Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (2024)

In this Issue

  • In this Issue
    • News
    • Student Success
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Catastrophic Leave
    • Retirements
    • Campus Announcements
    • Events
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Submission Guidelines

Spanos Stadium

Commencement 2024 Ceremonies Set for June 15-16

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (1)Cal Poly will honor 6,300 students eligible to graduate at commencement ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, at Spanos Stadium. The six college ceremonies will be held at 8:30 a.m., 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. each day. An estimated 50,000 guests are expected. Each ceremony will last about 90 minutes and be streamed live online. “At Cal Poly, everything is ultimately about student success, and this year’s graduates have succeeded brilliantly,” said President Armstrong. “They are prepared to show the world what they can do.” Honorary degrees will also be presented to award-winning educator Bradford Parkinson; alumnus and Athletics Hall of Fame member Ted Tollner; and innovator Hansjörg Wyss.

Read more about the Class of 2024

Office of University Diversity & Inclusion

Susana López Receives Dolores Huerta Leadership Award

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (2)

Assistant Professor Susana A. López received the 2024 Dolores Huerta “Si Se Puede” Award for Transformational Leadership at the President’s Diversity Awards Ceremony on June 6. López, who teaches in the Psychology and Child Development Department, is known as a fierce advocate and mentor for BIPOC students, as well as innumerable accomplishments and commitments made to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion on and off campus. López is a marvel who exudes transformative leadership and is a gift to Cal Poly and to the world, according to a report.

Read more about all 2024 President’s Diversity Award Winners

Cal Poly Magazine’s Latest Issue Goes Live

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (3)The spring/summer issue of Cal Poly Magazine takes a deep dive into the 75-year history of the Rose Float program, from humble beginnings to today’s polytechnic learning experience that garners some of the Rose Parade’s top honors. Readers will also find stories about alumni in public office, space ethics, an ancestral theater course and philanthropy making an impact locally and internationally. Pick up a print copy in racks across campus or find all stories — and brand-new videos — online

Read Cal Poly Magazine and watch new videos online

Academic Personnel

45 Faculty Members Earn Promotion in 2024-25 Academic Year

President Armstrong and Provost and Executive Vice President Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore announced 45 faculty members will be promoted for the 2024-25 academic year, including 27 who will receive tenure. Promotions include 23 to the rank of professor and 22 to the rank of associate professor. Armstrong and Jackson-Elmoore extend congratulations and appreciation to those receiving promotions and/or tenure.

see the full list of faculty promotions

Student Administration, HR Administration and Student Center Services to be Unavailable June 14-15

The Student Administration, HR Administration and Student Center applications will be unavailable from 5 p.m. Friday, June 14, until 9 a.m. Saturday, June 15. During the required maintenance window, links in the “Employee Info and Personal Info sections of the Personal Info tab on the My Cal Poly Portal will also be unavailable. This pause in availability is part of a Chancellor’s Office initiative to enhance the security and reliability of all PeopleSoft systems by migrating PeopleSoft to Amazon Web Services. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact the ITS Service Desk at[emailprotected] or ext. 6-7000.

Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2024 Summer Accelerator Cohort Named

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has accepted eight startup teams into its Summer Accelerator, an intensive 12-week program that provides students and recent graduates with the resources necessary to turn their innovative ideas into full-fledged startups. Participants receive $10,000 in seed funding and access to expert mentorship, entrepreneurial workshops and a dedicated workspace in the HotHouse, the CIE’s office in downtown San Luis Obispo. “This Summer Accelerator cohort is unique because several teams used Innovation Quest as a springboard to advance into this program, which demonstrates the relative maturity of business development for those entering the Accelerator this year,” said Thomas Katona, CIE academic programs director.

Learn more about the startups

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Strawberry Center, Agricultural Research Service Receive Additional $1.25 Million in Funding

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (4)The Strawberry Center has received $1.25 million in federal funding in continued support of its research in strawberry production automation and its efforts in fostering a workforce pipeline to support sustainable food production needed to meet the demands of a growing population. The center is working in collaboration with the California Strawberry Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) in Salinas, California. Lawmakers increased the 2024 federal appropriation to $1.25 million from the initial $1 million awarded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 bill. The program brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and students to focus on the strawberry industry.

Read More about the funding

Athletics Department

Cal Poly Receives Big West Commissioner’s Cup

For the first time in its history, Cal Poly has received the Dennis Farrell Big West Commissioner's Cup as the highest achieving athletic department in the Big West Conference. Cal Poly finished with 149.4 points, the largest total in the award’s 24-year history, the conference announced June 3. “Winning the Commissioner’s Cup is a testament to the outstanding individuals that work tirelessly throughout the year to represent Cal Poly with distinction,” said Don Oberhelman, athletics director. “Thank you to our student-athletes, our coaches and our staff. This collective honor celebrates every single person in this department.”

Read more about the award

Campus Dining

Student Associates Celebrated at Year-End Celebration

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (5)Campus Dining and the Cal Poly Partners recently hosted the first student appreciation event at 1901 Marketplace. More than 250 student associates enjoyed free food and drinks, relaxed with friends and celebrated the end of a successful year. As Campus Dining gave thanks for their dedicated work during 2023-24, associates participated in inflatable bowling, Jenga, cornhole and more while also having fun striking poses in a 360-degree photo booth. They also tested their trivia knowledge and got creative making bracelets while enjoying the root beer float bar.

Cal Poly Partners

Vista Meadows Faculty and Staff Housing Update

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (6)Progress continues atVista Meadows, the faculty and staff neighborhood adjacent to campus, coming to the corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue. Site work will ramp up this summer as preparations are made to begin construction. The 33-home neighborhood will be built on six acres of the22-acre parcel.The units will be available to faculty and staff to purchase. The new neighborhood will create a faculty and staff community closely connected with campus.This is the next step of a phased approach to increase housing options for faculty and staff.Reach out to[emailprotected] with questions.

Sign up for the newsletter

University Union Backdrop

Cal Poly Letters Highlight the Heart of Campus

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (7)Just in time for commencement and obligatory selfies, a new installation of nearly 9-foot-tallCal Poly letters has been erected near the University Union Plaza. Strategically placed between the UU and 1901 Marketplace, the permanent monument aims to capture the essence of the university and create an accessible backdrop to safely take graduation photos demonstrating Cal Poly pride. The project is a collaboration between the ASI University Union advisory board, Administration and Finance and University Communications and Marketing. The installation is part of a larger two-phase project to update landscaping in the area and enhance the campus experience.

Cal Poly News

Great Grads Were Tested and Inspired — and Found Their Passions

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (8)As commencement approaches, meet six outstanding members of Cal Poly’s Class of 2024, representing a graduating class of more than 6,500. Whether tested by tragedy, inspired by travels, pursuing lifelong interests or finding their passions on campus, these Great Grads are ready to embrace their futures as alumni — and hopefully make a difference in the world.

Read more at Cal Poly News

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Student Teams Split $30,000 Startup Ideas at Annual Innovation Quest

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (9)Three student startup teams split $30,000 at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (CIE) annual Innovation Quest, a high-stakes competition where Cal Poly students pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges in the hopes of winning funding for their startups. The startup ODIN, which is creating a portable headset with ocular tracking technology that rapidly and accurately diagnoses concussions, received the first-place prize of $15,000 at the April 27 event. Fourteen finalists pitched their innovative ideas in Nash Family Entrepreneurship Lab. The event’s banquet and awards ceremony were held at Rod and Hammer Rock later that evening.

Read more about the teams

Phoenix Challenge 2024

Students’ Sustainable Design Wins National Competition

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (10)An interdisciplinary team of students gained hands-on experience designing and branding new sustainable packaging and labels for Bing’s Bao Buns, a small, San Luis Obispo-based restaurant — and took first place for its effort in the 2024 Phoenix Challenge. Graphic communication students Umika Kuroda, Alex Woon, Jasmine Lee, Jacob Sterrett, Sydney Doyle and consumer packaging concentration student Claire Schatz won the college-level competition in April against teams from across the U.S.

Learn more about the Phoenix Challenge

Transportation and Parking Services

Summer Parking Permits Go on Sale June 17

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (11)Faculty and staff working on campus this summer can purchase parking permitsonline beginning Monday, June 17. Spring quarter parking permits will expire June 16. Summer permits are valid through Sept. 15. Daily, weekly and monthly permits are also available for purchaseonline. To simplify the process further,eligible employees can enroll in payroll deduction parking permits through the Cal Poly portal. Visit Transportation and Parking Servicesstaff page for more information.

Employee Assistance Program

June is Great Outdoors Month

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (12)Time spent outdoors supports improved mental and physical well-being. The month of June on the Central Coast is a perfect time to get outside to boost resilience and alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. ReviewOutside Refresh for ideas on campus walks, hikes and outdoor lunch venues. The Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, is available to support employees’ health. LifeMatters can be reached at mylifematters.com or 800-367-7474. Contact Lisa Gray at[emailprotected] or theEmployee Wellbeing website for information.

CSU Summer Training

Free PDF Document Accessibility Courses Offered

In partnership with renowned web accessibilitynonprofitWebAIM, the CSU will provide free online, four-week summer training courses on best practices for creating accessible documents and PDFs. This training is for those who make documents with Word, PowerPoint or Adobe Acrobat. Learn how to use a few simple guidelines to create documents that are accessible to all users. As part of its commitment to excellence through diversity and inclusion, Cal Poly strives to ensure that campus communication is accessible to its employees, community and student audiences.

Learn more and sign up

Eve Fine, student services professional II, Office of the Registrar, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Fine remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, contact catastrophic leave coordinator Helen Bailey ([emailprotected]) at ext. 6-6313 to request a donation form.

Lorena Beauvais, medical assistant, Campus Health and Wellbeing, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Beauvais remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, contact catastrophic leave coordinator Karen Woods ([emailprotected]) at ext. 6-5265 to request a donation form.

Paul Van Ryn, lead grounds worker, Facilities Landscape Services, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Van Ryn remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, contact catastrophic leave coordinator Victoria Sauceda ([emailprotected]) at ext. 6-0634 to request a donation form.

Sean Regalado, police officer, Public Safety, has qualified for catastrophic leave. To donate leave credits to help Regalado remain in full-pay status during an extended leave of absence, contact catastrophic leave coordinator Andrea Montes ([emailprotected]) at ext. 6-0655 to request a donation form.

Please join the College of Engineering at a going away reception for Dr. Charles Chadwell on Thursday, June 13,from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Bonderson Projects Center high bay.Chadwell is leaving his role as associate dean in the College of Engineering to join Northern Arizona University asdean of engineering. During his 21 years at Cal Poly, Chadwell has served as a professor, department chair and most recently associate dean.

Statistics Department

Summer Consulting Services Offered

The Statistics Department is providing summer statistical consulting services to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide array of disciplines. Consulting will be available through Sept. 6 by appointment only. Statistics faculty members John Walker and Steve Rein will serve as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, they are available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. To schedule a consultation, email[emailprotected].

Learn more on the Statistics Department website

Employee Assistance Program

LifeMatters Has You Covered

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (13)Cal Poly provides access to the LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program for all employees, their household members and dependent children. Around-the-clock service is available to support your emotional well-being. LifeMatters also provides consultation on financial and legal matters, health and workplace issues, child or elder care and convenience services. LifeMatters can be reached at 800-367-7474 and additional contact information is available on theWellbeing website. Contact Lisa Gray at[emailprotected] for information.

Disability Resource Center Opens ‘Serenity Room’

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (14)The Disability Resource Center has opened a new Serenity Room for DRC students who experience difficulties with sensory integration or processing, or for students needing a calming space to reset. The room has two massage chairs, two massage bean bag chairs, multiple fidget devices, resources for anxiety or panic attacks, calming music and soft lighting. Faculty and staff who know of students who would benefit from the space are encouraged to share this information and the link below to make reservation to use the room. Learn more about the DRC and resources for faculty and staff on its website.

Make a reservation

‘Watching for Sasquatch’ Student Performance

Student Actors to Read New Work by Resident Playwright Ramón Esquivel

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (15)

Join student actors for a special reading of “Watching for Sasquatch,” a new play by Theatre and Dance Department Assistant Professor Ramón Esquivel on Wednesday, June 12, at 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre (Room 212) of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). “Watching for Sasquatch” is a series of short plays about humans, ghosts, banana slugs and cryptids, and their attitudes toward the environment. This work is supported by the Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA) Grant Program. The reading is free and open to open to the public. Questions? Contact Esquivel at[emailprotected].

Performing Arts Center

Ballet Theatre SLO Presents ‘Undine’ June 22-23

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (16)Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo presents the full-length ballet “Undine” on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center. The mysterious worlds of water spirits and humans come alive in Theresa Slobodnik’s original adaptation of this iconic fairy tale that inspired Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” A water spirit named Undine was switched at a young age with a fisherman’s daughter named Bertalda. Born from the water’s depths, Undine must marry a human in order to gain a soul. Bertalda and Undine’s intertwined fates lead them to tragedy as they fall in love with the same knight and their hidden identities are revealed. Dive into this fairy tale full of deep love, hidden secrets, mystical characters and deadly betrayal. Use promotion code FACSTAFF for 10% off!

Get Tickets to ‘Undine’

CSU/State Positions

About State Jobs

The official listing of staff and management vacancies is posted on jobs.calpoly.edu. As a courtesy to our on-campus employees, job vacancies are also published in the Cal Poly Report. Current employees can also find job postings at CSU Careers, an internal job site for CSU employees. To apply, go online and complete the application form. Applicants needing assistance may contact Human Resources at 805-756-2236.

For assistance with academic positions, email Academic Personnel.

Submit all requested application materials as attachments to your online application by the review begin date for full consideration.

Staff Listings

Public Safety Business Analyst (Administrative Analyst/Specialist Non-Exempt) –Administration and Finance –Public Safety. $44,328-$85,572per year. Anticipatedhiring range: $58,000-$70,000per year. Openuntil filled. #540328

Emergency Hire –Research Technology Project Lead –Division of Research (AAS Exempt II) –Division of Research –Research Integrity and Compliance. $30.42-$55.02 per hour. Anticipatedhiring range: $30.42-$33.46 per hour. Openuntil filled. #536325

Grants Analyst, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (Administrative Analyst/Specialist, 12 Months)–Academic Affairs –Provost –Agriculture Research Initiative. $4,379-$7,922per month. Anticipatedhiring range: $6,000-$6,583 per month. Openuntil filled. #540081

Benefits and Employee Services Support Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II) –University Personnel –Benefits and Employee Services. $48,535-$63,365per year. Anticipatedhiring range: $46,380-$76,032per year. Openuntil filled. #540134

Emergency Hire Administrative Support Coordinator I–Architectural Engineering –Academic Affairs –Provost –Architectural Engineering. $21.23-$33.36 per hour. Anticipatedhiring range: $21.23-$23.30 per hour. Openuntil filled. #540019

Faculty Listings

Full-time Lecturer –Construction Management, CAED-Construction Management. #539685

PART-TIME LECTURER POOLS – Pools are opening for 2024-2025 academic year.Please visitjobs.calpoly.edu and search department of interest.

Cal Poly Partners Positions

About Jobs at Cal Poly Partners

Cal Poly Partners is a separate entity operating in concert with the university to provide a diverse range of services and resources to students, faculty and staff. To view all available job postings or apply, visit the Partners website. For assistance, contact Human Resources at 805-756-1121.

No listings

ASI Employment Positions

About Jobs at ASI

Hiring, developing and empowering quality staff is what drives the ASI organization. Join ASI’s dynamic team that supports not only the students of Cal Poly, but the entire university and greater San Luis Obispo communities. Only new job listings are posted below. For a full list of available postings and to apply, visit the Work For ASI webpage. Sign up for the Work For ASI newsletter to be the first to know about new opportunities. For more information, contact ASI Human Resources at [emailprotected].

No listings

Cal Poly Report (CPR) is Cal Poly's official employee newsletter, designed to communicate information about officially sanctioned university news or events to faculty, staff and administrators.

Cal Poly Report Submission Guidelines

All announcements, events and other listings and information must be faculty- and/or staff-focused.Submissions may run only one time — with the exception of Catastrophic Leave announcements and Employment Opportunities, which can run up to two consecutive weeks. Items are strictly limited to 100 words and should, whenever possible, provide a link to additional information online.

To help ensure CPR continues to contain only relevant and approved information, submissions are required to come from or be approved by the employee designated to approve submissions in the respective colleges, units and work areas. Entries submitted by those other than the designated approver must be accompanied by an approval form signed by the unit's approver. CPR is published on Wednesdays weekly during the school year, except during academic breaks, and monthly in the summer. The deadline for each issue is 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication.

Get more information about the Cal Poly Report

Learn more about finding or promoting campus events

Event Marketing Resources

University Communications and Marketing has resources and tools to help promote your event to the campus community.

University Events Calendar

University Events Calendar is a Master Calendar that lists all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more.

25Live: Space and Event Scheduling

Use 25Live to 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.

Cal Poly Now

Turn to Cal Poly 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 through Cal Poly Now.

Thank you for reading the Cal Poly Report.

The next issue will be Wednesday, July 17.

Over the summer Cal Poly Report appears monthly: Aug. 14.
The weekly report will return Sept. 11.

Cal Poly Report — June 12, 2024 (2024)

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