Cal Poly Report — April 15, 2020
News
Open Forum for Provost Finalist to be Held Virtually
On behalf of the Provost Consultative Search Committee, co-chairs Amy Fleischer, College of Engineering dean and Dustin Stegner, Academic Senate chair, announce that finalist Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Ph.D., will virtually visit Cal Poly from April 16-17. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the finalist virtual open forum from 11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday, April 16, using this webinar link. To join the forum, use the Zoom account associated with your @calpoly.edu email address. The third finalist withdrew from the process and his virtual campus visit was canceled.
Virtual Open House to be Held April 17-24
While the university is disappointed that it cannot offer admitted students and their families an on-campus experience, Cal Poly has announced that it will offer Open House virtually from April 17-24. This weeklong event will kick off with the traditional University Welcome from campus leadership, including President Armstrong, and include individual information sessions (via Zoom) from each college, Athletics, Cross Cultural Centers, Student Life, Housing, Parents and Family Programs, clubs/organizations and more. Designed specifically for admitted student and their families, the university's goal is to offer a highly informative collection of sessions that will engage and excite the class of 2024.
Cal Poly Food Distribution Site to be Held on Campus April 28
Campus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) is continuing its Basic Needs services for the campus community. Any student, staff or faculty member can stop by the lower level of the Health Center (No. 27), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to receive a grocery bag of food. In addition, the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County’s on-campus food distribution site continues to be held on campus. On Tuesday, April 28 from 3:30-5 p.m., the Food Bank and CH&W volunteers will be on Mott Lawn to distribute grocery bags. The Food Bank Coalition administers TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) once a month at no cost to low-income families and individuals to help with nutrition assistance. This service is being provided to ensure that all students, faculty and staff have access to nutritious foods. Campus Health and Wellbeing will continue to support this food distribution site every fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact wellbeing@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Set to Expand Campus-Based Technology Park
With the support of a $6.7 million federal grant, the university has begun the expansion of the Cal Poly Technology Park. When completed, the project is expected to create 150 jobs and spur $20 million in private investment. Jim Dunning, Cal Poly’s associate vice president of Corporate Engagement and Innovation, said the tech park expansion is a win-win-win for industry, students and the university. The new 30,000-square-foot facility will expand the footprint of the existing Technology Park, located west of the campus core on Mount Bishop Road. Since its 2010 opening, more than 30 companies have resided in the Tech Park, employing or providing opportunities to over 200 students and contributing $16 million annually to the local economy. Today, nine companies employ more than 100 high-tech professionals in the park, representing fields such as biotechnology, life sciences, aerospace and engineering, ag-tech, software, and clinical research. Since 2013, the Tech Park has been at 100 percent occupancy. Dunning encouraged companies interested in joining the waitlist for tenancy within the Tech Park to email him at jdunning@calpoly.edu. Read more here.
Student Success
Engineering Student Makes Respiratory Masks in His Garage for Local Health Care Workers
Working with medical professionals, an engineering student has helped design and create 60 respiration masks in his garage using 3D printers, and he plans to create even more to help address the nationwide shortage of the crucial medical protective gear. Cristian Sion, a double major in materials engineering and manufacturing engineering, was contacted by Jeremy Ralston, a facilities engineer at the San Luis Obispo Surgery Center, who asked if he could help create a N95 mask, which can block at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) particles. “I jumped at the opportunity and made a few prototypes for him the same day,” Sion said. Ralston said he was concerned about a shortage of N95 masks for healthcare workers and first responders. Working with Dr. Clint Slaughter, an emergency room physician at both French Hospital Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, the trio also found that other 3D-printed mask designs needed improvements. Read the rest on Cal Poly News.
Student Employees Recognized Online
Each year during National Student Employment Week — held April 12-18 — Cal Poly hosts an award ceremony that recognizes the contributions student employees make to the university. The ceremony invites the nominees and their staff/faculty supervisors to gather in a beautiful setting, be treated to a delicious Campus Dining-catered lunch, and be personally recognized by President Armstrong and their peers. This year the event was unfortunately canceled. In lieu of the event, the campus community is asked to reflect on the amazing work our student employees provide every day, and to reach out to their present or past student employees and let them know how much their contributions are appreciated. Especially during this time, their presence and efforts are dearly missed. For more information and a list of the 2019-20 nominees, go to https://afd.calpoly.edu/payroll/students/student-employee-of-the-year.
Faculty & Staff
Cal Poly Corporation Hires New Director of Campus Dining
Jess Dozier joined the Cal Poly Corporation as the director of Campus Dining on April 13. Dozier brings more than 20 years of higher education food management to the role. While working for Sodexo, a global food services and facilities management company, he directed Whitworth University's and Gonzaga University’s culinary programs, and most recently served as director of culinary and brand management and district manager, where he oversaw the operation of 11 campus dining programs. Prior to his career in higher education, Dozier held various culinary leadership roles with Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Dozier will be responsible for leading the Campus Dining operation and strategic planning.
Cal Poly Corporation Names Interim IT Director
Following nearly three decades of service at the Cal Poly Corporation, Eumi Sprague will retire from her role as director of IT at the end of July. David Bains, CPC application development manager, has accepted the appointment of interim IT director. Bains joined the Corporation in 1997 as an intermittent computer operator. Over the past 23 years, he has assisted in the implementation of PeopleSoft, and more recently he helped with the implementation of OneSolution. During his tenure, he moved to roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in the promotion to his current role.
Campuswide Policy on Data Management Now Available
The interim campuswide policy on data management (CAP 152) is now available and online. As everyone on campus works with data in some form, this policy applies to all. CAP 152 outlines what is defined as Cal Poly’s data, how it is managed, how it can be accessed and how it should be properly distributed and handled. The full campuswide policy on data management can be read here.
CTLT Offers Accessibility Resources to Assist with Transition to Remote Instruction
Transitioning to remote instruction with limited time presents challenges for instructors and students alike. Modifications to course materials and activities can introduce new access barriers for students with disabilities. At the same time, online learning can be extremely accessible, offering new opportunities for participation and collaboration. Below are resources to help faculty members create accessible course content as they transition their courses to the virtual learning environment. Log in to the Cal Poly portal to access the links below. Anyone with questions can contact Pam Dougherty, instructional designer and accessibility specialist for the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT), at padoughe@calpoly.edu.
— Self-enroll link: Creating Accessible Canvas Content
— Self-enroll link: Creating Accessible Documents
— Self-enroll link: Creating Accessible Video
Working Virtually Toolkits Offered by Employee and Organization Development
Whether you’re an individual contributor or managing a team, the transition to working virtually involves gaining new skill sets to be effective and successful. The Employee and Organization Development department is here to support employees in this transition with its newly launched Working Virtually Toolkits. These toolkits cover a range of remote-working topics, including getting settled, setting up your remote work station, digital communication, setting healthy boundaries and habits, and managing remotely. With on-demand courses, articles, podcasts, checklists and books, the Working Virtually Toolkits will provide employees with information, action items, and tips they can implement today to gain confidence in their remote working capabilities and ensure their team feels valued, connected and has the tools to be successful. Visit the Employee Working Remotely Toolkit webpage or the Manager Working Remotely Toolkit webpage.
Zoom Open Labs Available to Answer Employee Questions
In remote work environments, staying connected with your team is more important than ever. Zoom video conferencing provides an excellent platform to have face-to-face team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, project collaborations, and even remote training sessions and book circles. Zoom Help Center provides daily live or recorded webinars to help employees get started and navigate this user-friendly software. Additionally, the Employee and Organization Development department will be hosting virtual open labs to provide small groups of employees the opportunity to ask specific questions with a focus on Cal Poly services as well as Zoom best practices and etiquette. Click on the link to register for a Zoom Open Lab time that works best for your schedule.
Learn How to Work Securely From Home
Now that Cal Poly has transitioned to virtual working and teaching, it’s important for faculty and staff to know the basics of securely working from home. Ninjio has released a special information security training video featuring Jon Lovitz called “Safe at Home,” which walks users through some critical at-home security tips, like updating your computer’s operating system and making sure your antivirus software is current. Watch “Safe at Home” on the Cal Poly Learning Hub under the Staff and Faculty Training tab on the My Cal Poly Portal (log in before clicking the links). For more tips, read “Securely Working from Home” on the ITS Knowledge Base. Unfortunately, hackers have exploited the pandemic in a new wave of phishing emails related to coronavirus. Anyone who receives something suspicious should send it to the Information Security Office either by reporting it as phishing in Outlook, or by forwarding it to abuse@calpoly.edu.
New Book and Learning Circles to be Offered Virtually in Spring
Employee and Organization Development invites employees to participate in the spring 2020 Book and Learning Circles. The circles will be offered via Zoom and books will be sent electronically to participants.
— Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three to five sessions. The first book, "Crucial Conversations" by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler, has revolutionized the way millions of people communicate when the stakes are high. The second book, "Tiny Habits" by B.J. Fogg, the world’s leading expert on habit formation, shows how you can have a happier, healthier life.
— Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. In the first learning circle, "Crucial Conversations: Master My Stories," Cricket Buchler explores how cognitive biases can lead us to misplace blame resulting in confrontations that go badly. She goes on to offer a framework of six sources that influence human behavior and strategies to rethink our conclusions for healthier and more positive outcomes to our crucial conversations. The second learning circle is "How Frustration Can Make Us More Creative," with Tim Harford, and shows us that challenges and problems can derail your creative process — or they can make you more creative than ever. In the third learning circle, "How to Create Meaningful Connections While Apart," Priya Parker highlights the value of gathering despite distance, and shares tools for creating meaningful connections. To view a full description and register to attend, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
'Disability Tapas' Presentations to be Held Every Wednesday Through Spring Quarter
Disabilities come in many different forms and can vary greatly. Join the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for some snack-size information and interactive discussions on a variety of disability-related topics. Presentations are geared toward faculty and staff (students are welcome), and offered from 11:10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday via Zoom: https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/491400215. Past presentations are viewable at https://drc.calpoly.edu/disability-tapas.
— April 15: Supporting Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
— April 22: Accessible Events and Programs: Tips for Inclusive Experiences
— April 29: Understanding Chronic Invisible Illness
— May 6: Supporting Students with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Concussive Symptoms
— May 13: How to be a Disability Ally — Strategies for Identifying and Addressing Ableism
— May 20: Social Media: Guidance for Posting Accessible Content and Positive Disability Messages
— May 27: Supporting Students with Autism
— June 3: Supporting Students with Psychological Disabilities Part II
The presentations are provided by the Disability Resource Center, which can be reached at drc@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-1395.
Statistical Consulting Service Available During Spring Quarter
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available virtually via Zoom through Friday, June 12, by appointment only. Soma Roy, Heather Smith and Jeff Sklar will serve as the consultants. They are available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, they will be available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. Faculty, staff and students interested in utilizing the consulting service are encouraged to access the Statistics Department website for additional information, including what to have ready for a consulting session. To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
Campus Announcements
Campus Dining Venues Transitioning to Grubhub Ordering
In an effort to decrease social interactions during the COVID-19 situation, Campus Dining is transitioning all venues to only accept payment through Grubhub. This new process will not only lessen potential contact between employees and customers when completing the financial transactions, but will also speed up the process, making it easier to purchase and pick up. Grubhub takes credit cards and dining dollars for students on dining plans. Starting this week all purchases at Einstein Bros. Bagels, Starbucks UU, Canyon Café, Bishop Craft Burger and Tu Taco will be Grubhub only. Student Choice, Village Market and Chick-fil-A will transition to Grubhub next week. The Grubhub app was introduced to campus last fall and has helped to increase the efficiency and throughput at many dining venues throughout campus.
Anxiety and Financial Counseling Available to Employees
Human Resources wants everyone in the campus community to stay safe and take the time to ensure the health and well-being of family and friends as well as themselves. Human Resources wants all employees to know that there are services available at this time to help with anxiety and financial concerns. These services can help with an employee’s emotional health and well-being as well as other life management services such as financial counseling. With the ongoing changes in work and the manner in which that work gets done, as well as the stress of new routines, please remember to take care of your personal health and well-being. Please remember that there are services available — it is a stressful time and Human Resources is here to help. Visit the Human Resources Wellbeing and Work/Life Balance webpage or reach out to humanresources@calpoly.edu.
Lease a Home Within Walking Distance of Campus
A beautiful Bella Montana home is available for lease. This two-bedroom, one-bath home has a contemporary kitchen, elegant living area, attractive bath and energy-saving appliances. The nearby location offers easy access to hiking trails, shops and restaurants. The home is part of a 5.3-acre planned housing community that was designed and crafted with Cal Poly employees and their families in mind. Located within walking distance of campus, Bella Montana encompasses 69 individually owned homes on Highland Drive near iconic Highway 1. For more information visit bellamontanahomes.com/resales.
Events
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.
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
All athletic events through the spring have been canceled.
Job Vacancies
Employment Opportunities
For all available job openings, visit jobs.calpoly.edu. All new positions opened this week are listed below. To apply, go online and complete the application form. Current employees can also find job postings at CSU Careers, an internal job site for CSU employees. For assistance, call Human Resources at ext. 6-2236.
#496274 — Administrative Support Assistant — Kinesiology and Public Health, College of Science and Mathematics — Kinesiology and Public Health. $32,460-$55,104 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $34,800-$44,400 per year. Open until filled.
For a full list of available jobs, go to jobs.calpoly.edu.
Faculty Employment Opportunities
Visit jobs.calpoly.edu for all available job openings. For assistance, call Academic Personnel at ext. 6-2844.
There are no new 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 all available 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.
There are no new listings at this time.
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.