In this Issue
Welcome Back, Mustangs! Campus buzzed with activity a week before the start of fall quarter as thousands of Mustangs moved in, and new students gathered on campus to kick off a time-honored tradition: the Week of Welcome. The award-winning campus program, which stretches back more than 60 years, brings new students together with more experienced student mentors who introduce them to campus life and critical resources for a successful college career. This year, more than 6,400 students and 547 WOW leaders participated in WOW, according to Dale Stoker, director of New Student and Transition Programs. Read the article Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship At the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Demo Day in early September, eight startup teams who participated in the CIE’s 2024 Summer Accelerator showcased their businesses to the community – and the future looks bright. “This year’s cohort is really exceptional in that they are showcasing such a diverse range of innovative solutions that reflect their understanding of market needs and entrepreneurial resilience,” said CIE Academic Programs Director Dr. Thomas Katona. The cohort included many recent Cal Poly graduates representing a variety of industries and disciplines, from medical devices to gaming software. Read the article NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Coordinator Hired Cal Poly has hired Dr. Kent Spiers to coordinate the university’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its California equivalent, CalNAGPRA. Spiers began in his position on Sept. 23. He has worked with various levels of government and Indigenous communities in several different capacities in the U.S., and Canada. He has published on innovative approaches to collaborative research and holds a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Calgary, where his dissertation focused on research collaboration with Inuit communities in the Eastern Arctic. Spiers can be reached at 805-756-6060 or [emailprotected]. Office of the Provost The Provost’s Office is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Tanya Flushman and Dr. Jennifer Jipson as faculty transfer fellows. Flushman is collaborating with Cuesta College, including the upcoming 2+2 Liberal Studies program launching in fall 2025. Jipson is collaborating with Allan Hancock College, focusing on the 2+2 Sociology program that began this fall. Together, they are working to strengthen partnerships with localcommunity colleges and improve transfer pathways to Cal Poly. Their efforts began this summer and will continue throughout the 2024-25 academic year. Office of the Provost The Provost's office is excited to announce that Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna has been selected as the new coordinator of national and international fellowships and scholarships. In this role, Rajakaruna will guide students and recent graduates in applying for competitive awards such as the Churchill, Rhodes and Truman scholarships, offering personalized advising and support throughout the process. Under the leadership of Susan Cheng, associate provost for student success, Rajakaruna’s work began this summer and continues through the 2024-25 academic year. Office of the Provost The Provost’s Office is seeking a YRO Faculty Fellow to support the planning and implementation of Year-Round Operations (YRO), which is expected to launch in 2027. The faculty fellow will serve on the YRO Steering Committee, collaborate with campus stakeholders and help develop a communications strategy. The work begins in winter 2025 and extends through spring, with possible renewals. Interested tenured or tenure-track faculty should submit a C.V. and a statement of interest by Thursday, Oct. 10, to Senior Vice Provost Daniel Grassian at [emailprotected]. Office of the Provost Cal Poly is dedicated to engaging with our community, which includes addressing critical regional needs. The Allied Health Initiative, led by Faculty Fellow Dr. Aydin Nazmi aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals on the Central Coast by building a more robust healthcare education and workforce ecosystem. In partnership with numerous campus and community stakeholders, Nazmi is exploring how our allied health and health professional portfolio might be strengthened by expanding existing and developing new pathways to the healthcare workforce. Meeting Oct. 26 The Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. In compliance with Cal Poly Foundation Policy 122, public comments must be emailed to [emailprotected] by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. The agenda will be available after Oct. 21 upon request via email [[emailprotected]]. Virtual participation is encouraged; register for Zoom login details via email [[emailprotected]] at least 72 hours before the meeting. Login details will be provided to each registrant to join as an attendee. For more information, contact the Cal Poly Foundation office at 805-756-7147 or [emailprotected]. Latest Issue Released The fall edition dives deep into how members of the Cal Poly community are preserving California. Read articles about student and alumni firefighters learning to battle blazes across the state, student research leveraging an advanced drone to understand monarch butterflies, a startup keeping harmful batteries out of the waste stream, and a hands-on excavation that brought a family closer to their ancestors. Pick up a print copy in racks throughout campus or find all stories — and a brand-new video — on the Cal Poly Magazine website. Read Cal Poly Magazine Online University Communications University Communications is retooling the annual Great Grads commencement feature that highlights a graduate candidate from each college, and the office is seeking nominees by Nov. 22. The focus on each college nominee is California Impact: How a Cal Poly education provides students the opportunity to take part in research, academic work and co-curricular experiences that directly and tangibly impact California, and how grads are headed to careers that will allow them to continue impacting the Golden State. Submit 2025 Great Grad Nominations Faculty and Staff Housing Cal Poly Partners is excited to announce a new addition to its portfolio of faculty and staff housing. Cal Poly Partners recently acquired 120 units in the newly constructed Harvest Lofts in the San Luis Ranch community. Just 4 miles from Cal Poly, Harvest Lofts offers four distinct floor plans, from studio to one-bedroom apartments. The units are ready for occupancy. Available for Cal Poly faculty and staff to rent, these units will provide a reliable, hassle-free housing solution. For more information contact Patty Martin at 805-752-1082 or email [emailprotected]. Join CSU’s Enhance your professional and personal growth with a variety of wellbeing workshops. From guided mindfulness sessions (“Weekly Dose of Mindfulness”) to reduce stress and build resilience, to interactive workshops like “Creating a Culture of Feedback” and “Dealing with Triggers,” these programs offer practical tools for thriving in today’s fast-paced environment. Whether you're looking to cultivate emotional intelligence, improve communication skills, or develop a resilient mindset, there’s a session tailored to your needs. Join to build a stronger, more connected community and empower yourself with strategies for success. Register for these free sessions Lead Counselor Financial Aid Office Barbara Rollins, lead counselor in the Financial Aid Office, is retiring after 30 years of service. She entered Cal Poly as a postbaccalaureate in 1994, started work as Federal Work-Study student in the Financial Aid Office eventually becoming a full-time counselor. Rollins has helped countless students and supporters during her time at the university and is grateful for having worked with so many talented and passionate colleagues. Her last day in office is Oct. 10., soon after she’ll see both her sons’ weddings—she’s also looking forward to spending quality time with her husband Bob and their boxers, Maggie and Dani. Strengthen Your Security Week Two of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Since passwords alone aren't always secure, Cal Poly requires MFA for all students, staff and faculty accessing their portal, email and business apps. This two-step process, like using a code or fingerprint, adds extra security. ITS recommends enabling MFA on personal accounts like banking, social media and email. If you receive repeated MFA notifications without attempting to log in, don’t approve it — change your password immediately. Set up MFA for all sensitive accounts with Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency’s guidelines. Set up MFA for all sensitive accounts CSU’s Got Talent Webcast Join CSU's Got Talent on Oct. 16 with Navi Radjou, innovation and leadership advisor, bestselling author and Thinkers50 Innovation Award winner where we will discuss how you can harness frugal innovation, a radically new paradigm to generate greater social and economic value using fewer resources. Businesses and nations worldwide are embracing frugal innovation to serve thrifty, socially conscious and eco-responsible citizens. Learn how to adopt principles and techniques to boost agility, innovate efficiently and co-create an inclusive, healthy and sustainable society. Register for the Oct. 16 webcast Oct. 10 on Dexter Lawn East Be a hero and save up to three lives in just an hour. Join a campus blood drive hosted by University Personnel, Orfalea College of Business and Campus Health and Wellbeing on Wednesday, Oct. 10. A Vitalant bus will be parked at Dexter Lawn East. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Scheduled donations are prioritized over walk-ups. Donors are encouraged to hydrate well and eat a hearty meal before donating. Contact Human Resources at [emailprotected] for more information. Screening of The Cal Poly Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) FIRE Institute is hosting a free screening of the award-winning documentary “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire,” on Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Spanos Theatre. A Q&A panel discussion, including the filmmaker Ralph Bloemers, WUI Director Frank Frievalt and retired San Luis Obispo County fire chief Robert Lewin will be held after the screening. The event is open to the entire community. Learn more about the film and get tickets Center for Service in Action The Center for Service in Action will host a volunteer and service fair for the campus community from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, on Dexter Lawn. This event is for anyone who has wanted to serve on a board of directors or an advisory committee or engage in meaningful service at a local nonprofit or government agency. Come by the fair to speak to representatives from organizations doing amazing work in San Luis Obispo County. Several community partner agencies will share how service can take shape for faculty, staff and students. Learn by Doing Research Showcase The annual SURP+ Research Poster Symposium will showcase over 125 projects completed as part of Cal Poly’s Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURPs). Student researchers from five colleges will present their findings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Engineering Plaza, between Engineering IV (No. 192) and Bonderson Engineering Projects Center (No. 197). Student poster presenters worked with faculty members and community partners last summer, resulting in student-faculty co-authored publications and university, industry and community collaborations. In addition, 35 Central Coast Community College students active with the C6 NSF LSAMP Program will share their research. Light refreshments provided by the Office of Student Research. Learn more about the event Division of Research Collocated with the annual SURP+ symposium on Friday, Oct.18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Engineering Plaza is Cal Poly's Mini Graduate School and Research Opportunities Fair. The fair is for students interested in learning about graduate programs or learning how to get involved in research activities in preparation for graduate studies. Off-campus recruiters include Northern Arizona University, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz and UC Santa Barbara. Cal Poly resources include Career Services; Graduate Education/Graduate Admissions; Office of Student Research/BEACoN/CSU LSAMP; Extended, Professional and Continuing Education; the School of Education and five colleges. Learn more about the Graduate and Research Fair 26th Annual The 26th Annual Mark S. Reuling Volleyball Tournament is back on Friday, Oct. 25. All faculty and staff are invited to join ASI Intramural Sports and Campus Health and Wellbeing in this annual tournament that aims to raise funds for the Reuling Memorial Endowment promoting education and prevention programs regarding bipolar disorder and depression for our community. The tournament is part of Buck the Stigma presented by ASI Student Government and PULSE, which includes a series of events held in an effort to reduce the stigmas around mental health. Registration opens Friday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. Learn more about the tournament Elevate U Grand Opening Help celebrate the grand opening of our Elevate U Beauty collection on Oct. 11from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring iconic brands such as Maybelline, NYX, Kokie, Milani and others. Join us for sample giveaways, refreshments and fun. Receive a special discount on a future Elevate U item purchase with an Elevate U purchase at our grand opening event. Visit the Cal Poly Mustang Shop website to see some of our new Elevate U beauty offerings. Giveaway quantities are limited, restrictions apply with future purchase coupons. Contact the store for more details. Wednesday, Oct. 9 Saturday, Oct. 12 About State Jobs The official listing of staff and management vacancies is posted on jobs.calpoly.edu. As a courtesy to our on-campus employees, job vacancies are also published in the Cal Poly Report. Current employees can also find job postings at CSU Careers, an internal job site for CSU employees. To apply, go online and complete the application form. Applicants needing assistance may contact Human Resources at 805-756-2236. For assistance with academic positions, email Academic Personnel. Submit all requested application materials as attachments to your online application by the review begin date for full consideration. Staff Listings Campus Advocate, Safer - Campus Health and Wellbeing (SSP III) – Student Affairs – CH&W-SAFER. $63,312-$90,204 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $67,000-$74,239 per year. Open until filled. #542694 Control Specialist (Facilities Control Specialist) – Administration and Finance – Facilities Management -Engineering Services. $81,444-$103,272 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $81,444-$103,272 per year. Open until filled. #541286 Payroll Technician (Payroll Technician II) – Administration and Finance – University Financial Services - Payroll Services. $46,368-$79,440 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $52,500-$63,000 per year. Open until filled. #539952 Director of Student Financial Services (Administrator II) – Administration and Finance – University Financial Services - Student Financial Services. Anticipated hiring range: $99,225-$132,300 per year. Open until filled. #543181 Groundsworker - Facilities Management and Development – Administration and Finance – Facilities Management - Landscape Services. $44,664-$70,080 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $46,358-$55,000 per year. Open until filled. #542696 Administrative Support Coordinator, ROTC – Academic Affairs – Provost – CAFES – Military Science (ROTC). $46,368-$72,864 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $46,376-$55,560 per year. Open until filled. #543075 Assistant Athletic Trainer I – Student Affairs – Athletics – Training. $42,852-$82,704 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-$63,000 per year. Open until filled. #543211 Academic Advisor - Mustang Success Center (Student Services Professional II) – Academic Affairs – Provost – University Advising. $58,092-$82,608 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $58,092-$63,441 per year. Open until filled. #543154 On-Site Support Specialist (Information Technology Consultant – Career) – Information Services – ITS – Client Services Support. $58,944-$145,488 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $77,000-$88,000 per year. Open until filled. #541910 Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management (Administrator III) – Strategic Enrollment Management – Strategic Enrollment Management. Anticipated hiring range: $175,000-$200,000 per year. Open until filled. #542737 Communication Studies Administrative Support Coordinator I (ASC I) – Academic Affairs – Provost – Communication Studies. $42,504-$66,792 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $42,504-$51,906 per year. Open until filled. #542602 Faculty Listings Part-Time Assistant Coach, Rodeo – CAFES – College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Science. #542657 Assistant Professor of Transportation Engineering (AY 25/26) – CENG - Civil and Environmental Engineering. #542372 Assistant Professor of Structural Engineering (AY 25/26) – CENG - Civil and Environmental Engineering. #542194 Assistant Professor of Construction Engineering (AY 25/26) – CENG - Civil and Environmental Engineering. #542311 Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Thermo/Fluids - AY 25/26 – CENG - Mechanical Engineering. #541986 Tenure Track Position - Marine Ecology – CSM - Biological Sciences. #542968 Tenure Track Position - Biochemistry and Biophysical Chemistry – CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry. #542853 Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior/Human Resources Management – OCOB – Management – HR and Information Systems Area. #542384 Assistant Professor of Information Systems – OCOB – Management – Human Resources and Information Systems Area. #542487 Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering (AY 25/26) – CENG - Electrical Engineering. #542654 Assistant Professor - Production Systems Design, Modeling, and Analysis - AY 25/26 – CENG - Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. #542333 Assistant Professor - Strategic Engineering Management of Industrial Systems - AY 25/26 – CENG - Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. #542398 PART-TIME LECTURER POOLS – Pools are open for 2024-2025 academic year. Please visit jobs.calpoly.edu and search department of interest. About Jobs at Cal Poly Partners Cal Poly Partners 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 Partners website. For assistance, contact Human Resources at 805-756-1121. No Listings About Jobs at ASI Hiring, developing and empowering quality staff is what drives the ASI organization. Join ASI’s dynamic team that supports not only the students of Cal Poly, but the entire university and greater San Luis Obispo communities. Only new job listings are posted below. For a full list of available postings and to apply, visit the Work For ASI webpage. Sign up for the Work For ASI newsletter to be the first to know about new opportunities. For more information, contact ASI Human Resources at [emailprotected]. No Listings 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. Cal Poly Report Submission Guidelines All announcements, events and other listings and information must be faculty- and/or staff-focused.Submissions may run only one time — with the exception of Catastrophic Leave announcements and Employment Opportunities, which can run up to two consecutive weeks. Items are strictly limited to 100 words and should, whenever possible, provide a link to additional information online. 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. Entries submitted by those other than the designated approver must be accompanied by an approval form signed by the unit's approver. CPR is published on Wednesdays weekly during the school year, except during academic breaks, and monthly in the summer. The deadline for each issue is 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. Get more information about the Cal Poly Report Learn more about finding or promoting campus events University Communications and Marketing has resources and tools to help promote your event to the campus community. University Events Calendar is a Master Calendar that lists all events — such as performances, lectures, workshops and more. Use 25Live to help you schedule or book a venue for an upcoming on-campus event. Note that a minimum three-day lead time is required to process a request for use of space through the Office of the Registrar. Turn to Cal Poly Now for Student Affairs events, learning opportunities and more. Find the latest student-focused campus events from your favorite Student Affairs programs and services by through Cal Poly Now. The next issue will be Wednesday, Oct. 16.See Memorable Moments From the First Week on Campus
Three Startups to Watch from the CIE’s Demo Day
Dr. Kent Spiers
Faculty Transfer Fellows Announcement
Faculty Fellow for National and International Fellowships and Scholarships
Call for Applications: YRO Faculty Fellow
Allied Health Initiative and Faculty Fellow
Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors
Cal Poly Magazine
Seeking Nominees for 2025 Great Grads Feature
120 New Housing Units Now Available
Cross Campus Collaboration Workshops
Barbara Rollins
The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication
Frugal Innovation — Co-building a Better World with Less
Campus Blood Drive
“Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire”
Volunteer and Service Fair Oct. 17
SURP+ Research Poster Symposium Oct. 18
Mini Graduate School and Research Opportunities Fair
Mark S. Reuling Volleyball Tournament
Cal Poly Mustang Shop
Men’s soccer vs. Sacramento State, Mustang Memorial Field at Spanos Stadium, 7 p.m.
Men’s soccer vs. UC Riverside, Mustang Memorial Field at Spanos Stadium, 7 p.m.CSU/State Positions
Cal Poly Partners Positions
ASI Employment Positions
Event Marketing Resources
University Events Calendar
25Live: Space and Event Scheduling
Cal Poly Now
Thank you for reading the Cal Poly Report.