Cal Poly Report — Oct. 28, 2020
News
Mustang Band Adapts to COVID-19
Cal Poly kicked off the new academic year with commonsense adaptations to the coronavirus pandemic: a hybrid learning plan, postponed athletics competitions and virtual events, among many other changes. But a quieter campus doesn’t mean school spirit is gone. Even without the usual fall fanfare, the university’s largest and loudest league of supporters, Mustang Band, plays on — thanks to some creative modifications. “Our leadership team has put in hundreds of hours of work to develop a plan that allows Mustang Band to meet in-person safely and continue to grow musically,” says Nick Waldron, Mustang Band director. The band, which has more than 210 members, learned it would be able to meet in person only a few weeks before classes began. In order to practice together, they split into six sub-groups: four with equal instrumentation of brass and woodwinds, one featuring drumline and one with colorguard performers. These mini-bands, which practice both musical pieces and marching in formation, rotate between outdoor rehearsal spaces multiple times a week. Read more on Cal Poly News.
Librarian Supports Diverse Student Entrepreneurs through New Resource Guides
For years, librarian Mark Bieraugel has connected students with the information they need to conduct research, launch a startup or take the next step in a job search. But recently, Bieraugel, who uses they/them pronouns, felt compelled to take that work one step further by creating a trio of noncurricular resource guides for entrepreneurs who identify as LGBTQIA, women, and Black, Indigenous and people of color. They curated the guides with information about financing, equity-focused accelerator programs, and thought leadership across different industries as a way to inspire budding business leaders. “Just within the last couple years or so, I came out in a big way as a nonbinary human being,” Bieraugel said. “I think part of this is to support the people that I’m interested in. They can look at this [guide] and understand that somebody cares about them to put this together.” Read more on Cal Poly News.
Cal Poly Ongoing Testing Site Offers Employees More Testing Dates in November
To accommodate a campus polling location at the Performing Arts Center, the Cal Poly Ongoing Testing Program will be temporarily unavailable. Visit the campus coronavirus website for more testing days available to the campus community, starting Nov. 7. Employees are invited to test Monday through Friday, Nov. 16-20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The university is providing the free COVID-19 tests to campus community members as a preventative measure to more quickly identify and isolate asymptomatic individuals. Ongoing testing is required for on-campus student residents and students coming to campus for in-person classes, to work or access other services. The ongoing testing program is also available to Cal Poly state, ASI and Cal Poly Corporation employees. Faculty teaching face-to-face courses and faculty and staff physically working on campus are strongly encouraged to participate. Employees working virtually are also welcome to participate. For more information, to register and sign up for an appointment, visit https://coronavirus.calpoly.edu/ongoing-testing.
Help Campus Dining Build a Better Dining Experience and Win Prizes
Campus Dining is looking to create a better dining experience and would like feedback from the campus community. Creating an eclectic, on-trend dining experience is a job that takes near constant tweaking and research and this annual fall survey is a big part of that process. Completion of the survey, which takes roughly eight minutes, enters each respondent into a sweepstakes to win one of three prizes: a set of AirPods Pro with a Cal Poly case, a Spikeball set with the SpikeBuoy accessory and a Lume Cube Lighting Kit. Each fall Campus Dining seeks feedback from students, faculty and staff as they work to improve the customer experience and to develop more innovative ways to deliver its products and serve the campus. The survey is open from Oct. 26-Nov. 6, and can be accessed at https://www.calpolydining.com/survey/.
Cal Poly Corporation Board of Directors to Meet Oct. 30
The board of directors of the Cal Poly Corporation will hold a regular meeting virtually using Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30. This is a public meeting. The agenda will be posted by Oct. 23. To join the meeting, request the Zoom webinar link and call-in information, or obtain a copy of the agenda, email cpcadmin@calpoly.edu or visit https://www.calpolycorporation.org/organization-profile/governance/meeting-agendas-minutes/. Public comments for this meeting must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, via email to cpcadmin@calpoly.edu.
Student Success
Panetta Intern Shares What He Learned
Earlier this year, Imahn Daeenabi, a fourth-year political science major, was selected as Cal Poly’s 2020 representative to the Panetta Institute’s Congressional Internship Program. The Panetta Institute was founded by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and his wife, Sylvia. Since 2001, a Cal Poly student has represented the university in the internship program, which includes two weeks of training at the Panetta Institute at CSU Monterey Bay and 11 weeks in Washington, D.C., working in the capitol office of a California congressional representative. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Washington, D.C., portion of the internship was canceled, and the two-week session was moved to a virtual format. Despite the change, Daeenabi found the experience to be a positive one. "It was an incredible learning experience," Daeenabi said. "We had four speakers a day over the two-week period, and they covered all the topics that we would’ve gone over in our seminars in Washington, D.C. Getting to hear so many viewpoints, sides of issues and facts about our government in such a short amount of time is really a credit to the institute and the Panettas." Read more on Cal Poly News.
Faculty & Staff
Funding Available for Inclusion and Equity Activities
The College of Science and Mathematics' inclusion and equity fund provides support for events or activities that fulfill the mission, vision and objectives of the CSM Inclusion and Equity Committee. Faculty, staff and students from any unit on campus are invited to submit a proposal. Proposals must be received and approved during the academic year in which the funds will be used. Proposed projects, programs or events must comply with Cal Poly campus and San Luis Obispo County policies. Submit proposals a minimum of four weeks prior to the project, program or event to allow the committee time to receive and review them. Members of the college's Committee for Inclusion and Equity will review proposals on a rolling basis and will notify participants of their acceptance status within two weeks of submission. Contact Camille O’Bryant at cobryant@calpoly.edu for more information.
Learn More About Medicare Changes During a Virtual Information Session
Human Resources has partnered with the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), a local nonprofit organization, to provide a virtual information session on Medicare from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. Employees interested in participating in the virtual information session must register here. Prior to the event, HICAP will send a confirmation email to all registered participants with instructions for joining the meeting. Anyone with questions can click here to speak with a Human Resources representative from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Employees may also email benefits@calpoly.edu or call the support line at ext. 6-2236.
First-Year Success Program Coaches needed for Winter Quarter
Looking for an opportunity to support students in their journey at Cal Poly? The First-Year Success Program (FSP) is looking for graduate students, faculty and staff from across campus who want to serve as coaches for first-time freshmen who are on academic probation for the first time. FSP coaches will support a small group of first-year students by facilitating growth-centered conversations, engaging in goal setting and skill development, and exploring resources that students can use to help them move toward success in future quarters. FSP will provide a training and information session to discuss the details of the program and provide materials. FSP is looking for diverse members from the university community that represent all areas of Cal Poly, so all levels of experience and background are welcome. Sign up or express interest by Nov. 20! Questions? Contact Kara Hitchcock at khitch01@calpoly.edu.
Brock Center Offering Holiday Photo Sessions Nov. 6-7, 13-14
The Brock Center for Agricultural Communication is offering holiday photo sessions for faculty and staff again this year on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 13-14. Sessions cost $75 for 30 minutes at Cuesta Park, 2400 Loomis St. in San Luis Obispo. Photo packages include 20 to 25 high-quality digital images provided on a thumb drive after your session. Visit https://bit.ly/3otGT1Q to sign up. Questions? Email brockctr@calpoly.edu.
Admissions and Information Technology Services Enhance Admissions Process Review Application
Admissions began working with Information Technology Services (ITS) in 2018 to make significant improvements to an application used to execute the university's comprehensive admissions process review. The partnership has resulted in several enhancements to the Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) application, which will be implemented in the fall 2021 cycle and benefit applicants, staff and system resources. The most significant improvements are the elimination of the transfer supplemental application and the creation of a degree-audit to ensure the applicant has the courses necessary to begin in their desired major/field of study. Admissions and ITS have also created an automated articulation tool that utilizes courses from ASSIST to ensure applicants have the correct sequences. This has significantly reduced the time it takes to run the MCA selection process, resulting in the ability to deliver decisions to applicants sooner. The Admissions Office thanks those who provided the time and resources necessary to accomplish its goals to help move the institution forward while eliminating hurdles for applicants.
Disability Faculty Staff Association Fall Meeting and Cabinet Elections to be Held Oct. 30
In honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Disability Faculty Staff Association (DFSA) invites faculty and staff to its fall meeting from 11 a.m.-noon Friday, Oct. 30, via Zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/86276005380?from=msft. The DFSA will discuss programming ideas for the 2020-21 academic year and the inaugural elections for the association's first cabinet. Faculty and staff can sign up to be on the DFSA mailing listserv at https://fsa.calpoly.edu/join-fsas and find the DFSA on social media at www.facebook.com/calpolydisabilityfsa and https://www.instagram.com/disabilityfsa/.
Learn with Colleagues Across the CSU
Now that many in-person classes are offered virtually, CSU Systemwide Learning and Development, in collaboration with the Cal Poly Employee and Organization Development department, have a unique opportunity to extend professional development courses beyond campus borders for faculty, staff and student assistants across the CSU. Professional development topics include leadership, self-coaching, hidden bias, work-life integration, and respect in the workplace. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay. Click here to register.
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In Memoriam
Cal Poly Professor Emeritus William "Bill" Howard, 88, died Aug. 29, surrounded by family and friends at his home in San Luis Obispo. Howard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy and a master's degree in geography from the University of Denver, and a doctorate in geography and urban planning from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. After teaching at the University of Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, he was hired to head Cal Poly’s City and Regional Planning Department in 1980, a position he retained until 1989. He retired as professor emeritus in 1994. Howard was responsible for the department’s first professional accreditation in 1984, and during his tenure the total students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs increased from 84 to 251. Howard was a cherished professor and department head whose passion for city planning and endless energy continuously enriched students' education and preparedness for the real world through projects assisting communities in their planning efforts. In honor of Howard's legacy, a scholarship in his name has been established to support students in Cal Poly’s Master of City and Regional Planning program. Contributions can be made online or by sending a check to: City and Regional Planning Department, Cal Poly, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407. If sending a check, reference the "William Howard Scholarship" in the memo line.
Campus Announcements
International Education Month to be Held Nov. 2-20
The Cal Poly International Center will host free virtual events in celebration of International Education Week throughout the month of November. This is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. For a full list of activities, visit https://international.calpoly.edu/international-education.html. This week's highlights include:
— Boren Awards Advisor Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 3: Campus advisors, staff and faculty are encouraged to join this 30-minute workshop from 10-10:30 a.m. to learn more about Boren scholarships and fellowships for students. Click this Zoom link; the meeting ID is: 161 919 6949; Passcode: 324803.
— Reflections from Abroad: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going on Thursday, Nov. 5: From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. current students and recent graduates will discuss their study-abroad experience, virtual exchange and opportunities to go abroad after Cal Poly at this Zoom link.
— Cal Poly Global Programs: Faculty Opportunities on Friday, Nov. 6. Join us at 11 a.m. to learn how to develop a proposal to lead a Cal Poly Global Program and share your international expertise with students. The workshop will also discuss noncredit international trips. Professor Josh Machamer will co-host. Join at this Zoom link.
Last Chance to Win Food Day Prizes
Food Day is a nationwide event dedicated to celebrating food while addressing food system issues. This year we are partnering with campus clubs and programs to release videos about healthy eating on Instagram (@calpolyfoodday) every Monday and Friday at noon. In addition, students, faculty and staff can submit pictures of their own homemade meals and recipes for a chance to win a prize every Wednesday in October. Check out the final video from the Food Day Team on Oct 30.
Vote By Mail Ballot Dropoff Available at Kennedy Library
The book drop box (pictured) in front of Kennedy Library is now being used as a ballot drop box location for the Nov. 3 general election. This box is a safe and secure space for voters to drop off their completed ballots. Signage is in place informing library patrons to return their materials to a separate book drop box across the street from the library. The ballot drop box at Kennedy Library is one of three in the city of San Luis Obispo and one of 19 in San Luis Obispo County. For a full list of ballot drop box locations and voter service centers, Access a full list of ballot drop box locations and voter service centers here.
Employees Asked to Comply with State Law and CSU Election Policy
With the upcoming election, it is important that all faculty and staff comply with state law and CSU policy regarding the use of CSU resources in connection with election issues. Section 8314 of the California Government Code provides: (a) It is unlawful for ... any state or local appointee, employee or consultant, to use or permit others to use public resources for a campaign activity, or personal or other purposes which are not authorized by law. In this context, “public resources” means any property or asset owned by the state or any local agency, including, but not limited to, land, buildings, facilities, funds, equipment, supplies, telephones, computers, email system, vehicles, travel and state-compensated time. (Cal. Gov’t Code § 8314(b)(3).) CSU policy regarding what election-related activities are allowed and what activities can be prohibited, as well as guidelines on how to exercise appropriate discretion, are set forth in the CSU Handbook of Election Issues published by the Office of the General Counsel.
Own a Home Within Walking Distance of Campus
A beautifully appointed home is available for purchase at Bella Montana. The 1,029-square-foot home, located at 555-B Paseo Bella Montaña (La Cumbre), has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, convenient indoor laundry, a spacious one-car garage, a beautiful deck for outdoor living and energy-saving appliances. Surrounded by beautiful coastal foothills, Bella Montana offers an opportunity to own a home in San Luis Obispo, one of the most livable cities in California. The nearby location offers an enhanced lifestyle as homeowners enjoy more time for the things they love: a hike after work, lunch at home or more time with family. The home is ideally located in 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, shops and restaurants, Bella Montana encompasses 69 individually owned homes on Highland Drive near iconic Highway 1.
Events
Policy Talk Show: Local, Statewide and National Issues on the 2020 Ballot
The Elections Working Group is sponsoring a panel discussion from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, "Policy Talk Show: Local, Statewide and National Issues on the 2020 Ballot." The discussion will be moderated by Thanayi Jackson, a faculty member in the History Department, and features campus and community experts including San Luis Obispo Council Member Erica Stewart, assistant director, personnel and marketing, Campus Health and Wellbeing; Marilyn Tseng of the Kinesiology and Public Health Department, and Ben Ruttenberg of the Biological Sciences Department. Come explore ways to approach the ballot, with a particular focus on local issues as well as health and environmental issues at all levels. Join using Zoom meeting ID: 813 6617 6639 Questions? Contact Elena Keeling (ekeeling@calpoly.edu) or Thanayi Jackson (tjacks25@calpoly.edu).
Join the Cal Poly Mustangs Monster Mash Virtual Fun Run
Compete in a virtual fun run to benefit scholarships for Cal Poly student-athletes. Participants can choose to run a mile, 5K or 10K and complete their race at any point between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2. Compete in several virtual challenges such as a costume contest and pumpkin-carving contest for the chance to win fun prizes. Every participant will receive a race T-shirt and goody bag. After you've completed your run, submit your distance and time to be featured on the Finisher’s List on GoPoly.com and receive your Finisher’s Certificate. All proceeds benefit the Mustang Athletic Fund, which supports scholarships for Cal Poly student-athletes. For more information, contact Special Events Coordinator Lacey Buck at lbuck@calpoly.edu. Learn more and register.
‘Addressing Racism and Diversity in Music Institutions’ Panel Discussion Set for Nov. 5
The Music Department will present a virtual panel discussion titled “Addressing Racism and Diversity in Music Institutions” at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. The guest panelists will be Stephanie Shonekan, associate dean of the College of Arts and Science and professor of music at the University of Missouri, and Keith Jackson, dean of the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University. Cal Poly Director of Jazz Studies Arthur White will moderate the discussion. “Whether obvious, subversive or unintentional — and for a variety of reasons — racism has long been present in music institutions,” White said. “Recent world and national events have not only given pause to dismissal of discussions related to this issue, but in fact, have proven the necessity for an open and frank discussion about race and diversity in music programs across the country. This panel will discuss the realities of racism and experiences in personal careers. It will address why certain literature and pedagogical methods are more pervasive than others and the potential for affecting change through increasing diversity and inclusion.” The event is free and open to the public. More information about the panelists and the presentation is on the department’s calendar website.
The Muse Hour Continues Nov. 8 with Lila Downs
Cal Poly Arts is presenting a four-evening, livestream music and conversation series, The Muse Hour, presented in partnership with Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and Tacoma Arts Live. The second episode will air live at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, with Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner Lila Downs. Known for her compelling stage presence and poignant storytelling this global music icon sings in Spanish and English. Her exquisite artistry bridges traditions from across the Americas, with influences ranging from the folk and ranchera music of Mexico and South America to North American folk, jazz, blues and hip-hop. A passionate human-rights activist, Downs' lyrics often highlight issues relating to social justice, sharing stories that too often go untold. This event will feature a conversation about current Latinx issues with several songs and will be followed by a moderated Q&A session. Tickets are $11.50 and are available through calpolyarts.org.
Cal Poly Sets Virtual Bandfest for Nov. 15
Nearly 300 students will virtually present the annual Bandfest concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Cal Poly’s Wind Ensemble, Mustang Marching Band and Wind Orchestra will perform works ranging from the sublime to the evocative. Bandfest will begin with the Wind Orchestra’s performance of Julie Giroux’s “One Life Beautiful” and John Philip Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea.” The Wind Ensemble will continue with Jennifer Jolley's “Lichtweg” and Richard Strauss’ “Serenade for Winds,” Op. 7. The Mustang Band will conclude the concert with Cal Poly school songs and other examples of work they have been rehearsing this quarter. The Wind Orchestra will be conducted by Nicholas P. Waldron, Cal Poly’s associate director of bands. Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff will conduct the Wind Ensemble. Tickets to the virtual event are $5 and can be purchased online from the Performing Arts Center, ext. 6-4849. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar website.
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
Per guidance from the Big West and Big Sky conferences, all of Cal Poly's fall sports events have been postponed until 2021. Check GoPoly.com for updated information on fall sports.
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.
#497802 — Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and Development (Administrator IV), Administration and Finance — Facilities Management and Development. Salary commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected. Open until closed.
#497757 — Career Counselor (Student Services Professional II), Student Affairs – Career Services. $51,648-$73,440 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $51,648-$54,240 per year. Open until closed.
#497835 — Phlebotomist — Per Diem, Student Affairs — Campus Health and Wellbeing. $19.92-$84.86 per hour. anticipated hiring range: $22-$25 per hour. Open until closed.
#497898 — Registered Nurse — Per Diem, Student Affairs — Campus Health and Wellbeing. $19.92-$84.86 per hour. Anticipated hiring range: $41.12-$46 per hour. Open until closed.
To find internally posted positions, start from the Cal Poly Portal. Click “Cal Poly Jobs” on the left-hand menu. On the next page click “Apply.” All internally and externally posted positions appear there. 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.
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.