Many voices, one he{a}rd.

About The He{a}rd

The He{a}rd is a qualitative market research program that is all about you! We want to provide a platform for students to tell us about the programs and services that impact their student experience.

How Does it Work?

The He{a}rd facilitates research questions in the form of focus groups and surveys, and does so through partnerships with various departments, colleges, student constituency groups and student clubs. Our goal is to discover how students think and feel about various topics so that Cal Poly can make informed decisions that are influenced by you. This includes Health Center improvements, identifying and removing barriers to graduation, residential student needs and much, much more.

We want your perspective – and seek individuals with a broad range of experiences, interests and backgrounds – so that Cal Poly can make data-informed decisions on issues important to you. We need your knowledge, opinions and ideas to help make Cal Poly a better, more inclusive campus for everyone!

Get Involved

Be part of the bigger conversation and help make a difference in the programs and services that benefit you at Cal Poly! Here’s how:

• Sign up to participate in a He{a}rd focus group advertised through Cal Poly Now
• Are you a department or program that would like to learn from students? We can help you find the answers!

All students will be compensated for their participation, including gift cards to campus dining and the Cal Poly store.

Mission Statement

The He{a}rd is a Student Affairs program built on the principles of acceptance, diversity of thought, and respect for all people. With open minds, we aim to hear from the everyday Cal Poly student. Our goal is to gain insightful student feedback and provide innovative campus research to best inform decisions that will impact students today and tomorrow. 

Meet the Team

Kevin Grant, Director of Student Affairs Assessment and Research

Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and specializes in assessment, strategic planning, program development and academic student support. He currently serves as the director of assessment and research for Student Affairs, providing divisionwide leadership in these areas. Kevin lives in Atascadero, California, with his wife and three children, and enjoys hiking, camping, playing music, horticulture and coaching local youth sports.
 

Andres Hernandez, Student Affairs Assessment and Research Analyst

Andres is a Cal Poly graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Prior to joining the Student Affairs Assessment & Research team, he served in AmeriCorps as research coordinator at Cal Poly's WITH US Center for Bystander Intervention. He is driven to help students through understanding their unique experiences. Andres is originally from Oxnard, California and enjoys outdoor exploring. 
 

Lisa Rizzo, Student Affairs Assessment and Research Coordinator 

Lisa is an author and a Cal Poly alum twice over with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, class of ‘05, and a Master of Science in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs, class of ‘23. She has 20 years of trans disciplinary experience in business, journalism, research, and television production. Lisa is a social justice-oriented student affairs leader and serves as the assessment and research coordinator for Student Affairs. She is a mother of two who enjoys hiking, traveling, and playing tennis. 
 

Kimberly Bigi, Student Director

Kimberly is a fourth-year student studying psychology at Cal Poly. She is interested in Industrial Organizational psychology and research. In addition to her role as student director at The He{a}rd, she is also a research assistant for Assistant Professor David Caughlin in Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business. Kimberly enjoys spending time outdoors and in nature as well as with her family and friends. She is very excited to be a part of The He{a}rd team to incorporate student voices into the decision-making process at Cal Poly. 
 

Collin Marfia, Student Director

Collin is a fourth year double-major in anthropology and geography, and history, with triple-minors in environmental studies, sustainable environments, and Indigenous studies in natural resources. Collin is active in many communities on campus, including but not limited to the Cal Poly Rose Float, the Archaeology Club and the Cal Poly Cat Program. In his free time, he enjoys roller skating, hiking and rock climbing.  

Contact Us

Kevin Grant, Director of Student Affairs,
Assessment and Research
805-756-7487
kgrant04@calpoly.edu

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Administration Building (No. 1), Room 206
Phone: 805-756-1521
Fax: 805-756-5903
vpsa@calpoly.edu