Dean of CAFES
Dr. Brian Horgan
Brian Horgan has been named the dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), beginning July 1. Horgan brings extensive leadership experience from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, focusing on fostering collaboration, advancing agricultural innovation, and supporting faculty and students. A strong advocate for experiential learning, he is committed to enhancing 鶹’s Learn by Doing philosophy. Join us in welcoming him to 鶹 this summer!
Biology Student Co-Leads Global Study
Under the Snakefluence
鶹 biological sciences graduate student Owen Bachhuber is helping to lead a global study of snake perceptions to reduce the number of bites and deaths resulting from encounters with the reptiles.
The “Under the Snakefluence” study involves surveying people in more than 20 countries to better understand public perceptions and fears of the creatures and to assess how best to educate people about serpents to promote safe coexistence.
Bachhuber, a student researcher in 鶹’s , is co-managing the project with Australian ecologist Christina Zdenek, Ph.D., who co-operates the Australian Reptile Academy.
Perseverance Through Adversity
Student Receives Grant
Luke Hansen planned to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become a chiropractor. He watched as his mother, a longtime chiropractor in Arroyo Grande, California, provide lifetime wellness care to patients of all ages.
Hansen, who has always been fascinated by anatomy, was accepted in 2021 to 鶹’s kinesiology program. Seven days before his graduation from Arroyo Grande High, his mother, Laura Millis-Hansen, lost her battle with leukemia.
In the years that followed, Hansen faced various life challenges. But through it all, Hansen has used his passion for his pursuits as a driver toward success.
Board Meeting – Feb 7
鶹 Partners
鶹 Partners Board meeting will be held on Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. at Vista Grande, Building 112-350. It is open to the public. Written public comments must be submitted no later than Wednesday, Feb. 5, via email to cppartners-admin@calpoly.edu. Any person desiring to speak on any board item is asked to fill out a (to be submitted 24 hours prior to the board meeting) and arrive at 8:15 a.m. The Zoom Webinar is for the public to view only . The agenda will be available five days in advance of the meeting. Questions? 805-756-1131.
Student Applications Now Open
2025 Panetta Congressional Internship
Your help is requested to inform students that applications are now open for the 2025 Panetta Congressional Internship Program. This program is open to juniors and seniors from all majors and is fully funded. It includes a two-week training session at the Panetta Institute in Monterey, followed by an 11-week Washington, D.C., internship. Participants gain hands-on experience in Congress, earn college credit and develop leadership skills. A virtual info session with last year’s 鶹 Panetta intern will be held Feb. 6. The application deadline is set for Feb. 14. Please direct students to the website and application linked below.
鶹 Honors Program
Student Newsletter Wins National Competition
The University Honors Program student newsletter received first place in the 2024 National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) competition. The award was announced at the NCHC conference in Kansas City in November 2024. The Honors newsletter is published twice a year and features a variety of student-created articles and photographs. Launched in 2015, the newsletter has earned several awards from the NCHC in the student-run electronic division, most recently achieving first place for four consecutive years!
Retired Faculty and Staff Association (RFSA)
Free Membership to All Retirees
Thanks to a very generous financial gift from one of our association retirees, who wishes to remain anonymous, the RFSA will no longer charge annual membership dues. All retirees from 鶹 will hereby become members of the RFSA. To opt in to receive RFSA news, updates, and event invitations, please provide your name and email address to association President Bill Kellogg at bkellogg@calpoly.edu.
As well, any questions about the new membership format or about contributing any amount to the scholarship endowment can be directed to bkellogg@calpoly.edu.
Call for Applications
Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Study Abroad/Study Away
The Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Study Abroad/Study Away position is now accepting applications. This role focuses on creating high-impact programming, such as service learning and study abroad/away opportunities to support historically minoritized and First-Generation students. The fellowship includes four WTUs per quarter. Applications require a CV and a statement of interest addressing relevant expertise and experiences. The deadline for priority consideration is Feb. 24.
Looking for Members
Military-Affiliated Faculty and Staff Association (MAFSA)
The newly formed Military-Affiliated Faculty and Staff Association (MAFSA) is seeking members to launch our inaugural meetings this Spring Quarter! MAFSA’s mission is to cultivate connections, foster a vibrant sense of community, and celebrate the rich diversity of experiences that military-affiliated members bring to our campus. We welcome all employees, faculty, and staff—regardless of military affiliation—who are committed to supporting and uplifting our military-connected colleagues and students. Whether you’re looking to network, share experiences, or champion a more inclusive and supportive campus environment, MAFSA is the perfect place for you. Join us as we build something great together!
Campus Dining
Share Your Feedback
Campus Dining wants your feedback! You’re invited to sign up for our On-Site Insights focus groups to share your dining experience with anonymous non-鶹 dining facilitators. Focus groups are scheduled for the first week of March. Pick the Faculty and Staff date and time that best fits your schedule. Sessions will be held at the 鶹 Partners Pavilion, in 1901 Marketplace, directly across from Panda Express, with a few time slots Tuesday, Mar. 4 and Thursday, Mar. 6. Breakfast or lunch will be provided.
Parking
Seven-Day Paid Parking Implementation Delayed
The university is delaying the implementation of the seven-day paid parking program. The program was scheduled to go live Feb. 1. However, that implementation is being delayed while the university works to consider and address feedback received in recent weeks. The feedback gathered from the campus community has been extremely valuable, and university leadership thanks everyone for their participation in this process. More information will be shared as the university moves forward in developing future plans for parking.
Institutional Research
Updated Program Profile Reports
Each year, after the fall term, the Institutional Research team produces a series of Program Profile reports that provide insights into our student population and performance metrics for the past academic year. Provided at the university, college and program levels, this year’s Program Profile reports are now published and cover admissions, enrollment, degrees, as well as graduation and retention over time for undergraduate and graduate programs. Please note: Program Profile reports are for internal use only by 鶹 staff, faculty and management. Send any questions concerning the reports to ir@calpoly.edu.
Pop-Up Experience
Classroom and Study Space Furniture
Faculty, staff and students are invited to experience a unique furniture pop-up event today and tomorrow, Jan. 29 and 30 in Building 52, Room E31. Steelcase Learning and BKM Office Environments have partnered with Facilities Management and Development to share their newest designs, insights and applications that support a better learning environment. Campus community members can stop by between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. both days to see and experience the furniture or sign up for a 30-minute session today at 1 p.m. that will focus on active learning and inclusive design.
鶹 Art Gallery – Talk and Reception
Artist James Edmondson
The 鶹 University Art Gallery is proud to present "In the Garage, I Feel Safe. No One Cares About My Ways,” Jan. 31-Feb. 28, featuring the work of type designer James Edmondson. Edmondson is the founder of OH no Type Co., an independent font foundry that creates bespoke and retail typefaces. The show opens Jan. 31 with a talk by Edmondson in Room 101 of the Baker Center (No. 180) 5-6 p.m., followed by a reception in the University Art Gallery (No. 34) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
鶹 Arts – Feb. 7
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Latin rhythms with the ultimate showman, Alfredo Rodriguez, and his ensemble of world class musical virtuosos live at the Spanos Theatre! Rodriguez’s trio creates an electrifying fusion of Latin, pop, timba, jazz, tango and funk that will transport you straight to the heart of Havana. Their collective music chops will leave you breathless as you dance the night away at this pulsating fiesta of culture and sound. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music and dance, courtesy of the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio. This event has a 20% staff and faculty discount available.
SLO Symphony – Feb. 8
‘Classical Hits’ at the PAC
SLO Symphony presents Classical Hits featuring Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Performing Arts Center’s Harold Miossi Hall. This all-orchestral program includes two symphonies by famed contemporaries, Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony (No. 7) and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony (No.6). Tchaikovsky’s tone poem, “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy,” takes the audience through a musical retelling of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
The More Life Tour at the PAC – Feb. 10
Randy Travis
Graystone Promotion presents Randy Travis: The More Live Tour with guest vocalist James Dupré at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 in Harold Miossi Hall. After suffering a near-fatal stroke in 2013, Travis was left with the inability to speak or sing. The “More Life Tour” is a remarkable celebration of Travis’s legendary career giving fans a . With Travis present onstage, this unique tour brings together the original touring band with Dupré’s captivating voice honoring the timeless hits of one of country music’s most iconic figures. 20% off promotion through Jan. 31, use Travis20.
Author to Host Interactive Workshop – Feb. 6
“Because Fat Girl”
Lauren Marie Fleming, author of the queer contemporary romcom, “Because Fat Girl” will host an interactive workshop on creative resilience Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium (65-204).
Fleming, a professional writer who has developed special techniques to overcome fear, build resilience, and make marketing herself, her books, and her business fun and rewarding. In this workshop, you’ll learn how she went from being rejected by literary agents and publishers to having her book in airports and bookstores nationwide!
This event is sponsored by Campus Health and Wellbeing’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Social Science Department.