Poly Parent News: June 2018

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Spring Commencement

With Commencement quickly approaching, here is some important information to help you and your student prepare for the big day!

Celebrate Respectfully

This spring, we ask that graduates celebrate their achievements and the accomplishments of fellow mustangs by staying in their seat the entire duration of the ceremony. Celebrate respectfully by being present and cheering for each graduate as they cross the stage on this momentous day. All graduates who stay the full length of the ceremony will RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT upon exiting the stadium!

Guest and Graduate Information

Visit the commencement website to learn about important Graduate Tips and Guest Tips

Cap Decorating: June 6 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | University Union Lobby

Graduating students are invited to decorate their caps and enjoy complimentary crafting supplies at the ASI Cap Decorating event.

Grad Bash: June 6 | 4:00-6:30 p.m. | Spanos Stadium

Hosted by Cal Poly Alumni, grads are invited to celebrate the countdown to commencement with a picnic on the field at Spanos Stadium. Learn more.

Graduation Portraits: June 15

For more information, please visit the Ultimate Exposure website.

Cultural Commencements

View a full list of Cultural Commencement events open to all graduating students.

Department Events

View the full list of college and department events hosted over commencement weekend.

Spring 2018 Commencement Ceremonies: June 17-18 | Spanos Stadium

Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 9:00 a.m. | College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences and College of Science & Mathematics

Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. | College of Liberal Arts and Orfalea College of Business

Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 9:00 a.m. | College of Architecture & Environmental Design and College of Engineering

More Information

Parents, supporters, family, and friends can sign up for Spring Commencement 2018 information emails HERE to stay in the loop about commencement ceremonies, regalia, parking, tickets, and more.

You can also follow Cal Poly Commencement on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements.

For any questions about Spring Commencement 2018, please contact the Commencement Office at 805-756-1600 or commencement@calpoly.edu.

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Fraternity and Sorority Life Listening Session

Cal Poly Fraternity & Sorority Life has contracted with Dr. Juan Guardia, AVP and Dean of Students at the University of Cincinnati, to help us assess our Greek community and make recommendations that will guide us in building a better Greek Life that centers the values of diversity and inclusion and enhances health and safety. Dr. Guardia will make his first visit to campus June 7 and 8 to meet with a variety of stakeholders across the university including both Greek and non-Greek students, faculty, staff, administrators, chapter advisors and parents. He will return to campus in Fall Quarter (dates TBD) to share the results of his assessment and recommendations.

We invite parents to meet Dr. Guardia for a listening session on Thursday, June 7 at one of the following times:

  • 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. in University Union 219 (parents only)
    If you are not able to make it to campus for this session, you may join via conference call by calling (669) 900-6833 and entering meeting ID 750 544 937
  • 5:30 - 7 p.m. in Bldg. 180-102 (open to the public)

Capacity may be limited. If you are not able to attend, you may email your comments to be shared with Dr. Guardia to greeklife@calpoly.edu.

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Make Your Next Visit a Vacation

We know students choose Cal Poly for its excellent academic reputation, state-of-the-art facilities and successful alumni. But, as an added benefit, our top-notch university happens to be located in one of the most desirable places in the United States.

So next time you visit your student, why not make it a fun getaway to San Luis Obispo?

To give you some encouragement, the City of SLO is offering a chance to win a $500 gift card for a two-night stay at a SLO lodging property of your choice (choose from this extensive list). The participating lodging properties offer easy access to SLO’s quaint downtown stores, the festive Thursday night farmers’ market, beautiful hiking trails and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

To enter, sign up for the city’s tourism newsletter, which keeps you up to date on fun events happening in San Luis Obispo, with suggestions for things to do, places to eat, wineries and attractions in neighboring communities. The newsletter also includes special offers that will make your visits more affordable.

We know you’re coming to San Luis Obispo as a proud parent to visit your Mustang. But you deserve to celebrate your parenting success! Enter to win the Getaway Giveaway today.

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Health Coverage for Students After Graduation

Many graduating students can qualify for significant financial help enabling them to get health insurance at no cost or for as little as $1 a month through Covered California depending on their circumstances. If they are moving out of California, every state has subsidized coverage available to help them get the coverage and care that they will come to understand as part of "growing up."

Since Covered California opened its doors, we have helped millions of people - including many young people in their twenties and thirties - get the peace of mind that comes from knowing a broken ankle from a weekend hike won't leave them tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Many graduating students can qualify for significant financial help enabling them to get health insurance at no cost or for as little as $1 a month through Covered California depending on their circumstances. If they are moving out of California, every state has subsidized coverage available to help them get the coverage and care that they will come to understand as part of "growing up."

Since Covered California opened its doors, we have helped millions of people - including many young people in their twenties and thirties - get the peace of mind that comes from knowing a broken ankle from a weekend hike won't leave them tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Thank you for all the work you do helping students stay healthy and for your consideration in helping us to promote continued care through Covered California. More information that helps consumers in California sign-up is available at coveredca.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment.

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De-Stress Before Finals Week

As spring quarter finals approach, your student may be feeling a heightened amount of stress regarding classes, tests, and projects. Cal Poly offers several different resources to help minimize students’ stress levels and promote healthy study habits.

  • Dogs at the Library: Students are invited to the library lawn to pet and cuddle therapy dogs to help de-stress and take a study break!
    • Friday, June 8 1-3pm at the Library Lawn
  • PAC Finals Fun: Students can grab a study space and enjoy complimentary bagels, coffee, donuts, tea, scantrons, and blue books
    • Monday, June 11 9am-4pm in the PAC Main Lobby (Building 6 Room 200)
  • Counseling Services is available for your student during regular business hours and a 24-7 line is offered (805-756-2511). To learn more about self-care tips to offer your student, click here.

For a full list of all the academic resources that Cal Poly offers such as study sessions, supplemental workshops, and tutoring, click here.

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Bias Incident Response Team

Recently, there have been several incidents of bias on and off campus that have had a tremendous impact on the Cal Poly community. These acts of hate have a negative impact on our campus climate and are in direct conflict with our values of cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Given what has been happening, it is essential for every member of the campus community to be aware of our established system for reporting bias incidents.

The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) works to support and provide resources to those who report and/or witness acts of bias in our campus community. It is important that all community members know how to report bias incidents when they occur.  By reporting incidents, the BIRT is able to assist in connecting those impacted with support services and resources: work toward holding individuals accountable where appropriate, and assess campus climate over time. Depending on the nature of an incident, other processes may also come into play, including the university’s disciplinary systems or legal systems.

The Cal Poly community values a broad and inclusive campus learning experience where its members embrace core values of mutual respect, academic excellence, open inquiry, free expression and respect for diversity. Membership in the Cal Poly community is consistent with the highest principles of shared governance, social and environmental responsibility, engagement and integrity.

As students, faculty and staff of Cal Poly, we choose to:

  • Act with integrity and show respect for ourselves and one another
  • Accept responsibility for our individual actions
  • Support and promote collaboration in University life
  • Practice academic honesty in the spirit of inquiry and discovery
  • Contribute to the university community through service and volunteerism
  • Demonstrate concern for the well-being of others
  • Promote the benefits of diversity by practicing and advocating openness, respect and fairness.

Individual commitment to these actions is essential to Cal Poly’s dedication to an enriched learning experience for all its members.

To learn more about the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) or to submit a report, please visit the BIRT website at https://deanofstudents.calpoly.edu/content/BIRT.

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Fall in Love With SLO

While every season is different in San Luis Obispo, there is something special about the fall. Book your fall stay in SLO now, and you’ll have something to look forward to all summer long!

Maybe it’s the excitement of the new school year at Cal Poly, but the atmosphere in and around town is truly unique. The local vineyards are bursting with harvest colors, just like the sunsets, and the delights around town are just revving up. Browse the downtown shops for you and your student, and don’t miss out on some Mustang football games! End your day dining creekside at one of the local (and pet-friendly) restaurants. For more ideas and places to stay, click here. Or call 1-877-SLO TOWN for some personal, friendly recommendations.

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Spring Issue of Cal Poly Magazine

Ride the swells of the Pacific alongside staff and faculty. Hear the stories of undocumented students navigating an uncertain future. Meet biomedical engineering students leveraging their own experience in hospitals to help others. Chow down with a student chef creating his own prix fixe menu inspired by his family heritage. All these stories and more are in the new issue of Cal Poly Magazine, now online at magazine.calpoly.edu. Look for print copies in magazine racks throughout campus after June 1. 

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Regional Networking Mixers

Parents: Did you know that Career Services and Alumni Relations offer informal networking events for your Cal Poly student to meet with alumni who are eager to support them in their career exploration and planning? If your student will be in the Silicon Valley area on June 21, please encourage them to register for the event below. If you are a Cal Poly alum, we invite you to sign-up as well!

Cal Poly Career Services Student + Alumni Mixer at Flex (Milpitas)
Thursday, June 21, 2018
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (on-site check-in begins at 5:30 pm)
$10 student commitment fee will be refunded if they attend the event
For more information and to sign up, go to: https://cpsiliconvalleymixer.eventbrite.com/
 
SAVE THE DATE for this event if you live in southern California:
Cal Poly Career Services Student + Alumni Mixer in Newport Beach
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Registration information will be emailed to your student this summer
 

If you have any questions about these events, please contact Tammy Martin at tsmartin@calpoly.edu.

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Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority and Underrepresented Student Participation in STEM

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 California State University-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP) is a statewide program dedicated to broadening the participation of underrepresented minority (URM) students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The LSAMP program is designed to support undergraduate students who face or have faced social, educational, and/or economic barriers to careers in STEM fields*. The program also aims to significantly increase the persistence and quantity of underrepresented minority students who successfully complete a baccalaureate degree program in STEM fields.

 The following are a few of the many resources our LSAMP Program provides:

  • Financial Support & Assistance
    • Assistance Finding Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships, Paid Research, & Other Funding Opportunities
    • Financial Support for Educational Activities Designed to Enhance Students' Undergraduate Careers and/or Prepare Students for Graduate School
  • Advising:
    • Graduate School Planning
    • Finding Undergraduate Research Experiences
    • Campus Connections
    • Career Development
  • Networking & Community Building
    • STEM Students for Social Change Events
    • Student & Faculty/Staff Networking Events
    • Annual LSAMP Year-End Celebration Dinner
  • Professional Development
    • Annual California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
    • Undergraduate Research Opportunities
    • Conference Presentations & Attendance
    • Workshops & Other Events

Find a full list of student resources offered by LSAMP here.

For more information on the CSU-LSAMP program, feel free to visit the CSU-LSAMP Statewide Office website. Contact LSAMP at Cal Poly here.

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Upcoming Events

June 1 | Honors Program Senior Showcase | 6-8pm | Chumash Auditorium

June 1, 2 | Suspended Motion Aerial Arts present "Eventyr Into the Forest" | 7-9pm | Spanos Theatre

Join Eva and Javan as they adventure deep into a magical forest.  The forest is watched over by Pixie, who strives to keep order in a chaotic world.  Caught up in a Pixie's tricks, our lovers will have to fight the forest, magical creatures, and elements on their adventures.  Will our pesky Pixie learn a lesson or two along the way?  Join Suspended Motion Aerial Arts in their 7th Annual show Eventyr for high flying cirque adventures.

June 2 | Cal Poly Wind Bands’ Spring Concert | 8-10pm | Performing Arts Center

The Wind Orchestra will begin the concert with “Night on Fire” by John Mackey, “To the Sky” by James Stephenson, and “Be Glad Then, America” by William Schuman. Next, the Wind Ensemble will accompany the student saxophone quartet Six Four on Jerome Naulais’ “Saxtory.” The quartet is comprised of civil engineering major Victor Wei on soprano saxophone, history major Paige Rooney on alto saxophone, mechanical engineering major Isaac Becker on tenor saxophone and civil engineering and music double major Noah Scanlan on baritone saxophone. “Their individual lyricism and technical facility really needed to be front and center in concert,” Interim Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff said. The Wind Ensemble will also perform a new transcription of Antonín Dvorák’s “Golden Spinning Wheel,” by Music Professor Emeritus William Johnson, as well as Paul Hindemith’s masterwork “Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber.” Woodruff will conduct the concert. 

June 3 | Cal Poly Symphony and Choirs to Present the Duruflé Requiem and other French Masterworks | 3-5pm | Performing Arts Center

The Cal Poly Symphony and Cal Poly Choirs will perform Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem” and other masterworks by French composers. The concert will open with a study in orchestral contrast — Camille Saint-Saëns’ energetic and menacing “Dance Macabre,” and Maurice Ravel’s elegant “Pavane pour une infante défunte,” Cal Poly Symphony Conductor David Arrivée said. The Cal Poly Chamber Choir will follow with several unaccompanied French chansons, most notably the famous “Trois Chanson” by Ravel. The first half of the concert will conclude with Ravel’s “Don Quichotte à Dulcinée,” featuring guest baritone Ryan Bede, who will perform with the orchestra. After intermission, the combined choirs and symphony will perform one of the greatest masterworks of the 20th century: Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem,” Op. 9. Duruflé’s Requiem is an ingenious combination of ancient chant and modern compositional techniques, resulting in one of the most beautiful works of all time. Both Bede and Padula are on the faculty of the University of Puget Sound.

June 3 | The Academy of Dance presents Infusion | 6-7:30pm | Spanos Theatre

The Academy of Dance is proud to present our annual SAN LUIS JAZZ show, INFUSION.  Infusion is a collection of pieces by different choreographers from all over the community.  this high impact show is great for the whole family and features the SAN LUIS JAZZ dancers with special guests; Razzmatazz, Pizzazz, Jr. Jazz, Academy Jazz and other groups from around the community.  We hope you can join us and marvel at the vibrant and diverse talent we have here on the Central Coast!

June 4 | Blood Drive | 11am-3pm | Dexter lawn

Members and the campus community are welcome to join the Los Lecheros Dairy Club in donating blood for a cause. We will be out in Dexter Lawn from 11-3pm on June 4th donating blood and giving out a coupon for a free item offered for local food.

June 4 | Jessica Lynn, the Butterfly Project | 6-9:30pm | Spanos Theatre

The world renowned Trans advocate and speaker, Jessica Lynn, is coming to share her story at Cal Poly on June 4th at 7pm. Come meet a Global Ambassador who inspires people around the world and have the opportunity to ask any question you may have ever had about being transgender.

June 6 | Cap Decorating | 9am-4pm | University Union Lobby

Graduating students can come decorate their caps with complimentary crafting supplies.

June 6 | The Wiggles | 6:30-8:30pm | Performing Arts Center

The Wiggles are coming to perform in San Luis Obispo as part of their Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle! Tour. The last visit to the West Coast by The Wiggles was five years ago. This brand new show will see Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony hit the stage with their friends Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers as they bring all the excitement of what it takes to Wiggle to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m.

June 6 | Speech Team Showcase | 7:30-9pm | ATL (Building 7 Room 1 and 2)

A showcase of all ten Individual Events (IEs) with a unifying theme of the intercultural experience in America using original research, poignant autoethnographies, and works of literary merit. Topics including family, education, diversity, discrimination, immigration, and refugee narratives will be expressed through the various lenses of Speech Team categories: Persuasive Speaking, Informative Speaking, Communication Analysis (Rhetorical Criticism), After Dinner Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation (and/or Program Oral Interpretation), and Duo Interpretation.

June 7 | Psychology and Child Development Project Symposium | 11am-1pm | UU 220

June 7 | Cal Poly Student Instrumental Recital | Building 45 Room 218

June 7 | Cal Poly Vocal Student Recital | 7:30-8:30pm | Building 45 Room 218

June 8 | That’s the Key Spring Concert | 2:10-8:30pm | Performing Arts Center

June 9 | Cal Poly Jazz Night Concert | 8-10:30pm | Spanos Theatre

Cal Poly’s University Jazz Bands will perform a mix of Latin jazz, jazz/rock and traditional jazz — and will throw in a few surprises — at the annual Jazz Night Concert. Featured at the concert will be works by jazz composers Don Menza, Michael Brecker and Gordon Goodwin, plus a piece originally recorded by the rock group Steely Dan. Those works include “Sambandrea Swing,” which was composed by tenor saxophonist Menza and originally recorded by the Buddy Rich Big Band, while Brecker’s piece, “Peep,” is a great example of contemporary jazz. Composer Gordon Goodwin is known for his creative and sometimes humorous arrangements, like his “Hit the Ground Running,” which will be performed. Steely Dan’s ‘FM’ is arranged for big band by Fred Strum who gained international praise as a composer. The concert will feature the University Jazz Bands I and II, along with two jazz combos.

June 10 | Cal Poly Clarinetfest | 6-8pm | Building 45 Room 218

A two-hour celebration of all things clarinet! Featuring the Cal Poly Clarinet Ensemble and guest artists in both solo and ensemble performances. For the grand finale, all the musicians — up to 35 — will perform together.

June 14 | Jerry Seinfeld | 7-9pm, 9:30-11:30pm | Performing Arts Center

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo to perform his signature stand-up routine on Thursday June 14th. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 11th at 10am! Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally.

June 16 | Spring Commencement College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and College of Science and Mathematics | 9am | Spanos Stadium

June 16 | Spring Commencement College of Liberal Arts and Orfalea College of Business | 3pm | Spanos Stadium

June 17 | Spring Commencement College of Architecture and Environmental Design and College of Engineering | 9am | Spanos Stadium

June 19, 20 | Jersey Boys | 7:30-10pm | Performing Arts Center

“Too good to be true!” raves the New York Post for Jersey Boys – the 2006 Tony-, Grammy- and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! Jersey Boys features a compelling script and an absolute treasure-trove of their hit songs, including “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and so many, many more. (Adult language; ages 13+)

June 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 | Family Fun Day | 5am-10pm | Recreation Center

June 22, 23 | PolyCon XXXVI | Chumash Auditorium

PolyCon's premier Game Convention on the Central Coast. 3 Days of non stop gaming fun including War Games, Board Games, Card Games, Role Playing Games, and Live Action Events.

June 23 | This Is Me | 1-3:30pm, 6-8:30pm | Performing Arts Center

THIS IS ME is a dance and musical theater spectacular, showcasing the talented students of Coastal Dance and Music Academy and Coastal Performing Arts Foundation. This high energy and entertaining show has something for everyone and is sure to please the whole family. Audiences will be treated to a wide range of dance styles and musical theater selections straight from Broadway. THIS IS ME features Synergy Dance Company, performance troupe Dance Out Loud, Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet and Coastal Youth Theater!

June 23 | ENCORE | 2-4pm | Spanos Theatre

CORE Dance annual studio recital includes styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and more.  All ages are welcome!

June 30 | Movement Arts Collective “Peter Rabbit” | 2-4pm, 7-9pm | Spanos Theatre

Come follow a mischievous rabbit and his furry and feathered friends on adventures in the English countryside in an original ballet perfect for families. On June 30ththe dancers of the Movement Arts Collective and students of the Movement Arts Center will bring the stories of Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Wiggle and others to life with all new choreography, costumes, and sets. Featuring a classical music score, this show is a perfect opportunity to introduce children to ballet in a performance that is fun for young and old alike.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

May 1-June 20 | Open Enrollment for Summer Quarter 2018

June 1 | Summer 2018 housing payment due to secure a summer space on campus

June 7 | Summer Institute 2018 students apply for housing for Summer Institute Program.

June 8 | Housing room assignments for Summer Quarter 2018 are available via the online application system

June 8 | Last day of Spring Quarter 2018 classes

June 8 | Last day to withdraw from course(s) for emergency reason (5pm) for Spring Quarter 2018 courses

June 8 | Last day to submit paperwork for Cal Poly coursework (substitutions, concentration declarations, ICS statements, etc.) in order to affect Academic Progress level for registration for Winter 2019 (received in the Office of the Registrar by 5:00 pm), if you will not be here for summer quarter.

June 11-15 | Spring Quarter 2018 finals

June 11 | Students may be dropped from all enrolled classes for Summer Quarter 2018 if Registration Fees are not paid by 4pm (excludes Financial Aid and certain other student groups). Additional information at fees.calpoly.edu

June 16-17 | Spring Commencement 2018

June 17 | All students must vacate their rooms and apartments by 5 p.m.

June 20 | Last day to add class in Student Center without a permission number for Summer Quarter 2018

June 24 | Summer 2018 residents move into campus housing (first 5 week session, 8-week session and 10-week summer session). Students must show photo ID before receiving their room key.

June 25 | Summer Institute 2018 Housing License Agreement due.

June 25 | Summer Quarter 2018 classes begin.

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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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