Cal Poly Report — Feb. 13, 2019
News
Students Honored by Lawmakers at State Capitol
Nineteen students were recognized for their awards and other accomplishments by state lawmakers on the floors of the state Assembly and Senate in Sacramento on Monday, Feb. 11. “These fine young men and women are among our best and brightest students,” said President Armstrong, who accompanied the group to Sacramento. “They will share the value of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing education with our state lawmakers and university boosters. Our faculty, staff and I take great pride in their accomplishments and know that they will bring to their careers the same energy, determination and creativity that they have displayed in their studies and extracurricular activities.” The group was introduced to the Senate by Majority Leader Bill Monning, D-Carmel, and to the Assembly by Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, R-San Luis Obispo. The students are: business and construction management major Abraham Ahmed, dairy science student Brandon Almeida, journalism student Lauren Arendt, art and design major Kyle Branch, civil engineering major Thomas Brandt, art and design major Cody Capella, political science major Jasmin Fashami, construction management student Ally Forster, biomedical engineering student Samantha Galicinao, civil and environmental engineering graduate student Jacky Loh, journalism major Connor McCarthy, computer science major Natalie Miller, mechanical engineering major Sara Novell, forestry and natural resources major Braden Povah, agricultural science major Alyssa Snow, graduate biology student Brandon Strong, journalism student Brian Truong, construction management student Jacob Winter, and architecture major Sabrina Yerena. Read more about the students in the full news release.
Cal Poly Named ‘Military Friendly’ Campus for 2019-20
Cal Poly has been named a Military Friendly® School for 2019-20 by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned digital media, advertising technology and data utilization company. Cal Poly is one of seven large public universities in California to receive the designation for efforts in serving military veterans and veteran-dependent students. The university opened its Veterans Success Center in 2015 and serves approximately 550 students annually. “This designation is particularly meaningful to me because it validates the intentional hard work that happens within our center and throughout campus to assist veterans and military families,” said Kari Leslie, Cal Poly Veterans Success Center coordinator. “Whether they are a veteran returning to civilian life, currently serving, or a member of a military family, Cal Poly is here to support them from day one.” Qualifying campuses earn the Military Friendly designation based on several factors, including graduation rates, first- and second-year retention rates, and job placement rates for veterans and veteran-dependent students. All told, the company utilizes information collected from public data sources and by its proprietary survey to determine designations. A complete list of Military Friendly Schools will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. For more information about Cal Poly’s Veterans Success Center, visit veteransuccess.calpoly.edu.
Pre-Register for Change the Status Quo Social Justice Conference Feb. 22-23
The Center for Service in Action is hosting the 17th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Conference on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23. The conference aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change. Through guest speakers, inspiring workshops and engaging sessions, students will leave the conference with a newfound sense and understanding of social justice and how they can take ownership of their role to advance social change. This year’s theme is Redefining Boldness, and includes a White Privilege Symposium. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to Preview Night on Friday evening for a moderated panel discussion and question-and-answer session on "Leadership, Law Enforcement and Social Justice." The panel will be comprised of student activist leaders; Keith Humphrey, vice president of Student Affairs; Kathleen McMahon, dean of students; University Police Chief George Hughes; and San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deanna Cantrell. The opening keynote speaker on Saturday is Kristin Deal, Ph.D., from the University of Denver, who is a leading scholar on white privilege, with a special emphasis on allyship. Preregistration for the all-day conference on Saturday is now live at serviceinaction.calpoly.edu/CSQ. Presale conference fees are $10 for students and $25 for faculty, staff and community members. Fees include breakfast, lunch and a tote bag with conference materials. Those interested in underwriting the cost of students to attend should email the Center for Service in Action at serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
CLA Speaks: Author of '#BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation' to Speak Feb. 21
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Ph.D., a widely sought public speaker and writer specializing in the subjects of black politics, social movements and racial inequality in the United States, will give a talk as part of CLA Speaks on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. in Miossi Hall in the Performing Arts Center. In her most recent book, “From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation,” she surveys the historical and contemporary ravages of racism and the persistence of structural inequality. In 2016, Taylor was named one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the United States. The talk is free and open to the public. Help promote CLA Speaks by downloading and sharing the event flyer with students and colleagues.
Student Success
Reimagine Paradise: Students Design Future of Devastated Northern California Town
Three months after the Camp Fire destroyed much of the Northern California town of Paradise, architecture students are working on plans intended to give its thousands of displaced residents hope for the future. Thirty-six third-year students are coordinating with peers from two other universities to reimagine how Paradise can rebuild after the devasting fire killed 86 people and burned more than 13,900 homes in November. Two architecture design studios, taught by faculty members Stacey White and Kent Macdonald, are developing a design concept plan for a complete community of 30,000 people — from roads and circulation to determining where residential, commercial, public and other uses could be located. Paradise residents will have a chance to vote on the various options to determine which of them is developed into the final concept. At the end of the two-quarter course in June, fire survivors and others leading Paradise’s recovery effort will be able to view a virtual-reality walkthrough of their town, rebuilt and reimagined, White said. “If I can go back to Paradise High School and give one of those students hope that this is a town they could go back to, that would be enough for me,” said architecture student Sophia Smith (pictured, second from left in photo. Also pictured are Macdonald and students Ryan Huddlestun and Foster Westover). Read the full news release.
University Honors Program Makes Blankets for Stand Strong, San Luis Obispo's Women’s Shelter
Students in the Honors Program finished and donated 26 tie blankets to Stand Strong, the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County at the end of fall quarter. A team of student assistants within the Honors Program helped coordinate the blanket-making drive as a community service opportunity within the first-year Honors experience. Their efforts included acquiring the fabric, soliciting donations from local businesses, coordinating with Stand Strong and overseeing student efforts. In total, the team received $150 worth of in-kind donations from local businesses. During the fall, the first-year Honors experience served 62 students from all six colleges, as well as 13 learning assistants. These students met during the final week of classes to cut and tie the fleece blankets. The activity was designed to address a specific Honors Program learning objective — that students should “demonstrate a strengthened sense of community, civic responsibility and philanthropy.” The program strives to provide its students with service learning opportunities, which helps in building community and developing leader skills. Activities such as the tie blanket drive help Honors students to understand what it means to be a stakeholder in our local community. Learn more about Honors Program at https://honors.calpoly.edu/. Learn more about Stand Strong at https://standstrongnow.org/.
ROTC Ranger Team Continues Winning Streak, Advances to National Competition
The ROTC Ranger Team again took first place in a competitive skills event that challenges cadets’ mental and physical toughness, advancing the team to the national Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point Military Academy on April 12-13. The team won the 8th Brigade’s Best Ranger Challenge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, near Seattle, against three of the best teams representing 31 university and college programs in the Pacific and Western U.S. The win secured the Cal Poly team’s spot at the Sandhurst Competition, which hosts more than 15 other U.S. ROTC programs plus six to eight international teams. Competitors face a number of challenges that measure skills in which cadets must be proficient, with each task including many individual performance measures that are graded and evaluated. Events included an obstacle course, weapon qualification using the M-16 rifle, crossing the Chorro Reservoir in Zodiac boats, a leader reaction course, day-and-night land navigation, calling for and directing artillery, and moving/treating a casualty during a chemical attack — all while carrying 35-pound ruck sacks. Read the news release.
Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show to Celebrate 35 Years
Cal Poly's Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show will celebrate its 35th anniversary when it returns to the Paso Robles Event Center Friday to Sunday, Feb. 15-17. Western Bonanza — the largest student-run exhibition of its kind on the West Coast — began as a senior project in 1985 and has grown to be one of the largest and most successful student-run jackpot shows with more than 658 exhibitors and 1,200 steers, heifers, lambs, hogs and meat goats entered in the show. A management team of 30 students and more than 100 committee members from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences host the junior livestock show (the management team is pictured). Exhibitors, ranging in age from 9 to 21, travel from dozens of California counties and other states — including Nevada, Arizona, Washington and Iowa — to show their animals in four categories: beef, swine, sheep and goats. Judges from throughout the nation determine the best animals by analyzing their movement, body condition, bone structure and breed characteristics. In addition to the elite livestock competition, a tradeshow featuring Western gear, livestock feed vendors, and jewelry will run concurrently. Food vendors will also be available throughout the show. The free event is open to all livestock enthusiasts. For more information and a full show schedule, visit www.westernbonanza.calpoly.edu.
Order Student-Arranged Flowers for Valentine's Day by Feb. 13
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Order Valentine’s Day arrangements, bouquets and plant gifts from the Poly Plant Shop today. The campus shop offers a variety of stunning cut flowers and foliage, arranged by a student floral design crew. Tropical plants and succulents grown by students in Cal Poly greenhouses are also available for purchase. Orders can be made by phone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The deadline to order Valentine’s Day arrangements for campus delivery is 2 p.m., Feb. 13. Pick-up orders can be placed until 2 p.m. Feb. 14. Students will also sell flower arrangements in the University Union from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14.
Faculty & Staff
Cal Poly Corporation Welcomes New University Store Director
Amie Mellinger has returned to campus and is taking over as the director of the University Store. After spending the last seven months in her hometown managing the bookstore at her alma mater, CSU Northridge, the corporation is thrilled to welcome Mellinger back to Cal Poly. Mellinger served as the co-store manager in 2017, helping the University Store transition to new management after contracting with Follet Higher Education. She moved back to Northridge to be with her family, but when the store director position became available at Cal Poly this year, Mellinger couldn’t resist the opportunity to get back to San Luis Obispo. Mellinger has several years of experience working at university bookstores, beginning at the College of Southern Nevada back in 2010. Her strengths include team building and employee relations, both crucial for overseeing the success of a university bookstore. Mellinger began her new position in January, and the Corporation is excited to have her experience and skill back on campus.
Buy Tickets Now for Annual Service Awards Luncheon on March 12
Tickets for the Annual Service Awards Luncheon will be available for $15 each starting Feb. 13. State, Corporation and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2018 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Chumash Auditorium. In accordance with Cal Poly’s sustainable practices, printed flyers will not be distributed. For the flyer with a complete listing of awardees, visit the Service Award Website. Tickets can be purchased online and will be sent via email or are available to pick up at will call at the Cal Poly Ticket Office (Performing Arts Center) from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All award recipients have received an email with a link to RSVP to the event. Awardees are required to RSVP to participate in the award ceremony. Contact the committee chair at serviceawards@calpoly.edu if you have any questions. The Annual Service Awards Committee is compiling photos for a slide show presentation at the luncheon. Send photos of the awardees to serviceawards@calpoly.edu by Friday, Feb. 22. There is limited seating; purchase a ticket early to ensure your attendance at this special event. Buy tickets at tickets.calpoly.edu/online/article/sa2019.
Women and People of Color in STEM Panel and Discussion Session Set for 
Feb. 14
The Cal Poly Inclusivity Group will present a Women and People of Color in a STEM panel and discussion session from 3:10 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in UU 220. The panelists will discuss current issues facing women and people of color in STEM fields followed by small group discussions and time for audience questions. Panelists include physics Professor Louise Edwards, computer science Professor Foaad Khosmood, College of Science and Mathematics Associate Dean Camille O’Bryant, industrial and manufacturing engineering Professor Lizabeth Schlemer, and biology Professor Francis Villablanca.
Workshop on Communicating Cooperatively at Work Set for Feb. 22
Employee and Organization Development is offering a workshop, "Communicating Cooperatively at Work," from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the University Police Department Training Room (No. 36, Room 105). Cooperation among individuals and between teams is essential to promoting both productivity and job satisfaction. This workshop will offer specific steps for producing clear communication and respectful relationships — exactly what’s required to get results. Join Employee and Organization Development for its in-person workshop from Employee Assistance Provider — Empathia. Register here on the Cal Poly Learning Hub.
Nominate a Faculty Advisor for the 2018-19 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award by March 4
The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The award recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong at Fall Conference in addition to having a picture and award citation posted in the Kennedy Library. One faculty member is recognized annually. Note that the nomination should describe the nominee’s academic advising services, activities and interactions as distinct from the nominee's teaching responsibilities, as well as include any special activities that relate to student development. Faculty, staff and current students are eligible to nominate faculty for this award. However, at least one letter must come from a current student, and no self-nominations will be recognized. Nomination information and a link to the nomination form is available here. The deadline for all submissions is 5 p.m. Monday, March 4. Questions? Contact Shelly Wolf at ext. 6-5709 or scwolf@calpoly.edu.
Learn About Retirement Benefits Options in CalPERS Webinar Feb. 13
Join CalPERS for an informative webinar to learn about the different retirement benefit payment options available when you retire. The webinar will be held from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. To register, visit the CalPERS Member Education page and scroll down to "upcoming events." Select the CalPERS webinar “view calendar” link and select the webinar of your choice. Attendance is subject to supervisory approval and based on departmental operational needs.
RSVP by Feb. 19 for Retired Faculty and Staff Club Luncheon Feb. 27
Join the Cal Poly Retired Faculty and Staff Club as it learns about the planned Science and Agriculture Teaching and Research Complex, and get an update on the College of Liberal Arts at a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Dairy Innovation Institute (No. 18-A). The program will include a luncheon and guest speakers Phil Bailey, director of Frost Endowment, who will provide an overview of the Science and Agriculture Teaching and Research Complex building; and Kathryn Rummell, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, who will provide highlights of the College of Liberal Arts and the Expressive Technology Studios (ETS) to be housed in the Science and Agriculture Teaching and Research Complex. Grounded in the Learn by Doing mission, the new ETS — located in the heart of campus — will create an interdisciplinary space that brings together technology with the liberal arts. Learn more about the ETS at https://cla.calpoly.edu/expressive-technology-studios. The cost is $16. For more information or to RSVP, contact Gail Simmons at gsimmons@calpoly.edu or 805-462-9148. RSVP by Feb. 19.
Workshops and Screenings on Diabetes, Cholesterol and Insomnia to be Held Feb. 18-19
Human Resources and pharmacy manager OptumRx will offer free health screenings and workshops on health-related topics on Feb. 18-19. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The presentations are:
— Eating Your Way to Lower Cholesterol: Learn what cholesterol is and simple ways to improve it. OptumRx will conduct free cholesterol screenings following the presentation. Learn more and register.
— Reversing the Effects of Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: Understand the most common myths about diabetes and the learn facts you need to know. OptumRx will conduct free glucose screenings following the presentation. Learn more and register.
— Insomnia: This presentation breaks down the types of insomnia, their causes and potential treatments. You’ll hear about the different stages of sleep and treatment plans that include prescription and non-prescription options. Learn more and register.
Attendance is subject to supervisory approval and based on departmental operational needs.
Distinguish Your Research Presence Workshop to be Held Feb. 28
The library’s Academic and Scholarly Communication Services department will hold the Distinguish Your Research Presence workshop from 11:10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Kennedy Library (No. 35), Room 216B. In this workshop, faculty can learn about the benefits of contributing their scholarship and that of their students to Cal Poly’s institutional repository, Digital Commons, to distinguish their researcher presence. Faculty are often required to demonstrate the impact of their research on the curriculum, students, Cal Poly and academia in general, and many funding agencies require research be made publicly available. Digital Commons offers tools to help measure faculty research impact and increase it, including tools for tracking citations and documenting what types of organizations around the world are viewing and downloading scholarship, as well as provides an avenue to comply with funding agency requirements.
Compliance Training Now Available in the Cal Poly Learning Hub
Required compliance and safety training is now available through the Cal Poly Learning Hub, powered by SumTotal. This includes "Sexual Harassment Prevention," "Defensive Driving," and the "Injury and Illness Prevention Program," among others. New employees or employees with overdue assignments in the previous system, Skillsoft, will begin receiving email notifications of assigned training. Going forward, all assignments and reassignments will come from the Cal Poly Learning Hub via learninghub@calpoly.edu. Visit the Cal Poly Learning Hub directly by using the link now available in the My Apps section of the Cal Poly Portal. Use the Cal Poly Learning Hub Training Guides and Videos found on the learnandgrow.calpoly.edu website to assist in exploring the Cal Poly Learning Hub. Implementation of a new technology can sometimes bring unexpected challenges and Employee and Organization Development asks for flexibility and understanding while it works through issues. If you experience an issue or have questions, email learninghub@calpoly.edu.
International, Graduate and Extended Education to Host Valentine’s Day Blood Drive on Feb. 14
A blood drive will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, by International, Graduate and Extended Education. A Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) bus will be parked on the concrete walkway on Dexter Lawn, near the Dexter Building (No. 34). Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups, please sign up for an appointment. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. Sign up here or contact Lisa Gray at lcgray@calpoly.edu for more information.
In Memoriam
Former Cal Poly professor Howard Steinberg passed away Nov. 3, 2018. He was 89. Steinberg was born and raised in New York City and graduated from City College in Engineering. After his career in engineering and aerospace development, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in applied mathematics in 1969 from the Courant Institute of New York University. He was hired as an associate professor of math at Cal Poly in 1970. He taught here until his retirement in 1991. While at Cal Poly, Steinberg oversaw the Graduate Math Program. He loved teaching and still had contact with many students who had completed advanced degrees in math. Upon retirement, he founded Howard Steinberg Photography. He was a member of the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, Sierra Club and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. His family was his priority. Steinberg is survived by his wife of 45 years, “Biz” Steinberg, three children and their spouses and five grandchildren. Steinberg’s Celebration of Life was held at the Santa Margarita Ranch Barn on Dec. 9, 2018. For more information, read Steinberg’s full obituary.
Campus Announcements
Extended Education To Offer Introduction to Home Brewing in March
Extended Education will offer an Introduction to Home Brewing class from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2 and 16. Learn the basics of home brewing through a hands-on approach at a brewing facility. Students will brew and bottle their own small-batch beer under the instruction of an industry expert. Participants will brew during the first session and bottle during the second session. At the end of the course, participants will have homemade beer to take home and share with friends. Learn more and enroll here. Note: Participants must be 21 or older to enroll; IDs will be checked.
Do You Want to Lose Weight?
Researchers at Cal Poly are conducting state-of-the-art research to find out how to implement healthy behaviors using virtual reality technology. The study includes comprehensive weight loss treatment at no cost and a $20 stipend for participating! Call ext. 6-5506 or email healthresearch@calpoly.edu to see whether you qualify.
Student-Focused 2019 Aspire to Grow Conference to be Held March 1
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is hosting the student-focused Aspire to Grow Conference on Friday, March 1, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. in Philips Hall (Room 124) of the Performing Arts Center (No. 6) There are more than 21 million jobs associated with food and agriculture in the U.S., and related industries contribute nearly a trillion dollars to the nation’s GDP. The Aspire to Grow Conference aims to inform and empower students from across campus about the many and varied career opportunities in these industries. It will also create a forum for students to learn from and network with companies for which diversity and inclusion are an essential part of their visions, and that have recognized that workplace diversity increases productivity, innovation and other factors that provide a competitive edge. Panel speakers include representatives from USDA, G3 Enterprises, Famous Software, and the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. For more information, visit https://cafes.calpoly.edu/aspire-grow-2019.
Language Conversation Tables to Meet This Quarter
The Spanish Language Table meets every Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in the Multicultural Lounge (UU Room 217). The German Conversation Table meets every other Thursday starting Jan. 17 from 11:15 a.m. to noon in the Faculty Fishbowls, 220, near Julian’s Café in Kennedy Library. The Italian Conversation Group will meet every Thursday starting from 5 to 6 p.m. in the World Languages Lab, Erhart Agriculture Building (No. 10), Room 128. The Russian Conversation Table will meet every other Thursday starting Jan. 24 from 11:15 a.m. to noon in the Faculty Fishbowls, 220, in Kennedy Library. The Vietnamese Group meets every Friday at noon in the Center for Service in Action Lounge in the Science Building (No. 52) Room E22. No prior experience is necessary for any of the conversation groups, just an interest in the language. More details are on the World Languages and Cultures Department website.
Cal Poly Learning Hub is Now Available with New Opportunities for Your Development
Employee and Organization Development is excited to announce that the Cal Poly Learning Hub, powered by SumTotal, is now available to all staff, faculty and student employees. The Learning Hub supports both in-person and online learning activities including thousands of workshops, courses, books and videos. Register for an in-person workshop, track external training, or view digital resources on topics covering technology tools, business concepts and soft-skills. Find the Cal Poly Learning Hub in the "My Apps" section of the Cal Poly Portal. Campus members are encouraged to use the Training Guides and Videos found at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu to assist in exploring the learning hub. Implementation of a new technology can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, and Employee Organization and Developments asks for flexibility and understanding while it works through issues. Email learninghub@calpoly.edu with any issues or questions.
New Interdisciplinary Studies Major Accepting Individualized Change of Major Agreements
The new interdisciplinary studies major in the College of Liberal Arts is now accepting Individualized Change of Major Agreements (ICMAs) from all majors across campus. The interdisciplinary studies (IS) program provides Cal Poly students with opportunities to explore connections between and across traditional areas of academic inquiry. For more information, check out the IS website at isla.calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Experience Industry Management Auction and Dinner to be Held Feb. 23
The Experience Industry Management Department’s Annual Auction and Dinner, called "Sky’s the Limit," will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Multi-Activity Center. The evening will feature a live and silent auction and dinner, bringing students, alumni, faculty and friends together. All of the proceeds from the event — which is entirely planned, managed and designed by students — will directly benefit the continued growth of Cal Poly’s nationally recognized Experience Industry Management program. For more event details or to purchase tickets, click here. Anyone with questions about this year’s auction and dinner can email calpolyeimauction2019@gmail.com.
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
Physicist to Present Talk on Jammed Networks Feb. 14
Varda Hagh, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago and University of Oregon, will present a talk, “Jamming in Perspective,” from 11:10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 14, in Science North (No. 53), Room 215. Jamming is a physical phenomenon that occurs when objects like grains are packed tightly together, for example in grain silos. It is highly cooperative and can lead to phenomena like earthquakes and traffic jams. Hagh’s talk will introduce a new method to construct jammed networks with the exact same set of mechanical and elastic properties as jammed systems but without necessarily packing particles together either in the lab or computationally. Hagh is a member of the Simons collaboration on the cracking glass problem. Her research is mainly focused on the study of rigidity and elastic properties of disordered materials.
Celtic Nights to Perform 'Oceans of Hope' at the PAC on Feb. 16
Celtic Nights performs "Oceans of Hope" at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in Miossi Hall, presented by Cal Poly Arts. Returning with a brand-new "Oceans of Hope" production, Celtic Nights captures the very essence of who we are and where we come from. It tells the tale of our hopes and dreams of a better place, of liberty and freedom and, above all, family. This is a story of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is a heart-warming story of people emigrating across oceans from all nations to free themselves from hunger, war, persecution and famine, escaping all to find a better place. Through music, song and dance, this is an immigrant tale told through “Irish eyes.” Tickets range from $30-$46 for students, faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m., by calling ext. 6-4849, or online on the PAC website.
'Carmen' to be Screened Live at the PAC on Feb. 17
The Metropolitan Opera’s "Carmen" will be screened live in high definition at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in Miossi Hall, presented by Cal Poly Arts and Opera SLO. Mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine reprises her remarkable portrayal of opera’s ultimate seductress, a triumph in her 2017 debut performances, with impassioned tenors Yonghoon Lee and Roberto Alagna as her lover, Don José. Omer Meir Wellber and Louis Langrée share conducting duties for Sir Richard Eyre’s powerful production, a Met favorite since its 2009 premiere. Tickets are $12 for students, faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m., by calling ext. 6-4849, or online on the PAC website.
When Social Media Companies, Research Ethics and Human Rights Collide — Feb. 19
Mary Gray, Ph.D., with Microsoft Research and Indiana University, will give a talk, “When Social Media Companies, Research Ethics, and Human Rights Collide,” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Advanced Technologies Laboratories (No. 7). Gray is a fellow at Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society and a senior researcher at Microsoft Research. She chairs the Microsoft Research Lab Ethics Advisory Board. Gray studies how technology access, social conditions and everyday uses of media transform people’s lives. For more information, contact Patrick Lin at palin@calpoly.edu.
'And Then They Came For Us': Film Screening Feb. 20
The College of Liberal Arts and the English Department will host a screening of "And Then They Came For Us" from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Advanced Technologies Laboratories (No. 7), Room 2. Seventy-five years ago, Executive Order 9066 paved the way to the profound violation of constitutional rights that resulted in the forced incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. Featuring George Takei, Satsuki Ina, and many others who were incarcerated, as well as newly rediscovered photographs of Dorothea Lange, the film brings history into the present, retelling this difficult story and following Japanese American activists as they speak out against the Muslim registry and travel ban. A question-and-answer session will follow with Ina, professor emeritus in the School of Education at CSU, Sacramento. She also has a psychotherapy private practice in Oakland, where she specializes in the treatment of community-based, historical trauma. For more information, contact Roberta Wolfson at wolfson@calpoly.edu.
International Guitar Night to be Held at the PAC on Feb. 20
International Guitar Night begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Miossi Hall presented by Cal Poly Arts. Guitar luminaries with distinct styles from around the world contribute to an evening of musical fireworks, showcasing the diversity of the acoustic guitar. Guest host Luca Stricagnoli, Italy’s explosive contemporary showman, is joined by two of France’s acclaimed young prodigies — swing guitarist Antoine Boyer and flamenco guitarist Samuelito — plus groundbreaking Turkish fretless guitarist Cenk Erdogan. These masters will perform solos, duets and lively quartets to create an evening of blazing guitar wizardry, demonstrating the breadth of the instrument and their awe-inspiring skills. Tickets range from $20 to $32 for students, faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the Cal Poly Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m., by calling ext. 6-4849, or online on the PAC website.
Presentation on Redefining the Kilogram To Be Held Feb. 20
The Office of Research and Economic Development is sponsoring a presentation, "Science by Committee? The New Kilogram," by Ted Hill, Ph.D., at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Fisher Science Hall (No. 33), Room 285. The talk will survey the colorful process of defining the kilogram, the international politics behind it, and a new statistical principle that arose from studying alternative re-definitions. Hill is a Cal Poly Research Scholar in Residence. All faculty, staff, students and members of the community are welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Kate Kravets in the Office of Research and Economic Development at kkravets@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-5153, or visit the Research Scholars in Residence webpage.
Robert E. Kennedy Library Conversations with Cal Poly Authors to Continue Feb. 22
Katya Cengel, freelance writer and journalism lecturer at Cal Poly, will discuss her new book, "Exiled: From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to California and Back," published by the University of Nebraska Press, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7). to Cengel has published in many high-profile publications, including The Washington Post, Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal. Margaret Bodemer, a specialist in Southeast Asia who teaches both Asian and American history at Cal Poly, will serve as Cengel’s conversational partner. There will be time for audience questions, and light refreshments will be served. More information about a this event can be found online here. Visit Kennedy Library’s Conversations with Cal Poly Authors to explore previous events and podcasts.
Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble to Perform Works of Love Feb. 23
The Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble’s Winter Concert will feature the theme of love through music and dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the Performing Arts Center. “The deep, passionate love of the works in the concert will be presented in a ‘wasla’ or suite of ‘muwashahat,’ one of the longest continuously performed genres of high art music in the world,” said Samuel Shalhoub, acting director of the ensemble. A special feature of the concert will be the suite titled “Alf Layla Wa Layla” or “A Thousand and One Nights,” a four-movement composition based on Persian, Arabic and Indian stories. The ensemble will be joined on stage by critically acclaimed guest artists Faisal Zedan, percussion; Fathi al-Jarrah, violin; and Elias Lammam, accordion. San Luis Obispo dance director Jenna Mitchell will lead her dance troupe in original choreography that dialogues with the music. Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Cal Poly Alumnus to Present ‘Looking Outward: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Composition’ on Feb. 26
Alumnus Brandon J. Rolle (Music, Political Science, ’10) will present “Looking Outward: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Composition” at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in Room 218 in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). He will discuss pathways for modern composition, with an emphasis on the influence of programming, audio synthesis and sonology on the creative process. He will share lessons drawn from his experiences in the industry, graduate school and freelance work with the intent of giving students increased awareness of the trends, possibilities and practicalities of a career in composition. In addition to composing, Rolle is a conductor, educator and concert organizer. He teaches at UC Santa Barbara, where he will soon earn his doctorate. The free presentation is open to students and members of the campus community. For more information, call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406 or visit its calendar website.
Filmmaker Sean David Christensen to Screen 'Ghost Tape #10' on Feb. 27
Filmmaker Sean David Christensen, a graduate of the Center for Visual Anthropology at USC, will screen his documentary film "Ghost Tape #10" from 6:10 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Philips Hall in the Performing Arts Center's Christopher Cohan Center (No. 6), Room 124. The Ghost Tape was a propaganda tape developed by U.S. forces during the American/Vietnam War. Christensen was able to locate a copy of it, and traveled to Vietnam to do further research. A discussion and question-and-answer session will follow the screening. For more information, contact Maggie Bodemer at ext. 6-1617 or mbodemer@calpoly.edu.
Theatre and Dance Department Presents Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ Feb. 28-March 2, 7-9
The Theatre and Dance Department will present William Shakespeare’s final play “The Tempest” at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 28-March 2 and March 7-9 in the Spanos Theatre on campus. “The Tempest” features the work of Theatre and Dance Department students, faculty and staff, including Thomas J. Bernard, costume designer; Clint Bryson, technical director; Brian Healy, scenic and lighting designer; new faculty member Karin Hendricks, intimacy director; and theatre arts juniors Samantha Boyarsky, props designer, and Anna Bubier, sound designer. In addition, about 40 students from a variety of majors are contributing to the production through construction, backstage work, management, publicity and performance. Tickets are $20 for the public and $12 for students, senior citizens and children. Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Ticket Office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To order by phone, call 805-SLO-4TIX (805-756-4849). The performance is sponsored by the Theatre and Dance Department, College of Liberal Arts, and Instructionally Related Activities Program.
University Jazz Bands to Showcase Improvisation at Just Jazz Concert on March 2
The art of improvisation will be showcased at University Jazz Bands annual Just Jazz concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in the Performing Arts Center. “The excitement and surprise inherent in the art of improvisation will be in the hands of a new generation of jazz musicians,” said Paul Rinzler, director of jazz studies. “Their personalities really shine through in a way that makes it easy for an audience to appreciate and to accompany the musicians on the journey that is jazz improvisation.” Two big bands — each with four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, a rhythm section and a vocalist — as well as two smaller jazz combos, will present jazz repertoire from several different eras and styles. Included will be “Rush!” from the anime TV series “Cowboy Bebop”; “Big Swing Face,” originally recorded by the big band drummer Buddy Rich; an epic combination of jazz and hip-hop titled “Grass is Greener”; as well as traditional jazz, Latin jazz and more. Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website or call ext. 6-2406.
Symphony to Feature Student Soloists and Music of Space at Winter Concert March 3
Cal Poly Symphony’s Winter Concert will showcase the talents of student soloists at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Performing Arts Center. The Student Soloist Showcase will include performances by six instrumentalists, all winners of the Music Department’s Solo Competition in November. The soloists are Grant Smith, who will perform Josef Rheinberger’s Organ Concerto No. 2, third movement; Victor Wei, who will play Takashi Yoshimatsu’s Saxophone Concerto “Cyber-bird,” Op. 59, second movement; Justin Privitera, who will play Franz Strauss’ Horn Concerto, Op. 8, third movement; Nico Borst, who will perform Joseph Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major, first movement, and duo Clay X. Froelich, violin, and Laila Zaidi, viola, who will play Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante,” KV 364, first movement. The soloists represent a variety of majors and several colleges on campus. The orchestra will also perform Michael Giacchino’s suite from “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” and Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter,” from “The Planets.” Tickets for the concert are sold at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, ext. 6-4849. 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
Saturday, Feb. 16
Women’s Tennis vs. Santa Clara, Mustang Courts, 10 a.m.
Men’s Tennis vs. Nevada, Mustang Courts, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 21
Women’s Basketball vs. UC Riverside, Mott Athletics Center, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 22
Baseball vs. Cal, Baggett Stadium, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 23
Women’s Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton, Mott Athletics Center, 2 p.m.
Baseball vs. Cal, Baggett Stadium, 4 p.m.
Men’s Basketball vs. Hawai’i, Mott Athletics Center, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 24
Men’s Tennis vs. Arizona, Mustang Courts, noon.
Baseball vs. Cal, Baggett Stadium, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 26
Baseball vs. CSU Bakersfield, Baggett Stadium, 6 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.
#105189 — Carpenter, Administration and Finance — Facilities — Carpenter Shop. $5,207-$6,654 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $5,207-$5,700 per month.) Open until filled.
#105183 — Curriculum Systems Analyst (Administrative Analyst/Specialist — Exempt I), $3,897-$6,846 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $4,583-$5,417 per month.) Open until filled.
#105185 — Research Analyst (Research Technician II), Academic Affairs —Institutional Research. $3,721-$6,537 per month. (Anticipated hiring range: $5,000-$5,833 per month). Open until filled.
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 online. For assistance, call Academic Personnel at ext. 6-2844.
#105173 — Full-Time Temporary Lecturer of Human Resources/Organizational Behavior, Orfalea College of Business. Open until filled.
#105161 — Full-Time Temporary Lecturer — Physics, College of Science and Mathematics. Open until filled.
#105172 — Full-Time Temporary Lecturer — Information Systems, Orfalea College of Business. Open until filled.
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.
There are no new listings at this time.
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.
Building Service Worker (Recreational Sports), $15.00/hour with excellent benefits. Position open until filled.
Building Service Worker (University Union), $15.00/hour with excellent benefits. Position open until filled.
Teacher (Children's Center), $15.44/hour with excellent benefits. Position open until filled.