Cal Poly Report — Sept. 12, 2018
News
Convocation Set for Thursday, Sept. 13
Faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual Convocation event (formerly called Fall Conference) at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Performing Arts Center. Cynthia Vizcaíno Villa, senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as emcee. The theme of this year’s general session and reception is Points of Pride: Innovation and Education. The program includes the presentation of awards; President Armstrong will give the keynote remarks. The general session will be live-streamed on the Fall Conference website, which also includes schedules for events and meetings throughout the weeklong Fall Conference. A reception will immediately follow at approximately 4 p.m. in the PAC Plaza, with informational booths, food and entertainment inspired by this year’s theme. Spouses and partners of employees are welcome to attend. The awardees are:
— Distinguished Scholarship: Todd Pierce, Taufik, Zoë Wood
— Distinguished Teaching: Thomas Fowler, Ed Himelblau, Francis Villablanca
— Outstanding Staff: Danielle Borrelli, Doug Brewster, Thomas Moylan
— Outstanding Faculty Advisor: Kim Sprayberry
— Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy: Benoît Lecat
— Learn by Doing Scholar Award: Graham Doig (proposed or in progress), Julie Rodgers (proposed or in progress); Beth Chance, Karen McGaughey, Allan Rossman and Soma Roy (published research)
More information, including profiles of the award winners, is available online.
Cal Poly Named Best in the West by U.S. News and California’s Best Public-Master’s University by Forbes
Cal Poly has been named the best public, master’s-level university in the West by U.S. News & World Report’s annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook for the 26th straight year. The 2019 guidebook lists Cal Poly in 12th place overall in the West for all regional universities. The Western regional list includes public and private institutions in 15 states that provide “a full range of undergraduate and master’s-level programs but few doctoral programs.” (Universities that grant doctoral degrees, such as those in the University of California system, are listed in a separate category.) The U.S. News ranking comes on the heels of Forbes naming Cal Poly the No. 1 public masters-level university in the west. “Each of these rankings on its own is an honor; taken together, they paint a clear picture of how Cal Poly is succeeding in its mission to prepare students to be innovative leaders in their careers and solve real-world problems in a global marketplace,” President Armstrong said. “Our faculty and staff work diligently every day with our amazing students to create our renowned Learn by Doing environment. Their efforts are paying off.” The U.S. News rankings methodology focuses on academic excellence, with schools evaluated on hundreds of data points and measures of academic quality, such as graduation and freshman retention rates. Forbes’ methodology favors variables such as alumni salary, student debt, and retention and graduation rates instead of more common metrics such as acceptance rates, endowment amounts and freshmen SAT scores. Read more here and here.
Cal Poly to Host Demo Day Event on Sept. 14
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) will host its annual Demo Day on Friday, Sept. 14, at the Fremont Theater in downtown San Luis Obispo. The event culminates the CIE’s 2018 HotHouse Summer Accelerator program — an intense 13-week program that helps students and recent graduates who have developed new products and ventures. Representatives of the eight participating companies will give demonstrations and pitches and answer questions about their entrepreneurial efforts. The summer accelerator program provides $10,000 in seed money to each company, hands-on strategic business guidance from Cal Poly faculty and mentors, as well as dedicated office space at the HotHouse. The entrepreneurs receive training, introductions to investors, and resources to help move their startup forward. This year’s accelerator companies include a variety of industries and disciplines, making it a unique cohort. Learn about the companies here.
Professor Receives CSU Honor for Innovation and Leadership
Professor Zoë Wood, who has worked to increase the number of women studying computer science, designed curriculums for all levels of computer science education, and helped students find a lost World War II plane near Italy, has been honored with a 2018 Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award by the California State University Chancellor’s Office. The faculty-led selection committee reviewed more than 360 nominations from all 23 CSU campuses. The honor recognizes educators who redesign courses, apply innovative teaching practices, and more effectively use data to address equity gaps. “I feel like there is so much more work to be done,” said Wood, who joined the Computer Science Department in 2003. “I also work with colleagues who likewise are doing their best to provide opportunities and innovation, so I am humbled by this honor.” After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a major in American studies and women’s studies, Wood began her career working at her alma mater. However, as the dotcom industry was exploding, she decided to pursue a computer science degree. From there she earned her doctorate from Caltech. Her field, computer graphics, combines programming, math and art. “Computer science is like a great big puzzle, and I love puzzles,” she said. She has shared those passions with other students. Her work is widely respected among peers, as evidenced by the fact that her publications have been cited more than 1,100 times. Read more here.
Week of Welcome Set for Sept. 16-23
Nearly 5,500 freshmen and transfer students are expected to kick off the 2018-19 academic year by participating in the university’s Week of Welcome — known as WOW — from Sunday to Sunday, Sept. 16-23. New students will move into campus residence halls Friday through Saturday, Sept. 14-15; continuing students will move in Sunday through Wednesday, Sept. 16-19. WOW gets underway Sept. 16 at the Lower Sports Complex, where new students will meet their WOW group and two WOW leaders. The Big Fall Welcome follows at 8 p.m. in Spanos Stadium and serves as the kick off and convocation for new students. The program will feature Cal Poly President Armstrong, ASI President Jasmin Fashami, keynote speaker and leadership trainer Paul “The Ripples Guy” Wesselmann, special guests and others. Additional events and entertainment will include the long-running WOW-A-RAMA, led by community member and Cal Poly alumnus Frank Warren. It is billed as a fun and exciting way to meet and interact with new students and includes comedy and magic shows, on-campus activities, and special group events planned by WOW leaders. A large portion of the week is spent educating new students on making healthy transitions to college life. Students attend programs that address topics such as alcohol and drug abuse, sexual assault awareness and prevention, diversity and inclusion, mental health and well-being, academics and more. For more information about WOW, download the Cal Poly Now mobile app and search for the Orientation 2018 guide, or visit http://orientation.calpoly.edu/.
Cal Poly Welcomes Kyle Rowen as University Counsel
Kyle E. Rowen, who joined the California State University’s Office of General Counsel in 2017, has been serving as Cal Poly’s university counsel since July 23. Rowen succeeds University Counsel Dawn S. Theodora, who joined the Office of General Counsel in 2001 and is now the CSU's assistant vice chancellor and chief counsel — business and finance. In his role at Cal Poly, Rowen will provide legal services to the university, providing timely and thoughtful advice on a broad range of legal issues in support of Cal Poly’s mission. He previously served in a similar role at CSU Monterey Bay. Rowen is a member of the Office of General Counsel’s Human Resources Team and serves as a resource attorney on matters relating to police/law enforcement, the Clery Act, collective bargaining and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Before joining the CSU, Rowen was a partner at the litigation firm of Wesierski & Zurek LLP, where he specialized in employment litigation and defending public entities from throughout Southern California in a wide variety of matters. Previously he was a deputy city attorney for the city of Newport Beach and a deputy district attorney in the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Rowen graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2004.
California Cybersecurity Institute Offers 27 New Cyber Certification Courses
The California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI) at Cal Poly has partnered with Stronger International and Mile2 to announce 27 new cutting-edge courses available to anyone working in the fast-changing field of cybersecurity. The Stronger and Mile2 classes will be offered online, onsite at the CCI and remotely across California to professionals — from foundational to expert-level cyber security courses in Mile2’s renowned cyber range. “The relationship with Stronger and Mile2 offers government, law enforcement, military and academia access to world-class training,” said Martin Minnich, CCI program manager. “Participants will get a taste of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing education when they experience a simulated scenario in the CCI’s Cyber Range. They’ll leave a better-prepared cybersecurity professional.” The CCI is a robust, multi-agency effort to protect California from future cyberthreats through training and research for government, academia, military, law enforcement, first responders and private entities. The CCI’s digital range differentiates its training program from others by creating immersive, scenario-based exercises on issues including next-generation cloud computing, anti-human trafficking, health care, critical infrastructure and vehicular vulnerabilities. Learn more here.
Campus Dining to Switch to Compostable Paper Straws
Campus Dining is making the switch to paper straws beginning with the 2018-19 academic year, taking another step toward the university’s zero waste goal. The move away from plastic straws to a more recyclable alternative supports Cal Poly’s commitment to sustainability as the university works toward diverting 80 percent of its consumer waste away from landfills by 2020. “Feeding the campus community has the potential to create a lot of waste, yet we continue to reduce our footprint through programs we have put in place and changes we have made,” Campus Dining Assistant Director Russell Monteath said. “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our footprint as we move toward zero waste.” Cal Poly plans to partner with San Luis Paper, a local paper supply company. Because the straws are made of paper, they are fully compostable and decompose within 30 to 60 days. Currently students, faculty, staff and visitors use close to 1 million straws per year. Although plastic straws are a small portion of overall plastic pollution, they are high on the list of most common objects collected during beach cleanups and in the ocean, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Read here more.
Student Success
Biology Student to Receive CSU Trustees’ Award and $6,000 Scholarship
A biology junior who plans to pursue a career in emergency medicine has received a 2018 California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Outstanding Achievement Awards are presented annually to one student from each of the CSU system’s 23 campuses. David Denisov, 20, from Citrus Heights, Calif., like his counterparts throughout the state, was selected for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. As part of the recognition, he will receive a $6,000 scholarship as one of the state’s William Randolph Hearst Scholars. He and the other awardees will be publicly recognized during the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 11. President Armstrong was pleased to nominate the second-year biological sciences student in the College of Science and Mathematics. The youngest of three siblings born in the U.S., and seven born in the former Soviet Union, Denisov said his family emigrated to America “due to religious persecution.” “This scholarship relieves a huge burden off the shoulders of myself and my family,” the 20-year-old said. “It allows me to focus on my goal of attending medical school without piling up thousands of dollars in debt. To put it simply, I am able to put my education and overall well-being first.” Denisov plans to graduate in June 2020. Read more here.
Recent Journalism Grad is Finalist for CSU Media Arts Festival Award
Recent graduate Nikki Petkopoulos (Journalism, ’18) is a finalist for the prestigious CSU Media Arts Award for her film "Young American." The film tells the story of a biracial college student as he becomes a sugar baby for an older couple. What started out as a means to an end develops into a terrifying situation in which he struggles to extricate himself. The film was loosely inspired by the varied stories friends shared with Petkopoulos regarding their escort experiences, as well as her own reflection on being biracial in a world that still fetishizes ethnic minorities. The CSU Media Arts Festival is a celebration of films, videos, and other new media created by CSU students. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their work before a panel of distinguished faculty and entertainment industry professionals. The 28th Annual CSU Media Arts Festival will be presented at the Digital Hollywood media conference on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Student Takes Age Group Win at Ironman Canada
Biking endless miles along Highway 1 paid off for mechanical engineering student Mark Schefter, who finished first recently in the Ironman Canada race's 18-24 age group. The Ironman triathlon includes three events — swimming, bicycling and running. Schefter trains as a member of Cal Poly’s triathlon team. Another member of the team, recent software engineering grad Jake Pickett, finished in third place in the 18-24 category. With his age-group win, Schefter is now training to compete at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in October. An international student from Germany, Schefter’s win could be considered a surprise since he didn’t even own a proper road bike until college and had never swum competitively. Schefter plans to graduate in 2019, then pursue a master's degree in environmental engineering. Read more at https://engineering.calpoly.edu/going-distance.
Faculty & Staff
Professor Recognized with Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Ignatios Vakalis, professor in the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, received the 2018 ABET Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity and Inclusion. The award recognizes U.S.-based educational units, individuals, associations and firms for extraordinary success in achieving diversity in the technological segments of our society.
Professor Works to Protect Koalas in Australia
Professor Greg Brown, whose research is focused on community engagement and participation, is working with a team of researchers from three universities and four local governments in New South Wales, Australia, to protect koalas, a nationally threatened species. Brown, who heads the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department, said the overarching goal of the research is to identify locations that provide high koala conservation value and also have community support for conservation. The Australia Koala Foundation estimates there are less than 80,000 koalas today, down from millions in the last century. Human development and encroachment are the key drivers for the current decline in koalas, Brown said. He recently submitted the first of several planned research articles addressing the many challenges of koala conservation to the journal Biological Conservation. The article evaluates the use of crowdsourced citizen observations of koalas to identify the location and distribution of koalas in a study area in New South Wales. The study used an internet survey asking citizens to identify koala locations and express place preferences about where new development should — or should not — occur by dragging markers onto a Google map of the study area. Having documented the effectiveness of citizen science for observing koalas, the next phase of the research will be to develop a map of the study area where conservation efforts are feasible and where there was public support for conservation action. Read more here.
Cal Poly Executive Chef Nominated as a Super Chef
Cal Poly Executive Chef Ken Kline was recently nominated as a Super Chef by Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services. Recognized for his culinary excellence, Kline was one of only 29 other chefs who were nominated. There are 50 Chartwells executive chefs in the Western region and 300 nationwide, all of whom were eligible for the prestigious award. Kline told Chartwells that he finds inspiration for his craft from the sheer artistry of well-prepared food, color, texture, smell and of course, the taste. Campus Dining is honored to have its very own "super chef" in the kitchen. Cal Poly partnered with Chartwells Higher Education in 2017 to provide the university with food service management and dining consultation. With over 40 years of culinary operation experience, Kline joined the dining team last year as a part of this partnership and has elevated the Cal Poly dining experience. “Each day I have the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated chefs, staff and students as we strive to build a better dining experience for all of our clients,” Kline said. “This nomination is really the result of their commitment to the craft and their desire to provide delicious, healthful food every day.”
Department Chair Speaks in Chile on Ways Computing Can Contribute to Agriculture
Chris Lupo, chair of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, recently presented at the Academic Agriculture Technology Congress in Chile. Lupo found a way to maximize milk production by using computer science to maximize genetics. In collaboration with Cal Poly’s dairy science program, Lupo used parallel computing to create a genetic selection model using data from half a million cattle. While greater milk production helps farmers and consumers, it could also lead to fewer cattle, which would help the environment. According to a United Nations report, cows produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. In January 2017, there were more than 93.6 million head of cattle in the U.S. Humans are not likely to stop drinking milk — we’ve done so for about 7,500 years, according to University College London — but more efficient cows can allow farmers to reduce the number of cows and, hence, emissions. And that’s just one way computing can contribute to agriculture. “There are several intersections between computing and agriculture,” Lupo said. “These include automation, computer vision and machine learning, bioinformatics, and data analytics. These technologies are being used to address food safety and security, logistics and spoilage, effects of climate change, animal husbandry and worker health.” Read more at https://engineering.calpoly.edu/computing-cows-more-milk.
Make Changes to Benefit Plans During Open Enrollment Through Oct. 5
Open Enrollment, which is open through Friday, Oct. 5, is the time to make changes to your health and dental plans, to enroll in or cancel the VSP Premier vision plan, and to enroll in or cancel the MetLaw legal plan. It is also the time to enroll in the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) savings plans for 2019. (Participants must re-enroll in HCRA/DCRA each year). Open enrollment changes become effective Jan. 1, 2019. Mark your calendar for the annual Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, in Chumash Auditorium. Over 30 vendors are expected to attend including representatives from health, dental and vision plans, voluntary plans, LifeMatters employee assistance program, on-campus resources and local wellness providers. Attend a Lunch and Learn event hosted by Human Resources to learn more about your benefits and upcoming changes. For detailed information and a schedule of events, visit https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/.
Faculty Invited to Apply for a CIE Faculty Fellowship by Sept. 27
The alliance of faculty from all colleges and disciplines is a key factor in the growth of the entrepreneurial culture at Cal Poly. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Faculty Fellows program serves as the catalyst. Within each of Cal Poly’s six colleges, the CIE Faculty Fellows incorporate innovation and entrepreneurship into their coursework, serve as CIE ambassadors within the college they represent, and help guide students through various entrepreneurial career paths. See who’s in the community of the CIE Faculty Fellows. To learn more about the CIE Faculty Fellows program, contact Lynn Metcalf at lmetcalf@calpoly.edu. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27.
More Sessions of Exposing Hidden Bias and Responding to Hidden Bias Workshops Are Now Available
With continued interest from the campus community in exploring unconscious bias, Employee and Organization Development has recently added additional sessions of the Exposing Hidden Bias and the Responding to Hidden Bias workshops during fall quarter. The first workshop in the series, Exposing Hidden Bias, brings attention to the unconscious biases we all possess and provides some strategies for overcoming its impact in our work and relationships. Participants will learn how to recognize areas where unconscious bias may surface, identify strategies for avoiding bias, and learn resources available for additional learning and involvement. The second workshop in the series, Responding to Hidden Bias, focuses on responding to your own and others’ biases. Participants will have the opportunity to dig deeper to develop and practice ways to respond to intentional and unintentional bias, and learn of resources for additional learning. Attendance at the Exposing Hidden Bias workshop is encouraged as a baseline prior to attending the Responding to Hidden Bias workshop. Select the preferred workshop for more information and to register: Exposing Hidden Bias and/or Responding to Hidden Bias. Questions? Email learnandgrow@calpoly.edu or call ext. 6-7478.
New and Continuing Employees Invited to Join a Faculty Staff Association
The Faculty Staff Associations welcome all new and continuing faculty and staff to the 2018-19 academic year. Faculty Staff Associations (FSAs) are social and community-building groups for faculty, staff and, in some cases, graduate students. The FSAs host a variety of events, programs and initiatives including socials, social justice efforts, mentorships with students, educational opportunities and more.
Faculty and staff are invited to join any or all of the following FSAs:
— American Indian and Indigenous Faculty Staff Association
— Asian Pacific Islander Faculty Staff Association
— Black Faculty Staff Association
— Chicanx/Latinx Faculty Staff Association
— Disability Faculty Staff Association
— Pride Faculty Staff Association
— Women’s Faculty Staff Association
For more information about the FSAs and upcoming events, visit the All Faculty Staff Association website.
Campus Resource Fair for Newer Employees To Be Held Sept. 17
The Campus Resource Fair is ideal for new(er) employees — including faculty, staff and administrators hired during the previous year — as it brings together service providers and organizations on campus to provide essential information regarding services, benefits, ways to continue to explore and connect at the university, and more. Representatives from nearly three dozen campus organizations, service providers and clubs will staff tables during the fair. Sponsored by the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and Employee and Organization Development, the Campus Resource Fair will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, in the Pavilion at the Performing Arts Center. No registration is needed. Questions? Contact Employee and Organization Development at learnandgrow@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-7478.
Accessibility Workshops Available for Faculty in Fall 2018
Cal Poly is committed to creating a culture of access for an inclusive learning environment. The Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) is offering the following accessibility workshops for faculty for fall 2018:
Creating Accessible Course Materials, Oct. 8 through Nov. 5. Join your faculty peers in this online, four-week workshop to create accessible course materials. This workshop covers principles of universal design, use of PolyLearn tools, accessible document design, video captioning and a culminating activity to create an Accessibility Action Plan. A $300 stipend is available for those eligible. Expect to spend 28-40 hours total over four weeks. Enrollment is limited. Learn more and register here.
Accessibility Workshops. Attend an accessibility workshop on your own time, at your own pace, in your own space. The CTLT offers three online, self-paced workshops to help faculty create accessible instructional materials. A $100 stipend per workshop is available for those eligible. Expect to spend seven to 10 hours total per workshop. Choose from one of the following workshops for fall quarter. Enrollment is limited.
— Creating Accessible Documents and Presentations
— Creating Accessible PolyLearn Pages
— Creating and Captioning Accessible Video
Accessible Document Design Workshops, customized for your department or program. Choose a time and place and we will come to you. This 50-minute in-person workshop provides hands-on, step-by-step guidance to help faculty create an accessible Word document and convert it to an accessible PDF. Focus on course syllabi or a document of your choice. For more information, contact Pam Dougherty at padoughe@calpoly.edu. Learn more and complete a request form here.
Media Resource Center To Relocate Starting Sept. 17
Starting Monday, Sept. 17, the Media Resource Center (MRC), which is currently located in the Cotchett Education Building (No. 2), will begin serving students, staff and faculty from its new location in the Old Natatorium (No. 46). The building is also home to the Information Technology Services (ITS) Service Desk. For more information about the MRC’s new hours, or to reserve technology equipment online, visit techrentals.calpoly.edu.
New Disability Faculty Staff Association Launched
A new Disability Faculty Staff Association (DFSA) has been launched. The DFSA's mission is to foster a welcoming, accessible and inclusive campus and work environment for all faculty and staff. The DFSA recognizes and celebrates disability, whether temporary or permanent, as diversity and the intersections of multi-identities. The DFSA welcomes those with disabilities and allies. Join the DFSA at the following upcoming events:
— Disability Awareness Month Booth: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 11, in UU Plaza. Join the DFSA for disability awareness games and activities, give-away prizes and a photo booth.
— Disability Faculty Staff Association Working Social: 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in UU 219. Socialize with members of the DFSA and provide input on future goals, activities, events and initiatives.
For more information about the DFSA, visit the new Faculty Staff Association website. The DFSA welcomes anyone who would like to get connected and involved! Those interested can sign up for the mailing list to receive updates on meetings, socials, and other events and information.
New Book and Learning Circles Set for Fall
Employee and Organization Development is excited to announce its fall 2018 Book and Learning Circles. You are invited to participate in these enriching conversations, including Book Circle, where you read a book and discuss as a group, or a Learning Circle, where you view a video or read an article before discussing as a group. Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three sessions. The first book is "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. This valuable read argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. The second book, "Moving Diversity Forward: How to Go From Well-Meaning to Well-Doing" by Vernā Myers, explores the value of diversity, the challenges to successful diversity and inclusion efforts, and provides tools for enhancing campus practices. The third book, "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell, explores the factors that decide the difference between successful and unsuccessful people — learn what rock stars, geniuses and computer programmers have in common and that success is not a matter of IQ, ingenuity or natural genius. Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. The first learning circle is "How Not To Be Ignorant About the World," which demonstrates the high statistical chance of being quite wrong about what we know and provides four strategies for quickly becoming less ignorant. The second learning circle is "The Power of Privilege," which helps to understand what it means to talk about privilege and what can be done with the power. The third learning circle is "Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce," in which Malcom Gladwell gets inside the food industry's pursuit of the perfect spaghetti sauce — and makes a larger argument about the nature of choice and happiness. To view a full description and register to attend, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
International Center Seeking Hosts for Local Activities with International Students
The International Center is seeking faculty and staff for the International Poly Hosts program. Volunteers will host international students for short, cross-cultural day visits that include activities such as an informal dinner at a Poly Host's home, going to the beach, meeting at a coffee shop, or celebrating holidays/ family occasions. This program is intended to help international students experience the community outside of the traditional academic setting. Poly Hosts will also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures while sharing their own. Please refer to the Poly Hosts Application to learn more about the program and to apply.
Employees Invited to Open House at Swanton Pacific Ranch
Faculty and staff are invited to an open house at Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch in Santa Cruz County from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Event highlights will include walking tours and demonstrations highlighting its natural beauty, ecological diversity, integrated and sustainable land management practices, educational programs and research-based restoration projects. Tours will feature sustainable forestry, organic and u-pick crop production, creek restoration, holistic rangeland and livestock management, the Al Smith house, and the future Swanton Pacific Education Center and Field Camp. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swanton-pacific-day-tickets-48899498717.
Empathia Workshop on Sept. 28 to Examine Personal Resilience and Energy Management
Join Employee and Organization Development for an in-person workshop from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, from Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) Empathia. One factor influencing our stress level is how well we manage energy. The concept of energy management is based on a new way of looking at self-discipline. It challenges the widely held view that time management and juggling tasks is the key to work/life balance. The content of this workshop includes the paradigm shift, energy management principles, the engaged versus the stressed versus the disengaged, and developing positive rituals. Register by clicking here for the workshop in the training room in the University Police Building (No. 36, Room 105).
Employment Equity Facilitator Workshops Scheduled for Fall Quarter
Employment Equity Facilitator Workshops have been scheduled for fall quarter from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates: Wednesday, Sept. 12; Tuesday, Oct. 16; and Wednesday, Nov. 14. Brian Gnandt, director of Equal Opportunity, and Elena Morelos, director of Academic Employment, will lead the workshops. Representatives from Academic Personnel and Human Resources will be there to answer questions and provide information on the staff and faculty recruitment processes. All trainings will be held in the Equal Opportunity Conference Room in Fisher Science Hall (No. 33), Room 290. Visit http://equalopportunity.calpoly.edu/content/eef for more information. To enroll, contact Ethan Kuster at ekuster@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-7387.
New Skill Building Platform Coming This Fall
SumTotal, a new learning tool that will replace Skillsoft, is coming to Cal Poly this fall. The SumTotal platform allows for continuous learning — anytime, anywhere, on any device — so employees can develop new skills when needed. Consisting of thousands of videos, courses and books, SumTotal allows participants to watch, listen or read in short, cohesive segments that fit their needs and help build toward larger learning objectives. These scenario-based learnings and embedded self-assessments will help users apply and retain lessons. When done, participants will have full access to personal learning records. SumTotal offers the opportunity to learn digital tools, concepts and soft-skills even with a tight schedule. Look for more information coming soon.
Retirements
Susan Stewart, analyst/programmer for Student Academic Services (SAS), will retire in November after 35 years of service to Cal Poly. Stewart joined the Financial Aid Office in 1980 as a student assistant, moved to a staff position in July 1983, and quickly advanced to become a senior data control technician. She worked on the IBM System/36, using Z-Writer and FOCUS programming code. In 1990 Stewart moved to Student Academic Services where she flourished for the next 28 years, increasing her skills in database development. She has been instrumental in developing FileMaker databases. Stewart was honored with the Student Affairs Outstanding Employee Award in 1996 and the Chandler Award in 2009. She is one of those rare individuals who has outstanding technical aptitude, but also the capacity to deal with people with incredible empathy. After retirement, she plans to travel the globe with her husband, Steve, in addition to partaking in many volunteer opportunities. A retirement reception will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, in the Bonderson Engineering Project Center (No. 197), Room 104. Contact Angela Marino at amarin07@calpoly.edu with questions.
In Memoriam
On Aug. 21, 2018, the Cal Poly community lost a dear friend, a dedicated leader and an inspired family member. Al Amaral, 78, graduated from Cal Poly in 1965 and returned three years later to teach agriculture management before taking over the helm of the Cal Poly Foundation, a role that he held for 28 years until his retirement in 2000. Former colleagues recall a man who lived and breathed Cal Poly, and whose pride in the organization that he led was only outweighed by the pride he had in the staff. He knew who made it all happen. “Al was the epitome of the campus leader,” Cal Poly Corporation Executive Director Lorlie Leetham said. “He was forward-thinking and respected throughout the CSU for his knowledge and his accomplishments. He valued each and every employee, and genuinely took their ideas and opinions into consideration. When you shook Al’s hand you knew it was as solid as a contract.” During his tenure, the Cal Poly Foundation became the jewel of the CSU auxiliaries. He served as president of the Auxiliary Organization Association in 1977 and 1991, sharing his knowledge and expertise. In 1989 he was CAFES Honored Alumnus and received the Outstanding Staff/Employee award in 1986. Amaral, alongside his wife, Rose, firmly believed in the importance of education and established the Al and Rose Amaral Ag Enterprise Endowment to benefit future generations of Cal Poly students. Yet, when remembering everything that he achieved — the recognitions, awards and titles — what stands out most to those who knew him was the way he made them feel. “Al knew the names of all the employees and where they worked,” said Joanne Mead, a former Foundation employee. "He wasn't just a boss he was a partner, mentor and good friend.”
Campus Announcements
Career Services Accepting Donations of Professional Clothing
Career Services will host its fourth Clothing Closet event on Sept. 27 to provide free, work-appropriate clothes to students in need. The event also marks the grand opening of Career Services’ permanent clothing closet. First impressions can significantly impact a student’s chances for success, and many students struggle to afford professional clothing for career fairs and interviews. Several students attended an event in September 2017, including second-year student Mikaela M., who said: "I thought this was a great thing because sometimes it's really hard to find business clothes and these are free! I don't have a lot of professional clothing and the variety and stuff that they had was really great." Faculty and staff are asked to consider donating dry-cleaned, gently-used, contemporary professional clothing. For more details on appropriate donations, refer to: Clothing Closet. Donations can be dropped off at Career Services (No. 124) through Sept. 14. Metered and 30-minute staff parking is available nearby. Questions? Call Career Services at ext. 6-2501.
Study Abroad Fair to be Held Oct. 4
The Cal Poly International Center will showcase all of its programs at the Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, on Dexter Lawn. Explore the variety of study abroad opportunities available and hear from former study abroad students who will be on hand to share their experiences. With over 500 programs in 75 countries, the Study Abroad program can make international study a reality. Study Abroad programs range in length from a spring break trip to a year abroad. Participants will return home with an excellent education, broadened communication skills, a new perspective on culture, and a willingness to learn. These intangible skills are highly valued by employers and can help you compete in a global market.
Want a Farmers Market on Campus? Complete a Survey to Share Your Opinion
Campus Health and Wellbeing wants to hear from you. Staff is planning to host a campus farmers market featuring Cal Poly and community vendors and wants to get input from the campus community on locations, preferred time of day, frequency and more. To participate, complete this brief survey. Anyone with additional questions can contact Christine Nelson at cinelson@calpoly.edu.
Submission Guidelines for Cal Poly Report
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. Submissions may run a maximum of three times and should be limited to 150 words. 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. A list of designated approvers is available on the Cal Poly Report index website. Entries submitted by those other than the designated approver must be accompanied by an approval form signed by the unit's approver. The approval form is available online in fillable pdf format or a downloadable Microsoft Word format. CPR is published weekly during the school year, except during academic breaks, and monthly in the summer. The deadline for each issue is 12:30 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.
Events
Music Department Announces 2018-19 Events
The Music Department's 2018-19 season begins with three faculty recitals. On Sept. 29, violinist Brynn Albanese will perform an eclectic mix of solo violin works. She will be joined by faculty members Ken Hustad, bass; and John Astaire, percussion. Albanese and guest guitarist Jack Cimo will also perform some duets together. On Oct. 6, “Brahms Songs” will be presented by Katherine Arthur, soprano; Paul Woodring, piano; and David Arrivee, lecturer. It will be a delightful afternoon of performance and exploration of many well-known and loved Brahms songs. On Oct. 19, up to 12 faculty members are slated to perform, including Amy Goymerac, soprano; Heidi Butterfield, oboe; Laura Kramer, baritone saxophone; Lisa Nauful, bassoon; Christopher J. Woodruff, trumpet; John Astaire, percussion; and Ken Hustad, bass. University organist and staff accompanist Paul Woodring will play piano. Additional fall events include: Oct. 27 — Choirs’ Fall Concert: Luminous Night of the Soul; Nov. 30 — Bandfest 2018; Dec. 1 — Choirs’ Holiday Kaleidoscope and Arab Music Ensemble Fall Concert; Dec. 2 — Symphony Fall Concert: The Symphony Dances; and Dec. 7 — Fall Jazz Concert. The complete list of events through June —including free offerings — is available on the Music Department’s calendar website. For more information, call ext. 6-2406 or email the department. Printed versions of the event brochure are available on request.
Music Department Faculty Recital Set for Sept. 29
The Music Department will present a faculty recital with violinist Brynn Albanese at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). Albanese, the department’s applied violin and viola instructor, will perform an eclectic mix of solo violin works as well as duos with faculty members Ken Hustad, bass; and John Astaire, timpani. She will also perform with guest guitarist Jack Cimo. The solo works are “Passacaglia in G Minor for Unaccompanied Violin” by Heinrich Ignaz Von Biber, “Tango Etude No. 1” and “Tango Etude No. 3” by Astor Piazzolla, a movement from “Sonata for Solo Violin,” Op. 115, by Sergei Prokofiev and a movement from “Sonata in G Minor” by J.S. Bach. For the duo performances, Hustad and Albanese will perform the first movement of Edgar Meyer’s Concert Duo for Bass and Violin; Astaire and Albanese will perform David Avshalomov’s “Diversion, Violin and Timpani” (“Terwilliger”). Cimo and Albanese will close the program with “Café 1930” from Piazzolla’s “Histoire du Tango.” Admission is $5 at the door. Parking is free in the Grand Avenue parking structure. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Event Calendar
To find out what’s going on at Cal Poly, visit the Events Calendar. The site includes community events that are open to the public and Campus Life events open to students, faculty and staff. The calendar also includes events at the Performing Arts Center. A link from the calendar allows staff, faculty and students to check facility availability before requesting and reserving on-campus locations for activities and events. For more information about publishing an event on the calendar, contact events@calpoly.edu, or visit the university scheduling page.
Athletics
For an overview of up-to-date sports information, photos and videos, visit gopoly.com. Students always get in free. Faculty and staff discounts are available.
Upcoming Events @ Home
Friday, Sept. 14
Football vs. Brown, Spanos Stadium, 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 18
Men’s Soccer vs. Santa Clara, Spanos Stadium, 5 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball vs. UC Davis, Mott Athletics Center, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 22
Men’s Soccer vs. Westmont, Spanos Stadium, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23
Women’s Soccer vs. Cal Baptist, Spanos Stadium, 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 28
Women’s Soccer vs. CSUN, Spanos Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 29
Football vs. Montana, Spanos Stadium, 4:05 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 30
Women’s Soccer vs. UC Davis, Spanos Stadium, noon.
Men’s Soccer vs. UC Santa Barbara, Spanos Stadium, 7 p.m.
Job Vacancies
Employment Opportunities
The complete listing of staff and management vacancies is posted on the Cal Poly Jobs website. To apply, go online and complete the application form. For assistance, call Human Resources at ext. 6-2236.
#105029 — Equipment Technician III — Electro-Mechanical, College of Engineering — Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. $4,107-$7,214 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,500-$6,000 per month.) Open until filled.
#105020 — Financial Manager (Administrator I), Administration and Finance — Facilities. Salary commensurate with background and experience of the individual selected. Open until filled.
#105021 — Director of Customer and Business Services (Administrator II), Administration and Finance — Facilities. Salary commensurate with background and experience of the individual selected. Open until filled.
#105023 — Lead Coordinator, Gender Equity Center, Cross Cultural Centers (Student Services Professional III), Student Affairs — Dean of Students. $4,554-$6,488 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,554-$4,800 per month.) Open until filled.
#104986 — Public Affairs/Communication Specialist I, College of Engineering — Civil and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. $2,923-$5,129 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,900-$4,500 per month.) Open until filled.
#105026 — On-Call Stage Technician (Performing Arts Technician I — Non-Exempt), Administration and Finance – Performing Arts Center. $3,224-$5,665 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,224-$3,413 per month.) Open until filled.
#105027 — Administrative Support Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II), Academic Affairs — Research and Economic Development. $3,115-$5,475 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,333-$3,750 per month.) Open until filled.
#105017 — Administrative Support Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II), Student Affairs — Dean of Students. $3,115-$5,475 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,333-$3,750 per month.) Open until filled.
#105022 — Director of Development (Administrator I), University Development — College of Engineering. $2,502-$9,083 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,900-$5,500 per month.) Salary commensurate with background and experience of the individual selected. Open until filled.
#105024 — Real Time Captioner Pool, Student Affairs — Disability Resource Center. $16.42-$160.15 per hour. (Anticipated hiring range: $16.42-$50 per hour.) Continuous hiring.
#105014 — Primary Care Physician Per Diem (Physician – Primary Care), Student Affairs — Health Services. $70-$122.63 per hour. (Anticipated hiring range: $95-$108.21 per hour.) Open until filled.
#105018 — Development Records Specialist (Administrative Support Assistant II), University Development. $2,600-$4,458 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,065-$3,529 per month.) Open until filled.
#105011 — Creative Services Coordinator (Graphic Designer I), Student Affairs – Athletics. $3,224-$5,665 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,224-$3,900 per month.) Open until filled.
#105006 — Facilities Worker II, Administration and Finance — Facility Operations — PCV Multi Craft. $4,677-$5,878 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,677-$5,000 per month.) Open until filled.
#105007 — Facilities Maintenance Mechanic, Administration and Finance — Facility Operations — PCV Multi Craft Crew. $5,207-$6,654 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $5,207-$5,727 per month.) Open until filled.
#105012 — Development Analyst (Administrative Analyst/Specialist — Non-Exempt), University Development. $3,288-$6,162 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,950-$4,560 per month.) Open until filled.
#105013 — Clinical Laboratory Scientist II Per Diem (Per Diem Non–Exempt — Healthcare), $19.92-$82.39 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $19.92-$41.12 per hour.) Open until filled.
#105010 — Vice President for Student Affairs Office Administrative Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II), Student Affairs — Vice President Student Affairs. $3,115-$5,475 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $3,333-$3,750 per month.) Open until filled.
#104999 — Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist (Administrative Analyst/Specialist- Exempt I), Administration and Finance — Human Resources. $3,897-$6,846 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,400-$5,400 per month.) Open until filled.
#105008 — Network Analyst (Network Analyst — Career), College of Engineering — Aerospace Engineering. $4,372-$10,478 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $5,200-$6,200 per month.) Open until filled.
#104998 — Instructional Support Technician II, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences — Food Science and Nutrition. $3,748-$6,582 per month. (Anticipated hiring range $4,500-$5,200 per month.) Open until filled. Review began Sept. 4.
Faculty Employment Opportunities
Candidates are asked to visit the Cal Poly Jobs website to complete an application for any of the positions shown below. The complete listing of faculty position openings is posted on the website. For assistance, call Academic Personnel at ext. 6-2844.
There are no listings at this time.
Corporation Employment Opportunities
Cal Poly Corporation 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 job postings or apply, visit the Corporation website. For assistance, contact Human Resources at ext. 6-1121.
Director, Human Resources. CPC Administration, $109,720-$164,611 per year.
ASI Employment Opportunities
Candidates are asked to visit the ASI website to complete an ASI application and apply for open positions. For more information, visit the ASI Business Office in UU 212 or call ext. 6-5800.
There are no listings at this time.