Transformation can unlock untapped potential, drive innovation and lead to improvements, efficiencies and successes. It often requires vision, determination and a willingness to embrace change, ultimately reshaping the way we think, act and interact with the world around us.
Cal Poly has witnessed several transformations throughout the years as the university has built a better and brighter future through development and expansion of campus initiatives that have opened doors for the broadest number of prospective students and employees.
This transformative work led to Cal Poly being recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education for our dedicated efforts to teach about climate change, being named one of the top 10 campuses in the CSU for Financial Statements, and earning a 16th Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award. Not to mention our Distribution Services team being named Mail Center of the Year, and Mark Reyes being honored with the Outstanding Staff Member Award by the National Association of College and University Mail Services.
Transformation is all around us, but we might not always know it. In a series of testimonials from each unit, we hope to capture the transformative work happening throughout the division. First, we will hear from David Valadez on some impactful changes in Financial Services.
With a seemingly small change, such as making a financial analyst meeting more accessible, David and his team structurally transformed how people on campus get connected to financial information, how this information is disseminated and as a result has increased our financial transparency.
This transformation is what will keep Cal Poly at the forefront and ahead of changes and disruptions such as market shifts, technological advances and changing student expectations. The university will need to continue to adopt new strategies, concepts and pedagogies to meet the changing needs of society to create environments that are cohesive and adaptable.
To increase access to the arts, the Performing Arts Center became a certified Sensory Inclusive venue with KultureCity. With this certification, the PAC is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities, often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions, in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
This certification recognizes our commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the arts.
Last year, Public Safety launched several new programs to help increase transparency and trust through the Public Safety Advisory Committee, convenience with Mustang Shuttle daytime routes, and general safety with the Rave Guardian app.
Improving the student experience is the primary focus behind everything that we do, and Financial Services made huge strides this past year in doing just that. By integrating student payments for 529 accounts and international payments, the team was able to improve the students’ ability to make payments quickly and easily to their student account.
While these changes created more efficient processes for students and their supporters, we are also focused on improving work processes for staff and faculty. Cal Poly will transition to CSUBUY in early 2024. This CSU-systemwide program will simplify the procure to pay system with a straightforward way to purchase goods and services and covers every step from requisition to payment.
This is very exciting, and the procurement team has been working very hard on the implementation.
The list of these transformative changes goes on.
To enhance the student and employee experience, Campus Dining expanded its partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, gaining resources, expertise, and financial support in line with the Cal Poly Master Plan.
We've made diversity, equity, and inclusion a top priority, with division-wide diversity action plans.
We've also expanded Feed Cal Poly to address on-campus basic needs, inviting donations to the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative.
These efforts have structurally, programmatically, and philosophically transformed our campus, fostering a better student experience. We're committed to ongoing transformations into the 2023-24 academic year.