GO SLO 2017 by Mustang News

Mustang News California Polytechnic State university 1 Grand Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

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Everything you need to know about college life

Contents 6 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 23 24 26 27 28 29 33 34 38 41 42 45 47 48 49 50 52 56 58 60 62 65 66 68 69 70 4

Tips for parents, from a parent Top 10 Things to Do in SLO as a Family Give Back with Mustang Parent Society Sustainability Is a Guiding Principle at Cal Poly President Armstrong welcomes new students, shares excitement and pride Student Ombuds offers confidential support Five Tech Tips You’ll Need to Succeed at Cal Poly Cal Poly Welcomes New Officer of Diversity and Inclusion, Jozi De Leon CAED Celebrates 70 Years of Success! Cal Poly’s International Center Provost Kathleen Enz Finken welcomes new students Take advantage of summer classes with extended education Riley Nilsen, ASI President Graduate and Extended Education helps students explore opportunities Kennedy Library: A place to study, work and relax Explore Your Options with The Freshman Focus Team! New bus routes make it easier for you to get to campus! Q&A: Talking turkey and Mongolian grill with Campus Dining Music Department: Learn, Participate and Go to Concerts Cal Poly 101: some words of encouragement for new students and supporters The Cal Poly Hunger Program Cal Poly Corporation welcomes new Mustangs with enhanced services Introducing the new College of Science and Mathematics Dean Letter from Riley Nilsen Minor or Major Advantage Learn By Eating Keeping a Healthy Mind at Cal Poly Learn By Doing: the Engineering Way No Car. No Problem. A Look into the Cal Poly Parent Advisory Council A note from Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Do’s and Dont’s of Campus Living Business Directory Church Directory Emerging Leader Series and Student Community Services

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Tips for parents, from a parent The first year at Cal Poly is an exciting, stressful and sometimes overwhelming, time for new students and parents alike. Here are some tips from experienced Cal Poly parents that may make your life easier. Join the Cal Poly SLO Mustang Parents Facebook group. With over 7,000 parent and student members, this group will be one of your best resources throughout your years at Cal Poly. Your student should see a department or Mustang Success Center advisor every quarter, between the time that PASS (the

list of upcoming classes) is published and the time your student registers for their classes. To make registration less stressful, students should work with an advisor to create no less than three alternative class schedules with backup options, if first choices are unavailable at registration time. Book your hotels as far in advance as possible. If you haven’t already booked your hotels for Mustang Family Weekend, Oct. 20-22, you should do so immediately. Make your reservations to see your student again before you drop them off

in September. Having a certain date to look forward to is very reassuring for all involved. Encourage your students to reach out to Cal Poly’s Counseling Services through the health center if they feel overwhelmed and are struggling. Even a single session can make a huge difference in helping a student develop strategies for regaining control of their situation. Tracy Holmes Libby Proud Cal Poly Parent

Top 10 Things to Do in SLO as a Family If you’re returning to campus to visit 3. Sunset Drive-In your student or just vacationing in Originally opened in the 1950s, this the area, San Luis Obispo is full of drive-in theater is a classic place to outdoor adventures, fabulous dining, kick back under the stars and enjoy a local wines and more; there are film with the family. The venue screens limitless activities any time of the year two new releases nightly so there’s to enjoy as a family. As your student something for the whole family to enjoy! settles in to the “Happiest City in 4. Wine Country America,” we encourage you and your family to make San Luis Obispo With the cool coastal climate, SLO your home-away-from-home as well. Wine Country is home to over 30 Enjoy some of the following on and artisan and family-owned wineries off campus activities and sites our and over two dozen wine varietals. community has to offer: Between Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley, you can spend a whole 1. Famous Downtown Farmers’ Market day in the picturesque, rolling hills With live entertainment, just-picked sampling the creativity of the local local produce and a variety of winemaking culture. cuisine and delicious BBQ, the local Farmers’ Market is a must-see for the 5. Go Mustangs! whole family. Five blocks of historic Show your Mustang pride at the various downtown SLO are bustling with Cal Poly Athletics events throughout seasonal, local goods and vendors the year. Schedules can be found at every Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. gopoly.com. During the summer season, check out SLO Blues, the city’s classic, 2. Central Coast Hikes wooden bat baseball league. The Central Coast is home to the 6. Local Beaches famous Nine Sisters, a series of volcanic peaks sprinkled along the With over eight unique beaches in the coast from Morro Bay to San Luis area, the family can find anything from Obispo. From scenic, relaxing coastal tide pools to bonfires. All within 15-20 walks to more dynamic terrain, the minutes of Cal Poly, Avila, Pismo, Shell area has a hike for everyone. Popular and Morro are great places to picnic, hikes include Bishop Peak, Madonna swim, play volleyball and more. Mountain and the Bob Jones Trail.

7. In and On the Water If you’re looking to explore the waters of the Central Coast, there are many local kayak tours and rentals, surf lessons and boat tours and cruises. Beginners and seasoned adventurers can find the perfect area and way to enjoy sunsets and sea life. 8. Downtown San Luis Obispo The historic and vibrant downtown area of SLO is filled with great shopping, dining and family fun. Make sure to check out the historic Mission de Tolosa and the creek front walking path. 9. A Day Indoors For history-buffs, art-appreciators and more, SLO has a variety of museums you can spend the day exploring. Favorites include the Museum of Art, History Center and Children’s Museum. You can also head just 45 minutes north of San Luis Obispo to tour the famous Hearst Castle. 10. On-Campus Classics Cal Poly’s own campus has a number of hidden gems. Stroll through the Leaning Pine Arboretum, explore the Structural Design Village in the hills behind Poly Canyon Village, or spend an afternoon at San Luis Obispo’s only bowling alley located on-campus, Mustang Lanes! Photo by Erica Patstone

Give Back with Mustang Parent Society Parent Philanthropy at Cal Poly is a strong network of families who are dedicating their time and energy to ensure student success. One of these generous parents is Patty Vignolo, chairperson of Parent Philanthropy Committee and founding president of the Mustang Parent Society. About us The Mustang Parent Society is an annual leadership giving program designed for parents to financially give back to Cal Poly while becoming involved in the Mustang community. It serves as an opportunity to meet other philanthropic-minded families and a wonderful way to become more familiar with various departments and programs within Cal Poly. Types of Donations Donations can be made to general funds, like the President’s Fund for

Excellence, Parent Fund or any Cal Poly college, department, club or program of your choosing. The minimum cumulative donation comes to $1,000 per academic year. “There are five different giving levels and at each one, there are benefits you receive. And as you continue giving then you progress through each level,” Vignolo said. Benefits of the Mustang Parent Society Members of the Mustang Parent Society will receive benefits including the Mustang Membership Card, subscription to the Cal Poly Magazine, invitations to Cal Poly traveling lectures and your name on the Mustang Society’s online recognition list. As you advance through the levels, your benefits increase as well as your impact on our deserving student body.

This is a program for anyone that gives and is a “cumulative gift that you’re making that supports your student and the school in extraordinary ways,” Vignolo said. Role of Parent Philanthropy Parent philanthropy is important at all stages of your student’s education. Vignolo explained that although your student has begun college, there is no reason to stop getting involved in their educational pursuits. Involvement in parent philanthropy allows parents to positively impact their students’ higher education. Vignolo has become involved in parent philanthropy for a number of reasons but has stayed because of her commitment to education. It’s apparent what a great institution Cal Poly is and as the parent of an agricultural business senior, she wants to stay involved. see Parent Society, page 13

Sustainability Is a Guiding Principle at Cal Poly California’s Central Coast is home to a vibrant ecosystem comprised of rolling hills, flourishing valleys and beautiful beaches. With such a desirable setting and welcoming weather, it is no wonder that Cal Poly admissions rates continue to grow every year. While weather and location certainly play a role in such a reputation, Cal Poly’s efforts to reduce our climate impact and preserve the natural environment are essential to maintaining this beautiful place we call home. In 2014, the CSU Board of Trustees passed a system-wide CSU Sustainability Policy. This policy remains the basis for Cal Poly’s goals to reduce our environmental impact. Two of the goals within the policy have already been achieved five years ahead of schedule, including water conservation efforts that have reduced water use by 31 percent since 2013 and energy retrofit projects that have taken greenhouse gas emissions to below 1990 levels. Cal Poly’s outstanding progress displays the credibility of CSU’s goals with realistic measures and evident results.

In the Cal Poly Facilities Management and Development Department, the Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team take specific actions to sustainably manage energy, water and waste. In 2015, driven by President Armstrong signing the Second Nature Climate Commitment, the Facilities team along with students, staff and faculty worked to develop the Cal Poly Climate Action Plan or Poly CAP. Poly CAP is the method for quantifying and managing all sources of the university’s greenhouse emissions. With the Poly CAP as a guiding document, the Cal Poly Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team is able to prioritize efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach a 2050 goal of campus carbon neutrality set out by the Second Nature Climate Commitment, which outlines university presidents’ dedication to reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, President Armstrong realizes the importance of taking action to reduce the campus’ impact and inspiring students to take part in the process: “Climate Change poses challenges to

society unseen in human history. We are at a crossroads in which the disciplines of business, politics, public policy and technology must collaborate to drive innovation and implement real solutions. As a comprehensive polytechnic university, Cal Poly is uniquely positioned to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators and decision makers that will confront this challenge.” Also, students are encouraged to help the Cal Poly Energy, Utilities and Sustainability team work toward Climate Neutrality and CSU Sustainability Policy goals. One easy way is to join to Eco Reps program, which is great for incoming freshmen to participate in sustainability efforts and build a community of eco-minded peers. Being an Eco Rep team member also allows students to embody Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing motto as they work on climate action efforts that ultimately impact the campus community and San Luis Obispo County as a whole. To learn more about Eco Reps and Cal Poly sustainability efforts, make sure to visit sustainability.calpoly.edu and sign up for our monthly newsletter!

President Armstrong welcomes new students, shares excitement and pride For many of our incoming students, this September marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. For our faculty and staff, each September marks the renewal of commitment and the exciting prospect of positively impacting the many new lives that will be joining our campus. To all our Cal Poly students â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please know I share in that commitment and am equally excited to welcome you and to begin this journey together! If you are a Cal Poly Mustang, you should, first of all, be very proud of the hard work you have done which has enabled you to get here. Mustangs are known for their relentless work ethic, in and out of the classroom; and this is something that we are committed to not just celebrate, but proliferate. Cal Poly is blessed to be able to surround our dedicated students with faculty and staff who are equally dedicated

and committed to student success. Student resources throughout campus exclusively deal with aiding the lives of our students. Resources such as the Mustang Success Center are open year round to assist students with proactive academic services, understanding university requirements and policies; and graduation planning beginning with our studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; very first year of study. I urge you to maximize use of these resources. They offer a strong network that allows students to achieve all that they can and to succeed beyond what they may have ever imagined they could do. Secondly, you will quickly realize that Learn By Doing is more than just a motto at Cal Poly, it is a requirement. It is a core precept that underlies all that we do as educators and facilitators, see Armstrong, page 18

Always know what is happening at Cal Poly.

Student Ombuds offers confidential support There is this room on the first floor of the library that I walk past whenever I’m headed to the elevators in the back of the building. I’ve never gone inside and that is partially because the name throws me and leaves me wondering what it means… for about 10 seconds until I get onto the elevator and must decide which floor I want to study on. But I’ve recently taken more than 10 seconds of time to finally get my answer and I can now informedly tell you what exactly the function of Student Ombuds Services is (and what the perplexing name means). An Ombuds is a neutral person who listens to students’ concerns confidentially and helps them explore different solutions, giving options from which the student chooses a course of action. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the name comes from the Swedish word, “ombudsman,” meaning, originally, “an official appointed by the Swedish

parliament to investigate complaints against…central government and the civil service,” and, generally, a person who assists individuals and groups in the resolution of concerns or conflicts confidentially and informally.

regarding campus resources, answer questions and assist in clarifying issues. It is a completely voluntary service from start to finish and the Ombuds will never make decisions for you.

The Ombuds office here at Cal Poly is a safe space. Employees act seriously, promptly and confidentially to help you identify options for resolution. The office typically deals with concerns such as grade disputes, roommate conflicts, conflicts in student organizations, making up missed coursework, policy clarification, registration, fees and discipline issues (just to name a few). Even if you have a question or issue that does not fall under one of these categories, the Student Ombuds Office is a good general resource, which will be able to refer you to the proper place to have your concern taken care of. The Ombuds can explain university policy and procedures, provide information

Student Ombuds Patricia Ponce explains a typical meeting with a student: “I might ask clarifying questions, I might review any documents they bring, we might review on-line resources or we might review policies that address their concern. We may brainstorm ideas that could address their concern. We might role play how and what the student might say to the other party (with whom she/he is in conflict).” The meeting is tailored to the student and their concern, so interactions vary on a case by case basis, but the sessions always begin with a broken-down explanation of the standards of the office, which see Ombuds, page 18

Five Tech Tips You’ll Need to Succeed at Cal Poly There’s a lot to learn as a new Cal Poly student, but when it comes to campus technology resources, Information Technology Services (ITS) has you covered with the basics about campus technology tools and services. Follow these five tech tips in order to hit the ground running when you get to Cal Poly. Become a Portal Pro The My Cal Poly Portal (my.calpoly.edu) is where you pay your tuition, access your Cal Poly email account, monitor your degree progress and get important campus information. The Portal also connects you to PolyLearn, the digital platform that tracks your assignments and grades. Keep your contact information up-to-date in the Personal Info tab of the My Cal Poly Portal to make sure you receive official Cal Poly correspondence. Remember Your Password A Cal Poly account was created for you during the admissions process, which required you to log in and create a password. Now that you’ve been accepted, your username and password, are your keys to accessing

online university resources, including My Cal Poly Portal. You can change your password from the Portal, by going to the “Personal Info” tab and clicking the “Change Password” button in the upper right-hand corner of the page. If you’ve forgotten your password and need help resetting it, call our Service Desk at 805-756-7000. Get Connected…To WiFi You can access our secure wireless internet across campus using the Secure Mustang Wireless network. You must first connect to the WiFiSetup network and enter your Cal Poly username and password to configure your device(s). The residence halls provide their own high-speed WiFi, called ResNet, for students living in campus housing. When you have visitors, they can access free WiFi through the CalPolyGuest network. Be Software Savvy There’s no need to purchase expensive productivity and collaboration software before coming to Cal Poly. Much of the software you’ll need for your classes, like the Microsoft Office 365 Suite, is

free to download. To find out how to download it, visit bit.ly/cpmsoft. As part of the Microsoft package, you also get 1 TB of cloud storage through OneDrive, which allows you to share and co-author documents in real-time. Take Advantage of PolyCard Perks Your PolyCard is connected to your dining plan and declining balance and can be used to purchase meals at dining locations across campus. You will also need it when you check out books at Robert E. Kennedy Library or visit the Health Center. A great benefit of your PolyCard is that you can use it to ride SLO Transit for free. If you didn’t receive your PolyCard when you attended SLO Days, be sure to upload your photo through the My Cal Poly Portal and you’ll received your card when you check in for WOW. Visit bit. ly/pcardphoto for instructions for uploading your PolyCard photo. If you have any questions or need technology help once you get to campus, please call our Service Desk at 805756-7000, or visit us in Building 46. Welcome to Cal Poly!

Cal Poly Welcomes New Officer of Diversity and Inclusion, Jozi De Leon As continuing Cal Poly students basked on beaches and began their summer adventures, Josephine “Jozi” De Leon began a new adventure of her own, as Cal Poly’s new Chief Officer of Diversity and Inclusion. De Leon will head the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which launches initiatives to promote the development and maintenance of a culturally diverse campus environment. Returning Cal Poly students can remember January 2017’s successful “Inclusion Starts With Me” week, which featured an inclusivity teach-in, documentary screening, “Unite Cal Poly” at the Performing Arts Center and dialogues meant to showcase the voices of all Cal Poly community members as well as strengthen movements to embrace differences across campus and across the world. De Leon’s goals for the future of the Office and Cal Poly is to “[add] to the diversity that already exists and increase diversity among faculty staff and students” as well as to, “enhance campus climate so that everyone feels this is a great place to live, work and learn.”

De Leon continues to advocate for underrepresented groups De Leon joins Cal Poly after serving as the vice president for equity and inclusion and professor within the Department of Educational Specialties at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her lengthy and impressive career track has largely been focused on advocacy for traditionally underrepresented groups in the educational sector, as she is dedicated to transforming educational communities to be accessible to all peoples in addition to being equitable environments. “I want to give everyone an opportunity to experience the transformational aspects of education. That means that no matter who you are or where you come from, educational spaces are where you can grow as a human being and transform for the better. Diversity allows you to learn and grow by being in the presence of others unlike yourself. We learn to expand our world-view by learning alongside those different from us.”

De Leon has successfully led and developed the University of New Mexico’s diversity plan and supervised the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity, African American Student Services, El Centro de La Raza and American Indian Student Services and LGBTQ Resource Center. In addition, De Leon initiated and saw to the installment of a University Diversity Council. A glimpse into De Leon’s life history De Leon’s upbringing and educational opportunities have inspired her and driven her to develop the goals and passion for diversity work that she has today: “My advocacy work in education stems from my experiences and the transformational impact that education has had for me. I am third generation Mexican-American and grew up in Texas but have lived in New Mexico most of my life. I am the oldest of 9 siblings and the first one in my family to go to college. I am the only one in my family (immediate and extended) to have obtained a doctorate. My first experience in California was when my family migrated here to work in the fields when I was in the fourth grade. I come from a family of migrant farmworkers who stopped migrating after that trip to California when we returned to Texas. I have worked hard labor in the fields from Texas to California and through educ-ation, reversed the cycle of poverty for my family.”

De Leon Today

vision for Cal Poly and share ideas.

Since she assumed the position, De Leon has been actively engaging with on-campus partners to gain a better understanding of the community’s needs. “Diversity work requires that you truly understand the needs of the campus and that you pay attention to what seem to be consistently emerging priorities as you talk to people,” De Leon said, “I have learned a great deal and have begun formulating a plan for my work into the future.” Moving into the school year, De Leon looks to continue the conversation with students and faculty. Under her direction, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will plan forums for the campus community that are meant to engage the campus in efforts to further develop diversity initiatives and strengthen inclusivity action plans.

So far into her new position, De Leon said she has been “excited by the commitment to diversity that I have discovered in my conversations with a wide range of individuals and groups,” and plans to share her passion for diversity advocacy with the Cal Poly community. A new face on campus, De Leon hopes to create an impact that will better the Cal Poly experience for all.

De Leon intends to become an involved member of the Cal Poly community within this role and seeks to hear the voices of students. “The involvement of students is critically important,” De Leon said, affirming student insight: “We cannot accomplish our goals without their input and involvement. We invite students to serve on our committees and the Inclusive Excellence Council. I will seek input from students via meetings, forums and focus groups. I hope that students will feel free to stop me when they see me and share their insights.” De Leon also invites students to contact her via email in order to be involved in her

Parent Society, cont. from pg. 7 “I like knowing that I can participate in helping [Cal Poly] in the future to stay that fabulous place that everyone wants their children to attend” Vignolo said. Vignolo and other parents alike strive to help students succeed in their future endeavors by dedicating their time. If you wish to help keep Cal Poly the best experience for your student and fellow Mustangs, check out the Parent and Student Philanthropy Department and the Mustang Parent Society on giving.calpoly.edu/ mustangparentsociety.

This is a program that welcomes anyone who wishes to positively impact Cal Poly. There are many advantages to being a part of the Mustang Parent Society, including increased involvement on campus, wider knowledge of this wonderful school and further opportunities for the amazing Mustang student body. L to R: Andrew (son, 2018), Ryan (nephew, 2019), Stephen (husband) and Patty Vignolo. Photo courtesy of Patty Vignolo.

CAED Celebrates 70 Years of Success! From a Rocky Start to National Recognition A foundation was laid in the earliest days of Cal Poly’s history for what would become the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED). A 1901 letter spelled out the need for students to be able to “construct barns and ag buildings.” In the 1940s the Architectural Engineering (ARCE) Program got off to a rocky start when an architect from the state of Washington hired to head the new program didn’t like what he saw upon arrival and departed without unpacking. The students protested about the lack of faculty to Julian A. McPhee, the university’s president at the time. Enter Chicago architect Ralph Priestly, whose goal for the program from the start was national recognition. He persevered and in the Engineering and Industrial Division’s 1947–1948 catalog, ARCE was launched, eventually graduating 13 students in its first class. In 1951 Priestly was named the dean of engineering and George Hasslein the ARCE Department head.

Hasslein would later become the dean of the School of Architecture and Environmental Design and provide the vision for what would evolve into the present day college with its unique blend of the five disciplines of architectural engineering, architecture, city and regional planning, construction management and landscape architecture. Over the years a well-earned reputation solidified through faculty dedication, student accomplishments and alumni who confidently ventured around the world to shape the built environment. From a humble seed and seven decades of achievements, the college has emerged as one of the nation’s premier polytechnic programs. Benefiting from engagement with its industry partners, an estimated 350 students graduate annually. In the Solar Decathlon 2015 Competition, students earned third place nationally (pictured) and in 2016 placed first in the Bank of America Low Income Housing Challenge.

In the DesignIntelligence 2017 survey, practitioners ranked Cal Poly’s undergraduate architecture program as the nation's finest at a public university and among all programs, including graduate, No. 1 in sustainability and No. 1 in construction methods and materials. In the same survey, practitioners ranked the undergraduate landscape architecture program as third in the nation and No. 1 in construction methods and materials. CAED Dean Christine Theodoropoulos reflects on these achievements. “Every day, I am impressed by the accomplishments of CAED students and by their desire to engage with the world. From their award-winning performance in national and international competitions to their volunteer work helping people across the globe improve environments, they are passionate about creating places that transform communities and optimistic about the future.”

Arc of Innovation 2015 / In front of their solar home entry, Cal Poly students and advisor jump for joy at winning third place nationally in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Competition.

1957 / Students exhibit integrity of the Geodesic Dome.

Circa 1960 / ARCE students balance on thin-shell concrete vault.

Armstrong, cont. from pg. 9 truly teaching our students that what is learned in the classroom has a practical application in life. Our team is focused on the direct success of each individual student and takes personal pride in their development and progress; while each student is working on becoming more focused; and ultimately a more successful individual. Our faculty and staff work hard to foster a strong learning environment and to better assist our students discover their full potential. Again, campus resources, such as collegespecific advising, are available to work with our students to help them develop a plan for graduation. These advisors are well versed in the nuances involved with decisions such as changing majors and course management; and they use their knowledge and expertise to guide students with a detailed plan. We are proud and delighted to teach and motivate and to graduate driven and dedicated students who leave their mark on the world by contributing in so many different ways. We look

Ombuds, cont. from pg. 11 forward to beginning this September by welcoming a new class of dedicated students who I know will do the same, in their own special and unique way.

entail “being a confidential, informal, impartial and independent resource”) and it always ends with an offer to follow up.

Lastly, our commitment is embodied in the pride that comes from being part of a tradition of excellence that Cal Poly has become known for worldwide. Our reputation for excellence and success belongs to our students and alumni who have taken Learn By Doing a step further and now “live by doing”— or more importantly, impact lives ‘by doing’. As a Cal Poly student, you are now a part of that tradition and you will soon share in that pride and succeed in ways beyond what you have yet imagined you can do. Know that we are here to help you every step of the way.

“[The Ombuds] were extremely helpful in providing me with information regarding what rights I had as a student so I could ensure I was being treated fairly. Student Ombuds Services is working to make sure my issue is addressed more clearly in the policy to avoid future issues…”

And so… welcome Mustangs! We are excited you are here. Let the journey begin. Jeffrey Armstrong President

Kelsie Hilty Biological Sciences Junior Office Kennedy Library, Bldg. 35, Rm. 113 Staff Patricia Ponce, Ph.D., Student Ombuds Hours 10 a.m.–12 noon M–F & by appointment Phone / Fax 805.756.1380 / 805.756.7142 E-mail ombuds@calpoly.edu Website www.ombuds.calpoly.edu

Cal Poly’s International Center Study abroad programs offered through Cal Poly give students the opportunity to earn credit toward their degree while exploring a new part of the world. Depending on what program they choose, students can take coursework abroad that satisfies their general education, minor and/or major course requirements. Students even have the opportunity to take Cal Poly courses taught by Cal Poly faculty abroad through Cal Poly Global Programs, which offers a variety of destinations around the world such as Thailand, Peru, Spain, China and more. Study abroad advisor Erica Jorgenson said that oftentimes students are concerned about graduating on time while also fitting in a study abroad experience. She said when it comes to studying abroad, it’s all about planning ahead. The International Center recommends students start planning their study abroad trip 9-12 months in advance. That way, students can plan out coursework that is compatible with their desired destination and program, research financial aid and scholarship options and effectively prepare for their experience abroad.

perspectives from students from around the world and bringing them back to the classroom here at Cal Poly can give you a different outlook both on academics and personal experiences outside of the classroom,” Jorgenson said. She also added that students discover skills they might not have known they had, skills that can be applied to future career possibilities. “You’re stepping outside of your everyday routine,” Jorgenson said. “Whether it’s decision making, leadership, adaptation, problem solving ... I think employers are increasingly looking for these traits. And we work with students upon their return to identify those traits and bring them to interviews with employers.” One of the biggest barriers that Jorgenson and Barnett said prevents students and their parents from exploring study abroad options is cost. Jorgenson and Barnett explained that the Cal Poly International Center works with students to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students depending on the program they choose. Various scholarships

opportunities are offered to students on a national and federal level, as well as from various departments at Cal Poly. Depending on the program, students receiving financial aid through Cal Poly may be able to transfer their financial aid to their study abroad costs. Jorgenson and Barnett said that sometimes students find that the cost of living in certain destinations is actually less than that of living in San Luis Obispo. As exciting as the possibilities are, planning to study abroad can seem daunting. Jorgenson and Barnett said that the best approach is to ask questions and use the International Center as a key resource.“Don’t brush interest aside because you think it’s not safe or affordable or that you’re not going to graduate on time,” Jorgenson said. “We know these concerns and we’re happy to address them in the process.” Students can explore everything Cal Poly Study Abroad has to offer by visiting the International Center’s Study Abroad Fair and attending a Study Abroad 101 Workshop during fall quarter. Learn more by visiting www.studyabroad.calpoly.edu.

“It’s definitely possible to study abroad and graduate on time,”Jorgenson said. “Planning ahead is the best way to break down that perceived barrier.” Study abroad advisor Nayree Barnett said Cal Poly’s International Center provides opportunities for students to potentially get ahead in their degree progress. Many study abroad programs provide semester-long courses, allowing students to transfer more units than they would be able to take during a quarter at Cal Poly. There are also many summer programs that students can take advantage of. Completing coursework abroad comes with a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for every student as they are immersed in a brand new culture. Jorgenson said that many students walk away from a study abroad experience with a new understanding of the world around them. “Getting

Provost Kathleen Enz Finken welcomes new students Kathleen Enz Finken is the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. A firm believer in the power of hands-on learning and the value of interdisciplinary academic endeavors, Provost Enz Finken joined the Cal Poly community in 2012. She earned her BA from Douglass College for Women and Master’s and Doctoral Degree from Rutgers University. Her expertise is the art and architecture of the Roman Empire and Early Christian Rome.

units that support the student experience— such as the Office of the Registrar, Kennedy Library, University Advising and Financial Aid, to name a few. Although students may not interact with me on a regular basis, my work and leadership directly impact the academic programs that students recognize as their majors, minors and concentrations. I am also responsible for working with the faculty to support their teaching, research and scholarly activity.

What is a Provost?

What is the Division of Academic Affairs doing to help new students succeed?

You may be wondering ‘what is a provost?” When I started college, I did not know what a provost was so I could never have expected my career path would eventually lead me to that role. The term ‘provost’ is used to describe the senior academic officer who has oversight of the teaching and research activities at a university.

As provost, I serve as the senior member of President Armstrong’s executive leadership team and I lead the Division of Academic Affairs, which includes all six colleges and numerous

Under my guidance, Academic Affairs provides leadership to ensure that students have access to classes, faculty, advising, tutoring and other resources they need to be successful. The see Provost, page 28

Incoming students, Learn how to make the most of your orientation experience and more by picking up a copy of the WOW special edition by Mustang News!

Like us on Facebook to stay updated on campus events. facebook.com/CPMustangNews 25

Take advantage of summer classes with extended education While summer can be the time for Cal Poly students to relax before fall quarter begins, it can also be a time for them to complete or accelerate progress toward their degree. Cal Poly offers a variety of courses during summer term, including major courses and upper division general education (GE) classes that aren’t offered at community colleges. Courses are offered during two five-week sessions, an eight-week session and a ten-week session. Each college determines the courses to be offered during summer term. Classes are usually determined by looking at the wait-lists for classes that students had a hard time enrolling in the previous school year.

Summer term is less expensive than students may think. During the summer, students are only paying for each unit they take, rather than a range of units. For example, during the regular school year, a Cal Poly student may only be enrolled in 12 units, but will be required to pay for a full 16unit schedule. During summer term, students will only pay for the number of units they’re taking, currently at $289/unit. Many students have been able to accelerate their progress to graduation, some saving the cost of a full quarter, by taking classes each summer. For students and parents, this is an obvious savings.

Director of Marketing, International, Graduate and Extended Education Elaine Sullivan said that Cal Poly’s summer term gives students more leeway during the regular school year. “Taking summer courses lets students schedule harder courses during the summer and then participate in activities during other quarters or have a part-time job by spreading out their units,” Sullivan said.

Provost, cont. from pg. 26 division has implemented a number of initiatives specifically to support first year students, including freshmen block scheduling, supplemental instruction, writing center support and coordinated advising through the Mustang Success Center and the six college advising offices. These initiatives help first year students successfully transition from high school and community college to Cal Poly. Academic Affairs also works closely with Student Affairs and the Administration and Finance Division to coordinate programs and services. As the academic leader of Cal Poly, what advice would you give to new students? My two pieces of advice for first year students are to establish priorities and goals for success in the first year and to identify people who can help you achieve those priorities and goals. The college experience unfolds over time and presents different challenges as each year progresses.

The Cal Poly experience is, above all, an academic experience, so all students should put academic success at the top of the priority list. It’s also important to identify people on campus— faculty, advisors, resident advisors and peer mentors— who can provide valuable support, information and guidance. Your success is not a solitary pursuit! Take advantage of the services available to you. Never be afraid to ask questions, seek advice or reach out for help. Cal Poly students are so academically talented and well-prepared for college that they’re not used to asking for help. It’s important to know that asking for help is a responsible and mature way to respond to the unexpected challenges that arise during your years in college. We are here to support you! What is one thing you remember most from your first year in college? I was a very serious student and worked very hard. My freshmen and sophomore years I was an architecture

student and stayed up late in the design studio all the time working on projects. I also rowed on the crew team my freshman year, so I was pretty exhausted! I’m a bit introverted and found it hard to build a strong social life while in college. Even though I had a lot of friends, I did not participate in a lot of extracurricular activities—I was more inclined to run, study and do my design work all by myself. If I could go back and do it again, I would take more time to enjoy more of the wonderful opportunities available to students— field trips, incredible speakers, athletic events, performing arts and similar things.

Riley Nilsen, an agricultural sciences senior with an emphasis in teaching and ornamental horticulture, was elected by her peers to serve as the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) president for the 2017-18 academic year. She is the third student consecutive student from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to hold the post. You are the 25th ASI president from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the third CAFES student in three years! Do you think that is just good fortune or something to do with the caliber of students in the college? I love the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). I think because so many of our majors correlate to heavily regulated industries, we are taught to be involved in government relations and in leadership through our academics. I have been really impressed with how CAFES students communicate with one another and can come together on any issue. It is such a unique skill that I am proud to say our college is known for. What is your main goal in the upcoming year? As an active member of the Cal Poly and local to the San Luis Obispo community, I am passionate about our

campus’ wellbeing and have immense reverence for the student voice. I ran on a student first platform focusing on three R's: building relationships, providing resources and advocating for student rights. These principles will guide my year because I believe they work in harmony to facilitate the welcoming, energetic and dynamic campus community that all Mustangs deserve to experience. What are three words that you would use to describe your experience at Cal Poly to date? Opportunity. Supportive. Career driven. What piece of advice would you give to incoming freshmen that they might not have already been told? I think my biggest piece of advice would be to get involved in a club. I know, I know, you have probably heard it over 100 times already. But it's so true! I am involved in several clubs on campus including Tractor Pull, Agricultural

Communicators of Tomorrow and I have been a member of Student Government for the past three years. Clubs are a way for you to apply what you learn inside of the classroom, to real-world experiences. Plus, you get to hang out with some of the coolest and most talented students while doing that. What are you excited for? It is my goal to make student priorities, my priorities. I am continuously impressed by the students I meet at Cal Poly and I know that I have much to learn from each of them. Students: Please feel free to say “hi” if you see me walking by, come chat with me during office hours at Dexter Lawn, or even grab tacos with me on a Tuesday and strike up a conversation. I want to make myself as accessible as possible so that every meeting I sit in on your behalf, I can truly represent you. Ride High, Mustangs!

Kennedy Library: A place to study, work and relax One of the most popular places on campus is Kennedy Library, which offers textbook services, one-on-one assistance and opportunities to destress and unwind. Here are six things you need to know about the library’s resources that will save you time and money as a student.

Solid Works, among others. It’s also questions and guide you through equipped with a virtual meeting room the process. and a One Button Studio that allows you 5. Take time to reflect in the Prayer and to record a presentation with the click of Meditation Space one button. The space allows you to unwind, relax 3. Unwind and relax with the and breathe. Located in room 408, the Take 5 Program room is available on a first-come, firstKennedy Library’s Take 5 program serve basis. This space can be used 1. Save money on textbooks with provides you with the opportunities you for up to 20 minutes and is especially Textbook Match need to de-stress and unwind. During convenient because you can take a The textbook matching service takes finals week, cats and dogs come to the break from studying without having to away the financial burden of purchasing library for you to cuddle your stress leave the library. If you have a yoga, a textbook. Students find their course away. On select Wednesdays, Take 5 prayer mat or mala beads you’d like book and obtain free access for the sets up a water color station to let your to keep in the room on a regular basis, entire quarter. In spring 2017, more creative juices flow. lockers are available for registration than 200 textbooks were offered. All with library administration on a 4. Find answers at the Research books are available in PDF format, quarterly basis. Help desk which eliminates the weight you need 6. Find available seats with the Research papers are an inevitable to carry in your backpack. heat map part of the college experience. Look no 2. Access tech and comfy space in Hub 24 further than the research help desk if Check out the front page of Kennedy Hub 24 is a popular space in Kennedy Library used for all-day studying and easy access to a software programs. Hub 24 provides more than (xx) computers with applications such as ArcGis, Adobe Creative Suite and

you have questions about databases, research methods and sources. One of Kennedy Library’s Library Research Assistant Technicians (LibRATS) will be more than happy to help you. The LibRATS are trained to answer your

Library’s website and click on “computer and seat availability” to see which floor you’re most likely to score a spot on. By checking in advance, you won’t go wandering looking for a seat.

Explore Your Options with The Freshman Focus Team! Don’t know where to get started with your college career? Begin by getting acquainted with Career Services’ Freshman Focus Team (FFT) and the services they offer. Mollie Benson, a recent materials engineering graduate, knows first-hand what a valuable and essential resource FFT is for first-year students. “They specifically offer support for freshmen students since freshmen deal with a lot of different things.” she said. The FFT is important for incoming students who want to become firmly grounded in their college environment, major and campus activities.They offer guidance and resources to jump-start your career planning. They will also help you resolve uncertainties about your choice of major and introduce you to career possibilities related to your field of study, interests and talents. Benson said that getting a taste for your major is beneficial early on. “I think just getting involved in your major’s club, or something that you’re

interested in that goes toward your future career, is something good to get involved in,” she said. Use Career Services to Land Your Dream Job The Freshman Focus Team and Career Services can help to ensure you get a job out of college. Students have taken advantage of this resource to a good effect. Benson used Career Services to land her dream job, a reliability engineer at NXP Semiconductors. “They helped me with my first parttime job that really connected me into getting involved in Career Services,” she said. Benson also pointed out how much Career Services helped her with her resume which led to her landing her first internship and job through MustangJOBS. Go to The Career Fair The Career Fair is another excellent service offered on campus. Career Services hosts a Career Fair two weeks after school starts. To prepare

for it, you can visit Career Services’ counselors, get resume samples and watch videos about interviewing online at careerservices.calpoly.edu/exploreservices/resource-toolkit. At the Career Fair, you can speak to employers about what they’re looking for in an employee, even if you’re not necessarily looking for a job yet. You can even use the Career Fair to land an internship. Under the recommendation of Benson’s freshman year English professor, she attended her first Career Fair. “We had to go and get flyers and it was extremely intimidating at first.” Benson said. Benson’s main goal of her first Career Fair was to figure out how to best communicate with employers so she would be ready for the next fair in the future. She knew it was advantageous to arrive early to the Career Fair to get over her fear of speaking with employers before attending it again in her later college years.

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Graduate and Extended Education helps students explore opportunities With the job market as comp etitive as ever, college students have to stand out to employers when searching for a career. For some employers, this means having a master’s degree. Cal Poly offers over 30 master’s degree programs in each of Cal Poly’s six colleges. In addition, students can earn a blended bachelor’s and master’s degree. Dean of Graduate Education Richard Savage said that many students pursue a master’s degree to study a more specialized area of their major, broaden their studies beyond their major or blend two different fields into one degree. “For example, my field is biomedical engineering,” Savage said. “It’s engineering and it’s biology, how do you get all of that as an undergraduate student? A master’s degree is really that opportunity to blend those areas into one.” Cal Poly accepts applicants to its graduate programs every fall quarter, however the department also offers a “blended program;’ where undergraduates in their junior year of college can decide to pursue a master’s degree alongside their bachelor’s degree. This way, students combine their undergraduate courses with their graduate courses, sometimes double-counting certain courses for both degrees. For example, certain upper division technology electives

included in a student’s undergraduate curriculum could also count for some of their graduate courses. Students sometimes have the opportunity to integrate their senior projects with their master’s thesis.

program pays for the students’ tuition and allows them to conduct research at medical centers across the state, at campuses such as University of California-Davis and University of California-Los Angeles.

Cal Poly also offers a variety of specialized graduate programs designed to give licenses to students in fields that work with the public. For example, students who obtain a master’s degree in psychology from Cal Poly can also be licensed therapists. Master’s programs in the Orfalea College of Business offer training to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Savage said it’s programs like these that are attractive to employers, because sometimes a bachelor’s degree isn’t the most desirable degree in the workforce.

Though Cal Poly does not offer doctorate programs, the university does offer some research opportunities for graduate students. Cal Poly offers a regenerative medicine research program that is funded by the State of California and allows graduate students to do cutting edge regenerative medicine research. The

“Cal Poly offers

a “blended program” where undergraduates in their junior year of college can decide to pursue a master’s degree alongside their bachelor’s degree.”

“A master’s degree gives (students) that edge and maybe gets them the better job, enables them to be promoted or advance into different opportunities in their professional career,” Savage said. This year, Cal Poly has added four new master’s programs to its catalog: business analytics, nutrition, architectural engineering and flexible electronics. On Sept. 13, Cal Poly will host an orientation for new graduate students to get acquainted with their program and Cal Poly’s campus. However, the university encourages anybody who is curious about the programs to come out and ask questions. Workshops are also available during fall quarter, where prospective students can learn more about master’s degree options. To learn more about Cal Poly’s graduate education and stay up- todate on announcements and upcoming events, visit: www.grad.calpoly.edu.

New bus routes make it easier for you to get to campus! Travelling locally just got easier for students at Cal Poly. SLO Transit has become more convenient by increasing the number and frequency of stops in the San Luis Obispo area. These new routes benefit all students, whether they live on or off campus. Transportation through SLO Transit is built into each student’s tuition through a contract between Cal Poly and the City of San Luis Obispo. This means that students, staff and faculty are granted free access to SLO Transit buses with a valid PolyCard. Off-campus students and faculty can worry less about getting to class on time with more frequent buses at the most popular stops, like Kennedy Library, the Performing Arts Center and the Downtown Transit Center. An onboard survey, presented at 2017 negotiations between Cal Poly and the City of San Luis Obispo, showed that 64 percent of riders take the bus to Cal Poly. The remaining riders use it for other school transportation like junior high and high school. The morning dash to campus leaves many students rushing to get to the right bus on time. Drew Beckley, biomedical engineering sophomore will be living off campus and knows

that popular bus routes fill up quickly in the morning. Beckley discussed how SLO Transit is expanding bus routes and increasing the frequency for the most popular commute times. “Where I will be living, the bus comes every 30 minutes, so there are plenty of routes in the morning for me.” With more frequent stops before early class schedules, students will find it easier to make it to class on time. With just over 18,000 incoming freshman and transfers, Cal Poly provides students with new bus routes to conveniently carpool locally. Offcampus residents can bring their cars, but with a bus stopping so often near Cal Poly and in the surrounding downtown area, all students enjoy the option of a free ride going home or heading off campus for the evening. “The expansion of routes will make taking the bus a more attractive option because I won’t have to worry as much about the bus schedule and making sure I get to the bus stop in time when I want to leave campus”, Beckley said on the slower frequency of evening buses in previous years. Additionally, because of limited parking near campus, many students rely on public transportation to help them get

on and off campus. With eight separate routes travelling across San Luis Obispo, students benefit from a free resource that can efficiently take them across town. SLO Transit has added 12 new stops, replacing some prior and removed stops, in popular destinations for all riders on the bus system. With the new bus routes, students can board a bus to downtown with increased ease. Freshmen and transfers for Fall 2017 have the exciting opportunity to utilize the more efficient bus system for the rest of their Cal Poly careers. Environmental management freshman Briana Sasao is excited to see how these new bus routes will improve trips to downtown. “I visited the Farmers’ Market during Open House and am excited to continue going downtown to buy fresh produce on Thursdays in Fall quarter. And these new bus routes will make it even easier to go downtown for Farmers’!” Whether you’re taking a trip downtown, headed out for an off campus study session, or just looking to stop by the Thursday Farmers’ Market, SLO Transit’s new routes are the perfect resource for all students.

Photo courtesy of SLO Transit

Q&A: Talking turkey and Mongolian grill with Campus Dining’s Executive Chef Ken Kline by Cameron Bones Campus Dining is committed to fueling Cal Poly students with a wide variety of healthy options that are locally grown, sustainable and taste great! To achieve our mission, Campus Dining is planning to introduce several new menu options for the start of the 2017 school year. We sat down with Executive Chef Ken Kline to talk about these new additions and how they will fit the needs of Cal Pol y students.

What can students expect to see in the fall? We know students want variety. At our all-you-care-to-eat venue we’re doing a burger bar, build-your-own deli sandwich station, gyro station, Mongolian grill, pasta bar, scramble station for breakfast and we’re brainstorming more ideas every day. It's just one way Campus Dining is providing students with more options. Students also want more options for dietary restrictions. We’re putting in gluten-free pasta, composed salads, tostadas, gluten-free beer-battered fish and more. We’re researching glutenfree flour, so we can start making more baked goods. We’re constantly looking for new ways to serve students with dietary restrictions. In addition, we’re having more of our chefs serving the food. Having a chef-attended station enhances the experience because students can interact with the person who’s making the food they eat. It allows students to make connections and give any feedback they have about the menu. We’re also making options more accessible to students. Our new sandwich venue in the University Union neighborhood will have an express line offering pre-made sandwiches plus an express line combo that includes one sandwich, a pickle spear or crudité and a choice of two deli sides. Additionally, Starbucks fresh brewed coffee and iced coffee will be available at three more locations for a total of seven convenient places for students to get their favorite cup of coffee. Why are new changes being made to Campus Dining? I think it’s just a sign of the times. My generation took food for granted. If it looked good and tasted good, we ate it! That has changed—students and young adults grew up with a lot more

education, so they know what good food is. They care about nutrition and sustainability more than past generations, so we’re giving them what they want—change. How did you decide what new options to introduce? We did an online survey and more than 3,800 students participated. We also conducted more than 13 focus groups to get a better sense of what the majority of Cal Poly students want. We took all of that data, broke it down and now we’re focusing on making menus based on survey results. Who was involved in creating/ planning the new items? It is a team effort under the leadership of a new dining director and myself. There are a lot of talented people here with a lot of passion. All of the chefs and sous chefs have great ideas and experience. We have a really good team here and nothing really happens unless you have a good team. How do you think students will respond to these new Campus Dining options? We conducted surveys and the results were overwhelmingly positive. They really like the variety. In the spring of 2017, we rolled out a few of the menu items to test them out. Students talked to me at the chef-attended station and they told me that they thought the changes were awesome. Also, we monitored how many people were coming through our all-youcare-to-eat venue by the hour and the average was about 300 more customers per day than we had the quarter before. We’re doing something right and it’s all because we have such an awesome team.

OPEN TO ALL MAJORS! More information at music.calpoly.edu/ensembles

WIND BANDS

SYMPHONY

JAZZ BANDS

CHOIRS

MUSTANG BAND

ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE

AUDITIONS

CALENDAR

Sign-ups online and in the Davidson Music Center (45) during Week of Welcome!

Check Out Our 2017-18 Event Season! music.calpoly.edu/calendar

facebook.com/cpmusic 40

For more information on the Music Department and its offerings, call 805-756-2406 or email music@calpoly.edu

Music Department: Learn, Participate and Go to Concerts The Music Department offers a wide variety of music courses available to all students! There are courses on music theory, history, ethnomusicology, synthesis and recording and much more. Many classes fulfill General Education and other requirements.

go on tours, ranging from in state to outside the U.S.

If you’ve been wanting to learn to sing or play a new or different instrument— or it’s been awhile and you’d like to improve your existing skills— enroll in beginning piano (MU 151), voice (MU 154) and/or guitar (MU 155).

Students are encouraged to participate in any number of ensembles. Auditions are required for most of them. To find out more, visit the ensembles website at music.calpoly.edu/ensembles/

The department also has a wide variety of large and small performing vocal and instrumental ensembles. The large groups include Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble; Choirs: PolyPhonics, University Singers and an Early Music Ensemble; University Jazz Bands: two big bands and combos; Mustang Band: marching and pep bands; Wind Bands: Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble; and Symphony Orchestra. The large groups often

Small groups include Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Quartets, Wind Quintets and String Quintets.

If you’d rather attend a performance than play in one, the department offers dozens of events each year, many of which are free. Take a break from your studies to enjoy the incredible talent of the university’s best musicians—many are not music majors, by the way! The department also hosts nationally and internationally recognized guest artists for lectures and performances, not to mention its own very talented faculty members. Presentations take place in venues including those of

the Performing Arts Center (Harman Hall, Pavilion and Spanos Theatre), the department’s recital hall (Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center [No. 45]) and at Mission San Luis Obispo and other churches. The highly visible Mustang Band can be found at football and basketball games and parades, including the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco in February. Check out the department’s calendar of events at music.calpoly.edu/ calendar/. Reservations are not required for free events and ticketed events can be purchased from the Cal Poly Ticket Office starting Sept. 1 at tickets.calpoly.edu. After you’ve taken a class or two and decide you’d like to delve further into music and have something to show for it when you graduate, apply for the Music Minor at music.calpoly.edu/minor/. The minor is only 24 units and can be customized to suit your interests.

Cal Poly 101: some words of encouragement for new students and supporters Welcome to Cal Poly! As the newest members of our Mustang family, I’m sure the last few weeks have been a whirlwind for you and your loved ones. After all, this is a new chapter in your lives, filled with excitement, new possibilities — and significant change. With this in mind, I’d like to offer some friendly advice to make your transition to Cal Poly a positive experience. Be yourself You don’t have to change who you are to go to Cal Poly. After all, the best version of you can only be achieved when you can be yourself. We believe that every student should feel safe, welcomed and respected as a member of our Cal Poly family. Everyone at Cal Poly — regardless of their background, preferences or beliefs —has something positive to contribute to our campus. Are you trying to find your own slice of community at Cal Poly? Student Affairs offers a diverse array of programs and services so that every student has the same opportunities to get involved and meet new people. From our Cross Cultural Centers, to one of our 389 student clubs, greek life organizations or NCAA and club sports, we have something for every student who calls our campus home. This is a place where people grow, so I encourage all students to think of ways they can make Cal Poly a true home where they can learn and experience success.

Get involved Every department in Student Affairs offers services that benefit both first-year and continuing students at Cal Poly. For many students, their first introduction to Student Affairs occurs through our New Student and Transition Programs, which hosts Open House in the spring, as well as SLO Days in the summer and the Week of Welcome (WOW) at the beginning of the fall quarter. The academic transition from high school to college can also be difficult for some new students at Cal Poly. Student Academic Services is here to help all Cal

Poly students achieve success in the classroom, with services that include free study skills sessions, supplemental workshops in mathematics and science, tutoring and more. One of the biggest adjustments for first-years is the change from living at home to sharing living space with other students. To ease this transition, University Housing provides on-campus housing communities that allow new students to live, learn and build bonds with students who have similar academic interests. Finally, I believe it’s important that students get involved with at least one club or organization on campus. Studies show that students who get involved perform better academically and are more engaged. It’s also a great way for your student to meet new people and try something different too!

Think about tomorrow Although four or five years at Cal Poly can feel like an eternity for students, it’s really a small window of time in which students learn and accomplish their personal academic goals before moving into their careers. I encourage all first-year students to take the first important step toward a lifetime of success by learning about the resources available through Career Services. This includes the Freshman Focus Team, which helps freshmen create a four-year career development plan based on their strengths and interests.

In addition, Career Services offers counseling, practical resume-building and assessment tools and hosts multiple career fairs each academic year to connect students to internships and career opportunities. Employers continually tell us that they want to hire students who have achieved academic success and display leadership skills. I suggest that all of our first-year students check out the Center for Leadership, which offers programming that helps them develop the leadership and communication skills needed to succeed. Overall, our goal is to provide your student with enriching experiences and useful resources that lets them get the most out of their time at Cal Poly and create a foundation for a promising future.

Don’t sweat it As a parent, I know this is a time of transition for supporters and parents of new students. Parents and supporters, trust that all of the life lessons and love you’ve passed on to your students will serve them well when they get to Cal Poly. They’ve made it this far, in part because of the foundation you’ve built for them, but also because you’ve allowed them to explore and grow into the people they are today. Know that we are here to help your student when they need us— and to ease

see Cal Poly 101, page 47

The Cal Poly Hunger Program The Cal Poly Hunger Program is a vital resource for any student experiencing food insecurity.

about when they might have their next meal, Joy Pedersen, Associate Dean of Students said.

them with information on the food pantry and additional resources during presentations.

The program, which offers a food pantry and meal vouchers, began in November 2014 and has since been steadily accessed by students in need.

Pedersen added that she’s witnessed many Cal Poly student successes that are made possible by meal vouchers. For example, she pointed to the story of a political science junior named *Stephanie, a three-time Dean’s List student who struggled to afford the cost of living in San Luis Obispo, which left her unable to afford groceries. Gaining access to meal vouchers and the food pantry, however, meant Stephanie no longer had to struggle with the daily choice of paying for food or keeping a roof over her head.

While the feedback the Hunger Program receives is mostly anecdotal due to its confidential nature, several Cal Poly students in need reported that the food pantry helped them to “fight through their academic year” and have also referred to it as a “life saver” and “stress reliever,” according to student feedback Pedersen shared.

The food pantry, located in the Lower Level of the Health Center (Building 27 room 10), consists of fresh, canned and packaged foods, school supplies and boxed toiletries. According to Genie Kim, Director of Wellbeing and Health Education, “[the Food Pantry] went from serving 69 students in our first year to 473 students in 20162017,” showing that it is undoubtedly making a monumental difference to Cal Poly’s student life. Meal Vouchers In addition to the food pantry, Cal Poly offers meal vouchers redeemable on campus to students struggling to pay for their next meal. For students experiencing financial insecurity or other unexpected hardships, access to the program allows them to focus more on academics and worry less

Increased Access to Resources The Hunger Program also provides students with information that allows those struggling financially to gain access to food resources, such as the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County and CalFresh (also known as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program). Kim noted “the response is overwhelmingly positive and students are grateful for these services” anytime she provides

Individuals seeking short-term or long-term food insecurity can contact Joy Pedersen and Blanca MartinezNavarro, Associate Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students, respectively, to discuss their situation and obtain access to the Cal Poly Hunger Program. For more information, visit www.studentaffairs.calpoly.edu/ hunger. *Name has been changed to protect identity

Cal Poly 101, cont. from pg. 42 your mind too. I make every effort to be as accessible as possible, both during events like SLO Days and throughout the academic year. From hosting an informational session for parents and supporters during SLO Days and attending student events throughout the academic year, to answering questions through Facebook or other means, I do my best to make sure both students and those who support them can reach me with their concerns. I also host an office hour weekly during the academic year for students on Mondays from 4–5 p.m. No appointment is necessary to see me. Finally, to our new students — please know that you are not alone. In fact, your roommates and friends are probably experiencing some of the same “firsts” that you are, whether it’s

doing your own laundry, making your own food or getting lost trying to find the right building on campus. Living on a college campus away from everything you’ve known your whole life is a big adjustment and that’s okay. So, don’t put any extra pressure on yourself to be perfect. Take this time to get familiar with your new surroundings, meet new people and make the effort to immerse yourself into the Cal Poly community. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Keith B. Humphrey Vice President for Student Affairs

Cal Poly Corporation welcomes new Mustangs with enhanced services Welcome to Cal Poly! It is an exciting time to be a Mustang as our university travels a path of significant transformation. The positive energy on campus is palpable and the year ahead of us looks bright. On behalf of the Cal Poly Corporation, we are proud to be supporting the needs of our students, staff and faculty. It is the reason we are here. As Cal Poly’s service auxiliary, the corporation operates for one purpose — to advance Cal Poly and its mission. The corporation provides vital services and resources for the university, offering everything from campus food and retail options to research support, property management, administrative services and employment opportunities. We are committed to continually seek campus community input to ensure our services keep pace with the evolving needs of our customers. In this way, we can be responsive and flexible, enhancing the campus experience, now and in the future. To invest in that future, we are making exciting changes to our operations. Our theme for this year is “Breaking New Ground” as we embark on several ambitious new initiatives. We recently selected Follett Higher Education to operate the University Store and we have contracted with Chartwells to help elevate our Campus Dining program. These partnerships with industry experts will allow us to quickly expand and enhance the options and services available to our Cal Poly community. And we have literally broken ground on a new dining facility to meet the future needs of our growing residential student population. Corporation dollars stay on campus and its mission and purpose are integral to the operational needs and long-term goals of the university. The corporation contributes more than $1 million annually to university programs, scholarships, facilities and development. We are honored to serve and support Cal Poly. By the same token, we look forward to supporting you throughout your Cal Poly experience!

Lorlie Leetham Associate Vice President, Commercial Services Executive Director, Cal Poly Corporation

Introducing the new College of Science and Mathematics Dean As a Cal Poly alumnus who went on to earn his master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard University, Dean Wendt is well-positioned to lead the College of Science and Mathematics as its new dean. His first day was July 1. When asked why he was compelled to apply for this position, Wendt replied that he “genuinely felt like he had gained the expertise and knowledge in his career as a faculty member and administrator to do good for the students, staff and faculty within the college.” He draws on his experience as a Cal Poly student to greatly aid him in understanding what students need to be successful. Reflecting on his time as a student, Wendt remembers the impact his professors made on his life. They constantly challenged him to work hard and learn deeply. It was a “rigorous and fair experience” because he was “challenged appropriately and given the tools to be a successful student.” The deep interest the faculty shared in Wendt’s learning is something he still cherishes today.

He admits that there were some limitations placed on him as a student. For example, the research he did for his senior project had to happen outside of Cal Poly because in the early nineties the institution did not provide as many on-campus resources for undergraduate research as it does now. Wendt expressed gratitude to William and Linda Frost for their record-breaking $110 million donation to the College of Science and Mathematics this past year. He said the Frost Fund—which was established by the gift—is truly transformational because it will greatly increase the opportunities for undergraduate research. He stresses the importance of undergraduate research in engaging students in hands-on learning in areas that interest them. In the next couple years, Wendt plans to build on the resources provided by the Frost Fund to bring in additional external funding to support research and balance faculty time between in-classroom teaching and in-depth mentoring.

However, this new endeavor requires “a lot of effort and energy from the faculty and staff. There is a lot of work left to do to make sure the goals of the Frosts and the college are achieved,” he said. Wendt believes this effort will be well worth it because real-world research builds students’ creativity, problemsolving skills and confidence. Under his administration, Wendt said that he does not foresee any major changes in direction for students but rather continuous growth and improvement. He plans to build on the college’s strengths to “create more opportunities for better experiences” beyond traditional classroom learning. Most importantly, Dean Wendt wants to keep our Learn By Doing motto alive through independent research, study abroad programs and internships with companies, private industries and the government that are “fundamentally Learn By Doing experiences.”

To My Fellow Mustangs, Congratulations on taking the first leap towards your future by attending the best California State University, Cal Poly! Your time as a Mustang will be an experience that will provide you not only with a fantastic education, but also hands-on opportunities in leadership, personal growth and professional development.

as a resource to you and serve as your personal advocate for this academic year we face together.

During spring elections, I ran on a platform of building genuine relationships, enhancing student access to resources and empowering students to get educated and informed of their rights. As ASI President, I am honored to serve as your official voice and connection to our campus administrators, off-campus community and our state.

At ASI, we are excited to be one of the largest student-run organizations on campus and promote excellence in every program and facility we manage. Through ASI, Cal Poly students have access to over 500 on-campus jobs, the state-of-the-art Cal Poly Recreation Center, leadership positions through ASI Student Government, childcare through ASI Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programs and much more. ASI empowers students to take on leadership roles as managers, college and University student representatives, project managers and more in our wide variety of program areas.

I understand how difficult it is to balance school, work, extracurriculars and your social life. Luckily, you will find an abundance of support from your fellow Mustangs who are dedicated to serving you through the many programs and services initiated by the university and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI). As your President, I want to offer myself

ASI Student Government strives to build genuine relationships with each student in order to empower you to speak up for what you are passionate about. I encourage you to get involved, speak to your representatives, attend a meeting or stop by my office to chat. The more we know about what you need, the more we can advocate on your behalf.

If there is one thing I have learned from my time here, college is a chance for you to step out of your comfort zone, explore what motivates you and to surround yourself with people who will push you to grow. Putting students faceto-face with real world challenges, Learn By Doing opportunities and exposing them to their potential is a part of what makes Cal Poly so great. You are going to fail and you are going to have great successes; how you respond to those circumstances will define the person who walks across the commencement stage. This campus is a place to be fueled by your aspirations and ideas and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more excited to welcome you to our Mustang Family! Ride High! Riley Nilsen ASI President Visit asi.calpoly.edu to begin your ultimate college experience with ASI.

Minor or Major Advantage While not required, many students choose to complete one or more minors while at Cal Poly. With more than 75 minors to choose from, you’re bound to find a second or third area of interest outside of your major. You may declare a minor in the same college as your major, or expand your horizons and minor in an area outside of your primary college. “The average minor within the College of Liberal Arts takes 28 units to complete. That translates into seven courses,” said CLA Lead Academic Advisor Sabrina Canady. “In CLA, these units could count as free electives, general education courses or maybe even courses in your major.” The process to declare a minor varies because each is housed in a department. It’s best to contact the advising office or the department of interest for details. The Mustang Success Center is also a great resource for information about minors.

So why should you consider a minor? Here are a few good reasons: Stand out to employers Any minor demonstrates to future employers that you are willing to go above and beyond, but one that showcases your well-rounded interests and diverse proficiencies could go even further. For example, if you major in business, engineering, or science, a minor in a humanities fieldmay help you stand out among your peers. Likewise, an English degree with a minor in computer science warrants a second glance at your resume. “It helps with marketability to diversify your knowledge and skillset. Employers are increasingly looking for students who can problem solve from multiple perspectives and they want to hire people who can work across different departments and be flexible enough to grow with the company,” Canady said. Study something you’re passionate about Majoring in business, but don’t want to lose all the French you learned in high school? Love to dance, but planning to be an engineer? Maybe you’re pursuing a degree in history, but you find drawing and painting therapeutic? A minor at Cal Poly could give you a way to improve skills in a recreational activity, while also working toward your career goals. You could also take the chance to learn more about yourself and others through minors like Asian studies, ethnic studies, Latin American studies, gerontology, or religious studies. You’ll only be an undergraduate once, so take some time for personal fulfillment. Complement your major Organizations often look for employees who specialize within a specific sector. So, if you already know exactly what you want to do when you graduate, you could choose

your minor accordingly. For example, if you know you want to report on the environment and sustainability, a minor in environmental science or sustainable agriculture would be a perfect complement to your bachelor’s degree in journalism. A women’s and gender studies minor or Cal Poly’s new queer studies minor could complement a political science degree for a student hoping to have a career as an advocate for women’s or LGTBQI rights. Combine fields with an interdisciplinary minor In addition to traditional single-discipline minors, Cal Poly offers several minors that cross departments and colleges. The College of Liberal Arts now offers four interdisciplinary minors that explore the intersections of science, technology and society (STS) and how each one impacts and influences the others and the world. You could minor in: ethics, public policy, science and technology; gender, race, culture, science and technology; media arts, society and technology; or science and risk communication. Brian Kinney, English senior and science and risk communications minor, said, “The interdisciplinary aspect of the STS minors is what excites me the most. I think it’s really exciting that we have an opportunity here as undergrads to collaborate with people in a variety of different fields.” Other interdisciplinary minors offered across colleges include agricultural communication and integrated marketing communications. What are you waiting for? Contact an advisor today to enroll in the minor that’s right for you!

Learn By Eating About PULSE (Peers Understanding Listening Supporting & Educating) PULSE is a group of 40+ Cal Poly student volunteers whose mission is to provide outreach, education and activities on campus to promote healthy behaviors. Each student is trained and nationally certified as a Peer Health Educator, preparing students to be leaders on campus and in their future careers. The peers work with Campus Health and Wellbeing staff to identify campus needs and provide evidence-based health education programs to Cal Poly. PULSE is composed of four teams, each dedicated to a specific area of education: Sexual Wellbeing (EROS), Mental Wellbeing (REAL), Nutrition (HEAT) and Alcohol and Drug Education (TLC). Every Peer Health Educator is professionally trained, BACCHUS Certified and majoring in a related area of study. Our Peer Health Educators give evidence-based information through private one-on-one consultations and informative group presentations to the Cal Poly community. “Learn by Eating” Cookbook and Videos Eating healthy can be difficult, especially with a busy schedule, new living space and exposure to new food options. For some freshmen, going to Cal Poly represents a different challenge—preparing your own homemade meals. What type of ingredients should you use? Are you measuring the ingredients correctly? Where can you get these ingredients? To help answer these questions and to guide new cooks in the kitchen, our PULSE team created the “Learn by Eating” cookbook. This cookbook encompasses healthy, simple and delicious recipes that students can make on campus. The ingredients listed in this book are accessible on campus and require minimal appliances and cookware, particularly for freshmen. This cookbook will give students the confidence and knowledge on how to prepare a healthy meal on campus.

The “Learn by Eating” cookbook team also created short video tutorials on meal preparation in Cal Poly’s residence halls. These videos will be launched in the fall and throughout the academic year. Visit myCPWELL.com to view the “Learn by Eating” videos. Students can also submit their favorite recipe to myCPWELL.com for a chance to win a blender, popcorn maker, gift cards and other great prizes. There are many opportunities to Learn By Doing here at Cal Poly! myCPWELL Blog myCPWELL.com is an online resource community for students, staff and faculty at Cal Poly! This community provides the campus with news, research, articles and campus initiatives to foster Health and Wellbeing. Wellbeing connects the different elements of living— social, community, career, financial, physical and emotional wellbeing— to achieve and maintain life balance as well as the ability to

Thank you to Frieda’s Specialty Produce A special thank you to Frieda’s Specialty Produce for their generous donation. Our health education efforts would not be been possible without their support. Thank for helping our health education department promote healthy eating among our campus community. Frieda’s Story Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Ph.D: Founder & Chairman of the Board, Frieda’s, Inc. In 1962, Frieda Rapoport Caplan established Frieda’s Specialty Produce on the male-dominated Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. At that time, Frieda was one of the few women in the produce industry and was the first to own and operate a U.S. produce business. She quickly developed a reputation for buying and selling new and unusual produce specialties. “Success came because I never saw obstacles,” Dr. Frieda Rapoport Caplan said. Her marketing abilities were recognized worldwide after her success in introducing and promoting the Kiwifruit, earning her the title, “Queen of Kiwi”. Her influence extends beyond Kiwifruit. Her ability to create consumer demand for unusual foods has helped Frieda and her daughters, Karen and Jackie, make success stories out of many more items, including Sugar Snap Peas, Hothouse Cucumbers, Habanero Chiles and Kiwano Melons. In June 2014, Frieda was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s commencement ceremony for her achievement as one of the nation’s most successful female entrepreneurs. From being the first woman entrepreneur on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market in the 1960s, to transforming American cuisine by introducing over 200 exotic fruits and vegetables to U.S. supermarkets, Frieda Caplan inspired new food experiences for chefs and home cooks around the world. Now in her 90s, Frieda’s daughters and granddaughter carry on the business legacy. Information taken from friedas.com

be resilient and achieve full potential. Through life balance, we are better able to manage the different aspects of our life through a holistic approach, which will help us reach personal and professional success. The blog welcomes open dialogue from the campus to share, learn and create a campus where everyone can all thrive and be well. Visit the “Articles” page to stay up–to-date on the Cal Poly community and to learn more about improving your physical, emotional, social, community, financial and professional wellbeing.

Want to get involved and help make our campus a healthier place? Contact us at PULSE@calpoly.edu or call 805-756-6181!

Keeping a Healthy Mind at Cal Poly Facing academic stress, independence and a new environment, it is not uncommon for students to struggle with mental illness. According to the Association for University and College Counseling—an organization that works with university counseling to improve collegiate mental health — over 41.6 percent of college students face clinical anxiety of some form and 35.8 percent struggle with depression. In 2016, Cal Poly Counseling Services provided services to 12 percent of the student population. We, as college students, face countless challenges every day. It can be comforting to know that you are not alone in your experiences and there are always people who can help. The academic, social and mental pressures of the transition to college can be challenging. Knowing what to do about these changes is very important to your everyday life, so take advantage of the support of your peers, your own knowledge of your body and habits and professional help from Counseling Services, including the 24/7 help line.* Taking care of others Dr. Hannah Roberts, the Assistant Director for Community Prevention & Outreach Services at Counseling Services, encourages students to look out for others’ mental health. Dr. Roberts wants students to “watch for drastic changes in behavior in friends and roommates, including

sleep changes, class absences, problematic substance use, toxic relationships and mood swings.” Checking in with friends and classmates about these changes can show them that their wellbeing and health is important to you. Supporting the decisions and feelings of your peers can make all the difference. Sometimes, this can be as small as walking them to class, asking about their day or pointing them in the direction of the Health Center. Taking care of yourself Sometimes taking care of someone else is easier than taking care of yourself. Most of the advice given to your peers can be applied to your own lifestyle. Dr. Roberts finds that students should “practice healthy habits [by] getting good sleep, listening to your body (sufficient exercise, stress relief, healthy eating, monitoring substances) and staying away from toxic relationships.” You know your body better than anybody else and your physical health often reflects your mental health. Keeping your mind healthy is as much about your body as your head. If you’re feeling anxious about something, try to relieve stress by drawing, making crafts, or using coloring books. When in doubt, ask for help The ultimate goal for Counseling Services is that students feel able

to resolve issues on their own and come to them when students really need them. However, never feel like you are a burden to the counselors or staff; they are here to help students that struggle in their day-to-day lives. Sometimes, one of the hardest things for people who struggle with mental health is talking to strangers. They feel embarrassed, judged or even neglected. But there’s nothing to fear from the Counseling Services staff. Cal Poly counselors are responsive and compassionate. They genuinely care about students and are happy to help them work through any problems they may have, whether anxiety, depression, or relationship toxicity. Dr. Roberts also ensures students that Counseling Services “value student’s schedules and calling will ensure that we can work out a spot in the next seven days.” The Counseling Services desk is located inside the Health Center in building 27 room 135, just beyond the Rec Center, going downhill. There is also more information on the Cal Poly Counseling Services website. Counseling Services has a 24/7 helpline for anyone needing immediate counseling.* *24/7 help line: 805-756-2511 The Counseling Center can be reached at 805-756-2511. Additional info can be found online at counseling.calpoly.edu.

Get what do ready. we put Mustang News is returning with a brand new look.

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Learn By Doing: the Engineering Way Cal Poly’s engineering department ranks No. 5 for undergraduate engineering schools in the nation. But it’s Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing motto that helps students thrive. Involvement with the engineering clubs on campus provides student support and allows them to engage in a variety of disciplines. Each of these 39 clubs have exemplified the five Learn By Doing principles in one way or another. 1. Competitions At Cal Poly, the College of Engineering wants to see students excel and many times they grow through competitions and take home first place. The Concrete Canoe team took home the national title after placing first in the regional competition in June 2017 with a canoe named Meraki,. Not only do students get to participate in top clubs around the country but they also gain real-world experience. The canoe evolved from a research idea to a solid material within a matter of one year.

four years since becoming a club on campus. This past year, six design teams worked on a project assigned to them by a client, or what they like to call, challengers. Kathryn Turk, QL+ vice president of operations and biomedical engineering sophomore, said that QL+ is a direct representation of Learn By Doing. The teams take responsibility for their own projects and one such project allowed them to create a hand attachment for a six-year-old boy named Levi. But they went above and beyong when they created a hand-tobike attachment which allowed him to ride the bike without training wheels. Additionally, they have created a myoelectric hand for a winemaker in Lompoc. QL+ reaches out to the Challenged Athletes Association to find potential clients. Since they are working on this project all year, turning over the final product to the client is the highlight.

Specifically for the canoe, the team “What is amazing is that we can see spent over a year conducting research, that someone is receiving our project,” developing and building the boat out of Turk said. concrete, a material that you wouldn’t 4. Project-Based Learning expect to float. Not to mention, the Project based learning is an essential Steel Bridge team stood out as “Best form of providing student support. in the West” at the national ASCE While they receive projects in the competition, placing third overall. The classroom, students working on these supermileage and Baja team both projects are dedicated to the club earned fourth place after competing and the cause. One such club, White against more than 90 other teams. Hat, is a cyber security and hacking 2. International Development club at Cal Poly. Their mission is to Engineers without Borders is dedicated provide the tools, knowledge and skills to global advancement which allows to make the internet a safer place students to develop their engineering by protecting personal computers, skills all over the world. A few of the private data and information systems. projects have involved improving Additionally, clubs like Society of sanitation in India, providing food storage and safer bridges in Thailand, building a public school in Nicaragua and creating a bike-powered maize mill in Malawi. 3. Local Community Development Cal Poly engineering often contributes to the local community. Quality of Life Plus (QL+) has been helping local community members for the past

Women Engineers and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers have hosted events and attended conferences to build connections within the professional industry. 5. Innovation Clubs at Cal Poly go beyond students’ education. They guide and encourage students to take on an actual problem and create the solution. They interact with industries to come up with innovative ideas. For example, Team Tech, a subset of the Society of Women Engineers, partners every year with a contact in the engineering industry, Team Tech director Cecilia Yuen said. She described Team Tech’s role as showing “a project from inception to completion.” This year, they collaborated with Mezetti, who charged them with creating a solar-powered sanitation device for hospitals. Their current sanitation method is a bucket of water from the local river. Team Tech created a prototype that will take the dirty water and sanitize it. In order to create the device, they received parts from local company Del Ozone, which provides products to help clean and disinfect water. Not only did students completely create the device but they also collaborated with industry members to develop it. “It gives each member so much opportunity, especially how to communicate with industry and what industry protocols must be followed,” Yuen said. It’s no doubt Cal Poly engineering students are getting experience when every day they Learn By Doing.

Our Cal Poly engineering students are... Working on spacecraft Researching cures Solving complex problems Building computer systems Being innovative Developing new technologies Creating new products Ready to Learn by Doing the Cal Poly Engineering way? We will help you! Contact Engineering Student Services for everything you need to enhance your academic success. eadvise.calpoly.edu | 805-756-1416

No Car. No Problem. As Cal Polyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numbers have grown, so has the demand for parking. There is, however, only so much space available at the university. This situation 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, the answer came in a new set of transportation 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. Their 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.

Bike

Train

Bus

Rideshare

Zip Car

For more information about getting around Cal Poly, visit commute.calpoly.edu.

A Look into the Cal Poly Parent Advisory Council A vital backbone of the Cal Poly community is the body of parents who support and contribute to the success of its students, as well as its faculty and staff. One such parent is Monica White, Chair of the Parent Advisory Council, who elaborated on parent philanthropy and it’s importance on Cal Poly. What is the Parent Advisory Council? The Parent Advisory Council is a group of up to 24 parents and supporters, two students and a member of the Cal Poly faculty who provide programming direction to Parent and Family Programs staff and advise the university’s administration on matters involving student development and success. Parent Advisory Council members are Cal Poly ambassadors, sharing their perspectives and experiences along with fostering communication between the parents and the Mustang community.

Why should parents give their time, talent and resources to Cal Poly? About half way through my first child’s Cal Poly education, I realized through all my experiences and interactions with Cal Poly what a truly special school it is— a very professional university staff helped my son and I with any questions we had. Along with my children’s experiences with their teachers who were so available and the Learn By Doing motto, my husband and I wanted to support Cal Poly in any way we could. My family comes from a long line of entrepreneurs so my husband and I wanted to help students by supporting the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), which gives them the skills and cultivates the entrepreneurial mindset. Parents should continue to give to Cal Poly since private support helps ensure that the Learn By Doing

programs continue to meet the needs of the students, including research opportunities and quality instructional equipment. Employers highly value Cal Poly graduates as they hit the ground running in the workforce since they have this hands-on learning experience. What are some instances where the Parent Advisory Council actively participates in Cal Poly or with individual students through a parent giving their time, talent and resources? Council Members volunteer at SLO Days (summer orientation), Family Weekend in October and Open House in April. We attend sessions and socials, answer parents’ and students’ questions and provide important information while sharing our experiences and perspectives.

How can other parents get involved and give to this program? Parent Advisory Council meetings are held three times a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the next is in October. The fall and spring meetings are open to all Cal Poly parents and supporters. Parents interested in membership are invited to observe a meeting. The application process consists of a questionnaire and telephone interview with the council chair and vice-chair. The next available opening for a seat on the council is in Spring 2018. To assist us in planning for your attendance at an upcoming meeting, please request an invitation from the Parent and Family Programs staff via email at calpolyparent@ calpoly.edu. L to R: Katelyn (2015), Bruce (spouse), Monica, Nick, Olivia (2019), Zach (2012). Photo Credits to Monica White.

A note from Associate Vice President and Dean of Students A recent New York Times article titled, “On Campus, Failure Is on the Syllabus” draws attention to the increasing rates of depression, anxiety and stress that today’s college students face. However, instead of citing large-scale, traumatic events as the root of these mental health issues, universities are linking them with students’ inability to cope with smaller struggles. Due to college admissions mania, helicopter-parents, social media and a culture of competitive stress, a whole generation of students is “failure deprived” resulting in a lack of coping mechanisms for basic setbacks such as receiving less than an A, not getting their chosen room assignment, or getting waitlisted for a class. In response to this phenomenon, universities such as Princeton, Stanford and Penn are developing programs, campaigns and other tools to empower students to destigmatize failure and view it as part of the learning experience. On reading this article, I was reminded about how many students today lack a solid sense of self and healthy coping skills, especially in those who have achieved so much already. However, I also took time to reflect on the ways in which Cal Poly is designed to help

students learn and practice resilience and perseverance early on. The development of these essential traits, which begins immediately during Week of Welcome, comes from a unique combination of elements at Cal Poly that includes: »» Learn By Doing through which we embrace mistakes and learn from these experiences

On behalf of the Dean of Students team, we welcome you and your new Mustang to an exciting and rewarding college experience. We look forward to partnering with you during their journey. Kathleen McMahon Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

»» A fast-paced quarter system that develops quick-thinking and adaptability »» A close-knit academic environment that establishes strong bonds of mentorship with faculty »» An empowering living experience that promotes independence in University Housing »» An open campus culture that supports freedom of expression and individuality As a parent, you can help your child build resilience by coaching them from afar. Let them make decisions, take risks and encounter mistakes on their own. If failure or disappointment happens, process it together without judgment. Remember, these are growth opportunities that will help them cope in the larger picture of life and adulthood.

Do’s and Dont’s of Campus Living DON’T Play loud music.

Serving on Community Council and developing friendships with your neighbors and Resident Advisor (RA) will help make your campus living experience rewarding.

Music played at an appropriate volume is acceptable, but sound travels far— especially in close living environments. If you think your music might be too loud, walk down the hallway to see how loud your music is at a distance and then adjust it. Playing music at an appropriate volume is respectful of others who may need quiet time for studying or sleeping. Have fun, but be courteous.

Build strong relationships!

DON’T Break University Housing policy

Propping your door open is a great way to meet people. Even if it’s just a quick hello, saying hi to someone is an easy way to make their day and help you feel good, too.

No drinking and no smoking are among the policies that are in place to provide you with a safe and conducive living environment. See the policies page at www.housing.calpoly.edu.

Use your resources!

DON’T Steal or vandalize.

Living on campus comes with some great perks. Take advantage of common areas, study spaces, free bus fare and the campus Rec. Center.

Part of being a good neighbor is respecting your building. Be courteous and mindful of how your actions affect others.

Be kind to the custodial staff!

While living conditions might not be ideal all the time, having a negative mindset will only make things worse. You get as much out of your campus living experience as you put into it. If you need extra support, let your RAs know! It’s their job to help you and make sure you have an enjoyable year.

Get Involved!

They work hard to ensure your living area is clean. Something as simple as saying hi or moving your bathroom/kitchen supplies out of the way before they clean helps them help you.

DON’T Have a negative mindset.

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Cal Poly’s Emerging Leader Series and Student Community Services exist with one goal in mind—to build on the strengths of its students. For further proof of concept, university officials point to the Gallup StrengthsQuest assessment, which identified the Achiever trait as a top strength among Cal Poly students. According to the assessment, those who identify with this trait often seek to instigate change through hard work and determination. Emerging Leaders Series Coordinator for the Center for Leadership Lauren Irwin created the Emerging Leaders Series program in Fall 2015 to recognize and assist highly motivated Cal Poly students. “What I love about Emerging Leaders is that students choose to participate in it out of their own desire…so many students come because they want to be a better version of themselves, be more effective in working with other people or build skills they feel like they’re missing,” Irwin said. The series runs every quarter from week 2 to week 10 and is open to all students, free of charge. There are several sections of the series per quarter, with each section limited to 12 to 15 people in order to stimulate community-building among students. The two-hour weekly meetings focus on different topics relating to leadership, including: personal values, inclusivity, StrengthsQuest and social change. Connections for School and Beyond: Irwin said she highly recommends the series for freshmen, since it provides opportunities to build crucial leadership skills they can use throughout college. The Emerging Leaders Series is steadily becoming a “preferred qualification” when applying to for positions such as orientation leaders, resident advisors, club presidents, members of student government and greek life councils. The series also allows students to look beyond undergraduate life and identify how they can apply leadership skills for years to come. Every student is paired with an alumni mentor with the same major as the student or works in their career field of choice. This relationship helps students build a foundation for

networking and gain valuable advice when applying to graduate programs and internships. Community Change Many of the leadership topics are incorporated in the series’ Day of Service, where all sections of Emerging Leaders assist a particular agency in the San Luis Obispo area. Last year, the program selected the following non-profits: Central Coast Grown, which seeks to build local, sustainable and fair food systems; and Growing Grounds, a wholesale nursery. “All the agencies serve really unique needs in the San Luis Obispo community, whether it’s providing employment for people struggling with mental health and looking to get back on their feet or providing sustainable farming,” Irwin said. Student Community Services Bringing it all Together: Physics senior Adeel Ali completed the Emerging Leaders Series last fall and has been a part of Student Community Services program for three years. During his time with the program, homelessness became a cause close to his heart. As a result, Ali is now the Program Assistant Lead for Beyond Shelter, a Student Community Services program that connects Cal Poly students to the local shelters. “The one event that was really pivotal for me was ‘Homelessness Awareness Week’, a week dedicated to dispelling myths about homelessness … and I found myself really humbled by how much I learned throughout that whole week,” Ali said. From volunteer to leader, Ali credits the Emerging Leader Series with helping him achieve his current role.

“I couldn’t imagine planning Homelessness Awareness Week at all. I probably would have been that shy kid in the corner not knowing what to do. The Emerging Leaders Series’ process really helped me grow and adapt to my position,” Ali said. Happy to Talk More information on the Emerging Leaders Series is easily accessible to all students. Friendly faces, such as office coordinators Lauren Irwin and Elizabeth Thomas, are happy to answer any questions students may have. The office is located in the Center for Leadership, upstairs in the Julian A. McPhee University Union Building 65 Room 217. Students can also learn more online: Website deanofstudents.calpoly.edu/content/ leadership-service/emerging Email leadership@calpoly.edu Twitter @LearnByLeading Facebook facebook.com/LearnByLeading

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