Open House 2023

Experience all Cal Poly Campus Dining has to offer with delicious food tastings and dining plan information in bite-size portions.

OPEN HOUSE APRIL 14 CAMPUS DINING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Swing by our information booth in the University Union to learn about dining plans, play games and win some nifty prizes.

9 - 11 a.m. Start your morning right with a complimentary cold brew tasting from Starbucks UU.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enjoy free Feel Good Foods salad samples at Red Radish.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. PowerFul event at Vista Grande. Plus, follow a self-guided tour to get to know the state-of-the-art dining facility. Samples from Jamba Juice and Poly Produce.

1 - 3 p.m. Enjoy free samples from Einstein Bros. Bagels.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Drop by Chumash and say hello during Coffee House.

EDITOR’S NOTE

By Lauren Emo, Special Sections Editor

Welcome to Open House!

My entrance into college in 2020 looked a bit different than what prospective freshmen are experiencing now. I never had the opportunity to explore Cal Poly in the way you all are able to this weekend. That’s why Open House is such a gift; you can get a full sense of what you are signing up for and a feel for the campus vibe.

Navigating this time and choosing your direction for the next four years can feel overwhelming and daunting at moments. We hear you! Though, I hope this weekend can provide better insight into what Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo have to offer. Take full advantage this weekend of the different sessions and events happening around campus and use this special edition as a guide into some additional information on Cal Poly and SLO’s alluring elements.

Within these pages, you can find stories written from students’ perspectives about all things Cal Poly and SLO. From a rundown of the music scene, and a look into the residence halls on campus to a street-by-street guide of downtown, we have you covered! We’ve outlined some important clubs and organizations to bring about belonging and help you find your community here in SLO. Find out about Open House’s humble beginnings and see how it has flourished throughout the years into what you see today.

Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo are one-of-a-kind places with a plethora of things to do; we are barely skimming the surface here. Please enjoy this weekend and make the most of everything Open House provides.

By Xiomara Lopez

By Lauren Emo

By Brianna Grossman

By Trevor Baumgardner

By Trevor Baumgardner

By Caitlin Garcia

Designed by Van Hong & Adrienne Liang

By Gwendalyn Garcia

By Brianna Grossman

By Brianna Grossman

By Caitlin Garcia

By Xiomara Lopez

By Gwendalyn Garcia

By Brianna Grossman

Cover photo by Joe Johnston

WELCOME MUSTANGS!

-PRESIDENT JEFF ARMSTRONG

HISTORY OF

1904

CAL POLY’S OPEN HOUSE

first started as Farmer’s Picnic in 1904. Farmer’s Picnic consisted of tours of buildings, agricultural shows and the chance to eat barbecue.

1933

FARMER’S PICNIC

changed to Poly Royal, advertised as a “country fair on a college campus.” There were parades with guests of honor, livestock judging, agricultural shows, barbecue and dance put together. Each year there were annual themes such as “Avenues of Innovation…Roads to Discovery” and “Beyond your Wildest Dreams.”

OPEN HOUSE

By Xiomara Lopez

POLY ROYAL

was discontinued from 1990 to 1994 due to vandalism that occurred in San Luis Obispo in 1990. Several stores and residencies were vandalized by a crowd of about 1,000 individuals involving both campus and city police.

1990-1994 1994

OPEN HOUSE

1994

THIS YEAR

Cal Poly is celebrating its 30th annual Open House event. With traditional in-person experiences, a committee of 24 student leaders has been working to put on events for the weekend. One is an interactive display called “Legacy Lane” showcasing the past 30 years of Open House history. This display will be up on Saturday, April 15th on Dexter Lawn. Also on Saturday is the Poly Royal Parade. Located on North Perimeter Road at 10 a.m., a number of floats and performances will be showcased in the parade, a tradition from Poly Royal in 1993.

was officially established at Cal Poly. A combination of Farmer’s Picnic, Poly Royal and new additions, Open House is a weekend to showcase the best Cal Poly has to offer to alumni, prospective students and their families, along with current students, staff and faculty.

Supporting Student Success

ABOUT US

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

“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

• Assistance navigating university resources

• Crisis management and support

• Student success and retention services

• Financial resources for emergency needs

• Educational approach to student conduct issues

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE 2023

FOUR WEEKS

AUG. 15–SEPT. 12

The Cal Poly Quarter Plus Program provides an intensive academic opportunity for incoming first-year students to accelerate their academic studies and begin their college experience during early fall. Visit our table at the Resource Fair outside the UU.

Friday April 14 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

KEY FRESHMEN RESOURCES ON CAMPUS FOR A SMOOTHER TRANSITION

By Lauren Emo

When entering campus on the first day, there can be a mix of emotions swirling around: excitement, eagerness, fear, worry and uncertainty to name a few. However, Cal Poly has a plethora of resources and groups geared specifically towards freshmen to ease that transition.

ORIENTATION: SLO DAYS AND WOW

SLO Days is the first of a two-part orientation for incoming students. It is an overnight summer experience meant to introduce students to the academic and campus support resources at Cal Poly. There are group events, activities and plenty of guided sessions. The week before school starts, Week of Welcome, or “WOW” comes in full swing. This is a week-long event ran by student leaders where freshmen are placed into groups to get to know other first-years and the school better. The student WOW leaders plan fun activities throughout the week like kayaking, bowling and more.

THE MUSTANG SUCCESS CENTER

The Mustang Success Center is an advising center specifically geared towards freshmen students and all of their needs. They help freshmen understand university procedures and policies, provide academic services, refer students to appropriate resources and help coordinate College and University programs for student success. Registering for classes and figuring out how to get tutoring can be confusing for students coming in who don’t know how the university entirely works, but the Mustang Success Center is a one-stop shop for figuring out how to navigate these aspects of college.

RESIDENT ADVISORS

Resident Advisors, or “RA’s,” are older students who live among first-years on their floor or in their building. They are the link between freshman students and University Housing. RA’s help to promote a safe and comfortable environment within the residence halls, support their residents with any struggles they may be facing and help to bond the living community. RA’s look after the safety of their residents and can be a source of guidance throughout the year.

OFFICE HOURS

Prepping for your first college exam or understanding the requirements for a big project can be challenging. Most students don’t utilize professors’ office hours their first year in college because they may not know what to ask or think they need to figure it all out on their own. That shouldn’t be the case. Most professors are more than welcoming to help students who show up during their

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office hours with anything they may be stuck on. Every professor is required to have allotted weekly office hours and to post them on the syllabus that they give out on the first day of classes.

FRESHMEN FOCUS TEAM

Most people don’t know exactly what they want to do with their career when they first enter college or their path changes multiple times as new passions arise. That’s okay, because experiencing college is about finding your way and Cal Poly provides numerous resources for students to do just that. Under Cal Poly’s Career Services is a group of three counselors who specifically serve freshmen students in understanding their individual career paths. You can see the Freshmen Focus Team at the Career Services office both in person in Building 124 near Spanos Stadium and virtually during their Zoom drop-in hours. They can help with career planning and exploration, changing majors, job and internship searching, networking, graduate school planning and improving resumes and cover letters. To make an appointment, follow their instructions on the Career Services website at careerservices.calpoly.edu

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We’re excited FOR YOU TO JOIN US.

After you get settled in this fall, Facilities Management and Development is your go-to fix-it team when something isn’t working quite as it should. Just give us a call at 805-756-5555.

HOW CAL POLY HOUSES FRESHMEN

By Trevor Baumgardner

Picturing what it’s like living in the Cal Poly dorms can be difficult, especially if you have not lived there yourself. The best way to get an idea of what the Cal Poly dorms are like is to first understand how Cal Poly sorts students into the dorms.

Cal Poly University Housing decides where they group students based on their Residential Learning Communities (RLC). RLCs are categories Cal Poly uses to group students into different residence halls on campus.The RLCs usually remain the same from year to year, but this year Cal Poly’s first-years were grouped into 13 RLCs.

Students in the Cal Poly Scholars, Honors, EOP or TRIO programs are required to live in those respective communities. Other students may choose their living communities based on one of Cal Poly’s six colleges or from other categories including Substance Free, Culture & Identity, Pride and Leadership. Where Cal Poly places these different RLCs can change by year, so just because a community is located in one residence hall this year, does not mean they will be there next year.

Cal Poly’s newest dorms are the first buildings you’ll see when coming up Grand Ave. to visit Cal Poly. The seven almost identical buildings that make up yakʔitʸutʸu are named after yakʔtitʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash tribal locations throughout the Central Coast region. The dorm rooms themselves are pretty similar to any other dorm room in terms of amenities. These rooms have tall concrete ceilings with white walls and all the furnishings of any of the other Cal Poly residence halls.

Each floor has all-gender restrooms with floor-to-ceiling doors and partitions for both the toilets and showers. What makes the yakʔitʸutʸu residence halls stand out from the other dorms are the communal spaces. Every building has its own up-to-date kitchen attached to a community space. Additionally, each floor has its own study room and most have a whiteboard or TV inside. yakʔit ut u also has its own lawn, basketball court and beach volleyball court.

PROS

•New dorms & nice study rooms/kitchen

•Close-to-campus dining options

•Floor-to-ceiling restrooms

CONS

•Rooms are kind of dull looking

•Far away from campus

•Glass and concrete walls can make the buildings hot during the summer

SIERRA MADRE & YOSEMITE

The concrete dorms, jail cells, the bunkers — these are all names that both the Sierra Madre and Yosemite dorms have been called due to their blocky and concrete exterior. However, these dorms set themselves apart from the others due to how they are structured.

Although the two residence halls are close in proximity and look visually similar, their floor plans differ. Sierra Madre is set up where the rooms are organized in a rectangular shape around the restrooms with two small common rooms at the ends of the restrooms. The rooms in Yosemite are split with six rooms on one side of the floor and six on the other. In between the two sides is a small common room. The two sides with the rooms each have their own restrooms. Since both the rooms in Sierra Madre and Yosemite open to common rooms, these dorms are great for building community. These dorms do have their own kitchen, but it is within the main community center, where other games like pool and ping-pong can be played.

PROS

•Good for community building and meeting people

•Close-to-campus dining options

•Common rooms have games to play

CONS

•The kitchen is not as good as some other dorms

•Concrete can make rooms hot during warmer weather and cold during cooler temperatures

•Far walk from campus

SOUTH MOUNTAIN & NORTH MOUNTAIN

Also known as the “red bricks,” South Mountain is closest to Cal Poly’s campus core where most classes are located. There are six red brick towers that make up the building. Each floor is gender inclusive though bathrooms are separated by gender. The buildings have long hallways, their own study rooms and common rooms complete with TVs, pool tables and ping-pong tables.

North Mountain has five separate halls that look more like motels. These rooms are built for triple occupancy so these rooms are some of the biggest and include some of the largest closets out of the dorms at Cal Poly. The rooms here are open to the outdoors, but they also have access to their own wide-open lawn area for recreational use. They are also located very close to Cal Poly’s core. It should be noted, however, that the North Mountain residence halls will soon be taken down to make way for newer dorm buildings.

PROS

•Close to campus

•Good for community building

•Large common rooms

CONS

•Rooms have brick walls which can be cold/rough when sleeping next to

•Older amenities

•Has a reputation as getting quite rowdy

Welcome New Students!

Have questions about housing?

We’re here to help!

Visit University Housing at the Sequoia Hall

Welcome Center (Bldg. 108, Lawn)

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, April 14

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15

stop by for:

» New student brochure

» Info on room selection sessions

» Guided exterior tours

» Layouts and photos of rooms

» Opportunities to ask questions and sign up for housing

Ready to Sign Up for Housing?

At Cal Poly, you’ll live with like-minded students in a Residential Learning Community (RLC).

GET READY TO REQUEST YOUR TOP TWO RLCS:

college-basedprogram-basedculture or identityinterest-based Live with students who are in the same college or major as you

Live with students in the same academic program as you: TRIO, EOP, Cal Poly Scholars, Honors

Choose to room with students of a shared culture, in addition to the PRIDE community

Reside with students of similar pursuits or living preferences

Accept your o er of admission on MyCalPoly! Then, sign up for Housing in your Housing Portal. The application opened April 6 and is viewable 1-2 business days a er you accept your o er.

THE SOUNDS OF SLO

By Caitlin Garcia

There is no one “sound of SLO.” At the heart of the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo is home to countless genres of music, ranging from indie-acoustic to punk rock. Local musicians find their niche and the audience to follow. The wide array of artists and their unique creations are what make the sounds of SLO.

San Luis Obispo offers endless inspiration through its nature and people, drawing some of the most innovative and fresh minds to the area. Music is often used as a tool for self-exploration, self-expression and self-discovery, which is why the college atmosphere of SLO is bolstered through its rich music.

Bands and music groups are present and active in the SLO community. If you’re looking for indie rock, stop by house shows and see Honeyboys or Couch Dog perform. Classical music is found in the SLO Symphony and Cal Poly A Cappella clubs can be heard at various local events. The following are just a few of San Luis Obispo’s many talents:

SAN LUIS OBISPO SYMPHONY

As a classical music group that regularly performs at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, the SLO Symphony unites the community’s current and future generations of music. The orchestra features an array of instruments that collectively form rich performance pieces that have established their place along the Central Coast.

The San Luis Obispo Symphony was founded in 1954 and now trains professional and aspiring musicians, offering a Music Education program to make music accessible to the Central Coast youth. Directed by Maestro Andrew Sewell, the SLO Symphony’s next orchestra performance, Tchaikovsky & Testimony, will take place at the Cal Poly PAC on May 6, 2023.

THE SANDSPITS

A local surf rock band comprised of college students is nothing short of talented. The Sandspits got their start in 2021 after releasing two double-sided singles and growing the band to its current size. Rocking house shows and playing venues such as SLO Guild Hall, Jack, Lucas, Nilav and Abby use their diverse musical backgrounds to create fun and catchy music.

Guitarist Lucas Erikson said, “the reason we play is we enjoy sharing those fun moments with a big crowd and getting everybody hyped up. We just focus on making catchy songs and giving everyone a fun time.”

The fresh vibe of The Sandspit’s music draws a young and energetic crowd to their performances. Keep an ear out for a new Sandspits single dropping soon.

THAT’S THE KEY A CAPPELLA

As a student ensemble, That’s the Key A Cappella uses only vocals to perform popular music covers. Hosting two showcases per year and performing at events oncampus and around SLO, That’s the Key embraces the sounds of contemporary pop to give an upbeat, dynamic performance.

According to club president Jayme Schick, That’s the Key is more than a music group, it’s a family of people from all musical backgrounds that embraces togetherness while pursuing their passion for singing.

The group workshops their sets decided by the members and music directors to find sounds that best suit their talents and the events. Additionally, That’s the Key is currently recording an EP to be released in the coming months alongside a music video and they are performing in their Spring Showcase. That’s the Key welcomes interested students to audition and to stay updated by following their Instagram @ttkaca.

SHABANG SLO

Live music and local art are not new to San Luis Obispo, but Shabang strategically integrates all the different sounds of SLO into a two-day festival each Spring.

“A full dose of the Central Coast,” is how Shabang is described on its website.

What began as a 20-person concert held at the top of a mountain has now turned into an annual festival built on inclusion and creativity. The vibrant, eclectic vibe of Shabang is welcoming to all music and art lovers who are looking for an interactive event full of established and new talents.

It is truly beautiful how we can come together to create a community around music

— James Schick, President of That’s a Key A Cappella

Be a part of our story.

COME FOR THE BACHELOR’S STAY FOR THE MASTER’S

36 Master’s Degrees across all six colleges

Over 40 options across all six colleges and the School of Education:

•Mathematics

•Food Science

•Public Policy

•Engineering Management

•Architectural Engineering grad.calpoly.edu

CAL POLY DEI RESOURCES

By Trevor Baumgardner

Cal Poly’s reputation as a predominantly white institution (PWI) can make it feel isolating for those who are not part of the racial majority that makes up Cal Poly. Additionally, those who experience adversity in other aspects of life can have trouble adjusting to college life. However, Cal Poly does offer resources to help students find a place or community where they can feel supported. Here are a few:

BLACK ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE CENTER (BAEC)

BAEC helps support the advancement and excellence of Black students and Black student groups within Cal Poly’s community. The center began as a source of academic support for Black students, but it has since evolved into much more. The center offers workshops that help with resume and cover letter writing, handling stress,time management and more. They also have a computer lab and host monthly “couch conversations” to build stronger relationships between students and faculty.

The center also connects students to culture by incorporating elements of Black culture in the center. The center has more than 250 books on the civil rights movement, fiction and non-fiction novels by Black authors and books on African culture.

BAEC is located in Building 52, Room E-23.

THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (DRC)

The DRC provides all students with equitable access to Cal Poly’s campus and its resources. They facilitate student learning and access through partnerships with students, faculty and staff.

Services through the DRC include note-takers or

Additionally, those who experience adversity in other aspects of life can have trouble adjusting to college life.

changing the format of class assignments for those with mobility impairments, extra exam time or alternative testing arrangements for those with learning disabilities, transportation for those who have trouble traversing Cal Poly and more.

The DRC is located in Building 124.

DREAM CENTER

The Dream Center at Cal Poly is a community of staff and students who work towards creating a space on campus to help empower and defend the voices of undocumented students at Cal Poly. Services at the Dream Center range from free immigration attorney consultations to drop-in hours with academic and financial aid counselors to mental health support.

The Dream Center also hosts an Undocutalk series. This consists of confidential one-on-ones with trained professionals to help talk through mental health obstacles or struggles.

DREAM Center is located in Building 52, Room E-11.

SAFER

Safer is Cal Poly’s resource for prevention education and confidential advocacy for sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation and harassment. Their Advocacy Staff supports survivors of violence by offering confidential crisis support. Safer works to make sure all survivors feel

heard and connected to the community. Safer believes that these acts of violence are preventable and they work towards educating Cal Poly’s community to act as agents for change.

Safer’s advocacy services are located in the Health Center, Building 27, and their Prevention Education Office is in the University Union, Building 65, Room 217.

UNITED SORORITY & FRATERNITY COUNCIL (USFC)

Cal Poly offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations that are centered around multiple DEI groups. These include clubs based on different cultures and ones centered around mental health discussions.

When it comes to Greek Life at Cal Poly, underrepresented groups can feel excluded from predominantly white Greek organizations. However, in addition to Cal Poly’s InterFraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, there is Cal Poly’s USFC.

USFC is made up of ten multicultural fraternities and sororities at Cal Poly. These organizations include Asianinterest sororities/fraternities and Latinx-interest sororities/fraternities. Although each organization has a specific cultural focus, membership is not limited to individuals of those cultures.

USFC can be reached on Instagram @calpoly_usfc

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.

Scan the QR code to visit our website and:

• Sign up to receive university news and updates.

• Learn about upcoming parent and supporter events.

• Connect with Parent Advisory Council Members to find your support network.

• Join the Parent and Supporter Volunteer Corps.

• Learn about the Local Connections program for out-of-state students.

SAVE THE DATE FOR MUSTANG FAMILY WEEKEND

October 20-22 | Registration Opens This Summer!

This October, discover how your student has made Cal Poly their home! Join us 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.

... and so much more!

HOW TO START FRIEND SHIPS IN COLLEGE

By Gwendalyn Garcia

Your college experience is not whole without the friends you will find and keep along the way. For any college student, finding friendships is valuable for creating a sense of identity and acceptance, especially on a new campus. Talking to new people can be intimidating. Once you step onto campus, it is an excellent time to socialize and lay the foundation for potential friendships. Even if it might seem nerve-racking to jump-start a conversation with someone new or begin a search for your community, you have to start somewhere.

Here are a few tips to ease the process of finding friendships in college:

BE APPROACHABLE WITH A SMILE

Start each and every day with a smile! If you want to make friends in college, you need to have a friendly and approachable sense of self. This is key for making sure people feel comfortable coming up to you to start a conversation. Wearing a friendly face is the first step.

ENGAGE WITH YOUR ROOMMATES,

FLOORMATES

AND CLASSMATES

You will likely have roommates, floormates or even housemates during college. Your living situation provides a great opportunity to get to know a fellow student.

You can explore these relationships by spending a little time getting to know your roommate. You’ll have the entire school year to learn more and connect with your roommates, which may make great friendships beyond just that one year.

If you choose to explore beyond your room, you can even find friendships within your floor or throughout your entire residence hall. All it takes is a little bit of courage to start some conversations. During the first week of school, it is recommended to have an open door policy, where you keep your door open to meet any passerby. Also, don’t be shy and knock on other doors to meet your neighbors. If you want to get out of your room for a bit, you can meet new people by going to study rooms or common rooms in your residence hall. These are just a few ways to find friendships within just your living space. Another easy way to connect with other students is to get to know the people in your classes. You’ll see the same people for the next ten weeks and have an instant common ground--the classroom. All you need to do is introduce yourself to your classmates, ask why they chose that course and watch the conversation flourish. If given an assignment, ask your peers if they would like to work on it outside the class together or create a plan to form a study group. This is a great way to nurture longlasting friendships beyond the classroom.

FOLLOW YOUR INTERESTS. FIND YOUR COMMUNITY.

If you follow your personal interests and join clubs or organizations on campus, this is a great way to find college students with similar interests to yours. Cal Poly has more than 400 clubs to choose from. Being in a club can help people bond and find possible friendships over a shared interest. From a club sport to Greek life to SocialCultural clubs, there are many opportunities to find your niche community. Cal Poly Now is a great mobile app and website to find organizations you are interested in and discover upcoming events.

BE YOURSELF

Finding friends in college can be a long and ongoing process. Do not feel discouraged if you can not immediately find ‘forever friendships’ when you arrive. Just be yourself and keep getting to know the people around you. Your friends are out there waiting for you.

Cal Poly has more than 400 clubs to choose from. Being in a club can help people bond and find possible friendships over a shared interest.

GET ACTIVE IN SLO

By Brianna Grossman

One of the best parts of SLO culture is the love of being outdoors and taking full advantage of experiencing its beautiful landscapes. There is something for everyone here and there are resources within Cal Poly to help you find them.

THE REC

Cal Poly’s state-of-the-art Recreation Center offers plenty of machines, workout rooms, classes, gyms, beach volleyball courts, a lap pool, a whirlpool and a large lounge area. Many students find themselves shooting around the indoor basketball courts, taking yoga or cycle classes offered by instructors and even using the pool after a long run on the treadmills. The Recreation Center is available to all students with their Polycard and is open for most of the day to accommodate busy schedules.

POLY ESCAPES

The ASI Rental Center is also located in the Rec and here students can rent out equipment for different activities and also find out more information about Poly Escapes. Poly Escapes not only gets students connected with proper equipment and facilities, but it also offersvSLO. Trips do come with a fee, but students are provided with all the necessary guidance and equipment to ensure a fun and worthwhile experience.

SURFING

Being so close to the ocean, surfing is a major part of the culture; Avila, Pismo, and Morro beach all are good spots to get started. ASI also rents out surfboards,

The Recreation Center, Poly Escapes and clubs all have great resources that will help students find their community and get to know SLO’s great outdoors.

wetsuits, tie-downs, coolers and car racks to make your surf experience seamless. There are also clubs on campus such as Surfriders that build a community of surfers and environmentalists who want to help keep our beaches clean.

CLIMBING

If the giant climbing wall right outside the Recreation Center didn’t make it clear, another popular sport at Cal Poly is climbing. Cal Poly students get to use the Climbing Park when they check in at the ASI rental center where you’ll get a climbing harness, shoes and a wristband. For off-campus climbing, The Pad Climbing is a popular spot that encourages experienced and inexperienced climbers to engage in the SLO climbing community.

HIKING

Hiking is another favorite activity among Cal Poly students because we are surrounded by so many beautiful hills and views. Hiking around SLO is free with a few exceptions and there is a trail for every difficulty level. The most accessible hike to on-campus students is Poly Canyon, which begins at the trailhead in between the Poly Canyon Village and Cerro Vista apartments. In the canyon, you can follow the general trail that’ll lead you through the rolling hills and past groups of roaming cows. Although this trail does loop, it is very long, so most students turn around a

couple of miles in. Off the main trail, there is the very steep Serenity Swing hike that is most popular during sunset because of its panoramic views. There is also the turn-off to Architecture Graveyard, where you’ll follow a trail going through old architecture projects left by past Cal Poly students. Poly Canyon is a popular biking trail if you bring a heavier-duty trail bike along with you to campus.

The “P” is another student-favorite on-campus hike and only takes about half an hour. The entrance is located right under the big cement “P” on the hill near the R1 parking lot. This hike is popular during sunrise and sunset and gives you a full view of campus, the city of SLO and Bishop’s peak. Off-campus hikes are accessible by car or the city bus, which is free to all students to ride with their Polycard. Madonna hike is an easier, popular hike with great 360 views and during December, it hosts a giant Christmas tree made of lights. On the mountain next to Madonna sits Bishop’s Peak, which is one of the harder hikes around SLO. The views are just as great, but this mountain does require a bit more climbing and takes about one to two hours to complete.

There are so many ways to get active in SLO and lots of resources at Cal Poly to help you get involved. The Recreation Center, Poly Escapes and clubs all have great resources that will help students find their community and get to know SLO’s great outdoors.

A Home Grown Community Centered In SLO

San Luis Ranch has a home sty le for every lifesty le with farmland in your b ackyard, a vibran t dow nt ow n, and Cal Pol y jus t a stone’s throw aw ay. On-sit e shopping and dining creat e a walkable community wit h easy bike and bus transpor ation buil t right in.

DIVERSE HOUSING

EXCEPT IO NAL AMENITIES

SPECTACULAR LOCAT IO N FARM TO TABLE LIF ES TYLE

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

3 to 4 bedrooms

Some with additional housing units

TOWNHOMES

3 bedrooms

Open-concept

LOFTS

Studio or one-bedroom

Low-maintenance living

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

3 to 4 bedrooms

some with additional housing units

CONDOMINIUMS

2 or 3 bedrooms

Outdoor decks

Cal Poly International Center connects students with opportunities to study, intern, and research abroad

with nearly 500 approved programs in over 75 different countries including multi-country programs. Around 1,500 Cal Poly students go abroad on sponsored programs, earning credit for major, minor, and general education courses while immersing themselves in other cultures.

HELLO FUTURE MUSTANGS,

Welcome to Open House 2023, our 30th annual celebration of welcoming prospective students and supporters onto Cal Poly’s campus! Our names are Mary Grace Mylod-Vargas and Ariana Tirado, and we are this year’s Open House Co-Chairs. As past attendees of Open House, current fourth years at Cal Poly, and organizers of the event this year, Open House has played a huge role in our life here at Cal Poly. We hope it has a similar impact on you all!

This year, we are especially excited for the Weekend given that it is the 30th annual Cal Poly Open House! This April, we celebrate 30 years of first steps on campus, 30 years exploring all opportunities that Cal Poly has to offer, 30 years of accepting admissions offers, 30 years of inviting new Mustangs to join our community.

During your weekend at Cal Poly, we highly encourage you to seize all the opportunities presented to you. The best of Cal Poly has gathered this weekend to put on an exciting event. Thursday night join us at the Farmers Market Preview Night where you will get a chance to experience a peak into life in San Luis Obispo beyond campus. On Friday, you will have a chance to learn about on-campus resources, interact with your prospective academic departments, and attend Friday Nite Invite to socialize with other future Mustangs and enjoy live music, games, and all sorts of activities! Lastly, Saturday will be an extravagant display of “Learn by Doing,” as you will get to explore hundreds of Cal Poly clubs and organization at Campus Showcase. You can utilize our website and guidebook to truly make the most of your experience and find details on all of the events taking course over the weekend.

Beyond Open House as an event for the public and prospective students, it is also an embodiment of Cal Poly’s learn-by-doing philosophy. Behind the scenes, we celebrate 30 years of a weekend planned and executed by students for students. Every element of this weekend, be it media initiatives, social events, club and resource fairs, etc., has all been ideated and executed by our studentrun Open House Committee.

Finally, the Co-Chairs would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to the 2023 Open House Committee. The Open House Committee are the twentytwo dedicated student leaders who have been planning for months to execute the 30th annual Open House. Each Committee member enthusiastically took on their own event or project which they campus partners for their work in welcoming our new members of the Mustang Family! Lastly, the Co-Chairs would like to thank New Student and Transition Programs for the continuous support and community within the organization during our time in our roles!

Congratulations on your acceptance and we hope that you find your home here at Cal Poly!

Go Mustangs!

Ariana Tirado, Open House Co-Chair

Fourth

Year Political Science, Class of 2023

Mary Grace Mylod-Vargas, Open House Co-Chair

Fourth

Year Psychology, Class of 2023

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Farmers Market

6:00 a.m. | Broad Street, Downtown San Luis Obispo

The Farmers Market brings local vendors and members of the community together. Join us for food, fun, and a preview into the San Luis Obispo community.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Official Open House Information Area

Friday, 8:00 a.m. | University Union Plaza

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. | Dexter Lawn

The info booth is the place to get all of your Open House questions answered! Stop by the New Mustang Booth to show your Cal Poly spirit and accept your admission to Cal Poly.

College & Department Events

Friday and Saturday | Various locations

Throughout the weekend, check out the New Mustang Guide for individual events and activities hosted by Colleges and Departments around campus.

Campus Tours

Friday | University Union Plaza Stage

Saturday | Dexter Lawn

The student-led walking tours begin every hour. On Saturday, tours will begin immediately following the Poly Royal Opening Ceremonies.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

University Welcome I & II

9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. | Recreation Center Main Gym

We welcome College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) and Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) at 9:00 a.m. and College of Engineering (CENG), College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) at 10:30 a.m.

Academic College Meetings

Various Locations

Following your University Welcome, break out into your specific College to ask questions and learn more.

Transfer Series

Session 1: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Session 2: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Welcome Center classroom (Bldg. 172H)

Presentations & Q&A with Orientation, Admissions, Transfer Center, Financial Aid and a transfer student panel.

Friday Nite Invite

7:00 p.m. | University Union Plaza

A space for prospective students to have fun and meet each other with food, games and music hosted by KCPR, Cal Poly’s radio station.

Parent & Supporter Coffee House

7:30 p.m. | Chumash Auditorium

While your student socializes at their event, come talk to current mustang parents and current Cal Poly students to learn about their experiences.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Morning Cup with President Armstrong

8:30 a.m. | Sequoia Hall Lawn (corner of Grand and Perimeter) Meet Cal Poly President, Jeffrey Armstrong, before starting your day of festivities. Hosted by Parent & Family Programs.

Poly Royal Parade

10:00 a.m. | North Perimeter Road

A parade through campus of different clubs, groups and organizations to showcase all they offer!

Cal Poly Campus Showcase

11:00 a.m. | Throughout Campus

150+ clubs and organizations are here to showcase what they do throughout the year! Meet them at their club booths, engage in activities and enjoy some delicious food. Join us at the NSTP Kids Zone across from the library. Find the list of clubs in attendance on the New Mustang Guide!

Poly Royal Opening Ceremonies & Dexter Stage

11:00 a.m. | Dexter Lawn

An event that showcases all of the talent that Cal Poly has to offer, from music to comedy and dance!

Alumni Wine & Beer Garden

2:00 p.m. | Engineering Quad

A place for alumni to kick-back and reconnect with classmates and faculty. Wine & Beer Tastings along with light snacks and a complimentary Cal Poly wine glass are included. This event is ticketed.

Poly Royal Rodeo

6:30 p.m. | Rodeo Center

Enjoy the 80th annual Poly Rodeo followed by a country music concert. This event is ticketed.

RECOGNIZING OUR STUDENT-LED COMMITTEE 2023

CO-CHAIRS

Ariana Tirado

Open House 2023 Co-Chair

CAMPUS & CLUB RELATIONS

James Jensen

Campus and Club Relations Lead

Madeline Shain

Campus and Club Relations Lead

Weston Gonor

Dexter Stage and Opening Ceremonies Coordinator

Amanda Alcala Farmers Market Coordinator

Vanessa von Sosen Poly Royal Parade Coordinator

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Dale Stoker Director

Mary Grace Mylod-Vargas Open House 2023 Co-Chair

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

Alex Ng Outreach Lead

McKenna Grant Engagement Lead

Quinton Rivero

Honored Guests and Booth Judging Coordinator

Viviana Lopez Resource Fair Coordinator

Gina Trank Transfer Liason & Historian

EVENT OPERATIONS

Carolyn Gruebele Operations Lead

Eden Eliahou

Facilities Lead

Ashley Rodriguez University Welcomes Coordinator

Kaylie Kinkead

Check-in Coordinator

Oliver Khachikian Volunteers Coordinator

Adia Pinski

Friday Nite Invite Coordinator

MARKETING & MEDIA

Ashley Tokarzewksi

Media Lead

Whitney Poyer

Marketing Lead

Cherokee Trent

Marketing Team

Sean Harmon

New Mustang Booth and Fundraising Coordinator

Jane Saenz

New Mustang Guide Coordinator and Cartographer

Zoe Windeler

Marketing Team

Chad Zoller Program Coordinator

Nicolaza Owens Administrative Support Coordinator

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WEEKEND IN THE NEW MUSTANG GUIDE

Find maps, a full schedule, and more in the New Mustang Guide on the Guidebook app by scanning the QR code on your smartphone.

Hannah Ferreter Administrative Support Coordinator

MS BUSINESS ANALYTICS

This comprehensive 10-month program encompasses statistics, machine learning, econometrics, data management, and business knowledge. Students also work collaboratively on real-world industry projects, providing them valuable experience working for a client in a team.

June 1

U-PICK

The Cal Poly Farm’s seasonal U-Picks are open to the public. Bring family and friends to pick your own fresh fruit!

CAL POLY FARM

WHAT’S IN SEASON?

JAN-JUNE

Citrus

mandarins, navel oranges, lemons, limes, blood oranges

APRIL-JUNE

Blueberries

JULY

Peaches

OCTOBER

Apples Scan

calpolyfarm polyplantshop

POLY PLANT SHOP

STAPLE EVENTS

APRIL Tomato Spectacular

The Poly Plant Shop’s annual tomato plant sale showcases more than 75 different varieties.

OCTOBER

Succulentopia

More than 100 varieties of student-grown succulents are available for purchase.

DECEMBER Poinsettia Sale

The long-held CP tradition of selling many unique types of the flowering holiday plant.

Women’s Engineering Program Panel

Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) Student and Team Mixer

CENG College Welcome

Aerospace Engineering Student Welcome, Lunch, Meet Faculty & Sta , and Lab Tours

Biomedical Engineering Student Welcome, Lunch, Meet Faculty & Sta , and Lab Tours

Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Welcome Meet Faculty & Sta , and Lab Tours

Computer Engineering Student Welcome: Meet Faculty, Sta & Clubs

Computer Science and So ware Engineering Student Welcome and Lunch

Electrical Engineering Student Welcome, Lunch, Tours, and Club Presentations

General Engineering Student Welcome: Meet Faculty, Sta , Presentation & Student Panel

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Student Luncheon/Introductions, Panel Discussion, Tours

Materials Engineering Student Welcome Luncheon/Introductions, Panel Discussion, Tours

Mechanical Engineering Student Welcome and Lunch

Building 007 (Advanced Technology Lab)

Building 40, Room 110 (MEP Study Room)

Building 43, Main Rec Center Gym

Engineering Plaza

Building 192, Room 106 and Lobby

Rec Main Gym then to Building 13 Courtyard

Building 006, Room 128

Building 43, Multi Activity Center (MAC)

Bldg. 20, Outdoor Courtyard

Building 197, Room 104

Building 41, Courtyard

Building 007 (Advanced Technology Lab)

Building 44, Spanos Theater, Room 227

Science and Mathematics

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

2:30–4:00 p.m.

KINESIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH

a.m.–

LIBERAL

Room and Q&A w/Students and Faculty

p.m. Learn By Doing Displays, Department Tours, Inclusivity and Disability Sport Demos and Mobile Health Unit

to the Kinesiology and Public Health Department/Student Panel Meeting

180, Rm. 537

43A, Floors 1 and 2

43A, Floor 1

Open House Schedule

college events — Friday, april 14

Admitted Students’ Check-In

University Welcome

CAED New Students’ Welcome Meeting

Digital Fabrication Lab Tours

Neel Resources Center & Materials Samples Tours

College Tour by the CAED Ambassadors

Drop-In Advising - CAED Advising Center

Hearst Lecture – Rick Sommerfeld of the Colorado Building Workshop

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Meeting with New Students

Transfer Student Advising

ARCHITECTURe DEPARTMENT

Student Work Exhibits

Robert Hifumi Odo Memorial Scholarship Displays

Meeting with New Students General Advising

city and regional planning DEPARTMENT

Meeting with New Students Transfer Student Advising and Portfolio Review

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Meeting with New Students

Building Tour

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

Transfer Student Advising Student Work Displays

Meeting with New Students and Tour of Studios

Student Advising and Transfer Student Portfolio Review

Mustang Way, between Bldgs. 19 and 42

Rec. Center Main Gym, Bldg. 43

Chumash Auditorium, Bldg. 65, UU

Simpson Strong-Tie Lab, Bldg.187, Mezzanine

Architecture Bldg. 05, Room 101

CAED Lobby Gallery, Bldg. 05, Room 212

CAED Bldg. 05, Room 210

Business Rotunda, Bldg. 03-213

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 105A

(KTGY Gallery)

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 110A

CAED Berg Gallery, Bldg. 05, Room 105

CAED Lobby Gallery, Bldg. 05, Room 212

CAED, Stair Court, Bldg. 05

CAED, Bldg. 05, Room 212

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 121A

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 121A

Construction Innovations Center, Bldg. 186, Room B 202

Construction Innovations Center, Bldg. 186 (Starts in Room B 202)

Construction Innovations Center, Bldg. 186, Room A 101 (Morley Conference Room)

Walter F. Dexter, Bldg. 34, 2nd Floor Hallways and Room 210

Starting at LA main o ice outside of room

251, Bldg. 34, then touring 2nd floor Studios

Walter F. Dexter, Bldg. 34, Room 210

The CAED o ers a unique blend of eight degree programs in five highly ranked and closely related departments of the built environment.

Students and graduates of the City and Regional Planning program empower people and communities to manage growth and change in their physical, social and economic environments. The Landscape Architecture program promotes responsible, humanistic and sustainable approaches to land planning and design through knowledge of ecology, natural systems, human behavior, aesthetics and construction.

college events — saturday, april 15

College Tours by the CAED Ambassadors

Neel Resource Center & Materials Samples Tours

Cal Poly Alumni Wine & Beer Garden

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Meet the Department Head

ARCE Labs and Student Work Exhibits

Department Tours and Materials Testing Demonstrations

ARCHITECTURe DEPARTMENT

Student Work Exhibits

Meet the Department Head

Robert Hifumi Odo Memorial Scholarship Displays

Drop-in Advising

city and regional planning DEPARTMENT

Meet the Department Head Student Exhibits

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Meet the Department Head and Faculty

Student Club Displays

Heavy Equipment Display

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

Meet Faculty and Current Students

Student Work Displays

CAED Lobby Gallery, Bldg. 05, Room 212

CAED Bldg. 05, Room 101

Engineering Plaza, Bldg. 192 (tickets required)

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 110B

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Rooms 122 A & B

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 122 A

CAED Berg Gallery, Bldg. 05, Room 105

CAED Lobby Gallery Bldg. 05, Room 212

CAED Lobby Gallery Bldg. 05, Room 212

CAED Lobby Gallery Bldg. 05, Room 212

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 121A

Engineering West, Bldg. 21, Room 121A & CRP Hallway

Construction Innovations Ctr., Bldg. 186, Room A100 (CM Lobby)

H2 parking lot in front of the Engineering Buildings 192 and 197

H2 parking lot in front of the Engineering Buildings 192 and 197

SATURDAY,

Walter F. Dexter, Bldg. 34, Front Lobby

Walter F. Dexter, Bldg. 34, 2nd Floor Hallways and Room 210

PLEASE NOTE:

All events are free and open to the public, with details that are subject to change. Please visit www.caed.calpoly.edu for the most up-to-date CAED Open House schedules. The Design Village Competition in Poly Canyon will be open to the public on Saturday, April 29. To learn more about the event, visit architecture.calpoly.edu/about/Design-Village. CAED main desk: (805) 756-1311.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS EVENTS

–

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ambassadors’ Information Table

Not sure how to plan your day? Stop by to learn about events and activities planned throughout Open House.

Mustang Way Session

Ambassadors’ Information Sessions

Learn more about the College of Liberal Arts, including majors, minors, faculty and collaborative programming.

Advising Center Open O ice Hours

Meet the College of Liberal Arts’ academic advisors, who can answer any questions about CLA majors, minors, and course requirements. Se habla español.

Session 1 | Building 180, Room 102

Session 2 | Building 180, Room 107

Building 47, Room 22B

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CLA First Generation Student & Supporter Session

Learn about opportunities for first generation college students and hear current first generation students share their experiences transitioning to college life.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. College Welcome

Hear from deans, students and faculty about experiences and opportunities available to CLA students.

Building 52, Room E26

2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Individual Department Info Sessions

Meet the department chair, faculty and sta while learning more about major-specific opportunities and o erings.

DEPARTMENT SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Performing Arts Center (Harold Miossi Hall)

Scan the code to see a map

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

and

Graphic Communication Department Tours

Tour GrC labs and see hands-on activities demonstrated by students and faculty in the department.

Building 26, Room 201 9:30 a.m. –

–

–

Journalism Department Tours

Tour the student-run news room, TV station, radio station and public relations agency.

University Art Gallery Student Exhibit

View the very best student works of art in the mediums of painting, graphic design, sculpture, illustration, photography, video and digital arts.

Building 26, Room 226 (Mustang News Room)

Building 34, Room 171 (University Art Gallery)

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS EVENTS

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

A UNIQUE APPROACH A UNIQUE APPROACH

Harnessing the power of journalism, science and technology to serve the greater good.

asi open house events

thursday, april 13

Cal Poly Rose Float Campus Preview Night at Farmers’ Market

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

friday, april 14

Associated Students, Inc. (ASI)

Campus Resource Fair in the University Union Plaza

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Visit asi.calpoly.edu to learn more!

Cal Poly Recreation Center Tours

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

saturday, april 15

Cal Poly Recreation Center Tours

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about ASI and enjoy the amentities of the Cal Poly Recreation Center! $10 Guest Day Passes available April 14–16 for Open House participants and supporters. Visit bit.ly/CalPolyRecreationCenterMemberships

Photos by Joe Johnston

THE WORLD OF CAL POLY SPORTS

By Caitlin Garcia

Collegiate sports captivate the nation each year and Cal Poly’s sports teams bring a lot of pride to the Mustang family. Whether the marching band is performing at a basketball game or students are gathering by thousands to watch Men’s Soccer take on our rivals, Cal Poly athletics can be quite an event.

Although Cal Poly may not be known for its Saturday morning tailgates, we have plenty of other sports to make up for it. With 21 NCAA Division I sports teams, 29 club sports, intercollegiate rodeo and an ever-growing variety of ASI Intramural Sports, Cal Poly welcomes participants of all competition levels to play and watch.

MUSTANG ATHLETICS

Cal Poly Mustang Athletics is home to our 21 Division I teams, including Men’s Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field and more. Sporting events, big and small, are hosted year-round attracting students, SLO locals and Mustang fans to Cal Poly sports facilities to cheer on our teams.

Having won almost 50 Big West Conference championships, Mustang Athletics hosts some of the highest-attended collegiate sporting events in the nation. Associate Director of Athletics Communications Chris Giovannetti said the Cal Poly Men’s Soccer game against our rivals, UC Santa Barbara, consistently sells out all 11,075 seats at Spanos Stadium.

Additionally, our Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball teams closely compete with some of the top-ranked teams in the nation, bringing greater attention to the talents of Cal Poly’s athletes.

Mustang Athletics follows “The Mustang Way,” a motivational ethical set of objectives for all those involved with the Athletics department.

“It’s important to have a unifying set of values and principles to set your focus with,” Giovannetti said.

The Mustang Way helps guide Mustang Athletics to be their strongest selves.

Find your new favorite sports team and their game schedules at gopoly.com.

CAL POLY CLUB SPORTS

Club Sports are a non-NCAA sports avenue for students to continue competing in their respective sports. Usually competing against other college’s club sports teams, Cal Poly Club Sports allow students to pursue their sports in a non-traditional, student-run structure.

Our Club Sports teams have brought home 18 national championships and counting.

On-campus student organizations help make Cal Poly the active social hub that it is. Club sports are just one part of the more than 400 different extracurricular organizations students can get involved in.

CAL POLY RODEO

The Cal Poly Rodeo program is one of the most awarded among the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Since 1956, Cal Poly Rodeo has brought home titles and drawn national attention and its athletes have graduated to compete at the highest level of rodeo competition.

The Poly Royal Rodeo is an annual event held at the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex on campus each Spring. Students compete in a variety of competitions including barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. The competition lasts two days and each day’s event is concluded with a country concert performance.

The Poly Royal is a spectacle you don’t want to miss. It is set to take place from April 12-15, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at the Cal Poly Ticket Office.

ASI INTRAMURAL SPORTS

ASI Intramural Sports are some of the biggest sports entertainment on campus. ASI Intramural Sports welcomes participants of all skill levels to play their favorite game or try out a new activity, offering a range of sports from highly competitive to recreational levels of play. Participants can play in different leagues with their friends and peers for the one hour teams are scheduled to play each week.

Interim Assistant Director of the Recreation Center

Nicholas White said the community is the number one reason students engage with ASI Intramural Sports.

The importance lies in “finding a safe space to be authentic and be yourself, a place to have fun,” White said.

Some sports, such as basketball and volleyball, are offered every quarter, while others including kickball and ultimate frisbee are offered for only one or two quarters. Whether you have a team together or not, ASI Intramural Sports will help find a place for all participants. If wanting to get involved in other ways, students can also work for ASI as Intramural Sports Officials. Learn more at asi.calpoly.edu. Each type of sport at Cal Poly brings pride, competition and fun to the Mustang community. Whether the stadium is sold out or the crowd is calm, our athletes and participants bring a passion for their sport onto the field and court.

EAST COAST STYLE SANDWICHES IN SLO SINCE 2008

Mom and Pop sandwich shop with deep dish pizza, salads, & homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Order online direct from us at giantgrinderslo.com, call ahead at 805-543-6700, or come on in! We're doing pickup, curbside, and also have seating on our dog-friendly patio!

Deliveries via DoorDash

Catering options available for all occasions

GET FUELED UP WHILE EATING HEALTHY ON CAMPUS

By Gwendalyn Garcia

Going into college, you might fall into a “typical college student diet” filled with pizza, french fries or instant ramen. Although quite delicious, these eating habits aren’t for everyone.

At Cal Poly, all first-year students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. Dining dollars can be used at more than 30 different locations on campus for all meals, snacks and grab-and-go items. With more than four markets and 800 menu options, students have access to a wide array of food choices that they can navigate to live their healthiest lifestyle.

MAKE INFORMED CHOICES

The best way to start making healthy diet choices is to make informed decisions. Balance carbs, eat protein, find healthy fats and eat the food that makes you happy. Campus Dining makes all menus available online with a comprehensive interactive nutrition calculator. This assists with sharing information regarding ingredients, nutrition, and common allergens for all Campus Dining options.

CHECK OUT THESE VENUES RED RADISH

Red Radish lets students build salads or wraps with anything they desire. The venue uses California-grown produce and Cal Poly seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses and house-made dressings.

THE MARKETS (MARKET GRANDE AVE, MARKET UNIVERSITY UNION, CAMPUS MARKET)

You can pick up convenient snacks or ingredients to cook your own homemade meal at the markets. All of the markets on campus also have great grab-and-go options for items such as Sushi, ready-made sandwiches or salads.

BALANCE CAFE

Located in Vista Grande, Balance Cafe has an assortment of healthy items free from the top eight allergens, which include peanuts, wheat, milk, soy, shellfish, fish, eggs, tree nuts, gluten and sesame. The venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Perfect, if you want balanced meals for the whole day.

MINGLE & NOSH

Here are some tips for eating healthy on campus.

Nestled next to Mingle in Vista Grande, you’ll find Nosh. The definition of “nosh” is to eat food enthusiastically or greedily. If you want a quick bite while studying for your first exam, Nosh has dips, veggies and salads to enjoy.

PLANT IVY

If you want a burger, you can get one made entirely of plants at Plant Ivy. This vegetarian, local food truck visits campus to serve their popular meatless hamburgers.

HEALTH SHACK

Health Shack has delicious menu items like a hummus veggie wrap, a kale Caesar salad, an acai bowl and other healthy options. You can stop by for a cold-press juice on the way to class or the library.

JAMBA

Did you know Jamba began as a Cal Poly senior project? Now the franchise has a location at Grande Market Ave where students can purchase freshly squeezed juice, smoothie bowls and other fruity options. If you want to include fruit and vegetables into your diet, Jamba is a great option for on-the-go meals.

HAVE A HAPPY, BALANCED DIET

Get a little bit of this. Try a little bit of that. There are many dining options on campus and you can try them all. Don’t forget to treat yourself to gelato, Starbucks or Mustang Station’s Pizza once in a while. You can eat healthy while also enjoying what your heart desires.

Get a little bit of this. Try a little bit of that. There are many dining options on campus and you can try them all.

MENTION THIS & GET

SUN-WED: 11AM-11PM

THUR-SAT: 11AM-2AM

733 HIGUERA ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

NICKTHEGREEK.COM | (888) SLO-GYRO

A ROAD MAP TO DOWN TOWN SAN LUIS OBISPO

By Xiomara Lopez

HIGUERA STREET FARMER’S MARKET

On Thursday evenings, Higuera Street shines with bright lights as tents line up the street. San Luis Obispo’s Downtown Farmer’s Market is a well-known and not to be missed event. Between Osos and Nipomo Street on Higuera from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., shoppers can explore various vendors’ items. From fresh produce, flowers, food and more, the Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market offers a chance to prospect Higuera Street and Downtown San Luis Obispo.

COFFEE SHOPS

There are a variety of coffee shops on Higuera Street. From Blackhorse Espresso Bakery to Kreuzberg California and the first Scout coffee location, there are plenty of cafes to duck into from the street. With the cozy, visually pleasing environment and relaxed ambiance, coffee shops are a popular destination downtown.

BUBBLEGUM ALLEY

Located between Garden and Broad Street, Bubblegum alley is a 70-foot-long alleyway with walls covered in chewed bubblegum. A popular tourist destination, this decade’sstanding locale is one that continuously attracts crowds. Visitors can, and often do, contribute to the wall with their own bubblegum.

NIGHTLIFE

For those 21 and older, Downtown SLO’s nightlife is dynamic and spirited on weekends with many active bars and eateries on Higuera Street. One can enjoy the live DJ sets and dance at places such as Mother’s Tavern or the Mark — a

There are plenty of places to eat in downtown San Luis Obispo from Italian, Thai, American and more.

There are numerous places to visit in downtown San Luis Obispo. Listed below are only a few places a wanderer can stumble into while exploring downtown by major streets.

bar and grill with tacos, tapas and drinks. Frog & Peach Pub often has live music performances that bring long lines of eager guests down the street and places like Buffalo Pub and Grill and The Library are perfect for a refreshing drink.

MONTEREY STREET MCCONELL’S FINE ICE CREAMS

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams on Monterey St. is ideal for dessert after dinner or a cold treat on warm days. With numerous flavors made from scratch, McConnell’s products have options for a variety of preferences. Open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, one can enjoy their ice cream sitting down, outside or while walking along the rest of downtown.

FREMONT THEATRE

While walking or driving in downtown, bright neon lights might capture one’s eye. These lights are most likelycoming from the Fremont Theater. For more than 75 years, Fremont Theater has been a source of entertainment for visitors and residents. Both a movie and live theater, Fremont frequently hosts concerts and is one of the theaters where the San Luis Obispo’s International Film Festival occurs. The vibrant colors and designs don’t stop at the exterior; the interior of the theater consists of colorful art and designs, adding to the spirited ambiance.

CLOTHING SHOPS

Along Monterey Street there are a variety of stores to shop for clothes. From sportswear to surf shops, women’s clothing and more, there are many places to browse for a new wardrobe. Places such as lululemon, H&M, Urban Outfitters and the French Quarter are excellent for avid shoppers.

MARSH STREET DOWNTOWN CENTRE CINEMAS

For those interested in watching a newly released film, Downtown Centre Cinemas is the place to go. Next to Jamba Juice and Barnes and Noble, this theater is at a lower ground level than the others. With seven screens and specific days for discounts, such as on Farmer’s Market days, the theater is a fun place to visit with family and friends.

ADDITIONAL PLACES MISSION SAN LUIS OBISPO DE TOLOSA ON PALM STREET

Founded in 1772, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is open year-round. With a mission, museum and gift shop, this location showcases its abundant history. To fully immerse oneself in the mission and learn more about its history, there are tours available year-round with no admission fee. The mission is open to all. There are also gardens within the area and grapes aligning the roof of the structures outside alongside roses and citrus.

RESTAURANTS

There are plenty of places to eat in downtown San Luis Obispo from Italian, Thai, American and more. Hungry patrons can find places for each meal of the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. A list of the restaurants in downtown San Luis Obispo can be found at https://downtownslo.com/ shop-and-dine/dining.

DAY TRIPS OUT OF SLO

By Brianna Grossman

SOLVANG

Only about an hour’s drive from SLO, this Danish-style town will feel like you’ve suddenly traveled 5,000 miles to Denmark. Solvang is a small town with lots of character and has plenty of small shops, restaurants and wineries to explore.

For those over 21, there are nice tasting rooms such as Luca and Lewellen or if you’re feeling hungry, you can try out the Copenhagen Sausage Garden. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there are a number of quaint Danish bakeries that offer the famous Danish pastry, the “Aebleskiver.”

The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is another niche spot if you’re looking for something a bit more educational or you can hop on the Solvang Trolley for an exciting ride through the town.

SANTA BARBARA

A bit further than Solvang, Santa Barabara is an hour and a half drive from SLO and is also accessible by the Amtrak train. Home to the University of California, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista and beautiful downtown, this is a perfect spot for college students to spend the day.

There are beautiful beaches located along the coast such as Leadbetter, which is the perfect beach for light surfing and views of the Channel Islands. Next to Leadbetter is Jeanine’s, a charming restaurant on the coast with yummy sandwiches and pastries.

Goleta Beach park is another good spot with barbecue and beach volleyball courts and it’s right next to UCSB. There are plenty of restaurants around here along with places to rent kayaks and paddleboards.

A whole day could be spent in downtown Santa Barbara at one of its many coffee shops, restaurants or popular shops. It’s also just a couple blocks up from West Beach where you can take out kayaks, paddle boards, skates, bikes or just walk along the coast.

A little farther out towards the mountains, there are a couple of hikes including the Seven Falls trail. It’s a 2.5mile moderate hike that leads you to a natural pool fed by a waterfall. This hike can get a little steep at parts, but the beauty and the pool are definitely worth it.

One of the great things about SLO is its proximity to so many beautiful places along the coast that are ideal for day trips. Here are a couple of spots to consider as you and your friends plan out a mini-road trip.

BIG SUR

Big Sur is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful places in California, known for its views of the Pacific Ocean and great hiking trails. It takes about 2 and a half hours to drive there and unfortunately, there are no trains that go through, but the views along the Pacific Coast Highway just to get there make the trip worth it.

There are a couple of easy hikes to do; a popular one is the Bird Island Trail. It’s only a 0.8-mile loop round-trip with easy access from the parking lot and it gives you a good view of the blue-green waters of China Cove.

If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Soberanes Point Trail is a 1.8-mile, one-way hike in Garrapata State Park that also has some fantastic views of the Pacific. This one is a little harder to find as there is no official sign, however, the state park offers maps that will lead you to the trailhead where there’s easy and free parking in pulloff areas.

For something a little more chill, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is a fun outdoor library and performance venue in the woods. It’s conveniently located off Highway 1 and is a nice spot to enjoy the books, art and music that this space has to offer.

A whole day could be spent in downtown Santa Barbara at one of its many coffee shops, restaurants or popular shops.

find your way

Embrace a unique California journey with on-and-off-campus vibes at the forefront. From our redesigned, academia inspired guest rooms to our lively on-site restaurant and bar: Schoolyard, we encourage you to uncover new places, people, and points of view along the way. No matter what you seek, our hotel is designed for diving in.

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