Go SLO 2024 by Mustang News

CAL POLY PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS:

WELCOME TO THE MUSTANG FAMILY!

PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS provides support, resources and exciting programming for the proud parents, family members and supporters of Cal Poly students. The office strives to facilitate communication between parents and the university, support student success by increasing parent awareness of university resources, and help parents develop strategies to meet the unique challenges of supporting students through the college years.

Visit PARENT.CALPOLY.EDU today to sign up for university emails, connect with Parent Advisory Council members, and learn about upcoming parent and supporter events.

November 1-3, 2024

Discover how your student has made Cal Poly their home! Join us this November at Mustang Family Weekend to:

• Engage in Learn by Doing lectures and labs led by esteemed faculty.

• Explore campus through interactive tours.

• Enjoy live music and fun activities for the whole family.

• Attend athletic, performing arts and cultural events.

SCAN THE QR CODE ABOVE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!

Designed by Tristan Naoe and Jenna Yost

STUDENT AFFAIRS

THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

The O ice of the Dean of Students is committed to

creating a welcoming, inclusive university campus for you. We provide students with assistance in navigating Cal Poly and connecting them with appropriate resources. Overall, we strive to provide resources and spaces for everyone to connect to a community and be supported throughout their college experience.

A WORD FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

CAMPUS ASSESSMENT, RESPONSE, AND EDUCATION (CARE)

“Welcome, Mustangs! The O ice of the Dean of Students is here to support your success, in collaboration with faculty and sta across the university. Our team can help you navigate the various resources, policies, and opportunities on campus so you have the best and most successful experience at Cal Poly. We are glad you're here!”

Dr. Joy Pedersen, Dean of Students

Serves as a resource to help students resolve university-related issues and concerns to help them obtain their degrees. The o ice ensures student success by facilitating referrals, support and advocacy through nonclinical interventions. It also provides follow-up services in collaboration with other university departments or individuals, community agencies, parents or guardians, and stakeholders in the students’ success.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers the California State University Standards for Student Conduct. The o ice ensures a fair and impartial administration of the disciplinary process while educating students about their responsibilities and protecting the rights of all members of the university community. It also addresses student behavioral problems in a developmental and educational manner, with the goal of fostering the ethical development and personal integrity of students.

Supports students with critical and urgent needs by providing emergency grants to help o set core expenses — from housing and meals to academic supplies, unplanned emergencies and many things in between.

FOSTER YOUTH PROGRAM

Serves incoming first-year, transfer, and continuing students who have experienced foster care. We are committed to helping students earn a degree by providing a community of support where students can succeed and thrive.

STUDENTS WITH DEPENDENTS PROGRAM

Provides support to Cal Poly undergraduate and graduate students who are parents, guardians, and caregivers. We are committed to promoting student success through advocacy and support.

The O Campus Housing Program supports students transitioning from on-campus to o -campus housing, helps students gain access to safe and a ordable housing, and prepares students to be responsible renters.

CAL POLY CARES

OFF CAMPUS HOUSING PROGRAM

DEAN OF STUDENTS

SPONSORED BY THE DEAN OF STUDENTS BY GRACE BENDER

Welcome new Mustangs! Here at Cal Poly, we emphasize the importance of the transition to college through programs including Open House, SLO Days and WOW. Although you have attended these orientation events, you might still have questions left unanswered on how to navigate campus and the community on it. That is okay! Feeling nervous, scared, or even excited about this next chapter in your life is completely understandable, you are not alone. Cal Poly has many people to guide and encourage you on this journey.

It is my goal, as the Dean of Students, to help you achieve the best college experience during your time here. My priority is to advocate for all students across our campus, and to help make sure you are seen and heard. Besides students, I work with parents, faculty, campus partners and the community to support students and help them reach their full potential.

These are my top 10 tips for navigating college based on my experiences with students over the years.

1. BE PATIENT

Although it might seem as though your peers have it “all together,” that is not always the case. Truth is, it takes time to get adjusted to a new setting and new people. Your college experience is going to be unique to you, so if you are experiencing a period of uncertainty, do not worry, you have plenty of time to figure out campus and the community in it.

2. KEEP AN OPEN MIND

A special thing about college is that it gives you the opportunity to meet people with different interests and experiences. So instead of pairing up with people that might seem super similar to you, try and branch out.

3. BE YOURSELF

The best way to find good friends is to be yourself. Changing things about you in hopes of fitting in with others will only hinder your opportunities of meeting people that you truly connect with.

4. ATTEND OFFICE HOURS

The experience that office hours provides allows you to understand topics you might still be unsure about. Students who utilize the resources faculty gives to them are more likely to succeed academically, or feel as though they have gotten the most out of their degree.

5. MAKE FRIENDS IN CLASS

The recommended time per week of studying ranges between 25-35 hours. It helps to make friends in your classes so you can form study groups and spend that time with people who encourage you to work hard.

6. JOIN A CLUB

Pick areas you have interest in and find ways to start getting involved through some of the clubs on campus. You can attend events and meetings, follow their social media and connect with the club officers to show interest. It is proven that students who are involved in clubs have higher academic success than those not involved.

7. VOLUNTEER

There is much to be said about helping others. Your social skills will increase, you can meet new people and odds are you will find a sense of purpose through your actions. Check out some volunteer opportunities through the Center for Service in Action.

8. GET AN ON-CAMPUS JOB

One way to feel better acquainted with the campus community is getting an on-campus job. Not only do these jobs provide flexible schedules and add to work experience, but they allow you to meet more students and faculty. Plus, extra cash is always nice.

9. ASK QUESTIONS

If you don’t know, just ask. Whether it is directions to a certain building or a question about classes, there are people around you to help. Academic advisers, faculty and even upper-class students are always people you can look towards when you are uncertain about something.

10. HAVE FUN!

Creating a good balance between school and recreational time can help your mental health improve and promote academic success. There are many people at Cal Poly who want to help you succeed this year and the years to come. The Office of the Dean of Students is here to allow all students the opportunity to pursue their goals, whether it is personal, educational, or professional. If there are times you need help navigating circumstances that impact your success as an individual, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dean of Students or another resource that Cal Poly provides!

CAL POLY PROVOST WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR IN COLLEGE?

What I remember most is meeting individuals on the very first weekend who would become my lifelong friends. I also remember one of my faculty members who would hold study sessions with snacks in our residence hall. A few years ago, I had a chance to go back to my undergraduate school and share with those faculty members the fact that they had a lasting impact on my life. These are some of my fondest memories and part of what makes the college experience so special.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS STARTING THEIR FIRST YEAR AT CAL POLY?

I wowuld encourage new students to enter their first year with a focus on their studies and an excitement for what they will be learning, while remembering to attend to their self-care. The first year makes a major impact on students’ college experience, and it is a wonderful opportunity to discover new interests and learn more themselves. I also would recommend making an effort to get to know your instructors and the faculty and staff members in your academic department. Meeting with advisors and seeking out the student success resources in areas like the Writing and Learning Center are also great ways to get your Cal Poly career off to a good start. Finally, I encourage you to stay updated on the semester conversion process at semesters.calpoly.edu and the Kennedy Library transformation at lib.calpoly.edu.

asi.calpoly.edu

WELCOME TO CAL POLY FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS

SPONSORED BY STUDENT AFFAIRS

Welcome! We are so thrilled that you’re joining the Cal Poly community this fall. You may be feeling a range of emotions as you prepare to move to San Luis Obispo – nervous, excited, worried, exhilarated, or all the above – and that’s OK. The Student Affairs team is ready to connect you to the resources, programs and support your needs to be successful, all the things from health and counseling services to professional development, and so much more. First, let’s talk about getting ready for fall.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR AT CAL POLY.

Whether you’re a first-time student or transfer student, the first months on campus are foundational and can set the tone for the rest of the year, even longer. Before arriving, think about what you need to support your wellness. This may include

people in your life who you can call or practices that help you stay grounded.

Something else that may help you feel more connected to Cal Poly and the San Luis Obispo community is a Student Affairs website and app, Cal Poly Now. The app is designed for you to connect with friends, explore clubs and events, and find opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community.

Did you know there are more than 350 clubs and organizations on campus? Each year, thousands of events are posted on Cal Poly Now. That might sound overwhelming, but the app will help. You can identify your interests, search for clubs and join group chats.

You don’t have to wait for WOW to download the Cal Poly Now app to your Apple or Android device and log in using your Cal Poly email and password. There are several other apps you’ll want to download to make sure you’re ready to visit the

Recreation Center, attend Athletics events, order food through Grubhub and get a ride across campus on Mustang Shuttle. Learn more at bit.ly/CalPolyApps.

Student Affairs has also created lists of important after-hours resources and contact numbers so you can reach out whenever you need to, including health and counseling services, public safety and on-campus housing. These vCards can be downloaded straight to your device. Find the After-Hours Support page under Programs on the Student Affairs website: studentaffairs.calpoly.edu.

As your journey begins, don’t forget that it may take time to feel comfortable in your new home away from home. Make time for self-care, step outside and explore our beautiful campus and community, and get to know your neighbors, classmates, faculty and staff.

See you in September!

Student Life Starts

CAL POLY STUDENTS, FACULTY IMPLEMENT BILINGUAL ROBOTICS PROGRAM AT PACHECO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SPONSORED BY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

What began as a desire to give elementary school students an opportunity to learn about robotics turned into reality when Cal Poly faculty members put their plan into action to bring exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education to youth.

Javier Gonzalez-Sanchez (computer science and software engineering), Paul Anderson (computer science and software engineering) and Rafael Guerra-Silva (industrial technology and packaging) submitted their idea for a bilingual robotics program and received an HSI Mini Grant to fund the program.

“I was doing some outreach with EPIC and SURP focused on Hispanic middle and high schoolers, and Paul had a desire to create more exposure on engineering topics at Pacheco Elementary School after having conversations with the principal and parents there,” Gonzalez-Sanchez explained. The grant funding for this collaboration is part of

BY TAYLOR VILLANUEVA

the inaugural Cal Poly HSI Mini Grant Program, introduced to further Cal Poly’s goal of becoming a Hispanic-serving institution. Pacheco Elementary School was a great partner school for the bilingual robotics program: it is one of two schools in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District to offer elementary dual language programs, where all students learn Spanish literacy with the goal of bilingualism by the end of their elementary experience.

Gonzalez-Sanchez, Anderson and Guerra-Silva took steps to make sure that Cal Poly students would be at the forefront of this partnership.

“We wanted Cal Poly students to run the teaching part and for kids to notice that it’s not just about faculty from the university presenting, but the students and, moreover, students speaking Spanish,” Gonzalez-Sanchez shared.

The program introduces K-6 students at Pacheco Elementary School to computer programming and robotics using Lego Mindstorms EV3 robotics kits.

“The students were given different tasks during the week of the program that emphasized learning how to command the robot to respond to its environment with feedback from different sensors,” said Lakshmanam Muthukaruppan.

Throughout the workshop sessions, students programmed their robots using a block-based programming interface utilizing loops, control structures, conditionals and other advanced programming concepts. Students were able to customize their own robots using engineering design processes. Many Cal Poly volunteers would tutor their groups in Spanish during breakout sessions, a way to further emphasize Pacheco Elementary’s bilingual education while getting students excited about robotics.

“We believe that it is important for younger kids to be exposed to the notion of creating technology and not just using it,” Gonzalez-Sanchez explained. “We want to start by exposing these students, through robotics exercises, to engineering processes and to programming and coding.”

/calpoly_cafes

Orfalea College of Business

Graduate Programs

master of

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

master of science

BUSINESS ANALYTICS

master of science

QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS

master of science

TAXATION

where can a master's degree take you?

NAVIGATE CAMPUS CHALLENGES WITH STUDENT OMBUDS SERVICES

Going to college is exciting and involves navigating new environments, meeting different people, adapting to new living situations and adjusting to a 10-week academic term. One would expect all to go smoothly. However, challenges may occur, leaving students feeling lost and frustrated. This is where Student Ombuds Services can help. Here, students can find an Ombuds, an individual who aids people in resolving concerns or conflicts.

The name “ombudsman” is Swedish and means “representative.” True to its name, the Ombuds Office can be an ear, representative or a starting point for students experiencing university-related issues, concerns, complaints, or conflicts. It also offers a safe space for students to be heard and seek assistance resolving problems.

When assisting students, the Ombuds are guided by four standards of practice: confidential, informal, impartial and independent. Students resonate most with confidentiality, meaning their

identity and communications are confidential and not disclosed unless the student gives the office permission to do so. The sole exception is if there is an imminent risk of harm to self or others or issues about sexual misconduct.

The Ombuds Office states students can contact them regarding an issue “as the first step, or last resort, or anywhere along the way.” They can assist students with any university-related issues such as roommate conflicts, classroom misunderstandings, grade disputes, record appeals, student employment and more. When discussing these issues, Ombuds can also suggest referrals, provide information regarding on-campus resources, and brainstorm with the student about their best course of action. The Ombuds is impartial and does not advocate for any individual or group. The Ombuds does not hear formal complaints, but can refer students to the appropriate office should a student want to pursue a formal process.

Student Ombuds Services tracks issue trends and

collects aggregate demographics in an annual report shared with the President and Academic Senate. The report also provides recommendations for the university to consider, leading to positive student outcomes. For example, the university saw issues about final exam overloads, and a policy was created. It states that if students have more than two final exams on the same day, they should notify their instructor by the end of the seventh week of the term of the final exam overload conflict and request to reschedule the final exam. Faculty should make a reasonable effort to offer the student an alternative final exam time.

Student Ombuds Services is available to students in person or remotely. It is in Graphic Arts building 26, room 111, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can make appointments or simply drop in. Student Ombuds Services can be contacted at ombuds@calpoly. edu or 805-756-1380

SPONSORED BY STUDENT OMBUDS SERVICES BY LILLIAN DOLPH

CLA STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORED BY THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

WELCOME TO THE CLA

“We are so excited to welcome all of our new students to the College of Liberal Arts! Our goal is to make sure that your college experience is a liberal arts education sin fronteras: without borders, boundaries or barriers. This year, we are excited to move closer to our goals of helping the university become a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), to welcome twenty new faculty members including six who are part of a cluster hire focused on Latinx issues in research and teaching, and to continue to offer world-class Learn by Doing opportunities in undergraduate research, service learning, internships and global experiences. We can’t wait to meet you!”

-CLA Associate Dean for Student Success

Kate Murphy

CLA RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The CLA is committed to giving all students access to high impact Learn by Doing experiences outside the traditional classroom.

The Access, Community, and Equity (ACE) Program awards stipends of $1,000 for first-generation and low-income students to allow them to participate in undergraduate research, global learning and internships, opening up new

The CLA Underrepresented Students Network (CLA USN) is a peer mentoring program for underrepresented students in our college. Mentors meet informally with mentees to provide on-campus support and resources. USN is not a counseling service, but rather a place to talk with peers who can identify with the experiences of other underrepresented students. Get connected at cla.calpoly.edu/usn

The CLA Multicultural Scholars Program (CLA MSP) offers programs and services to students from historically underserved populations to help foster a sense of belonging and support by connecting students to resources designed for personal, academic and professional success. Learn more at cla.calpoly.edu/MSP

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

The CLA SURP is designed to support faculty research and creative activities while engaging undergraduate students in faculty-led scholarship. Learn more about SURP at cla.calpoly.edu/ research-surp

Minors

Strategic minoring allows students to combine their CLA major with any of the university’s 90+ minors to develop complementary skills,

professional profile and check out the minors offered at Cal Poly at advising.calpoly.edu/ minor-degree-advising

GET INVOLVED

CLA Ambassadors

The CLA Student Ambassador Program boasts a dynamic and knowledgeable team of students who actively represent the CLA in visible public relations roles. Student ambassadors participate in events such as Open House, advisory councils, campus tours and alumni events. Interested in the program? Learn more at cla.calpoly.edu/ student-resources/cla-ambassadors

CLA Student Diversity Committee

The CLA Student Diversity Committee advises the dean, identifies issues, recommends goals and advocates for initiatives and programs that advance the college toward its vision, among other important duties. Read more about the committee at cla.calpoly.edu/student-diversity-committee Clubs

The CLA offers more than 35 exciting ways to get involved on campus through clubs and organizations. Whether you’re interested in tech innovation with Camp PolyHacks, honing your public speaking skills with the Debate Team, or showcasing your vocal talent with the acapella group Take It SLO,

570 Higuera St., Suite 130

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

(805) 544 - 0861

mamasmeatball.com

Open Tues - Sun 11AM - 9PM

570 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Friday - Saturday 11AM - 10PM Sunday 11AM - 9PM (805) 439- 3292

Tuesday - Thursday 11AM - 9PM

SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR MENU!

CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING

SPONSORED BY CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Welcome, new Mustangs! My name is Tina Hadaway-Mellis (she/her), and it is my pleasure to serve as Cal Poly’s Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. My area of responsibility includes oversight of campus health and wellbeing. Entering college can be a time of exciting change! For some of you joining us this fall, this change may include navigating healthcare and mental health services on your own for the first time. Please know that Campus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) is here to support you!

My priority is ensuring all Mustangs are aware and have access to CH&W’s resources. Our team of licensed medical and mental health providers, health education and harm reduction specialists offers a wide range of holistic, collaborative care – the majority of which are covered by the Health Services Fee.

Our Health Services team offers primary and same day service care for coughs, colds, flu, strains, sprains, and more. They also provide Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing, in-house laboratory and x-ray services. We even have an

¡Bienvenidos, nuevos Mustangs! Mi nombre es Tina Hadaway-Mellis (ella/ ella), y es un placer para mí servir como Vicepresidenta Adjunta de Asuntos Estudiantiles de Cal Poly. Mi área de responsabilidad incluye la supervisión de la salud y el bienestar del campus. Entrar en la universidad puede ser una época de cambios emocionantes. Para algunos de ustedes que se unen a nosotros este otoño, este cambio puede incluir navegar por los servicios de salud y salud mental por su cuenta por primera vez. Por favor, ¡sabed que Salud y Bienestar en el Campus (CH&W) está aquí para apoyaros!

Mi prioridad es garantizar que todos los Mustangs conozcan y tengan acceso a los recursos de CH&W. Nuestro equipo de proveedores autorizados de servicios médicos y de salud mental, educación sanitaria y especialistas en reducción de daños ofrece una amplia gama de cuidados holísticos y colaborativos, la mayoría de los cuales están cubiertos por la Cuota de Servicios Sanitarios.

Nuestro equipo de Servicios de Salud ofrece atención primaria y citas en el mismo día para tos, resfriados, gripe, torceduras, esguinces y mucho más. También ofrecen pruebas de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y servicios internos de laboratorio y rayos X. Incluso disponemos de una farmacia interna que ofrece productos de venta libre a bajo coste y le surte sus recetas.

in-house pharmacy that offers low-cost, over-thecounter products and fills your prescriptions!

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free mental health support through individual, couples and group therapy, virtual drop-in support, emotional wellbeing and end-of-quarter workshops, and more. These services are designed to help students address mental health symptoms, explore personal or relational challenges, understand and support one’s social identities, discover solutions to conflicts or issues, or to work though traumatic experiences.

Our team in Wellbeing Services provides a variety of services and educational programming to support your social, emotional and physical health. Mustangs for Recovery offers a safe space for students in recovery from substance addiction, while our peer-led PULSE team provides interactive educational programming to help you lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The Food Pantry offers fresh produce, canned goods, frozen meals, and hygiene products to help students be well and thrive. Additionally, our Safer team offers

Los Servicios de Asesoramiento y Psicología (CAPS) proporcionan apoyo gratuito en materia de salud mental a través de terapia individual, de pareja y de grupo, apoyo virtual sin cita previa, bienestar emocional y talleres de fin de trimestre, entre otros. Estos servicios están diseñados para ayudar a los estudiantes a abordar síntomas de salud mental, explorar retos personales o relacionales, comprender y apoyar las propias identidades sociales, descubrir soluciones a conflictos o problemas, o trabajar experiencias traumáticas.

Nuestro equipo en los Servicios de Bienestar proporciona una variedad de servicios y programación educativa para apoyar su salud social, emocional y física. Mustangs for Recovery ofrece un espacio seguro para los estudiantes que se están recuperando de una adicción a sustancias, mientras que nuestro equipo PULSE, dirigido por compañeros, proporciona una programación educativa interactiva para ayudarle a llevar un estilo de vida sano y equilibrado. La despensa de alimentos ofrece productos frescos, alimentos enlatados, comidas congeladas y productos de higiene para ayudar a los estudiantes a estar bien y prosperar. Además, nuestro equipo Safer ofrece una sólida educación preventiva y es un recurso de defensa confidencial para los supervivientes de agresiones sexuales, violencia en la pareja, violencia doméstica, acoso, explotación sexual y acoso.

robust prevention education and is a confidential advocacy resource for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and harassment. One of our core guiding principles is embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. CH&W offers BIPOC student resources, identity-specific support groups, and other services. This includes gender-affirming care by our team of providers, which provides trans and gender-expansive healthcare, mental health services, and a safe space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. My team and I are sincerely committed to supporting you along your path to success. Our hope is that you continue a journey of empowerment and advocacy for your health and the health of your community well past graduation. For today, know that our dedicated team of professionals is here for you! Please visit us whenever you need us. We are located behind the ASI rock climbing wall in building 27 and are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://chw.calpoly.edu/

Uno de nuestros principios rectores fundamentales es integrar la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión en todo lo que hacemos. El CH&W ofrece recursos para estudiantes BIPOC, grupos de apoyo específicos para cada identidad y otros servicios. Esto incluye la atención de afirmación de género por parte de nuestro equipo de proveedores, que proporciona atención sanitaria trans y de género expansivo, servicios de salud mental y un espacio seguro para todos los miembros de la comunidad 2SLGBTQIA+. Mi equipo y yo estamos sinceramente comprometidos a apoyarle en su camino hacia el éxito. Nuestra esperanza es que continúes un viaje de empoderamiento y defensa de tu salud y la salud de tu comunidad mucho más allá de la graduación. Por hoy, sepa que nuestro dedicado equipo de profesionales está aquí para usted. Visítenos siempre que nos necesite. Estamos situados detrás del rocódromo de ASI, en el edificio 27, y abrimos de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a 16:30. Para más información, visite https://chw.calpoly.edu/ In community (and in health), En comunidad (y en salud), Tina Hadaway-Mellis,

CAMPUS SAFETY IS HERE FOR YOU

SPONSORED BY CAL POLY PUBLIC SAFETY

Without realizing it, students interact with Cal Poly Public Safety everyday as they are here to ensure that campus remains a safe place for everyone who sets foot on it. Not only do they regulate the streets and prevent dangerous driving through the Cal Poly Police Department, but also offer an on-campus shuttle service, a safety mobile app and free public transportation to create a better and safer campus experience.

Public Safety is broken into four departments – Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS), Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD), Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and Business Services. Each has their own responsibilities dedicated to maintaining a sustainable learning environment for everyone across the campus.

TAPS

Everytime you swipe your PolyCard and hop on the bus for free, you have to send a thanks to TAPS. Specializing in crucial transportation and parking services, TAPS is determined to expand services, prompt more sustainable transportation options while creating affordable opportunities for students and staff alike.

They offer the Mustang Shuttle which gives students free rides across campus from 7a.m. to 12:30a.m. Monday through Friday and 6p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekends. TAPS also provides vanpool groups to help commuters save money and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Carpool permits are available and designate premium parking spots in lots throughout campus.

Thanks to TAPS, Cal Poly is recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists and one of the Best Universities for Commuters in that nation by the Best Workplace for Commuters Organizations for multiple years.

CPPD

To protect and serve Cal Poly and the surrounding area, CPPD implements professional law enforcement and promotes community involvement through progressive community policing objectives. CPPD hosts the Public Safety Advisory Committee where members identify the campus needs and then provide recommendations to policies and procedures. Not only are campus concerns met, but the link between the CPPD and the Mustang community is strengthened.

When logging into your Mustang portal, you can use CPPD’s program to text or call and request a walking partner to any

BY SAMANTHA ORRADRE

on-campus destination, including a vehicle in a campus lot. Public Safety’s free Rave Guardian mobile app is another way for the Cal Poly community to interact with CPPD in order to stay safe; users can send anonymous tips, set a safety timer for self-guided on-campus safety walks, text Mustang Portal directly for a walking partner, connect to 24-hour police or support services and have an efficient emergency communication line with CPPD.

DEM

You may not see DEM everyday, but they are keeping you safe behind the scenes. DEM focuses on developing and sustaining campus wide emergency management programs for any potential campus dangers and manages the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), a collaborative coordination system where frameworks are developed. These recommendations and frameworks are then presented to Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and his cabinet. The EOC was vital during the Pandemic in crafting the university’s response by organizing members from various campus departments to develop a cohesive plan.

Together, the efforts of these departments have decreased university related greenhouse gas emissions, offered critical parking and commuting options, beneficial community policing services and indispensable emergency management planning.

Now, Public Safety is directing its energy toward a new hazard that has created discourse amongst students and staff alike. The usage of electric scooters, skateboards, one wheels and other micro mobility devices have increased significantly as of late, causing safety concerns and complaints. Through the “Go Safely Mustangs” campaign, Cal Poly Public Safety is partnering with the California Department of Traffic Safety to inform faculty and students about the best and safest ways to get around campus.

Due to the hilly topography of Cal Poly, skateboards and scooters have never been allowed on campus, prohibiting electric scooters, skateboards, bikes, one wheels, and similar micro mobility devices as well. Bikes are the only allowed transportation on campus. Through “Go Safely Mustangs” Public Safety will cultivate a “Safety Culture” where everyone in the Cal Poly community makes informed choices about how to get around ensuring safety for all.

The best way for everyone to stay safe is for everyone to communicate. The success of Public Safety is rooted in a strong relationship with the Cal Poly community and the open dialogue that accompanies it.

A CAL POLY PARENT AND SUPPORTER

PARENT SUPPORT NETWORK

The Cal Poly Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of parents and supporters who collectively provide feedback and support to Parent and Family Programs and give input to university leadership on matters involving student development and success. Sharing their diverse experiences and perspectives, PAC members serve as university ambassadors, fostering engagement, support and communication between and among parents and the university.

Contact information and biographies for each PAC member are available online at parent.calpoly.edu/stay-involved and we encourage you to connect with those who share common interests or experiences. Reach out to a member who has a student in the same college as yours or who lives near your hometown. Get connected today to ask questions, share stories and learn effective strategies on how to support your Mustang.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Cal Poly Parent and Supporter Volunteer Corps is a dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the campus community. The program provides opportunities to give back and volunteer at campus events throughout the academic year, such as Open House, SLO Days, Mustang Move-In, Mustang Family Weekend and Commencement.

Joining the Parent and Supporter Volunteer Corps is a wonderful way to connect with fellow Mustang families, participate in meaningful service opportunities and make a difference in the lives of Cal Poly students. Volunteers can choose from a variety of activities that align with interests and schedules. Whether you can spare a few hours a month or a few hours a year, your contributions will be greatly appreciated and make a lasting impact! Learn more and sign up today at parent.calpoly.edu/volunteer

SPONSORED BY CAL POLY’S PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

SELECTED BY ROLLING STONE AS ONE OF THE TOP RECORD STORES IN THE COUNTRY!

Vast selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes

Affordable turntable and speaker systems for dorm rooms and more

Cash for vinyl and CD collections

Finely curated selection of POSTERS and T-SHIRTS

TCheck out the complete list of groups and find out about auditions and more!

ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE MUSTANG BAND CHOIRS

MUSIC DEPARTMENT ENSEMBLES

music.calpoly.edu/ensembles

 calpolymusic  cpmusic music@calpoly.edu, 805-756-2406

JAZZ BANDS

SYMPHONY WIND BANDS

he Music Department offers a wide variety of courses that are open and available to all students! Subjects include music theory, history, ethnomusicology, technologies, composition and much more. Many classes fulfill general education and other requirements.

MAKE ROOM FOR MUSIC IN YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE!

Among the smaller groups are Brass Ensemble, Cello Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, String Quintets and Wind Quintets.

The department also offers a wide variety of large and small performing vocal and instrumental ensembles to all Cal Poly students. Most of the groups are one-unit elective classes.

The larger groups include Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble: comprised of vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers; choirs: PolyPhonics, University Singers, Chamber Choir and Cantabile; jazz ensembles: big bands, combos and vocal jazz; Mustang Band: marching and pep bands; Wind Bands: Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble; and

Auditions are required for most of the larger groups. To find out more, visit the ensembles website at music.calpoly.edu/ensembles/

If, after taking a class or two, you’d like to delve further into music — and have something to show for it when you graduate — you can apply for the Music Minor at music.calpoly.edu/minor/. The minor is only 24 units and can be customized to

For those who would rather attend a performance than play in one, the department offers many

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.

Every year the department hosts nationally and internationally recognized guest artists for lectures and performances, not to mention its own very talented faculty members. Events typically take place in venues including those of the Performing Arts Center (Miossi Hall, Pavilion and Spanos Theatre), the department’s recital hall in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45), and at off-campus locations. The spirited Mustang Band can be found at football and basketball games and parades, including the Chinese New Year Parade.

Check out the department’s calendar of events at music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ posted throughout the year.

CAL POLY ARTS

Cal Poly Arts is presenting its 39th season with a captivating line-up of international touring musicians, dynamic speakers, mesmerizing dance companies, award-winning Broadway tours, and more – at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo.

Running from September 2024 to May 2025, the season will feature over 30 music ensembles, dance companies, comedians, and speakers from around the globe. Over half of the artists will be making their Cal Poly Arts debut.

Based on popular demand, the season includes extended 2-night runs of three major Broadway National tours:

HADESTOWN (Nov 6-7): winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN (Feb 12-13): this Tony and Grammy award-winning musical has been declared by the Washington Post as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (May 7-8): - the triumphant story of the Queen of Rock and Roll set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits.

“The 2024-25 season brings a diverse range of the world’s best artists across various genres to captivate, inspire, and delight our audiences,”

said Cal Poly Arts Director Molly Clark. “These are moments of performing arts magic that you need to be in the hall to experience live.”

Cal Poly Arts prides itself on curating a season that celebrates the best international performing artists, and this season is no different – starting with the incomparable Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning artist Lila Downs (Sept 27), followed by a vibrant celebration of Mexican traditions with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande in Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular! (Oct 30). Making their San Luis Obispo premieres are some of the world’s greatest guitarists: Pablo Sáinz-Villegas (November 15) praised as “the soul of the Spanish guitar,” and Malian artist Vieux Farka Touré (April 18) often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara.”

This year, the season expands into culinary arts and welcomes a variety of electric comedians, authors, and storytellers, including two-time James Beard award-winning chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi (October 12). As well as a lively moderated conversation with actress, author, and comedian Amy Sedaris (Nov 12), radio personality Ira Glass (April 5) will share his brilliant anecdotes on storytelling, and fearless comedian/actress Margaret Cho (March 29) will bring her Live & Livid stand-up show that takes on current culture with biting wit.

Dance takes center-stage this season with world-renowned companies including MOMIX, seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, the company will send audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, ALICE (October 9). The legendary Complexions Contemporary Ballet will bring their dynamic Stardust: Bach to Bowie program, paying stunning homage to the ultimate rockstars across eras.

Music lovers can enjoy performances from the often imitated, never duplicated, all-singing, all-strumming original Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (April 2) and coming to the Performing Arts Center for the first time, Toronto’s Choir! Choir! Choir! (May 30) with an epic anthems sing-along where the audience becomes the performer –striving to create the largest choir the PAC has ever seen!

As a presenter, Cal Poly Arts provides a diverse, professional performing arts program while also enriching the cultural landscape with various artist-in-residency activities for Cal Poly students and the community as well as K-12 school outreach events. Cal Poly Arts is a unit of the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly University.

To see all the artists coming to San Luis Obispo this season and to secure your tickets, visit calpolyarts.org

SUN 12PM–9:15PM

MON 11:30AM–3PM; 5PM–9:30PM

TUE CLOSED

WED–FRI 11:30AM–3PM; 5PM–9:30PM SAT 12PM–9:30PM

CAMPUS DINING

SPONSORED BY CAMPUS DINING

WELCOME, MUSTANGS!

Campus Dining is excited to start the year with you! Here’s some helpful information to get your Fall Quarter started on campus.

Your meal plan is ready for you prior to move-in. By the time you get to campus for Week of Welcome (WOW), you’ll be able to enjoy all the delicious meals, bites and treats that Campus Dining has waiting for you! A third of your Dining Dollars get added to your account at the start of each quarter and unused funds automatically roll over each quarter, giving you the full academic year to use your plan.

To ensure you get the most out of your dining plan, download the Grubhub app and follow the instructions to connect your Poly Card. Your WOW leaders will help you if you have any questions. Dining Dollars can be used through Grubhub at all our on-campus venues, and you can monitor your balance through the year using your Portal.

New in 2024, get a special taste of Campus Dining with First Year Eats, a series of fun and engaging events designed to welcome you to campus. For Fall Quarter, join us in the Yakʔityutyu neighborhood for a barbecue and come see everything Campus Dining has to offer! Once you have settled into college life, we want to invite you to JoyFul on October 17. JoyFul is a free event for all students to come together and connect through fun activities, specialty menus, giveaways and more outside 1901 Marketplace in the University Union Plaza.

Coming this fall quarter, there will be several new openings to look forward to. First is the unveiling of our newest dining concept in 1901 Marketplace, 1901 Kitchen, a buffet-style platform with a wide variety of rotating menu items. Additionally, you can explore the new Cal Poly Partners Plaza, looking out of the north endzone of Alex G. Spanos Stadium, welcoming fans, alumni, friends and family. Enjoy lunch from the Mustang Eats food truck Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.!

Grubhub delivery robots will be introduced on campus this Fall too! For the first time, students will be able to order food for delivery anywhere on campus using their Dining Dollars. However, first-year students will need to use an alternate payment for the delivery fee only such as a debit or credit card.

If being a part of Campus Dining sounds like fun to you, we want you to apply to be a part of our team. We are looking for part-time team members! For more information, visit dineoncampus.com/ calpoly/jobs

Looking for more information about campus dining? Visit dineoncampus.com/calpoly for info on daily menus, nutrition, meal plans, job opportunities and more. Also, make sure to follow Cal Poly Campus Dining on Instagram (@cpcampusdining) for fun giveaways, events and limited-time menu items. We can’t wait for you to experience all that Campus Dining has to offer. With more than 40 restaurants and 1110+ menu offerings, there’s always something new to try!

UNITED SORORITY AND FRATERNITY COUNCIL RECRUITMENT

No Registration Required

Sept. 26: USFC Recruitment Kick-Off

Sept. 27: USFC Meet the Orgs

@CALPOLY_USFC

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL RECRUITMENT

July 1: Registration Opens

Sept. 26: Mandatory Potential New Member Orientation

Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 5-6: Formal Recruitment

@CALPOLYPANHELLENIC

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL RECRUITMENT

July 1: Registration Opens

Sept. 29: Mandatory Information Session

Oct. 3: IFC Rush BBQ

Oct. 4-6 and 11-13: Recruitment Events

@CALPOLYIFC

FRATERNITY & SORORITY

LIFE

GREEKLIFE@CALPOLY.EDU

805-756-7270

GREEKLIFE.CALPOLY.EDU @CALPOLYFSL

GREEK LIFE

Endless opportunities to connect with fellow students, numerous ways to contribute to philanthropic efforts, and continuous outreach within the San Luis Obispo and surrounding community - what more is there to love about Cal Poly’s Greek Life?

For students looking to get involved with these aspects of college life, joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to get started! Cal Poly’s Greek Life is made up of 38 social organizations, with 20% of the student body being a part of a chapter on campus. Each chapter is affiliated with one of three governing councils: Panhellenic Association (PHA), United Sorority & Fraternity Council (USFC), or Interfraternity Council (IFC).

While these three associations are individual establishments with different governing bodies, they still work together to fulfill the many crucial duties and honors of being in Greek Life. Each sorority and fraternity focuses their efforts on specific foundations which they fundraise for by

hosting and participating in philanthropic events. Through this process, students partake in activities other than the ones put on by their chapter - a great way to meet others within the fraternity and sorority life!

Students in Cal Poly’s Fraternity and Sorority community also hold themselves to high standards, abiding by six pillars of excellence throughout their community work. These pillars are Scholarship & Learning, Leadership & Values, Community Service & Philanthropy, Safety & Risk Management, Unity & Belonging and Diversity & Inclusion. Last year, the Greek community collectively completed nearly 120,000 hours of community service and raised close to half a million dollars for national causes!

Along with participation in a great deal of community involvement, members of Greek Life pride themselves on maintaining their academics. In fact, 30% of Greek-affiliated students are on the Dean’s List, an honor that can only be achieved

Leave a Legacy

by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher each quarter. Joining one of these institutions also grants students access to join academic honors societies, allowing them to utilize all of the resources provided exclusively to these organizations.

If you’re looking to engage in community involvement while establishing connections with fellow students, consider joining one of the 36 organizations offering recruitment this fall!

For more information visit greeklife.calpoly.edu To stay updated with important announcements follow @cpfsl on Instagram. For any further inquiries, feel free to email greeklife@calpoly.edu

SPONSORED BY FRATERNITY AND SOROITY

Who are we? Community Council is the student government for your housing community— like ASB in high school. Email ihc@calpoly.edu to join.

BOOST YOUR RESUME

MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HOUSING

PUT ON FUN EVENTS

MAKE FRIENDS

FEEL MORE AT HOME

What do we do. Our Event Team plans in-person and online weekend programs for residents— like movie nights, concerts, talent shows, and competitions— so you can meet other residents.

Scan this code for a complete list

Save money and lower end-of-year waste by sharing these items with roommates

EDITOR’S NOTE

Being an only child from out of state, I had no role model to enlighten me on what my college experience would look like. I didn’t know what dorm life would entail, how to make friends or know any other tips on how to make my freshman year the best it could be. I was my own pilot for my freshman year, making my own map along the way.

While I made it through alright there’s definitely some wisdom I’ve learned over my past two years at Cal Poly as I enter my third year as a journalism major. Whether you’re reading this as a future student wanting to learn tips on how to successfully integrate yourself into the SLO community or a parent wanting to feel reassured that your child will have all the support they need at their new “home away from home.” This edition highlights different opportunities on and off campus that your student can take advantage of.

As a broke college student myself, many of these recommendations are free of cost or provide tips on how to live a more affordable freshman year. We also tried to keep in mind what freshmen have to work with for getting around including not having a car and relying on the bus system.

Whether it’s coffee shops you can walk to save gas money, ways to stay active outside the gym for no cost, or ways you can get free food on campus this edition has it all. Please enjoy not just my perspective, but my talented team of writers as well, ranging from all age groups.

My hope is that with this magazine, you or your parents can feel more reassured in your decision and also more prepared for what this next year has to offer.

Good luck!

AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO STARTING COLLEGE

BY MADISON WHITE

Starting college can be intimidating, especially as an introvert. As a freshman, I remember being anxious about WOW, the icebreakers and making friends in my dorm. And that’s all before classes even start. Sometimes the trickiest part about school isn’t even the academics - it’s the social aspect. I obviously cannot give you all the answers, and what worked for me may not work for you. But, to help ease your nerves, here is some humble advice for your first month at Cal Poly, coming from a slightly socially anxious senior who has made it thus far.

MAKE NEW FRIENDSHIPS

I know this is what everybody says. And it will probably be hard - at least it was for me. What worked for me in the beginning was hanging out with my roommate. I found it to be like having a built-in person who I could do everything with. It was easy because we both did mostly the same activities each day.

I also suggest branching out from your roommates and forming as many friendships as you can in the early days. A small connection can go a long way when everyone is trying to make friends. I might go as far as suggesting quantity over quality in the first couple weeks. In retrospect I think not doing this was one of

my flaws. As time passes you will figure out who you want to prioritize spending time with and other relationships will taper off.

One way to meet new people is in the common room of your dorm. I was incredibly nervous to walk in alone, but there were usually students hanging out, especially during the first couple weeks of school. It is a fast way to meet people in the dorm who you will be seeing for the rest of the year. Play ping pong, put on a movie or take a deep breath and join a conversation somewhere (I promise you can do it).

Leaving your dorm room door open can also be an easy way to welcome people in for a quick conversation. I remember the friendships I made on my floor helped create an enjoyable living space for the entire year. It feels nice to smile at people when passing in the halls or coming in and out of the dorm. Plus, the proximity of your neighbors makes it super easy to make plans for getting food or studying.

ENJOY ALONE TIME

My fellow introverts understand that socializing takes a toll. After spending time with new friends it is crucial to recharge with some time alone. There are plenty

of spaces on campus to relax. Sitting at a bench or on the lawn by your dorm can be an easy option to enjoy our beautiful campus. Nature has always provided a calming presence for me, but if being inside is more your scene, check out the Frost or Baker buildings. They both have comfortable seating and are centrally located on campus.

If you are up for an adventure, consider taking the bus downtown. A solo trip can boost confidence and help you explore the city. The public library on Palm Street is a great place to get homework done or pick up a new book, especially with the campus library being under

“THE

FRIENDSHIPS

I MADE

ON MY FLOOR HELPED CREATE AN ENJOYABLE LIVING SPACE FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR”

renovation. I discovered it this year and it is now one of my favorite spots to study. On each floor of the public library you will find comfortable chairs and tables for a couple hours of quiet time.

The cafes downtown are superb people-watching spots, which is a great introvert activity. Grab a beverage or snack and observe your surroundings. As introverts I think observation is something that comes more naturally to us and I find that people-watching can be calming. It is a way to be surrounded by people but still left to your own thoughts.

You might not want to be in public alone, which is understandable. I used to have anxiety about doing activities or going places alone. As I’ve grown up and become more self confident, being in these situations has become easier, but it can still be scary. I have to remind myself that it truly does not matter what other people think of you. Even though it feels like everyone is staring at you, they aren’t. Remember to focus on what you want to do, look at and experience. This mindset helps me feel proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone.

My final piece of advice is to make the most of your first year, whatever that means to you. Some of my happiest memories at Cal Poly have come from trying new things that I was nervous to do at first.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

If you have a student at Cal Poly, we invite you to make Hotel San Luis Obispo your home away from home by joining our Poly Parents Perks program!

You’ll receive a special booking code for up to 25% off our normal room rates and a welcome drink at S.Low Bar or High Bar.

For more information, visit: hotel-slo.com/offers/poly-parents

HOW TO BECOME STRICTLY “SLOCAL”

BY KAITLYN KNOPF

Being a college student on the California Central Coast leads to many unique and unforgettable adventures that will help you become a San Luis Obispo local, or “SLOcal”, in no time.

FARMERS MARKET

One of the most classic San Luis Obispo experiences to cross off the bucket list is the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market. Occurring every Thursday year-round from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., unless it’s a federal holiday or raining. The market is filled with live music and entertainment, seasonal fresh produce and tasty meals from a variety of vendors. One of the easiest ways to get there from campus is the bus, free with a PolyCard. The 4A and 4B bus lines are the most direct options, but make sure to get there early, as the bus can fill up quickly with other students.

PISMO SAND DUNES

If you want to feel like you have entered a foreign land, the Pismo Sand Dunes are a great way to explore one of the many unique features of the Central Coast. Getting there can be tricky if you don’t know where to go. If you don’t have access to your car, the best way to get there is to go with a friend who can drive or rent a Zipcar available on campus. When routing there, the best place to navigate to is the Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground. Once you arrive, park in the gravel parking lot adjacent to the RV resort’s private parking. To access the dunes themselves, walk through the resort and there will be a fence opening. After entering the fence opening, the deeper you go in, the more it feels like you have immersed yourself in a different world. The dunes are a great place to frolic around, watch the sunset, or even have a picnic with friends!

ARCHITECTURE GRAVEYARD HIKE

One of the best ways to explore San Luis Obispo is by going outside and hiking! Outside of the Tri-Tip challenge, the attempt to hike SLO’s three main peaks in one day, there are a vast amount of hikes available for students to explore including the campus-accessible, Architecture Graveyard Hike. This hike is named after Cal Poly’s Architecture student’s annual Design Village competition, where students build structures based on a theme and a set of rules. Some of these projects have been left year-round for visitors to continue to explore. To access the trailhead, begin on Poly Canyon Road past the yellow gate. After a mile walk, large arches will be visible on the left, which mark the beginning of the graveyard loop.

CAL POLY VS UCSB SOCCER

If you want to show some school spirit and help cheer on Cal Poly against its rival, UCSB, the best way is to attend Cal Poly Men’s and Women’s soccer games

“THERE ARE A VAST AMOUNT OF HIKES AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS TO EXPLORE”

against UCSB at Spanos Stadium. The women’s game is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 7 p.m., and the men’s game is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Both games are a fun way to spend time with friends while supporting the Mustangs. Tickets are available to students for free, but are limited!

BEACH DAY

Year-round, visiting the San Luis Obispo and nearby city’s beaches is a popular and exciting way to get off campus and catch a break from academic stress. With nearby beaches including Pismo, Avila, Grover, and more, the exploration is endless. There are several non-car-dependent ways to get to beaches including Zipcar and the SLO Transit buses. To use the bus line to get to the beach, first take it downtown to the Downtown Transit Center. Then hop on the 10S to explore Pismo Beach, or the 12N to reach Morro Bay and Cayucos.

WAYS TO FIND EXERCISE OUTSIDE THE REC

BY SAMANTHA ORRADRE

If you like to move and exercise (or even if you don’t and want to start,) the Rec is brimming with dozens of machines and weights in order to be active. Almost every class you can think of from yoga to cycling or even hip hop in heels is offered. As a freshmen, you are so close to the Rec and it’s a cannon event to gather some friends to sweat it out while biking to Taylor Swift music. However, if you want to get outdoors and explore all that SLO has to offer, here are the best ways to find exercise outside the Rec!

HIKING

If you love to hike, then you are just in luck! SLO has some of the best trails all year round. Before you leave Cal Poly, you need to hike the Tri-Tip Challenge which includes scaling Madonna, Bishop’s Peak and The P all in a day’s time. The Challenge is complete with a tri-tip sandwich from Firestone! If the Tri-Tip Challenge is too daunting for a day, then hiking any of the trails will give you a beautiful view of SLO and a great sweat as all

have a significant incline. The Architecture Graveyard is another great hike to pursue and it is more mild than the hills on the Tri-Tip Challenge. You can view some past feats of Architecture and possibly spot some horses. Take a hammock out at sunset and swing on one of the structures! Speaking of swinging, the Serenity Swing trail is another great hike to conquer with some friends and is one of the best sunsets you will ever see.

SURFING & SWIMMING

Calling all the surfers, or potential surfers, SLO county has some of the best breaks on the West Coast. When it comes to the waves, Annie Alexander gushed “My favorite is Pismo Beach! It’s nice for beginners and it’s super close–also it has an unobstructed view of the sunset which I love!” Avila also has some great waves and dozens of cute shops to find some breakfast after your morning surf; Avila Market has some great breakfast burritos or hunt for some coffee at The Kraken.

Morro Bay is another great place to find some beauty, although the surf is harder to access because of the giant rock. Regardless, you have to visit all these spots before you finish your time at Cal Poly! PolyEscapes has surfboard rentals for just $8 a day or you can find rental shacks at the beaches. Even if you aren’t the biggest surfer but still love the ocean, taking a swim at any of these amazing spots along the coast would make your day and be a great workout!

KAYAKING

Kayaking is one of the best ways to get your arm day on! Morro Bay is only a 20 minute drive from campus and a great spot to kayak. Rentals at PolyEscapes are only $5 a day or you can rent when you get there. Highly recommend it before you leave!

ROCK CLIMBING

Although there is great rock climbing at the Rec park (and all the gear is free,) if you want to get off campus to boulder or toprope, then you have to go to the side of Bishop’s Peak. Not only are you climbing real rock, but you also get some pretty amazing views. The Climbing Club (@calpolyclimbing on instagram) frequently takes excursions and sometimes even has

“REGARDLESS,

YOU HAVE TO VISIT ALL THESE SPOTS BEFORE YOU FINISH YOUR TIME AT CAL POLY”

pancake breakfasts at Bishops! The Pad is another phenomenal climbing gym in SLO with routes for everyone. Early Bird rates (11pm-4pm) are $17 including free shoe rentals. Rock climbing became one of my favorite hobbies during my freshman year, so I definitely recommend taking a crack at it.

WALKING & RUNNING & BIKING

If you and a friend are craving a Kreuzberg breakfast burrito or a Nautical Bean latte, skip the Uber and take a stroll. SLO’s gorgeous weather makes it an ideal place to explore by foot, and walking, running, or

biking are easy and fun ways to get your daily exercise. Downtown is expansive and bustling with a plethora of places to explore, so ditch your keys and lace up your shoes!

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

The Lululemon downtown (located on Monterey Street across from the Mission) frequently will host yoga and run club events throughout the week. The times fluctuate and you will have to check the marquee board in their store, but who doesn’t love a stroll downtown? This is a great way to not only get off campus, but to explore downtown and an excuse to grab some food other than Vista Grande!

Part of the magic of SLO is that it is a gorgeous town with something to do around every corner. Take advantage of where you live and remember that it is never too late to start something new! Even if you have never gone rock climbing or aren’t a big hiker, the hardest part is simply starting, so don’t let the fear of failing stop you from finding your new favorite hobby outside the Rec!

DINING LIKE A COLLEGE STUDENT

BY SYDNIE BIERMA

The Cal Poly food bank offers free food on campus located near the recreation center, behind the health center. Walking ten minutes from the dorms past the university union, the Cal Poly food bank provides students with food items like packaged and canned foods, fresh produce and frozen meals. Along with accessible food, the food pantry provides students with personal hygiene items such as menstrual products. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to all students.

Local produce is supplied weekly from the Cal Poly campus crops unit. The Food Pantry also participates in a food rescue program with Sprouts, Grocery Outlet and Food 4 Less Grocery Stores in San Luis Obispo. Community members can donate to the Food Pantry during open hours adding to the inventory. From local businesses and partnerships, to local farms and food distributors, the food pantry ensures a steady supply of fresh produce.

The food pantry provides an Amazon wishlist for commonly requested items such as instant ramen, canned soups, packaged snacks etc. The university is committed to the well-being of the students, and provides access and resources to any student who faces food insecurity. While freshmen are not allowed to have cars during their first year, the food pantry guarantees accessible food so students can live a stress-free lifestyle without worrying when they will get to eat next.

Although Cal Poly has multiple food options and dining complexes, the food bank gives students access to

cook meals on their own in the community kitchen in their dorm. Haadi Qazi, second year construction management student at Cal Poly, took advantage of the food bank on campus during his freshman year.

“The food bank really helped when I wanted to eat something that was not Vista Grande, I would go to the food bank to get basics to cook in my dorm such as noodles and pasta sauce,” Qazi said.

Although Qazi has an older sister at Cal Poly and usually had access to a car for groceries, there were times when he was too stressed with school and could not get off campus. The food pantry, “helped in a pinch,” Qazi said. While the food bank was only a five minute walk from the dorms, students were

“THE

FOOD PANTRY GUARANTEES ACCESSIBLE FOOD SO STUDENTS CAN LIVE A STRESS-FREE LIFESTYLE”

able to broaden their meals and change up their diet from getting new ingredients. Zoe Tseng, second year ITP student at Cal Poly, also “would go to the food bank to get staples for my dorm so I can cook on my own,” Tseng said.

“Cooking with items from the food bank allowed me to provide myself with a nutritious and enjoyable meal,” Tseng added.

SLO FOOD BANK

The Cal Poly food pantry partnered with the San Luis Obispo food bank and San Luis Obispo residents have access to fresh groceries distributed monthly. The SLO Food Bank operates under the principle that “every human has the right to nutritious food.” This motto is reflected in their efforts to ensure access to healthy food across the county. The food bank has three main distribution programs through 55 different sites, providing monthly or bi-monthly deliveries.

Some of these locations, such as Cal Valley and Nipomo, are classified as “food deserts,” where residents have limited access to fresh food and produce. The food bank provides these cities resources that are not as accessible such as fresh produce, shelf-stable food, meat, etc. Non profit agency partners are the

largest distributions which have invested interest in hunger relief. They operate independently while buying food from the food bank in bulk.

Cal Poly Basic Needs department manages the Meal Voucher program, a financial assistance program designed to support students facing food insecurity. This program offers additional funds for meals at select on-campus dining locations, ensuring students have access to nutritious food. This program is made possible due to generous donations from Cal Poly Campus Dining and the Mustang Meal Share Program.

Students facing financial hardship and food insecurity are encouraged to apply for the Meal Voucher Program quarterly through the Cal Poly website. Depending on eligibility, students can receive up to $500 per quarter.

The SLO Food Bank continues to support San Luis Obispo County and Cal Poly, addressing immediate needs while also planning for sustainable, long-term solutions to food insecurity.

A PLACE TO BEL NG

NEWMAN CATHOLIC CENTER

HELLO! PLEASE SCAN HERE!

This QR code will take you to our website for our 2024–2025 calendar and a schedule of services, programs, and activities.

CAL POLY CAMPUS

COFFEE SHOPS YOU CAN WALK TO

BY ASHLEY BATES

The city of San Luis Obispo contains many wonderful gems that contribute to its wellknown and thriving social scene. One of the features of SLO’s incredible downtown area is the plentiful array of coffee shops, which are both walkable and accessible to students living on and around campus. Our city’s coffee shops are home to buzzing concerts, enthusiastic drag shows, and of course, hundreds of students getting away from campus to study for classes and exams. As a student, it is incredibly important to get out and explore everything downtown SLO has to offer, and there is no better way to do that than to become familiar with local businesses and restaurants. There are many different coffee shops around the city, each with their own individual characteristics and personalities that deserve to be recognized.

LIBERTINE COFFEE BAR:

Libertine Coffee Bar goes hand-in-hand with Libertine Brewing Company, located right next door to each

other and fueling each other’s welcoming and ambient environment. You can find Libertine's wonderful restaurant downtown, on the corner of Broad and Pacific Street. This coffee shop has many interesting drinks on their menu, and even more flavors to choose from. The last time I went there, I got a rose latte that was sweetened and proportioned beautifully. They also have absolutely delectable sweets and pastries, and I am bitter I only discovered this coffee shop within the last two weeks of school. As well as the food and drinks, this restaurant hosts lively events such as concerts and drag shows right next door; when I stumbled upon this coffee shop for the first time, I was immediately surprised to find an event with local drag performers and loud music that drew me in instantly.

FRONT PORCH:

If you want an accessible, affordable and comfortable coffee shop to study or spend time in, Front Porch is definitely the best option for you. Front Porch is a volunteer student-run coffee shop right off campus;

you can find it behind the Rec and the Health Center, in an adorable homely building. Because Front Porch is run by volunteers and funded by donations, the coffee is free and the environment is incredibly welcoming. Stop by, make a donation, get a coffee and spend a few hours upstairs in their adorable library to do your work or simply enjoy the vibe. Plus, not only does this coffee shop offer free and accessible coffee, but they also have social events each week such as Porch Night, open mic nights, card making and shared spaces that will fill you with such an overwhelming sense of community and love.

“AS A STUDENT, IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE EVERYTHING DOWNTOWN SLO HAS TO OFFER”

FIELD DAY COFFEE:

This coffee shop is another that provides a wonderful aire of welcoming and comfort. The restaurant itself is inside an open garage and has wonderful coffee and pastries that’ll leave your mouth watering. From campus, Field Day is only around a 30-minute walk and a 15-minute bus ride, making the restaurant extremely easy to get to. This coffee shop makes for a convenient excursion from campus life, while also being close enough that you never feel like you’re going too out of your way. Field Day Coffee is filled with delicious food, good vibes, and plenty of natural light that will leave you feeling fulfilled and energetic. Plus, a super cute vintage boutique (that you should definitely check out) lives right next door. It contains old clothing, body and facial care, and other adorable items worth discovering.

KREUZBERG CALIFORNIA:

Kreuzberg has to be one of my favorite coffee shops in San Luis Obispo. It lies in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo and is only half an hour from campus using the 4A bus when you get off at the Downtown Transit Center. This restaurant is not only home to exquisite coffee and tea drinks, but also mouth-watering food that’ll make you want to eat there every single day. The breakfast burrito is easily my favorite thing on the menu, followed closely by the actual coffee. The interior is beautiful, eclectic, and hipster in decoration. It emulates such incredible vibes; I could (and have) stayed in there for hours at a time just soaking in the welcoming environment. On top of that, the restaurant often invites local bands to play live on the weekends, creating a new, soulful, buzzing vibe of creativity and excitement. Stop by Kreuzberg California if you want a welcoming, thriving place to study or hang out with friends.

S ta rt You r

Finan cia l We ll ness

Jo ur ney wi t h S E SL OC

Remember us f ro m SLO Days?

can guide you ever y step of the way. From educational workshops and seminars to free checking accounts, a slick mobile app and a branch right on campus, we’ve got everything you need to budget your dollars

Fre e Checking and reward points on purchases. It’s a must-have for Mustangs.

Federally Insured by NCUA. Membership in good standing required for and earn reward points

* Event subject to change or cancellation Check sesloc.org/students for current information

SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR FREE S EMI NAR A BC s of M oney Management : Accounts, Budgeting and Credit Cards * Tuesday, October 22  4 :00 - 6:00 p.m. ( 80 5 ) 54 3-1816

St op by our branch in the UU or o pe n account online today.