Cal Poly Report — May 20, 2020
News
Campus COVID-19 Updates: Housing Asks Employees to Help with Move Out
University Housing is seeking faculty and staff to help move students out of campus residence halls and apartments. University Housing has developed a plan in coordination with public health and campus officials for residential students to come back to campus on staggered times days and times from May 19 through June 14 to get their belongings. Currently active employees, including student assistants who are currently working on campus, can sign up for two-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Employees must get approval from their supervisor first. Employees are welcome to sign up for multiple shifts in order to get this important job done. Click here to sign up for a shift. Helpers must wear face coverings and gloves; University Housing will provide these items if needed. Visit the University Housing website for more information; contact Zach Zimmerman at zzimme01@calpoly.edu with questions. For updates and information about the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to visit coronavirus.calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Corporation Chief Executive Officer Candidates to Visit Campus Virtually
Senior Vice President Cynthia Vizcaino Villa has accepted the recommendation of the Cal Poly Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Search Committee, chaired by Renee Reijo Pera, vice president for Research and Economic Development, to invite four finalists for the position to visit campus virtually between May 26-29. An open forum will be held with each candidate for faculty, staff, students and the campus community to participate. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend the open forums on the following dates and times:
— Wednesday, May 27, from 9-10 a.m.
— Wednesday, May 27, from 1-2 p.m.
— Friday, May 29, from 9-10 a.m.
— Friday, May 29, from 1-2 p.m.
Resumes will be sent through a MustMail announcement prior to each forum. To join, participants will need to use their Zoom account associated with their @calpoly.edu email address.
Cal Poly Study Finds Online Exercise Information Often Inaccurate
The shelter-at-home order has turned many fitness-minded people into their own personal trainers, scouring the internet for the best information on how to stay physically fit. However, a new study finds that much of the online advice could be more helpful if it adhered more closely to national physical activity guidelines. Before the coronavirus outbreak, nearly three out of every four U.S. adults searched online for advice about physical activity. The numbers may be even greater now. Unfortunately, many online resources are hard to read and understand and often offer incorrect information. “Advice that does not match national guidelines is common, no matter which group is presenting it,” said Jafrā D. Thomas, a professor in the Kinesiology and Public Health Department and one of the lead authors of the study. In a paper published in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, Thomas and co-author Bradley J. Cardinal of Oregon State University’s Kinesiology Program found that those with the greatest need may be more likely to locate bad advice. National guidelines differ for those who are already exercising and those who are trying to change from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one. Online resources often don’t reflect these differences. Read more here.
Cal Poly Corporation Board of Directors Annual Meeting Scheduled for June 12
The board of directors of the Cal Poly Corporation will hold its annual meeting virtually at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 12. This is a public meeting. More information will be made available on the Cal Poly Corporation website along with the agenda packets on Friday, June 5. Discussion topics can be added to the agenda at the discretion of the board. Any action on such items requires public notice pursuant to open meeting law. Call Ann Roy at ext. 6-1131 with questions.
Student Success
Six Teams Best in Conference for Academic Progress Rate Scores
Six of Cal Poly’s intercollegiate athletic teams compiled Academic Progress Rate multi-year scores that are No. 1 in their respective conference after the 2018-19 academic year. Football leads the Big Sky Conference for the fourth consecutive year while men’s golf, softball, women’s beach volleyball, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball all are ranked No. 1 in the Big West Conference. Men’s swimming and diving is ranked No. 2 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation while wrestling is second in the Pac-12 Conference. Women's track is No. 2 in the Big West and baseball earned the third-best multi-rate score in the Big West. The 16th edition of Academic Progress Rate scores was released by the NCAA on Tuesday. Read more here.
Faculty & Staff
Nominations Open for Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy
Nominations are being accepted for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy. This award celebrates visionary leaders who have forged critical partnerships to advance the mission of Cal Poly. Nominees may be current or former faculty members who have been instrumental in comprehensive development and fundraising efforts. Award recipients receive campuswide recognition at the Fall Conference General Session. Faculty, staff and current students are encouraged to submit nominations. The nomination form and more information are available at provost.calpoly.edu/PLAPIP-Main. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Monday, June 1. Email nomination materials to Jeanne Scott, Office of the Provost, jscott29@calpoly.edu. Pictured is the 2019 awardee, Brian Granger, Ph.D., associate professor in the Physics Department.
Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 21
The campus community is invited to recognize the ninth annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 21, by engaging in several activities. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access and inclusion of people with various disabilities. Visit accessibility.calpoly.edu for a list of virtual activities that the campus community can do to mark the day.
Cal Poly Virtual Private Network to be Upgraded May 21
Information Technology Services (ITS) will upgrade the Virtual Private Network (VPN) service at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 21. The upgrade will enable “split tunneling,” which will allow only traffic related to Cal Poly to travel over the VPN while users are connected to it. Once the work is complete, users may notice an improvement in the quality of Zoom video conferencing when connected to VPN. In the unlikely event that anyone experiences any connectivity issues after the VPN upgrade, contact the ITS Service Desk at ext. 6-7000 or servicedesk@calpoly.edu.
Campus Community Invited to Participate in COVID-19 Research Study
Researchers at the Center for Health Research are studying health and behaviors in response to COVID-19. Todd Hagobian, Ph.D., associate vice president of research and professor in the Kinesiology and Public Health Department, is conducting the research study. The purpose is to examine differences in weight; COVID-19 diagnosis; and behaviors including physical activity, food, mood, sleep and social media use over 18 months in adult residents of San Luis Obispo County, California and beyond, under the stay-at-home mandate in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and take the survey at https://calpolykinesiology.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFeUGhFHv8UAIvj.
Free Captioning for Recorded Lectures Now Available
Project COVIDEO (Captioning Online VIDEO) is a new student-based video captioning service established to help faculty and staff make their videos accessible for asynchronous instruction. The Disability Resource Center has trained over 20 DRC student staff to generate and edit automated transcripts of videos using an AI-powered software called Otter. From these transcripts, the student staff create closed captions for videos hosted on various platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Microsoft Stream). To request captioning services from the COVIDEO team, please complete the short application at Project COVIDEO Service Application. Anyone who would like to train student staff in their department to caption their videos can contact Project COVIDEO for training and guidance by emailing John Lee at JLee245@calpoly.edu. Videos will be captioned on a first-come first-served basis, as resources allow, and this service may not be available after spring term.
Live Transcripts Available for Free to Faculty, Register by May 31
Faculty who are providing synchronous instruction via Zoom can use Otter’s live transcription feature by signing up for a free two-month trial of Otter for Teams. Enter the coupon code OTTER_RELIEF to take advantage of this limited free offer. Video and PDF instructions for setting up and using Otter’s live transcription service with Zoom can be found on the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology’s Captioning Live and Recorded Lectures page under the heading "ZOOM: Options for live (real-time) captioning." Contact John Lee, Disability Resource Center assistive technology specialist, at jlee245@calpoly.edu with any questions about Otter’s live transcription feature or Project COVIDEO.
CSUBUY is Coming to Cal Poly
Cal Poly and the CSU are working to transform the way they manage the Procure-to-Pay process. CSUBUY is replacing the existing ESM Campus Marketplace in preparation for future improvements. All current ESM users (both ProCard holders and transfer cart shoppers) will be moved to this new platform. Users will find most activities similar to the way they interact with the marketplace today. The targeted go-live date is June 1. Look for more information about training and access as the go-live date approaches, or visit https://afd.calpoly.edu/cprm/procurement/csubuy.
Support for Industry Partnerships and Research to be Provided Through New Corporate Engagement and Innovation Unit
A new unit within the Office of Research and Economic Development has been established to serve as a single point of contact for faculty in pursuit of for-profit sponsored engagement activities. Corporate Engagement and Innovation (CEI) will support faculty in industry-sponsored research, technology transfer, and applied innovation. CEI will assist faculty and researchers with proposal development and negotiating agreements with for-profit companies, assessment of potential inventions for patent/commercialization potential, and manage interactions with companies in the Cal Poly Technology Park. Visit www.cei.calpoly.edu or email cei@calpoly.edu for support in building long-term, productive and mutually beneficial relationships between Cal Poly and its industry collaborators.
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Campus Announcements
International Center to Hold Language Workshops May 27-28
The campus commnity is invited to sign up for mini language lessons from around the world on May 27-28. Each 20-minute sessions covers basic vocabulary and phrases in different languages. The language sessions and links will be posted at international.calpoly.edu. Anyone with questions can email international@calpoly.edu.
Participants Needed for Sedentary Screen Time Study
Sedentary screen time consumes more than half of individuals' discretionary time and is the single most prevalent use of time by 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 the 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. Due to current public health guidelines related to COVID-19, this study will be conducted virtually. Those interested in participating or learning more about the study, which is called StandUPTV, should call ext. 6-5506 or fill out an interest form.
International Center to Host 'Virtual Exchange' Symposium May 27-29
The International Center will host an Internationalization Symposium May 27-29. Faculty are invited to join a workshop, “Virtual Exchange: Connecting Cal Poly to the World" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 29, co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. Mohamed Abdel-Kader, executive director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute, and his colleagues will discuss how to design a virtual program and integrate virtual international exchange into current courses, provide a few virtual exchange models, and discuss available grant funding. The 90-minute webinar will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. This workshop is limited to 40 participants. Register here. Abdel-Kader will also present a webinar to students on “What Students Need to Know about International Virtual Exchange: The Experience and Skills Gained” from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 28. Students can register here.
Free Legal Advice Available for Faculty, Staff, and Students
Need legal advice? ASI has contracted with San Luis Obispo attorney Jeff Radding to provide free legal advice to the campus community. This service is available to currently enrolled students, as well as faculty and staff. Radding provides a free 15-minute phone consultation by scheduled appointment. No matter what the issue, advice and guidance are here for you. Legal consultation can give you the foundation to take the most effective steps necessary for your situation. Spring quarter appointments are now available from noon to 2 p.m. on May 15, May 29, and June 5. To schedule an appointment, email the ASI Business Office at asi@calpoly.edu.
Events
Theatre and Dance Department to Present Virtual Spring Dance Concert May 20-22
The Theatre and Dance Department will present “Vitalis,” a virtual showing of the annual spring dance concert Wednesday through Friday, May 20-22. Vitalis is a Latin word meaning “of or manifesting life.” The student directors, Alyssa Gatan, Evan Ricaurté and Lindsay Eklund, wrote “Dance manifests life through culture, connections and creativity.” Typically, the spring concert is a live performance generated by the students for the stage in Spanos Theatre. This year students of varying majors, locations and dance experience will instead present 16 dances for the camera. Directed, choreographed, performed and edited by students, this show celebrates the chance to dance and explore different dance styles together through this time of social distancing. “Vitalis” embraces the values of inclusivity, accessibility, diversity and creation of art by connecting more than 100 students at different locations to create this unique performance. To join this online experience, register to reserve concert access here: bit.ly/cp2020sdc.
‘RSVP XXV: Call and Response’ to be Presented in Virtual Episodes June 4-6
The Music Department’s student production ensemble RSVP will present “RSVP XXV: Call and Response” in three video episodes starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4-6. This year marks not only the 25th anniversary of RSVP but also the departure of its founder and artistic director, Antonio G. Barata, who is retiring from full-time teaching at Cal Poly after 35 years. This year the transmedia series picks up where last year’s left off: in a combination of music, costume, dance and video editing. The composition, performance, soundscape and costuming combine the creativity of students in Barata’s Sound Design classes with choreography by Cal Poly students Evan Ricaurté, Lindsay Eklund and Justine Teoh, plus several dancers from past productions. The students have been especially creative this year due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. Links to the YouTube videos will be posted to the RSVP calendar page. Donations can be made to support future RSVP productions. The performances are sponsored by the Music Department, College of Liberal Arts and Instructionally Related Activities program. For more information, visit the department’s calendar website or email music@calpoly.edu.
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.
#496239 — Physician — Primary Care, Student Affairs — Campus Health and Wellbeing. $104,290-$177,130 per year based on a 10/12 schedule. Anticipated hiring range: $12,350-$12,600 per month based on a 10/12 schedule. Open until closed.
For a full list of available jobs, go to jobs.calpoly.edu.
Faculty Employment Opportunities
Visit jobs.calpoly.edu for all available job openings. The part-time lecturer pools are now open. Visit jobs.calpoly.edu for current openings, further information and how to apply. For assistance, call Academic Personnel at ext. 6-2844.
#496504 — Full-time Lecturer, Communication Studies — College of Liberal Arts. Open until filled.
#496546 — Full-time Lecturer, Public Health — College of Science and Mathematics. Open until filled.
#496686 — Tenure-Track, Assistant/Associate Professor of Forestry — College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Open until filled.
#496510 — Tenure-Track, System Librarian — Robert E. Kennedy Library. 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 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.