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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