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The HEARD At Cal Poly
Many voices, one herd.
About The HEARD
The HEARD 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 HEARD 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 and program improvements, identifying and removing barriers to graduation, residential student needs and much, much more.
HEARD members are contacted with research/assessment opportunities. Each student who participates in a focus group receives a $15 Amazon gift card. For some assessments, Mustang Shop and campus dining dollars are offered in lieu. HEARD members also get special invitations for gift card drawings when they participate in campus surveys.
Open to All Cal Poly Students
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. All students, regardless of sex, race, color, or national origin, who are interested in the program’s mission and focus are welcome. 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 HEARD 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!
Mission Statement
The HEARD 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, Senior 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 and 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 more than 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.
Collin Marfia, Student Director
Collin is a first-year graduate student in the Higher Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs (M.S.) program. He graduated with a bachelor's degrees in history, and anthropology and geography in spring 2024 from Cal Poly. Collin is active in many communities on campus, including but not limited to Cal Poly Rose Float and the Archaeology Club. In his free time, he enjoys roller skating, hiking and rock climbing.
Kate MacPherson, Student Director
Kate is a fourth year majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about amplifying student voices and contributing to a more welcoming, supportive environment at Cal Poly. Alongside her role in the HEARD program, Kate is actively involved in Poly Reps and serves as an Intramural Sports Supervisor for ASI. Some of her favorite activities in SLO include beach days, hiking, walking, practicing yoga, and both playing and watching sports, especially the Sacramento Kings.
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
