2018 SLO Day

Page 1

Slo DayS Summer 2018

Summer 2018 |

1


2

| SLO Days


Contents 4 7 10 12 18 21 24 26

The significance of the new Yakʔitʸutʸu residential community Advice to freshmen from current students

I’m a transfer student: How is SLO Days different for me? Most underrated resources on campus

How to make the most of the SLO Days experience Dorm room essentials

Owning a bike in SLO

Resources and platforms for students of color on campus Cover photo: The new Yakʔitʸutʸu dorms | 3 Summer 2018


the Significance OF the New Residential Community By Dominique Morales

Located at the campus’ Grand Avenue entrance, Cal Poly’s newest dorm development is expected to house 1,475 freshmen in 696 rooms starting in the 2018-19 academic year. The residential community’s name holds cultural significance and meaning. The housing community is named after the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, known postcolonially as the Northern Chumash, to honor the native tribe whose name translates to “the people of San Luis Obispo.” The ytt Northern Chumash were the earliest residents of the central coast of California whose homeland can be in general described as the San Luis Obispo County region. Their people and culture declined with the arrival of the Europeans, including the Spanish mission system, Mexican conquest and American colonization. Yet, even despite tremendous death and often time forced assimilation of tribal peoples, the Chumash culture has survived and is in the midst of an revival. This housing project is a collaborative 4

| SLO Days

Photo by Kendra Oliver

effort among local members of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini tribe, Cal Poly faculty, staff, University Housing and Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Humphrey. In addition to the residential community being named after the tribe, each of the seven residence halls are named for one of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini’s local tribal sites.

Cultural context of Yakʔitʸutʸu :

tiłhini, meaning “place of the full moon,” represents San Luis Obispo. elewexe, meaning “swordfish,” represents Paso Robles. tsɨtqawɨ, meaning “place of the dogs,” represents Morro Bay. tsɨtpxatu, meaning “place of the whales,” represents Avila. nipumuʔ, meaning “place of the big house,” represents Nipomo. tšɨłkukunɨtš, meaning “place of the rabbits,” represents Carrizo Plain. tsɨtkawayu, meaning “place of the horses,” represents Cambria.


r

Summer 2018 |

5


According to Executive Director for University Housing Jo Campbell, each residence hall will include educational components, indigenous plants, cultural visuals, murals and stories of significance to each tribal site in order to provide cultural context in the new buildings. Leah Mata, a member of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini tribe, is the lead for cultural components of the housing project. She is also a teacher at the Institute of American Indian Art in New Mexico and a contemporary artist. “What our community is doing is we’re sharing our intellectual property and our intellectual heritage with Cal Poly in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Mata said.

Mata also said she’s pushing students and community members in San Luis Obispo County to use the correct tribal name, yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini, and urges them to consider how the language of the Chumash people was the first language ever spoken on the Central Coast.

Education and pronunciation

For any students with mispronunciation concerns, do not worry. Computer engineering senior Chance Daniel created a new application to help Cal Poly students pronounce the names of the yakʔitʸutʸu residence halls. The new app is called Yak Community and it allows the user to listen to each residence hall’s name and hear the correct pronunciation.

Together we help students succeed

Give Your Time

Lend Your Wisdom

Share Your Resources

Join the Parent Volunteer Corps and volunteer with other parents for university events.

Be a speaker

Host a regional parent or alumni event at your home or workplace

Engage parents, potential students and alumni in your area as a Regional Parent Ambassador Recruit Volunteer Parent Philanthropy Ambassadors Help us thank Cal Poly donors on behalf of the parents

6

| SLO Days

Mentor a student Share or offer internships and job opportunities Coordinate a regional career event for students or alumni Engage your peers through social media Keep current and share exciting Cal Polys news

To help students succeed, contact Parent & Student Philanthropy at (805) -756-7386 or go to giving.calpoly.edu

Host a student welcome reception Provide student internships Give through your company’s matching gift program Provide a Gift-in-kind Give online at giving.calpoly.edu/parents


Advice to freshmen from current students By Katherine Flitsch

One thing that you will quickly notice about Cal Poly is how incredibly happy everyone is to be here. In the classroom, you will find knowledgeable, approachable professors. On campus, you will find all kinds of fun activities to do. How will you manage to access the full potential of the Cal Poly experience? We’ve compiled advice from current students on how to make the most of Cal Poly, in terms of academics, healthy living and having fun.

Mustang News File Photo

“Find a place, other than your dorm room, to study.”— Amy Bilodeau, mathematics sophomore

Academics

If you get yourself to go all the way to the library, the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU) or a favorite coffee shop downtown, not only will you have fewer distractions, but by designating this space for studying, your brain will shift into a state of productivity quicker and will remain in that mindset longer. Besides, you won’t want to associate your happy dorm room with the stress of cramming for exams and writing papers.

“Is it super cliché to say, ‘talk to your professors’?”­— Elizabeth Heyde, biomedical engineering junior

“Get involved in your department, beyond classes.”— Hayley Crowell, biological sciences graduate student

Yes, it is, but it’s solid advice. This is one of those things that some freshmen hears, agrees with, and never actually puts into practice. Don’t be like those freshman, because this is also one of those things that every sophomore who finally does try it wishes they had started doing sooner. Your professors are valuable sources, beyond being lecturers. Additionally, it is important to develop confidence and comfort with asking questions about concepts or requirements that you don’t fully understand.

College, in general, is a fantastic place to gain industry experience and to network for your career. Cal Poly, specifically, is renowned for its abundance of opportunities offered to students of all majors. But, you know that; it’s partially why you chose to come here! Do not lose sight of why you are at Cal Poly, and do not take for granted these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to build up your resume, advance your career prospects and gain experience in fun and exciting ways. Take advantage of clubs, networking events, department projects and professional resources in Summer 2018 |

7


locating internships. Your major should be evident in ways beyond a statement on your diploma.

Clubs are a great way to pursue your interests and hobbie and to meet like-minded people. Friendships are often built on commonalities, and although random encoun“Take math right out of high school.”— Joseph ters, like who you across from or who you Vaysman, history senior sit next to in class, allow for the chance of Get those Area B GE’s out of the way before it meeting people with similar interests, joinis been three years since you last looked at a ing a club guarantees it. As a freshman, try calculator. Do not give your brain too much out as many clubs as you can then choose of a break from the basic math courses; it is one or two to focus on and dive deeper into. not a subject that rewards gaps in attention. “Take advantage of the nature surrounding campus.”— Jesse O’Connor, history junior

Healthy living

“Eat three meals a day, for sure.” —Jake Walejko, mechanical engineering sophomore Don’t feel the need to conserve your Plu$ Dollars; most freshmen find that at the end of the year they are in excess. Your allotment is more than enough to ensure that you are eating plenty. If time is what you are looking to conserve, park yourself at Mustang Station and do homework there, or grab something to go from the Avenue. Of course, three meals a day will not do you much good if all three meals are Bishop’s Burger or Chick-fil-A, but a healthy diet is achievable if you know where to look (start with Red Radish, Poly Deli or Mustang Station). Balance is necessary in all areas of basic health,; establish hygiene, sleep and eating routines early on and stick to them throughout the year.

SLO is a beautiful area; experience it for yourself by exploring the various hiking trails, some of which even head off from campus. If you or your friends have a car, Montaña de Oro State Park is well worth the relatively short trip. Even without a car, with the hills bordering campus and the many trails throughout Poly Canyon, it will take a while before you run out of beautiful new spaces to explore. “Try something new. You’ll never know what you like until you do it.”­— Jacob Davis, mechanical engineering sophomore

And do not be afraid to try things on your own. Do not make the mistake of limiting your experiences to activities which your friends are already doing. You might meet new friends, which does not mean you are leaving your other friends behind. In fact, those other friends might even join you “Use the Rec Center to stay in shape.”— Michael once they see how much fun it is. College Ayers, architectural engineering sophomores is this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience because you have a lot of freedom Whether it is taking a group fitness class, with relatively little responsibility. This using the workout facilities, playing a sport opportunity has so much more potential recreationally with your friends or spendthan simply partying. Take advantage of ing a sunny day by the pool, take advantage the most valuable and rare aspect of this of our state-of-the-art gym and recreation freedom, which is that you can test things center. It is a great way to stay in shape and without great consequence. So, join that to have fun. club, try out that class, sign up for that Poly Escapes trip. You can always drop it if Having fun you decide it is not for you. But make that “Get involved in clubs on campus.”— Dylan decision actively and informatively by first Stafforini, parks and recreation senior experiencing it for yourself. 8

| SLO Days



I'm a transfer: How is SLO Days different for me? By Peter Gonzalez

In a lot of ways, being a transfer student can feel like being both a freshman and a junior at the same time. Transfer students are both coming to into Cal Poly with advantages and disadvantages that are unique to them. A substantial amount of advice that you’ll get during SLO Days and Week of Welcome (WOW) is geared toward freshman. Here a couple tips directly from transfer students who were also coming into Cal Poly. Kacey Cadwell, an agricultural sciences graduate and transfer from Irvine Valley College has thrown herself into Cal Poly. Cadwell is involved in New Student Transition Programs, where she has been a WOW leader, a facilitator for WOW training and will be leading a group of transfer student for Week of Welcome for the second time. She said “My advice, although it’s probably been said many times, is to get involved in other programs and accept all opportunities you are given.” Cadwell herself recalls hearing the common phrase “school is going to fly by” and uses it to remind her to embrace

10

| SLO Days

Mustang News File Photo

the opportunities and create friendships with people that could last a lifetime. As a transfer student, you get two to three years to create a new chapter and then you’ll be walking across the stage to receive a diploma. Cadwell is pursuing her master’s and teaching credentials, so she is given extra time to create opportunities. Louise Ibuna, software engineering junior and transfer from Allan Hancock College, said that coming from a community college gives you a fresh perspective when it comes to age. “Some people think college is limited to 18-22 year olds. But when you start off as a community college student, you realize people come from different walks of life. Regardless of where others come from, their opportunity of pursuing higher education is still there.” An advocate for taking one’s time in the fast lane that is the quarter system, she appreciates the connection that transfer students share and said, “you’ll meet a lot of young individuals


who are closer to getting their degrees than you are. Don’t let it take you down. Take your time in graduating, but don’t waste it.” Lastly, Miguel Becerra, mechanical engineering senior and transfer from East Los Angeles College, said that an open mind and collaboration are key to transfer students. ‘We tend to do a lot of group work at Poly, which can be overwhelming for those that like to work alone. I know I was a bit overwhelmed when it came to having to work with others.” He said that through collaboration, he grew and was provided many opportunities. “At the end, I gained so much

knowledge and insight by working with others. I improved my methods of working by learning from others, I gained experience in communication, and I made new friends. Working in teams at Poly will open many doors for you, from meeting new people to getting that extra push that you need to be successful in your classes.” These three students shared from their own personal experiences and they are all unique. As a transfer student, you get to write and make your own rules for the next two years. The choice is up to each student and with the quarter system, it will fly by.

Summer 2018 |

11


Most Underrated Resources On Campus By Carly Quinn

Cal Poly offers a variety of student services to help life here at Cal Poly be as comfortable as possible. These resources will be helpful throughout your college career, as well as during the transition to the college lifestyle.

Health Center

The Health Center sees countless students everyday, but most are unaware of the extent of services offered inside beyond a band-aid. Counseling Services offers a place for students to go who may struggle with various mental illnesses, and seeks to promote “the development of holistic student emotional health.� Whether it be to see a psychiatrist, counselor or just needing a calm place to breathe, the staff are ready to help you with any problems you may come across. The Health Center also offers access to a reasonably-priced pharmacy, three board-certified physicians, six nurse practitioners and four physician assistants. All these benefits are free for students to utilize. 12

| SLO Days

Photo by Kendra Oliver

These resources are available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on Wednesdays when they open at 9 a.m. Call (805) 756-1211 to reach the after-hours nurse advice line.

PULSE

Right alongside the Health Center is PULSE, or Peers Understanding Listening Supporting Educating. This nationally awarded Health Education program encompasses four teams: Sexual Wellbeing (EROS), Mental Wellbeing (REAL), Nutrition and Physical Activity (HEAT), and Alcohol & Drug Education (TLC). The Peer Health Educators are students professionally trained and certified by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Peer Health Educators are in the PULSE building, located underneath the Health Center, and are available during the same hours as the Health Center for walk-in support.


er

Summer 2018 |

13


Cross Cultural Centers

The Cross Cultural Centers (CCC), located in the Dean of Students office, includes the Multicultural Center (MCC), the Gender Equity Center (GEC) and the Pride Center. Each provide a safe space, educational programs and peer discourse for any and all students who wish to be a part of this. The GEC offers support as well as programs for all women identified students. They focus on education, social justice and exploring identities through an intersectional point of view. The Multicultural Center strives for intersectional education, success and support of underrepresented students and a more inclusive campus. With inclusion, diversity and equity as their core values, the MCC is an incredibly important resource for marginalized groups on campus. The Pride Center caters to the needs of the LGBTQ members of the campus community to address their exclusive needs, academically and socially. The Pride Center has built a strong community of LGBTQ persons, allies and any other students that want to join this group to empower LGBTQ students.

14

| SLO Days

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) offers students of disability services, whether they be mental or physical. Accommodated testing, transportation and other tools to help in and out of class are available to students who apply for DRC services. You may apply online or in person. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cal Poly Food Pantry

The Cal Poly Food Pantry addresses the pressing issue of student hunger through ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals to aid in student success. While only a short-term service, the Food Pantry is able to support students who are facing financial struggles and food insecurity. When you are not sure where to go or who to talk to, the Student Ombuds Service is there for you. Located on the first floor of the library, the ombudsperson takes no record of the informal consultation and is able to speak about any problem you may have.


TreatSLOBakery@gmail.com 805.441.2009 @gmail.com TreatSLOBakery

TreatSLOBakery@gmail.com

www.TreatSLO.com 805.441.2009

805.441.2009

www.TreatSLO.com www.TreatSLO.com • Made from Scratch, Artisan Baked Treats •• Say “Happy Birthday” “Good luck on finals!” Available at selector retail locations with made from scratch, artisan baked treats •• •Made from Scratch, Artisan Baked Treats Made from Artisan Baked Treats Wedding &Scratch, Special Event Dessert Bars & Catering • Free local delivery with minimum order

•• Available atatselect retail locations Available select retail locations Delivery SLO County with Minimum Order •• Give back ain portion of every sale • Wedding & Special Event Dessert Bars & Catering •

&select Special Event Dessert Bars & Catering Special at Orders Welcome ••Wedding Available retail locations

• Delivery in SLO County with Minimum Order

•••Delivery in with Minimum Students, fill SLO out a County wishlistofand send it to yourOrder family. Give back a portion every sale

• Special Orders Welcome and they will receive Mention code “SLODays”

• Special Orders Welcome

10% back off their order ! of every sale • Give a portion

• Give back a portion of every sale

Treat yourself. Treat SLO. Treat yourself. Treat SLO.




How to make the most of the SLO Days experience By Nick Dockery

First off, congratulations! You’re here at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, taking your first step in the transition into college! The change can be unfamiliar and scary, but with SLO Days, you’ll acclimate quickly into Cal Poly. This orientation program will be your first taste of the Cal Poly experience. But, it’s only two days. How should you make the most of it?

Come prepared and be prepared

By now, you may have been on one or two tours, so you already have a rough idea of Cal Poly as a location. The campus is hilly and can get hot. “A lot of students don’t know what to expect going into SLO Days. What to wear, what to pack and how to maintain energy is important.” Child development alumnus Sophie Richman remembers her experience as a SLO Days leader: “[Incoming freshmen] sometimes aren’t used to the heat or the hills or try to ‘dress to impress’ and overdress.” Richman recommends that students

18

| SLO Days

Mustang News File Photo

wear t-shirts, shorts and walking shoes, as well as to keep in mind that orientation days include late nights and early mornings.

Keep an open mind

“Be ready for tough and controversial conversation. Keep an open mind about things,” Richman said. Cal Poly is proud to have orientation programs that involve intimate talks about diversity and how to build a respectful community in SLO. Try opening dialogues with students and acknowledging differing opinions. College is a time for respectful discussion about hard topics.

Ask questions

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” English sophomore Anna Davis urges. “I came with lots of questions on how to register for classes and major changes, and it was nice to have some worries disappear when I received concrete answers.” Davis commends her orientation


feel the

Hamptonality san luis obispo, ca

1530 Calle Joaquin San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805.594.1445

www.sanluisobisposuites.hamptoninn.com Summer 2018 |

19


leaders; they are here to answer all questions. Ask away!

Be friendly and outgoing

Graphic communications sophomore Mckenna Moura encourages you to “put yourself out there.” Since you will be grouped by college, SLO Days is a unique opportunity to get to know students that will be around campus and in your major. “Everyone is in the same boat as you. The more open you are, the easier it’ll be forming those new connections with people.” The students around you might even be in some of your classes. So, take initiative and say hello to what could be your future lab partner.

Soak it all in

“They honestly throw a lot of info on academics at you, and there are so many locations on the tours. Take any advice that’s given seriously,” business administration sophomore Tali Pilip said. SLO Days is chock full of useful information about the Cal Poly portal and the on-campus career services. Pilip said how “grateful [she] was to have leaders that gave so much info.” Trying to retain some of it will serve you well going into other orientation events and get prepare you for your first year at Cal Poly. Now that you have a few tips to consider going into orientation, have a great SLO Days! Make the most of this event and use the guidance for the coming years because those two days will go by faster than you know it.

MUSTANG PARENT SOCIETY A N N UA L L E A D E R S H I P G I V I N G

With a donation of $1,000 or more, you are part of the Mustang Parent Society

20

| SLO Days

$20.18 - Student Meals With your generous donation, you will provide 3 students with meals.

$201.80 - Professional Clothing

$2,018 - Housing or Textbook Grant

This gift will cover a student This gift will provide in need’s on campus housing business professional clothing to a student in need or an entire year of textbook and academic supplies. of appropriate clothing for a job interview.

Share to maximize impact

$9,432 - PAY-IT-FORWARD Plus One For Good Program

When you pay for your student’s tuition, housing or meal plan, pay it forward and help support another student in need


Dorm room essentials By Carly Quinn

Transferring what you love about your room at home to your dorm room may seem like a daunting task. Here’s 10 items to consider bringing to make the most out of your dorm experience:

Important items to bring 1. Dry food storage/snacks:

Bring a container to place under your bed or on top of your closet to hold dry food and snacks. Snacks are always a plus, and dorm halls have kitchens available for use downstairs if you do not want to walk to other food options. 2. Water filter:

Mini-fridges are provided, allowing for some fresh food storage as well as cold, clean water. Keeping a water filtration system in your mini-fridge helps keep you hydrated. 3. Cleaning Supplies:

While there are cleaning services for the hallways, bathrooms and common ar-

Photo by Kendra Oliver

eas, you are responsible for keeping your own room clean. Make sure to bring all-purpose cleaner, wipes, dusters and more. 4. Shower Caddy/Robe:

Lockers are provided in the bathroom, but bringing all those bottles to the showers can be a hassle. Store them in a shower caddy, stored inside your locker, and don’t forget your robe for walking down the halls. 5. Decorations/Personalizations:

Make your room your own! Bring posters, small plants, books, blankets — all the things that you need to feel you. Be mindful of sharing the space with your roommates.

Less important items 6. Mirror:

Although there are mirrors in the bathrooms, having one in your room makes mornings easier.

Summer 2018 |

21


7. Sound System:

Music is an important part of everyday life, so don’t let coming to college stop that. Discuss noise level with your roommates first, and wall mounts/ brackets are available at your community center. 8. Fan:

SLO days can get pretty warm, and our campus is not known for being flat. Having a fan offers a much quicker cooldown than opening a window on an already hot day. 9. Mattress Topper:

Turn your dorm bed into something even more comfortable than your bed at home with a mattress topper. Amazon and other websites offer reasonably-priced toppers that ship to you and easily slide onto your mattress.

10. Ear Plugs/Headphones:

Roommates can snore or even sleep at different times than you. Ear plugs or headphones can deafen the sounds of snoring or let you keep watching Game of Thrones once your roommate is asleep. Those living in apartments as freshman have bathrooms, refrigerators and other amenities the dorms do not, so some of these items might not be as applicable. Housing assignments will be available for viewing starting Aug. 6, 2018 at 9 a.m. Before move in, check your portal account to revisit what housing you have been assigned. Take a look at a campus map to familiarize yourself with its location. Check out University Housing FAQ page on their website for any further questions about dorm life.

Reach through to students. Advertise with Mustang News.

22

| SLO Days

mustangnewsbusiness.net


Summer 2018 |

23


Owning A Bike in SLO By Carly Quinn

SLO has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists for 10 years, and in 2017, Cal Poly was named one of the 182 Bicycle Friendly Universities across the United States. Cal Poly has over 7,500 bicycle parking spaces on campus. That’s about one bike spot for every three people, scattered across 13 different locations including Poly Canyon Village, Kennedy Library and Mott Gym. Reduced speed limits on campus, clearly identified bike lanes and car-free zones are all measures taken by the University Police Department to ensure the safety of bikers on campus. UPD recommends registering your bike to protect against theft, which can be done online or in person at the UPD office. Remember that it is illegal to bike under the influence. The use of headphones while riding is also prohibited.

24

| SLO Days

Photo by Kendra Oliver

The DMV’s four main safety tips for bicyclists:

Maintain control. Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Protect yourself. Reduce the risk of head injury by always wearing a helmet (required under 18). Be visible and alert. Use hand signals and eye contact to communicate your intentions. Ride in a safe lane position with traffic (ride in the same direction as traffic).

Using hand signals on the road:

Hand signals when on a bike are the only sure way to let those on the road know when you are turning. Remember that bicyclists must obey stop signs as well as red signal lights. To signal a left turn, look behind you, over your left shoulder, and then extend your left arm out. Use crosswalk or traffic lanes.


To signal a right turn, hold your left arm up with your elbow bent. To signal that you are slowing or stopping, extend your left arm down.

Bicycle resources and benefits on campus

Using a bike as the primary mode of transportation saves money, boosts health and protects the environment. No money spent on gas, parking permits or car payments; you get a workout every time you go somewhere and less cars promotes a cleaner environment to enjoy our beautiful city.

If you have any problems or concerns with your bike, weekly bicycle repair classes as well as bi-weekly bike advice classes are offered at the ASI Craft Center. For $75, students can rent a bike locker for the academic year, or $25 to rent for one quarter. To request a bike locker reservation, contact Commuter Services at commute@calpoly.edu or call (805)7566680 with your location choice, name, Cal Poly email, and phone number.

Summer 2018 |

25


Resources and Platforms for Students of Color on Campus By Dominique Morales

As a person of color (POC), it can be overwhelming to navigate through a campus that is a predominately white institution. However, it’s important to understand that people of color do not stand alone on campus, and there are Cal Poly resources designed to provide a sense of community that is inclusive and welcoming.

Cross Cultural Centers

As a SOC myself, I found that it was extremely challenging for me to find a group of people that I could relate to and feel supported by. However, one place I found myself right at home was the Cross Cultural Centers (CCC). The CCC consists of the Multicultural Center, Gender Equity Center and Pride Center. The MCC is as an educational space that promotes diversity and uses social justice as a foundation for the success of underrepresented students. The center provides a space for students to communicate across lines of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, economic class, religion, and citizenship. 26

| SLO Days

Photo by Kendra Oliver

In this upcoming 2018-2019 academic year, the CCC will see a positive change regarding resources and space. The Multicultural Center is currently located upstairs in the Julian A. McPhee University Union. However, the center’s popularity prompted the relocation, as its previous space was filled with students wanting to be a part of the program. After collaborating with ASI and student focus groups, the MCC’s new home will be former Cal Poly Rose Float office on the first floor of the University Union. One of the main objective of this relocation is to make the MCC less hidden and more accessible to all students. “After the completion of this project, our hope is this space will create a home for students and will create a larger footprint for the MCC in our campus climate,” Dani Diele, vice chair of the University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) and agricultural business senior, said. The CCC creates spaces for SOCs and all other students alike to explore and express their identity while promoting a diverse and inclusive space. However, they


r

are not the only platform that Cal Poly offers for the SOCs.

BEACoN Mentors

BEACoN (Believe, Educate and Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, and Nurture) is another program designed with students of color in mind. Funded by the Office of University Diversity & Inclusivity, this program offers mentorship to diverse students across the Cal Poly Campus. BEACoN’s main purpose and objective is to educate and empower underrepresented students and advocate for them as they complete their higher education at Cal Poly. BEACoN Mentors, which consist of Cal Poly’s faculty, staff and professors, host multiple meetings and workshops during the year. These activities are aimed at building a sense of community, jump starting mentoring relationships, and provide a safe space for sharing experiences and ideas between all members.

Dream Center and UndocuAlly Working Group

Two resource centers were added recently to Cal Poly’s Campus are the Dream Center and UndocuAlly Working Group. Cal Poly’s Dream Center offers a safe, inclusive space for all undocumented students, those from mixed-status families, and their allies. Their mission is to support, empower, and advocate for the academic, professional, and personal development and success of all undocumented student. The Center offers a range of programs and services to educate the campus community and support undocumented students including assistance with AB 540 (nonresident

tuition exemption), Dream act, D.A.C.A and scholarship referrals, counseling resources, referrals to legal services and UndocuAlly training (UAWG). UndocuAlly is a group within the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion comprised of faculty, staff, administrators and students whose goal is to make Cal Poly’s campus welcoming toward undocumented students. UndocuAlly offers a three-part training series. Its training sessions “Foundational Knowledge,” “Taking the Next Steps” and “Becoming an Ally” focus on different aspects of supporting undocumented students. While the training sessions are meant to provide participants with basic knowledge, they also aim to define what it means to be an ally. The Dream Center and UndocuAlly maintain the confidentiality of individual students while fostering a safe and inclusive community. Also, while all these programs are specifically designed in mind for students of color and underrepresented students on Cal Poly’s campus, they are not limited to only those individuals. Any and every center is welcome to having students becoming allies and advocates in their program.

Clubs Designed with SOCs in mind Black Student Union (BSU)

A social club that works to promote Black culture on campus by educating its members and the rest of student body, about the Black conscience. Chinese Student Association (CSA)

One of the largest cultural clubs at Cal Poly that is dedicated to embracing diversity and creating a “home away from home.” Summer 2018 |

27


Chinese Cultural Club

forming groups, compete in intramural sports, connect with mentors in their major, or find a lifelong family- an important aspect of Filipino culture.

Imagen Y Espiritu Ballet Folklorico

Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Aztlan (MEXA)

A place where people interested in Chinese culture and traditions can gather and share their knowledge. A club that teaches people traditional Mexican folk dancing and educates people about different aspects of Mexican culture. Japanese Student Association (JSA)

A club with a focus on spreading awareness, understanding, and interest of/in the Japanese culture. Korean American Student Association (KASA) An inclusive, social club that explores Korean culture while maintaining a fun and inviting environment for all members. Pilipino Cultural Exchange (PCE)

A club that members can join in per-

28

| SLO Days

A national student ran organization dedicated to promoting higher education amongst Xicanx/a/o identifying students, as well as giving back to the community. Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC)

QTPOC exists to cultivate a brave space for queer and/or trans people of color to explore identity, find support, and build community. Thai Vietnamese Student Association

An association that warmly welcomes people of all ethnicities to learn about and appreciate the rich cultures of Thailand & Vietnam.


LIKE MUSTANG NEWS ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/mustangnews

Summer 2018 |

29


30

| SLO Days


Summer 2018 |

31


32

| SLO Days


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.