100 YEARS OF STUDENT-RUN NEWS AT CAL POLY S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S P U B L I C S ’ Y L O AT I O P N CAL
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ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS AND PARENTS Q&A with Keith B. Humphrey, Vice President for Student Affairs
PARENT- TO - PARENT Tips for freshmen parents from the Parent Advisory Council
UNIVERSITY HOUSING’S PEER MEDIATORS Ways for new students to get along with their roommates
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MASTER PLAN IN THE WORKS Cal Poly revises its master plan after receiving feedback
ULTIMATE SLO BUCKET LIST Alumni recommend top things to do in SLO
STUDENTS ADVISE PARENTS
Mustang News California Polytechnic State university 1 Grand Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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10 tips for parents from current students
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Cal Poly plans for an exciting future Each new academic year is an opportunity to improve the Cal Poly curriculum, our campus, our growing global reputation and our San Luis Obispo community. Our students are exposed to a diverse learning environment in a vibrant and passionate community. This coming year is an important moment in time for Cal Poly, as we work to update our campus Master Plan, academic plan and the University Union, which is the lifeblood of student success and the campus core. Vision 2022 and our campus Master Plan are road maps to our future. With each improvement, students will have more resources on campus and will be better prepared for the future. Upgraded classrooms, laboratories, residential halls and outdoor learning spaces will ensure a unique Cal Poly Learn by Doing education for generations to come. Key areas of the updated cam-
pus Master Plan are to improve and increase housing for students on campus, create a more vibrant 24/7 campus with living and learning activities for everyone, a safer and better planned central campus for pedestrians and bicycles, and upgraded and expanded learning spaces in the core of campus, including office space for faculty. And we’ll do all this while preserving much of our close-in prime agricultural lands, honoring Cal Poly’s legacy of Learn by Doing education and service to California. These improvements will better integrate students with campus and the community, and better integrate the community with Cal Poly. We are excited for the future and cannot wait to get your input on our current plans. Together, we will shape a better Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo. Have a great rest of your summer. We’ll see you soon. Jeffrey D. Armstrong Cal Poly President
ANDREW EPPERSON | MUSTANG NE WS
ASI President Owen Schwaegerle welcomes Mustangs
ASSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC. | COURTESY PHOTO
Welcome one and all to Cal Poly! My name is Owen Schwaegerle, and I will be serving as your Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President for the 2015-16 academic year. I am excited that you have chosen to become a part of our Mustang family. Get ready for the journey of a lifetime! San Luis Obispo is known to be one of the happiest places in America, and you will soon learn it is also a wonderful place to attend college. Cal Poly is renowned for great academics and student clubs; however, be sure to check out the
countless opportunities available outside of the classroom. You could try surfing at the beach, hiking the scenic trails, climbing the rock wall or line dancing. College is said to be the best years of your life. You will get out of it what you put into it, so learn how to balance the academic, social, physical and spiritual elements of your life by prioritizing the things that are most important to you. My goal as ASI president is to help every student be successful by helping to keep college affordable, providing a safe
environment and building our Mustang Pride! That way everyone can have the ultimate college experience! Cal Poly has numerous clubs, intramural sports, greek organizations and resources that are available to you. I encourage you to find a community at Cal Poly. The transition to college can be tough, so make sure you have the support of family and friends around you to face head-on any challenges that come your way. Step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself to become involved in something bigger than
yourself, and you will thrive during your college years. I am here to represent you, — the student — to the university administration and the CSU system. If you ever have any problems or concerns, feel free to email me or come into my office in the Julian A. McPhee University Union, Room 202. My door is always open, and I am eager to listen and lead the student body throughout this year. Go Mustangs! Owen Schwaegerle ASI President
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After feedback, planning committee revises Master Plan This summer has been a busy one for campus planners. Linda Dalton, Interim University Planning Officer, has spent it with her team continuing to develop the new Master Plan. “We had a retreat of leaders, including student representation and faculty, on June 11,” Dalton said. “In that meeting we started to go over some of the feedback that had come in, and decided to take several crop lands out of consideration.” A press release on the Master Plan’s official website stated, “The decision was made to remove from consideration for development prime agricultural land shown in previous maps as under study. These include the fields between Highway 1 and Brizzolara Creek and west of Mt Bishop Road, which includes the plot commonly referred to as the ‘lemon grove.’ These fields will remain agricultural lands.” Campus Planner Julie Moloney was involved in these decisions, and noted the weight outside opinions played in the decision. “It was clear that there was a lot of miscommunication about what the maps meant (to be ‘under study’) and what identifying or highlighting those fields meant,” Moloney said. “We decided it was too controversial at this time to consider anything there, and we took them off the map.” Dalton agreed that the feedback from listening sessions were beneficial in plan-making. “It’s really hard to just share information on the web,” Dalton said. “By having the listening sessions that the president did and then the ones Julie Moloney and I did as a team ... I think it really helped with an exchange of ideas.”
CAL POLY MASTER PLAN TEAM | COURTESY PHOTO CHANGES | After receiving campuswide feedback on the proposed Master Plan, a committee has revisited some controversial components in an ongoing effort to improve the plan.
They went to 25 or 30 different metings, Dalton said. “We presented the information, we listened and answered questions, and I think it really helped,” he said. While they’ve covered lots of ground already, the planning team still has a long way to go. “We’re still refining (the Master Plan),” Moloney said. “That is our task for the summer, to take all the feedback in addition to the changes that the president and executive staff made, to do additional analysis, and to present what we’re calling — for lack of a better term — a ‘preferred concept.’ I think it’s definitely
shaping up.” Dalton, too, knows there’s much more left for the team to take care of. “As a professional, I think it was a good decision to remove those prime agricultural lands,” Dalton said. “But we have a lot more work to do, because we’ve got a lot of things still to fit in — particularly more instructional space and student housing.” Dalton estimates the new plan won’t be formulated until the end of summer, and that it might take the rest of August to come up with the next round of the plan. So what’s the next step? The
campus and community will have another chance to review and comment on the next version of the master plan early in fall quarter. Then, one of the big points the master plan team still has to cover is an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). On the Master Plan website, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong released a statement giving a loose outline of the plan. “Work from the advisory committees will inform the professional team members as they write elements of the plan,” Armstrong wrote. “The draft plan will then be circulated for public review, along with analysis of po-
tential environmental impacts.” This is easier said than done, Moloney said. “We have to write implementation policies on how to actually get there,” Moloney said, “so a lot of that actually depends on the academic strategy. Ultimately we’ll have a phasing plan for what will be a good start for which buildings to start renovating or replacing.” According to Dalton, the incoming class of 2019 will likely start to see the fruit of her team’s labor before graduating. “I would guess some of the Oppenheimer-funded facilities for agriculture (will be
completed) because the money’s already there,” she said. “So yes, I think this new class of freshmen will start to see the results before they graduate.” However, nothing is set in stone, and the team encourages anyone with thoughts to reach out to the team. “It’s certainly not a done deal yet,” Moloney said, “and if anyone wants to continue to comment, go to the website and give us your feedback.” The Master Plan website is masterplan.calpoly.edu. The team is open to feedback and comments from students, faculty or community members.
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Campus Dining expands options, meal flexibility If Cal Poly is your home away from home, that makes Cal Poly’s dining facilities your dining table away from home. But before you chow down, there are a few things you need to know — how to enroll in a dining plan, what food options there are and how you can take advantage of nutrition resources on campus. Enrolling in a dining plan Cal Poly has one type of dining plan for freshmen; however, costs differ based on what housing the student resides in. This is separate based on those living in the residence halls — Yosemite, Sierra Madre, Trinity, Santa Lucia, Muir, Sequoia, Fremont, Tenaya and North Mountain, and those living in on-campus apartments — Cerro Vista and Poly Canyon Village. Both groups of freshmen receive Plu$ Dollars to pay for food. They are put onto a Cal Poly ID and are deducted when dining facility cashiers swipe it at the register. Cal Poly Corporation Director of Marketing and Communications Ellen Curtis is confident freshmen will transition nicely to this system of payment. “This is really easy,” she said. “They just carry around their Poly ID and they can go eat at any venue ... It’s just really convenient. They just swipe and go.” Students in the residence halls will pay $4,083 for their dining plan while those in apartments will pay $3,103. The total amount of Plu$ Dollars will be separated evenly into the three school year quarters, giving residence hall freshmen $1,361 per quarter and apartment freshmen $1,034. If a student doesn’t use all their Plu$ Dollars in a quarter,
they will be rolled over to the next quarter. But if there are any left at the end of the year, those dollars will be forfeited. Not enough Plu$ Dollars? Dining supplements If a student needs more Plu$ Dollars than their dining plan offers, they may buy either Fast Passes or add additional money to their Cal Poly ID through a system called Campus Express. Both can be done through the Cal Poly Dining website. Where to eat on campus There are many places to choose from when you want a bite to eat on campus. Here are all the restaurants: 19 Metro Station: All-youcare-to-eat restaurant with a variety of foods. With the dining plan, it costs $4.50 per meal — making it the best value on campus. The Avenue: Centrally located near the University Union and contains several other food establishments like Chick-fil-A. Sandwich Factory: Serves various build-your-own sandwiches and other grab-and-go food items like doughnuts, bagels and more. Lucy’s: A smoothie shop. Curbside Grill: Food truck that visits campus every week. Tacos To-Go (two locations on campus, one near the Kennedy Library and another in Poly Canyon Village): Serves various Mexican food items such as burritos and tacos. Subway: The chain restaurant, open 24 hours a day. Julian’s: Newly remo deled and expanded to serve coffee, pastries and other grab-and-go items. Campus Market: Grocery store with a Starbucks. Starbucks: Two locations; in
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS BON APPETIT | Students can now use Plu$ Dollars at all on-campus eateries, such as Ciao!, a pizza restaurant located in the Universty Union.
the University Union and in Campus market. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Serves bagels, bagel sandwiches, pastries and drinks. Jamba Juice: The chain smoothie shop that originated as a senior project. Village Market: Grocery store and deli. Yogurt Creations: Serves frozen yogurt by the cup
and tub-full. Ciao!: Authentic Italian pizza Red Radish: Build-your-own salad restaurant. VG Cafe: Near residence halls with various food establishments inside. Sage Restaurant: White-table cloth restaurant within Vista Grande Cafe. Burger Bar: Inside Sage Restaurant, serving a variety of
burgers and milkshakes. Nutrition resources Cal Poly has several resources to help you eat healthily on campus. There is a Campus Dining Wellness Center where students can talk to registered dietitian Megan Coats. Cal Poly restaurants also have several food options for those
with food allergies. Cal Poly nutrition senior Erin Heidenreich appreciates these sort of options. “As a student with different dietary restrictions and food allergies I have found Campus Dining to be ext re m e l y a c c om m o d at i n g and full of resources to help me eat on campus,” she said.
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University Store revamps for streamlined experience
Graphic Arts Building Building 26, Suite 226 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
With summer in full swing, the minds of college students are adrift — and far from school or anything that resembles it. However, Cal Poly’s University Store is already hard at work, revamping an array of features to increase convenience for students in anticipation of the upcoming school year. Specific attention is being paid to streamlining the experience for incoming freshmen. The most immediate and noticeable change the store has undertaken is a website facelift. According to a press release from the Cal Poly Corporation, the purpose of the redesign is to make for a more pleasant online aesthetic, which makes navigation easier than in the past. “The graphic redesign makes navigating the website more efficient and pleasing to users, as well as reflects the University Store’s mission of supporting student success,” the release stated. The effort includes incorporating imagery of campus, Cal Poly students and alumni. In addition, a new inventory of Cal Poly-brand items not previously on the website is now available. “The goal was to bring the offline experience of the University Store online,” said Lynnette Held, interim director of the University Store, in the release. In addition to heightened branding and accessibility,
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EDITORS & STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kayla Missman SPECIAL SECTIONS COORDINATOR Suha Saya PHOTO EDITOR Georgie de Mattos STAFF REPORTERS Naba Ahmed, Brendan Abrams, Nina Doering, Celina Oseguera, Will Peischel, Dylan Ring, Madi Salvati, Jen Silva, Tim Wetzel, Kristine Xu CONTRIBUTORS Travis Angevine, AnnMarie Cornejo, Haley Genoway, Nicole Giusti, Arin Miller, Christina Monji, Cassandra Peltz, Rachel Scott, Suha Saya, Owen Schwaergerle , Mieko Temple, Katie VanMeter, Skylar Weir COPY EDITORS Kristine Xu DESIGNERS Meghan Legg, Sabrina Smith ADVERTISING MANAGER Maddie Spivek ASSISTANT ADVERTISING MANAGERS Anna Seskind, Sam Patterson SENIOR ADVERTISING CONSULTANT C.J. Estores ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Luke Bickel, Ashley Safari, Shakti Rajput ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER Jordan Triplett ADVERTISING DESIGNER Micaela Pacini PRODUCTION MANAGER Erica Patstone GENERAL MANAGER Paul Bittick
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“Go Mustangs!”
a primary aspect of the website redesign is to promote University Store features already in place that may have gone unnoticed by students in the past. According to Ellen Curtis, the Director of Marketing and Communication for Cal Poly Corporation, the goal of the University Store is to make those features well known to students, especially freshman. “These programs have been in place,” she said. “But we’ve found out that not enough students knew about them. We’re being extra diligent in getting the word out.” Curtis said the University Store is offering several options to meet student needs, with discounts of up to 30 percent off on used books, 40 percent off on e-books and 60 percent off on rentals compared to buying new. However, the greatest tool for comparing prices across vendors is Verba. Verba, which has been accessible on the website since 2012, displays University Store prices alongside other popular textbook vendors such as Chegg or Amazon. The purpose is to provide students with the best option, even if it isn’t the bookstore. “The cool thing is you can compare all of your prices on the website against other providers,” said Curtis. “It’s just an open forum.” Curtis also emphasized the importance of the store’s location. Instead of waiting days for books to arrive, textbooks can be purchased at the store on the same day a student finds that they need it. In addition, students can pur-
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS REDESIGN | The University Store’s updates are intended to make the shopping experience more convenient.
chase books in advance through the website and pick them up on the first day of class. The program is called Textbook Express and has been providing students peace of mind for more than 10 years. “With Textbook Express, you can order your books online through the University Store, they’ll pack it all up in a box before your first day of class. You can just show up and get it.” This can be especially useful for freshmen, who can devote more time to finding out where their classes actually are. The University Store is also devoting effort to increase the convenience of returning books, not just purchasing them. This year, the store plans to offer up to 50 percent of the book price back
in cash contingent on supply and demand. Curtis emphasized not only the savings that this brings, but also that it helps other Cal Poly students. When a book is returned, it goes from new to used, which drops the price substantially for the next purchaser. “We learned through research that a huge part of selling back your books is students support students.” The final major emphasis made by the store this year is that their offerings expand beyond just textbooks, but also include other types of courseware — specifically electronics. According to Curtis, the Apple products at the University Store come at a discount not even available at a typical Apple store. “We also have discounts on
Apple products and software you could never get at the Apple store,” she said. “A lot of the design students know that when buying things like Adobe products. We’re making incoming students aware with our bundle deal promotion.” The overarching message the University Store wants to communicate this fall is that they stand on the same side as students. Their goal is to be an affordable vendor of course materials, a vendor students can rely on. “We’re actively looking and listening to students and supporting them in ways that are important to them: books that are cheaper, sites that are easier to use, having textbooks ready for you.”
Q&A with Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey is one of the most accessible administrators on campus, both via social media and around campus. To help you get to know him a little better, Mustang News asked him a few questions. What’s your favorite thing about Cal Poly? It has to be our students. I love our students, how excited they are about being part of the community, all the different things our students add and the ideas that they share. I love how they do things like create WOW from the ground up — that was completely done by our students — but I also love how our students fully embrace campus. They’re excited to be here, they want to be here, and they want to make an impact. And that makes it fun.
vices. Career Services intentionally engages with freshmen so that we match their interest in a specific major and pair it up with the student’s strengths, then help them develop a potential fouryear career plan. That involves internships, class experience and involvement in leadership experience, so while many folks think Career Services is something that they go to when they’re ready to get their resume ready at the beginning of their senior year — that is not how we operate here.
What do you do as Vice President of Student Affairs? Oh, lots of stuff. So Student Affairs is really about making sure that the quality of your out-of-class experiences matches the quality of your in-class experiences. We’re the area that’s responsible for helping to make sure that students grow and develop personally, that they are engaged with campus, that they are having a good experience and that we help cultivate them to be connected alumni for the rest of their lives.
What are some of the other Student Affairs departments freshmen can take advantage of? I would encourage new students to take Career Services first as a resource, but Student Academic Services offers a lot of the study skill sessions out of the library. Learning is different in college classes; classes are taught differently at college than they were in high school, and when you add in the Learn by Doing element, there’s a lot of expectation for students to understand and consume information outside of class. Student Academic Services can really help students with that. We really want our students to get involved in clubs, organizations and leadership opportunities through our Dean of Students Office that offers all that. We also know that this generation is one of the most community service-minded groups of people that have come into college in a long time, so the center for community engagement is a big one to get in touch with as well.
Does Student Affairs offer programs to help freshmen transition into college classes? Oh, tons. I think every Student Affairs department offers things for first-year students. One of the big places is New Student and Transition Programs, which does things like summer orientation, WOW and Open House. One of the key aspects of our housing department, (which) houses all the first-year students, is making sure (students) have a good foundation and experience. But things that are not as expected or obvious include departments like Career Ser-
How do you connect with freshmen and their parents? I’m very visible at summer orientation. I talk with folks, and I have sessions to get to speak with parents, especially at orientation. I speak with students at the closing, we do lots of regular videos and we do emails to both students and parents. I have an office Facebook page, too — I started it for students but in all honesty, it’s become more for parents because parents have taken over Facebook and ruined it for their children. But I have a Twitter account and open office hours for students every Monday 4-5 p.m. during the academic year, with no appointment necessary.
MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO ADVICE | Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Humphrey encouraged freshmen to not pressure themselves.
Anyone can roll up in here with anything they need at any time they want, so I try to be as open and available as possible and I try to be out at different events as much as possible. What was the biggest shock for you coming into your first year of college? As someone very excited to go to college — l think like most people — the biggest shock for me was the amount of things you could do. The possibilities are unlimited. I had that moment of shock and overwhelmingness about all the different opportunities and ways to engage, and I had to really be thoughtful about picking just a few. I still had to go to school. What should freshmen be thinking about as they get ready to move to Cal Poly? I think they should come being ready to be who they are. Know that Cal Poly is a place that’s ready for who they are. A lot people say “But when I get to college I’m going to change this or change that.” You don’t have to change who you are to be at Cal Poly. We want freshmen to be thinking
about what they’re going to take from this place, and that means being engaged. I would say pick one or two things that you really want to connect with, whether that’s Mustang News, being in a fraternity or sorority or being in a leadership or service position. We know that students that do that get better grades, and are more likely to become sophomores and graduate faster. As a parent yourself, what advice do you have for parents sending their kid to college for the first time? I have a 7- and a 9-year-old, so I can take a lot of lessons from our current parents. But how I hope to be parenting my two boys when they go to school is to trust all of the teaching and wisdom and love that you have given your sons and daughters for the first 18 years of their lives. You’ve done a good job and they’re ready to be here and be out on their own. What advice do you have for students who have a little trouble adjusting to their first year? My first piece of advice is they’re
not alone. Most students have a hard time adjusting to their first year, and a lot of folks are trying to not admit it. So it’s pretty common to have adjustment troubles living in a residence hall room with two or three other people, taking classes differently, having to do your own laundry, having to do your own food and all of that type of stuff. It’s all really normal and chances are that the person living next door to you and across the hall and across campus are having the same types of feelings and emotions, so I want folks to not put pressure on themselves to have it be perfect on the first day. Any final thoughts for the incoming class? We are really excited for them to be here, and we are looking forward to see how they shape and change Cal Poly. In that class there are future club and organization presidents, a future ASI president and a future editor of Mustang News. All of these people are coming to us and they’re going to shape and change campus, so we’re excited for them to get here and see what they do.
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UPD chief shares safety tips for incoming students With the freedom of living on campus comes the responsibility of taking care of yourself. Cal Poly’s University Police Department (UPD) is on call 24/7. But safety on campus is everyone’s responsibility. UPD Chief George Hughes shared a few tips to be safe and responsible. “It is important for everyone to know that police officers are on campus every day, all day which contributes to the low crime rate we enjoy,” Hughes said. “However, despite all our efforts,
responsibility for their own crime may — and sometimes them unattended. The most important aspect safety, Hughes said. still does — occur.” While traveling, you should The most common crimes on of safety is personal security. be aware of your surcampus are crimes of roundings, travel in opportunity and propSTUDENTS SHOULD MAKE SURE TO pairs or groups and erty theft, and most LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER AND USE stay in well-lit areas. incidents involve the THE BUDDY SYSTEM. IF YOU SEE ONE If you leave campus, victim leaving their OF YOUR FRIENDS THAT IS NOT you should do so in a valuable items unseMAKING A HEALTHY CHOICE, MAKE group, stay in a group, cured. To keep perSURE THEY GET HOME SAFE OR CALL FOR A SSISTANCE. watch out for each sonal belongings safe, other and make sure they should be propGEORGE HUGHES you come home as erly secured or locked. UPD CHIEF a group. Students should check “Students should to make sure their rooms, cars and other items Though UPD is always avail- make sure to look after each are locked before leaving able, students should still take other and use the buddy sys-
tem,” Hughes said. “If you see one of your friends that is not making a healthy choice, make sure they get home safe or call for assistance.” Students should also arrange a way to get home ahead of time to ensure they have safe transportation. San Luis Obispo has many options for safe transportation including taxi services, the free bus service and SLO Safe Ride. If there is an emergency, 911 is still the number to call. If the call is placed on campus, it will transfer directly to UPD.
There are also blue phones throughout campus that can be used in emergencies. If the red button is pressed, the system will call UPD. A communications officer will be on the other end for assistance, and even if nobody at the emergency site answers, someone will be sent immediately to assess the situation. For any non-emergency situation, including reporting crimes or suspicious activity, UPD is available 24/7 at (805) 756-2281.
Academic Skills Center helps students excel in studies Travis Angevine College of Engineering I first got involved with Study Session when I applied to become a leader. I hadn’t heard of the program before I received an email saying that they were looking for leaders, but I knew it was something I wanted to do. I had just finished my major’s introductory classes, so the material was still fresh in my mind. But there was another reason. I also knew that I wanted to help students through the classes I had just completed. I love my field of study and wanted to be able to share that love with others while helping
Skylar Weir College of Engineering After my first year at Cal Poly, I reached an important conclusion: Engineering is actually really tough and college is actually a lot of fun. However, while completing my studies and focusing my free time on social and athletic events, I also reached another important conclusion: College makes me really selfish. I found myself getting so caught up in my own learning and interests that I started feeling guilty for not realizing the world around me. This realization led to my involvement with Supplemental Workshops in Mathematics (SWM). I’ve always had the built-in desire to help others, but never thought I was capable of instilling calculus concepts into students just like me. SWM provided me with an environment designed to grow my leadership skills, enhance my communication skills and refine my technical abilities. It also gave
them succeed. I feel like I have developed greatly as a leader during my time with Study Session. I have become better at helping students both understand the material and comprehend general school questions. I really feel that Study Session has been worth the time my students have put into it and that they have come out of the sessions better off. Being a part of Study Session not only made me grow as a person, it helped me become a better student as well. It refreshed my memory of the subjects that I took several years ago and improved my ability to understand new problems.
Mieko Temple
me a chance to pass on to my fellow Mustangs the knowledge that I worked so hard to obtain. During my workshops, I emphasize group work and make sure students understand the underlying concepts of calculus, not just how to memorize tactics. The tools and ideas I provide them with allow them to succeed in not only their math classes, but other classes as well. Participating in SWM, both as a student and as a leader, has been a most rewarding experience. Whenever students come up to me after a workshop and say how much my willingness to help guide them through challenging calculus concepts means to them, I get an undeniable feeling of happiness. Their appreciation and desire to learn is what helps me focus on my own studies and life beyond Cal Poly. If you’re looking for a positive way to give back to Cal Poly and broaden your view, definitely consider getting involved with SWM. It could shape your life.
Nicole Giusti
College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences During my three years at Cal Poly, I have been involved with Supplemental Workshops in Science (SWS) either as a student or as a facilitator. In both roles, I have only had positive experiences. From being taught tough concepts by knowledgeable, supportive facilitators to being the workshop facilitator, SWS has strengthened my understanding of the fundamentals of the sciences.
College of Engineering On my first day of class at Cal Poly, my computer science professor told me that I would need a rubber duck. Isn’t that a very confusing and intimidating thing to hear on your first day? In computer programming, “rubber-ducking” is when you try to work out issues in your program by explaining your code to a rubber duck. The duck is there to make you feel less silly while you talk to yourself. Rubber-ducking is my favorite study skill to share in my sessions. It has helped me way more than I ever thought it would. Study Session gives me an outlet to help others succeed with my own unique skills, perspectives and knowledge. My achievements at Cal Poly have been intertwined with all of my failures, my trials and
Q&A with the Health Center David Harris, executive director of Health and Counseling Services, answered some frequently asked questions about the Health Center. What is the Cal Poly Health Center? The Cal Poly Health Center houses Health Services, Counseling Services, Health Education (PULSE) and Campus Wellbeing. We handle the same range of problems that your family doctor would (injuries, sore throats, ear aches, anxiety, etc.). We provide care for more than 200 students every day. As a result of paying your student fees, all Cal Poly students are entitled to basic outpatient medical services, health education, and counseling services for free. Services beyond the basics are available at a charge. Health Services and Health Education All care is provided by licensed professionals. We have four board-certified physicians, four nurse practitioners and five physician assistants. We have a laboratory which performs a wide range of testing. Other tests are sent to a reference lab. We also offer regular X-rays. We use a computer radiographic system and send images to a board-certified radiologist off-campus who provides an official reading very quickly.
We have a full-time pharmacy which dispenses about 200-250 prescriptions every day and has 174 different medications on its formulary. If students need a special medication, we can order it. We also provide orthopedic supplies like crutches or arm slings. We have a travel clinic and can provide students with just about all immunizations, medicines and information needed for safe travel. Our Health Education department (PULSE) has nationally certified peer health educators who offer confidential consultations on topics like nutrition, alcohol and drug awareness, sexuality, lifestyle choices and mental health. How can students schedule a medical appointment? Appointments can be made three ways: online, by phone or in person. If a student has medical questions or needs after business hours, what should they do? We have a free after-hours nurse advice line that is available whenever we are closed. Students can talk to a licensed nurse who will give them advice. We get a report the next day and follow up with the student to make sure everything is OK. In regards to health records, what should students bring from home? We ask students to fill out online forms, which are accessible via
their Cal Poly portal. There is a health questionnaire that is very detailed about their past medical history. We don’t mind if parents help with it to make sure all of the details are correct. The student will have to fill this out only once and it can be finished before coming to campus. Every subsequent year, students are given an abbreviated form that has some general questions, including sexual health. How does personal health insurance work? We don’t accept health insurance, mainly because you’re already paying for our services through your student health fee. Everything we offer is either free or at minimal cost at the time of your visit. Any charges are automatically forwarded to your student account. Your personal health insurance comes into play when health issues go beyond our capacity/capability. Emergency room visits, hospitalizations or referrals to specialists are where your private health insurance will be important. Any helpful tips for students? Bring your own simple first aid kit: Band-Aids, double antibiotic ointment, Advil and Tylenol, any medications that you normally take. Bring a thermometer. If you wear contact lenses, bring a pair of glasses. If you get an eye infection, you will not be able to wear
Hayley Genoway College of Science & Mathematics There are many momentous occasions in life, but going to college is the most terrifying and exciting thing I have done so far. So much change happens all at once: new living situations, new friends and new academic opportunities. All this change can be overwhelming and stressful, even though the change is good. College classes are definitely more challenging than anything I encountered while attending high school. I found Study Session to be a superb tool that helped me adjust to my new academic challenges. I found it to be a safe place to ask questions, to collaborate with peers and to your contacts. Also list your food and drug allergies and the reaction they cause. It is helpful to always carry your health insurance card and make sure you understand your insurance plan. Last but not least, please check out our website www.chw.calpoly.edu so you are familiar with our resources. Counseling Services How much does it cost? Nothing! It’s absolutely free to you when you come in for a crisis, individual or group therapy session. Counseling Services is funded by your mandatory health services fee, which means there are no additional charges whenever you come in for a visit.
As a student, facilitators created a positive environment for me to make mistakes and succeed as I tackled challenging course material. As a student, I was inspired by my workshop facilitator, and now I have been able to create the same supportive learning environment for my students. The most gratifying experience is to see my efforts help them succeed. SWS has also given me a place to meet students, facilitators, and faculty alike who also have a passion for science; it’s a commonality I love sharing with new students. errors, and my experiences, so when I see a frustrated student, I can easily put myself in their shoes. It has been so rewarding to be able to use the lessons I’ve learned along the way to help my peers. I became a Study Session leader because one of my role models who worked with Study Session encouraged me to apply, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at Cal Poly. I’ve become great friends with many of the students in my session and other leaders. I’ve learned so much from my peers and supervisors, and Study Session has strengthened my leadership, communication, public speaking and professionalism. When I graduate, I will not only have a degree but also irreplaceable skills and friends that I will have throughout my college career. dedicate a specific time to studying because, let’s be honest, it takes discipline to sit down and really study. Later on, I became a Study Session leader because I wanted to help students succeed in their difficult classes. From personal experience I know that professors have high expectations which often prove daunting. Having the input and encouragement of a peer leader to succeed in tough classes makes a huge difference. I view my groups as a team: we work together, we encourage each other, and we celebrate victories both large and small. Together we accomplish much more than we could alone. This is why there is so much value in getting involved with Study Session. What kinds of therapy do you offer? Counseling Services offers the following services to all registered Cal Poly students: short-term individual and couples psychotherapy, group psychotherapy along many different themes, RIO (recognition/insight/openness), crisis sessions and referrals. All services begin with an intake appointment, during which time you share some information about what you need and we determine how we can best help you with your situation. Our group therapy offerings change each quarter, so check our website often for group days and times. You can also read our website for additional information about
PHOTOS BY JOSEPH PACK | MUSTANG NE WS
our exciting three-week program called RIO. How do I make an appointment? You can call us at (805) 756-2511, come in the Health Center or check out www.counseling.calpoly.edu. What happens if I need help when you are closed? Counseling Services has an after-hours service that allows you to speak with a licensed therapist at any time of the day. If you call our main number (805) 756-2511 and dial 2, it will transfer you to the therapist. This is available all year, so you always have access to a therapist.
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Campus receives high marks in active transportation audit If there’s one feature of the Cal Poly campus that every student experiences more than enough of, it’s the hills. Within our relatively compact campus, transportation would be a far easier task if each journey did not seem to require a few hundred feet of elevation gain. While flattening of the hills isn’t likely, some students and administration employees are hard at work in an effort to determine how suitable the campus is for walking and biking as part of what is being called a “walkability and bikeability audit.” The audit is being performed by STRIDE, a community health organization within the kinesiology department. Safety and ease of use of pathways are the most important concerns, and they tie into major aspects of the Cal Poly Master Plan. Matthew Vasquez, a kinesiology sophomore and site manager for the team working on the audit, said that the quality of walking and biking routes is a crucial aspect of the campus to focus on. “It would definitely be ideal to have as many students as possible using active forms of transportation. Not only would it reduce carbon emissions, but it could potentially improve the students’ health as well,” he said. Active transportation becomes a far more attractive option when there is infrastructure in place to make the journey as stress-free as possible. So how effectively does the campus achieve this? With regard to walking, Cal Poly does a fairly good job, Vasquez said. The audit took into account several factors, including potential conflicts with traffic, the size of the paths, and even the amount of shade provided on them. Despite the prevalence of
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS SHARE THE ROAD | Cal Poly had a generally positive review in the audit, but still aims to improve convenience for pedestrians and cyclists to increase the amount of active transportation.
hills, “Cal Poly had great scores regarding maintenance of paths, size of paths, buffers, universal accessibility and aesthetics,” Vasquez said. One area that received questionable results was that of pedestrian conflict, likely attributable to the influx of foot traffic in certain places at peak times during the day. While occasional traffic is unavoidable, members of the audit team did agree that one thing that could be improved for walkers is the amount of shade available on the main walking paths.
Biking presents its own set of infrastructural challenges.
campus without coming in close contact with pedestrians and
A RECURRING OBSERVATION FOR THE CAMPUS WA S THAT IT IS PARTICUL ARLY ATTR ACTIVE AND APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATIONAL USE AND ACTIVE MODES OF TR ANSPOR ATION. MATTHEW VA SQUEZ KINESIOLOGY SOPHOMORE
While Cal Poly does maintain bike lanes in key places, it is still nearly impossible to cross
drivers, creating potential safety hazards. Furthermore, some streets lack bike lanes entirely,
and the hills can present even greater challenges for cyclists than they do for pedestrians. The audit praised the ample lighting and facilities (including repair stands and bike racks) along the designated bike paths that do exist. Overall, Cal Poly’s infrastructure was viewed generally positively by the audit. “A recurring observation for the campus was that it is particularly attractive and appropriate for recreational use and active modes of transportation,” Vasquez said.
That is not to say the campus is without its flaws, which will need to be addressed if Cal Poly expects to increase the amount of active transport being employed by students. The audit itself was designed to shed light on potential flaws and act as a resource for future infrastructure projects, but it does not include concrete plans for attending to them. That task will likely be left to the Office of Campus Wellbeing and the committees responsible for initiating the Master Plan.
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CAED nationally recognized as top architecture program Once again, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) has been nationally recognized. According to the 2015 DesignIntelligence Rankings of the top architecture and design schools in America, Cal Poly’s Bachelor of Architecture program was ranked second in the nation. The landscape architecture program was recognized as the No. 4 program. These rankings are a reflection
architecture and landscape architecture programs than just their rankings. “Finding where the heart of architecture is comes from experiencing some of the tangible moments,” Lucas said. “By taking students into shop right away, they are able to experience for themselves what it means to create something real.” Additionally, Cal Poly placed in the top 10 schools for architec-
WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO OUR HIGH R ANKINGS IS THAT WE HAVE SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE CURRICUL A IN THE UNITED STATES, WHICH PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE COMPETITIVE MARKET. DAVID WATTS FORMER INTERIM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
of the qualities that have been instilled into students in the CAED, according to Associate Dean Michael Lucas. “It’s astonishing that wonderful students with modest resources can take their education and leverage it professionally to create this notoriety,” Lucas said. “It’s a matter of getting students out there and showing off what they can do.” The high ranking stems from what only Cal Poly can offer its architecture students, former Interim Landscape Architecture Department Chair David Watts said. “What contributes to our high rankings is that we have some of the most unique curricula in the United States, which prepares students for the competitive market,” Watts said. “We are really fortunate to have an unbelievably dedicated core of faculty and supportive alumni that are geared toward student success.” However, there is more to the
ture skills, of which they earned a spot in seven out of the eight categories. Cal Poly demonstrated high ranking in other disciplines such as their education in construction methods and materials, their sustainable design practices and principles and their cross-disciplinary teamwork. “The studio concept is embedded into our program so that centers on the kind of thinking for students to engage and be taking part,” Watts said. All of these disciplines have been exhibited with the projects that CAED students get to work on. In the fall, students create “parasites” at different locations around the architecture building using materials such as plywood and steel. In the spring, groups of students create their own sustainable home for a night in Poly Canyon. One of the current projects that students are working on is the 2015 Solar Decathlon where
GEORGIE DE MATTOS | MUSTANG NE WS FIRST THINGS FIRST
| Unique curricula, including placing freshmen in studio classes right away, contribute to CAED’s reputation.
students and staff will work to build solar powered residence. Twenty universities were invited to Irvine, California to participate in this competition sponsored by the Department of Energy. All disciplines within CAED were involved in constructing this home, Associate Dean of Administration Kevin Dong said. “It is an interdisciplinary experience where student build a home based on aesthetics and performance in terms of thermal comfort and lighting,” Dong said. “They learn ways to
design homes that are sensitive to Earth’s resources.” By being located in Central California, students have access to real locations and settings to work with. “As a program, we have access to urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco of which most of our faculty takes advantage of,” Lucas said. “We can take advantage of the real things available to use in these rich cultural settings.” Opportunities to CAED students are available internationally as well. Fourth year architecture
students are selected to go to Florence, Italy or Copenhagen, Denmark to explore urban design as well as historic and contemporary architectural thinking. Students even participate in humanitarian-based co-op’s and thesis projects in Africa and Central America. According to Margot McDonald, architecture department head, the diversity of off-campus opportunities also strengthens our student readiness for professional practice in a global world wherever students find themselves in the world
post-graduation. “The way we try to describe this school is like a tree, increasingly diverse with a growing national and international architecture population,” Lucas said. “Everyone in the college gets a common set of tools at the trunk of the tree and then they branch off into their other disciplines.” Following the tree metaphor, students also find opportunities throughout their time in the CAED to work collaboratively under the broad canopy of planning, design and construction.
SLOPD: Finding success in our community The next couple of months will be a whirlwind for many students — moving into housing, finding classrooms, making new friends and exploring new surroundings. We hope you love the community of San Luis Obispo as much as the people who have called it home for as long as 50 years. Selecting Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo as your academic home for the next several years is a commitment we know isn’t taken lightly. Supporting your academic success is incredibly important to the City of San Luis Obispo, and we endorse the principles
of the Mustang Way: pride, responsibility and character. Those principles will help guide your student through your career at Cal Poly and as a member of the San Luis Obispo community. What does it mean then for the City to support student success? First and foremost is safety. Cal Poly contracts the SLO Fire Department, which provides both on- and off-campus fire and emergency medical response. The San Luis Obispo Police Department (SLOPD) responds to all off-campus emergency needs from traffic accidents to vandalism to laptop theft and beyond.
Sometimes keeping people safe means issuing citations or even taking them to jail. If you are a minor and make the choice to obtain alcohol, you are putting yourself at risk of receiving a Minor in Possession resulting in fines AND a one year suspension of your driver’s license. If you overindulge in alcohol and SLOPD picks you up off the street, you go to county jail for Drunk in Public, and the charge remains on your permanent record. DUIs in San Luis Obispo result in a trip to jail, loss of driver’s license and fines starting at $5,000.
Fines for alcohol and noise violations are STEEP. Citations for Open Container and Urinating in Public tickets start at $350. Noise violations can go up to $1,000. Unruly Gathering citations, which can be issued to party hosts and attendees, can also be as much as $1,000. Disruptive parties and behaviors in the neighborhoods are not tolerated and citations are issued frequently. Off-campus alcohol violations are also addressed on campus by the Dean of Students Office. These can affect your standing with the University. For parents of incoming students, we
encourage you to have conversations with your son or daughter about the choices they will have to make when faced with situations they may not have experienced before. SLOPD and Cal Poly University Police have a strong and collaborative relationship, and Cal Poly Police is able assist with off-campus enforcement. San Luis Obispo is more than just a “college town.” It’s home for families, grandparents, young professionals and others. Maintaining the quality of life for all residents is a major goal of the city, so keeping the neigh-
borhoods safe and peaceful is a serious matter. In addition to public safety, the City of San Luis Obispo can also help with issues concerning housing and mediation, in the event of a dispute. We also offer internships and employment opportunities as well. The city also works hard to provide and maintain safe and fun open space trails and parks. To learn more about what the city has to offer visit www.slocity.org. For tips on how to be on how to be a good neighbor and community member, visit www. respectslo.com.
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How to beat the car conundrum for the upcoming school year You’re thinking about bringing a car to college. The upside? Wheels on demand, close parking and freedom, right? Or maybe not. No doubt, having a car nearby is reassuring, especially the first time away from home. But it’s rarely as convenient as we hope, and almost never results in cutting costs, at least not for most college students. Like many college campuses, parking at Cal Poly is at a premium. And with campus growth, the availability and location of parking is often impacted. That will be the case this fall. On Monday, Sept. 14, the Grand Avenue general and residential parking will close to prepare for construction on a new, highly anticipated housing project that will enable us
to grow our campus resident community. Lots G-1 and R-2 will be affected. According to University Police Department (UPD) Chief George Hughes, half of the lost spaces will be general parking and half will be residential. “Residential parking will still be available, but there will be fewer spaces and many will be located in outlying lots.” To manage demand, permits will be sold on a first-come, first served basis. Students intending to bring a car need to add themselves to the resident parking waitlist which opens mid-August. Sales begin Sept. 1. Most residential parking permits available will be annual permits, valid for the 2015-16 academic year. Annual resident
permits are priced at $525. Unless students know they will need a car for daily or frequent use, the university is advising students to consider alternatives. UPD recommends bikes and SLO Transit — the local bus service — which is free to students and reaches most areas of town. Other alternatives include ZipCars — a convenient option to get out for quick shopping trips, day outings to the beach or weekend excursions. In addition, the Amtrak bus has a stop on campus and the SLO Regional Airport is just a taxi ride across town. For parking information and more commuter options, visit the University Police Department webpage at www.police. calpoly.edu.
Valid at San Luis Obispo Grocery Outlet only. One coupon per person. Minimum purchase excludes dairy and alcohol. No cash value. Not valid with any other offer. Duplicated coupons will not be accepted. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Expires 12/31/15.
Located in the Laguna Village Shopping Center
• 4 minute drive from Cal Poly • Convenient public transportation
1314 Madonna Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 888-BARGAIN
MUSTANG NEWS FILE PHOTO OPTIONS
| UPD recommends biking or taking the bus rather than bringing a car to live on campus.
With Quarter Plus Program, students get headstart on degree “As it turned out, the pilot proFor students eager to get a jump- university resources when the campus is quiet, ” Sullivan said. gram was hugely successful with start on their degree progress, Cal faculty, too.” Sullivan said. “They Poly is offering a unique program “It seemed to make a lot of sense called Quarter Plus. to give incoming freshmen an had a great teaching experience.” Vice Provost for International, opportunity to get established Last year, 51 students took part Graduate and Extended Edu- before everything started.” in freshmen Quarter Plus. This cation Brian Tietje encourages This program was put forward year, 200 incoming freshmen students to try out Quarter Plus. to emphasize student success and are participating, with a waitlist “Quarter Plus is a unique op- help pave their futures. already started. “We know that student success “We want to keep a careful eye portunity for incoming students to launch their degree progress in the long term relies a lot on on the quality of the program earlier than the traditional fall first term that they are here hav- while we gradually increase the quarter,” Tietje said. “There’s a ing that early experience,” Tietje size of it,” Tietje said. “Our emlot of advantages to that in terms said. “I am confident that it will phasis is on student success and of adjusting to the fast helping them achieve pace of the quarter degree progress.” THERE’S A LOT OF ADVANTAGES TO schedule, getting to If students choose to THAT [QUARTER PLUS] IN TERMS OF know their peers, beparticipate in QuarADJUSTING TO THE FA ST PACE OF coming familiar with ter Plus, they will take THE QUARTER SCHEDULE, GETTING nine units of academuniversity resources and TO KNOW THIER PEERS, BECOMING ic coursework which just acclimating to San FAMILIL AR WITH UNIVERSIT Y REconsists of two lower Luis Obispo.” SOURCES AND JUST ACCLIMATING TO SAN LUIS OBISPO. division general eduIt began as a pilot cation courses and a program launched by BRIAN TIETJE Extended Education, leadership development VICE PROVOST FOR INTERNATIONAL, offering classes from the course. While taking GRADUATE AND EXTENDED EDUCATION Orfalea College of Busithese courses, students ness and the construcwill be housed in Siertion management department. further increase their retention ra Madre, one of the freshmen Quarter Plus for freshmen begins rate, their four-year completion residence halls. Aug. 22 and ends Sept. 11. rate and their student success in Quarter Plus is also being of“We wanted it for students ea- terms of internships and jobs.” fered to continuing students in ger to get started on their college In a video on the summer web- Summer 2015. They are able career, around mid-August when site with all the Quarter Plus in- to choose from a variety of remost semester schools were start- formation, students spoke about quired GE courses and may ing,” Tietje said. “Students could their experiences during last take four or eight units over a still have their full summer year’s pilot. three-week period. but begin in fall to start their “They talked about how great Unlike the freshman Quarter college experience.” of a foundation it gave,” Sulli- Plus program, which includes Director of Marketing for In- van said. “It helped them ad- Learning Assistant support, ternational, Graduate and Ex- just right away to the pace of a leadership classes and a resitended Education Elaine Sulli- quarter by going through this dence hall experience, the Convan also sees the advantages of three-week program.” tinuing Students Quarter Plus this program. Faculty also considered the pro- program is simply an intense “It seemed like a great use of gram a success. academic offering.
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Globetrotters have ‘experience of a lifetime’ through Cal Poly study abroad programs Many students experience wanderlust long before they step foot on campus. Whether it’s dreaming of glittering temples in Thailand or finally putting their high school French to the test, studying abroad is an important goal to accomplish before graduation. “In the fall of 2013, I made one of the best decisions thus far in my life,” said modern languages and literatures graduate Elsa Schwaninger. “I studied abroad in Lüneburg, Germany, and it was truly the experience of a lifetime.” In addition to living in a completely new environment, studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to broaden interpersonal skills, educational experience and cultural perspective. At Cal Poly, there are countless exciting and affordable opportunities for studying abroad that are not limited to the duration of their stay, type of program or even field of study. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of financial aid and scholarships to finance their trip. On top of the countless programs tailored to fit student’s specific needs, there is also a “find a program tool” on the study abroad website to pinpoint the best program. “There are a myriad of possibilities that people should consider,” said Elaine Sullivan, Director of Marketing, International, Graduate and Extended Education. “They need to plan for and explore what’s out there a year in advance, because this isn’t something that someone can decide junior year that they want to study abroad that year.” There are summer, quarter
BENJY EGEL | MUSTANG NE WS WANDERLUST
| Students have a plethora of options when traveling abroad, from programs to destinations — like journalism senior Benjy Egel, who studied in Ireland.
and yearlong programs both through Cal Poly and affiliate organizations, which offer different opportunities for different experiences. Cal Poly-led programs run for the duration of one academic quarter, are taught in English by Cal Poly faculty. Popular programs have been located in London, Peru, Thailand, Spain and Australia, with more countries currently under consideration. The study abroad office also
coordinates with partner programs to provide Cal Poly students with destinations in 40 different countries around the world, from Norway to South Korea. These programs vary in language requirements and level of cultural integration, allowing students to select how integrated their experience will be. While some study abroad programs allow students to fulfill GE requirements, many also offer major-specific pro-
grams and internships, allowing students to experience their field of study through an international context. But book knowledge is only one benefit from studying abroad. Many programs provide students with the time and freedom to travel and explore their new cultural surroundings. “During my time in Europe I was able to travel to 13 different countries, and I loved every second of it. The people, sights and
foods I was able to experience will be with me for the rest of my life,” said mechanical engineering senior Andrew Schneider. Studying abroad is often stated as an intense period of personal growth and one of the most exciting, educational and fulfilling experiences for those who choose to go abroad. According to the study abroad website, “the staff in the Cal Poly International Center are available to assist your student in
navigating through the myriad of options available. Students who plan ahead and meet with study abroad and academic advisors to find the best program fit are well suited to continue to make timely academic progress toward their degrees.” The study abroad office aims to help students make the most of this opportunity. To learn more about studying abroad at Cal Poly, visit studyabroad. calpoly.edu.
College of Architecture & Environmental Design ADVISING CENTER Professional advisors provide effective academic advising in an encouraging and welcoming atmosphere to students in the CAED’s five majors. We support students as they navigate their undergraduate experience toward individual student success.
We are here for your success! COME SEE US FOR HELP WITH » Academic advising and progress to degree planning » Academic success strategies » Change of major advising » Understanding your major curriculum sheet, flowchart, graduation requirements, online advising tools and much more! Building 05, Room 210 caedadvising@calpoly.edu 805.756.1325
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Career readiness programs prepare business administration students for competitive job market Last year, the Orfalea College of Business welcomed its new dean, Scott Dawson, and with him, a new focus on an often-overlooked aspect of business administration education: career-readiness. While the college’s curriculum prepares students well for the technical rigors of their professions, Orfalea College of Business Student Services saw an opportunity to prepare students for the job search, interview and hiring process. “Our graduates have made a name for themselves in some of the world’s leading companies,” Dawson said. “Our students are now competing with top graduates from big-name and private institutions. These
career-readiness efforts will help them back up their skills with the confidence the hiring process demands.” In 2015, the college partnered with Career Services to debut the Business Professionalism Certificate, a distinction that business students can earn by engaging in extracurricular workshops. The workshops cover topics like career selection, networking, resume and cover letter preparation, personal branding, salary negotiation and career fair tactics. More than 150 students earned the certificate during winter and spring quarters, an accolade they can add to their resume. The program is now being led by Career Readiness Advisor Chelsea Kidwell, a new addition
to the Student Services team. Dean Dawson also kicked off the Executives in Residence Program, which has brought 33 executives, including many Orfalea College of Business alumni, back to campus to experience Cal Poly. The executives, who come from a variety of business backgrounds, not only tour the college with student ambassadors, but they also lecture in a class and answer questions from students during roundtable discussions. By gaining the personal perspectives and advice of high-ranking business leaders, students say they feel better prepared to relate to their superiors and peers in the workforce. These college’s new initiatives complement existing programs
that link students to alumni and professionals in industry. The Orfalea College of Business Executive Partners Program links students to local alumni and leaders to build personal relationships as they navigate college and the transition to a career. Business administration students at any level can reach out to a mentor suited to their business goals. “We hope students take advantage of these resources early,” Dean Dawson said. “That way, they’ll be fully prepared for wherever direction their education takes them.” To explore the entire menu of career readiness programs available for students this fall, visit www.cob.calpoly.edu.
ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS | COURTESY PHOTO READY, SET, GO | These programs teach students about the hiring process.
OCOB Student Services reshapes education experience through peer advising As students in the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) arrive on campus in September, they’ll have access to a host of resources driven by a unique source: their peers. Orfalea College of Business Student Services adopted the peer advising model in 2002, empowering specially trained students to help their fellow classmates navigate a successful college career. Soon after implementing the new model, the college saw a notable boost in graduation rates. Today, 87 percent of Orfalea College of Business students graduate in five years or less — the highest graduation rate at Cal Poly. A team of 20 peer advisors from all grade levels and disciplines work with students under the guidance of five full-time, professional advisors. Together the team has evolved its resources
to support every aspect of the student experience. “The advising resources in Student Services are designed for students at all stages in their college careers,” said Director Amy Carter. “It’s our goal to have everything a student requires in one place in their own college so they can access the guidance they need quickly.” In addition to one-on-one academic advising, students can take advantage of Peer Mentoring, a program designed to help students work together to manage stress, deal with personal struggles and feel at home at Cal Poly. Students can connect to tutoring resources for help with major and general education courses. Student Services has also developed workshops for students at risk for academic probation to sharpen
study habits and foster connections to their area of study. This fall, new and returning students can expect enhanced resources tailored to their needs. Freshmen will have access to BUS 100, a one-unit class that helps students anticipate academic hurdles and decisions in their college career and link them to supportive resources. As students look toward their careers, they can earn a Business Professionalism Certificate through the center to prepare for the hiring process. Peer and professional advisors dedicated to career readiness can also guide students through internship, career or graduate school preparation specific to their major and concentration. Leaders within the Orfalea College of Business see the growth of Student Services to
ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS | COURTESY PHOTO PEER REVIEW | The peer advising model has contributed to OCOB’s impressive 5-year completion rate.
be central to the college’s vision of enabling all students to fully participate in their experiential business education. “The resources in Student Ser-
vices are so critical to the culture of our college,” said Assistant Dean Kris McKinlay, who helped launch the peer advising model. “At Orfalea, we support one an-
other as we strive for excellence.” To make an appointment with a peer advisor or get more information, call 805-756-2601 or visit www.cob.calpoly.edu/advising.
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Orfalea travel grants deliver a global business education This fall, the Orfalea College of Business will send nearly 50 business students to study abroad through Orfalea Travel Grants sponsored by the college. The program awards students up to $3,000 to study at any Cal Poly-affiliated programs, including business programs in Australia, Brazil, China, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Spain. This year’s students are using their quarter abroad to tackle major and general education courses while engaging with an international cohort of classmates. Marketing junior Kathleen Kelejian plans to study for 15 weeks in Luneberg, Germany, without slowing progress toward her degree. “In Luneburg, I’m going to be
taking a class on the economy of the European Union, one on international affairs since 1945 and a German language class,” Kelejian said. “I’m really excited for these classes because they are counting as GE requirements as well as a business credit for an upper-division economics class.” “I haven’t done much traveling abroad since I was young with my family, so this is going to be a completely new and independent experience for me,” she added. “It’s intimidating, but I’m excited.” The program is at the heart of the college’s mission to prepare students for the global economy that awaits them after graduation. Rami Shani, associate dean of faculty and research in the Orfalea College of Business, is a champion
for international opportunities for students and for faculty. “Experiencing business in a different cultural context is one of the best expressions of Learn by Doing,” he said. “Studying organizational behavior, finance and marketing take on different meanings entirely with different people, languages, practices and values.” Shani noted that partnerships with other universities abroad also afford faculty members collaborative research opportunities with international scholars, which enriches the classroom experience back on Cal Poly’s campus. Applications for 2016 Orfalea Travel Grants will open in spring. For more information, visit www. cob.calpoly.edu/advising.
ORFALEA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS | COURTESY PHOTO HOME GROUND | Partnerships with universities abroad also enrich the learning experience at Cal Poly.
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Award-winning engineering clubs teach technical, communication skills The Cal Poly Society of Civil Engineers (SCE) built a steel bridge — recognized for its construction speed and efficiency — that was awarded first place in the regional conference and second place at this year’s National Student Steel Bridge Competition in Kansas City. Award-winning engineering clubs like SCE, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) are some of the campus clubs where students can showcase their talents in complex competitions of steel bridges, concrete canoes, automotive projects and more. Engineering Student Club Liaison Zoe Hinck said the club competitions provide students with opportunities to expand on their engineering goals and interests. “Everyone wants to be a part of
club projects,” Hinck said. “It’s an extra outlet for doing something cool outside of class.” Hinck said that a combination of passion, technical skills and social skills is what makes clubs so valuable to engineering students. Students in engineering clubs gain skills they might not learn in the classroom, such as team communication, Hinck said. “You have to make sure you can communicate with people who are engineers, but also people who aren’t engineers,” she said. “That means making sure you’re able to communicate your design, what you’re doing and what makes it different.” SAE President John Culliton said that learning how to communicate is a skill that is integral to engineering events such as the Baja automotive competition, in
which Cal Poly SAE placed fifth this year in Oregon. Culliton said communication is a necessary quality that can often be overlooked in the classroom due to work that engineers complete on their own. “It’s a skill that I think is underestimated,” Culliton said. “When you’re out in the real world you have to work with a bunch of other people to complete a bigger project than you could ever finish by yourself.” SCE 2014-15 President Ryan Smith said one way engineering clubs have been improving communication is through collaborative efforts between clubs on events. Collaboration was one quality that SCE displayed in its annual report that earned the Robert Ridgeway Award for the nation’s most
outstanding civil engineering student chapter. According to Hinck, club collaboration is something that separates Cal Poly engineering clubs from other schools’ programs. Collaboration benefits engineering clubs and their members because it eliminates the competitive vibe among members that programs can often develop, Hinck said. “I think Cal Poly does that really well specifically,” Hinck said. “If everybody can communicate and get to know each other they can reach out and help each other out.” Communication is important, Culliton said, but the handson engineering experiences of building something in its entirety is an invaluable experience for club members. Culliton said students are able to design or build
a product in the classroom, but more often than not they only do one or the other. Students are given the opportunity to design and build a product — like an automotive vehicle — to its completion in engineering clubs like SAE, Culliton said. “Every year you get to see something go from a computer screen, to figuring out how to make it, to making it, and then putting it on the car,” Culliton said. “You learn how to do it, by doing it.” Smith said one way students refine their technical skills through clubs is by looking at what worked and didn’t work in previous years’ competitions. “Every year, we begin by understanding the successes of previous years,” said Smith. “We analyze and ask questions as to how the previous year succeeded, why
they succeeded and how we can do better.” SWE Vice President of Outreach Rebecca Kandell said the technical skills gained in engineering clubs largely reflect Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing motto. Kandell said that engineering club programs, like SWE’s nationally recognized Team Tech, help students build a foundation for their future engineering careers in a real-world setting. Last year’s Team Tech students worked to build a slip-resistance navigational subsystem sponsored by Walt Disney Imagineering. “What you put into your college experience is what you will get out,” Kandell said. “So the participation, the hard work, and the energy that you put into clubs will speak volumes for you later on in your career.”
Student nonprofit provides vet services to homeless pet owners Animal science students Megan Parry, 20, and Sasha Greenlee, 20, have transformed their shared passion of veterinary medicine into a community service project benefiting the pets of the local homeless population in San Luis Obispo County. They spend one weekend each month offering basic veterinary services at the Prado Day Center in San Luis Obispo — a facility that provides day-to-day services for the homeless such as meals, showers and laundry facilities. In May 2014, Parry and Greenlee founded the nonprofit operation, named Doggy Days at Prado Day, to collect donations such as dog food, flea medicine and other basic care items that are in high demand. In addition, student and faculty volunteers hold a veterinary clinic one weekend every month.
“There is a need in our community, and so far we really like doing it,” said Parry, who graduated this spring but plans to continue the project. “It has been so rewarding to see people learn to trust us.” So far, they have mostly treated dogs. Cali, a sweet and affectionate pit bull terrier, is one of their favorite clients. Cali’s owners, Debbie and Joe Ramirez, both homeless, found her hiding under a car in search of shade one extremely hot summer day. She has been by their side ever since. Until recently, she had never been to a veterinarian. A combination of the courses they have taken at Cal Poly in the Animal Science Department, past work and FFA experience has taught Parry and Greenlee how to give
a physical, draw blood, give vaccines and various other clinical skills. Because the homeless clientele is often mobile and difficult to reach, the Cal Poly volunteers make a point of offering as much veterinary care as they can on a client’s first visit. “We can’t always contact the owner and do a recheck,” Parry said. “We need to do as much as possible in that moment. Professor Kim Sprayberry, who assists when needed, said that the students’ experience through their voluntary effort is invaluable. Following Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing motto, the students get firsthand experience but also learn valuable life lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom. “The students take what they’ve learned in their coursework in
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anatomy, physiology, nutrition, companion animal care and dentistry and take it right into the immediacy of an open-air exam room,” Sprayberry said. Donations such as medications, specialty foods and shampoos, coupled with low-cost medications and supplies purchased through Cal Poly’s Veterinary Clinic, are dispensed on site. The students, Sprayberry said, are also experiencing a direct lesson in compassion. “We could not do what we are doing without Cal Poly,” said Grace McIntosh, deputy director at Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, which operates the shelter. “For a lot of our clients, their pets are the only family they have. These students are not just coming here and taking care of animals, they are caring for their family.”
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES | COURTESY PHOTO
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‘Groundbreaking’ minor program seeks to tackle global dilemmas Cyber warfare. Climate change. Health inequalities. Risk communication. These are just a few of the biggest problems our generation faces. Now, Cal Poly looks to equip students with the tools and skills to tackle these giant challenges with the College of Liberal Arts’ new Science, Technology and Society (STS) Minors Program. “We’re excited to collaborate with students, faculty and staff who share a commitment to integrate the liberal arts and STEM disciplines to solve today’s most pressing problems,” said STS Minors Program Director Jane Lehr. Four new interdisciplinary minors debut this fall under the Science, Technology and Society masthead: • Ethics, public policy, science and technology • Gender, race, culture, science and technology • Media arts, society and technology • Science and risk communication “The STS Minors Program capitalizes on Cal Poly’s long-term commitment to Learn by Doing, as well as our decades of work in real-world contexts with project partners around the world,” Lehr said. “What’s different is that we will now intentionally, systematically and robustly foster interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on problems that cannot be solved from one perspective or methodology,” she continued. “This is ground-breaking — not just for students, but for Cal Poly and, hopefully, the world.” The STS minors will explore the interconnections of science, technology and society, and how each impacts and influences each other and the world. Students in any major will collaborate with
peers, professors and community partners on hands-on projects to gain skills to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century — “wicked” problems. “A critical theme that STS minors explore is the complicated role of science and technology in ‘wicked’ problems,” Lehr said. “New scientific breakthroughs and technological developments contribute to both the creation and solution of challenges like climate change and health inequalities.” These wicked problems involve a high degree of uncertainty and a large number of stakeholders with competing perspectives, values and goals. “We need leaders now and in the future who can understand and innovate in this complicated context, creating bridges between diverse disciplines and professions to solve today’s and tomorrow’s complex problems,” Lehr said. Dr. Coleen Carrigan, a new STS professor at Cal Poly, added that in the STS Minors Program, “We don’t want to study the world, we want to study how to change it.” While each of the four STS minors address the same global challenges, students will be able to choose the questions they want to explore and projects they want to create — tailoring each minor to their passions
NESRINE MAJZOUB | COURTESY PHOTO GAME CHANGER | STS Minors Program director Jane Lehr hopes these courses will integrate STEM and liberal arts to make a positive difference.
all of the minor students will come together in their last class to collaborate and combine their
WHAT’S DIFFERENT IS THAT WE WILL NOW INTENTIONALLY, SYSTEMATICALLY AND ROBUSTLY FOSTER INTERDISCIPLINARY COLL ABOR ATION, FOCUSING ON PROBLEMS THAT CANNOT BE SOLVED FROM ONE PERSPECTIVE OR METHODOLOGY. JANE LEHR STS MINORS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
and goals. After completing classes in their individual minor paths,
knowledge in a project-based capstone experience. The STS Minors Program will
provide a community and practice site for students who thrive in project-based, interdisciplinary environments in which they determine the direction of their education. Students can customize their course path and project portfolio by asking themselves three questions: what they want to do now and after graduation; what they need to learn, experience and create at Cal Poly so they are prepared to do what they want to do; and what STS classes and learning experiences match their passions and goals. Interdisciplinary in nature,
the STS minors are designed to complement any Cal Poly major, enhancing each degree and positioning students for future success. “We want our students to be the best — not only in their first jobs after college, but in their careers. The ability to lead, to be truly transformative, requires more than a high degree of disciplinary knowledge. It requires the ability to work and continue to learn in fast-paced, evolving, high-stakes, interdisciplinary environments,” Lehr said. “These minors will set you apart for grad school or careers,” she
continued. “In any career path, STS graduates will be able to understand and navigate the complex relationships between science, technology and society; bridge diverse disciplines and professions; and work successfully with diverse individuals and communities — they will be empowered to impact the world.” Students, ask yourselves: how do you want to change the world? To le ar n more ab out the new STS Minors Program, visit sts.calpoly.edu or email sts@calpoly.edu.
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Choosing the right path: A recent graduate shares advice on making your dreams a reality Meet Charlotte Ferrari, a campus leader and true example of Mustang success. A business administration alumna, Ferrari is excited to have landed a fulltime job with a digital marketing agency. We asked her to share advice with incoming students on how to maximize their Cal Poly experiences to make their dreams a reality, as she has. What’s your most important piece of advice for new students? Because you choose your major on the admission application, there’s a perception at Cal Poly that all students know exactly what they want to do in terms of major and career. Don’t believe it! It’s normal to have uncertainty and doubt while you’re exploring your future plans. If you are unsure about your major, want to explore possible careers or want to get a jump-start on gaining relevant experience, visit Career Services early and often.
They have career counselors who specialize in working with freshman students. What can students do beginning their first year to be successful during and after Cal Poly? Take advantage of opportunities and resources right away! Join a club, get involved in your residence hall, volunteer or visit your professors’ office hours — the possibilities are endless. I joined a sorority my freshman year and immediately volunteered to serve on a committee within the organization. This opportunity gave me leadership and event planning experience. Also, I became a member of the American Marketing Association. These experiences were not only rewarding, but they were great resume-builders. Why should a freshman come to Career Services? When you are unsure about your major or need help finding a job,
Career Services is the place to be! Whether it is an on-campus job or an internship, you will stand out if you gain experience from the start. I came into Career Services my freshman year to explore minors that would complement my business degree and career goals. After a couple of appointments with my career counselor, I decided to add a graphic communication minor, which led me to discover my passion for design and advertising — plus my minor helps me stand out in employers’ eyes. What does the Freshman Focus Team (FFT) offer Cal Poly freshmen? The FFT career counselors can help you identify potential career paths within a major or reexamine if your major is right for you. They also help with finding part-time jobs, resume writing, interviewing, etc. They are very helpful, welcoming and friendly people who want to
help freshmen jump-start their career planning and make sure you will be happy in your professional endeavors. How did you find your dream job? Being a marketing student, I always knew I wanted to be in a creative and analytical position. Through the help of Career Services’ career counselors, I figured out that advertising would be the perfect field. While talking to a fellow classmate during a group project, I found out about her internship at a digital marketing agency. She connected me with the agency, which led to a series of interviews. Thanks to my extensive past experience, and Career Services’ help with my portfolio and resume, I got the internship! After my first day, I knew I loved the collaborative and creative nature of the job as the days flew by. Now, I am happy to say I have been hired to work there full-time!
CAREER SERVICES | COURTESY PHOTO
The ultimate SLO bucket list, recommended by your trusted alumni Nothing stinks more than finding yourself holed up inside on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. And no, you aren’t stuck in your room because of the plethora of homework you haven’t started — it’s because you simply don’t know the best places to hang out or eat. Take a deep breath, and find the power to emerge from your aura of boredom. Cal Poly alumni are here to shed some light on tips, tricks and cool destinations to make your time at Cal Poly count.
Good eats It’s Sunday morning and Sandwich Factory is closed (the horror!). If you’re in a residence hall, campus food is usually your go-to, but weekends can be tricky. Katie Attema, a 2015 nutrition alumna, gave Mustang News the low-down on good food in SLO-town. For breakfast, try Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe, Attema said. It has healthier options such as acai bowls the size of your face, and waffles if you’re looking to satisfy
a sugar craving. For lunch, Lincoln Market & Deli offers a variety of hot sandwiches for all taste buds. If you aren’t in the sandwich mood, try Sumo Sushi & Grill or Goshi Japanese Restaurant. “The Volcano Roll at Sumo is bomb,” Attema said. And finally, dinner. “Mother’s Tavern or Eureka Burger,” Attema said. Both places offer a wide range of burgers, but you aren’t truly a Mustang until you’ve tried the
Cowboy Burger with sweet potato fries at Eureka. Majestic adventures Of course your Cal Poly experience wouldn’t be complete without countless walks up to the P or a sunrise hike to Bishop Peak. Cauri Hammer, a 2015 environmental management and protection alumna, is the outdoor expert when it comes to San Luis Obispo. “Valencia Peak in Montana de Oro,” Hammer said, “if you want to hike.”
If you are looking to try something other than hiking, try Oats Peak in Montana de Oro for mountain biking and Prefumo Canyon for road biking. A frequent rock climber, Hammer advised Bishop Peak for those looking to scale some walls. Cal Poly also offers students an outdoor rock wall for all experience levels. After polling other Cal Poly alumni through their Facebook page about their favorite hikes, many suggested Madonna Moun-
tain at sunrise as well as taking a stroll through Poly Canyon. Become a coffee snob Coffee is a way of life in college. San Luis Obispo is filled to the brim, just like a steaming cup of drip coffee from Kreuzberg, CA, with numerous coffee hangs that will surely turn you into the coffee snob you always wanted to be.
see TO DO, pg 26.
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Cal Poly goes zero waste Cal Poly will pilot Zero Waste Sta- by 2020,” said Eric Veium, Cal Potions in three areas on campus this ly’s Energy and Sustainability Anafall, with the goal of rapidly estab- lyst. “Right now, 80 percent of our lishing planet-friendly habits across trash is going to the landfill, and campus and radically reducing the only 20 percent is being recycled amount of waste we send to our or composted. These Zero Waste local landfill. Stations will be just When you join the first of many to or return to our help Cal Poly reach community in Sepits goal of flipping tember, the South those numbers.” Mountain halls, Cal Poly’s comThe Avenue and mitment is to recyKennedy Library cle and compost 80 will be equipped percent of its waste PERCENT OF OUR TRASH with these new triby 2020; so by the IS GOING STRAIGHT TO time you graduple-stream stations. THE LANDFILL ate, the way the The stations are easy university disposes of waste will one-stop options to help you dispose of your compostable, recycla- change dramatically. ble and landfill waste appropriately. “State and Cal Poly policies put “Cal Poly is committed to making everyone on the same page with huge strides to achieve Zero Waste regard to our Zero Waste goals,”
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President of the Zero Waste Club and architectural engineering senior Mia Sheperd said. “Thanks to their guidance, we have a campus-wide commitment to realize these goals.” You can lead the effort to go Zero Waste by using the stations. Also consider the collective impacts of your everyday choices: Switch off the lights when you leave the room, turn off the water when you brush your teeth and dispose of your waste in the appropriate bin. Finally, get involved! Organizations such as the Zero Waste Club and Empower Poly Coalition provide opportunities to meet other people who are committed to supporting Zero Waste and other exciting campus sustainability efforts. Zero waste by 2020: It’s in your hands.
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An enhanced experience: ASI student employees expand their education Cassandra Peltz Peltz knew when she started at Cal Poly that she wanted to be involved on campus. However, it wasn’t until after declaring a management and human resources concentration under business administration that she began taking advantage of the numerous clubs Cal Poly has to offer. After getting involved in several social clubs, Peltz joined the Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) student club. HRMA introduced Peltz to other students pursuing careers in HR and gave her the opportunity to apply for HR jobs. It was through HRMA that Cassandra found her job with Associated Students, Inc. (ASI).
diately began using the skills she was learning in HRMA and in the classroom to improve her work. Working around her class schedule, ASI allowed Peltz to get involved on campus while gaining job experience for her future. Peltz, a recent Cal Poly graduate, advises incoming freshmen is to get as involved as possible. “Not all clubs will be the right fit,” she said. “But if you keep looking, you just might find the right fit like I did.”
A SSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC. | COURTE SY PHOTO
Peltz became an ASI human resource assistant and imme-
Arin Miller Miller was a bit timid and shy during her first year at Cal Poly which prevented her from getting involved. She knew she wanted to get the most out of her college experience; but it
wasn’t until she made the effort to participate on campus that she found organizations that fit her interests. Once she committed to being a part of campus life, she began volunteering with Cal Poly’s new student orientation programs. She directed approximately 800 students who were training to become Week of Welcome (WOW) leaders. Her positive experience as both a WOWie and a WOW leader have given her a broad array of skills and knowledge needed to execute a successful WOW for incoming freshmen. Miller didn’t stop there. After realizing that getting involved not only enhanced her college experience but also taught her valuable life skills, she applied
to become a student assistant with ASI Events, which provides fun and entertainment such as live bands, comedians and movies, among other programs. Exposure to special event planning helped her realize that she wanted event planning to be part of her future career. Today, Miller is the student manager for ASI Events. Using her leadership skills and her passion for planning events, she is able to successfully undertake the responsibility of both supervising student staff members and keeping ASI Events organized and professional. “What you get out of Cal Poly is based on the effort you put in,” she said. “Take time to make your college experience the cool-
A SSOCIATED STUDENTS, INC. | COURTE SY PHOTO
est it can be by pursuing things that are meaningful to you.”
DRC resources relieve stress, build relationships Christina Monji is a child development alumna who graduated in Spring 2015. When I first started my classes at Cal Poly, I was a confident freshman who was positive that college would be a piece of cake for me. Unfortunately, that belief did not hold true for long. I quickly discovered that I have testing anxiety, which made it near impossible to take any test in a classroom without feeling like I was destined to fail. I failed for the first quarter trying to overcome my issues all on my own. That approach didn’t work. In my second quarter, I discovered that the Disability Resource Center (DRC)
offered accommodations that es. One particular resource and new challenges that haphelp students like me succeed. was weekly meetings with an pened that week. The constant support of DRC allowed me to The DRC introduced me to access specialist. get through the the meaning of support, which most difficult until then had struggles in my mostly been college career MY DRC ACCESS SPECIALIST ENOUR AGED ME TO GO TO COUNSELING AND TAUGHT ME THAT an unknown t hat s e e me d EVEN THE STRONGEST OF PEOPLE CAN USE A concept in my unbearable. SUPPORT GROUP. life. My DRC My final year access specialwith the DRC CHRISTINA MONJI ist encouraged was very differCHILD DEVELOPMENT ALUMNA me to go to ent. One of my counseling and friends, Nathan taught me that Billings, took even the strongest of people can These meetings gave me over a program within the DRC the chance to talk to some- called Connections and made use a support group. My experience with the DRC one so I could stay on top of changes to help bring Cal Poly was an entirely beneficial one, my work. These meetings also students together and create and one that only grew as I con- strengthened my ability to ask a greater sense of community tinued to utilize their resourc- for help and discuss successes among us.
This involved group trips to fun places to help us connect with each other and find some time to relieve the stresses of school life. Weekly lunches allow students to socialize consistently and have something to look forward to. Life is busy and fast-paced, but Connections allowed me to look forward to fun trips to Hearst Castle, Morro Bay and Universal Studios. Friends I made through Connections allowed me to feel supported by others who experience the stress of life and school. What I genuinely enjoyed about Connections is that you did not have to be a DRC stu-
dent. We welcome all students, which brings Cal Poly as a whole together. Now as an official alumni of Cal Poly, I have very fond and positive memories of the DRC and Connections. These programs made my college career better and better each year. If I can give any advice to prospective and returning students, it would be this: No matter how strong or smart you feel are, it is important to recognize that we all need some extra help to succeed. The DRC can be a place to get the extra support that you need. The community is there to encourage you and help you meet your goals.
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Ombuds: Lending an ear, assisting with conflict resolution Many students are eager to start college — they’ll be living independently while making more decisions on their own and learning how to get along with a roommate, communicate with faculty and manage social lives. Meanwhile, parents and supporters may be eager for their students to succeed and expect that their son or daughter will learn to navigate challenges with relative ease while away at college. However, students may not anticipate any issues at all. So, when there is a situation that isn’t easily resolved, it can be a cause for concern. Fortunately, Cal Poly
has resources to offer assistance. One key source of impartial support is the Office of Student Ombuds Services. When students don’t know where to go with a problem, feel they are getting the run around, haven’t been treated fairly or just aren’t sure if a problem warrants formal action, student Ombuds’ Dr. Patricia Ponce can help. Together they explore ways to resolve the conflict. According to Ponce, the office is an informal and independent resource. All communications are confidential, except in situations where there appears to be
an imminent risk of serious harm to self or others, or cases having to do with sexual misconduct. “This is a very safe place to talk about concerns,” Ponce said. “Many students prefer to speak with the Ombuds when they need a sounding board or advice, with no strings attached.” Ombuds does not advocate for any individual or group, make decisions for students, offer legal advice, hear formal complaints or maintain records. The goal is to help students understand their issue and their role in it, Ponce said.
Time is spent dissecting the problem and considering the many options for addressing it. In the end, the student is empowered to decide what is best for him or her to do. If the outcome is not what the student hoped for, the student is invited to debrief and consider other options. Many of the student conflicts center around communication — or rather miscommunication, Ponce said. To address this very important skill, the Ombuds Office often discusses the topic when working with individual students and also provides workshops
to groups, student clubs and departmental programs. It is not uncommon for Ombuds and the student to roleplay the situation and identify respectful and cooperative language in an effort to reach the desired outcome, Ponce said. The Ombuds Office, now in its fifth year of service, has helped many students, including agricultural and environmental plant sciences senior Marisa Lim. “Whether it’s an academic or personal crisis, Ombuds is there to listen and get you immediate information about your options,” Lim said.
Lim has enjoyed her Ombuds experience and recommends it to anyone who may be in over their head in a conflict. “They have been my saving grace when I’ve been too overwhelmed to tackle a problem head on,” she said. Ombuds Services is available daily from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for walk-in sessions. Students can also schedule appointments at other times. The office is located in the Kennedy Library, Room 113. Call (805) 756-1380, email ombuds@calpoly.edu or visit www.ombuds.calpoly.edu for more information.
What was the biggest takeaway from WOW? Students share highlights While preparing for this year’s Week of Welcome, New Student & Transition Programs took a minute to reflect with past WOWies on their experiences with orientation programming and how it shaped their experience as a Cal Poly Mustang. We asked them: What was your biggest take away from WOW? Here are their responses. “What hit home for me was the Awareness Series. While I knew about a lot of the issues Awareness deals with before coming to Cal Poly, I could see the impact the programming had on other students. It was cool to discuss those issues in a different context and to have that tone be set right from the very start of college because those were issues that were important to me and it was cool to see that the school valued them as well.” – Sophie, WOWie 2013 “One night during WOW, we went to the beach and had a
bonfire down at Avila and that’s where I met my future roommate. We became good friends and it was a big moment; if that didn’t happen, we would not be as close as we are now.” – Zack, WOWie 2013 “For me, it was community service. It allowed the community to see the positive aspects that we, as students, are able to give back. It brought my WOW group closer together and it is one of my favorite memories from being a WOWie.” – Rachael, WOWie 2012 “One of the most helpful portions of WOW was getting to meet my academic advisors in order to develop an understanding of my major and those involved. With that, I began developing connections with peers in my major and it was great seeing them over the course of my next four years.” – Allison, WOWie 2011 “The relationships I gained have impacted my college experience
significantly. I was afraid I wasn’t going to meet a lot of other people in my residence hall, but being in a WOW group allowed me to make friendships with my neighbors. I met two of my best friends and current roommates in my WOW group and that was something I am very grateful for. I’m still in contact with my WOW leaders as well, and I go to them for advice frequently.” – Brandon, WOWie 2014 “I remember going to academic presentations teaching me how to manage my time well and prioritize better. The week also showcased different clubs and organizations that related to my major that I eventually joined. By doing so, I am more prepared for my future career endeavors.” – Jerimiel, WOWie 2013 WOW fosters many positive experiences for incoming students each year and is a memorable and exciting way to help transition students into finding their home as a Cal Poly Mustang.
NEW STUDENT AND TRANSITION PROGRAMS | COURTESY PHOTO WOWIES | Aside from playing bonding games and exploring the city, freshmen also learn about hard-hitting issues.
During the Week of Welcome, students will cultivate friendships amongst each other and build relationships with the campus and community that will
help them flourish through their college careers. With the guidance of experienced orientation leaders, incoming students will have the opportunity to experi-
ence San Luis Obispo in a new and social environment. We are excited to welcome new students and we can’t wait to see you all in the fall!
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Mustang Success Center aims to empower students At Cal Poly, student advising has evolved into its simplest form: Walk in and get started. The Mustang Success Center, which opened in Fall 2013, provides students with a place to start asking any questions they may have regarding university advising. In addition, appointments aren’t necessary. According to Assistant Vice Provost for University Advising Beth Merritt Miller, the center serves to help students who may be overwhelmed when entering a large university such as Cal Poly. “Often (incoming) students are not sure how to navigate the university,” Merritt Miller said in an email to Mustang News. “The Mustang Success Center provides a one-stop for students to talk with advisers about how to get the support they need to be successful at Cal Poly.” The advising center doesn’t only aid freshmen, Merritt Mill-
er said. It’s an outlet for all students — regardless of major or year — to access answers to general academic questions. “The advisers in the Mustang Success Center are generalists,” Merritt Miller said. “We help students with general academic advising questions and connect students to their college adviser for questions specific to their major.” The center, funded by the Student Success Fee — a fee students agreed to pay in order to enhance their success — is known for its timeliness in advising responses, Mustang Success Center director Shannon Stephens said. “What’s unique about us is that we help students take the legwork out of things that are usually quite simple, but can become problematic because their questions don’t get answered in a timely fashion,” Stephens said. “It’s quick — students will never
have to wait more than 10 minutes to see someone; that’s the value that we add to it.” The center also works closely with other student service areas, such as University Housing and Career Services, to provide comprehensive advising specifically focused on freshmen, sophomores and new transfer students. “We’ve seen about 3,500 students through those,” Stephens said. “But that doesn’t include all the workshops we’ve done at the residence halls and things like that. We’ve done probably over 60 of those.” In addition to catering to the residence halls, the center will also play a role in Soar and Week of Welcome (WOW) this year. “We actually have an academic part of Soar now, where we’re doing an overall presentation of what advising is at Cal Poly,” Stephens said. “In WOW, we’re do-
ing some change of major workshops — focusing on the process of how to begin to change your major, if that’s what students want to do.” Academic adviser Brittany Henry, who works primarily with second-year students, emphasized the importance of students taking the leap to reach out to the center. “It’s different when students get to college — students need to know that it’s now their responsibility,” she said. “Once you’re here, we’re going to help you along the way, it’s just getting that courage to do so … We want to empower students.” Miller said parents should encourage their students to visit the center. “We provide advising, but also help students get to the services they need without having to figure it out themselves,” she said. “There are so many resources and services avail-
DAKOTA GREENWICH | MUSTANG NE WS OPEN DOOR | Mustang Success Center advisors help students on a drop-in basis, so students can receive academic guidance whenever they have time.
able to students, but sometimes students don’t know how to access them or know they exist … We can help them with that process.” The Mustang Success Center
is located in Science (building 52). It is available to students on a drop-in basis Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kennedy Library saves you time, money, stress Rachel Scott is a journalism alumna who graduated in Spring 2015. As a recent graduate, I have many helpful tips and tricks that have helped me get through these past four years. It took me a while to realize all of the helpful resources that Robert E. Kennedy Library has to offer, so I’ve put together a list — with the help of some other students — of my favorite tips. #1: You’ve got help if you need it. Did you know that each college has a librarian to help you? They can help with research, papers and projects from the beginning of your Cal Poly career all the way through your senior project. Get to know them!
There are also students who can help you. Library Research Assistance Technicians (LibRATS) can guide you through online databases and answer “how-to” questions. They’d love to help you with your next research paper! Look for them at the reference desk on the first floor. #2: You may not have to buy that expensive textbook. Kennedy Library has two resources to help you save money on textbooks: Open Access Textbooks (OATS) and Course Reserves. With OATS, you can use 150+ new textbooks, workbooks and study guides while you’re at the library. Find them in room 111 on the first floor. OATS is expanding to include electronic textbooks, too.
Course Reserves is basically a way to check out your textbook. Your professors put the textbook on hold, then you check it out. Go to the big front desk on the left when you walk into the library. #3: You’ve got free tech options. There are 300 computers (Mac and PC) in the library. Many have software like the Adobe Design Suite and ArcGIS. The PolyConnect Lab on the first floor also has awesome tech devices you can check out for free with your PolyCard! Laptops, iPads, Go Pros, video cameras, DSLR cameras and more. #4: Use the 24-hour study room. Sometimes, pulling an all-nighter for a midterm, final or research
paper is unavoidable. Kennedy Library has space for you to study in a quiet, focused environment 24/7 on the first floor and all you need is your PolyCard to enter. The room has a few vending machines and even charging ports if you forget your charger! #5: Conquer stress. During your college career, feeling stressed out is inevitable. But don’t worry! When you’re feeling stressed, the best thing to do is take a quick study break and your Stressbusters Team has got you covered. They bring cats, dogs and even goats to Kennedy Library so you can cuddle your stress away. They also offer free water coloring sessions, board games and more! Another great stress-reliever is to
KENNEDY LIBRARY | COURTESY PHOTO
choose a book from our Good Reads shelf. Featuring new fiction, non-fiction, recent popular fiction and perennial favorites, this shelf
has a book for everyone. Kennedy Library can help you succeed. Make sure to fully utilize all of its vast resources!
MN | 25
Parents: ‘Enjoy the journey,’ embrace growth As the parent of a student heading off to college, there are lots of emotions, no matter if it’s your first child or your fifth! I myself am excited to be the parent of two Mustangs: my son, a fifth year Forestry & Natural Resources major and my daughter, a fourth year Software Engineering major. Cal Poly is an amazing school and your student’s time here should be treasured; before you know it, it will be time to plan for graduation! Enjoy the journey and embrace all the wonderful adventures, learning, change and growth your student will experience with your support. Move-in day is quickly approaching and a flood of questions may be surfacing — just know that you are not alone as it is an exciting and nerve-racking day for all! As for those emotions, it’s OK if tears leak through — it has happened to most of us. We are excited for our students to begin their
next chapter of life, but we may be uneasy about transitioning to our new roles. Somehow, we all get through it and learn to enjoy watching our students grow and mature into wonderful adults we can all be proud of. Regarding move-in, here are a few tips that are worthy of passing on. University Housing does provide wonderful large bins to help transport your student’s belongings from the car to the bottom floors of the residence halls. Mustang Welcome Team volunteers will also available to assist. There are no elevators in the residence halls, so it is highly recommended that student’s items be packed in boxes, duffle bags or other sturdy containers that can easily be carried up stairs, versus lots of little bags and carriers that tear easily. Be sure to view movein information on the University Housing website and take special
PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS | COURTESY PHOTO
note of items not to bring! A big question that always comes up is how much storage room is available. Storage is very adequate for a student’s needs but there is not enough room for surfboards, bicycles and other such large items. We found that our students only used a fraction of the clothing and other items that they initially brought. so it is easier to move in with less and provide the extras as needed. Don’t forget that San Luis Obispo is well stocked to serve student’s needs with major retailers and grocery stores just a few miles away. If at all possible, stay over to attend the Evening with the President Reception and “Big Fall KickOff Event” at Spanos Stadium. It is a wonderful way to cap off the move-in experience and give a big hug to your new Mustang until Parent and Family Weekend! If you’d like to stay a little longer after move-in, great deals on activities, hotels and dining in San Luis Obispo are available through Poly Parent Adventures. Mark your calendars for Parent and Family Weekend on October 23 and 24! There are wonderful activities on campus to enjoy as a family and an opportunity to see what your student is learning in class. We are very excited to have you and your student join our Mustang Family! Remember that Parent and Family Programs is here to support you and your student throughout the Cal Poly journey so feel free to contact us at any time! Congratulations on becoming a Cal Poly Proud Parent, and see you in September! Ellen Solum Parent Advisory Council Member
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“Encourage your child to make the most of living in the dorms and making new friends.” Applied mathematics senior Darren Marotta
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10 tips for parents from current Cal Poly students
“Don’t freak out when they want to do something new or crazy — let them explore Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo.” - Civil engineering junior Zack Farrell
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“This may be the first time your student is going out into the world. Give your student autonomy and the ability to make their own decisions and to be in control of their lives. However, keep in good communication with your student so you can guide them to make the best decisions.” - Counseling and guidance graduate student Maya Woolfe
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“Have trust in your students; they will make good decisions. If they got into Cal Poly they must be pretty smart.” - Psychology senior Lindsey Hightower
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“Provide unconditional support and know that if they haven’t called you or got in contact with you in a while, it’s not because they don’t love you, it’s just that they are busy. And trust your student that they will be able to make good decisions.” - Biological sciences senior Adriana Jimenez
6.
“Let your child make their own choices, and allow them to fail. It’s not the end of the
world if they fail one class; they can retake it and learn from the experience.” - Architecture junior Katelyn Clorite
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“Encourage your student to get involved! Tell them to join clubs, teams and other outside-ofclass activities.” - Agricultural education graduate Emily Taylor
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“Encourage them to take on more responsibilities — let them figure out roommate issues, opening up a bank account — those kind of adult responsibilities.” - Graphic communication graduate Jillian Ray
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“Let your student know that it’s okay to ask questions and not know all the right answers. And encourage them to try new things (but only legal things)!” - Animal science senior Erika Vasquez
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“Your child will be challenged inside and outside of the classroom. As long as you support them, they will be able to accomplish things greater than you would have ever believed!” - Communication studies graduate Krista Burke
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TOP 10
campus in Poly Canyon, this hike takes you past old architecture and engineering senior projects built by former Cal Poly students.
things to do in SLO with your family
4
. Sunset Drive-In: With two films screened every night under the stars, the Sunset Drive-In is the perfect way to relax after a day of family adventures.
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Edna Valley: Home to more than 30 family-friendly wineries and tasting rooms all located within 10 minutes of each other, Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo beckons you to pack a picnic and experience the beautiful rolling hills and vineyards for yourself.
San Luis Obispo is full of outdoor adventures, shopping, dining and sightseeing — it’s truly a city that will appeal to every member of your family. As your student spends their time in the “Happiest City in America” we encourage you and your family to make San Luis Obispo your home as well, and to enjoy the many wonderful things our community has to offer.
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Parent and Family Weekend: Return to Cal Poly on Oct. 23-24 to see what your student has been learning and how they have made Cal Poly their new home. This is an event you don’t want to miss! With athletics, performing arts and student showcase events, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this jam-packed weekend.
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‘World Famous’ Farmers’ Market: Held every Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m., the local Farmers’ Market is a must see for anyone visiting San Luis Obispo. Five blocks of historic downtown are dedicated to booths filled with fresh produce, crafts and delicious local cuisine!
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San Luis Obispo Hikes: From beautiful, relaxing coastal walks to more complex terrain, San Luis Obispo has a hike for everyone. Popular hikes include: Bob Jones Trail: a paved path leads you from the freeway to the Avila Beach Pier. Bishop Peak: a longtime favorite of Cal Poly students and our community, this hike features panoramic views of the entire city — a better view of San Luis Obispo will not be found. Architecture Graveyard: located on the Cal Poly
6.
Let’s Go Poly!: Show your Mustang pride by attending Cal Poly Athletics events throughout the year; schedules available at gopoly.com. During summer, check out the SLO BLUES, the city’s own local Summer Collegiate Wooden Baseball Club!
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Local Beaches: A trip to SLO wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Pismo, Avila or Shell Beach, all just 15-20 minutes south of Cal Poly. Kayaking, surfing, ocean fishing and much more are available for those looking for fun ocean activities.
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Montana De Oro State Park: This breathtaking state park boasts sandy beaches, tide pools and rugged cliffs and canyons perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
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Downtown San Luis Obispo: Filled with great shopping, dining and family fun, there’s plenty to explore downtown for all ages. Make sure to check out Bubblegum Alley!
After polling Cal Poly alumni about their favorite coffee spots, Linnaea’s Cafe won as most popular. With its quaint window and garden seating, as well as performances from local bands, enjoying a latte is that much sweeter — plus the baristas know how to take latte art to a whole new level. Other popular coffee hangs include Bello Mundo, Scout Coffee Co. and Kreuzberg, CA, all of which are located in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
FARM TO TABLE | Farmers’ Market is an easy way to support local farms.
Enjoy the bounties of the Farmers’ Market You can smell the strawberries from a mile away. If that’s not enough to get you pumped for the Farmers’ Market in San Luis Obispo, the smell of tri tip will bombard your nose and make your mouth water as soon as you start walking down Higuera Street, the “main street” where the market happens. According to the alumni Facebook page, many said the Farmers’ Market is a must, at least a few times during the year, if not every Thursday. If one thing’s for sure, the people of San Luis Obispo are never short of locally grown veggies and sunflowers.
Gems of San Luis Obispo Take a day to explore San Luis Obispo. Aside from the glorious hikes and picturesque downtown, there’s more to San Luis Obispo than meets the eye. Bubble Gum Alley is a prime example of this, located on Higuera Street. No matter how disgusting the idea of walking through an alley covered with gum sounds, it’s kind of cool. Leave your legacy on Bubblegum Alley, one alumni said on the Facebook page. Other must-see gems of SLO include Avila Beach and Pirate’s Cove. On Attema’s list of favorite spots, Avila Beach is at the top with
SOPHIA LIU | MUSTANG NE WS
10.
Explore Cal Poly: Cal Poly’s campus has a number of hidden gems — wander the Leaning Pine Arboretum; check out the dairy, equine and other agricultural units; tour our beautiful Recreation Center; and have fun at San Luis Obispo’s only bowling alley, Mustang Lanes! Want to experience more of the Central Coast? Check out special deals and offers just for Cal Poly Proud Parents through Poly Parent Adventures! For more information, go to www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com.
SOPHIA LIU | MUSTANG NE WS NIGHT LIFE | Entertainers make Farmers’ Market even more lively.
its quaint boardwalk and rainbow-colored beach houses. If you’re feeling more adventurous, grab some friends and head out to Pirate’s Cove to watch the sunset. You’ll find Thunder Cave and one of the prettiest views of Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean, as well as a bonfire or two. But be aware — Pirate’s Cove is also known for its swimsuit-optional beach. Savor everything It’s not unusual to hear alumni say Cal Poly was the best time of their lives. From the comments by alumni on Facebook after being asked what advice they could give to the Class of 2019, most revolved around savoring every bit of time you have in San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly. “Don’t hold back on anything!” Lindsay Gizdich said on the Facebook page. “College is the time to try new things and really learn who you are without the guidelines of the influences you had up until this point.” Another alumna, Debbie Stadig, mentioned on the page, “Enjoy every minute, even struggling through financial woes while at school and remember these are the friends you will have for life . . . savor them.”