Welcome to the first edition of the Administration and Finance Update with information about news, construction projects, division initiatives and upcoming events.
In this issue, you will learn more about the summer construction projects, as well as the new innovative systems that are being rolled out to help A&F streamline workflow.
Customer Satisfaction Survey
Our annual A&F Customer Satisfaction Survey is open until June 19. This is your chance to share your feedback with us for an opportunity to win one of 75 great prizes. An email with a personalized link was sent to staff, faculty and students from (afd-cs-survey@calpoly.edu) on Tuesday, May 28.
Budget Update
For Fiscal Year 2019–20 the CSU put forth the biggest dollar request in the history of the system. Preliminary budget allocations from the governor, Senate and Assembly appear to be in favor of funding 100 percent of the requested mandatory costs, plus $239 million in one-time deferred maintenance funding for the entire CSU system. Additionally, there is support to fund at least 2.75 percent enrollment growth across the system. While this is good news, due to our more stable enrollments, this will not provide much in terms of discretionary funding where the campus can decide how to allocate the funds. To see a presentation provided to the Academic Senate on the topic, please go: https://afd.calpoly.edu/budget/docs/budget-presentation-academic-senate-FY19-20-FINAL.pptx
Internal Audit
Dan DiPaola, executive director of Internal Audit, joined the team in February and has been tasked with creating the university’s internal audit function. Initially, Dan has drafted the department charter, worked on various special projects, and conducted meetings with, and given presentations to, a significant number of the university’s senior leadership. Currently, Internal Audit is working with Risk Management to perform the first university-wide risk assessment as a means to continuously monitor risk as well as to inform the university’s audit plan. Please feel free to reach out to Internal Audit for assistance with any concerns or questions you may have.
Technology Enhancements
The Administration and Finance team is in the middle of various technology enhancements to support process changes that support the university’s continuous effort to improve efficiency and transparency to campus. These changes include streamlining the hiring and recruiting process, improved budget management tools, better management of parking on campus, and a simplified travel program, along with a number of other improvements. Visit the Cal Poly 4.0 webpage for more specific details about each program (https://afd.calpoly.edu/cal-poly-4)
Construction Projects
Facilities Management and Development is hard at work on several construction projects that will elevate university facilities for students, faculty and staff. These changes include the construction of new buildings, updating current infrastructure as well as a major renovation of the University Union. The following are projects that will be under way this summer.
1. William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation
This new academic space will bring together three Cal Poly colleges in the center of campus, just north of Baker Center for Science.
2. JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture
This fully operational winery, meeting hall, and viticulture/enology/sensory labs will include 16,000 square feet of instructional space with 10,000 square feet dedicated to fermentation. It will also be connected to a wastewater system capable of treating water for irrigation and sanitation uses.
3. University Union Neighborhood Update
The University Union will soon be transformed into a cohesive “neighborhood” with a diverse downtown atmosphere.
4. Update on Vista Grande Dining Complex
Structural issues that delayed construction on Vista Grande have been resolved and work activity has accelerated. The projected completion date is January 2020.
5. Traffic light installation at Grand Ave and Pacheco Way
A traffic light is being added to better manage traffic at peak times. Traffic-motion cameras will take into consideration not just vehicular traffic but also bicycles to ensure greater safety. This project is scheduled to be completed by the start of classes in Fall 2019.
6. Beach Volleyball Facility
Cal Poly’s nationally ranked beach volleyball team will soon have a state-of-the-art complex of their own, located behind Mott Athletics Center with five courts, an observation area for fans and a large video board. This project is donor funded and scheduled for completion in Fall 2019.