Leadership Announcements

April 24, 2024: Cal Poly Career Services Changing Job Platforms

Dear students, 

As of July 1, 2024, Cal Poly Career Services will switch to an alternate career platform, Symplicity, and end its use of Handshake. “MustangJOBS, powered by Handshake” will now be known as MustangJobs. This platform, MustangJobs, will offer you the opportunity to search for jobs and internships more closely aligned to your major and personal interest, as well as search for and register for all Career Services-sponsored events such as career fairs, information sessions and onsite employer interviews.  

Your information — name, year level, and major — will automatically be imported to this new system. We recommend you log in after July 1 (via the MustangJobs link in your My Cal Poly portal) and complete your profile prior to the start of the new academic year. Employer access to post jobs and internships begins on May 1. Additionally, the Handshake app will no longer be supported by Cal Poly; a MustangJobs app will be released at a later date.

Follow us on Instagram @calpolycareerservices for future updates on this topic. Questions can be sent to careerservices@calpoly.edu.

What is going to happen to my Handshake profile?

 Your Handshake account will still be active and available for you to use, but it will no longer be connected to your Cal Poly profile. You will need to create a new password to log in as it will no longer be connected via single sign-on (SSO). Employers who wish to connect directly with Cal Poly students will post jobs and internships on the new MustangJobs, not Handshake.  

I’m currently applying to or I have applied to a job on Handshake and I’m waiting to hear back — what do I do? 

Because you will still have access to Handshake, you will be able to communicate with employers. All future jobs, however, will be posted on the new MustangJobs.  

Will I still receive emails from Handshake? 

Yes. If you no longer wish to receive emails from Handshake, you will need to disable this option in the “Notifications Preferences” section. 

I’m graduating soon and still looking for a job, which system do I use? 

Students who graduate spring 2024 and prior will only have access to Handshake. If you wish to also have alumni access to MustangJobs, please complete this request form. As a recent graduate, you will have access to a number of Career Services resources, such as:  
    •    Full access to Career Services one year after graduation. 
    •    Employment opportunities that are continually posted on MustangJobs. 
    •    Access to Cal Poly Career Connections, an ever-expanding network exclusive to Cal Poly alumni. 
    •    After one year, you will continue to have lifetime access to Career Services and access to Career Fairs and events, as well as one career counseling appointment per year.

Best,

The Career Services Department

April 8, 2024: Death of Student Kenneth Taylor

The following message shares information about a recent student death. Campus resources listed below are available for you and others who may be impacted by this news. We are here to support you.

Dear Cal Poly community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Cal Poly student Kenneth Taylor’s passing this past weekend. Kenneth, a third-year student majoring in mechanical engineering from Richland, Washington, died Saturday, April 6, after an accident during a trip to Big Sur.

Kenneth was an outdoor enthusiast: he was a founding member of the Alpine Club, participated in activities with the Surfrider Foundation, and served as a trip leader for ASI Poly Escapes. ASI staff described him as “a person of incredible technical skill and even more incredible kindness, unmatched wittiness, and a passion for adventure that could inspire anyone.” 

The university is in touch with Kenneth’s family and is extending its full support to them and his friends. Our thoughts are with them as they grieve their loss.

It is never easy to share news like this, and we know that processing this loss can be difficult for members of our community. Please know that we care about your well-being and strongly encourage you to utilize the following resources below if you need additional support.

Assistance for Students

• Connect with your social circles and communities – such as family, classmates, department staff, campus offices, and/or faith communities – for support. This type of support can complement any help you might seek in other venues.
• Seek support at Counseling Services (Building 27) by calling 805-756-2511. Same-day appointments are available for those in urgent need or schedule a brief screening within a few days.
• If you need immediate assistance any time of day, call the Crisis Line at 805-756-2511.
• Need a counselor to come to your group to provide support and resources? Please call Counseling Services at 805-756-2511 and ask to speak with Andrea Lawson, director of Counseling Services. You can also email counseling@calpoly.edu.
• If you have questions or concerns related to missing a class or other academic commitments, these should be addressed directly with your individual instructors.
• Assistance and support services are also available by contacting the Dean of Students Office at 805-756-0327 or email deanofstudents@calpoly.edu.
• Please note: a common reaction to tragedy is to want information. Be thoughtful and respectful when sharing information with others and on social networking sites.   

Assistance for Campus Employees

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling services to all Cal Poly employees and their families. To speak with a counselor at any other time, please call their 24-hour support hotline at 800-367-7474. More information about EAP's confidential services is available at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/worklife.asp.

Please take care and know that we are here to support you as you process this news.

Sincerely,  
Jeffrey D. Armstrong,
President

Keith B. Humphrey,
Vice President for Student Affairs  

April 4, 2024: Campus Health Advisory Regarding Meningococcal Disease

Dear Cal Poly Community:
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory alerting health care providers about a nationwide increase in meningococcal disease.
 
Please know there are currently no reported cases on campus or in the broader San Luis Obispo County area, and this message is merely intended to serve as an advisory to our campus community.
 
To learn more about meningococcal disease and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you, please keep reading below.

What is meningococcal disease and who does it impact?

According to the CDC, meningococcal disease is a rare but severe illness with symptoms that typically include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, or altered mental status. This type of infection can be very dangerous but is fortunately treatable if recognized quickly enough.
 
Of the six serogroups responsible for most meningococcal disease worldwide, four circulate in the United States: B, C, W, and Y.
 
The recent nationwide increase resulting in this message is mainly attributable to serogroup Y, which has impacted the following groups:

• People aged 30–60 years (65% of cases).
• Black or African American people (63% of cases).
• People with HIV (15% of cases).

What can you do to protect yourself and those around you?

If you identify as someone in the aforementioned risk groups, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider to protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the following vaccines:

• Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines (Menveo® and MenQuadfi®).
• Pentavalent meningococcal or MenABCWY vaccine (PenbrayaTM).

For young adults at higher risk, including college students who live in dorms, it is recommended to get the Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines.

• A limited supply of Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines are available to currently enrolled students at Campus Health and Wellbeing at an additional cost. Students may also contact their health care provider if they need a vaccine.

If you are experiencing meningococcal disease-like symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
 
Students can also schedule an appointment with a provider at Campus Health and Wellbeing via the Health and Counseling Portal or by calling 805-756-1211 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
 
Thank you in advance for doing your part to protect the health of our Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo communities.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tina Hadaway-Mellis,
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Health and Wellbeing
She/her/hers
 
Ricardo Young, M.D.,
Medical Director, Campus Health and Wellbeing
He/him/his

March 16, 2024: Important Message from President Armstrong

Dear Cal Poly community,

I’m disappointed and disgusted as I write to you today about the behavior that some of our students and campus visitors displayed when they took part in early morning St. Patrick’s Day partying that caused significant damage to Muir Hall and several other University Housing facilities, as well as property off campus.

I visited Muir Hall today and witnessed damage so extensive that university officials were forced to temporarily close the building and evacuate about 300 student residents in order to repair and restore fire suppression and alarm systems, clean up destruction and debris from smashed ceiling tiles and marred floors, and provide deep cleaning and air quality restoration throughout. Similar, though less severe, damage was reported in Trinity and Fremont halls as well as areas of the yakʔitʸutʸu complex.

Also on campus, our dining facilities and markets reported widespread theft during the morning hours Saturday. Meanwhile, we know that our students were a large portion of the several thousand people estimated to have taken part in a block party in the neighborhoods just off campus, causing damage to cars and some property.

To be sure, the vast majority of our students chose to celebrate this holiday more responsibly. We also know that our campus had many more visitors this year than during past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Nevertheless, the negative impacts of those from our community who engaged in unsafe and destructive actions are clear and visible. 

These selfish and harmful actions are unacceptable for individuals who have been granted the privilege to study, live and work in the Cal Poly community. It is confounding and deeply disturbing that a portion of our own students so ignorantly and callously destroyed parts of our campus — including the very places they and so many other students live. We expect our students to have fun on our campus and in our local community as part of their time at Cal Poly — this is a key element of the growth, development and self-discovery within the university experience. However, that does not include behavior that is destructive to property, potentially criminal in nature, or harmful to one’s self or fellow community members. 

To the extent possible, Cal Poly will hold our own students and other individuals accountable for these actions. Our Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities will act swiftly on any reports it receives of Cal Poly students whose behavior violated our university policies. Likewise, any reports of criminal activity — by our own students or by any campus visitor — shared with our Cal Poly Police Department will be fully investigated and individuals will be held accountable. If you witnessed these acts or have photos or videos of them, please report them to the Dean of Student's Office (located in Hillcrest; Building 81), which will be offering special hours today from 4 to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or to OSRR online.

I know our Cal Poly students to be intelligent and accomplished. As such, we strive to treat every student with respect and as responsible young adults. Our expectation in return is that students act like responsible young adults. If that basic respect is too much to ask of some of you, then this university is not the right fit for you.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey D. Armstrong
President

March 12, 2024: St. Patrick's Day Message from the Dean of Students

Hello Mustangs! 

I know that many of you will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your fellow Mustangs this weekend. If you choose to celebrate, please be mindful of the choices you make and, most importantly, take care of each other. Whether you participate in activities on or off campus this weekend or over the spring break, please take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others. 

With this in mind, I strongly encourage you to read the following tips and information to help you celebrate safely. 

Fentanyl is Dangerous 
Fentanyl is a dangerous and lethal synthetic opioid, and it is being cut into much of the illegal drug supply. Every illegally purchased substance is suspect. Narcan is a safe and lifesaving opioid antagonist available to all active Cal Poly students. Head to the Health Center Pharmacy or stop by the Health Center Lawn on Thursdays from 2:30–4:30 p.m. to receive education and your overdose prevention kit.  

Be Aware of Double-Fines Violations  
The city of San Luis Obispo has expanded the safety enhancement zone or double-fine period for party-related violations. I hope you will keep these law enforcement precautions and policies in mind as you celebrate responsibly.  

Be an Upstander 
Wherever you choose to spend the weekend, I hope you will be an Upstander — a proactive bystander who will take action to prevent harm to others. Do your part to look out for your peers and intervene by speaking up or calling for help if you feel something isn’t right. You can help prevent acts of hate and bias, sexual violence, and alcohol/drug-related injuries and overdose. 

Cal Poly prioritizes the health and safety of all students. Our amnesty protocol provides a mechanism that allows students to call for help without fear of consequences in emergencies related to alcohol and other drugs. 

Be Respectful of Your Community 
Be respectful of your neighbors and don’t let parties get out of control. Be mindful of noise levels and post-party trash. Keep gatherings small and indoors with close friends who will respect your residence. It’s not worth the risk of paying financial consequences for people you don’t know. 

Celebrate with On-Campus Events 

Midnight Breakfast: Friday, March 15, 9 p.m.-midnight at Vista Grande. InterHousing Council and Campus Dining will host “breakfast for dinner” to support students studying for finals.  

Free Breakfast Burritos: Saturday, March 16, 5-6 a.m. at 1901 Marketplace. Start your weekend off on the right foot with free breakfast burritos sponsored by ASI (500 available while supplies last). 

More information and additional events can be found at Cal Poly Now. 

Personal Safety 

• Rave Guardian is a free safety mobile app that can send anonymous tips to the Cal Poly Police Department, set a safety timer when walking from place to place on campus, text Mustang Patrol, connect to 24-hour police or support services, or facilitate easy communication with CPPD. Download the Rave Guardian Mobile App from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• Request a safety walk with Mustang Patrol by calling Cal Poly Police Dispatch at 805-756-2281. Mustang Patrol operates on campus safety walks Thursdays 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mustang Patrol are your student colleagues who are focused on your safety, whether or not you've been drinking. 
• The Mustang Shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with the evening shuttle running 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. seven days a week. Catching a ride on the shuttle is even easier with the Mustang Shuttle app, which allows users to track the location of the shuttles. 

Additional Safety Tips 

If you choose to celebrate this weekend, please remember these additional tips: 

• Plan for safe transportation. 
• Stay with a friend. 
• Don’t leave any drink unattended. 
• Eat and stay hydrated. 
• Less is more — stick to one alcoholic drink or less per hour. 

Finally, just a reminder that not everyone chooses to drink or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Most students will be studying for finals this weekend or will celebrate without alcohol. The choices you make this weekend are about making good decisions for yourself, as well as your responsibility to your community. 

Respectfully, 

Joy Pedersen, Ph.D. 
Dean of Students 

Feb. 24, 2024: Death of Student Sofia Padoan

The following message shares information about a recent student death. Campus resources listed below are available for you and others who may be impacted by this news. We are here to support you.  

Dear Cal Poly Community,

We are devastated to share that student Sofia Padoan passed away Saturday after suffering a medical emergency.  

Sofia was a third-year nutrition major and Italian studies minor from Walnut Creek, California. The university is in touch with Sofia’s family, and our hearts go out to them and Sofia’s friends as they grieve their loss. 

Sofia was president of Kappa Kappa Gamma and a member of the Italian Cultural Association, Nutrition Club, and Spanish Club. She had dinner with her family on Friday night. Upon return to her residence, she collapsed. She was transported to an emergency room, where she died of a suspected brain aneurysm.  

For additional information as it becomes available, visit the Office of the Dean of Students’ In Memoriam webpage.   

Support Services 

It is never easy to share news like this, and we know that processing this loss can be difficult for members of our community. Please know that we care about your well-being and strongly encourage you to utilize the resources below if you need additional support.   

Students, connect with your social circles and communities – such as family, classmates, department staff, campus offices, and/or faith communities – for support. This type of support can complement any help you might seek in other venues.   

Seek support at Counseling Services (Building 27) by calling 805-756-2511. Same-day appointments are available for those in urgent need or schedule a brief screening within a few days. If you need immediate assistance any time of day, call the Crisis Line at 805-756-2511. 

Assistance and support services are also available by contacting the Dean of Students Office at 805-756-0327 or deanofstudents@calpoly.edu.  

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling services to all Cal Poly employees and their families. To speak with a counselor at any other time, please call their 24-hour support hotline at 800-367-7474. Find more information about EAP’s confidential services.   

Please know that we care about each of you.   

Sincerely,  

Jeffrey D. Armstrong  
President

Keith B. Humphrey
Vice President for Student Affairs

Jan. 24, 2024: Message to Students from Your VPSA

These past few days have raised a range of emotions for many in our community. The California Faculty Association strike on Monday, the days leading up to it, and a protest outside the Recreation Center yesterday have certainly left me feeling anxious and unsettled. Perhaps you feel the same way. 

All of this has happened amid a backdrop of national and global tensions. We’re living through precarious times, and it’s natural to feel as though things are out of control and spilling over onto our campus. For some members of our community, the antisemitism surrounding yesterday’s protest adds additional heartache and distress. 

As I reflect on this, what makes these developments difficult is the tension and opposition it creates in our community between peers and colleagues who we work and study with every day. But it doesn’t have to change the way we value and respect each other.

It is precisely during such moments that I draw upon our collective strength and institutional ethos of Learn by Doing. I believe we can come together and learn as a community to support one another and foster an environment where differences are respected and mutual respect prevails. 

We have the agency to shape our campus into a space that transcends those tensions. My role as your vice president for Student Affairs, at this critical juncture, is to be a positive force for understanding, inclusivity and healing.

Our Student Affairs team works on this every day, and with one common goal: to support your professional and holistic success. We hold our relationships with you, faculty and staff as the most important parts of achieving this goal, and we do it with care in mind.

If you are like me and need time to process the events of this week, that is OK. Our entire team in Student Affairs is here to support you.  
Counseling Services has the following spaces of support available this week. Any student or group can request additional services by contacting counseling@calpoly.edu. 

• Let's Talk: 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 via Zoom. 
• Let's Talk — Anything and Everything: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26 via Zoom.
• Urgent Appointments: available to students in crisis from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Counseling Services. 
• Crisis Line: available 24/7 at 805-756-2511.  

Numerous other resources are available to you, including after-hours contacts, to support your health and well-being. Visit this Student Affairs webpage to download contact information straight to your phone.  

Please continue to take care of yourself and each other. 

In community,  

Keith B. Humphrey, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Pronouns: he, him, his
humphrey@calpoly.edu

Jan. 17, 2024: Reminder: Get Ready to Flex Your Right to Vote on March 5, 2024 

Greetings, Mustangs!  

We’re writing to remind you of some important events and to ensure that those of you who are eligible to vote have the necessary information to cast your ballot on March 5, 2024.   

ASI Student Government will host three upcoming events so you can learn about flexing your right to vote in the upcoming primary election. Stop by and say hi:  

• Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dexter Lawn.  
• Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dexter Lawn.  
• Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., UU Plaza.  

Voter Registration  

Take a moment to register to vote and/or update your voter registration to ensure you can be a civically engaged community member. As college students, it is important to flex your right to vote so that your values and beliefs are being represented at the local, state, and even federal levels. Register to vote or check your registration status.  

If you live on campus, be sure to include your room/apartment number along with your mailing address.  

Important Dates  

• Feb. 20: Last day to register to vote for the primary election.  
• March 5: Election Day.   
• Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12.  

If you are not eligible to vote, you can stay civically engaged through signing petitions, speaking at open forums, and writing letters to your representatives.  

For more information about elections and registration, please consult:  

ASI Voter Registration & Civic Engagement  
San Luis Obispo County Elections and Voting Information  
Secretary of State Students Vote Project  
Secretary of State Online Voter Registration  
Secretary of State Election Information  
Secretary of State Voter Information Guide  
Secretary of State Voter Registration Status Tool  

In community,  

Samuel Andrews  
ASI President  

Joy Pedersen  
Dean of Students  

Jan. 8, 2024: Welcome Back from VPSA

Welcome back, Mustangs! It’s great to have you with us again. I hope all of you had a relaxing break and are returning to campus recharged and ready for the quarter ahead. Did you have a chance to watch the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day? We’re so proud of our Rose Float Team for representing Cal Poly in front of a worldwide audience. Please take a moment to watch this welcome back video. I wish you all the best in 2024. Go Mustangs!

Sincerely,
Keith B. Humphrey, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Pronouns: he, him, his
humphrey@calpoly.edu

Dec. 12, 2023: Make Voting Your New Year's Resolution

Happy holidays, Mustangs!

As you get ready for a well-deserved break, we want to send you off with an idea for a New Year’s resolution and heads up about some key dates in early 2024.
 
We want to ensure that those of you who are eligible to vote have the necessary information to cast your ballot on March 5, 2024. Keep an eye out for events hosted by ASI Student Government.
 
Voter Registration
Over this academic break, take a moment away from festivities to register to vote and/or update your voter registration to ensure you can be a civically engaged community member. As college students, it is important to flex your right to vote so that your values and beliefs are being represented at the local, state, and even federal levels. Register to vote or check your registration status.
 
If you live on campus, be sure to include your room/apartment number along with your mailing address.
 
Resolve to Vote
Most of us want to keep our New Year’s resolutions, right? This is an easy one: mark the date March 5 on your 2024 calendar and make sure you vote on Election Day. Here are some key dates:

• Feb. 20: Last day to register to vote for the primary election.
• March 5: Election Day.
• Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before March 5 and received by March 12.

Campus Civic Engagement Events 

Attend one of these events to learn more about flexing your right to vote!

• Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dexter Lawn.
• Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dexter Lawn.
• Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., UU Plaza.

If you are not eligible to vote, you can stay civically engaged through signing petitions, speaking at open forums, and writing letters to your representatives.
 
For more information about elections and registration, please consult:
ASI Voter Registration and Civic Engagement
San Luis Obispo County Elections and Voting Information
Secretary of State Students Vote Project
Secretary of State Online Voter Registration
Secretary of State Election Information
Secretary of State Voter Information Guide
Secretary of State Voter Registration Status Tool

In community,

Samuel Andrews
ASI President

Joy Pedersen
Dean of Students

Oct. 25, 2023: Halloween Message from the Dean of Students

Hello Mustangs!

Halloween is around the corner, and I know that many of you will celebrate with your fellow Mustangs. If you do, I hope you will make the choice to celebrate respectfully and with your safety — and those of others — in mind.
 
With this in mind, I strongly encourage you to read the following tips and information to help you celebrate safely.
 
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a dangerous and lethal synthetic opioid, and it is being cut into much of the illegal drug supply. Every illegally purchased substance is suspect. Narcan is a safe and lifesaving opioid antagonist available to all active Cal Poly students. Head to the Health Center Pharmacy or stop by the Health Center Lawn on Fridays from 4-6 p.m. to receive education and your overdose prevention kit. If you give someone Narcan, stay with them until emergency help arrives or for at least four hours to make sure their breathing returns to normal. For more information, visit the CDC website.
 
Be Aware of Double-Fines Violations During Halloween
During Halloween, the city enforces a safety enhancement zone or double-fine period for party-related violations. It is my hope that you will keep these law enforcement precautions and policies in mind as you celebrate responsibly.
 
Be an Upstander
Wherever you choose to spend the weekend, I hope you will be an Upstander — a proactive bystander who will take action to prevent harm to others. Do your part to look out for your peers and intervene by speaking up or calling for help if you feel something isn’t right. You can help prevent acts of hate and bias, sexual violence, and alcohol/drug-related injuries and overdose. If you witness or experience a bias incident, you can report it through the Bias Incident Reporting Form.
 
When celebrating Halloween, know that Cal Poly prioritizes the health and safety of all students. The amnesty protocol provides a mechanism that allows students to call for help without fear of consequences in medical emergencies or suspected medical emergencies.
 
Avoid Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture, which often plays into negative stereotypes and does not consider cultural significance. When picking out a Halloween costume, it is important to be aware of the costume’s cultural context and avoid cultural appropriation. Regardless of intent, cultural appropriation for the sake of a Halloween costume dehumanizes and demeans cultures and communities.
 
Housing Guests
Visitors and guests of campus residents are not permitted to stay overnight in University Housing. The no-guest period is 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, to 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30. Any guests should make plans to stay off campus.
 
Celebrate with On Campus Events

• Respecting Boondaries — Safer Halloweekend Booth, Thursday, 10/26 from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Join Safer in brewing a consent culture! Our booth will have Halloween-themed activities, stickers, and candy to promote a safe and consent-centered Halloweekend.
• Party Smart Pregame and Narcan Distribution Pop-Up on the Health Center Lawn, Friday, 10/27 from 4-6 p.m.
  • Get ready for the first night of “Halloweekend” with pumpkin carving and scary movies put on by PULSE, Mustangs for Recovery and ASI. Campus Health & Wellbeing will also be distributing overdose prevention kits, refills, and training those interested on how to use Narcan and its benefits, including reversing a fentanyl overdose. Come learn about the signs of overdose and how to prevent it. All kits and refills are free and distribution is anonymous.
• Sinster Circus on Cerro Hill, Friday, 10/27 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Inter Housing Council's Event Team is hosting Sinster Circus on Cerro Hill in Cerro Vista Community Center. This is a haunted house and costume dance party. 
• Fright Night Movie Social, Friday, 10/27 from 6-8 p.m.
  • Campus Health and Wellbeing Health Education and Mustangs for Recovery will host a movie social at the Health and Wellbeing patio. Followers on Instagram @calpolyrecovery will vote between three movies: "Scream," "Beetlejuice" or "Nightmare Before Christmas." Join the Wellbeing staff and Mustangs for Recovery leaders in putting on a dry social event to kick-off Halloween.
• Fright Fest, Saturday, 10/28 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 
  • Join ASI Events in celebrating the spooky season at the Cal Poly Recreation Center with Fright Fest! Attendees can expect numerous fun activities such as scavenger hunts, inflatables, crate stacking terror trucks, and more. Free food will be provided by Woodstock's Pizza with treats from SLO Mama Sweets. Costumes are encouraged!
• Halloween Neighborhood Clean-Up, Sunday 10/29 from 10 a.m. to noon on the corner of Hathway and Longview. 
  • Sink your teeth into some free ghostly donuts as a reward for your efforts. Best of all, this event is eligible for Paths credit, so you can earn rewards while helping to keep our community eerie-sistibly clean. Don't ghost us —see you there!

More information and additional events can be found at Cal Poly Now.
 
Personal Safety

• Rave Guardian is a free safety mobile app that can send anonymous tips to the Cal Poly Police Department, set a safety timer when walking from place to place on campus, text Mustang Patrol, connect to 24-hour police or support services, or facilitate easy communication with CPPD. Download the Rave Guardian Mobile App from the Apple Store or Google Play.
• Request a safety walk with Mustang Patrol by calling Cal Poly Police Dispatch at 805-756-2281. Mustang Patrol operates on campus safety walks Thursdays 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mustang Patrol members are your student colleagues who are focused on your safety, whether or not you've been drinking.
• The Mustang Shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with the evening shuttle running 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. seven days a week. On Sunday, Nov. 5, the evening shuttle will switch to starting at 6 p.m. to accommodate for daylight savings. Catching a ride on the shuttle is even easier with the Mustang Shuttle app that allows users to track the location of the shuttles and see accurate arrival times.

 
Additional safety tips
If you choose to celebrate this weekend, please remember these additional tips:

• Plan for safe transportation.
• Stay with a friend.
• Don’t leave any drink unattended.
• Eat and stay hydrated.
• Less is more — stick to one alcoholic drink or less per hour.

I hope you will make choices that uphold the values of The Mustang Way. The choices you make this Halloween are about personal responsibility and making good decisions for yourself, but also embracing our responsibility to look out for each other as a community.
 
Respectfully,
 
Joy Pedersen, Ph.D.
Dean of Students

Oct. 24, 2023: Student Affairs Shares Important After-Hours Contacts

Dear students,

We're reaching the halfway mark of the quarter, and I hope that you have settled into your classes, made new connections and found spaces where you feel a sense of belonging on campus. I know the past few weeks have been difficult with the violence and terrorism in Gaza and Israel, and I want to reiterate our care and concern for your well-being.

Our team in Student Affairs has created something new for you — a webpage with links to virtual contact cards that you can download directly onto your device so you can reach out whenever you need support. They include after-hours resources such as Counseling Services, Health Services and other on-campus and community resources with 24/7 support. There are also evening contacts for those living on campus in our residence halls and apartments.

You can also save important contact numbers that you may need to reach during the day, including food resources and basic needs; accommodation services; and support for those who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation or harassment. Visit this new webpage now.

Many other programs and resources are available through our Student Affairs website. We are here to support your success, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

In community,
Keith B. Humphrey, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Pronouns: he, him, his

Oct. 2, 2023: Cal Poly Career Services Shares Tips to Avoid Job Scams

Dear students,

When seeking job and internship opportunities, it is important to be vigilant about job scams and fraudulent employers from any source, whether it be direct email, general job boards (e.g., Indeed, Craigslist), or MustangJOBS powered by Handshake.*

Protect yourself by being proactive and informed. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the job scam information on Career Services’ website. Here are a few red flags to look for:

• Jobs that offer an opportunity to become rich without leaving home.
• Jobs that ask for money upfront for a uniform or other expenses.
• Jobs that offer a salary or benefits that seem too good to be true.
• Jobs that ask the employee to cash a check sent by the company, then wire a portion of the money to another entity.
• An unsolicited job opportunity via email directly to you.
• Job postings with grammatical and spelling errors.

If you become involved with a scam, you may file a report with the Cal Poly Police Department (805-756-2281). If you have sent money to a fraudulent employer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to close the account and dispute the charges. If the incident occurred completely over the Internet, file an incident report with the FTC or call the FTC at: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Career Services is here to support you if you encounter a job application or job offer situation you are unsure about. We offer drop-in hours and scheduled appointments, or you may contact us at careerservices@calpoly.edu.

Sincerely, Amie K. Hammond, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Career Services

*Listings on Handshake are independent of Cal Poly. Cal Poly makes no representations about the jobs or the entities who submit the listings.

Sept. 20, 2023: Welcome back to SLO from Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey

Hi Mustangs! Welcome back! I hope you are as excited as I am for the year ahead.

Everyone in Student Affairs is here to help you achieve your goals and dreams and to make the most of your Cal Poly experience.

You’ve been through SLO Days and WOW, and you know a ton about how we can support you on your journey to graduation. But, just in case you need a reminder I’ve put links to key resources for you at the end of this message. We are all here to help you.

If you haven’t already, download the new Cal Poly Now app (available for Apple and Android users). Cal Poly Now is your go-to source for events, clubs, and resources you need. We have hundreds of opportunities for you to connect with your fellow Mustangs each week. You can go through it on your own or check out my weekly Mustang Mondays Instagram post for highlights.

We have about 6,100 new students joining our family this week, and they will need all of our help finding the right club, learning all the fun things to do in San Luis Obispo, and getting to know their way around campus. Thanks in advance for helping and welcoming these new Mustangs into the Cal Poly community.

I hold Mondays from 4-5 p.m. as my office hour for students – feel free to drop by the Administration Building, Room 206, if I can support you. Have a great fall quarter and go Mustangs!

Helpful Resources:

• Important health and wellness services including counseling, vaccinations, health screenings and more.
• Career advising and opportunities to build your professional network.
• Disability resources and support in the classroom.
• Student clubs to help you build your social circle.
• Cultural and identity-based programs to help you deepen your connections with fellow Mustangs.
• Basic needs services for those times when you need a little extra support.

Sincerely,

Keith B. Humphrey, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Pronouns: he, his, him
805-756-1521
humphrey@calpoly.edu

Sept. 18, 2023: Dean of Students' Message to Housing Residents

Dear Residents,

We hope you are settling into your new home. The university is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty and staff. Each member of the campus community must choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and others in the campus community, and to contribute positively to student and university life.

It has come to our attention that certain behaviors, such as large gatherings, underage alcohol use and vandalism, have been observed in our residence hall community, jeopardizing these expectations. These actions not only put your fellow residents at risk but also reflect poorly on the entire university community. We ask that you make responsible choices that uphold the values of The Mustang Way and demonstrate your commitment to our shared community.

Please be mindful of how your actions impact those around you. It is important to recognize that other students do not appreciate the actions of those who violate the Student Code of Conduct and how that impacts their residential experience. Your actions impact not only your peers but also the staff, including University Housing staff, who work tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness and safety of our residence halls.

Please be aware that should you be found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, you will receive appropriate sanctions. While this is not our desired outcome for any of our students, we do expect that all students abide by the expectations of the university.

Let us work together to create a safe and respectful environment within our residence hall and uphold the values of our university community. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a positive living and learning experience for all. Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

Joy Pedersen, Ph.D.
Dean of Students