Back to School 2017 by Mustang News

BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION • THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 • CAL POLY

ON THE COVER

Various polaroid photos of Week of Welcome and back to school events in San Luis Obispo, 2017.

Back to School

Photo by Chris Gateley, Mustang News.

EDITOR’S NOTE...................................4 RECAP OF CAMPUS EVENTS..................6 CAL POLY’S INCOMING CLASS ...............8 ADVICE FROM PROFESSORS ...............10 SLEEP, SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC LIFE.....12

Sections

STUDY ABROAD .................................13 TWO CULTURES.................................14

NEWS...............................................18

MULTICULTURAL EVENTS ...................15

ARTS ................................................24

ASI EVENT CALENDER ........................16

SPORTS............................................28

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Editor’s note: We are YOUR voice At Mustang News, our mission is to create content that is factually accurate and provides a platform for students to share their stories. Mustang News is meant to represent the Cal Poly community. We are the voice of the students. We want to hear your opinion. We want to hear what you have to say. This newspaper is not for its staff. It is not for us to see our bylines in print. Rather, our coverage is not only based on what we believe the students deserve to know, but need to know. Mustang News is a platform that relies on freedom of speech. This is why we want to hear you. As students, you may have questions about your campus community. You deserve answers and we at Mustang News will always try to provide those answers. We rely on your testimonies and your knowledge. We want to be accurate and allow everyone’s voice to be heard. We are not here to censor news. That is not our job. We will cover news that we believe is worthy of being covered, no matter how controversial it may be. Sometimes we’ll publish something that you may disagree with. Though stories can be

interpreted differently by each reader and not always liked, I pledge they will be accurate. That’s what I want from this year. I want students to be informed and feel that they can trust Mustang News as a legitimate news source. By writing a story, we may not be able to incite change, but we can bring information to light and let the audience decide. We are here to do that; to cover the news accurately. To share the campus conversations. To provide quality content. The campus culture has changed. A surge in campus activism has provided us with the opportunity to share contrasting opinions on one platform. Mustang News is that platform. Allow us to share your voice. Mustang News is evolving. We have grown from a print-only news organization to a multimedia-driven newsroom. No longer are we forced into the confines of print and are free to explore the opportunities of the digital world. There is always room for more. We are open to hear your thoughts, concerns, ideas and questions—because Mustang News is not for its staff, it’s for the students.

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THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Stay in the loop: recap of campus events Mustang News Staff Report @ CPMustangNews

For incoming freshman and continuing students who have either been too busy hitting the books, here is a recap of last year’s news.

Student government Agricultural science senior Riley Nilsen will serve as Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President for the 2017-2018 after winning the election last year. Nilsen served as the Chair of the ASI Board of Directors, during which a campaign spending limit of $2,000 for presidential candidates was passed by the board. This was the first ASI election in Cal Poly history to feature a campaign spending limit.

Frost donation William and Linda Frost donated $110 mil-

lion to the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) last May — the largest donation in California State University (CSU) history. The donation will fund scholarships, instructors, undergraduate research and a new 64,000 square foot research center. William Frost is a biochemistry alumnus who graduated in 1972. He is a close friend of then COSAM Dean Phil Bailey who facilitated the donation.

Dean Phil Bailey retired College of Science and Mathematics Dean Phil Bailey announced his retirement after serving at Cal Poly since 1970 and as COSAM Dean since 1983. He is known for taking an interest in student’s personal lives, proposing the construction of Faculty Offices East (building 25) and Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (building 180) and his work with William and Linda Frost. He will be succeeded by Dean Wendt, a 1993 Cal Poly biology alumnus who has served as the COSAM dean of research since 2013 and has taught at Cal Poly since 2002.

power - and save the university $17 million over 20 years. The farm is an early step to President Jeffrey Armstrong’s announced goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

State audit An audit of the CSU system revealed growth in administrators and administrative pay that exceeded faculty and staff. The audit also discussed a lack of relocation policies and an absence of written budget review. In an August meeting, the auditor said that the CSU system had been responsive to her and that she expected all recommendations to be completed by April 2018.

Solar farm Cal Poly began building an 18.5-acre solar farm expected to be completed by winter quarter. The project will be financed, designed and constructed by REC Solar, a solar company co-founded by Cal Poly alumni Judy Ledford and Fred Sission. When completed, the farm will supply 11 million kilowatts - 25 percent of Cal Poly’s

Graduation Initiative Cal Poly created a new graduation initiative plan to further increase graduation rates. The plan sent to the Chancellor’s office proposed on-campus housing for freshmen and sophomores, extending block scheduling to the entirety of freshman year, awarding more grants to students, improving class availability and hiring more faculty. The Graduation Initiative Team has received $800,000 from the Chancellor’s office as part of a larger CSU effort to improve graduation rates across the CSU system. According to the Cal Poly Fall 2016 Fact Book, four-year graduation rates have already increased at Cal Poly from 20 percent to 47 percent in the past five years. CAMPUS RECAP continued on page 8

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THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

CAMPUS RECAP continued from page 6

Overenrollment Cal Poly unexpectedly overenrolled by 1,000 students for the 2017-18 academic year. According to President Armstrong, 200 more students decided to stay at Cal Poly last year than expected due to efforts under the Graduation Initiative and an additional 800 more students accepted their offers of admission than expected. Further, the 2017-18 admissions cycle was the first time Cal Poly admitted students without early decision. This drastically changed the admission’s prediction model. To accommodate the additional students, University Housing is adding 1,000 beds to Poly Canyon Village.

A glimpse into Cal Poly’s incoming class: diversity and academics

COMING TOGETHER

New VP announced Jozi de Leon began her term in Summer 2017 as Cal Poly’s first Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, having previously served as Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and professor of educational specialties at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. She will report directly to President Armstrong.

CHRIS GATELE Y | MUSTANG NE W S

| Incoming students meet with their groups during Week of Welcome.

Josh Ortlip @ CPMustangNews

This year is set to break records for the incoming class in student diversity and population, with vast growth in both areas. Cal Poly’s reputation as a university has risen with rapid acclaim and the incoming 2017-18 class of students represents a diverse and successful class.

How the incoming class ranks Though Cal Poly has over-enrolled by 1,000 students this year, the quality of incoming students reflects the makings of an elite university, marking an improvement over the past nine years. Since 2008, the average freshman GPA per year has demonstrated a significant increase from 3.78 to this year’s 4.04. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American

College Testing (ACT) scores also show high performance with an average 30 for ACT and 1391 for SAT, higher than the previous year’s 28.6 ACT and 1251 SAT. Additionally, transfer students for Fall 2017 demonstrate impressive academic accolades with an average 3.41 GPA. Incoming class is more diverse than ever In addition to an incoming class with above average grades, Cal Poly is also making changes toward increasing diversity. Cal Poly takes pride in being inclusive and providing all students with education opportunities for success in the classroom and beyond. According to the website of the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, “all of Cal Poly is actively engaged in increasing, recognizing and celebrating our diversity and building inclusive excellence.” This year is set to really make a difference in that area and shows promise for underrepresented minorities. “The incoming class is poised to be the university’s most diverse of the past two decades,” Lazier said. “However, right now, for first-time freshmen and transfers, the university anticipates an increase of about 30 percent in the number of underrepresented minorities and also specifically in the number of Hispanic/Latino enrolling for Fall 2017 in comparison to the previous year.” This statistic demonstrates the positive impact of Cal Poly’s reputation and the steps taken to improve diversity and opportunity for high achievement to a variety of students.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Advice from professors: what they really want you to know Katherine Flitsch @ CPMustangNews

When students enter college, they tend to get a barrage of advice coming from various sources. But when it comes to advice for academic performance, there is no better source than the judges of that performance — professors. A sampling of Cal Poly professors provided commentary on a few pieces of commonly heard academic advice: 1. Introduce yourself to your professors on the first day of class In a small, discussion-based classes, it is worth the effort to ensure that your professor knows who you are and it is wise to establish a relationship with an expert in your field. In large classes, an introduction might not be enough to truly make an impression. “You’re going to get in line with forty other students doing the same thing,” civil engineering professor Dan Jansen said. This doesn’t mean that you should give up any hope of being known by your professor; just make yourself known in ways beyond a handshake. If a formal introduction on day one is your style, follow that up with substance. Participate in class, go to office hours and contribute to discussions. “If your professor doesn’t know your name by week five, something’s gone wrong,” assistant German professor Christian Anderson said. Many classes aren’t designed in the conversational, collaborative style that is characteristic of smaller classes, but any course can have a level of interaction. Make yourself known by your professors and go beyond the first day introduction. 2. Read the textbook Aerospace engineering lecturer Bruce Wright emphatically endorsed the benefits of a course textbook; so much so that he wrote a textbook for the course AERO 310, Air and Space, when it was lacking. Other professors shared the same sentiment about supplementing lecture with readings. “It is impossible for any professor to teach you everything there is to know about any topic,” assistant chemistry professor Ashley McDonald said. That’s why outside readings are important — they provide content that is not communicated in the limited timespan of a lecture. Skipping on reading is like skipping class; either way, students miss vital information. In addition, it’s advised to get ahead.

“In general, in life, being prepared is the way to be,” Anderson said. If you already have some grasp on the subject before lecture, you’ll know which details to note. Granted, certain subjects do not have reading assignments, but advice from professors boils down to this – supplement the lecture with some other form of information, whether that’s outside materials or re-reading notes from class. 3. Show up to class This piece of advice was obvious to the professors surveyed. “To me, that is number one,” Jansen said. Anderson’s take on this advice allows more freedom of choice. “Go, and if you don’t want to go, then you should drop,” Anderson said. “If it’s not time for you to do college, do something else and do it well, but if you are going to do college, do it well.” 4. Go to office hours Attending office hours is one of the most common tips for academic success. Classroom expectations vary from professor to professor, so clarifying your professor’s expectations before attending office hours is a good idea. In general, professors expect students to have reviewed material covered in class and come to office hours with specific questions. “If you have already tried homework problems and you can pull up that work, show me what you’ve done, and where you got confused. I can immediately jump in and give you effective assistance. Be prepared!” McDonald said. According to Anderson, office hours are not a substitute for doing work. “They are not an executive summary,” Anderson said. 5. Remember to breathe While you are here for an education, it’s also important to take time to relax. “Prot e c t y ou r l e i s u re t i m e ,” Anderson said. Taking a break from school to have leisure time is essential to being holistically well, being healthy and having success in other areas, including academics. Anderson suggested going to shows as a way to get away from the stress of school. “Always attend the performances of the music department and the theatre and dance department,” Anderson said. As a student at Cal Poly, take pride in your education. Take initiative inside and outside the classroom, and set the bar high for yourself.

I M P O R T A N T

EMERGENCY INFORMATION ABOUT DIABLO CANYON POWER PLANT

Welcome to Cal Poly. We are glad you have chosen to make San Luis Obispo your home. Situated approximately seven miles north of Avila Beach is Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). DCPP is a nuclear power plant that generates approximately 10% of California’s electricity. Both PG&E and the County of San Luis Obispo have developed detailed emergency plans that would be used in the unlikely event that an emergency were to occur at DCPP.

If an emergency occurs at DCPP that requires you to take action, you will hear a steady siren for three minutes. This means you should tune to a local radio or television station, or Marine Channel 16 while at sea, for emergency information and instructions.

Additional emergency information is in the current Emergency Planning Calendar, the current SLO County YP phone book, and at www.slocounty.ca.gov/oes.

Sponsored by the County of San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Paid for by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

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Proud to be the preferred grocery store of CP Athletics

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

How to master your sleep, social and academic life while in college

BAL ANCE

DRE W HAUGHE Y | MUSTANG NE W S

| Getting organized will help to keep you in check and on top of your studies.

Krista Balster-Gee @ CPMustangNews

College can be stressful, especially for new students and transfers. With larger workloads, conflicting work schedules, demanding social lives and the need to get enough sleep, students can feel overwhelmed by classwork while trying to strike a balance. However, with a little more planning, experience and guidance, those worries can fade away after fall quarter. Here is how to avoid getting overwhelmed during your first year in college. 1. Use a calendar service Students can use online programs - such as Outlook or Google calendars - that help them plan and make time for all the activities they need to accomplish and responsibilities they need to fulfill. Agribusiness graduate Shane Gillard was a leader in Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) and a member of marketing teams and numerous clubs. The ability to schedule all his events in one place made it easier for him to remain active in extracurriculars. “Throughout college I knew that physical health, social time and academic excellence were all important to me — therefore I mapped out everything on my Outlook Calendar, and it really helped me stay on track,” Gillard said. 2. Choose your top three clubs and stick with them The Campus Wide Showcase is an exciting opportunity to sign up for student organizations. Sometimes it’s tempting to sign up for each club that grabs your attention. By focusing on your three favorite social or academic clubs, you can better prioritize what you need and want to do most.

3. Set daily and realistic goals Another way to practice prioritizing workloads is to set consistent and realistic goals. History junior Mariah Fiske works off campus and often takes five classes, which can total 20 or more units. Even with a heavy course load, she manages her time by using a planner, setting daily goals, and breaking bigger projects into smaller steps. “I like to make a list and keep a planner so I can cross off my list as a I finish different tasks,” Fiske said. “I will even set daily goals for big projects to keep my workload manageable.” Shane Gillard commented on the satisfaction that he felt from accomplishing his shortand long-term goals. “The tenacity and strength to continuously push through day by day achieving those short-term and long-term goals that you set up for yourself is very satisfying,” Gillard said. 4. Saying “no” is OK No matter how much planning students do, sometimes work piles up and becomes daunting. In times like this, taking a break from less important activities is important for mental and physical health. “It’s okay to say ‘no’ to an event or cut down work hours when your academics become more challenging,” Fiske said. “Even if it’s just a coffee break, [it] can be just the thing we need to relax!” Taking breaks and finding balance in busy schedules is no doubt very important to the success of students. When in doubt, the Freshman Focus Team has built in lessons for finding this balance in every residence hall. Talking to an academic advisor can help students to prioritize their lives. Finding the perfect system for prime mental and physical health all while maintaining academic excellence can be as simple as planning schedules, prioritizing tasks and sometimes just pausing for friends.

Preparing to study abroad: first steps Sonya Jindal @ CPMustangnews

Studying abroad is an opportunity college students are provided that promote learning of the vast cultural ties that shape our world. Students are able to have a ‘home away from home’ experience through these programs, while furthering their academic career. Register The first step towards studying abroad is attending a mandatory Study Abroad 101 workshop. These workshops will help establish a guide to financial planning, program selection and overall goals prior to your trip. In the workshop, advisors will help prospective study abroad students navigate their study abroad portal and possible program options. Students should begin planning to study abroad at least one school year before their desired program period.

ADVENTURE

Finances Through meticulous planning, studying abroad is a very attainable goal even if it seems hard to reach financially. Each program has a specific price range that vary in fees through location and classes. Financial aid is available for every study abroad program and many scholarships are also available. Talk to an advisor about what financial options are available for your trip. Eligibility Each study abroad program has its own GPA requirements. Students must be in good academic standing to study abroad, with most programs requiring at least a 2.5 GPA. However, if your GPA falls below this cut off, personal essays or faculty recommendation letters can be an alternative route. Visit the Cal Poly Study Abroad website at abroad.calpoly.edu/ for more information.

GINA R ANDA ZZO | MUSTANG NE W S

| Students get the chance to explore while studying abroad in Tübingen, Germany.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

GINA R ANDA ZZO | MUSTANG NE W S

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Two cultures shaping one college experience

TABATA GORDILLO | MUSTANG NE W S

Tabata Gordillo @ CPMustangNews

Camila Gonzalez walks into Linnaea’s Café wearing a vibrantly colored jacket, a newsboy hat and a radiant smile on her face. Taking a sip of her iced coffee, she softly grins as she reminisces about a time when her only form of communication was through color. Her colorful clothing served as self-expression when communication through language was not an option.

Journalism junior Camila Gonzalez moved to the United States from Santiago, Chile eight years ago, only speaking Spanish. She said she continues to embrace her nationality and no change of environment will ever strip her of what she considers to be a major part of her identity. As an incoming junior, she no longer faces the challenge that all new students encounter — finding one’s place within the student body. Well-established and optimistic, Gonzalez hopes to continue to grow as she passes the halfway mark of her college experience. “I have been in the United States long enough to feel comfortable with the culture,” Gonzalez said. “I find it easy to embrace it in many ways, but I will always carry my Chilean culture with me. It’s who I am and I’m proud of that.” Moving to California has allowed Gonzalez to find differences that lie among both countries, finding positives and negatives in both. Throughout the years, Gonzalez practiced the customs and values of both cultures. Because of this double exposure, Gonzalez had to make a maajor decision when choosing a college. “I thought about going back to Chile for college,” Gonzalez said. “But, I felt like I would have better opportunities here. Going back to Chile would have meant falling back into what I already knew.” Gonzalez’s priority was to get a full college

experience and leave the comfort of her home. She wanted to challenge herself and more so, her independence. “Colleges have a completely different system in Chile. For example, dorms aren’t a thing,” Gonzalez said. “If you’re from the city, you live at home with your parents and commute to your university. Having the chance to live away from my parents served as a catalyst to maturation.” Cal Poly was always at the top of Gonzalez’s list. Her transition into college was just like everyone else’s. However, coming from two different cultures allows her to look at the Cal Poly college experience from an outsider’s perspective. “Cal Poly gets a lot of heat for having little diversity,” Gonzalez said. “But I never had a difficult time adjusting to that. I feel like I went through the same struggle as everyone else in the beginning of finding my place and my people.” For Gonzalez, it all comes down to finding like-minded people who are willing to learn about new places and new cultures. Although Cal Poly may not have the most diverse campus, Gonzalez said open-minded people can be found anywhere. “I’m attracted to people who are curious and open to new ideas,” Gonzalez said. “I’m drawn to that because moving here forced me to get out of my comfort zone and delve into new things.” With two years of college under her belt, Gonzalez reflected on the opportunities that Cal Poly

has provided her. “Going to school here has opened up so many doors for me,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve had the chance to surround myself with people who respect and appreciate my roots.” Last year, Gonzalez joined Cal Poly’s student-run radio station, KCPR, and is currently the station’s assistant content editor. In addition to finding her niche in KCPR, Gonzalez and her sister established Easy Eyes, a vintage apparel line. “Our brand has flourished because college has given us access to better networking,” Gonzalez said. “Given the circumstances, I can’t help but wonder how different my life would be if I had gone back to Chile for college.” Gonzalez’s biggest advice for prospective international students is to take the risk and use it as a motive for personal growth. “Fear is definitely a factor when you’re being exposed to a new environment, but it also gives you the confidence to accomplish things you never thought you would do,” Gonzalez said. “I think that this is something that everyone needs in life because we are never guaranteed that we’ll stay in the same place forever.” Gonzalez’s hope for the new school year is to proceed with the growth that college has continuously provided her with. Her goal is to approach new ideas and meets new people who have the same curiosity and open-mindedness to learn.

Katie Biddle @ CPMustangNews

For years, Cal Poly has been a hub of activity during Week of Welcome — a week of bonding and tradition loved by generations of students. However, there are several events hosted throughout September that offer students plenty of opportunities to learn through talks, music, socializing and hundreds of other wonderful experiences. Here are some of the events coming up: The End of Cassini • Sept. 16 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. • Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre Patio On Sept. 15, the Cassini spacecraft will re-enter the atmosphere, finishing its 13year mission to Saturn. Jani Radebaugh is a planetary scientist who studies images captured by the spacecraft to learn about the history of Saturn’s moon Titan. She will give a talk sharing what Cassini has taught researchers and answer any questions from students. Admission is free. Cal Poly Campus Wide Showcase • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. • H parking lots past the Agriculture Unit

Cal Poly’s clubs come out in full force to introduce themselves and invite new students at the 2017 club showcase. Every club on campus will be there and everyone is welcome to explore campus clubs and organizations. Arnab Chakrabarty and Sanju Sahai: An Evening of North Indian Classical Music • Sept. 18 7:30 p.m. • Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre Join artists Arnab Chakrabarty and Sanju Sahai as they play traditional North Indian instruments and share their beautiful music with Cal Poly students. They have both toured the world and are famous for teaching master classes that feature their North Indian classical music heritage. Tickets are $9 for students and $14 for general admission. La Guitarra Masterclass and Concert Series • Sept. 22, 23 and 24 Join 11 teachers and performers as they perform concerts or teach master classes. There are many times and dates, so make sure to check this event out at tickets.calpoly.edu.

ARNAB CHAKRABARTY AND

SANJU SAHAI AN EVENING OF

NORTH INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC MONDAY SEPT. 18, 2017 7 : 3 0 P. M . S PA N O S T H E AT R E $14 GENERAL $9 STUDENTS C A L P O LY TICKET OFFICE: 805-756-4849 tickets.calpoly.edu

Sponsored by Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts, Music Department, Instructionally Related Activities program and the Tevis Fund for Visiting Artists. For more information, call the Music Department at 805-756-2406 or visit music.calpoly.edu/calendar/

LET’S DANCE

ANDRE W EPPERSON | MUSTANG NE W S

| CultureFest is an annual celebration of all the different cultures at Cal Poly.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Upcoming multicultural events

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

Upcoming ASI Events you don’t want to miss

SEPTEMBER WELCOME BACK KICK OFF Sept. 14 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | U.U. Plaza

Enjoy music from the band No Suits in the U.U. Plaza. There will also be shaved ice from Shaka Shak for students to enjoy.

OCTOBER TRIVIA NIGHT

KARAOKE N

Along with rounds of trivia, Mustang Station will offer free pizza and drinks. A prize will be given to the winning trivia team.

Sing your heart o karaoke hosted by Richard Jess.

CASINO NIGHT

Oct. 4 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Mustang Station

Oct. 11 | 7 p.m. -

NOVEMBER

Jacob Lopez @ CPMustangNews

TRIVIA NIGHT III

Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Mustang Station

Another trivia night featuring pizza, drinks and prizes.

Nov. 8 | 8 p.m. - 12 p.m. | Chumash Auditorium

Head out to Chumash to play casino games.

Nov

Com and hea

DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT

FALL POOLOOZA

Come out to the Main Gym for a comedy show featuring Modern Family actor Adam Devine.

Come watch a movie while swimming in the Leisure Pool. If you’ve never watched a movie while swimming, now is your chance.

While a DJ spins tracks at the Leisure Pool, hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be served.

Sept. 16 | 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Recreation Center

Sept. 14 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Recreation Center

Sept. 30 | 12 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Recreation Center

NIGHT

TRIVIA NIGHT II

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

out in Mustang Station with by Charlie’s Place and emcee

Another trivia night featuring pizza, drinks and prizes.

10 p.m. | Mustang Station

Oct. 18 | 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Mustang Station

HANKSGIVING CRAFTING

KARAOKE NIGHT

me get free donuts, bagels, coffee d tea to make crafts before ading home for break.

Charlie’s Place is hosting karaoke again! Emcee Richard Jess has all your favorite songs.

v. 18 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | U.U. Plaza

Oct. 27-28 | 8 p.m. - 12 p.m. | UU Plaza

Nov. 29 | 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Mustang Station

CHRIS GATELEY | MUSTANG NE W S

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | BACK TO SCHOOL | MUSTANG NEWS

COMEDY SHOW

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

Shake it up: protein shakes now available at Shake Smart Laura Horst @ CPMustangNews

Shake Smart has opened in front of the Recreation Center as a healthy “on-the-go” dining option. Conceived by San Diego State University graduates, Shake Smart’s mission is to make healthy eating more convenient for students. The venue hosts a variety of healthy, protein-based shakes and meals. Outside of Cal Poly’s fitness hub, Shake Smart’s location lends itself to gym-goers while still maintaining a convenient location for students on their way to class or the nearby Julian A. McPhee University Union Plaza. Shake Smart is different from Jamba Juice and Lucy’s, two other established smoothie shops on campus. The shop’s specialty shakes boast at least 30 grams of protein per serving. The protein content of each item is list on their menu. In addition, smoothie crafters can whip up a drink that fits gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free diets.

Ordering on iPads, visitors can choose from a selection of wraps, protein-rich shakes, coldbrew coffees and acai bowls. The iPad interface allows customers the unique ability to customize a drink to their own personal tastes. First-time visitors of Shake Smart enter their phone number and name into the iPad to set up a new account. This account can be accessed during future visits as a way to review past orders and customizations for a quick order of the customer’s favorite shakes and bowls. The iPad interface allows customers to view all of their options in a clear setting before placing an order, similar to a checkout page on online shopping websites. For smartphone users, iOS and Android owners have the option to download the Shake Smart app for a quick-scan pay option that allows the customer to accrue points for rewards. Shake Smart is coming to Cal Poly’s Campus Dining after two years of consideration. Associated Students, Inc. and the University Union Advisory Board collaborated

SHAKE IT UP

CHRIS GATELE Y | MUSTANG NE W S

| Its location provides students with a convenient post-workout snack.

with Dining Services to gauge student interest in adding a protein shake option to campus dining.

QUEER STUDIES MINOR Are you ready to make a difference? Explore how sexuality is central to human societies through intersectional, interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry, education and activism.

learn MORE:

wgs.calpoly.edu wgs@calpoly.edu

Currently up and running on campus, students will be able to try out Shake Smart between classes and workouts this fall. Shake Smart’s hours are the following: • Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Aidan McGloin @ mcgloin_aidan

Cal Poly accepted an additional 1,000 students for the 2017-18 academic year due to a change in the admission process and an increase in student retainment. This is a 5 percent increase from 2016. Approximately 200 of the returning students were expected to leave Cal Poly based on previous retainment rates. According to university spokesperson Matt Lazier, the student body will see a jump in size due to the number of continuing students. Lazier said the increase is “attributable to better-than-expected results in our campaigns aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates.” One factor contributing to the larger enrollment was changes to the admissions policy. Last year, Cal Poly ended its early decision application. The application allowed students to apply between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. Students who applied through early enrollment were notified of their acceptance around Dec. 15. However, students who have applied for federal and state financial aid were not notified of the aid they received until April 1. President

Jeffrey Armstrong explained how this policy was unfair. “We felt early decision was not consistent with underrepresented low income students attending Cal Poly,” Armstrong said. “You had to make a decision in December, but you don’t know your financial package until March.” With the early decision option, at least 25 percent of the incoming class would give their decision by December. With the removal of the early decision, the entire class of 2021 was not official until all regular admissions were accepted. According to Armstrong, early decision applicants also tended to accept admission more than regular decision applicants, so ending the option changed the way the university’s admissions office predicted how many students would accept admission. Combining early decision and regular admissions groups made a composite acceptance rate the model could not predict. The admissions office intentionally admitted fewer students because the model changed, but it was not adjusted enough, Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Humphrey said. Armstrong said next year Cal Poly will try to admit 1,000 students fewer than this year to return class sizes to last year’s numbers.

Incoming student housing With Fremont Hall closed until Fall 2018, University Housing is adding 1,000 beds to Poly Canyon Village (PCV) to house the incoming class. Student Housing South is expected to house the large sophomore class next year. According to Armstrong, Cal Poly will be working with the fire marshal to determine locations where beds can be safely added. According to Humphrey, three buildings in PCV will house freshman and the other four will house continuing students. Continuing students who met the housing deadline for PCV were informed that the university would increase the amount of students living in one apartment. Room configurations in PCV changed to accommodate the incoming class. Four-bedroom apartments will have eight students with two students per room and no desks. The rates for these apartments will be decreased by 10 percent. The College Living Learning Programs will be throughout University Housing and one or more may share a building. According to an email from Vice President of Students Affairs Jo Campbell, University Housing “ensures that 89 percent of our new students will be placed in one of their top five Learning

19 THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

2017 freshman class has 1000 more students than expected

Community preferences.” The university is not removing any offers of admission due to the overenrollment, unlike other universities such as University of California, Irvine. Armstrong allocated $1 million to hire additional faculty this year. He also said Cal Poly will convert unconventional spaces around campus into classrooms. Cal Poly will use community centers of residential halls as classrooms. Impacted classes are already an issue and some students are concerned that additional enrollment could have an effect on registration. “My engineer friends can’t get classes,” aerospace engineering senior Chris Young said in a Facebook comment. “How are the 1000 new freshmen supposed to?” In 2015 and 2016, Armstrong asked California State University Chancellor Timothy White to end enrollment growth and keep the university enrolled at the same number. “We’ve hit our max on so many fronts, but it’s such a complicated matter,” Armstrong said in a 2015 interview with Mustang News. “We can’t grow the way we have been growing, that’s for sure. We’ve simply run out of room.” White denied the zero percent increase and asked Cal Poly to instead increase enrollment by 180 students in 2015 and then 80 students in 2016. Between 2015 and 2016, new enrollment decreased by 600 students, although total enrollment increased by 400 students, according to the Cal Poly Fact Book. This means that admissions decreased, but more students stayed on compared to previous years.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR AND ON THE MENU The leaves aren’t the only things changing this fall. We heard from students that they were hungry for change, so this fall we are serving it up with hundreds of new menu items and seven new venues on campus. Come visit and let us know what you think!

#HEALTHYHACKS When in doubt, go without! Most options on campus are customizable, so feel free to ask for a substitute item or “without” an item. This is a simple way to make most options vegan or vegetarian. (Registered Dietitian approved)

CHEF’S TABLE Every Wednesday a Campus Dining Chef showcases their culinary mettle with a dish of their own design. Over the summer, campus enjoyed delicious banh mi sandwiches, chile rellenos, and ahi poke. Our mouths are watering in anticipation of what our chefs will dish out this fall.

GO GREEN BY EATING GREEN Going green doesn’t only mean recycling, your food choices also have an impact on the environment. To help students make educated sustainable choices, Campus Dining has a Wellness Office staffed with a registered dietitian.

Sydney Brandt @ CPMustangNews

WHERE

DEX TER L AW N

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DEXTER L AW N

(BUSINESS BREEZEWAY IN EVENT OF RAIN)

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

UPD’s alcohol control approach The department has been recognized for their efforts toward alcohol control on campus in recent years. “The department actually won a distinguished service award for all of our work in alcohol prevention and alcohol-related education last year,” Trobaugh said. UPD was one of two agencies in California to receive the award. Trobaugh said this is due in part to the department’s multipronged approach to alcohol control. This approach includes education about the dangers of over intoxication and liability issues, as well as responsibility with alcohol. “It’s important that everybody understands that; from our students, to the members in the community, to the businesses

10 A.M. – 2 P.M.

The University Police Department (UPD) received a $37,799 grant from State of California’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), according to a press release issued by Cal Poly. ABC’s Grant Assistance Program (GAP) aims to reduce sales of alcohol to minors and obviously intoxicated buyers. It also stops illegal solicitations of alcohol and other criminal activities, such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs. According to the press release, the grant pays for extra officer shifts to perform these operations and to focus on problem locations and those who furnish alcohol to minors. Officers also will focus on citing underage drinkers and confiscating fake IDs at stores and events. UPD has received the grant every year for the past three years, according to UPD Deputy Chief Brenda Trobaugh. This is con-

sidered rare for an agency the size of UPD. This year’s grant was the largest that UPD has received. The 2015-16 and 2016-17 grants were $29,806 and $36,148 respectively.

(BUSINESS BREEZEWAY IN EVENT OF RAIN)

WHEN

SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

WHERE D EX TE R L AW N (BUSINESS BREEZEWAY IN EVENT OF RAIN)

DEX TER LAWN (BUSINESS BREEZEWAY IN EVENT OF RAIN)

10 A.M. – 2 P.M.

FOLLO ON SOCIAL M

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

@ CA L P O LYA

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10 A.M. – 2 P.M.

@ CA L P O LYA B R OA D

21 THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

Cal Poly University Police receives grant for alcohol control

who sell alcohol to minors or continue to may not check IDs or when they do, they sell alcohol to someone who is over intoxkind of just glance at them and they don’t icated,” Trobaugh said. pay attention so they may take a lot of fake UPD provides training to employIDs,” Trobaugh said. “If they fail to check, ees that sell alcohol, such as Campus then that’s an administrative investigation Dining employees. that goes toward that establishment, “There’s trainings that you so that is looked at as well as have to go through so that the people who are buying you know what to look the alcohol.” for and what to do, The department’s how to check IDs, primary goal is to We want it to be so that over intoxication, reduce the amount what the law says of alcohol-related students are able to enjoy incidents where and what the penalties are if you ambulances are disthemselves, have a good don’t do A, B or C,” patched to or other Trobaugh said. incidents occur. time, but do it safely. The department “We want it to be also works with the so that the students BRENDA TROBAUGH Health Center, PULSE are able to enjoy themand other law enforcement selves, have a good time, agencies to intervene, train but do it safely,” Trobaugh said. and educate. According to Trobaugh, because UPD “We work multijurisdiction, so we work has received this grant every year for the with (San Luis Obispo Police Department), past three years, many of these strategies we work with (California Highway Patrol), are already in use, so Cal Poly will not see Morro Bay (Police Department), Cuesta anything drastically different this year (Police Department) and we work togethfrom last year. However, the department er on addressing establishments that have will continue to introduce new safety precautions in the future. a tendency to sell alcohol to minors or to oversell alcohol,” Trobaugh said. “We have an office that goes out and In addition, UPD stated that they will speaks with a lot of the fraternities about address fake IDs as they come across them responsibility and liability issues when you and establishments that fail to check them. have a party and how to have a safe one,” “There are certain establishments who Trobaugh said.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | NEWS | MUSTANG NEWS

Journalism senior wins Miss California pageant Sabrina Thompson @ sabrinaswriting

Cal Poly journalism senior Jillian Smith was crowned Miss California 2017 in Fresno July 1. This title qualifies her to compete in the Miss America Competition hosted in Atlantic City on Sept. 10. The prize for winning the Miss California title includes a $25,000 scholarship and opportunities to meet people in communities across the state. Smith said the Miss California title will provide her with numerous networking opportunities within her field of study. “Being Miss California will open doors for me, I’m sure,” Smith said. “I am a broadcast journalism major and in the seven days since I’ve been crowned I have already been contacted and interviewed with more than six media outlets, so I think this year will open doors I wouldn’t have thought possible before I even graduate.” According to the Miss California Organization website, the winner must represent a world “where values, knowledge, communication and elegance reign.” During the week of competition, 46 women participated in interviews with a panel of judges comprised of past pageant contestants and women who hold high positions in companies

and organizations. The contestants competed in swimsuit, formal wear and talent competitions. For her talent, Smith played the piano and performed “White Water Chopsticks” by Calvin Jones. Smith was inspired to participate in pageantry after watching women compete as a young girl. She started competing at 16 and holds a number of titles. Smith was Miss Sacramento County’s Outstanding Teen in 2011 and placed top ten in previous Miss California pageants. She competed during the 2016-17 school year in order to qualify for the Miss California competition. Smith said her time in the Miss America Organization has helped her develop strong communication skills and shifted her focus. “In high school, it’s easy to go to your parents to help you solve your problems, but being away at school really forces you to work things out on your own which is something that is super helpful when you’re a titleholder in the Miss America Organization,” Smith said. Winning Miss California was only half the battle, Smith is currently preparing for the Miss America pageant. She has alluded to the rigors of preparation beyond the pageant. “While there are obvious things I do to help prepare me for competition like going to the gym, practicing my talent and staying up to date on current events, those are things that

CROWNED

JILLIAN SMITH | COURTE SY PHOTO

| While working toward her degree, Smith had been participating in pageants.

I feel like I should be doing anyway,” Smith said. “For me, it really is just a way of life and preparing to be the best version of yourself that you can be when you walk into that interview room or onto that stage.” In the coming weeks Smith will meet with

sponsors, youth organizations and children’s hospitals to promote Miss America’s national platform with the Children’s Miracle Network. She will also promote her personal platform, the “dude. be nice” project that encourages kindness, gratitude and inclusivity.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | ARTS | MUSTANG NEWS

Alumni create greywater recycling system to combat California’s drought

Katie Biddle @ CPMustangNews

Energy, a company that creates “custom energy solutions” for unconventional living spaces and emergency situations. Currently, the company does not list water recycling in their catalogue, but Kash and O’Day said they hope to change that. The pair’s device aims to recycle greywater, or used household water besides that in the toilet. The average Californian uses around 181 gallons of water each day and most of this turns into greywater. Through the device’s five-step filtration system, greywater is easily cleaned and can be recycled to use for anything except consumption. “We wanted to imitate nature,” Kash said. “We realized how little resources we actually need.”

than before. Anaerobic processes consist of tiny anaerobic organisms breaking down organic matter in the water naturally. Natural microbes do the same on a microscopic scale.The process is low-energy and doesn’t require constant filter changing, thus reducing waste. Along with these natural processes, Kash and O’Day’s system uses old filtration techniques as well. Gravels and fine rocks filter bacteria and particles when water is run through it. The same is true with sand and charcoals. Kash and O’Day have compacted this process, including all of these techniques in one small machine, in layers ranging from the bigger gravels to microscopic sludge settling and anaerobic processes.

In a response to California’s recent drought and the rise of tiny homes, two alumni have created a new water recycling system. Catered to tiny homes and RVs, Dustin Kash and Chris O’Day’s project aims to help reduce water consumption through reusing water from showers, kitchens and gardens. Kash and O’Day both graduated with degrees in engineering and work for Sangha

How it works The device uses filtration methods inspired by streams and rivers, such as gravel and purifying through evaporation. Sludge settling, anaerobic processes and natural microbes all do the work of purifying. Sludge settling is a similar process to silt settling in a river; bigger debris sinks to the bottom of the system, leaving cleaner water

Tiny trends and the future Along the lines of waste reduction, the Kash and O’Day’s system is inspired by the recent “tiny home” trend, where people live in small houses in order to limit waste and clutter. Many tiny home residents are already recycling water, such as blogger Laura Lavoie, who runs “Life in 120 Feet.” Lavoie uses potted flowers and gravels to filter her

DUSTIN KASH | COURTE SY PHOTO

water. The system eliminates the need for huge and complicated systems, becoming easier and more efficient as filtration is compacted into the tiny system. “We’re focusing on tiny homes because that’s where we see the demand,” said Kash.”It’ll have to be scaled up for residential homes.” That’s not to say that the system will never be scaled up for residential and commercial use. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown ordered the first mandatory water restrictions in California’s history, requiring businesses and homes to reduce water use by 25%. In April of 2017 the water reduction requirement was retracted, but California still needs to tread carefully. Kash and O’Day may aid in California’s drought problems by starting the widespread use of water recycling systems. Kash and O’Day are currently prototyping the system and plan to set up a crowdfunding in the next few months on IndieGoGo. The finished product is expected to cost around $1,000 retail for owners of tiny homes, and the eventual vision is to scale it up for residential use.

According to the press release, the Safety Enhancement Zone has been effective in curbing party-related behavior in San The San Luis Obispo Police Department Luis Obispo. (SLOPD) will once again enact a Safety En“Last year, SLOPD had 99 calls for parhancement Zone during Cal Poly’s Week of ty-related noise complaints, compared to Welcome and first week of school, according 178 in 2015, Drunk in public citation were to a SLOPD press release. down by 30 (from 51), and urinating in During the Safety Enhancepublic citations (8) were cut in half,” the press release said. ment Zone, police presence will be increased and In the press release, SLOPD fines for common Captain Jeff Smith exmisdemeanors will plained the policy as a way Last year, SLOPD be doubled. This to keep the community had 99 calls for includes noise visafe with the new influx party-related noise olations, public of students. urination, dead“We know the begincomplaints, compared ly and dangerous ning of a new school to 178 in 2015 weapons, unruly year is an exciting time gatherings and posfor incoming and retiring SLOPD PRESS RELEASE session of open alcohol students,” Smith said. “But not everyone is going to be containers in public places. The Safety Enhancement Zone equally festive and we have to ensure is in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. that the entire community is happy, healthy 8 until Sept. 18 at 7:00 a.m. and safe.” James Hayes @ Jimbles_Hayes

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | ARTS | MUSTANG NEWS

Safety Enhancement Zone in effect during Week of Welcome

No Car. No Problem. the answer came in a new set of transporation and parking policies. One of which will limit freshmen from having cars on campus. With this new policy, incoming Mustangs may wonder how they are going to get around. Thier parents and supporters may worry how their students will get home during academic breaks. Below is a variety of suggestions pulled From Cal Poly SLO Mustang Parents Facebook page to put those concerns aside.

College of Liberal Arts

expand your HORIZONS

change

WO R L D

TH E

As Cal Poly’s numbers have grown, so has the demand for parking. There is, however, only so much space available at the university. This situatuon begs the question of the best use of the space. Is it best used for parking or for furthering the academic mission of the university? The other important consideration is deciding what’s better for the environment and the health of the community. After a year of research and collaboration across campus,

cla.calpoly.edu

Bike

IDENTIFY YOUR PASSIONS. TACKLE GLOBAL PROBLEMS.

Bus

Media Arts, Society and Technology

Rideshare

Gender, Race, Culture, Science and Technology

« Zip Car

Ethics, Public Policy, Science and Technology

MINORS

Train

MINOR IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY:

Science and Risk Communication

CLUBS LEARN MORE: sts.calpoly.edu sts@calpoly.edu

STUDY ABROAD

College of Liberal Arts

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 | SPORTS | MUSTANG NEWS

Mustang sports insider: what to watch for in fall quarter Daniel Dempster @ dandempstermmj

Women’s soccer Cal Poly women’s soccer has trended downward the past two years, as they finished last in the Big West with a 6-10-3 overall record (1-5-2 Big West). The team scored the least amount of goals in the conference. Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Brown had her work cut out for her, with 118 shots on goal in 2016. Brown led Big West in saves, but still gave up the most goals. The team rarely had scoring opportunities because they had the least amount of shots in conference. Cal Poly was unable to manage their time of possession and lacked a strong offense. A few Mustangs earned All-Conference honors by the end of the year. Junior forward Caitlyn Kreutz, who is no longer on the team’s roster, and junior defender Chelsea Barry earned spots on the 2016 All-Big West second team, while Jessica Johnson was selected to the All-Freshman team for the conference. What’s changed Nine seniors have graduated from last year’s team. The only remaining player from that class is Megan Abutin, who suffered a season-ending injury in last year’s season-opener. Getting Abutin back on the pitch will help out Cal Poly’s attack. The midfielder has 20 career assists, which is tied for second in the team’s history. She has started 44 of her 59 total career games, meaning a lot of starting experience will return with her. Forward Caitlyn Kreutz, who led the team in goals the past two seasons, transferred to UNLV. While the Mustangs get an important leader in Abutin back, losing Kreutz is huge for the team is a blow to their offense. Who to look out for After being out for nearly a year, Abutin returns as a clear leader of the team. Eighteenth in assists for all active Division 1 players, she will provide a huge offensive spark. In addition to Abutin, keep an eye out for Barry. Although she is a defender, she provides quality offensive support as well. She tallied three assists last year, as well as a goal on a 40-yard free kick to force a tie against UC Santa Barbara in the 90th minute. Barry played the second-most minutes, trailing only Brown who played every minute of the season.

Volleyball For the second straight year, the women’s volleyball team finished third in the Big West in 2016. The Mustangs have posted 11-5 conference records the past two seasons. While they have shown improvement since 2014, the team has struggled against Long Beach State and Hawaii, the two teams that have finished in front of them. Even though Cal Poly has been a solid Big West contender, the team struggles against high-caliber teams. The Mustangs only won two sets against Long Beach and Hawaii for the entire season. The team posted a 1-5 record against ranked teams showing that even with some solid play, Cal Poly is still on the outside looking in. Alumnus Taylor Gruenewald, senior Raeann Greisen and senior Taylor Nelson were named to the 2016 Big West All-Conference team. Each player earned first team honors for the second time in their careers. Junior Adlee Van Winden also earned an All-Conference honorable mention. All of these players, except for Gruenewald, will return to play this year. What’s changed While the Mustangs no longer have Gruenewald, who was third on the team in total kills and played every set of the season, the team returns a lot of experience. The six other players that played every set of the season will return, creating a veteran squad that is ready to challenge Hawaii for the Big West title. This year, the team added three new incoming freshmen, as well as UCLA transfer Torrey Van Winden. Torrey joins her sister Adlee, who led the Mustangs in kills last season. In her freshman year at UCLA, Torrey was third on the team in total kills and played the most out of any freshman on the Bruins. What to look for The Mustangs were selected to finish second in the Big West in a preseason coaches poll. With a strong veteran squad, the Mustangs have come firing out of the gates. The team won three straight matches, all three-set sweeps. The team will see their first serious test in early September, traveling to Seattle to take on No. 8 Washington. The team will then play at No. 14 Oregon, providing a tough stretch of matches early in the season. Conference play begins Sept. 19 against UC Davis. The Mustangs will play Long Beach State later in the month and will play perennial Big

West power Hawaii early in October. These matches will be on the road, which will provide a challenge for the team as they try to get an early advantage in conference play. When it comes to beating teams like Long Beach, Hawaii or Washington, head coach Sam Crosson said physical dominance and athleticism play a large role. Crosson said the team put a larger emphasis on recruiting players that can be a presence around the net. Teams like Hawaii were able to win games with their blocking abilities, and their offensive ability to get over their opponents’ blockers. While they have bolstered their size and ability around the net, Crosson notes that a big key to beating these strong teams is their execution of fundamentals. “For us to be competitive and to beat more physical teams at the net, we need to do the little things better,” Crosson said. Crosson also said better teams can throw off that execution. But with a very weathered senior class along with young, rising stars like Adlee and Torrey Van Winden, fans can expect this to be less of a concern this season. Loaded with a cast of proven veterans and physical youngsters, this Cal Poly volleyball team should prove to be a very exciting one to watch.

Cross country The Mustangs head into 2017 building off of an exceptional 2016 season. Cal Poly has been one of the premiere cross country programs in the Big West in recent years. Both men’s and women’s cross country posted amazing team performances at the Big West championship meet to earn the conference title. This was the second straight year the Cal Poly women’s team won the conference title. At the men’s championship meet, four Mustangs placed in the top five, giving the team the best score in any championship since 2007, when the team had a perfect score. Senior Clayton Hutchins claimed first place in the men’s race. Two of his teammates, seniors Swarnjit Boyal and Alex Heuchert, placed directly behind Hutchins with second and third-place finishes. Junior Peyton Bilo has been the dominant force for the women’s team, who is now a twotime defending Big West champion. Bilo qualified for two-straight NCAA championships. In 2016, Bilo finished 23rd at nationals. She was successful on a national stage, as she finished first in the Big West meet, while also finishing ninth at the NCAA West Regional meet.

What’s changed On the men’s side, not much has changed. Three key seniors graduated, but the leading runners for the Mustangs still remain. Seniors Clayton Hutchins, Swarnjit Boyal and Alex Heuchert were the most successful runners on the team last year and will return for 2017, giving the Mustangs a big advantage to repeat as Big West champions. The men’s team brings in nine new recruits for the season. Many of these freshmen will likely redshirt to save a year of eligibility since there is such a strong presence of upperclassmen on the squad. In previous years, both the men’s and women’s cross country programs shared one head coach, Mark Conover. In early August, Priscilla Bayley was promoted to head coach of the women’s cross country team after serving three years as an assistant coach. No seniors are listed on the roster, but Bilo returns as the team’s best runner. With Bilo’s successful 2016 season, the Mustangs have a solid chance to win their third straight conference title. What to look for For the men, three seniors will be key. Hutchins, Boyal and Heuchert were the driving forces behind the team’s success this year, so it will be vital for these runners to keep it up. Cal Poly also needs to start looking towards the younger runners, as they will have to pick up the slack with the three leaders graduating after this year. It will be important for young athletes like sophomore Chas Cook and junior Peter Cotsirilos to show progress. These younger runners have shown solid results, despite being overshadowed by upperclassmen runners. For the women, Bilo has clearly caught a lot of attention. She will look to qualify for the third straight year to compete in the NCAA championships. But, she has set the bar for improvement pretty high. Between her freshman and sophomore year, she improved that by 150 places to land in 22nd in 2016. As the front-runner for the Mustangs, she is the difference maker for the Mustangs. Her proven skill makes the Mustangs the team to beat in the Big West, but it will be interesting to see if her supporting cast can step up behind her. There are only five meets before the Big West championships in late October, so each one will make a difference in the team’s improvement as a whole. We already know about proven runners like Hutchins, Boyal and Bilo, but these five meets will be vital for others to improve their times. The stars of the team will be eyeballing the NCAA West Regional Championships in Seattle on November 10, where they can qualify for the national championships later that month.

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Turf’s up for Doerr Field

While most Cal Poly students were away for summer, construction began on the brand new Doerr Family Field, a 140-yard synthetic turf field next to the Cal Poly track. Previously, athletes would walk one mile across campus from Mott Athletics Center to the Upper Field Sports Complex to practice on turf fields. However, as a result of a donation from Richard and Kathleen Doerr, a turf field will soon lie right in the backyard of Mott Athletics Center. Richard played football for the Mustangs from 1964 to 1966 and received a physical education degree from Cal Poly in 1966. He now serves as a member of the Cal Poly Foundation Board of Directors. The location of the $4 million multi-purpose field will allow athletes to walk from their locker rooms, cutting down on the time traveled to practice. According to head football coach Tim Walsh, the proximity of the new facility will give the student athletes more time to prepare for post practice academic responsibilities and will even impact teams’ recruiting processes. The upgrade features a synthetic turf field, goal posts, two filming towers and a scoreboard. Con-

CONSTRUCTION

CAL POLY ATHLETICS | MUSTANG NE W S

| Musty the Mustang and President Jeffrey Armstrong were among those officially breaking ground on the Doerr Field.

struction began in May 2017 and is expected to be completed Friday Dec. 15, according to an email from Facilities Management and Development. Roughly 21 athletic teams will utilize the facility, providing them and the rest of campus with convenient recreational facilities to meet the needs of the growing student population. The

Mustang football team will begin to use Doerr Field as its primary practice area. The cost of the track and field came with a price tag. Thirteen donors gave a total of $2.1 million and Cal Poly Corporation donated $750,000 to make the field a reality. Cal Poly Athletics, Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) and private donors

also served as primary contributors of the field. Members of Cal Poly Athletics, along with representatives from Cal Poly Corporation, Cal Poly Housing and ASI celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new facility, previously named the “I Field,” in May.

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 | SPORTS | MUSTANG NEWS

Megan Healy @ CPMustangNews