Go SLO 2021

Advertising Supplement

EDITOR’S NOTE SOPHIE LINCOLN Special Sections Editor

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eaving home and starting college is a hectic and exciting time. For many of us, moving into the freshman dorms marks our first experience living without our parents, and all of a sudden we are left with all of this freedom, responsibility and untapped opportunity.

My freshman year at Cal Poly was probably the most thrilling year of my life (so far), but it was also overwhelming at times. That’s why Cal Poly’s resources are particularly useful to incoming students. From freshman orientation programs to career fairs and club fairs, Cal Poly’s myriad of resources and programs are here to help guide students through this new chapter and whatever hurdles you may face along the way.

Now, as we ease out of pandemic-related restrictions and navigate this “new normal”, Cal Poly’s resources may be of even more use as you start life as a new mustang. In this year’s “Go SLO” edition, you may learn more about some of these resources available to support you through your first year and throughout your entire college experience.

I strongly encourage students to take advantage of these programs and to make the most of your time here. Attend the various club, resource, study abroad and career fairs that occur each year. Have an open mind about meeting new people and trying new things. Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek out help if you need it.

Cal Poly truly has a lot to offer and college really is what you make of it. I hope that this edition will open your eyes to the wonderful place you get to call home for the next few years and allow you to appreciate its many assets.

Edition Designed by Katherine Olah & Elaine Do Cover Photos by Zachary Cline

CONTENTS

Go SLO 2021

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STUDENT RESOURCES

06 07 09

Welcome to Cal Poly!

Cal Poly Provost Welcomes New Students Welcome From the Student Diversity and Belonging Collective

22 25 26

Student OMBUDS Services A Wellbeing Welcome to Cal Poly Campus Health and Wellbeing is Here for You

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Q&A With Career Services

29

Five Tech Tips for a Stress-Free First Quarter at Cal Poly

12

Go SLO ACE Story

30

Get Involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life at Cal Poly

33

Parent Philanthropy Impacts Student Experiences at Cal Poly

34

Make Space for Music in Your Quarterly Schedules

37

Commute with Confidence This Fall

38

Study Abroad: Taking Your Eduation Outside of the Classroom, City, and State

41

How to Further Your Education Post Graduation

13 15 16

Orfalea College of Business Where “Career Ready Business Leaders are Made” CAED Connections Day Friday, September 17 Welcome to the New, Improved Campus Dining

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Make Campus Your Home

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Campus Ready

Mustang Media Group

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WELCOME TO CAL POLY! Sponsored by OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT CAL POLY

WELCOME HOME, MUSTANGS! This fall, Cal Poly welcomes and invites you to begin a very special journey — one that perhaps carries even greater excitement and emotion this year as we navigate the ever-changing circumstances of the pandemic. We are pleased to have our students once again fill our campus and call Cal Poly home. And we are happy to announce that the vast majority of classes are being held in person, along with a number of online courses to accommodate those campus community members who are better served remotely.

We are prepared to welcome you to campus for the full Cal Poly experience, while keeping the health and safety of each and every campus community member top of mind. University Housing plans to be occupied at nearly full capacity, the Rec Center is open, and our campus venues and services are ready to serve you.

We are pleased to have our students once again fill our campus and call Cal Poly home.

There will of course be some members of our campus community who, for a variety of reasons, cannot yet return to ordinary campus life. No matter where you begin the year, we look forward to your contributions as a Mustang, and we ask that everyone extend grace and flexibility to each other as we all figure out what is normal and feasible for us all.

Again, I want to welcome you to Cal Poly and thank you for all of the hard work you’ve undertaken and the personal sacrifices you’ve made to get here. I look

forward to meeting you, and I can assure you that our faculty and staff are anxious to begin this journey along with you.

Your success is our success, because we are more than a physical campus — we are a community. We are your extended family wherever or whatever your current situation. We are Cal Poly.

Welcome home, Mustangs!

JEFF ARMSTRONG, PRESIDENT

Sponsored by OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

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ynthia Jackson Elmoore is Cal Poly’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. JacksonElmoore joined Cal Poly in 2020, having previously served as dean of the Honors College at Michigan State University and as a professor with affiliations in the School of Social Work and the Global Urban Studies Program. She earned doctorate and master’s degrees in public administration with a public policy emphasis from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PROVOST AT CAL POLY? The provost is responsible for the whole of the academic effort at Cal Poly, both inside and outside the classroom.

Academic Affairs includes all six of Cal Poly’s colleges, academic advising, the Kennedy Library, academic programs and planning and international and extended education. As provost, I share oversight of the divisions of research, economic development, and graduate education

and strategic enrollment management. Additionally, I work closely with President Armstrong and individuals across the university to make progress on our campus-wide initiatives, including the Graduation Initiative of 2025 and our efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR? I am excited to have a new class of students and new faculty and staff members join us, to work with my colleagues across campus to continue to support and find ways to provide opportunities to all members of our campus community, and to embrace the vibrancy that is the Cal Poly experience.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE STUDENTS STARTING THEIR FIRST YEAR AT CAL POLY? I would encourage new students to enter their first year with a focus on their studies and an excitement for what they will be learning, while remembering to attend to their self-care. The first

year makes a major impact on students’ college experience, and it is a wonderful opportunity to discover new interests and learn more themselves. I also would recommend making an effort to get to know your instructors and the faculty and staff members in your academic department.

Meeting with advisors and seeking out the student success resources in areas like the Kennedy Library and the Writing and Learning Center are also great ways to get their Cal Poly career off to a good start.

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT YOUR FIRST YEAR IN COLLEGE? What I remember most is meeting individuals on the very first weekend who would become my lifelong friends. I also remember one of my faculty members who would hold study sessions with snacks in our residence hall. A few years ago, I had a chance to go back to my undergraduate school and share with those faculty members the fact that they had a lasting impact on my life. These are some of my fondest memories and part of what makes the college experience so special.

Go SLO 2021

CAL POLY PROVOST WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS

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Sponsored by STUDENT DIVERSITY AND BELONGING

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ith 20,000 students on campus, it can be just as daunting as it is exciting to find real community throughout your Cal Poly journey. But if you’re looking to connect with others who share your culture, dig into exploring your identities, continue your social justice education or just hang out with some really amazing people, the Student Diversity and Belonging collective welcomes you to check out our events and spaces this fall quarter.

Student Diversity and Belonging is a collective of campus resource centers that support and empower students experiencing marginalization, through intersectional advocacy and cultural connections to build a more just and equitable Cal Poly community.

OUR COLLECTIVE: • • • • • • •

Black Academic Excellence Center Dream Center Gender Equity Center Men & Masculinities Program Multicultural Center Native and Indigenous Cultural Center Pride Center

“Transformational change with diversity, equity and inclusion is happening at Cal Poly. And I’m excited to see and be a part of the journey we are on to make this place where everyone is welcome and accepted for who they are!”

- Jamie Patton, AVP for Student Affairs Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to allow each person to show up to our spaces while honoring and celebrating every part of themselves, their history, and their experience.

As a passionate team of professional staff and students, we work across centers to ensure that our work—whether we are holding an informal dialogue space, a cultural celebration, or an educational presentation series—is multifaceted and intersectional. We strive to allow each person to show up to our spaces while honoring and celebrating every part of themselves, their history, and their experience. So get involved, and let us celebrate you this year too!

• Movember with the Men & Masculinities Program • Culturefest with the Multicultural Center • OUTWeek with the Pride Center

HERE’S JUST A SAMPLING OF SOME OF THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU MIGHT TAKE PART IN THIS FALL:

Join us for our Fall Welcome event on September 22nd in the University Union Plaza from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. We’re all looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you as part of our community at Cal Poly!

• Black Academic Excellence Center Fall Welcome • UndocuWeek with the Dream Center • Gender Equity Movement Training with the Gender Equity Center • Native and Indigenous Cultural Center Grand Opening

“Our spaces, programs and events are places where students can come and see diversity celebrated, community cultivated and create memories that foster a sense of belonging at Cal Poly.”

-Beya Makekau, Director of Student Diversity and Belonging

Student Diversity and Belonging is a collective of campus resource centers that support and empower students experiencing marginalization, through intersectional advocacy and cultural connections.

Go SLO 2021

WELCOME FROM THE STUDENT DIVERSITY AND BELONGING COLLECTIVE

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START RAISING THE BAR.

Army Officers inspire strength in others. Make Army ROTC part of your college experience and be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship. Join the team that makes a difference.

For more information, call us at (805) 756-7690 or visit http://armyrotc.calpoly.edu goarmy.com/rotc/astt

©2018. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

Go SLO 2021

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- C A L P O LY C A R E E R S E R V I C E S -

Introducing Your

Freshman Focus Team!

Welcome new Mustangs! As your Freshman Focus Team Career Counselors, we are here to support you! We will:

Help you resolve uncertainties about your choice of major.

Introduce you to career possibilities related to your field of study, interests and talents.

Offer guidance and resources to jump-start your career planning.

Schedule an appointment by logging into MustangJOBS (through your portal) or by calling Career Services! Virtual appointments available.

Transfer students, we also have a team of College Specialists to help you navigate your career path!

Career Services Building (#124) | 805-756-2501 | careerservices.calpoly.edu

Q&A WITH CAREER SERVICES

by LAUREN BOYER

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ou picked your major, but maybe you’re unsure about what’s next.

Whether you want to start gaining experience or you want to explore career options, Career Services can help you each step of the way. We asked the team at Career Services to answer some common questions asked by new Cal Poly students.

Q: WHY SHOULD I USE CAREER SERVICES MY FIRST YEAR? A: Career exploration and planning are an ongoing process. Don’t wait until your senior year to get started! Career Services has so many resources to help you throughout your time at Cal Poly.

We have a team of dedicated career counselors who are here for you. We also offer lots of opportunities to connect with employers and job and internship opportunities through on-campus interviews, career fairs, company information sessions and MustangJOBS. And, we have tons of useful tools on our website,

careerservices.calpoly.edu, ranging from sample resumes, to self-assessments and more.

Q: WHAT IS THE FRESHMAN FOCUS TEAM? A: The Freshman Focus Team (FFT) helps incoming first-year students discover career possibilities and begin making plans. Whether you are eager to dive into your major or you’re unsure about your choice and want to explore options, FFT can help. If you’re a transfer student, our college specialist Career Counselors are here to support you.

Q: HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH MY CAREER COUNSELOR? A: You can easily book an appointment through MustangJOBS, powered by Handshake, which is accessed through your Cal Poly Portal. We also offer drop-in hours for your convenience.

Q: DOES CAREER SERVICES OFFER EVENTS? A: We sure do! Career Services offers many career fairs throughout the year, including our Fall, Winter and Spring Career Fairs, industry-specific fairs and a local career fair. You can register for these events on MustangJOBS. We also offer events such as networking mixers, panels and more.

Q: I KEEP HEARING OF CAL POLY CAREER CONNECTIONS. WHAT’S THAT? A: Career Connections is an exclusive online platform where you can connect with Cal Poly alumni to engage in professional networking or to receive mentorship or advice.

Q: WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT CAREER SERVICES? A: Our entire team is here to support you and we are looking forward to meeting you.

And, if you’re looking for an on-campus job or internship, check out MustangJOBS, powered by Handshake.

Mustang Media Group

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GO SLO ACE STORY Sponsored by COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

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he College of Liberal Arts is committed to giving all students access to Learn by Doing high-impact experiences outside the traditional classroom. The Access, Community, and Equity (ACE) program awards stipends of $1,000 for first-generation and low-income students to allow them to participate in undergraduate research, global learning and internships, opening up new possibilities.

“I applied for an ACE stipend to visit [another CSU] after I was accepted into its ethnic studies graduate program. With my mother only being a high school graduate and my father having dropped out in elementary school in India, graduate school was unheard of in my family. However, my visit gave me the opportunity to start creating connections in San Francisco, to

ensure that once I did move, I had a support network to call on.” ­ — ACE stipend recipient “Through the ACE program, I found an amazing, helpful and inspiring on-campus mentor, Dr. Teramoto Pedrotti. She’s introduced me to various advisors on and off campus who continue to guide me on my path towards graduation.”

— ACE stipend recipient If you would like to learn more, the ACE application can be found on our website, or you can email Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti, Associate Dean for Diversity and Curriculum, with any questions.

You don’t have to take our word for it! Listen to the advice of a previous ACE stipend recipient.

“To other first generation students who may be considering to apply, APPLY! Don’t let that imposter syndrome stop you from accessing resources allocated for your success. Your/our success is a communal effort! So apply and ask for that support you need and allow the people who want to contribute to your flourishing to support you!

Remember, when we flourish, we open—and destroy— the doors for so many behind us to follow and reach even higher!”

Through the ACE program, I found an amazing and helpful mentor.

by TESSA HUGHES

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ut of Cal Poly’s six colleges, one that continues to stand out is the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB). It ranks among the top ten business schools in the nation for a return on investment.

According to their website, they prepare “career-ready business leaders through hands-on discovery and dedicated mentorship.” Their curriculum is “infused with cutting edge technology trends,” and is additionally “supplemented by cultural and social service experience.”

They give their students the experience and knowledge necessary to thrive not only in California, but in our global economy at large. OCOB prides itself on having graduates who are “innovative problem solvers, prepared to excel in a variety of business roles and catalyze positive change, wherever they are.”

Within the Orfalea College of Business, there are three majors students can choose from: economics, business administration and industrial technology and packaging. Some of these majors have more specific concentrations and all of them have related minors.

For those interested in business administration, they can concentrate in accounting and law, consumer packaging, entrepreneurship, financial management, information systems, management and human resources, marketing, quantitative analysis or real estate finance. Students interested in industrial technology and packaging can concentrate in industrial technology or packaging.

If a student is pursuing economics or business administration, they can take on a related minor in accounting, eco-

Stay current on news, events, and longform features from the world of business at Cal Poly!

nomics, entrepreneurship, industrial technology, integrated marketing and communications, packaging or sales. If they are pursuing industrial technology, they can take on a related minor in industrial technology or packaging.

Additionally, industrial technology and packaging majors have access to all of the following labs to gain that “learn by doing experience:” graphic design, materials testing, packaging design, packaging dynamics, polymers processing, power systems, process improvement, product fabrication and rapid prototyping.

Graduate degrees are also available to pursue after their undergraduate education, with master degrees available for business analytics, packaging value chain, quantitative economics or taxation.

CAL POLY BUSINESS

Cal Poly Business Magazine has gone digital with an all-new website and the same immersive approach to covering the students, faculty, alumni and staff of the Orfalea College of Business.

Keep Up With Us At orfaleacollegeofbusiness

orfaleacollege

CalPolyOrfaleaCollege

cal-poly-orfalea-college-of-business

Scan the QR code to check out the new issue! And follow us on social media to stay current on new stories and updates from the world of business at Cal Poly.

Go SLO 2021

ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS WHERE “CAREER READY BUSINESS LEADERS” ARE MADE

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Mustang Media Group

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Students hike up to the “P” above campus to take in a panoramic view of Cal Poly and the surrounding mountain peaks during WOW 2019. Read what’s happening at the CAED during WOW 2021!

WOW EVENT PROVIDES ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR FRESHMEN AND TRANSFER STUDENTS Sponsored by COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

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he Student Success Team and dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) look forward to welcoming our new students to the CAED Community and Mustang Family at our College Connections Day at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 17. As one of the key events during the Week of Welcome (WOW) this presentation kicks off with a warm welcome in Spanos Theater. To help you build your success, you’ll learn more about the five majors of the built environment that make this college unique nationally.

This will be an opportunity to hear more about our fall quarter, an overview of the majors and minors in the CAED, the facilities that support our Learn by Doing

We support students as they navigate their undergraduate experience toward individual student success.

approach and an introduction to student support including resources at the CAED Advising Center.

The center’s director will share important tips and invite freshmen and transfer students to visit the center this fall and its website for more help on navigating first-year block scheduling, minor programs offered and transfer student resources. Contacts and more about the Advising Center are available on the bottom of this page.

Directly following the welcome presentation, students will meet in their department for a more in-depth overview of their majors. We will share more details with you about Connections Day as the date approaches!

For more about financial aid, scholarship applications, study abroad programs, clubs, jobs, internships and advising, visit the “Current Students” tab on the CAED home page at www.caed.calpoly.edu, our department sites, Cal Poly Career Services, and Cal Poly Scholarships.

The CAED is dedicated to positioning our students for success in our programs and their promising futures!

Go SLO 2021

CAED CONNECTIONS DAY FRIDAY, SEPT. 17

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WELCOME TO THE NEW, IMPROVED CAMPUS DINING Sponsored by CAMPUS DINING

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oming into the start of a new academic year is always exhilarating.

This fall quarter feels even more so.

There is so much to be energized about, and Campus Dining is grateful to have everyone back to savor the Mustang experience together.

The past year taught us the value of being flexible, adaptive and forward thinking, and we are excited to show campus what we have learned​with our new venues, menus and programs.

Here’s the scoop on what’s new, improved and still awesome.

Vista Grande, the three-story, 35,400-square-foot, LEED Gold certified dining facility opened last September and is home to seven new venues and a neighborhood market.

THIS FALL,

fun, friends and food ARE ON THE MENU!

The Habit Burger Grill and local favorite G. Brothers Smokehouse will both have food trucks cruising around campus ready to serve up deliciousness.

Another local phenomenon, Scout Coffee Co. is opening a new location in the yak?ityutyu neighborhood.

Mobile ordering with Grubhub is how things got done safely and efficiently this past year, and it will continue as the preferred method of paying. For more on how to get started visit : calpolydining.com/grubhub/ Certified Kosher dining options are available at the markets. We worked closely with student focus groups and a local Rabbi who provided guidance during the planning process.

At Campus Dining we believe that food is more than just a moment to sit and eat.

We believe in creating amazing culinary experiences that fosters a stronger community through connection, conversation and friendships. Welcome to Campus Dining, experiences to savor.

To learn more, please visit calpolydining. com or scan the QR code.

JOIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

LEAD WHERE YOU LIVE Who are we? Community Council is the student government for your housing community —like ASB in high school.

Email ihc@calpoly.edu to join.

BOOST YOUR RESUME MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HOUSING PUT ON FUN EVENTS MAKE FRIENDS FEEL MORE AT HOME

LATE - NIGHT

@CalPolyIHC

WEEKEND events What do we do. Our Event Team plans in-person and online weekend

programs for residents — like movie nights, concerts, talent shows, and competitions — so you can meet other residents.

!

R E Z A L B L I A R HEY T

W AY L I V E E H T L E A D E R E YO U WH

learn more at: www.housing.calpoly.edu/RA

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19 Go SLO 2021

MAKE CAMPUS YOUR HOME TIPS FROM UNIVERSITY HOUSING Sponsored by UNIVERSITY HOUSING

W

elcome to Cal Poly, new Mustangs!

Of the over 20,000 students that attend Cal Poly, around 8,000 live on campus. In fact, more than 5,000 of our residents are new students like you.

Which means you’re in good company.

Cal Poly is literally a village of college students. And for the next nine months, this campus will be your home!

So, take some time to explore your new home when you get here. Meet your neighbors, create a space where you feel comfortable and get involved in your community. Here are a few ways you can make campus feel just like SLOme in September.

DECORATE YOUR ROOM Put your personal stamp on your room.

Pin photos to your cork board, put plants on the windowsill or hang some posters (we recommend command strips and blue painter’s tape so you don’t leave any marks on the wall). Put up a collage of your family and friends.

You already know who your roommates are, so start coordinating with them on larger items in the room (like rugs) that everyone will be using.

GO ON A WALKING TOUR OF CAMPUS On campus for the first time? There are lots of spots you can explore. Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite places: • Say hi to the horses at the Grand Avenue entrance of campus.

• Find all nine of the boulders that dot the pathways in yak?ityutyu. They represent the Nine Sisters, a chain of mountains that stretch from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. • Take a selfie with the statue of Albert Einstein, near the Baker Center.

• Catch an Insta-worthy sunset from the top level of a parking structure.

• Buy a succulent from the Cal Poly Plant Shop. Then, explore the walking trails around the Arboretum.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS!

MEET THE FACULTY-IN-RESIDENCE

Use the white board outside your room to share a few details about yourself and invite folks to knock on your door and say hi! There are tons of spaces in your community for you to gather together with new friends. Take over your common room and host a movie night using SpectrumU — an online streaming service like Netflix that’s available to all residents. Do yoga with friends on the community lawn. Or use the community kitchen to make and share a meal from home.

Did you know that three faculty members live in student communities? Dr. Joni Roberts, from the College of Science and Mathematics, lives in Cerro Vista Apartments; Dr. Nishi Rajakaruna, from the College of Science and Mathematics, lives in yak?ityutyu; and Dr. Padma Maitland, from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, lives in Poly Canyon Village. They help residents connect their home life to their academic life. Keep an eye out for events — like tea nights and movie screenings — planned by faculty-in-residence.

TAKE A HIKE Lace up your hiking boots and hit the road with a few friends. Cal Poly has tons of hiking trails right in your backyard. Take the trail behind the Red Bricks up to the Poly P. Or explore Poly Canyon. (You’ll spot the trailheads along the walking path to Poly Canyon Village.)

GET INVOLVED Inter Housing Council (IHC) is a great way to meet friends and get involved where you live. This organization helps put on large, weekend events for residents. IHC also helps students advocate for changes in their community and creates leadership positions in the community. Ask your Resident Advisor about how to get involved when you move on campus.

Meet your neighbors, create a space where you feel comfortable and get involved in your community.

MUSTANG PACKING LIST REMEMBER THE ESSENTIALS Personal protective equipment (face coverings, thermometers) Cleaning and disinfecting supplies Toiletries (shower caddy, shower shoes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.)

Space-saver storage

Bedding (XL twin bed) and pillows Adhesive hooks and strips (no nails)

Umbrella

Bathrobe and bath towels Hangers

Small personal safe Cold medicine & first-aid kit Computer Laundry supplies Fan Personal kitchen supplies Bicycle and lock Important documents LED desk lamp

For the complete list, visit housing.calpoly.edu.

CHECK WITH YOUR ROOMMATES Save money and lower end-of-year waste by sharing these items with roommates • TV/Stereo • Water purifying container • Printer • Kitchen items (apartments)

PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME • Microwaves • Hot plates • BBQs • Halogen lamps • Lava lamps • Extension cords • Air conditioners/space heaters • Weapons/firearms • Lofts/bed risers • Furniture: couches, chairs, futons • Flammables: candles, incense, propane, fireworks • Plug-in decorative lighting • Industrial cleaning solvents • Pets • Refrigerators/freezing units • Personal irons • Storage units taller than 48″

Go SLO 2021

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CAMPUS READY Sponsored by FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

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acilities Management and Development (FMD) teams have been on campus nearly every day since the beginning of the pandemic, working hard adapting to and implementing new operating procedures based on national, state and local guidance. These teams have supplied the campus with over 50,000 face coverings, 35,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, 18,000 gallons of disinfectant, 800 MERV 13 filters (used for indoor air purification) and more than 4,000 signs and floor graphics that provided guidance and promoted appropriate behaviors to reduce the transmission of COVID19. Take a look at the 10 most relevant changes instituted by our FMD teams.

1. Daily cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting throughout campus based on CDC guidelines.

2. Direct dissemination of safety equipment, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, disposable gloves, etc., to each campus department as needed.

3. Installation of hand sanitizing stations in prominent locations.

4. Temporary removal of hand air-dryers in restrooms per health and safety recommendations. These will be restored to service by fall quarter.

5. Installation and maintenance of safe operating Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in all occupied buildings.

6. Increased outside air flow in buildings that have HVAC systems with limited capabilities.

7. Installation of more than 350 plexiglass barriers at service counters, housing restrooms, and other appropriate locations where person-to-person close interactions occurred.

8. Stocked up on personal protective equipment (PPE) kits that can be issued to students and staff when necessary.

9. Approximately half of sinks, urinals, and other fixtures in building restrooms were temporarily removed from service to provide physical distancing. These will be fully returned to service by fall quarter.

10. Performance of preventative maintenance and coordinated equipment repairs and replacement work by the Engineering Services team to ensure optimal operational condition in each building.

Mustang Media Group

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STUDENT OMBUDS SERVICES

by TESSA HUGHES

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ransitioning to college is a daunting endeavor, and sometimes, students still need the guidance to handle the new issues they may face in this new chapter of life. That is where the Office of Student Ombuds Services steps in.

The website describes its purpose as a resource where “staff are committed to hearing about students’ experiences.”

The office offers a safe place to help resolve any university related issue, concern, conflict or complaint.

Ombuds prides itself on being confidential, informal, impartial and independent. It exists as a neutral party between students and the university. They can also give referrals to different campus organizations and offices that may best assist students depending on different situations.

Ombuds is confidential, which is the standard that many find to be the most comforting. The only exception is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm to oneself or others, or with incidents of sexual

misconduct. However, in cases of sexual misconduct, the Ombuds is mandated to report. Ombuds staff can refer the student to organizations and resources that are not mandated to report the incident.

Ombuds also offers a safe and welcoming environment. No records are kept, no formal procedures are taken and staff cannot be called as witnesses in any formal process.

As mentioned previously, Student Ombuds does not represent the university and does not serve as an advocate for the student. Rather, it provides a safe place for students to share their experiences with professionals and receive problem solving guidance, advice and support.

Due to its impartial structure, Ombuds also focuses on being independent. In addition to being independent from the administrative structure of the university, Ombuds reports directly to the Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong.

Starting on October 25, the office will be open for in-person services, assuming all repopulation efforts go according to plan. After this, Ombuds will continue to meet with students via whichever modality they prefer in-person, via telephone or on Zoom.

Ombuds staff can be contacted via email at ombuds@calpoly.edu or over the phone at 805-756-1380.

Staff are committed to hearing about students’ experiences.

VALENCIA APARTMENTS

REACH OUT TO US! 555 Ramona Drive San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805.543.1450

New School New Year

New Chapter

New Wellness Plan

Let us help you check that box.

Transitions-Mental Health Association operates over 40 programs throughout the Central Coast, and one of them is available to you at a moment's notice. Our 24-hour Central Coast Hotline operates 365 days a year to serve folks in San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties, providing immediate crisis support and resource information within the Central Coast. Make the call anytime at 800–783–0607.

Your journey to mental health starts here.

25 Go SLO 2021

A WELLBEING WELCOME TO CAL POLY! Sponsored by CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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ellbeing Services within Campus Health & Wellbeing include our Health Education Program, Safer’s gender and power-based prevention education and advocacy support, our Food Pantry and other Basic Needs Resources.

We are passionate about cultivating a culture of health on our campus and addressing individual and systemic barriers that may hinder paths to wellness.

We’re here to offer you multiple ways to get involved and to be well!

Health Education offers training, workshops, events and coaching related to various health topics, and much of this outreach is provided by an incredible team of students called PULSE (Peers Understanding, Listening, Supporting, Educating). Topics include general health safety, violence prevention, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, mental health, nutrition and exercise, and sexual and relationship health. Our professional staff also offer conversations to work with students experiencing moderate to severe negative consequences due to their alcohol and/or drug use. We also have a collegiate community called “Mustangs for Recovery” that supports students affected by substance misuse and behavioral addictions. We provide a safe, sober-friendly environment for students and offer alternatives, support, community and events geared towards students in recovery.

Safer is Cal Poly’s primary resource regarding gender- and power-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation and harassment. We encourage you to engage with Safer’s prevention education events during awareness months, attend workshops and presentations, and consider getting involved through Safer’s Leadership Training. This last year, 38 students completed this rigorous 21-hour training about gender- and power-based violence prevention and response. Many participants volunteer or work with Safer to bring the knowledge gained to other student leadership roles across campus.

Our Food Pantry is a wonderful resource located on the ground level of Campus Health and Wellbeing and was created in 2014 out of a need identified by faculty and staff who saw an increased number of students going hungry and without the means to purchase basic food and supplies. The pantry is a no-questionsasked self-service resource with canned foods, frozen meals, fresh produce and personal hygiene products. We also host monthly food distribution sites with the SLO Food Bank at Mott Lawn and work closely with CalFresh to get students signed up for up to $204 monthly stipends for groceries. The food pantry and our basic needs resources are also really

We are extremely passionate about cultivating a culture of health on our campus and addressing individual and systemic barriers that may hinder paths to wellness.

We are here for you and look forward to supporting your health!

easy to donate to! We accept non-perishable food and hygiene products, donations through our Amazon wish list, direct financial donations through Cal Poly giving and donated campus meals through the mustang meal share. All of this information can also be found at http://chw.calpoly.edu/food-pantry.

We hope you will get involved with Wellbeing — whether through attending our workshops, talking to us at a booth, getting involved as a peer educator or stopping by our food pantry. We are here for you and look forward to supporting your health!

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CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING IS HERE FOR YOU Sponsored by CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLBEING

C

ampus Health and Wellbeing (CH&W) is here for Cal Poly students during the COVID-19 pandemic and year-round. We are here to support each student’s health and well-being. CH&W views students’ needs in a holistic way to foster healthy ways to live life to the fullest. Students can access services for mental health, physical health, crisis support and advocacy, as well as our food pantry.

In an effort to comply with local and state public health guidelines and mandates, there are updated processes to keep the students safe. Temperature screening, face coverings and de-densifying the building are a must. For each student’s safety and to reduce wait time, students should call ahead to make an appointment.

There’s a dedicated team of board-certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and other healthcare providers available to you in Building 27 (the Health Center). During the COVID-19 pandemic, health services are offered in-person and via telehealth. Many of the services offered are included as part of the quarterly health services fee. Health insurance is not required to receive service.

In addition, there is a pharmacy with prescription and over-the-counter items, a high-complexity laborato-

We are here to support each student’s health and well-being.

CH&W views students’ needs in a holistic way to foster healthy ways to live life to the fullest. ry and an X-ray department. Other services offered are immunizations, orthopedic supplies and sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing.

Counseling Services offers many services for mental health. During the pandemic, Counseling Services transitioned their full range of services to a virtual, HIPAA-compliant format.

Individual therapy, couples therapy, triage and crisis appointments are being provided by phone and HIPAAcompliant Zoom. Group therapy, emotional wellbeing workshops and other drop-in services are offered via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. In addition, our Counseling Services team has developed virtual support spaces for

There’s a dedicated team of board-certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and other healthcare providers available to you in Building 27.

pandemic-specific issues and for our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students. In-person services are also available as appropriate and in accordance with Public Health coronavirus guidelines.

Wellbeing Services spans the areas of Health Education, Basic Needs and Food Security, Gender- and Power-Based Violence response and prevention, Collegiate Recovery and the food pantry.

Wellbeing Services has professional Health Educators and Peer Wellness Programs, which provide student-to-student outreach and education on a wide range of topics like alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, mental health and healthy relationships.

Our Safer team offers holistic services for survivors of gender- and power-based violence in our Cal Poly community.

Our Advocacy Staff directly supports survivors by offering confidential crisis support and advocacy services, including crisis intervention, accompaniments, referrals and more.

The team at Campus Health and Wellbeing is working hard to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The measures that are put in place are done in consultation with state and local health experts, as well as the team of doctors and other medical providers right here at Cal Poly. For more information, go to chw.calpoly.edu.

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29 Go SLO 2021

FIVE TECH TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE FIRST QUARTER AT CAL POLY Sponsored by INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

T

here’s a lot to learn as a new Cal Poly student, so Information Technology Services (ITS) wants to make it easy for you to get connected to the technology tools and resources you need, when you need them. These five tech tips will help make sure your first quarter at Cal Poly starts out stress-free.

01 PROTECT YOUR PASSWORD

Your Cal Poly username and password are your keys to accessing many university resources, including My Cal Poly Portal, your email account and campus Wi-Fi. Cal Poly accounts are protected by Duo, multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Duo authenticates your identity in two ways—with something you know (username and password) and something you have (mobile device, landline, Duo token, security key or Touch ID). When logging in with Duo, make sure to enable the “remember me for 30 days” feature, so you only have to authenticate once a month.

02 GET CONNECTED You can access Cal Poly’s Wi-Fi network from any campus building and some outdoor spaces by connecting to the

“eduroam” network. Once you’ve found eduroam on your smartphone or laptop, enter your username and password. You can connect to eduroam at Cal Poly or any time you visit an eduroam-member institution worldwide. If you bring any smart devices like TV’s, speakers, media streaming devices and gaming consoles to campus, they should connect to the “CP-IoT-Secure” network. Campus visitors can access free Wi-Fi by using the “CalPolyGuest” network.

03 BE SOFTWARE SAVVY There’s no need to purchase the Microsoft Office suite for your computer before you get to Cal Poly, because as a student, you can download it for free!

Students gets five free downloads of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more. Adobe Creative Cloud is available to Cal Poly students for just $29.99 per year, which is just a fraction of the retail price. For more information about the dozens of other low and no-cost software titles available to Cal Poly students, visit tech.calpoly.edu and search “software.”

04 SEEK KNOWLEDGE ITS has an online library called the Knowledge Base with answers to common questions, step-by-step instructions for using tech services and helpful troubleshooting tips. Go to tech.calpoly.edu and click on “self-help” in the main menu to browse the Knowledge Base, or use the search bar to find information about a specific tools and services you need help with.

05 GET SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT The ITS Service Desk provides concierge tech support to students online, over the phone and in person Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can assist with basic troubleshooting, hardware and software support and provide consultation regarding any ITS service.

The Service Desk is located on the first floor of Kennedy Library’s Hub24. If you need tech support, go to tech.calpoly.edu and click on “support” in the main menu.

For more information about the resources mentioned here, and to learn more about technology services for students, go to tech.calpoly.edu. Welcome to Cal Poly!

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GET INVOLVED WITH FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE AT CAL POLY Sponsored by FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

T

he Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community at Cal Poly consists of approximately 4,000 students across 38 chapters. From educational trainings and social gatherings, to prevention workshops and community barbecues, FSL is an energetic and multifaceted community. Three robust councils make up FSL: the United Sorority & Fraternity Council (USFC) houses our culturally-based organizations, Panhellenic Council (PHA) governs the all-women’s national organizations, and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) governs the all-men’s national organizations.

USFC celebrates culture and diverse lived experience to recognize how students’ cultural identities factor into their college experience.

Although anyone can join USFC, the 11 chapters have interests that range from LatinX, Asian American, Asian, multicultural, Latina, Latino and South Asian. Check out its Instagram for the most current information @calpoly_USFC!

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE Leave a Legacy

From educational trainings to community barbeques and workshops, FSL is an energetic and multifaceted community.

PANHELLENIC COUNCIL FORMAL RECRUITMENT

PHA is our largest council with approximately 2,000 members!

Registration for PHA recruitment is now open and you can register by utilizing its Instagram @calpolypanhellenic, or by visiting the website greeklife.calpoly.edu. Get ready to meet new people and learn about all 10 PHA chapters during recruitment!

IFC governs our 17 social men’s organizations and starts its Fall 2021 recruitment on Oct. 2. Like all our councils, IFC is passionate about philanthropy and supports its signature cause, Aware Awake Alive. You can check out IFC’s exciting recruitment activities, such as the kickoff barbeque, by following its Instagram @calpolyifc. See you there!

We look forward to showing you how Fraternity and Sorority Life can enrich your experience at Cal Poly. Contact the Fraternity and Sorority Life office via email at greeklife@calpoly.edu with questions. We can’t wait to meet you in the fall!

INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL RECRUITMENT

LARGE NATIONAL SORORITIES

LARGE NATIONAL FRATERNITIES

PHA will be hosting a hybrid formal recruitment process this Fall! The first half will be virtual and the second half will be in person.

IFC will be hosting formal recruitment this fall!

Aug. 1: Registration Opens

Oct. 2: IFC Information Session Oct. 4: IFC Recruitment Events Begin

Oct. 3: Mandatory Potential New Member Orientation Oct. 9-10 and 16-17: Formal Recruitment

UNITED SORORITY AND FRATERNITY COUNCIL RECRUITMENT CULTURAL INTEREST SORORITIES AND FRATERNITIES

The United Sorority & Fraternity Council (USFC) will hold recruitment events with all chapters in attendance!

Sept. 27: USFC Information Session at 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: USFC Kickoff at 7 p.m.

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33 Go SLO 2021

PARENT PHILANTHROPY IMPACTS STUDENT EXPERIENCES AT CAL POLY Sponsored by PARENT PHILANTHROPY

C

ongratulations Cal Poly parents! We know how hard you and your student have worked to get here, and we are so excited to welcome you into the Mustang family! We look forward to getting to know you in the years ahead.

Last year was a year like no other, and here at Cal Poly we are so proud of the resilience and strength that our Mustangs showed in the face of such adversity. As our campus hums back to life this fall, we are thrilled to welcome our students back. Students are the lifeblood of Cal Poly, and the hands-on, in-person education that they receive here is key to their Learn by Doing experience.

Our Learn by Doing philosophy is what makes Cal Poly stand out as an exceptional university, and private support is what allows us to offer our unique educational model. By making a gift to Cal Poly, you can help support those unparalleled Learn by Doing experiences that simply would not be possible with only state funding and tuition, which only cover a portion of the cost to fully educate a student.

Last year, parents gave $3.4 million to the university to support student success across scholarships, basic needs,

Parents can support just about any aspect of a student’s Cal Poly experience.

academic and extracurricular initiatives.

Parents can support just about any aspect of a student’s Cal Poly experience.

Many parents choose to support the area of their student’s interest, such as their department, college, club or activity. Or consider supporting Campus Health and Wellbeing, which took a lead role last year in helping ensure that everyone on

Tim added, “It’s a privilege to help Cal Poly be a shining star and set an example for other universities.

The future is getting stuff done, the future is hands on.”

We hope that you can find a way to make the next four years meaningful for your entire family. Whether through supporting your student’s

Students are the lifeblood of Cal Poly, and the hands-on, in-person education that they receive here is key to their Learn

by Doing experience.

campus was safe and healthy.

Separately, by giving to The Parents Fund, campus leaders are provided the flexibility to support the areas on campus of greatest need.

Parents like Pam and Tim Gray make an impact every day in students’ lives. The Gray family has had the opportunity to live through the Mustang experience twice — first with their daughter, Nelle, a 2018 bioresource and agricultural engineering graduate, and currently with their son, Will, a wine and viticulture student expected to graduate in 2022.

“We give because of the tremendous benefit we’ve already seen in our two children with the education they received and are receiving at Cal Poly,” Pam said.

passion as they become involved with clubs and projects, or by volunteering your time to an advisory council, mentoring a student, or being a guest lecturer, — there are many ways for you to stay involved with your student’s education.

Through Parent and Family Giving, you can directly improve your student’s experience at Cal Poly. Give back today at giving.calpoly.edu or contact Morgen Marshall, director of Parent Philanthropy, at mnmarsha@ calpoly.edu for more information.

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MAKE SPACE FOR MUSIC IN YOUR QUARTERLY SCHEDULES! Sponsored by THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

T

he Music Department offers a wide variety of courses available to all students! Subjects include music theory, history, ethnomusicology, synthesis and recording and much more.

Many classes fulfill general education and other requirements.

The department also has a wide variety of large and small performing vocal and instrumental ensembles. Most of the groups are one-unit elective classes and all will be meeting in person in the fall, as most did last year with great success.

The larger groups include Cal Poly’s Arab Music Ensemble: comprised of vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers; choirs: PolyPhonics, University Singers, Chamber Choir and Women’s Chorus; jazz bands: two big bands, a vocal jazz ensemble and combos; Mustang Band: marching and pep bands; Wind Bands: Wind Orchestra and Wind Ensemble; and Symphony Orchestra.

Smaller groups include Guitar Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensembles, Wind Quintets and String Quintets.

at music.calpoly.edu/minor/. The minor is only 24 units and can be customized to suit your interests.

The department also has a variety of large and small performing ensembles.

Auditions are required for most of the larger groups. To find out more, visit the ensembles website at: music.calpoly.edu/ensembles/.

If, after taking a class or two, you’d like to delve further into music — and have something to show for it when you graduate — you can apply for the Music Minor

For those who would rather attend a performance than play in one, the department offers many events each year, many of which are free. Take a break from your studies to enjoy the incredible talent of the university’s best musicians.

The department also hosts nationally and internationally recognized guest artists for lectures and performances, not to mention its own very talented faculty members. Events typically take place in venues including those of the Performing Arts Center (Miossi Hall, Pavilion and Spanos Theatre), the department’s recital hall in Room 218 of the Davidson Music Center (No. 45), and at off-campus locations. The spirited Mustang Band can be found at football and basketball games and parades, including the Chinese New Year Parade.

Check out the department’s calendar of events at music.calpoly.edu/calendar/ where events will be posted throughout the year.

For those who would rather attend a performance than play in one, the department offers many events each year, many of which are completely free.

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COMMUTE WITH CONFIDENCE THIS FALL Sponsored by TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SERVICES

As the Cal Poly community returns to campus this fall for the 2021-22 academic year, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) would like to invite everyone to come back safely, come back sustainably and come back together.

4. No need for your own car when there’s Zipcar. Students who are 18 or older can rent a car by the hour, with gas and insurance included. Go shopping across town with roommates or head to the beach for the day.

TAPS has been working hard to create convenient and sustainable options to get around SLO and back home without a personal vehicle. Here are the top five:

5. Commuter students can register as a carpool and share a parking permit with up to two cars on the account.

This is a great way to save money, limit the cars coming to campus and cut personal carbon emissions!

1. TAPS has your Thanksgiving and winter break trips home covered. Book a seat on Mustang Express starting Sept. 14 to get across California on five safe and direct routes.

2. Cal Poly is home to 7,252 bike racks. If you ride your bike to class, you will not have an issue finding free parking.

3. SLO Transit rides are free with your Cal Poly ID. San Luis Obispo’s busing system has convenient stops all around town. It’s dependable, easy and free!

Help do your part to promote sustainable transportation on campus. Sign up for one of Cal Poly’s commuting options to save time, save money and decrease carbon emissions.

VISIT COMMUTE.CALPOLY.EDU.

TAPS has been working hard to create convenient and sustainable options to get around SLO and back home.

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STUDY ABROAD: TAKING YOUR EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM, CITY, AND STATE

by TESSA HUGHES

A

fter a year of lockdown and travel restrictions, do you dream of bigger and better places outside the confines of your bedroom? Or San Luis Obispo? Or even the state of California?

Well thanks to Cal Poly Study Abroad programs, these dreams can become a reality next year.

“Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to learn in a global context, whether major-specific courses or general education courses. Seeing issues (and oneself) from different points of view adds a richness and complexity to academic and personal pursuits and growth, and can inform significantly professional work in the future,” Cal Poly Study Away Coordinator Chuck Petranek said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, study abroad programs for 2020-21 were suspended, however the International Center is working to help students plan for programs in fall 2021 and in 2022.

Save the date! In October 2021, the International Center will host a Study Abroad Fair where students may learn more about study abroad as well as virtual international experiences. The fair will be in hybrid format with an in-person

event scheduled for October 14, 2021 on Dexter Lawn and information sessions about specific programs held thereafter.

With study and internship programs abroad as well as virtual international opportunities, “students can develop cross-cultural communication skills, gain perspectives of what it may be like to study, live and work in a different country and build their resumes,” Petranek said. “Additionally, if students would prefer to stay closer to home, the International Center also supports students in participating in the National Student Exchange (NSE).

NSE allows students to exchange to other US institutions, including those that are in US Territories, and also with institutions in Canada.” In a typical year, nearly 1,500 students study, intern or conduct service learning abroad or engage with international group trips. Cal Poly ranked second in the nation among master’s institutions for the number of students it sent abroad in the 2018 to 2019 academic year.

Study Abroad is an amazing opportunity for students to learn in a global context, whether it be major courses or general education courses.

To research the programs that best fit your needs, a list of all offered programs is available at www.studyabroad.calpoly. edu. Students who plan on studying abroad during their time at Cal Poly are advised to start planning their trip approximately one year in advance.

“First-year students should visit the International Center during their first quarters at Cal Poly to get the process started. While first-year students aren’t eligible to study abroad until the completion of their initial year at Cal Poly, they are able to study during the summer after their first year. Students who work with us early on are often able to pick from the most diverse suite of programs to get the best fit for their personal interests, academic goals and progress towards graduation. So get connected with us early! We’re looking forward to working with you,” Petranek said.

The International Office can be reached via email at abroad@calpoly.edu or by phone at (805) 756-1477. To stay updated on the status of programs, students and families are encouraged to monitor travel information by country on travel.state. gov or cdc.gov. Cal Poly-specific updates are available at abroad.calpoly.edu.

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HOW TO FURTHER YOUR EDUCATION POST GRADUATION

by TESSA HUGHES

W

hile a majority of Cal Poly’s students are pursuing undergraduate degrees, there are also options for students to be involved in graduate programs. Cal Poly offers a myriad of master’s degrees that provide students the opportunity for higher education that they crave.

Cal Poly offers a myriad of master’s degrees that provide students the opportunity for higher education that they crave.

According to the Graduate Education website, department staff “support students to achieve excellence in both practice-oriented and research-based professional graduate programs that develop the advanced knowledge and leadership skills necessary to contribute to and prosper in an increasingly competitive global context. [They] work to inspire students to innovate and excel in their educational and professional career objectives.”

professional or academic step. Some of the programs can even be completed while pursuing an undergraduate degree, meaning the student can graduate with both a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years. Other master’s degrees can be completed in as little as ten months.

Cal Poly has more than 40 master’s degrees, graduate and professional certificates for students to choose from that can help them prepare for their next

The Graduate Education program takes Cal Poly’s “Learn By Doing” methodology and extends it for students. Students have the chance to learn with the same

experienced faculty who supported them through their undergraduate education using this pedagogy that makes Cal Poly graduates so successful and prepared for their post-graduate careers.

The Graduate Education Department is in Building 52, room E34. The department can also be contacted via email grad@calpoly.edu or by phone at (805) 756-2328.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church College Night Tuesdays 6-8pm Worship Sundays 8AM | 10:30 AM Bible Studies Sundays 9:15 AM 1010 E. Foothill Blvd. SLO, CA 93405 (805) 543-8327 | zionslo.com zion@zionslo.com @zionslo Worship: Zion SLO Bible Studies: Biblical Buffet

#zionslo

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CONTINUE FOR VISITOR’S GUIDE

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29

WELCOME TO THE VISITOR’S GUIDE THE SLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Photo by Zachary Cline

CONTENTS

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3

VISTOR’S GUIDE DINING

07

Unique Dining Experiences

ACTIVITIES

22

BEACHES

14

The Best Local Beaches, Plus a Few Hidden Gems!

Edition Designed by Katherine Olah & Elaine Do Cover Photos by Zachary Cline

The Definitive Downtown SLO Bucket List

WINERIES

26

Central Coast Wineries

Mustang Media Group

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0

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME If you have a student at Cal Poly, we invite you to make Hotel San Luis Obispo your home away from home by joining our

Poly Parents Perks program!

You’ll receive a special booking code for up to 25% off our normal room rates and a

welcome drink at S.Low Bar. For more information, visit:

hotel-slo.com/offers/poly-parents

HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO | hotel-slo.com | 805-235-0700 | 877 Palm Street San Luis Obispo CA 93401

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01 DINING

5

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San Luis Obispo is a slice of food heaven along the Central Coast, with unique and delicious places around every corner.

by LAUREN BOYER

S

an Luis Obispo is a slice of food heaven along the Central Coast, with unique places around every corner. Below are just a few of the many unique dining places around town.

TASTE! Located in the renovated Brickworks Building off Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, Taste! offers a unique dining experience for its customers with its distinctive ordering style and charismatic environment.

The indoor and outdoor dining at Taste! creates a great ambiance with their rustic decor and countryside feel. Even during the dining restrictions caused by COVID-19 precautions, Taste! managed to assemble a safe and charming outdoor dining area.

The Taste! menu features Duo, Trio or Quartet options, where customers can order any two, three or four menu items together in one meal. This unique ordering style can allow a table to try many of the more than 50 items Taste offers to its patrons. You can try pairing different menu items every visit and never have the same meal twice.

FLOUR HOUSE Flour House is an authentic Italian restaurant downtown that specializes in Pizza Napoletana, an Italian heritage-style pizza that consists of raw tomatoes, a special dough, mozzarella, basil and olive oil.

The outdoor dining at the back patio has numerous heat lamps, string lights and a big canvas of the Italian seaside.

On Mondays, Flour House hosts their “Meter Monday” special where tables can order full meter or half-meter pizzas. The full meter offers six different flavors, while the half offers three.

Make sure to arrive at around 5 p.m. for this special, as the wait can sometimes be more than two hours long.

ZIGGY’S Burgers, Tacos, Dessert - what’s so special about the Ziggy’s menu you ask? Everything is vegan and plant based! This popular spot offers a variety of hot vegan takeout with something for everybody.

Located off of California Boulevard, Ziggy’s greets you with neon signs and funky artwork as you order your food at the register.

The restaurant offers two breakfast burritos, five burgers, four tacos, a couple salads and a variety of sides and desserts.

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UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE

7

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YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME Papas Thai Cafe

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If you have a student at Cal Poly, we invite you to make Hotel San Luis Obispo your

!

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home away from home by joining our

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Poly Parents

Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm You’ll receive a special booking code for up to 25% off our normal room rates and a

1308 Monterey St, Bar. welcome drink at S.Low San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 For more information, visit:

ORDER NOW!

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Photos by Katie Hollister HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO | hotel-slo.com | 805-235-0700 | 877 Palm Street San Luis Obispo CA 93401

0

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02 BEACHES

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THE BEST LOCAL BEACHES, PLUS A FEW HIDDEN GEMS!

by TESSA HUGHES

01 CAMBRIA Cambria is a bit of a drive, but its unique beaches covered in elephant seals make it worth it. The best time to see the elephant seals is in January and early February during nursing season so you can see the newborn pups. While the beaches tend to have a lot of seals during this period, the elephant can be found on Cambria’s beaches year-round as they return for molting and mating throughout the year.

Another special activity Cambria hosts is their yearly Christmas Market. Every year in December, millions of Christmas lights are artistically displayed at the Cambria Pines Lodge for visitors and locals to come and enjoy. The market also features themed vignettes, food and art stands, visits from Santa and an authentic German Christmas Market. The

distinctive holiday event has become a beloved tradition for many students and locals alike.

02 MORRO BAY Morro Bay is widely considered as one of the best beaches for surfing in San Luis Obispo County. The waves at Morro Strand State Beach provide a great environment for surfers of all levels.

There is also kayaking and other aquatic activities, which tend to be popular around Morro Rock where various sea otters can be seen frolicking in the water.

Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound, sits within the Morro Bay Harbor. Along the waterfront in Downtown Morro Bay, there are many deliciously fresh seafood locales, small shops and quaint inns.

03 MONTANA DE ORO The most breath-taking beach in the area, Montana De Oro is the intersection of forest and beach. Montana De Oro, commonly referred to as MDO, features magnificent rock formations with unique patterns of erosion surrounding a gorgeous pebble sand beach. Farther down from the beach are smooth sand dunes where you might find visitors sand surfing. There are also environmentally-rich tide pools to explore, scenic hiking trails and beach access all in one place.

04 AVILA Avila Beach is the ideal day trip spot.

On a Saturday in the summer, you are bound to see countless Cal Poly students lying down on the sand, playing spike ball and splashing around in the waves. Along the water is also a cute strip of little shops to pop into. There are various food options — from fine dining to shave ice stands — to pick from before settling down at the beach.

Underneath Avila Beach Pier, you’ll likely

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Photo by Zachary Cline

find slackliners and hammocks, relaxing in the shade. Avila Beach is also one of the closest beaches to campus, making it a great weekend spot for students.

05 PISMO Pismo just redid their beachfront and it is looking better than ever! The beach provides a fun place to relax and walk along the Pismo Pier over the water.

Pismo is also home to the Monarch Butterfly Groves where the butterflies can be seen in the trees near the Pismo Dunes during October through February.

06 GROVER

07 PREFUMO CANYON

Grab those marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and skewers and set up shop at Grover beach. This place is the go-to beach bonfire spot for Cal Poly students. You can drive onto the beach and make it a whole day ordeal, or camp out for a couple hours, enjoy the sunset, then light it up! Beach bonfires at Grover Beach have also become a popular bucket list item for Cal Poly students and it is one of the only areas in California where you can experience it. Bonus points if you hit up In-N-Out afterwards since this is the closest place to get the California staple.

Now, this one’s not a beach, but tucked between Cal Poly and the coast is Prefumo Canyon. Voted Best SLO Hidden Gem and Best Sunset Spot for this year’s Poly Picks, Prefumo Canyon provides a beautiful scenic opportunity and a great place to picnic and take in the sunset. Just make sure to bring a jacket because it gets chilly!

The most breath-taking beach in the area, Montana De Oro is the intersection of forest and beach.

08 PIRATES COVE Pirates Cove is another wonderful place to watch the sunset in San Luis Obispo! When walking down the path from parking, veer right towards the rocks as opposed to the beach and you’ll stumble upon a natural rock cove that overlooks the ocean. Be prepared though, if you do make your way to the beach you might see some naked old men (this one’s a nude beach)!

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ACTIVITIES

Photo by Zachary Cline

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THE DEFINITIVE DOWNTOWN SLO BUCKET LIST

by TESSA HUGHES

01 BOO BOO RECORDS

02 FIRESTONES

03 DOC BURNSTIENS

Boo Boo Records, commonly referred to as ‘Boo Boo’s,’ is a special place for the local music community. Their front is lined with thousands of CDs and the back is full of vinyl records.

With vinyl’s rise in popularity over the years, the hype around Boo Boo’s has grown, making it frequented by music lovers and college students alike. The shop itself is also deeply involved in the local music scene and sells tickets to local shows.

A testament to its popularity, this restaurant typically has a line out the door. The tri-tip sandwich is probably the best in town, an impressive feat considering the number of local barbeque spots. Perhaps part of the reason this place is so well known is due to its ties to the campus community through their participation in the Cal Poly-favorite ‘Tri-Tip Challenge.’ The Tri-Tip Challenge is when people hike three of San Luis Obispo’s most popular peaks in one day. The three peaks include Bishop’s Peak, Cerro San Luis Obispo (frequently referred to as Madonna “Mountain) and ‘The P,’ which refers to the giant letter P (for Poly) atop one of the on-campus mountains. Traditionally, those who embark on the challenge reward themselves afterwards with Firestone’s famous tritip sandwich.

Ice cream shops are a dime a dozen in town, however there is something uniquely enticing about this one.

Maybe it’s their wide range of flavors, their homemade waffle cones or simply their brightly colored and extravagantly decorated parlor, but something about Doc Burnstiens makes it stand out from the rest.

Doc Burnsteins has become a routine stop for many groups during Cal Poly’s Week of Welcome (WOW), and is frequently packed with students and locals.

The Tri-Tip Challenge is when people hike three of San Luis Obispo’s most popular peaks in one day, Bishop’s Peak, Cerro San Luis Obispo (often reffered to as ‘Madonna’), and ‘The P’.

04 BUBBLEGUM ALLEY

05 THE MISSION

06 THE FREMONT THEATER

Similar to Seattle’s famous Bubblegum Wall, Downtown San Luis Obispo has its own famed Bubblegum Alley. You can make your own mark at the Bubblegum Alley by chewing your favorite type of gum and sticking it on the wall, just as thousands have done before you. If you don’t have gum with you, fear not! The alley is just a few feet away from the charming, old-fashioned candy store Rocket Fizz, where you can choose from a wide array of bubblegum flavors. You can also pose in front of the iconic gum-cemented walls and take a picture.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a historic part of Downtown since it was founded in 1772 by Junípero Serra. In addition to the museum that can be found inside the mission, the courtyard in front of the mission has been a great place for community events in recent years. Starting in December of 2020, the outdoor space has been used to host art exhibitions to match the current holiday or season. This new initiative has helped breathe a new life into San Luis Obispo, exciting locals to come see what installation will be next.

The Fremont Theater is essentially a local landmark. The vintage neon marquee lights up downtown and welcomes everyone through their doors. From concerts to church services to stand up shows, there is something for everyone at the Fremont. Built in 1941, the Fremont has become a defining piece of Downtown San Luis Obispo. It is hard to miss, hard to stay away from and should be on everyone’s bucket list. They have a diverse concert lineup for the rest of the year, now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, so make sure to check it out and participate in this long-established Cal Poly tradition.

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WINERIES

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CENTRAL COAST WINERIES

by DAISY KUENSTLER

W

ith an ideal climate for viticulture, California’s Central Coast is known for its myriad of wineries. For parents (and students older than 21), here are some vineyards to visit during your time on the Central Coast: 01 EDNA VALLEY VINEYARD Hidden away on the beautiful central coast, Edna Valley Vineyard lies just a couple of miles away from Pismo Beach.

This gorgeous vineyard offers award-winning wines, stunning scenery and a rich history. With a key focus on a grape that thrives in a cool growing season, their Chardonnay is a must-try.

To follow in the footsteps of their founder, Jack Niven, Edna Valley has focused on creating the best Chardonnay and continuing to expand their knowledge. Edna Valley’s enologists continue to develop and adapt this wine. Reservations for tastings are required Thursday through Monday, and both indoor and outdoor tasting experiences are offered.

Customers are even able to pick up a bottle of wine without leaving their vehicle with their Curbside Concierge service.

Location: 2585 Biddle Ranch Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 544-5855 ext 1 02 BAILEYANA Baileyana prides itself on its “boldly beautiful wines.”

Founded over 30 years ago in Edna Valley, this winery harvests grapes planted back in 1973. With a range of grape varieties, from pinot noir to sparkling wines, there is an opportunity for everyone to find their perfect wine.

Baileyana features outdoor seating with views of the entire vineyard. The tasting room is located in the 1909 historic Independence Schoolhouse. Their founder, Catharine Niven, had a dream of a small vineyard in her Edna Valley home — and that is exactly what she did. Her small home now houses more than 30 red and white wines, as well four family wines: Baileyana, Tangent, True Myth and Zocker.

Location: 5828 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, CA Phone: (805) 269-8200

With an ideal climate for viticulture, California’s Central Coast is known for its myriad of wineries.

03 J. LOHR J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines spans over 1,400 acres of cool-climate regions of Monterey County, as well as 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles. The winery even owns 30 acres of Carol’s Vineyard in Napa Valley. With all of these estates, J. Lohr can harvest numerous wines in regions where they best thrive.

J. Lohr is a family-owned and operated company that was founded five decades ago. With sustainability at the core of this establishment, J. Lohr focuses on “growing sustainability” by ensuring their company can be defined by three aspects: socially equitable, environmentally sound and economically feasible.

Location: 6169 Airport Road Paso Robles, CA Phone: (805) 239-8900 04 CHAMISAL Chamisal was the first winery to plant any vines in Edna Valley. Back in 1973, this venture paved the way to a new path for Edna Valley. The combination of the specific soil and nearby water allows for the vines to thrive.

Chamisal works not only to provide great quality wine but also ensures that they remain true to their promise of sustainability. They focus on protecting their land as well as the entire environment including the soils, climate, flora and fauna.

Location: 7525 Orcutt Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-9463 05 SANTA BARBARA WINERY: Pierre Laford created Santa Barbara Winery back in 1962.

This was the first post-prohibition commercial winery in Santa Barbara County. They have received numerous awards for chardonnays, pinot noirs and syrahs.

With plans to expand, this winery is not a place to miss out on!

Location: 28 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 963-3633

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