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Leadership Announcements

Messages posted below were sent from Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs leadership to all students at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and the Cal Poly Maritime Academy or to the entire campus community at the San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses.

Fall 2026 Announcements

Aug. 27, 2026: Protect Yourself Against Fraudulent Employers

As a student seeking job and internship opportunities, it is important to be vigilant about job scams and fraudulent employers you may encounter from any source, whether it be direct email, general job boards (e.g., Indeed, Craigslist), or MustangJobs.* 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 Federal Trade Commission 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 MustangJobs are independent of Cal Poly. Cal Poly makes no representations about the jobs or the entities who submit the listings.

Aug. 26, 2026: Register to Vote in the November Election

Dear Students,

As Election Day approaches, we’re writing to share important dates, events, and resources to ensure that those of you who are eligible to vote have the necessary information to cast your ballot on Nov. 3, 2026. Every year, Cal Poly participates in the Ballot Bowl competition, where CSU campuses and universities across California compete to register the most students to vote. Let’s help keep Cal Poly at No. 1 by registering to vote! The last day to register is Monday, Oct. 19.

ASI Student Government will host events at Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy, where you can learn about flexing your right to vote in the upcoming election. Learn more on the ASI website and stop by and say hi. 

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. 

Important Information and Dates

  • All active California registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by Oct. 5, 2026.
  • Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned by mail, at a drop-off location or to your county elections office. Ballot drop-off locations open on Oct. 6, 2026.
  • California allows same-day voter registration.
  • Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

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: 

In community, 

Tanner Schinderle

ASI President

David Groom, Ph.D.
Dean of Students

Aug. 20, 2026: Your Guide to Campus Health and Well-being Resources at Cal Poly

Hello Mustangs!

Welcome to the start of a brand-new academic year! As you dive into your classes, discover new clubs, and adjust to the fall semester, remember that your health and well-being are essential to your success.

Campus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) provides holistic, high-quality care to support all Cal Poly students from your first day to commencement. Most of our services are available to you at no additional cost because of the student health services fee you pay each term.

Our goal is to make care as convenient and accessible as possible through the following services:

  • Health Services: Our medical providers offer comprehensive primary and same-day care, routine checkups, immunizations, gender-affirming care, psychiatry, clinical nutrition support and more. On-campus resources include a full-service pharmacy, physical therapy, lab testing and X-ray services.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Navigating college life brings incredible opportunities, but sometimes it can also bring stress, anxiety and challenges. CAPS is here to support your mental health through individual and couples counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, workshops, outreach and community referrals.
  • Wellbeing Services: This team offers a broad range of programming to help you thrive and be well. This includes Alcohol and Drug Programs, PULSE student-led health education and much more. Additionally, our Safer team provides prevention education as well as confidential advocacy and support for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking and harassment.
  • We also offer Basic Needs support, including the Cal Poly Food Pantry, which is free and available to all students five days per week (no eligibility requirements – just stop by for food!).

Submit Your Health Insurance Information to CH&W

Finally, you received an email from CH&W earlier this month regarding our participation in the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Reimbursement Program. As a reminder, if you have a Medi-Cal, disability or California-regulated commercial health insurance plan, please submit your insurance information today. Providing this information allows CH&W to seek reimbursements from insurance providers to help sustain and expand our programs.

Please visit our website to find our hours, schedule an appointment through your health and counseling portal, and learn more about our resources.

Your time at Cal Poly is a journey of growth, and we’re honored to be a part of it. Please take care of yourself, look out for your fellow Mustangs and reach out to us when you need support.

In community and good health,

Dr. Tina Hadaway-Mellis, DrPH, MBA, BSN, RN
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Health and Wellbeing

Aug. 20, 2026: Your Guide to Campus Health and Well-being Resources at Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Dear Students,

Welcome to the start of a brand-new academic year! As you dive into your classes, make new friends, and adjust to the rhythm of a new fall semester, remember that your health and well-being are essential to your success.

Campus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) provides holistic, high-quality care to support you from your first day on campus to commencement. Most of our services are available to you at no additional cost because of the student health services fee you pay each term.

Our goal is to make care as convenient and accessible as possible through the following services:

  • Health Services: Our medical providers offer comprehensive outpatient care for acute and sub-acute illnesses and injuries, reproductive health and contraception, support for required physical exams, immunizations, preventative health, lab and X-ray services, and more.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Navigating college life brings incredible opportunities, but sometimes it can also bring stress, anxiety and challenges. CAPS is here to support your mental health with counseling, crisis support, mental health assessment, outreach and community referrals.
  • Wellbeing Services: This team offers a broad range of health education and prevention programming to help you thrive and be well. This includes our Safer team, which provides prevention education, confidential advocacy and support for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking and harassment. Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s Basic Needs program ensures that you have access to essential resources — including food, shelter, clothing and healthcare — necessary to stay focused on your educational goals.

Submit Your Health Insurance Information to CH&W

Finally, you received an email from CH&W earlier this month regarding our participation in the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Reimbursement Program. As a reminder, if you have a Medi-Cal, disability or California-regulated commercial health insurance plan, please submit your insurance information today. Providing this information allows CH&W to seek reimbursements from insurance providers to help sustain and expand our programs.

Visit the Cal Poly Maritime Academy Health Center website to find hours, schedule an appointment and learn more about our programs and resources.

Your time at Cal Poly is a journey of growth, and we’re honored to be a part of it. Please take care of yourself, look out for your fellow students and reach out to us when you need support.

In community and good health,

Dr. Tina Hadaway-Mellis, DrPH, MBA, BSN, RN
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Health and Wellbeing

Aug. 19, 2026: Welcome to Cal Poly Maritime Academy!

Vice President Terrance Harris and ASI President Tanner Schinderle with the Mustang Way sign in the background.
Hi Mustangs!

I’m excited to welcome you to Cal Poly. My name is Terrance Harris, and I've been calling Cal Poly home for as long as I can remember. My parents are both Cal Poly alums, and I followed in their footsteps as a proud Cal Poly graduate.

I began my career in Admissions more than 22 years ago, working in enrollment management. Today I have the privilege of leading our division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, which means I get to support students throughout their entire Cal Poly journey — from the moment you’re admitted to the day you graduate.

We are so excited to see you on campus and for you to experience the year ahead. As you can tell from the video, you're part of a very special community that takes pride in living the Mustang Way.

We  know ther eis a lot to navigate at first — but don't worry. We have many resources, services and programs in Student Affairs to support your academic success and overall well-being. Be sure to explore the important resources linked at the end of this message. We’ll see you on campus soon!

Helpful resources:

Sincerely,

Terrance Harris
Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Aug. 19, 2026: Welcome to Cal Poly!

Vice President Terrance Harris and ASI President Tanner Schinderle with the Mustang Way sign in the background.
Hi Mustangs!

My name is Terrance Harris, and I’ve been calling Cal Poly home for as long as I can remember. My parents are both Cal Poly alums, and I followed in their footsteps as a proud Cal Poly graduate.

I began my career in Admissions more than 22 years ago, working in enrollment management. Today I have the privilege of leading our division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, which means I get to support students throughout their entire Cal Poly journey — from the moment you’re admitted to the day you graduate.

As you saw in the video, the Mustang Way reflects the values that shape our Cal Poly community. By living the Mustang Way, each of us helps create a campus where everyone can thrive.

We have many resources, services and programs in Student Affairs to support your academic success and overall well-being. Be sure to explore the important resources linked at the end of this message. We’ll see you on campus soon!

Helpful resources:

Sincerely,



Terrance Harris  

Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Winter 2026 Announcements

Feb. 5, 2026: Important St. Patrick's Day Reminders from the Dean of Students 

Dear Students,

I’m writing with a heads up on the university’s plans for St. Patrick’s Day and the importance of making safe, responsible choices. You are expected to follow university policies and local laws, so read on to know what’s expected of you and visit the Dean of Students website for more information.

While many students choose to celebrate, unsafe or disruptive behavior can result in serious consequences, including arrest and university conduct action. Fines are costly, stress is real, and the impact can last well beyond the weekend. Please don’t test your luck.

University Housing Restrictions
To support a safe residential environment, no guests will be allowed in Cal Poly residence halls from 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, through 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. This includes all outside visitors and students from other housing communities. You must have your student ID for entry. No overnight guest parking permits will be issued, and campus access will be restricted. In addition, University Housing damage charges will be doubled. 



City of San Luis Obispo Enforcement
The City of San Luis Obispo will enforce a Safety Enhancement Zone, doubling fines for violations such as noise disturbances, unruly gatherings and public intoxication during the following times:

  • March 6, midnight - March 9, 7 a.m.
  • March 13, midnight - March 16, 7 a.m.
  • March 17, midnight - March 18, 7 a.m.

Fines begin at $700, with unruly gathering citations starting at $1,000. All student arrests and citations will be reported to Cal Poly for conduct review.

Campus Event Options
The university is planning an early morning concert, Morning on the Green: A Mustang Music Festival, on March 14 at the Sports Complex Lower Fields, with capacity of 10,000 students. More details will be released later in February.

Choose Safety
If you celebrate, do so responsibly. Stick with friends, plan safe transportation, manage noise, and look out for one another. Campus resources — including Mustang Patrol, the Mustang Shuttle and the Mustang Safe app — are available to support your safety. There will also be several sobering stations on campus to provide support and an alternative to jail for those who are intoxicated.

Please take care of yourselves and each other and make choices you’ll be proud of.

Sincerely, 
Joy Pedersen

Dean of Students  

Fall 2025 Announcements

Oct. 22, 2025: Halloween Events and Tips from Cal Poly's Dean of Students

Dear students,

Dear students,

Halloween is around the corner, and I know that many of you will celebrate with your fellow Mustangs. If you choose to celebrate, please take care of yourself and each other. Please take a moment to read this information to help you celebrate safely.

  • Be Aware of Double-Fines Violations: The city enforces a safety enhancement zone or double-fine period for party-related violations, including noise, unruly gathering, public urination and open container.
  • Housing Guests: No overnight guests will be permitted to stay in University Housing from Thursday, Oct. 30, at 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
  • Housing Damages: Any damages to University Housing will result in double the standard charges (PDF) from Thursday, Oct. 23 to Monday, Nov. 3. Policy violations may also be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Fentanyl: This dangerous and lethal synthetic opioid is being cut into much of the illegal drug supply. Narcan is a safe and lifesaving opioid antagonist available for free to all active students. Head to the Health Center Pharmacy or stop by the Health Center Lawn from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays to receive an overdose prevention kit. Learn how to help.
  • Be an Upstander: Wherever you choose to spend the weekend, be an Upstander (PDF) — a proactive bystander who will take action to prevent harm to others. You can help prevent acts of hate and bias, sexual violence, and alcohol/drug-related injuries and overdose (PDF).
  • Set and Respect Boundaries: Talk to your friends before going out to discuss your personal boundaries related to substances, hooking up, sharing personal information, posting photos/videos, and anything else to enhance your own personal safety, comfort and well-being. Respect boundaries by always asking for consent! 
  • Amnesty Protocol: Cal Poly’s amnesty protocol (PDF) provides a mechanism that allows students to call for help without fear of consequences in medical emergencies or suspected medical emergencies. 
  • SLO Sobering Center: This 24-hour facility is open seven days a week at the Health Agency Campus, 2180 Johnson Ave. in San Luis Obispo. The SLO Sobering Center is managed by Good Samaritan and provides short-term sobering and transition services.
  • Avoid Cultural Appropriation: When picking out a Halloween costume, it is important to be aware of the costume’s cultural context and avoid cultural appropriation — adopting certain elements from another culture, which often plays into negative stereotypes and doesn’t consider cultural significance. Regardless of intent, cultural appropriation for the sake of a Halloween costume dehumanizes and demeans cultures and communities. (Additional note: A costume does not imply consent! Regardless of what someone is wearing, you must always ask for and receive affirmative consent before engaging in any form of physical or sexual activity.)

Personal Safety Resources

  • Mustang Safe: Turn your smartphone into a personal safety device. Download the free 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 Shuttle offers day and nighttime service. Download the app to track the shuttle locations and see accurate arrival times.
  • If you experience harm related to sexual violence, assault or harassment, you can make an appointment with a professional, confidential Safer advocate here. After hours or 24/7 support for survivors of sexual assault or intimate partner violence is available through Lumina Alliance at 805-545-8888. Additional ways to report incidents and concerns can be found on the Dean of Students website.

Celebrate with On-Campus Events

  • Oct. 23 and 30: Party Smart Pregame, 3:30-5:30 p.m. on the Health Center Lawn.
  • Oct. 23: Pumpkin Carving, 4-6 p.m., North Mountain Lawn.
  • Oct. 25: Inter Housing Council’s Haunted House, 8-11 p.m., Cerro Vista Community Center (170G).
  • Oct. 28: Safer: Party Culture — Alcohol, Sex, and Consent, 5-6 p.m., Cerro Vista Community Center (170G).
  • Oct. 31: ASI’s Fright Fest, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Recreation Center.
  • Nov. 2: Post-Halloween Neighborhood Clean-up, 10 a.m. to noon. RSVP on Cal Poly Now.

Additional safety tips


If you choose to celebrate this weekend, please remember to:
  • Plan for safe transportation.
  • Stay with a friend. 
  • Don’t leave any drink unattended. 
  • Eat and stay hydrated.
  • Stick to one alcoholic drink or less per hour — less is more.
  • Look out for each other! Intervene if you see something dangerous or the potential for harm.

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. I hope you will make choices that uphold the values of The Mustang Way.

Respectfully,

Joy M. Pedersen, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Dean of Students
 

Sept. 18, 2025: Welcome from the Cal Poly Dean of Students!

Hi Mustang!

We're excited to have you at Cal Poly! As you start your journey, we hope you’re feeling connected to campus and your fellow Mustangs. I’m writing to share some important health, safety and conduct reminders.

I'd like to share a note about alcohol. First, not everyone here drinks — 30% of students don’t — so know that you have options. If you choose to drink, our hope is that you do so safely and please, be aware that your actions could have consequences. Drinking hard alcohol is especially risky, and many hospitalizations are due to its overconsumption. Make smart choices, look out for each other, and know our policies are here to keep you safe. Also, remember that you’re accountable to the Student Code of Conduct, and violations can lead to sanctions disciplinary actions.

Get involved and know that you don’t need alcohol to have fun. Cal Poly offers over 400 clubs and organizations where you can find community.

If you ever have concerns about someone’s health or safety, don’t hesitate to call 911 or Residence Life staff. You can download virtual contact cards for these and other numbers on the Student Affairs site so you reach out when you need to. California has the Good Samaritan Law (JPG) and Cal Poly has an Amnesty Protocol (PDF), which both provide limited immunity for minors related to the possession and consumption of alcohol and other drugs. You will not get in trouble for reaching out for help when someone needs emergency support.

Remember the Mustang Way — Pride, Responsibility, and Character. Focus on being a great student, support your peers, and lead by example. Enjoy your first year with a commitment to your well-being and that of your fellow Mustangs.

 

Joy M. Pedersen, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs | Dean of Students
 

Sept. 16, 2025: Welcome to Cal Poly!

Hi Mustang!

Welcome to Cal Poly. My name is Terrance Harris, and I’m honored to serve as the new vice president for the division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. While my role within Student Affairs is new, I’ve been part of the Cal Poly community for over 20 years, most recently as the vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management.

We are so excited to welcome you to campus and for you to experience the year ahead. As you can tell from the video, the entire team is looking forward to seeing you soon.

We know there is a lot to navigate at first, but don’t worry, we have many resources, services and programs in Student Affairs to support your academic success and overall well-being. For a list of important resources to know when starting out, check out the key resources that are linked at the end of this message.

Enjoy your last few days of summer. We’ll see you on campus soon!

Helpful Resources:

 

Sincerely,

Terrance Harris
Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
 

Aug. 20, 2025: Welcome to Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Dear students,

On behalf of Cal Poly Dean of Students Joy Pedersen and the Student Affairs team, I would like to welcome you all to the 2025-26 academic year. As we enter this academic year, there are many things to celebrate and prepare for with both our new and returning students.

Campus Leadership and Integration

We have new leaders on campus who are already making an impact. Vice President and CEO Corey Cook oversees the functions and operations of the full Cal Poly Maritime Academy campus, while Superintendent Eric Jones oversees the Marine Programs, USCG Licensure and Corps of Cadets functions. Terrance Harris, our vice president for Student Affairs, serves as vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. Many of our new students got a chance to hear from them during orientation, and I hope our returning students meet them soon.

There are two opportunities on Thursday, Aug. 21, to learn more about the Integration process with Cal Poly:

  • 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Come to the Quad for our One Crew, One Cal Poly: Integration Kickoff Event. This is your chance to explore integration resources, ask questions, share your ideas and pick up some fun swag. Let’s come together as one crew and work together for our collective future.
  • 4:30 p.m.: Enjoy a relaxing Maritime Mixer with the campus community on the Dining Center Lawn. You’ll be treated to a range of dining options as we mingle and get to know each other better.

Campus Life

Here are some highlights in our campus life areas:

  • Traditional students no longer have a dress code. They are still required to wear the appropriate PPE during labs and machinery courses.
  • Associated Students California Maritime Academy (ASCMA) serves as your student government this year and will host its open board meetings every Monday at 5 p.m. in the Topp Room (Administration Building) beginning Monday, Sept. 8. This is a place to have your voice heard and offer insights into how to engage student life on-campus.
  • Clubs and Organizations will kick off its Club Rush event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in the Quad. This is your opportunity to find and join recognized student organizations on campus.
  • For our Club Sports teams, if you are not a current member and/or interested in joining one of our existing teams, you can complete a Club Sports Interest Form (requires student login to complete) so that the team captain can reach out to you.
  • Welcome our new dining team! Chartwells is our new dining vendor and works across both Cal Poly campuses. Many new features and approaches are coming this fall. For more information, head down to the Dining Center or visit its website.

Student Affairs Resources

We are here to support your well-being. Please check out these helpful links to departments, services and resources:

Some information is located on our “Legacy Maritime site,” which has a wealth of information and resources that are still relevant to this academic year.

One Crew, One Cal Poly

As we head into the year, there will be much more to engage in across campus regarding changes and updates happening here along with broader integration with Cal Poly. Starting today, we begin the journey of being One Cal Poly. I look forward to the journey ahead together!

Lennon Prothro-Jones
Deputy Dean of Students
Cal Poly Maritime Academy

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