An inside look at living, studying and working at Cal Poly.

Inside Cal Poly

Curious about construction efforts happening across campus? So are we!



To help the Cal Poly community stay informed, we have assembled a comprehensive list detailing recent updates to the university’s ongoing capital projects.



Kennedy Library



The highly anticipated <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert E. Kennedy Library renovation</a> will feature an energy-efficient, sustainable design that accommodates programming needs. Current updates include paving the courtyard and working on the landscape, illuminated interior lighting, more interior finishes and an ADA ramp installation.



The library is still on schedule to open Fall 2025.



Wastewater Reclamation



The design and construction of an on-campus <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/water-reclamation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wastewater Reclamation Facility</a> (WRF) to process a portion of the raw campus wastewater currently sent to the City of San Luis Obispo’s treatment plant has begun new construction activities, including:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Final field investigation for aligning the new ~6,000-foot force sewer main pipe from the lift station to the reclamation facility.</li>



<li>Minor work near the Swine Unit, setting up construction yard, offices and building temporary construction utilities.</li>



<li>Mass grading will begin early to mid-April on the recycled water reservoir near the swine unit.</li>
</ul>



Plant Sciences and Animal Health



Concrete slab-pouring on Highland Avenue and Mt. Bishop Road has begun, bringing the&nbsp;<a href="https://cafes.calpoly.edu/giving/plant-sciences-complex">Plant Sciences Complex</a>&nbsp;one step closer to reality. The 23,000-square-foot laboratory building and master site planning will immerse students in contemporary and climate-smart plant sciences research, emphasizing the farm-to-fork supply chain.



Structural steel for the <a href="https://cafes.calpoly.edu/giving/animal-health-center">Charles and Cla</a><a href="https://cafes.calpoly.edu/giving/animal-health-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">i</a><a href="https://cafes.calpoly.edu/giving/animal-health-center">re Jacobson Animal Health Center’s</a> 17,500-square-foot program is up. The space will include instructional and clinical space, featuring an instructional lab for 72 students, a research lab that will fit more than 16 students, a surgical suite and a large examination/procedure room. The Animal Health Center will provide veterinary care for the college’s many livestock animals in a contemporary facility and offer hands-on learning in animal care for CAFES students.



Vista Meadows



Construction of a new faculty and staff housing complex at the northeast corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue has restarted grading operations. The project will bring 33 single-family homes to campus. Available to faculty and staff to purchase,&nbsp;<a href="https://calpolypartners.org/real-estate-development/faculty-staff-housing/vista-meadows/">Vista Meadows</a>&nbsp;will offer three distinct floorplans ranging from 1,600 to over 2,100 square feet, with fully equipped kitchens, open concept living areas, solar, and energy saving appliances.



Student Housing



The site work for future housing buildings A and B is taking shape — crews have excavated and graded the land, cleared vegetation and are building retaining walls. Utility tie-ins are also underway. FullStack Modular&nbsp;has mobilized its new Southern California factory for the project. They are currently fabricating modular “suite-style” dorm rooms for a stacked high-rise installation by the general contractor. Building A, adjacent to Fremont Hall, will be seven stories with 400+ new beds and an anticipated opening of fall 2026. The design of subsequent buildings is being reviewed and improved for additional efficiencies — one of the benefits of utilizing the same contractor for each phase of the project.<a href="https://inside.calpoly.edu/author/cal-poly-administration-and-finance/"></a><a href="https://inside.calpoly.edu/author/cal-poly-administration-and-finance/"></a>

The Latest with Cal Poly Capital Projects

<a href="https://inside.calpoly.edu/author/cal-poly-administration-and-finance/"></a><a href="https://inside.calpoly.edu/author/cal-poly-administration-and-finance/"></a>As part of <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Administration and Finance’s</a> continual work to improve programs, services and campus offerings, the division is constantly taking in feedback on its team’s performance. To that end, on March 21, A&amp;F closed its annual <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/survey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Focus Forward customer satisfaction survey</a>.



In years past feedback from the survey have resulted in some major changes and updates to campus. Mustang Shuttle was a direct result from feedback asking for help with students who have classes, labs and work in the Dairy Science, Poultry Science and Meat Processing Center. Now the free campus shuttle runs seven days a week with night service until 12:30 a.m.



The team in Environmental Health and Safety took insights from the 2023 survey and increased the frequency and number of training opportunities for staff. Their popular Safety Jam series is the result.



Facilities Management and Development has made a concerted effort to increase communications about projects and services available to the campus community.



These are just a few changes as a result of the survey.



This year, to sweeten the pot, for each survey completed, respondents received an entry into a drawing for Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds and more than 40 other prizes, including Tailgating Pros Lightweight Cornhole Boards, Ninja Pod and Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker, The North Face Jester Backpack, a Cal Poly Tumbler or one of 36 Amazon or Grubhub gift cards!



The winners of the drawing and the 2025 results will be released soon.

Annual Focus Forward Survey Wraps Up

Each year, Cal Poly hosts thousands of youths attending programs and camps designed to help broaden their horizons and grow their mental and physical acuity.
The Youth Protection Program — under Risk Management — works to ensure a safe environment for these participants both in-person and virtually.
The program safeguards minors by defining a bandwidth of acceptable behavior when interacting with them and establishes minimum requirements for youth programs operated by, affiliated with or held on campus.
One such requirement for program and camp directors is to register their youth programs on an annual basis. With that said, if you are a program or camp director looking to host a youth program in the next year, please register sooner rather than later. This helps the ERM team plan and ensure that your team will be aware of all measures needed to be accounted for before the camp starts.
All the mandated trainings, programs and reporting requirements, compliance steps and more can be found on the updated webpage for <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/risk-management/youth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cal Poly’s Youth Protection Program</a>.
There, program directors and coordinators, staff, volunteers and parents can find in-depth information about policy, procedures and best practices.

Cal Poly’s Partners Preview event which provides participating partner high school students the opportunity to enjoy the full Cal Poly college experience.

Get to Know the Youth Protection Program

Cal Poly Partners and the U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center are collaborating to foster impactful innovation and research at the newly completed Phase Two of the Cal Poly Technology Park. The partnership will grow opportunities in such key fields as hydrology, water resources, geology, biology, chemistry, geography, oceanography, geophysics and geochemistry.
The 16,200-square-foot Phase Two of the Technology Park, located on Mount Bishop Road on the western edge of the Cal Poly campus, will serve as the hub for this collaboration, offering state-of-the-art facilities to support research, technology development and knowledge exchange. Cal Poly Partners, the university’s nonprofit auxiliary, is also seeking additional collaborators to join this vibrant innovation ecosystem, with more than 5,000 square feet of available space for groundbreaking projects and partnerships.
“We are thrilled to partner with USGS in this important initiative,” said Jim Dunning, associate executive director of Real Estate Development and Services, Cal Poly Partners. “The newly finished Phase Two building offers an ideal space for our work with USGS, and we welcome new partners to join us in pushing the boundaries of science, research, technology and workforce development.”
Under this collaborative framework, the USGS California Water Science Center and Cal Poly Partners will:
<ul>
<li>Establish infrastructure to pursue funding opportunities to support joint research and educational programs.</li>
<li>Develop and secure funding for future student internship programs in fields such as hydrology, geology, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, engineering and related disciplines, in partnership with Cal Poly.</li>
<li>Organize joint technical seminars, workshops and symposia to share innovative research ideas and advancements in hydrology.</li>
</ul>
“We look forward to establishing our field office and research team at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo,” said Mark Dickman, associate director of data for the USGS California Water Science Center. “This collaboration with Cal Poly Partners, university faculty and students will create exciting opportunities to enhance interdisciplinary research, education and outreach. Our shared efforts will contribute to a deeper understanding of critical water and biological resources to better serve society.”

USGS Moving Into the Expanded Tech Park

Nilay Gami&#8217;s role as director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is both a professional and personal fulfillment.
Whether leveraging AI for hazard identification or fostering social responsibility and sustainability at EHS, Gami knows the importance of innovation in driving positive change.
In fact, his team recently won the <a href="https://www.verdantix.com/insights/press-releases/verdantix-reveals-the-winners-of-the-2024-ehs-innovation-awards-americas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EHSQ Digital Innovation Award at the 2024 Verdantix EHS Innovation Awards Americas</a> for embracing technology that assists employees in reducing their ergonomic risk.
Between taking home the prestigious international award and his busy day-to-day schedule, Gami made time to sit down and discuss his global leadership experience, his favorite word and sage advice regarding humanity and technology.
What do you do in your role? 
As the director for Environmental Health and Safety, I lead initiatives to ensure workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability. My extensive global leadership experience, including roles at Amazon, Michelin, and starting and divesting from my own petrochemical company, equips me with the expertise to develop and implement effective EHS strategies. My diverse industry background and having managed high-risk operations and driven digital transformations internationally, enable me to address complex EHS challenges with a comprehensive, risk-aware approach.
Additionally, I am a proponent of leveraging AI technologies to proactively identify and mitigate risks. By utilizing predictive analytics and machine learning, my team can anticipate potential hazards, optimize safety protocols, and ensure timely interventions. This data-driven approach not only enhances safety outcomes but also supports continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What do you like about your job? 
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both people and the environment. Leading EHS initiatives allows me to create safer workplaces and promote sustainability, which aligns with my passion for social responsibility. 
I particularly enjoy collaborating with diverse teams across different colleges, units and cultures, as it enriches my perspective and fosters continuous learning. Working with students at the university is also incredibly rewarding. It allows me to share my knowledge and experience, mentor the next generation of professionals, and stay connected with emerging trends and innovative ideas. This dynamic interaction keeps my work exciting and fulfilling.
I love making a real difference in people&#8217;s lives and creating a culture where safety is second nature. Plus, seeing everyone go home safe and sound is incredibly rewarding!
What are some things your team is working on that you are excited about? 
I&#8217;m particularly excited about several innovative projects my team is currently working on. One highlight is our use of AI to enhance ergonomics in the workplace. This initiative recently won an award for its effectiveness in reducing strain and injury among employees by using predictive analytics to support employees to work safer and improve work environments.
Additionally, we are conducting comprehensive risk assessments. These assessments help us identify potential hazards more accurately and implement proactive measures to mitigate them. This approach not only improves safety but also boosts overall operational efficiency.
Another exciting project is the development of a roadmap for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). This roadmap will provide a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and managing risks across the organization. By integrating AI and data-driven insights, we aim to create a robust ERM strategy that enhances our ability to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for growth.
Are you from San Luis Obispo? If not, where are you from and how did you end up in SLO County? 
I&#8217;m not originally from San Luis Obispo, but I was captivated by its vibrant community and stunning scenery, making it the perfect place to work. My journey here has been shaped by diverse global experiences, having lived and worked in Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, India, Canada, and the United States. Each of these places has enriched my perspective and professional approach.
I ended up in SLO County through my role at the university, which I find incredibly stimulating. The university environment is much like living in multiple countries simultaneously, as students and professors constantly bring back new ideas and diverse cultures. This dynamic exchange of knowledge and cultural insights makes Cal-Poly a vibrant and inspiring place to live and work.
What is your favorite word? Why? 
My favorite word is &#8220;innovate.&#8221; It&#8217;s a word that perfectly captures the essence of what I love to do. Innovation is all about finding creative solutions to complex problems, pushing boundaries, and making a positive impact. Whether it&#8217;s using AI to enhance workplace ergonomics, developing new risk management strategies, or collaborating with diverse teams and students, the drive to innovate keeps my work exciting and fulfilling. Plus, it&#8217;s a word that embodies the spirit of continuous improvement and forward-thinking, which are essential in today&#8217;s fast-paced world.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
The best piece of advice I&#8217;ve ever received resonates deeply with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.&#8217;s profound words: &#8220;When we look at modern man, we have to face the fact…that modern man suffers from a kind of poverty of the spirit, which stands in glaring contrast to his scientific and technological abundance; We&#8217;ve learned to fly the air like birds, we&#8217;ve learned to swim the seas like fish, and yet we haven&#8217;t learned to walk the Earth as brothers and sisters.”
This advice reminds me to balance our incredible technological advancements with a strong sense of humanity and compassion. It encourages me to innovate not just for progress, but for the betterment of society, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding. It&#8217;s a guiding principle that shapes my approach to leadership, ensuring that while we push the boundaries of what&#8217;s possible, we never lose sight of our shared responsibility to each other and the planet.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? 
The most important lesson life has taught me is that &#8220;the journey is the reward.&#8221; This philosophy emphasizes the value of the experiences, growth, and learning we gain along the way, rather than just focusing on the end goal.
Throughout my diverse career and global travels, I&#8217;ve learned to appreciate each step of the journey. Whether it&#8217;s navigating the complexities of different cultures, tackling challenging projects, or mentoring students and colleagues, every moment offers an opportunity for growth and discovery. Embracing this mindset has allowed me to find joy and fulfillment in the process, rather than just the outcomes. It reminds me to stay present, cherish the experiences, and continuously learn and innovate.

We Asked, Nilay Answered

The Kennedy Library Transformation is fully underway and Fall Quarter has brought in a lot of changes. Here’s a rundown of everything that’s new.



Lockers



The Cal Poly community can now request books and other library materials to be placed in the Library Pickup Lockers, providing access to library resources during the transformation. This includes physical items from Kennedy Library’s circulating collections and items eligible for request in <a href="https://csu-calpoly.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01CALS_PSU:01CALS_PSU&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OneSearch</a> supplied through the Interlibrary Loan program.



Requested materials will be placed in lockers located in the Dexter Plaza next to the main entrance to Dexter (Bldg. 34) for pick up. Users have seven days to pick items up from the lockers.



Waitz App



While looking for a place to study this quarter, you can now track occupancy and study area hours with the Waitz App. The app allows users to check real-time occupancy of the C7 and H11 Study Structures alongside the Sierra Madre study spaces. It will soon expand other study locations throughout the quarter. Waitz is available for free from the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/temporary-locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple App Store and Google Play.</a>



Town Hall



The Kennedy Library Transformation team is inviting students, faculty, staff and supporters to a town hall on Tuesday, Oct. 24. This panel discussion with project leaders will provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions learn more about the project, its progress and future plans.



During the Q&amp;A panelists will answer questions submitted prior to the event as well as those asked in person. Other topics will include the project scope and student resources available throughout construction. The town hall will be held in UU 220 (Bldg. 65) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. You can submit questions <a href="https://bit.ly/KLTTownHallQs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a>



Mustang Shuttle Stops



Mustang Shuttle services are still available during the transformation! Shuttle stops have been added to help serve students using the H11 and C7 Temporary Study Structures. The stops include the Erhart Agriculture (Bldg. 10) and O’Neill Green in front of the Business Building (Bldg. 3). To learn more about stops, click <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/safetyprograms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a>



Printing Locations If you need any printing done during the transformation, you can find Cal Poly Print and Copy inside the Crandall Gym (Bldg. 60). Additional print needs can be addressed through&nbsp;Mustang Prints&nbsp;self-service printing kiosks are available throughout campus.

Kennedy Library Milestones and What’s to Come

The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mustang Business Park marked a significant milestone as the campus moves closer to meeting Master Plan goals.
Mustang Business Park, the university’s first off-campus administrative facility, will move 150 professional staff from campus and open 50,000 square feet of student-serving space in the campus core.
This will enable the campus community to expand over the next decade in alignment with the Master Plan.
The ribbon cutting event, featuring Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong, Cal Poly Partners CEO Cody VanDorn, and A&#038;F Senior Vice President Allison Baird-James, celebrated the opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility.
With over 46,000 square feet spread across two stories, this new building offers free parking for staff and expands the campus&#8217;s capacity to support student needs and academic programs.
Mustang Business Park will house staff members from across the university including Emergency Management, Budget and Fiscal Planning, the Office of the Registrar, Cal Poly Partners and others.
This move will free up approximately 50,000 square feet in the campus core, creating more room for student-facing services. Furthermore, this facility represents a forward-thinking approach to workspace design, with flexible layouts that support both quiet, heads-down work and collaborative, creative efforts.
This expansion aligns with Cal Poly&#8217;s 2035 Master Plan, emphasizing long-term growth and improved support for students, faculty, and staff.

Mustang Business Park Opens

The Environmental, Health and Safety and Risk Management teams have merged into one super department all to better provide a holistic risk management approach to campus.
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) — the integration of the two departments — will help prioritize higher risks, streamline processes, drive proactivity and foster advantageous collaboration.
That means better identifying, analyzing and controlling hazards and risks that could impact Cal Poly&#8217;s business and its ability to achieve its goals and objectives.
The merger will also significantly improve its decision-making process.
By reducing duplication in risk assessment, improving coordination across functions, and providing reliable reporting and monitoring, ERM can make more informed and effective decisions, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors, students, staff and faculty.
ERM is not just a strategic move but one that aligns perfectly with Cal Poly&#8217;s strategic goals, making campus part of a larger, unified mission.
To learn more about risk management, visit <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/risk-management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their web page</a>.

Introducing Enterprise Risk Management

Over 150 staff members have moved out to the Mustang Business Park, a new off-campus, student-serving facility.
The move out to the Mustang Business Park offers staff a new, state-of-the-art workspace, spread across two stories and also opens up much needed room in the Cal Poly campus core that will be transitioned into student serving spaces.
The Mustang Business Park will also offer staff several upgrades and benefits, including free parking in more than 250 spaces, technology upgrades for video conferencing and scheduling, more flexibility with hoteling space and the ability to come and go, a full kitchen, easy access to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, and extensive meeting and collaboration spaces.
And with the move of staff out to Mustang Business Park, that will eventually free up more than 200 university parking spaces.
In alignment with the <a href="https://masterplan.calpoly.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2035 Master Plan</a>, the Mustang Business Park is a step closer to upgrading and expanding Cal Poly facilities to better educate students and support faculty and staff.
Learn more about the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/space-optimization/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mustang Business Park Project</a>.

Category: News