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January 2018 Newsletter

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Explore Your Home Away from Home this February • New Quarter, New Start – Developing Better Habits • The Key to Getting Off Academic Probation • It’s Never Too Early to Career Search • Meet the Parents Who Give • Don’t Let Your Student Miss the Biggest Leadership Event of the Year! • Develop a Plan for Housing Next Year • Is Your Student Considering a Change of Major? • Jewish Life at Cal Poly • Resource Spotlight –Autism Spectrum Disorder Student Network • Upcoming Events • Important Dates and Deadlines • Important Campus Phone Numbers

Explore Your Home Away from Home this February

Join us for an exclusive fun-filled weekend created specifically for Cal Poly parents and supporters! SLO Discovery Weekend offers the following special events and itineraries for you to experience San Luis Obispo (SLO) both on and off campus:

  • Receive a limited edition weekend bag by staying in a San Luis Obispo Lodging Property*
  • Experience the world-famous Downtown SLO Farmers Market
  • Meet and mingle with fellow parents and supporters at the weekend welcome reception
  • Engage in campus activities including the Cal Poly Talks program featuring TED Talks-style lectures from top faculty
  • Participate in exclusive local tours including wine tasting excursions, brewery tours, and walking food tours

Tickets are selling fast so reserve your spot today! The first 40 registrants will receive free tickets to the Cal Poly Men's Basketball vs. Hawaii game on Sat, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.

REGISTER NOW

BOOK YOUR STAY

*To receive your bag, email a copy of your booking confirmation to calpoly@sanluisobispovacations.com with the subject line "SLO Discovery Weekend Booking Confirmation" and the names of all registrants in your party. San Luis Obispo lodging properties exclude unpermitted Airbnb and VRBO properties (view a list of permitted homestay properties).

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New Quarter, New Start – Developing Better Habits

Each quarter brings with it a new opportunity for your student to start afresh. Whether they have a goal of improving their study habits, physical exercise, mental health, or involvement around campus, there are plenty of resources on campus to help them do so. Encourage your student to set new goals for the new year, new quarter, and the remainder of the academic year. Suggest that your student consider what habits did and didn’t work for them last quarter; ask how they can eliminate unhealthy or unproductive habits and build on the effective ones. Advocate for your student’s holistic health which includes their academic health, mental health, physical health, financial health, and more.

Utilize these resources to help your student define their goals, establish a plan, and take action.

Below are some additional resources you can suggest to your student as they set goals and plans for the upcoming quarter and year:

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The Key to Getting Off Academic Probation

If your student didn’t perform as well as hoped this past quarter, they might be placed on Academic Probation. Students are placed on Academic Probation when their grade point average drops below a 2.0 (C); those who fall into this category will have received an email stating that they are on Academic Probation during the winter break. To read the full policy on Academic Probation, click here.

While being on Academic Probation can be overwhelming and upsetting for you and your student, it is not the end of your student’s academic career. There are attainable ways to improve grades and be removed from Academic Probation.

For a full list of Academic Probation resources and tools, CLICK HERE.

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It’s Never Too Early to Career Search

Even if your student is in their first year at Cal Poly, it isn’t too early to start searching for a career and practicing networking and interviewing skills. Career Services offers a variety of career-readiness to skills to current students and alumni including:

Career Fairs are also a great way for your student to network with employers, practice interview skills, and expose themselves to a variety of careers and job markets. Encourage your student to attend the Winter Career Fair:

  • Dates: Wednesday, January 24-Thursday, January 25, 2018
  • Location: Recreation Center Main Gym (Building 43 Room 100)
  • Schedule:
    • Networking Open Forum: 9:30am-2:30pm
    • Interviews: 2:30-5:30pm

For resources to prepare for the Winter Career Fair, send your student THIS LINK.

To learn more about how you can support your student’s career development as a parent, family member, or supporter, click here.

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Meet the Parents Who Give

We know that you and your student have chosen to join the Cal Poly community for the endless potential it offers. The diversity of ideas and wealth of Learn by Doing opportunities in every area of campus life bring out the best in our students.

Parents from every college give to Cal Poly through their time, resources, and finances to support a variety of programs from the Senior Gift to the Cal Poly Cares program. Meet one of the current parents who gives to Cal Poly:

I’m a 1988 College of Business alum, and my son is graduating in June with a Computer Engineering degree. Cal Poly has held a very special place in my heart for nearly 35 years. The sense of community, the well-balanced educational experience, and the way that Cal Poly prepares students to enter the working world are all reasons why this University is such an exceptional school. I am part of the Mustang Parent Society because Cal Poly gave so much to me and my family, and it’s time for me to give back. I want Cal Poly to remain the best there is for many generations to come.

Tammy Kent, Cal Poly ‘88

As parents, you are an integral part of the Cal Poly community and we encourage you to become involved. Your support and efforts enhance the student experience.

The Mustang Parent Society is a dedicated network of philanthropic families who support Cal Poly through annual contributions of $1,000 or more. Gifts can be directed to any college, department or program to support our students. To find out more, visit the Mustang Parent Society website.

Support Cal Poly and join the Mustang Parent Society today!

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Don’t Let Your Student Miss the Biggest Leadership Event of the Year!

The inaugural Student Leadership Institute launches on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27, 2018.

This year’s theme is Spark the Leader Within; the inaugural Student Leadership Institute is designed to encourage new leaders to discover their existing leadership talents and encourage more experienced student leaders to challenge themselves and foster leadership in others.

Students can visit leadership.calpoly.edu for more information and to register for this FREE event. Priority registration closes on January 12, 2018.

Friday, January 26, 2018 is an open access student leadership conference in the PAC. The conference will allow emerging leaders to build essential skills while also allowing more engaged student leaders to network and develop skills to foster leadership in others. Dr. Ronda Beaman from Cal Poly and PEAK Learning and Phillip Sanders from the Ella Baker Center will be our opening and closing speakers and more than 15 different breakout sessions will be offered, including a special extended breakout session about inclusive communication hosted by the National Conflict Resolution Center.

Saturday, January 27, 2018 is an application-only student leaders retreat, where student leaders from across campus will come together to tackle issues around campus climate. Students will work in collaborative small groups to create and present action plans to address campus climate. Drs. De Leon and Patton will welcome students and Dr. De Leon will lead an educational session about collective impact. Our goal is that the two-day event will be both empowering and educational, and challenge students to build and apply leadership skills to effect social change.

Participating students will be entered to win prizes including Passion Planners, Apple Ear Pods, and an Apple Watch. Please visit leadership.calpoly.edu or email leadership@calpoly.edu with any questions.

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Develop a Plan for Housing Next Year

Although it may seem early, now is the time for your student to start planning for next year’s living arrangements. There is a wide variety of housing options for students including on-campus apartments, off-campus apartments, and off-campus houses. Encourage your student to start now, consider all their options, and develop a budget for housing-related expenses including rent, utilities, food, etc.

On-Campus Living Resources:

On-campus housing application open dates:

Thursday, March 1

2018-19 campus housing application/payment opens for current freshman. Current freshman can secure housing by applying and paying the initial housing payment or marking paid by Financial Aid. Payments are accepted as space allows.

Thursday, March 8

2018-19 campus housing application/payment opens for all continuing Cal Poly students. Secure housing by applying and paying the initial housing payment or marking paid by Financial Aid. Payments are accepted as space allows.

Off-Campus Living Resources:

Other, non-Cal Poly affiliated and/or endorsed resources suggested by current students include:

Please note that these resources are not affiliated with Cal Poly or officially endorsed by Cal Poly.

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Is Your Student Considering a Change of Major?

If your student is exploring a major change, it’s incredibly important as a parent/supporter to err on the side of understanding and support. It’s not uncommon for students to be admitted into a major they felt passionate about at age 17 or 18 only to discover a year or two (or even as early as a quarter) later that they are actually passionate about something entirely different. Changing majors at Cal Poly isn’t easy – it’s a multi-step process specialized to each major that involves guided reflection and conversations with advisors, including workshops that ensure students have done their research and ultimately found the major that is truly the best fit for them. Although change of major is not guaranteed at Cal Poly, it is only possible for those students who are willing to put the necessary time and effort into initiating and orchestrating a change.

The general steps for proposing to change one’s major involve the following:

  1. Research
  1. Complete the Change of Major Inquiry Form (directions to the form in PolyPortal HERE)
  2. Follow the steps outlined in the email from the change of major coordinator

For more information on Change of Major guidelines and policies, click here.

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Jewish Life at Cal Poly

Cal Poly offers a safe space for students of all religions, races, and ethnicities to celebrate their identity, culture, and heritage. Students have various opportunities to connect with other students of their identity, to celebrate their cultural holidays, and to engage in cultural and religious practices and traditions throughout the academic year. Similarly, city of San Luis Obispo as a whole is an open and warm community that welcomes Cal Poly students to their home away from home. For Jewish students particularly, there are several student organizations, local centers, and congregations to connect with and call home:

To hear what Cal Poly students themselves have to say about Jewish life at Cal Poly and in San Luis Obispo, CLICK HERE.

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Resource Spotlight –Autism Spectrum Disorder Student Network

Cal Poly has a variety of great resources for a diverse student body. Each month we will highlight one that may be beneficial or of interest to your student.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Student Network is an online hub for Cal Poly students with autism spectrum disorder. Students can join the mailing list HERE.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Social Groups

Autism Spectrum Disorder Mentoring

More experienced students will advise on navigating Cal Poly, SLO, and the community, with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mentors will share insight on accessibility, direct mentees to academic and social resources, and provide emotional support.

Other Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources

  • Students can contribute to our online chat forum to share their experiences, resources, and support one another
  • Would your student like to speak with another student with ASD? They can fill out an application for Ability Sidekicks
    • OR contact the Student Representative, Evan, by texting "ASD" to (858) 357-6206
  • Employment Aid - Contact Connections Coordinator, Alec Lotstein at connections@calpoly.edu or 805-756-5930
  • For information on the ASD Student Network, please contact Connections by:
    • Emailing connections@calpoly.edu
    • Calling 805-756-5930
    • Texting 860-806-2527
    • Requesting information at the DRC, located in Building 124

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Upcoming Events

January 4 | Men’s Basketball vs. UC Santa Barbara | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 6 | Men’s Basketball vs. Cal State Fullerton | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 7 | MET Live in HD: The Exterminating Angel | 2-6pm | Performing Arts Center

The Exterminating Angel has its Met premiere this season, conducted by the composer, Thomas Adès. The 2016 opera, co-commissioned by the Met and sung in English, is based on the screenplay by Luis Buñuel and Luis Alcoriza for the acclaimed 1962 Buñuel film. he Exterminating Angel is a co-commission and co-production with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Royal Danish Theatre; and Salzburg Festival, where the production premiered in 2016.

January 8 | Winter Quarter classes begin

January 12 | W. Terrence Spiller – Music Faculty Piano Recital | 7:30-10pm | Spanos Theatre

Concert pianist and Music Department Chair W. Terrence Spiller will perform Robert Schumann’s “Abegg” Variations, Op. 1, and “Papillons,” Op. 2; Frédéric Chopin’s “Waltzes,” Op. 69, A-flat Major and B minor, and Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23; Claude Debussy’s “Estampes”; Amy Beach’s “Hermit Thrush at Morn,” Op. 92, No. 2; and Alberto Ginastera’s “Danzas Argentinas,” Op. 2.

January 13 | Women’s Basketball vs. CSUN | 2-4:30pm | Mott Gym

January 16 | Cal Poly Bach Week: Inside Bach Week with Directors David Arrivee and Scott Glysson | 6-pm | Building 45 Room 218

Join Bach Week directors David Arrivée and Scott Glysson for an overview of the week's repertoire, in the context of J.S. Bach's life and larger cultural context.

January 16 | Itzhak Perlman | 7:30-10pm | Performing Arts Center

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music. Perlman has performed with every major orchestra around the globe, playing the most venerable concert halls. His distinguished awards and recognitions are myriad and his audiences have included U.S. presidents and Her Majesty the Queen. Please join us for the Maestro’s Cohan Center debut concert, accompanied by pianist Rohan de Silva.

January 17 | John Edward Live | 7-10pm | Performing Arts Center

On his internationally syndicated talk shows, Crossing Over with John Edward and John Edward Cross Country, he uses his unique abilities to connect people with loved ones who have passed on.

January 18 | Cal Poly Bach Week: Master Class with Mensa Sonora California Musicians | 11am-12pm | Building 45 Room 218

The guest artists of Mensa Sonora California will coach Cal Poly students in chamber music and solo repertoire from the Baroque era, with a focus on historically informed performance.

January 18 | Women's Basketball vs UC Irvine | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 18 | Cal Poly Bach Week: Akademie Lecture by Clifton Swanson | 7:30-8:30pm | Building 45 Room 218

The Akademie lecture series continues with an exploration of Bach's role as a teacher and as a self-directed student of other composers. The musical discussion led by Clifton Swanson will focus on works by Pergolesi and Vivaldi to be performed on Saturday’s Bach in the Mission Concert, as well as works by his students which will be performed on Friday’s Chamber Concert.

January 19 | Cal Poly Bach Week: Chamber Concert with Mensa Sonora California | 8-9pm | Off Campus

A selection of works by Bach’s pupils, including Johann Goldberg, Johann Krebs, Johann Kirnberger, Johann Kellner, and their fellow Johann: Johann Sebastian Bach himself.

Performed in Mission San Luis Obispo by Mensa Sonora California on period instruments:

  • David Wilson, violin
  • Anthony Martin, violin
  • John Dornenburg, viola da gamba
  • Charles Sherman, harpsichord

January 19 | Orchesis Dance "80's Mix Tape"| 8-10pm | Spanos Theatre

  • Additional shows:
    • January 20 | 2-4pm
    • January 20 | 8-10pm
    • January 25 | 8-10pm
    • January 26 | 8-10pm
    • January 27: 8-10pm

For 47 years, Cal Poly's Orchesis Dance Company has premiered works of concert dance from an era of the choreographer's choosing. For our 48th concert, you'll be transported back in time while watching dances to music recorded between 1980 and 1989! '80s Mix Tape features the choreography of Cal Poly faculty and students, as well as guest artists from SLO and beyond, in the genres of modern, ballet, musical theatre, and jazz. You might just see a Truffle Shuffle or African Anteater Ritual!

January 19 | Conversations with Cal Poly Authors: Lives Well Lived | 10-11:30am | ATL Keck Lab (Building 7 Room 2)

Dr. Bergman will discuss her recent film, "Lives Well Lived" that explores the lives of several individuals who have lived a long time and the keys to their success; her interlocutor will be Debra Valencia Laver, who specializes in relevant areas of Psychology.

January 20 | Women's Basketball vs UC Davis | 2-4:30pm | Mott Gym

January 20 | Cal Poly Bach Week: Bach in the Mission VIII - Bach and the Italians | 8-9pm | Off Campus

Cal Poly's Early Music Ensemble, members of the Cal Poly Symphony and faculty join with professional guest artists to perform the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries in Mission San Luis Obispo:

  • Pergolesi: Stabat Mater (beginning)
  • J.S. Bach: "Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden," BWV 1083 — an arrangement of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater (conclusion)
  • Vivaldi: Concerto in A minor
    for Two Violins, Op. 3, No. 8 (transcribed by Bach as BWV 593) Anthony Martin and David Wilson, violins
  • J.S. Bach: Magnificat, BWV 243

January 22 | Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Career Fair | 10:30am-4pm | Chumash Auditorium

For students interested in biotechnology and/or bio-medical engineering, representatives from companies will be at Cal Poly to inform and discuss possible career opportunities.

January 24-25 | Winter Career Fair | 8am-5:30pm | Recreation Center

Network with Employers: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Interviews by Invitation: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

January 24 | Ordinary Men, Twenty-five Years Later | 6-8pm | ATL Keck Lab (Building 7 Room 2)

Christopher Browning would reflect upon his work Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland, which Harper Collins reissued in February 2017 as a 25th anniversary special edition. The book investigates the fundamental question of how average German citizens became perpetrators of the Holocaust.

January 25 | Men's Basketball vs. Long Beach State | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 26 | Civil and Environmental Engineering Career Fair | 8am-4pm | Chumash Auditorium

Hosted by the Society of Civil Engineers and the Society of Environmental Engineers. 80 companies will visit Cal Poly looking to hire students for part-time, full-time and intern positions.

January 26 | Cal Poly Senior Trombone Recital: Ian Bewley | 7-8pm | Building 45 Room 218

Ian Bewley will present a trombone recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in music.

January 26 | Wrestling vs. Stanford | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 26 | Michael Feinstein | 8-10pm | Performing Arts Center

Michael Feinstein, the renowned interpreter of the Great American Songbook, pays tribute to the Rich Sinatra legacy, in a dynamic, swingin’ concert.

January 27 | MET Live in HD: Tosca | 9:55am-2pm | Performing Arts Center

Andris Nelsons conducts a new staging of Puccini’s dramatic tragedy, directed by Sir David McVicar. Kristine Opolais and Jonas Kaufmann star as the heroine Tosca and her lover Cavaradossi, with Bryn Terfel as the villainous Scarpia.

January 27 | Cal Poly Senior Vocal Recital: Lauren Hartog | 7:30-8:30pm |Off Campus

Lauren Hartog will present a trombone recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. It will take place at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church.

January 28 | Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono | 7-9pm | Spanos Theatre

Leading Hawaiian music icons Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono perform contemporary Hawaiian classics in a brilliant Island showcase.

January 30 | Kinky Boots | 7:30-10pm | Performing Arts Center

This six-time Tony Award winner is a huge-hearted, high-heeled Broadway hit! With songs by Grammy- and Tony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. Take a step in the right direction and discover that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out.

January 31 | Men's Basketball vs. UC Riverside | 7-9:30pm | Mott Gym

January 31 | Construction Management Career Fair | 3-5pm | Chumash Auditorium

Network with Employers: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

For Athletic event tickets, CLICK HERE. For Performing Art Center event tickets, CLICK HERE.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

December 10 – January 7 | Academic Holiday

December 12 – January 3 | Open Enrollment for all students for Winter 2018 quarter

January 1 | Fifth installment of housing payment plan and dining payment plan for 2017-18 due. Charge of $25 for late payment (see fee schedules for payment amount).

January 1 | First installment of housing and dining payment plan due for new Winter/Spring 2018 residents.

January 1 | Campus administrative offices closed. Cal Poly campus closed except for needed emergency services and essential work.

January 1 | First financial aid disbursement for Winter 2018

January 2 | Financial aid deferred fees due for Winter 2018

January 3 | Last day to add or swap classes via Student Center without a permission number

January 3 | Open enrollment for Winter Quarter 2018 ends

January 5 | First direct deposit refund for excess financial aid for Winter 2018

January 6 – 7 | Campus residence halls and apartments open for Winter term 2018. University Housing Offices will be open noon - 5 p.m. Saturday and starting at noon on Sunday.

January 7 | Last day to drop all classes for Winter 2018 quarter to receive a full refund

January 8 | Winter Quarter 2018 classes begin

January 15 | Academic Holiday–Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observed

January 16 | Intrahall trades begin (trades within the same hall).

January 17 | Interhall trades begin (trades to another hall).

January 18 | Last day to add or swap classes via Student Center with a permission number (by 11:59pm)

January 18 | Last day to drop classes, and change CR/NC grading option via Student Center (by 11:59pm)

January 18 |Last day to submit class audit petition to the Office of the Registrar (by 5:00 pm)

January 18 | Last day to log in and adjust your PolyPlan to avoid being placed in the last rotation appointment (PolyPlanner non-compliant)for Spring 2018 term by 5PM

January 19 | Late enrollment appeal period begins

January 25 | Last day to submit Late Enrollment Appeal by 5pm

February 1 | Sixth installment of housing payment plan and dining payment plan for 2017-2018 due. Charge of $25 for late payment (see fee schedule for payment amount).

February 1 | Second installment of housing and dining payment plan due for new Winter/Spring 2018 residents.

February 6 | PASS available for Spring Quarter 2018

February 14 | Spring 2018 housing application opens.

February 19 | Academic Holiday | Washington's birthday observed; Campus administrative offices closed

February 20 | Classes follow a Monday schedule

February 20-March 7 | Spring Quarter 2018 registration (1st round, 16 units)

February 23 | Last day to cancel Spring Quarter Housing/Dining without financial penalty.

February 27 | Last day to withdraw from course(s) for Winter Quarter 2018 for serious and compelling reason by 5:00 pm

March 8-14 | Spring Quarter 2018 registration (2nd round, 22 units)

March 15-28 | Spring Quarter 2018 open enrollment for all students

March 16 | Last day of classes for Winter Quarter 2018

March 16 | Last day to withdraw from course(s) for Winter Quarter 2018 for emergency reason by 5:00 pm

March 16 | Last day to submit paperwork for Cal Poly coursework (substitutions, concentration declarations, ICS statements, etc.) in order to affect Academic Progress level for Fall 2018 registration (received in the Office of the Registrar by 5:00 pm).

March 19-23 | Winter Quarter 2018 finals

March 23 | End of Winter Quarter 2018

March 24-April 1 | Academic holiday

April 2| All grades for Winter Quarter 2018 finalized

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Important Campus Phone Numbers

Admissions | (805) 756-2311
Career Services | (805) 756-2501
Commencement | (805) 756-1600
Counseling Services | (805) 756-2511
Disability Resource Center | (805) 756-1395
Financial Aid Office | (805) 756-2927
Health Services | (805) 756-1211
Mustang Success Center | (805) 756-6211
Parent & Family Programs | (805) 756-6700
Student Accounts | (805) 756-1428
University Housing | (805) 756-1226
University Police Department | (805) 756-2281

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