ sides splitting and begging for mercy … while also begging for more. The PAC will welcome Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops, both seen on ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” as well as Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray.
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 . Download the new 鶹 Now app on your or device to easily find events and activities, follow clubs and organizations, and network and grow connections across campus.