鶹 Float Receives Innovation Award at 2024 Rose Parade®
鶹 universities’ “Shock n’ Roll: Powering the Musical Current” float that depicts electric eels powering musical instruments and implements in a colorful undersea environment with massive manta rays, received the Crown City Innovator Award at the 135th Rose Parade® held New Year’s Day.鶹 and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona teamed up for their 75th entry — the students’ rolling floral bouquet to the world. “The Crown City Innovator Award recognizes innovations in technology and imagination and technology,” said Quinn Akemon, the 鶹 team president. “This is the second time we’ve won it.” The first was for the schools’ 2014 float, “Bedtime Buccaneers.” “I feel like it’s really fitting for this year,” she added. “I mean, we really pushed ourselves this year go bigger, go better and to literally innovate.” More than 60 students, equally split from each campus, worked to finish the float after the design was approved by Rose Parade® officials last spring. Workshops open to all 鶹 students were held throughout the year. The float is among the highest-profile student examples of 鶹’s Learn by Doing ethos. Did you miss the parade? :
"Shock n' Roll" appears at about 31:30.
Nominations Sought for Outstanding Staff Award
Staff employees, faculty members and department or division heads are encouraged to submit nominations for the Outstanding Staff Award. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2023-24 award is Wednesday, Jan. 31. To be eligible, nominees must be permanent, full-time employees of the university, 鶹 Corporation or ASI who have completed at least three years of employment as of Dec. 31, 2023 (10-month employees are eligible). Employees represented by bargaining unit 3 (faculty), former recipients of the award and student assistants are not eligible. The Outstanding Staff Award selection criteria and nomination form can be found on the .
Winter Opportunities Offered by CTLT
The winter lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators (faculty and staff) from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available on the . Workshops include:
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There are also opportunities for an , on-demand resources for academic success, and on-demand resources for academic success.
Division of Research Accepting Proposals for 2024-25 Grant Program
The 2024-25 Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) Grant Program is accepting grant proposals for the 2024-25 academic year. Supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the 鶹 Provost's Office, the grant program seeks to help faculty remain engaged in their disciplines beyond the classroom and contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally and economically. All faculty unit employees, including lecturers, tenure-track and tenured faculty, are eligible to compete for funding. Proposals via the 鶹 InfoReady system are due before midnight Monday, Feb. 5. Questions? Email to research@calpoly.edu.
鶹 Centers and Institutes Fair on Jan. 17
All faculty, staff and students are invited to the 鶹 Centers and Institutes Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from noon to 2 p.m. on Mustang Way (the pedestrian walkway between Mott Athletics Center and the UU). Come learn what 鶹’s centers and institutes do and how you can get involved. Nearly 20 facilities are scheduled to participate, including the Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, Center for Expressive Technologies, Wildland-Urban Interface FIRE Institute, California Cybersecurity Institute, 鶹 Digital Transformation Hub (DxHub) and more. This event is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with places, people and resources across campus.
Code in Rome with Software Engineering Program
Software engineering, computer science and computer engineering students are invited to spend a quarter in Rome as they study software engineering and learn elementary Italian. Software engineering is a specialized program led by computer science Professor Davide Falessi as part of the university’s Global Programs. The program will start in mid-September and run as a standard fall quarter, with financial aid available. Participants will live near Rome’s historic city center while completing core engineering courses. Outside the classroom, students take guided tours through the city and field trips to Florence and Pisa as they learn about the culture and traditions of Italy’s capital from Falessi, who makes his home in Rome. The application period for the fall 2024 session is open until March 1. For more details on the program and upcoming information sessions, visit the .
New Year Brings Per Diem Changes to Travel Policies
New for 2024, the updated CSU Travel Policy includes domestic meal per diems. Since Jan. 1, all meals and incidentals for domestic travel are covered by meal per diems that range from $59 to $79. The exact per diem is determined by the location of travel and is based on the . The rates will be automatically entered when a trip is scheduled in Concur. This new policy will not require the traveler to provide receipts for meals. This change will align domestic travel meal and incidental per diem with the CSU international travel policy. Training on this change will take place Friday, Jan. 19, 9-10 a.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 24 , 2-3 p.m.; and Thursday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-noon. Concur users should contact Poly Travel to sign up for training.
Safer Hosts Stalking Action Month
Join Safer in January for its Stalking Action Month campaign, “Honoring Our Orbits.” All people deserve to set boundaries around space, time and energy — and healthy relationships should honor those. Highlighted events include an open house, media dialogues, a craft circle, an open mic and poetry night, staff solidarity day, Safer’s Third annual Night Relay, weekly booths and continuous education on .
Applications Open for Panetta Congressional Internship; Info Session set for Jan. 18
Applications are being accepted for the 2024 Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program, a prestigious Learn by Doing experience providing an opportunity for students to work in the Capitol office of a California member of the House of Representatives. Danielle Bello, 鶹's 2023 Panetta Intern, will describe her experiences from the internship and answer questions during an information session Thursday, Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Room E27 in the Science Building (No. 52). The selected Panetta Intern participates in a two-week training session in August at the Panetta Institute in Monterey, followed by 11 weeks in Washington, D.C. The cost of the program is fully funded to allow participation by any qualified student, independent of family income. Submit applications by noon Monday, Feb. 12.
A Floral Legacy of Love, Community
Outgoing 2023-24 Rose Float President said the student builders who look to the future to deliver a spectacular Rose Parade® entry also remembered the past. 鶹 universities’ first float appeared in 1949 making it the fourth-oldest float builder, and it remains the only student-built entry in the parade’s 135-year history. This year’s 75th effort was as much for today’s students and audience as for the alumni who continue to support current team members through dinners, donations and decorations, she said. “I feel like the ways that we’ve challenged ourselves aren’t necessarily in a way that just anyone looking at the float would see, but float builders would,” she said. The float featured lights, music and animation powered by electronics, air and hydraulics coordinated with new software to better integrate with the music and hand-stitched neoprene sleeves, or floating ring concealments, to make animation more lifelike. The team also commemorated seven decades of history. Vice President chronicled the legacy in an exhibit in UU 221 as well as in a coffee table book featuring historic team photos with an eye toward alumni. “And although alumni are always present, they’ve really shown up in force this year,” Akemon said. “Obviously, we want to make everyone feel proud of 鶹, but the people that we’re really trying to impress are those who came before us. And when they love the float, we know that we’ve done a good job.” She will soon join their ranks; she plans to graduate in June. “Not to get too mushy, but this being my last year in float and being the 75th year has really just given myself and so many other students a perspective of the 鶹 Rose float program. It’s about the float — and we've built a really incredible float — but what it's more about is the community. We have 75 years of community that continue to support us and pour love into us year after year after year. It’s a reminder that this is something that’s bigger than yourself, and I just love that. I love the community around float, and I’m really glad that I'll be a part of that community for the rest of my life.”
Experiencing a Lifetime of Roses
, the design chair for the 2023-24 Rose Float, has a unique perspective among peers who constructed 鶹 universities' award-winning 2024 Rose Parade® entry, “Shock n’ Roll: Powering the Musical Current”: Rose Float is part of the family business. Her father, Josh, is the 鶹 advisor to the annual project. He began working at 鶹 in 2002 and has overseen Rose Float since 2005. His daughter is a four-year float veteran (and then some). She and teammates spent Dec. 26-31 decorating the Rose Parade entry. The yearlong Learn by Doing project is seen by a near half-million parade goers and a broadcast TV audience of more than 50 million. 2024 was the schools’ 75th parade appearance. Among active student members, may hold bragging rights among volunteers who later become university team members; the 21-year-old has been to every every Deco Week since age 4, reports her dad, eclipsing 2022-23 Rose Float President Annie Doody, who started volunteering as an 8-year-old Girl Scout. In mid-December was looking forward to “spending the week with a team that I have worked with for my entire time at 鶹 and seeing my last float come together as a whole. When the deco is being put on, you get to see it, design and construction all showcased in our amazing float — and we really come together as one team.” She plans to graduate in June and pursue a career in theme design, “whether in theme parks, museums, restaurants or experiential marketing.”
CAED Student's 'Chair on Which to Sit'
A fourth-year 鶹 architecture major from Atlanta studying in Copehagen, Denmark, for the 2023-24 academic year is finding inspiration in her European educational sojourn. Grace Gruverman, who was a finalist in the 2022 Architizer One Drawing Challenge, a national contest that asked students to “tell a powerful visual story about architecture ... through a single architectural drawing,” was among for awards, hard work and other accomplishments by California lawmakers on the floors of the state Assembly and Senate last January. “I participated in a Scandinavian furniture design studio course where I designed and constructed a flat-pack chair out of plywood, she said. “While one of my greatest passions will always be architecture, it was a lovely reprieve to explore and experiment with furniture design. Little did I know that I would design and build my own chair on which to sit.” The directions also said it couldn't exceed a 31-1/2-inch cube. She named her piece ARRK. “The chair stands important to me as it expands my ideas on design, not just merely architecture,” she said. Gruverman was inspired by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, who died in 1971. He is remembered for his contribution to architectural functionalism and for international success for simple, well-designed chairs, including the famous Egg chair. “Simple design is better,” she said. “Craftsmanship, clean lines and tailored construction remain major values that still hold true to Danish design. The entire process of working on saws and various other heavy equipment foreign to me was initially uncomfortable yet immensely inspiring and rewarding.” Away from class, she launched , a personal blog/website to showcase her photography as well as some unique articles with creators and designers in Copenhagen and elsewhere. She plans to return to 鶹 in September.
Accessibility Workshops Help Faculty Foster Inclusive Learning Spaces
Accessibility is the key to creating inclusive learning spaces for students with disabilities. The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is offering three online, weeklong accessibility workshops for faculty during the winter quarter. Learn how to make your course materials more accessible for students. Select the links below to learn more and register:
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CSU’s Got Talent Webcast: ‘Magic Words’; Watch Live Jan. 16
Jonah Berger, a Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author, will present “Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way” from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. Berger’s cutting-edge research reveals how six types of words can increase your impact in every area of life: from persuading others and building stronger relationships, to boosting creativity and motivating teams. The associate professor of marketing is a world-renowned expert on change, influence, word of mouth, natural language processing and consumer behavior, as well as how products, ideas and behaviors catch on. He has published over 75 articles in top‐tier academic journals and teaches one of the world’s most popular online courses. Register and attend this and other free webcasts using . View previous CSU’s Got Talent recordings on . Employee and Organization Development is offering the live webcast as part of the CSU’s Got Talent series.
Distribution Services Hosts Logistics and Supply Chain Association’s National Conference
Distribution Services hosted the annual University Logistics and Supply Chain Association national conference Oct. 23-26. ULSCA brings together logistics professionals from schools nationwide to collaborate and foster progressive ideas in the areas of shipping and receiving, university surplus, university stores, mail and similar areas of interest. 鶹 welcomed members from schools around America, including The Ohio State University, Stanford University, Michigan State University and others. The campus figured prominently in the weeklong activities with tours to: Surplus, Facilities Stores Warehouse and Central Receiving; Pacheco Post, which highlighted the department’s package locker and virtual mail system; a hike to the 鶹 P, with its sweeping western views of campus; and a visit to the UU and Mustang Shop. 鶹 received the 2023 ULSCA Sustainability Award at the event for its efforts in assisting with food donations for 鶹 Food Pantry.
Join HHMI Faculty Learning Community Jan. 26, Feb. 9
The 鶹 Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) team is offering in winter quarter a faculty learning community in which participants will read “,” (2020) by Ebony Emotola McGee. Participants will be provided a copy of the book. The learning community will meet to discuss the book, which examines the experiences of underrepresented students and faculty members who have succeeded in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and its application to 鶹. Stipends will be available for faculty who participate and submit artifacts to demonstrate their work. Meetings will be held from 9:10 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays, on Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 1 and March 15. The meetings will be held in hybrid format with opportunities for in-person and Zoom participation. This faculty learning community is supported by 鶹’s HHMI Inclusive Excellence 3 grant. The university is utilizing this funding to focus on effective inclusive teaching and then an evaluation will be used in a rewards system for faculty, including faculty recruitment, retention, promotion and tenure.
Division of Research Accepting Proposals for 2023-24 Proposal Development Program
The Division of Research is accepting proposals for two calls under the 2023-24 Proposal Development Program. The program supports the teacher-scholar model by offering release time for faculty to devote to scholarly proposal development or revision. This academic year's program requests applications for two areas: Revise and Resubmit and the Blue-Green Economy. Awardees will receive up to eight weighted teaching units, or WTUs, of assigned time and/or additional compensation, along with specific proposal revision guidance. All faculty-unit employees are eligible to compete for funding, including lecturers, tenure-track and tenured faculty. Proposals should be submitted before midnight Monday, Jan. 22, via the 鶹 InfoReady system. All are invited to attend the Proposal Development Program information and Q&A session on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 11:10 a.m. Attendees must log in with 鶹 credentials. For RFPs, additional information and submission instructions, visit the . Questions? Email research@calpoly.edu.
Winter Quarter Book and Learning Circles for Employees
Employee and Organization Development announces its winter quarter Book and Learning Circles with sessions from January through March.
Book Circles
Read and discuss over three to four sessions.
- by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb.
- by Brené Brown.
- by Adam Grant.
Learning Circles
Watch a video or other media and discuss during a single session.
- , Ashley Whillans.
- , Brené Brown.
- , Charles Duhigg.
To view book descriptions and register, visit or .
Professional Development Workshops in 2024
The winter lineup of professional development offerings for campus educators (faculty and staff) from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is available on the CTLT Workshops webpage. Workshops include:
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There are also opportunities for an , on-demand resources for academic success, academic writing support, an Equitable Grading Community of Practice and on-demand resources for academic success.
Joseph Callenes-Sloan, a computer engineering associate professor, died peacefully at home in Alexandria, Virginia, of heart disease on Dec. 27. He was 40. Born on Sept. 2, 1983, Callenes-Sloan was known for his unwavering dedication to his students. He had a unique ability to make the most complex concepts accessible, fostering an environment where curiosity flourished. His passion for teaching did not come from his involvement as an instructor but from his empathy based on his extensive experience as a student. He graduated from Illinois Math and Science Academy, Iowa State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering. At 鶹, his innovative research in wildfire mitigation led to a joint patent for a wildfire detection invention that integrates smart sensors into electric power transmission infrastructure to protect lives and natural landscapes. Callenes-Sloan championed a sustainable future with unwavering dedication, and his contributions will undoubtedly shape the landscape of computer engineering for years to come. Callenes-Sloan is survived by his wife, Mercedez Callenes; parents Patrick Sloan and Donna Augustyn-Sloan; and siblings Christopher and Sara Marie.
UCM Wins Four Regional CASE Awards for Outstanding Publications
University Communications and Marketing (UCM) won four awards from the western regional district of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for outstanding work in university communications and publications. The awards included commendations for writing for a 鶹 Magazine story on in the campus community and multimedia storytelling centered around . In addition, two photos by campus photographer Joe Johnston were honored: a spectacular image from last year's CultureFest (pictured), and one of students conducting research at Montaña de Oro State Park. With these wins, UCM has earned 30 regional CASE awards since launching as a unit in 2014
ASI Aquatics Winter Offerings
Dive into aquatic excellence this winter! Improve your technique and endurance with Intermediate or take on the challenge of water interval training in and Masters Swim classes. The is perfect for those with little to no swim experience, offering individual lessons tailored to the individual’s skill level. ASI offers something for water lovers in winter quarter.
Warm Up with ASI Fitness
Winter is here, and so is the opportunity to ramp up personal fitness with ASI. The Recreation Center has classes designed to help participants — from fitness fanatics to those just starting a wellness journey — reach personal goals. Don't miss registration for . Warm up with , wind down with , or learn traditional self-defense with .
Campus Dining Location Set to Open
The new 1901 Marketplace promises to be the perfect destination for students, faculty and staff seeking delicious food at an affordable price when it opens in early this year. With a variety of concepts and flavors, there's something for everyone. Located in the UU Plaza, the 鶹 community can enjoy a beautiful, functional space to meet, eat, study and hang out in the heart of campus. The Marketplace will feature a traditional deli offering hot and cold selections, a Mediterranean concept with fresh and light flavors, as well as a California-Mexican venue specializing in wraps and bowls. There will also be favorites, including Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. In a hurry? Julian’s offers coffee, smoothies and quick grab-and-go options. Stay current on opening dates by subscribing to the .
Statistical Consulting Available Through the Ides of March
The Statistics Department’s consulting services to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines are available by appointment only. Faculty members Heather Smith and Jeff Sklar are serving as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects from Monday, Jan. 8, through March 15, the last day of winter classes. In addition, the pair can lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at 鶹. Interested faculty, staff and students are encouraged to access the for additional information.
Pianist W. Terrence Spiller to Give Jan. 12 Recital at Spanos Theatre
Pianist and 鶹 music Professor Emeritus W. Terrence Spiller will present a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, in Spanos Theatre. The program will feature innovative works by three great keyboard composers: Johann Sebastian Bach, Béla Bartók and Frédéric Chopin. The program will open with Bach’s buoyant “Italian Concerto,” BWV 971 in F Major, which demonstrates his mastery of the Italian “concerto grosso” style for orchestra. Bartók’s groundbreaking “14 Bagatelles,” in which the composer displays his new musical language through character pieces, will follow. Chopin’s “Four Ballades” will be featured during the second half. The monumental Romantic works combine his lyricism with dramatic virtuosity to tell “unidentified” stories. Spiller retired from teaching at 鶹 earlier this year. He was a member of the Music Department faculty from 1991-2023 and served as its chair from 2004-19. are sold at the , ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the or call ext. 6-2406.
Orchesis Dance Company to Present ‘Retrograde’ Jan. 19-20 and Jan. 25-27
The Theatre and Dance Department will present “Retrograde,” the Orchesis Dance Company’s 54th annual concert, on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19 and 20, and Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 25-27, in the Spanos Theatre. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on all days, with a matinee scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. This year’s theme, “Retrograde,” is inspired by the namesake dance compositional tool of manipulating movement phrases in their pure reverse. Reversing movement phrases creates new ways of looking at prior material, and all choreographers were tasked with incorporating a moment or more of retrograde within their dances. Performances will include choreography by faculty, guest and student choreographers in multiple genres. Tickets (delete for) are $20 for the public and $12 for students, seniors and children. They can be , by phone at 805-SLO-4TIX (ext. 6-4849) and at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo Ticket Office, noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
PAC to Present First ‘Choose-What-You-Pay’ Performance With ‘NORTH: The Musical’ on Jan. 16
Performing Arts Center Outreach will present “NORTH: The Musical” on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. In an ongoing effort to provide greater access to performing arts to the Central Coast community, the PAC is offering “choose-what-you-pay” tickets for the show starting at $5 each. “NORTH” is a masterful new family-friendly production from award-winning vocalist, writer and educator Ashli St. Armant that reflects the optimism, bravery, wonder and suspense of freedom seekers. The play follows Lawrence and his mother, Minnie, as they escape the Deep South and travel North through the Underground Railroad. From heart-rending ballads to rousing ensemble numbers, the music and lyrics will resonate deeply, highlighting the courage and resilience of the human spirit. Net proceeds will benefit the PAC Outreach program, serving to create an accessible center for students and the Central Coast community.
鶹 Bach Week set for Jan. 18-21
The Music Department will present its 2024 Bach Week Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 18-21. It’s a week annually devoted to the performance and exploration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries. On Jan. 18 in Room 218 of the , there will be an instrumental master class and continuous workshop at 11:10 a.m., a vocal master class at 3:10 p.m., then at 7:30 p.m. a lecture-demonstration titled “Bach’s Evangelist.” At 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the , a concert titled “The Trio Sonata Ideal” will be presented by the period instrument ensemble Tesserae Baroque and guest vocalists. The Bach Week finale concert, a performance of the monumental “St. John Passion” performed by members of 鶹’s Chamber Choir, Symphony, faculty and guest artists, will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Admission to the Jan. 18 presentations is free. and are sold at the, ext. 6-4849.
Turtle Island Quartet Returns to the PAC Jan. 19
鶹 Arts presents the Turtle Island Quartet for Island Prayers on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. The Grammy-winning group returns to San Luis Obispo with a captivating new program showcasing works commissioned by and created for TIQ from renowned composers Terence Blanchard, Rhiannon Giddens, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate and founder David Balakrishnan. In addition to the quartet’s unique combination of jazz, American roots and new music, these works will also include indigenous and folkloric styles that the quartet will be approaching for the first time. “It’s group string jazz at its finest, not only brilliantly conceived but brilliantly played as well, by master-musicians having a wonderful time with their own with humor and imagination,” says the Sacramento Bee. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall to Perform at the PAC Jan. 31
鶹 Arts presents Herb Alpert and Lani Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Harold Miossi Hall. Join the performers for an unforgettable evening of eclectic jazz, world and American pop music. Recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, this husband-and-wife duo has been captivating audiences (delete together) since 2006. A towering figure in American music, trumpeter, composer, arranger and producer Herb Alpert achieved worldwide fame with his Tijuana Brass project. Over a storied career that reflects the talent of a true Renaissance man, Alpert has earned five No. 1 hits, eight Grammys and 28 Billboard-charted albums. Two-time Grammy-winning vocalist and producer Hall began her singing career as the lead of Sergio Mendes’s breakthrough group, Brasil ’66. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
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.