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

Inside Cal Poly

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 
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 
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&#038;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 
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 
Printing Locations

What’s New With The Kennedy Library Transformation

As summer approaches, so does the work on the Kennedy Library Transformation and the opening of temporary library service locations throughout campus.



The Kennedy Library building will be closing at the end of business on Friday, June 16, with <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/temporary-locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all library services continuing at centralized campus locations</a>. Construction will begin at the end of summer 2023 and is expected to wrap up summer of 2025. The reopening date is anticipated for the fall quarter of 2025.



The transformation aims to further connect the campus with library services, enrich the Cal Poly experience by showcasing and celebrating galleries and strengthen our Learn by Doing philosophy with enhanced classrooms and labs. Ultimately, the transformation will optimize building performance with thermal comfort, efficient energy and accessible restrooms.



Some of the major updates include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>air conditioning</li>



<li>a new, larger café located on the first floor</li>



<li>expanded Hub24 spaces on the first and second floors</li>



<li>all-gender bathrooms on all floors</li>



<li>new fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems</li>



<li>seismic upgrades and structural strengthening</li>



<li>a new roof</li>



<li>LED lighting throughout.</li>
</ul>



After the renovation, the estimated number of student study seats will increase by 300 and classroom seats will increase from 107 to 190.



To stay updated on any library transformation news, check out the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facilities Management and Development</a> page.

The Kennedy Library Transformation Moves Forward

Kennedy Library, a mainstay on campus since 1980, is receiving a makeover. The scheduled transformation includes updating major systems for a more comfortable, accessible and energy-efficient space to meet, study and work. When the project is complete, library users will return to a refreshed and welcoming space with new flooring, painting, acoustical ceilings, signage, an expanded café on the first level, and a courtyard with more convenient access to flexible classroom spaces.



The main priority throughout construction is to minimize disruption of services and continue to provide programs to the campus community.



While the renovation is underway, students, faculty and staff will still have access to the essential resources they need. Facilities Management and Development (FMD) in conjunction with campus leadership, colleges, and auxiliaries are working to identify additional study spaces which will include classrooms and collaborative spaces.



One such location, a temporary structure for studying, will be built in the <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/@35.3011427,-120.6658989,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C7 parking lot</a> located near the library. A second temporary student study structure is in progress, with the location to be announced soon. The Chandler and San Luis lounges in the University Union will also operate as an available student study space.



Services including Interlibrary Loan pick-up, course reserves, the digital projects lab, the research help desk and Cal Poly Print and Copy will be available during the project in building 60, the recently renovated <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-060-0/@35.2996124,-120.6639661,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crandall Gym</a>.



All library administration as well as the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and faculty and staff offices will be housed in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-115-0/@35.2985012,-120.6630176,16.9z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 115,</a> Chase Hall.



The Writing and Learning Initiatives Office and Special Collections and Archives services will be located in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-026-0/@35.3000721,-120.6631264,16.6z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 26</a>, the Graphic Arts building. In addition, General Collections operational support will be housed in Cal Poly Corporation Warehouse, <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-082-0/@35.3050798,-120.6703816,15.8z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 82</a>. Special Collections storage will be located in <a href="https://maps.calpoly.edu/place/bldg-034-0/@35.3010560,-120.6645800,16.5z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building 34</a>, Dexter.



Tools will be made available to the campus community to make it easy to find all these resources. These tools are currently being developed and will be announced soon.



For more information on the upcoming renovation, visit the Facilities Management and Development <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project page.</a>



Library Services and Academic Innovations and Programs are partnering with Facilities Management and Development on the renovations. Miller Hull Partnership and Hensel Phelps have been hired as the architecture firm and project contractor for the state-funded $77 million project.



The project is currently in its design phase and the renovation is expected to begin this summer and will be completed in the fall of 2025. Throughout the renovation the university is required to close the building to comply with safety protocols.



Questions regarding the project can be directed to Jill Baxter, the FMD customer service manager at jibaxter@calpoly.edu.

Alternative Study and Collaboration Spaces During Library Renovation Shared

Campus Dining always sees change as an opportunity to try something new. While renovations to Building 19, the former home of The Avenue, 805 Kitchen and Poly Deli are underway to create another state-of-the-art dining facility, two new Food Truck Villages have been opened to provide the campus with some fresh gastronomic experiences, alongside tried and true favorites.



Each village will be home to several food trucks including local favorites G. Brothers Smokehouse, G. Brothers Taqueria, SLO Dog, Jewel of India and Yogurt Creation, as well as Campus Dining’s Central Coaster and What’s Cookin’ Mobile.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calpolydining.com/whats-cookin-mobile/">What’s Cookin’</a>&nbsp;is one of Campus Dining’s new food trucks, which will offer a variety of hearty and delicious tacos, nachos and tortas like the chicken mole burrito, the Baja shrimp tacos and the loaded nachos. The best part is that the menu remains consistent when it comes to your go-to favorites but changes frequently enough to keep eating on campus exciting.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/3ce42b67219e7a29cb42c399020bbbba022536fe-6016x4016.jpg?w=675&amp;h=451&amp;fit=crop" alt="guest checking out SLO Dog food truck"/></figure>



The food trucks will rotate locations as well as menus, specials and limited time offers to keep options fresh.



Each village will be located near the UU to fill in for Building 19 and will have dedicated seating areas complete with Adirondack chairs and umbrellas.



One of the villages will be located on Mott Lawn, in front of Mott Athletics Center, across Mustang Way from Building 19. The second village will be located on the north end of Mustang Way near Grand Ave and North Perimeter Road.



The common areas in each village will be frequently cleaned and maintained in order to provide campus community members with the best possible experience while enjoying some of the best food in town.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/db7082f8e77452392413a2b5b6917e26dd580f93-1200x763.jpg?w=675&amp;h=429&amp;fit=crop" alt="wide food truck village in front of Mott Gym."/></figure>



Each truck will be on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calpolydining.com/grubhub/">Grubhub</a>&nbsp;to provide the highest level of convenience for busy students, faculty and staff.

New Food Truck Villages

Coming back on campus is exciting and almost seems surreal. There have been so many updates and new additions to campus since Spring of 2019, just wait until you walk past Vista Grande! As students come back to campus, the university is especially excited to share everything that Campus Dining has been working on over the past year and a half. This post will serve as your complete guide for what’s new with Campus Dining.



Food Trucks Let’s start with a fan favorite, drum roll please…… the food trucks! Hungry folks can find the Central Coaster, G. Brothers Smokehouse and other SLOcal favorites located outside Mott Athletics Center and on the upper side of Mustang Way. These trucks are meant to serve the surrounding area as building 19, former home of The Avenue, Poly Deli and 805 Kitchen, is being renovated.



New Market Nearby the food trucks there will be a new market featuring grab-and-go items as well as sushi. This little market is tucked away in the University Union where customers can make a quick stop. This market will carry favorite sandwiches from the Market Grand Ave. Deli at Vista Grande as well as fresh-made Ace Sushi.



New Restaurants While we’re talking about new places to grab a bite, let’s go over the new venues! Look out for Scout Coffee Co. in yakʔitʸutʸu, Vista Grande, Health Shack near the library and What’s Cookin’ in Poly Canyon Village. Subway will be opening a second location in Poly Canyon Village as well. Scout Coffee will be near the Welcome Center, just a short walk to Vista Grande which is across the street from the Performing Arts Center. What’s Cookin’ can be found at PCV along with a mobile food truck bearing the same name, that will feature a variety of things from burritos to poke bowls. Lastly, The Health Shack is the newest addition to the Kennedy Library area, a great place to eat mid study break.



Mobile Ordering with Grubhub Good news, ordering from these venues will be as easy as a push of a button. No really, it is.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calpolydining.com/grubhub/">Download the Grubhub app</a>&nbsp;to for a cashless and contactless payment system. This will be enforced at all venues to keep payments as safe as possible.



Dining Memberships for Campus Campus Dining now has meal options for all students, staff and faculty with Community Memberships. Starting as low as $250, Cal Poly community members can purchase one of these yummy meals plans and have access to all of the Campus Dining venues. Dining dollars do rollover year to year for first-year and Community plans with a purchase of a Community Membership for the following year. You can read more about these specialized plans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calpolydining.com/diningprograms/community/">here</a>&nbsp;or read this&nbsp;<a href="https://inside.calpoly.edu/campus-dining-memberships-for-all/">blog</a>.



 To help you remember all the changes, Campus Dining created a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calpolydining.com/docs/WhatsNew_Fall2021.pdf">&#8220;What&#8217;s New&#8221; flyer</a>&nbsp;with all of this information.



Excited yet? We definitely are! Campus Dining looks forward to serving the Cal Poly community once again. Welcome home mustangs!

What’s New at Campus Dining?

Throughout this hybrid academic year, the university has seen many construction projects go from blueprints to buildings. Newest on the list of completed projects is the yakʔitʸutʸu Student Housing Solar Project as well as the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory. The university is proud and excited to open these facilities as they are both environmentally friendly and provide their own unique benefits!



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/c7fc03543025e320c7ffa56cc5b2dd2a0ed0dbcf-1200x801.jpg?w=675&amp;h=451&amp;fit=crop" alt="Photo of the yakʔitʸutʸu Student Housing Solar Project"/></figure>



 The yakʔitʸutʸu Student Housing Solar Project consists of two photovoltaic solar arrays installed on the top deck of Parking Structure 131 and on top of the yakʔitʸutʸu bike corral at the corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue. This project connects to the campus electrical distribution system, and further reduces the university’s need to import power from the utility grid, according to Eric Soderin, project manager for Major Capital Projects in Facilities Management and Development. This new solar installation is more sustainable as the panels gather solar energy from the sun converting the DC voltage to AC voltage, which is the standard means of service power, Soderin said. The yakʔitʸutʸu housing project began in 2015 therefore it is a big accomplishment to see the entire project come to fruition. This project also adds to Cal Poly’s extensive solar portfolio, according to Soderin.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/ce5b235f16ad6c7bc32fe6e6ccaa333657f8a0db-1200x766.jpg?w=675&amp;h=431&amp;fit=crop" alt="Photo of the Plant Conservatory "/></figure>



 Next up is the new Cal Poly Plant Conservatory that recently opened its doors. This large glasshouse is located on Village Drive next to the entrance of Poly Canyon in the center of campus. Inside this conservatory you will find a large living plant collection all maintained under one roof. This plant collection will support teaching and research initiatives for faculty and students in classic Learn-By-Doing fashion. Additionally, support from community outreach programs will work to foster education about plant biology and conservation of rare species. The new conservatory features many different areas including a tropical house, desert house, cool tropical house, a propagation greenhouse and research greenhouses. All of these will help support different plant species in their preferred environments. You can volunteer at the Conservatory during Spring Quarter from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays! Please email Dr. Matt Ritter for more information. If you haven’t already done so, grab your mask and go check out these cool new projects!

New Additions to the Cal Poly Campus: The Plant Conservatory and yakʔitʸutʸu Student Housing Solar Project

Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability is set to kick-off a new marketing campaign aimed at reducing the use of single-use beverage containers this spring.



The campaign, funded as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://calpolynews.calpoly.edu/news_releases/2020/january/cal-poly-calrecycle-grant#:~:text=GIVING-,Cal%20Poly%20Receives%20%24225%2C000%20CalRecycle%20Grant%20to%20Support%20Campus%20Recycling,create%20a%20zero%20waste%20campus">$225,000 grant that the university received</a>&nbsp;from CalRecycle, will promote sustainability and specifically the reduction of single-use beverage containers.



During fall quarter three campaign concepts were developed and tested amongst students, faculty and staff. More than 250 campus community members responded with feedback and a campaign titled “Time Well Spent” was chosen for its simple yet effective messaging. The campaign will launch on Earth Day, April 19, 2021.



The goal is to raise awareness and emphasize that recycling is a simple, fast act anyone can take to lessen their impact on the environment.



A social media campaign with produced communications materials including graphics and posters has been created and will be used in line with a “Time Well Spent” contest. Both efforts are designed to connect with students, faculty and staff to educate as well as motivate them to reduce and recycle.



Sustainability will also cohost events and presentations during Open House and SLO Days. They plan on growing their reach across campus by strengthening partnerships with environmental groups and clubs. And they will start recruiting students to serve as Recycling Education Ambassadors.

Sustainability to Launch Recycling Campaign

A campus wide COVID-19 Help Center has been set up and designed to support students who have questions or concerns about the ongoing asymptomatic testing program and how to comply with university requirements. Created and managed by the Cal Poly Corporation, this help center will support students as well as free up Campus Health and Wellbeing staff, who have been fielding these questions. Students should continue to contact CHW for symptomatic testing, student medical and mental health support.



The services provided by the COVID-19 Help Center include:



• Providing information on the university’s ongoing asymptomatic testing registration and the appointment process. The university requires students who meet certain criteria to schedule two tests per week approximately three days apart. The university is transitioning to a saliva-based testing program. Students need to make sure to get a Saliva Test Registration ID and make an appointment to test. As of Feb. 25, saliva surveillance testing is available at the Performing Arts Center and Poly Canyon Village testing sites, and students should use saliva testing. Employees are invited to continue to use nasal swab testing with Avellino Labs while we work on the transition for students.



• Identifying off-campus testing locations in the community. If students would like to get a test elsewhere the help center can assist in providing other testing locations in the area.



• Answering questions related to campus compliance communications or requirements from the Presidential Order. Do I meet the requirements to get tested? Can I get tested if I’m symptomatic? Where do I get tested? All of these are great questions that the help center can answer.



• Help connecting students with other needed COVID-related services and online resources. Check out the official webpage for the help center for an extensive list of all resources provided.



If you would like to contact the COVID-19 Help Center, please call 805-756-7748 or email covid-help@calpoly.edu Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Got Questions? The COVID-19 Help Center has Answers.

Back in 2016 Cal Poly adopted ParkMobile, an app that allows customers to find and purchase parking straight from their mobile devices. Since then, Cal Poly has expanded on this app to provide more contactless parking payment options.



The most recent update could not have come at a better time. According to Marlene Cramer, the director of Transportation and Parking Services, with ParkMobile now in use Cal Poly has started to remove some parking meters on campus. This results in less resources used towards the meter maintenance and the collection process which allows for Transportation and Parking Services to reassign employees to do other important tasks.



Not&nbsp;only is this new system labor efficient, it’s also more sustainable! TAPS’ vision is to create a campus with cohesive, innovative and sustainable transportation and parking services.ParkMobile is a tool in making this vision a reality. In addition to the ParkMobile system, in Fall of 2019 virtual parking passes were implemented on campus. This system reduced and virtually eliminated the need for paper and plastic parking permits.​



The app also makes it easier for customers to utilize the most updated features within the app without the campus needing to purchase new hardware which is the case for credit card meters. For example, this year people are coming to campus for shorter periods of time as a result of COVID-19 safety precautions. TAPS staff noticed a change in demand and availability, and simply added a day pass options to give students additional choices for purchasing parking on campus.



In the past Cal Poly has used ParkMobile for advance event parking reservations for large campus events such as Green and Gold tours, Open House, SLO Days, the annual Rodeo, and large athletic events. When events are safe to return to campus, TAPS plans to reactive this feature of the ParkMobile app.



Lastly, ParkMobile has allowed for a more secure way for customers to purchase parking. Having a virtual receipt has created higher levels of compliance and less frustration for customers as they always have a copy of their parking pass. Their license plate is their permit and the app provides a record of receipts for customer convenience.



It is clear that this system is adaptable, efficient and sustainable. Next time you find yourself on campus make sure you download the ParkMobile app and check out all the new features!

Category: Study