Cal Poly Report — Feb. 26, 2020
News
Save the Date for Provost Finalist Open Forums
President Armstrong and the Provost Consultative Search Committee, chaired by College of Engineering Dean Amy Fleischer and Academic Senate Chair Dustin Stegner, will invite four finalists to campus between March 9 and March 20. Open forums, which are open to all members of the campus community, will be held for each candidate on the following dates:
— Monday, March 9, 11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Laboratories (No. 7).
— Thursday, March 12, 11:10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion.
— Monday, March 16, 11:10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Laboratories.
— Thursday, March 19, 11:10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the Advanced Technologies Laboratories.
Candidate CVs will be available once the finalists are confirmed and announced.
Celebrate the Groundbreaking of Cal Poly’s New Plant Conservatory Feb. 28
The campus community is invited to join President Armstrong, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics Dean Wendt, and faculty and supporters from across campus to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Cal Poly Plant Conservatory from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, near the entrance to Poly Canyon. The new conservatory will feature a tropical house, desert house, cool tropical house, a propagation greenhouse and research greenhouses. The Plant Conservatory will also feature a living wall facility located on the outward face of the new facility, while the interior will house experimental living wall units for student research donated by Habitat Horticulture. The facility is being moved and upgraded as part of the construction of the William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation. For more information, visit the Facilities Management and Development website.
Cal Poly Police Ask: 'If You See Something, Say Something'
The Cal Poly Police Department urges the campus community: “If You See Something, Say Something.” The effort is part of a national campaign with the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness of the indicators and importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement. Suspicious activity could include: a vehicle parked in an odd location, unattended packages or backpacks, eliciting information at a level beyond curiosity, and observations of someone paying unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. If you see suspicious activity, report it to Cal Poly Police by calling or texting 9-1-1. You’ll be asked to describe specifically what you observed, including who or what you saw, when you saw it, where it occurred and why it appeared suspicious.
Tickets Available for March 17 Annual Service Awards Luncheon
Tickets for the Annual Service Awards Luncheon will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, Feb. 19, for $15 each. State, Corporation and ASI employees with milestone service anniversaries in 2019 will be honored at the Annual Service Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, in the Recreation Multi-Activity Center (MAC). Directional signage will be posted along the walkway between the Recreation Center and Mott Gymnasium. Tickets can be purchased online using the link on the event flyer and will be sent via email or can be picked up at the Cal Poly Ticket Office, located at the Performing Arts Center, from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 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). Questions? Contact the committee chair at serviceawards@calpoly.edu. The committee is compiling photos for a slide show presentation at the luncheon. Send photos of the awardees to serviceawards@calpoly.edu by Friday, Feb. 28. There is limited seating, so purchase tickets early to ensure attendance at this special event.
Student Success
Students Imagine New Uses for Harford Pier
From picnic areas to paddle-in camping sites, Cal Poly students are envisioning what amenities could be added over, under and on top of the Harford Pier in Avila Beach. Nearly 250 first-year architecture and architectural engineering students are involved in a project to analyze, imagine and design new uses for the 1,320-foot-long pier, in part by adding 20 feet on each side of it. Their work — including drawings and 30-foot models — will be available for the public to view from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in three locations in the Architecture and Environmental Design Building (No. 5): the Berg Gallery and the Neel Resource Center, both located on the ground floor, and the college’s lobby, in Room 212. It’s possible that some of the students’ ideas could be included in future plans for the site. Port San Luis Harbor Manager Andrea Lueker said the district plans to complete a site plan for the Harford Pier, which will include short- and long-term proposals for the next 20 years. Students from 11 studio classes are working in teams of three or four to design different sections of the pier. Twelve teams are collaborating on one pier, so on Feb. 28, visitors will see models of five piers showcasing numerous possibilities. The classes are led by faculty members Emily White, Maggie Kirk, JoAnn Moore, Humberto Norman, Ed Saliklis, Carmen Trudell, Keith Wiley and Margarida Yin. Read more on Cal Poly News.
Faculty & Staff
Nominate a Faculty Advisor for the 2019-20 Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award
Nominations opened Feb. 10 for the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, which 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 his/her picture and award citation posted in the Kennedy Library. One faculty member is recognized annually. 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. At least one submission must come from a current student, and no self-nominations will be recognized. Nominations will close on Monday, March 2. More information and a link to the nomination form is available here.
New Interruption-Free Learning Zone Open to Faculty and Staff Members
Employee and Organization Development introduces the Learning Café, a new personal study room creating more space for Cal Poly employees to learn and grow. Open to all faculty and staff members, the learning space offers not only a quiet place to study, but also a spot to take advantage of online learning opportunities through the Cal Poly Learning Hub and LinkedIn Learning. The Learning Café is located in the Administration Building (No. 1), Room 125, with six individual computers available for online training as well as space for in-person activities. Faculty and staff members can also create a personal learning plan with the help of an Employee and Organization Development professional. Managers and directors can schedule training opportunities in the Learning Café for their direct reports. The space is now available for use during drop-in hours from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, and also by appointment. With the Learning Café, the Employee and Organization Development team looks forward to providing ample space for all faculty and staff members to use while enriching the overall Cal Poly experience. Learn more here.
Sprain Strain Toolbox Workshops Available in March
Back by popular demand, the Sprain Strain Toolbox Workshops are returning to campus. These sessions will address office ergonomics and are geared toward anyone who sits at a desk. Participants will learn movements and stretching to prevent injury at work as well as tools to avoid sprains and strains in other areas of life. There will be two opportunities for staff and faculty to participate in this energetic, interactive and entertaining workshop. Participants will enjoy snacks and raffle prizes. The sessions will be held from 12:30-4 p.m. Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3, in the Facilities Building (No. 70). The Sprain Strain Toolbox Workshops are sponsored by Facilities Management and Development, and Environmental Health and Safety. To register or get more information, contact Kathryn Villarreal at ext. 6-5427 or kvill02@calpoly.edu.
North Coast Vanpool Groups Seeking Few Additional Riders
Need a simple, relaxing ride to and from campus? Los Osos, Morro Bay and Cayucos residents are invited to cut down their daily commutes by joining a vanpool group. Currently vanpool groups from the North Coast are looking for a few more people to get these routes rolling. Open to all students, faculty and staff members, a vanpool is like a carpool, except it holds more people — usually those who live near one another. Riders have access to a number of local vendors that provide vanpool services in San Luis Obispo County, including Enterprise Vanpool and Ride-On Transportation. The vendors provide competitive pricing that includes a complete service package, vehicle registration, insurance and maintenance. The vanpool also receives fuel and parking on campus from Transportation and Parking Services. This unique rideshare opportunity can ease the stress of the daily commute, offer extra time to prepare for school or work, or allow riders to relax after a long day. Vanpools also help reduce traffic, air pollution and Cal Poly’s carbon emissions caused by transportation. Anyone interested in reserving a vanpool seat, or those who want more information, are encouraged to email commute@calpoly.edu.
Degree Planner Hands-on Training Sessions Offered
The Office of the Registrar invites all faculty and staff to delve into the mechanics and features of Degree Planner, the student tool replacing PolyPlanner. Beginning spring 2020, students will use Degree Planner to plan their course requirements. Degree Planner works in congruence with Schedule Builder and the Degree Progress Report to create a more streamlined, personalized planning platform. The System Management Unit will lead the training series and introduce attendees to the intricacies of this new software. Participants are highly encouraged to complete the Data Security and FERPA training prior to attending. As space is limited, registration is required. All sessions will be held in Kennedy Library (No. 35), Room 111B. Attend any of the following training sessions:
— Session 1: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 21.
— Session 2: noon to 2 p.m Thursday, Feb. 27.
— Session 3: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 28.
— Session 4: noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 5.
Though unlikely, times and locations may vary. For the most up-to-date details, visit the Upcoming Training Opportunities calendar.
Second Wave of Poly Travel Training Takes Flight
One college and four Cal Poly units started their training on Poly Travel on Jan. 27, continuing the yearlong rollout of the university’s new travel program. Poly Travel is Cal Poly’s new managed travel program. It provides faculty and staff with an easy way to arrange travel and to complete and approve expense reports, whether on the road or on campus. These trainings take a scheduled group of colleges and units through an in-depth instruction of how to use and benefit from Poly Travel. Participants who finish the training will receive their official Concur Travel credit card. To see when your unit or college is scheduled for training, visit afd.calpoly.edu/travel/concur/.
Retired Faculty and Staff Association Luncheon at Kennedy Library Set for March 25
Dean of Library Services Adriana Popescu and her team will hold a luncheon and conversation with the Retired Faculty and Staff Association from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 (during the academic break), at Kennedy Library (No. 35). The dean will solicit input from attendees on what programs, services and spaces should be maintained in the renovated building, what should be changed, and what is no longer needed. Attendees will also tour an exhibition, “Impact: The Visual Communication of Information,” which runs through April 19. More details about the exhibit can be found at https://lib.calpoly.edu/events/impact/. Attendees can inquire at the library's front desk for the location of the luncheon. RSVP by March 18 to Ashley Marie Laguna at alaguna@calpoly.edu. Because of space limitations, the number of attendees will be limited, so reserve a space early.
Staff and Faculty Can Apply or Renew Passports on March 5
The International Center, in conjunction with the USPS Passport Agency, invites interested faculty and staff to renew or apply for their first-time passport on Thursday, March 5. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Science Building (No. 52), Room E46. Attendees must bring the necessary documents for their application on the day of the event, and will also have the ability to have their passport-compliant photos taken by an agent for an additional fee. Find more information here regarding required documents, fees and acceptable methods of payment. Anyone with questions can email Ingrid Almaguer at ialmague@calpoly.edu. Interested staff and faculty can sign up for a 15-minute appointment here. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Caution Advocated During Election Season
With the 2020 primary election season in full swing, university legal counsel encourages employees to review the CSU handbook of election issues. The handbook is designed to educate faculty and staff on appropriate ways to become involved in elections without using university resources or appearing to represent the university, unless authorized by law. The handbook is intended as general guidance only. Specific questions related to elections or political activity can be directed to the appropriate dean’s office or supervisor, who will consult with the Office of University Counsel.
Teaching with Canvas This Spring? Canvas Migration Request Form Due March 6
Anyone teaching with Canvas this spring and those who have a PolyLearn course that they would like to migrate into Canvas is asked to fill out the Canvas Migration Request Form by Friday, March 6. Those not teaching with Canvas this spring don’t need to worry about migrating their PolyLearn courses. The Cal Poly Canvas Support Team will be migrating all PolyLearn-Moodle courses from this academic year into Canvas for use in fall 2020 and beyond. Canvas workshops will be offered during spring break. Registration for these workshops will begin March 9. Stay tuned for more information on Canvas workshops and events. For more information about Cal Poly’s transition to Canvas, visit canvassupport.calpoly.edu.
First Year Success Program Seeking Coaches
The First Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for graduate students, faculty and staff who want to volunteer a small amount of time to work with first-year students who are on academic probation for the first time. Coaches will facilitate a group of four to eight first-year students, lead conversations of student experiences, guide students with goal planning/setting for upcoming quarters and explore resources for students to utilize moving forward. The time commitment will be a two-hour training session, a two-hour FSP workshop and a potential one-on-one follow-up meetings with students from the small group. We are looking for members from our community who represent different areas of Cal Poly. Click here to sign up. Questions? Contact Kara Hitchcock at khitch01@calpoly.edu
Feb. 27 Workshop Will Showcase Online Portfolio Platform Portfolium
Faculty, staff and students are invited to an upcoming workshop to learn more about Portfolium, an online portfolio platform that students and alumni can use free of charge to showcase their projects, skills and experiences to employers, mentors and peers. The workshop will be held from 11:10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Career Services Building (No. 124), Room 117. Portfolium can help students in their internship and job searches by visually demonstrating their academic and professional stories. Cal Poly has maintained a partnership with Portfolium since 2015. Feel free to refer students and/or stop by to learn more about how students can create their own Portfolium. For more information about Portfolium, check out the resource toolkit on the Career Services website.
Retirements
Laura Wunsch, accountant II for the Cal Poly Foundation, is retiring after 15 years of service to the university. Wunsch is a Cal Poly alumna with a degree in business administration. Prior to her career with Cal Poly, she attained 30 years of accounting experience with local businesses. Wunsch began her Cal Poly career at the Corporation in 2005. She started as the Cal Poly Corporation senior accountant and was transferred to Cal Poly Foundation around 2013. Wunsch was an integral part of converting the accounting system to PeopleSoft in 2014. She helped maintain and ensure the accuracy of the Cal Poly Foundation ledger. In retirement, Wunsch looks forward to traveling and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. Her incredible knowledge, expertise and dedication will be greatly missed.
Campus Announcements
Enjoy Pizza and Ask Questions at CalFresh Outreach Day in UU Plaza Feb. 27
CalFresh Outreach Day, an event to raise awareness about food resources available on campus and in the community, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the UU Plaza. CalFresh is a free nutrition assistance program that provides eligible students with up to $194 every month for groceries. Grab a slice of pizza, pet a puppy and ask CalFresh team members questions about additional food resources on campus, including the Cal Poly Food Pantry, Mustang Meal Share, Swipe Out Hunger, Pop Up Poly Produce donated by Cal Poly Crops, Real Food Collaborative, Campus Health and Wellbeing and the SLO Food Bank. For more information, email msilk@calpoly.edu or visit calfreshcalpoly.org.
Health Kids Lab Seeking Mothers for Infant Feeding Study
The Healthy Kids Lab in the Kinesiology and Public Health Department is recruiting moms with babies younger than six months to participate in a 12-week infant feeding study. The goal of this study is to learn about how different baby bottles may impact infant feeding and growth. Mothers who agree to participate will be provided with free new bottles to feed their baby. All study assessments will occur in the mothers’ homes. In addition to receiving free baby bottles, participants will be eligible to receive $100 cash for completing all study assessments. For more information, call ext. 6-5694 or email healthykids@calpoly.edu.
Yoga Teacher Training Kicks Off March 6
Aspiring yoga teachers and those seeking a deeper, more comprehensive yoga experience can transform their relationship with their practice and their life by completing yoga teacher training. A 200-hour "LEVITYoGA" program at the Cal Poly Recreation Center will connect participants to a vast body of knowledge passed on through a multi-generational lineage of yoga teachers with deep roots in India. Non-members will receive Recreation Center access during the five-month training series. Visit ASI Access for program registration and the ASI website for the training schedule and additional information. Questions? Contact Eric Alexander, assistant coordinator — fitness programs, at ealexand@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-1789.
Participants Needed for Sedentary Screen Time Study
Sedentary screen time consumes more than half of discretionary time and is the single most prevalent use of time for adults in the U.S. outside of work and sleep. Participants are needed for a study on the best ways to reduce the use of screen time and increase health outcomes. The study is led by Professor Sarah Keadle in Cal Poly's Center for Health Research and is conducted in partnership with Arizona State University. Eligible participants must be between the ages of 23 and 64, own a smartphone or tablet and have internet access with no limit on the amount of data. Anyone interested in participating or learning more about the study, which is called StandUPTV, is asked to call ext. 6-5506 or fill out an interest form.
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Events
Theatre and Dance Department to Present 'Our Town' starting Feb. 27
The Theatre and Dance Department will perform "Our Town" from Feb. 27-March 1, and March 5-7, at the Spanos Theatre. Hailed by many as “the greatest American play ever written,” "Our Town" provides a poetic look at life in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Through three acts of “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity,” this reimagining of Thornton Wilder’s classic story is a remarkably universal yet personal portrait of our collective humanity. It is an American tale about family, friendship, love, death and a life worth living. Tickets are $20 and 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.
Angela Davis to be Keynote Speaker at 18th Annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice Leadership Conference
The Center for Service in Action will host the 18th annual Change the Status Quo (CSQ) Social Justice Leadership Conference on Saturday, Feb. 29. 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 keynote speaker is world-renowned political and social activist, scholar, author, educator, and National Women’s Hall of Fame honoree Angela Davis. Pre-registration for the all-day conference is now live at serviceinaction.calpoly.edu/CSQ. Early bird conference fees are only $10 for students and $30 for faculty, staff and community members. Fees include breakfast, lunch and a tote bag with conference materials. Those interested in underwriting the cost of their students to attend should contact the Center for Service in Action by email at serviceinaction@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert to Include Cuesta College Jazz Ensemble on Feb. 29
The Cal Poly Jazz Ensembles will be joined by the Cuesta College Jazz Ensemble for the Winter Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, in the Performing Arts Center. The concert, which falls on leap day this year, will feature the Cal Poly Jazz Ensemble, Cal Poly Jazz Band and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Arthur White. The big bands are comprised of 20 members each, and the vocal jazz group has 14 singers. The bands will play a mix of classic and contemporary jazz by a variety of composers, including Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Bob Mintzer. The vocal jazz set will include an arrangement of Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” and Robert Watson’s “Another Time, Another Place,” arranged by White. The Cuesta College Jazz Ensemble, led by Ron McCarley, will perform a guest set. The is the first time the Cal Poly and Cuesta College jazz bands have appeared in concert together in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets 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 Symphony to Feature Student Soloists, ‘The Moldau’ and ‘Finlandia’ at March 1 Concert
The Cal Poly Symphony’s Winter Concert will showcase the talents of student soloists at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1, in the Performing Arts Center. The concert will highlight performances by winners of the Music Department’s Solo Competition in November. The instrumentalists are hornist Marianna Pallas, who will perform Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Romance in F Major,” Op. 36; violinist Timothy Shanks, who will play Saint-Saëns’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso”; and flutist Talia Phillips-Ortega, who will perform Arthur Foote’s “A Night Piece.” The vocalists are soprano Molly Gooch, who will sing Jules Massenet’s “Frère! Voyez! … Du gai soleil” from “Werther”; soprano Annemarie Schalde, who will perform Giuseppe Verdi’s “Volta la terrea” from “Un ballo in maschera”; soprano Jenna Hansen, who will sing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Deh vieni non tardar” from “Le nozze di Figaro” and bass Joshua Mueller, who will perform Jerry Bock's “If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The symphony will also perform Bedřich Smetana’s “The Moldau” and Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia.” “Finlandia” will be conducted by music major Kent Giese. Tickets 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.
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players to Present The Mikado at the PAC on March 3
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Miossi Hall, presented by Cal Poly Arts. The new production of "The Mikado" combines the real-life characters of Victorian London’s D’Oyly Carte Opera Company with the imagined setting of Titipu. At the heart of this tale is a romantic triangle that takes the usual course of thwarted love to “happily ever after.” Tickets range from $28-$52 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.
Duo Montagnard to Give a Free Recital March 3 at Cal Poly
The Music Department will present a recital by Duo Montagnard at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Room 218 in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45) on campus. Based in Pennsylvania, saxophonist Joseph Murphy and guitarist Matthew Slotkin formed Duo Montagnard in 2002. The ensemble has performed more than 300 concerts in all 50 states, in 20 countries and on six continents. The duo has commissioned, premiered and recorded more than 40 works. The performance will include music written especially for saxophone and guitar by California composers, including Cal Poly Music Department faculty member Laura M. Kramer, who teaches saxophone and composition. Her work, “on the edge,” explores soundscapes inspired by the variety of terrains that can be viewed from tall cliffs when hiking in California. The recital is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406 or visit its calendar website.
2020 Aspire to Grow Conference to be Held March 4 in the PAC
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences will host the second annual Aspire to Grow Conference, exploring innovation in food and agriculture, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion. The symposium will focus on new technologies and developments and the role diversity of thought and experience plays in achieving these. Keynote speaker Kemba Marshall, director of veterinary services for Purina Animal Nutrition, will discuss her educational and career journey as a woman of color. Leaders from Amazon, Dole and other organizations will also discuss their journeys in their respective fields. 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. For more information, visit https://cafes.calpoly.edu/aspire-grow-2020.
Cattle: Discover How Cattle Restore Land Health and Social Wellbeing — Seminar with Optional Field Tour and Barbecue March 6
Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch is hosting a series of featured speakers on campus March 6 to discuss the importance of cattle management in restoring wildlife habitat and reducing fire risks. The event, titled “Cattle: Discover How Cattle Restore Land Health and Social Wellbeing,” will be held from 12:40 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 6, in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180), Room 101. A tour of Cal Poly’s nearby Escuela Ranch and barbecue will follow from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Speakers — including Devii Rao of the UC Cooperative Extension; Loren Poncia of Stemple Creek Ranch; Cal Poly Professor Marc Horney; and Grey Hayes, a restoration ecologist at Swanton Pacific Ranch — will discuss the growing movement for conservation grazing and opportunities for learning, research and teaching at Swanton Pacific Ranch. To reserve a spot on the tour, email Hayes at gfhayes@calpoly.edu or call 831-227-7163.
Kennedy Library’s Conversations with Cal Poly Authors Continues March 6
With the launch of Census 2020 and in this contentious presidential election year, Kennedy Library’s Conversations with Cal Poly Authors will offer some timely food for thought from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, in Kennedy Library (No. 35), Room 111H. Political science Professor Michael Latner will discuss his co-authored book, "Gerrymandering in America: the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and the Future of Popular Sovereignty." His conversational partner will be Foaad Khosmood, Forbes Professor in Computer Engineering, whose work as a research fellow for the Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy has been pivotal for the innovative and important work of Digital Democracy. Latner’s research explores political participation, representation, and civic technology, and he combines these topics in hands-on coursework where students vie to create “optimal” online gerrymandered maps. Light refreshments will be served, and the audience will be invited to engage in the conversation. Explore previous events and podcasts at Kennedy Library’s Conversations with Cal Poly Authors.
Flutist Marley Eder to Present a Free Workshop March 6 at Cal Poly
The Music Department will host flutist Marley Eder for a performance workshop at 3 p.m. Friday, March 6, in Room 218 in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45). Titled “Strategies and Tips for Stressful Situations,” the workshop is intended to help students prepare for a variety of performances, including auditions, competitions and recitals. Eder is a top prizewinner several competitions. In March 2019, he performed with members of Denmark’s Odense Symphony on Medici TV as a semi-finalist in the 2019 Nielsen International Flute Competition. He has been a featured soloist with ensembles including the Eastern Music Festival Symphony, Louisiana State University Philharmonia and the Colburn School of Music’s Orchestra da Camera. He plays principal flute with the San Luis Obispo Symphony, and on March 7, he will be the soloist at the group’s performance of Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute and Harp,” with Marcia Dickstein. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Music Department at ext. 6-2406 or visit its calendar website.
Flutist Suzanne Duffy to Perform at March 8 Cal Poly Wind Bands Concert
The Winter Wind Bands Concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the Performing Arts Center. The concert is titled “Winds of Change.” Music Professor Antonio G. Barata has composed a work with the same name that will be premiered by the Wind Ensemble. Guest soloist and Cal Poly flute instructor Suzanne Duffy will perform Stephen Bulla’s “Rhapsody for Flute” with the group, which will conclude its set with Frank Ticheli’s “Blue Shades.” The Wind Ensemble will perform these works, and others, for the College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division Conference to be hosted March 18-21 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. At the March 8 concert, the Cal Poly Wind Orchestra will perform music by John Philip Sousa, plus works from the expanded wind band repertoire, including Aaron Perrine’s “Tears of St. Lawrence” and Steven Bryant’s “The Machine Awakes.” The Chamber Winds will complete Robert Kurka’s “Good Soldier Schweik Suite,” the first part of which the group performed at the Bandfest concert in November. Tickets 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.
Talk to be Held March 10 on 'No-State Solution: Palestine and the Question of Queer Theory'
Jasbir K. Puar, professor and graduate director of women’s and gender studies at Rutgers University, will give a talk at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the Advanced Technology Laboratories (No. 7) about nation-state based queer theory from the last three decades. Puar's talk will explore what queer theories of anti-nationalism, non-nationalism, and no-state solutions could entail, converging with work in black and Indigenous studies and movements in Palestine. For more information, contact wgs@calpoly.edu.
Alumnus to Discuss Journey from Undocumented Immigrant to Apple Engineer
Former Apple Engineer Enrique Diaz will be the College of Engineering's next diversity and inclusion speaker from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 12, in the Advanced Technologies Laboratory (No. 7). In 1970, Diaz's teenage mother moved him from Guanajuato, Mexico, to California’s Central Valley, where she worked to support herself and her 2-year-old son. By eighth grade, Diaz had lived in eight different locations, sometimes “squatting” on vacant property, and his family needed food stamps, clothing programs, housing programs and other social services to make ends meet. As a result, Diaz carried shame throughout his childhood and suffered from very low self-esteem. But his mother was committed to making certain he and his siblings made the most of America’s public education. He was good in math and became one of the first in his family to attend college, earning a computer engineering degree from Cal Poly. After graduating, he was offered a job at Apple Computer (eventually, Apple Inc.) and worked as a research and development scientist there for 23 years. Learn more here.
Cherish the Ladies Comes to the PAC March 12
Cherish the Ladies will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in Miossi Hall, presented by Cal Poly Arts. The long-running, Grammy-nominated, Irish American super group formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of extraordinary women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene. Over the past 35 years, the group has toured the world, played at the White House and the Olympics, and recorded 17 critically acclaimed albums, including its latest release, "Heart of the Home." Tickets range from $23-$43 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.
'Why Be Good?' to be Screened with Live Musical Score at the PAC March 14
The Forbes Organ Series will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Miossi Hall, presented by Cal Poly Arts in partnership with the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. The newly restored 1929 silent comedy "Why Be Good?" starring San Luis Obispo icon Colleen Moore will be screened with a live musical score provided by famed organist and silent film accompanist Christian Elliott playing the Forbes Pipe Organ. Considered a lost film for many decades, a 35 mm print was discovered in an Italian archive in the late 1990s. Enjoy the rare opportunity of experiencing a silent film the way it was meant to be seen and heard — with a genuine period-authentic accompaniment provided by a renowned solo film organist. Tickets are $25 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.
Arab Music Ensemble to Host Iranian and Tajik Guest Artists in March 14 Concert
The Arab Music Ensemble and guest artists will perform a program of Arab, Iranian and Tajik music that includes popular dance from the Eastern Mediterranean at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Spanos Theatre. The guest artists performing Iranian and Tajik music will include Nasser Sabouri on vocals, Azadeh Nemat Gorgani on piano, Maruf Noyoft on robab (short-necked lute), and Faisal Zedan on riqq (tambourine), daff (frame drum), and darabukka (goblet drum). The director of the ensemble of guest artists will be Neema Hekmat on santur (hammered dulcimer). In this unique program, all of the musicians will be on stage for the duration of the show performing their respective Arab, Iranian and Tajik music traditions. Adding to the intercultural collaboration, the songs, “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing” and “Edelweiss,” first made popular in the U.S., will be sung in English as well as in Arabic and Persian. Tickets 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 Choirs’ ‘Traditions’ Concert to Feature Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble on March 15
All of Cal Poly’s choral ensembles will perform at the Choirs’ Winter Concert, “Traditions,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in the Performing Arts Center. The University Singers, Chamber Choir and Women’s Chorus will sing arrangements of American folk music and African American spirituals, early and modern American classical music, and an adaptation of a Native American chant. The award-winning Bay Area ensemble Kitka will open the second half of the program. Kitka is a professional small ensemble with ties to Balkan, Slavic and Caucasian lands. Its members have performed, taught and conducted cultural exchange activities in Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Macedonia, Poland, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine, as well throughout the U.S. and Canada. PolyPhonics, Cal Poly’s premiere choir, will conclude the program with repertoire it will perform while on a spring break tour of San Diego from March 20-22. Faculty members Suzanne Duffy, flute; Amy Goymerac, soprano, will each be featured on the program. Tickets 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.
Art and Design Alumni Show Continues Through March 17
The Art and Design Department and the University Art Gallery will welcome back 12 alumni from a range of graduating classes. The concentrations of graphic design, studio art and photo/video are all represented in the first Alumni Show to be presented by the University Art Gallery in 10 years. The exhibit runs Feb. 20 through March 17 in the University Art Gallery. Learn more.
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
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Women's Basketball vs. UC Santa Barbara, Mott Athletics Center, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Men's Basketball vs. UC Irvine, Mott Athletics Center, 8 p.m. (ESPNU)
Friday, Feb. 28
Baseball vs. Michigan, Baggett Stadium, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 29
Women's Basketball vs. CSUN, Mott Athletics Center, 2 p.m.
Baseball vs. Michigan, Baggett Stadium, 4 p.m.
Beach Volleyball vs. Pepperdine, Mustang Beach Volleyball Complex, 5 p.m.
Beach Volleyball vs. Loyola Marymount, Mustang Beach Volleyball Complex, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 1
Baseball vs. Michigan, Baggett Stadium, 1 p.m.
Friday, March 6
Women's Tennis vs. Pacific, Mustang Tennis Complex, 11 a.m.
Baseball vs. Baylor, Baggett Stadium, 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
Baseball vs. Baylor, Baggett Stadium, 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 8
Women's Tennis vs. Seattle, Mustang Tennis Complex, 11 a.m.
Baseball vs. Baylor, Baggett Stadium, 1 p.m.
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.
#496239 — Physician — Primary Care, Student Affairs — Campus Health and Wellbeing. $125,148-$212,556 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $12,350-$12,540 per month based on a 10/12 schedule. Open until filled.
#496128 — Football Team Operations Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator), Student Affairs — Athletic Department. $37,380-$67,668 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $38,400-$54,000 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.
Dishwasher, Campus Dining, $15-16.51 per hour.
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.