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

Inside Cal Poly

As a third-year architecture major, Dhruvi Jain frequently dives deep into the world of design and creativity. Not only in her studies, but during her work at the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
From setting up the lobby and moving accessible seating to greeting and guiding visitors or scanning tickets, every shift is about making things run seamlessly. It’s a behind-the-scenes effort that brings the magic of the performances to life.
Jain recently stepped away from her role at the PAC to talk about her hometown, goals after graduating and an important life lesson.
What do you hope to do with your degree? 
I want to create architecture that truly matters- spaces that tell stories, breathe new life into historic structures, and make people feel at home. My goal is to repurpose the old, infuse it with purpose, and design places where communities can thrive, connect and find comfort.
What do you like about your job at the PAC? 
Oh, where do I even begin? This job is so rewarding! I get to meet incredible people every day and contribute to making their time at the shows comfortable and memorable. The best part? The team! The staff and ushers are genuinely the kindest people. Plus, the flexibility of the schedule is a lifesaver-it fits perfectly with our busy lives as students, offering both weekday and weekend shifts. It’s a job that truly supports us, and I couldn’t ask for more.
Are you from San Luis Obispo? If not, where are you from, and how did you end up here? 
I’m from Bangalore, India, a vibrant city full of energy, culture and endless charm. Moving to SLO County was a leap into the unknown, driven by my dream to study in Cal Poly’s renowned architecture program. Once I arrived, I fell in love not just with the program, but with everything about this place. The stunning landscapes, the welcoming community, and the slower pace of life have made it feel like a second home.
Where would you rather be right now? 
Sipping chai on a balcony in Bangalore during the monsoon rain, watching the world slow down as the city comes alive with the sound of raindrops. Pure bliss.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
“Trust the process.” Whether it’s a design project or life itself, this advice reminds me to keep going, even when things get messy or uncertain.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? 
That growth happens outside your comfort zone. It’s scary at first, but every time I’ve stepped out, I’ve discovered something incredible about the world and about myself.
What tops your bucket list? 
Building a secret treehouse in the middle of a rainforest, where I can sip hot chocolate while watching wildlife and listening to the rain. Bonus points if it’s accessible only by a rope bridge or zipline.

Making a Difference at the PAC and On Campus: Dhruvi Jain

This summer, significant capital projects will be underway, from ongoing construction at the John Madden Football Center and Cal Poly Technology Park to the soon-to-be Future Housing Program. These projects, in support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://masterplan.calpoly.edu/">Cal Poly Master Plan</a>, are designed to enhance the quality of university life, support academic achievement and provide better facilities for the Cal Poly community.



To help students, staff and faculty on campus this summer navigate and plan their route and parking, we’ve compiled a list of current and near-future construction projects and the affected roads and parking lots.



For updated information on parking, visit Transportation and Parking Services&#8217; <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/lot_closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parking Lot Closure webpage</a>. 



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/football_operations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Madden Football Center</a>



Work began: Summer 2023



The John Madden Football Center (JMFC) will provide state-of-the-art amenities for the Cal Poly football program, including a new locker room, coach offices, team meeting rooms, weight room, and training facilities. It not only caters to the team’s daily needs but also serves as a recruitment feature to attract top-quality student-athletes to campus.



Parking Impacts: C3 parking lot closed until JMFC Construction is completed. C4 parking lot closed indefinitely.



Road Impacts: College Avenue, June 17 – September 13, 2024 Mustang Way, June 17 – September 13, 2024



<a href="https://calpolypartners.org/real-estate-development/technology-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology Park II</a>



Work began:&nbsp;April 2023



The new expansion of the Technology Park&nbsp;will create an additional 16,200 square feet over two stories to accommodate increased engagement with university partners in applied research and development. This expansion will increaseopportunities for industry collaboration with Cal Poly students and faculty. The project, with a budget of $12 million, is anticipated to be completedNovember 2024.



Road &amp; Parking Impacts:



No anticipated impacts to parking or roads at this time.



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Library</a>



Work began: February 2022



This much anticipated renovation to the Robert E. Kennedy Library features an energy efficient and sustainable design and accommodates programmatic needs. The upgrade will provide new, improved and efficient student study spaces. During the renovation, library services, programs and study spaces will be in <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library/temporary-locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temporary locations</a>. The library building will remain closed throughout summer.



Parking Impacts: H11 parking lot closed due to serving as a temporary study location. Estimated to reopen on August 30, 2025.



Road Impacts: N. Perimeter Rd, June 17-19, 2024 &#8211; Closed for craning in the new air handler units. This is a 24-hour closure for the 3 days. Road(s) TBD, Summer 2024 &#8211; The second complete road closure will be later in the summer. This is to load roofing.



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/housing-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Student Housing</a>



Work to begin: Summer 2024



The updated Housing Program consists of new phased student housing projects at the current North Mountain residence halls (Lassen, Diablo, Shasta, Palomar, and Whitney) and the K-2 parking lot. Targeting a minimum of 3,000 new beds will be developed utilizing a suite-style design. This program also includes phased heavy renovations of six existing residential halls at the current South Mountain site (Santa Lucia, Muir, Trinity, Tenaya, Sequoia, and Fremont).



Parking Impacts: Lots R1, K1 and K2, located behind the North Mountain and Red Brick residence halls, will be permanently closed beginning June 17. For alternative parking, visit the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/lot_closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parking lot closures web page</a>.



Road Impacts: Deer Road, Klamath Road and Mountain Lane beginning June 17, 2024. Limited access for Service and Emergency Vehicles.



<a href="https://calpolypartners.org/real-estate-development/faculty-staff-housing/vista-meadows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vista Meadows</a>



Work to begin: Summer 2024



Vista Meadows, the new faculty and staff housing project being developed at the Slack Street and Grand Avenue entrance to campus, will create a neighborhood of 33 single-family homes closely connected to campus. Vista Meadows work will begin Summer 2024.



Road &amp; Parking Impacts:&nbsp;TBD



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/plant-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Sciences Complex</a>



Work to begin: Summer 2024



The Plant Sciences Complex will immerse students in contemporary and climate-smart plant sciences research with an emphasis on the farm-to-fork supply chain. The complex will bring together multiple complementary disciplines in one hub to tackle California’s most pressing food and agricultural challenges, including soil health, water and air quality, CEA plant production, harvesting, cooling and packing, food safety, and automation to train the next generation. The first phase of the complex, the Plant Sciences laboratory building is currently in design and construction, and construction is expected to be completed the end of 2025.



Road &amp; Parking Impacts:



TBD



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/animal-health-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles and Claire Jacobson Animal Health Center</a>



Work to begin: Summer 2024



The Animal Health Center (AHC) project builds upon the recent completion of the Equine Center and Stallion Barn following the master plan for the Oppenheimer Family Equestrian Center. The 17,500 square foot program space will include two primary categories – instructional space and clinical space. The instructional space cluster is organized around two flexible teaching labs – one instructional lab for 72 students and one research lab for 16 or more students – and the adjacent support spaces needed. The clinical space cluster includes a surgical suite and large examination/procedure room.



Road &amp; Parking Impacts:



TBD



<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/water-reclamation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wastewater Reclamation Facility</a>



Work to begin: Summer 2024



The on-campus Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) will help the campus grow sustainably in accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://masterplan.calpoly.edu/">Cal Poly Master Plan</a>&nbsp;and is expected to begin construction in Summer 2024. The WRF will enable Cal Poly to process a portion of the campus wastewater and generate Title 22 water for agricultural and sports field irrigation purposes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/documents/lawbook/rwregulations.pdf">Title 22 of California’s Code of Regulations</a>&nbsp;refers to state guidelines for how treated and recycled water is discharged and used. This creates a dual usage of the water — once as potable and once for campus irrigation purposes.



Road &amp; Parking Impacts:



TBD

Guide to Navigating Cal Poly Construction Projects

This summer, Cal Poly will embark on a 10-year program to expand and improve campus housing to enhance the residential student experience and promote student success.



The Future Housing Program will add 3,000-4,000 beds to campus housing and incorporate major renovations to University Housing’s six red brick residence halls in multiple construction phases to ease demand, accommodate growth and address aging facilities.



The CSU Housing Proposal Review Committee approved the Future Housing Program back in 2023. The full program concept will be submitted to the CSU for the Board of Trustees to consider at its July meeting.



Construction on new housing is scheduled to begin in fall 2024, with the first phase opening in fall 2026 and subsequent phases opening every year thereafter, with the final phase of construction being completed in 2030.



Significant parking lot and road closures are set to happen on Monday, June 17.



Lots R1, K1 and K2, located behind the North Mountain and Red Brick residence halls, will be permanently closed. Klamath Road — the backbone of the Future Housing Program infrastructure — Deer Road and Mountain Lane will also be closed, with limited access to authorized vehicles and essential services.



The <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/commutingtocampus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parking and Commuter Services webpage</a> reflects current information on all sustainable transportation options. The <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/lot_closures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parking Lot Closures webpage</a> includes closure information and alternate parking lots for summer and the next academic year.



To learn more about the university’s housing project goals, visit the <a href="https://housing.calpoly.edu/future-housing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future of Cal Poly Housing webpage</a>.

Future Housing Program to Launch in Summer

Looking for a way to get involved and be a part of the commencement festivities? The commencement team is seeking staff support to create memorable celebration experiences for graduates and guests at <a href="https://commencement.calpoly.edu/spring" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Commencement 2024</a>, on June 15-16 at Spanos Stadium.



Commencement, one of Cal Poly’s most celebratory and well-attended events, is a testament to our community’s achievements and spirit. It requires the collective effort of hundreds of university, student and community volunteers.



Commencement serves as a bookend to students’ Cal Poly experience — from the day they begin their journey as Mustangs at Fall Mustang Move-in to the day they conclude their journey as graduates at Spring Commencement.



Volunteer tasks may include greeting graduates and guests, ensuring guests have access to shuttles, wheelchairs and first aid, and helping with stadium logistics, among other duties.



<a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0844ADAF2CAAF85-46754885-spring#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign up for one or more volunteer shifts</a>. Prior to graduation ceremonies, the Commencement Office will contact participants and provide training.



Volunteers will receive a $60 gift card to the Mustang Shop for each shift completed.



For additional details on faculty and staff shifts, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaffairs.calpoly.edu/employee-engagement">Employee Engagement Program page</a>.

Volunteers Wanted: Help Make Commencement a Day to Remember

Jeanette Myers is all over the place. No, literally, when she’s not hiring contractors for capital projects on campus, the former airline employee is traveling. Never to the same place, mind you, because, in her words, “I love to experience new things. I don’t like to go to the same place twice because there are so many places to see in this world unless, of course, I am visiting my sons; then, I’ll go a million times.”
In May, Myers received the Procurement Excellence Award during the CSU Business Conference for demonstrating a high level of performance on her campus while representing the CSU&#8217;s values. This was a rare case of going to the same place twice — it was the second time she’d received the award.
For the past 14 years, Jeanette has served as a procurement specialist on the Public Works team, handling projects of all types and sizes and working diligently with project managers and contractors.
Jeanette stepped away from her role for a couple minutes to talk about life lessons, how she landed in SLO, and where she is traveling next.
How did you end up in SLO County? 
I grew up in Simi Valley and moved to San Luis in 1987 with a friend and was able to get a job with American Eagle Airlines. The airline took me to New York, Nashville and Dallas before relocating me back to San Luis. I was with the airline for 21 years and I loved it. I have been back in San Luis for 20 years now so, I consider myself a local.
What is your favorite word? Why? 
Integrity. To me, it is the most important thing.
What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Happy, healthy and content.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
This too shall pass.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? 
Change is inevitable and not to be feared.
What tops your bucket list? 
I don’t have a bucket list; I tend to be more spontaneous.
Where would you rather be right now? 
Traveling of course.
Where are you traveling next? 
Well, my youngest son is currently living in Australia for a year so, I would really like to check that out while he’s there. Then that, of course, leads to Bali and Japan…. 😊

We Asked, Jeanette Myers Answered

The Journey to Zero — achieving net zero by 2045 — is achievable, although not without the help of the Cal Poly community.
The Facilities Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability team is calling on all Cal Poly students, staff, faculty, employees, alumni and friends to join the effort.
Next fall, a new campuswide campaign will launch that will help to raise awareness of Cal Poly’s expansive sustainability efforts and initiatives created to move the university towards net zero.
The campaign, Journey to Zero, aims to promote the numerous efforts taken by the university and the Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability team and inspire action from the entire campus community.
Cal Poly will be considered carbon neutral when it has reduced its carbon emissions to close to zero and offsets the remainder that cannot be eliminated.
Carbon neutrality is measured with a biennial Greenhouse gas inventory that looks at all carbon emissions from energy use, water use, waste, transportation, and any other carbon sources.
As an Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) award-winning leader, Cal Poly continues to work tirelessly to reduce the campus’ carbon emissions, using sustainability as a driving force in campus planning and operations.
Cal Poly is committed to leadership in sustainability in both academics and operations. In March 2016, it adopted the AASHE Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) framework for implementing, measuring and improving sustainable practices.
Significant progress has been made since, including: 
— Integration of sustainability strategies throughout the 2045 Campus Master Plan (adopted in 2020). 
— Update of the campus Climate Action Plan (PolyCAP) to accelerate the path to carbon neutrality. 
— Completion of 430 kW of solar PV at the yakʔitʸutʸu student housing complex, and an additional 200 kW planned for installation at the University Union later this year. 
— Creation of a High-Performance Buildings policy in Facilities to guide design and construction of low carbon, life-cycle optimized facilities using the LEED certification framework. 
— Completion of the 4.5 MW Gold Tree Solar Farm in May 2018. As a result, 22 percent of Cal Poly’s total electricity needs are now being met by on-site solar generation. 
— Maintained total campus water usage nearly flat since 2003 despite a 60% growth in building square footage and 100% growth of on‐campus residency over the same period.
A lot of work still needs to be done and this Journey to Zero campaign will help the campus take the next step forward.

Journey to Zero: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go

One year ago, Cal Poly Math Professor Dylan Retsek was a recreational paraclimber balancing his home life and 20-year distinguished career as faculty. Although that is still true today, his local paraclimber status will experience a world-gallivanting change this summer.



It all began when the Performing Arts Center hosted a National Geographic Live speaking event with world-famous paraclimber Maureen (Mo) Beck entitled “Improbable Ascent.”



During the presentation, Beck tells the story of her ascent of the Lotus Flower Tower, a 2,200-foot peak in Canada’s remote Cirque of the Unclimbables. It was during that university event that Retsek decided to message Beck personally.



“I just thought, ‘Maybe Mo wants to get some training in on the road, I’ll invite her for a climb at our local gym.’ I really didn’t think my DM would get a reply.”



To Retsek’s surprise, Beck replied, and the two climbed at The Pad in San Luis Obispo.



“Mo convinced me after that session that I had a shot at making the national team, and I’ve been chasing that dream ever since.”



Retsek now climbs four days a week and does conditioning on most other days.



“Before or after work, weekends, sometimes after the kids are in bed. It’s the same juggling act that all working parents go through. I joke that am I trying to go ‘semi-pro’ in climbing.”



After finishing in fourth place in his first National Championships in Washington D.C. last month, Retsek has made the U.S. National Paraclimbing Team and will represent the USA at World Cup events this summer in Salt Lake City, Utah, Innsbruck, Austria and Arco, Italy.



“It’s an honor and privilege to represent our country against the strongest paraclimbers from around the world.”



To learn more about Retsek’s journey and support his efforts, follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/510climb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@510climb</a> on Instagram.

Cal Poly Math Professor and Paraclimber to Compete at World Championships

Fleet Services continues to make headway on strategic goals all while helping to make campus more sustainable and efficient.



In the past three years the team’s biggest impact has been the transition to electric. In that time more than 100 internal combustion vehicles have been replaced by electric. This year, Fleet Services hopes to convert at least 50 more.



“These vehicles will be newer and therefore more reliable, and will require less maintenance and upkeep, so the cost per hour and per mile will be lower,” Fleet Manager of Facilities Management and Development Adolfo Siqueiros said. “This will be a concrete example to our students that we’re being proactive with the way we think about our assets, in this case, vehicles.”



Cal Poly has the largest fleet in the CSU, almost double the size of the next campus. Fleet Services’ strategic objectives include fleet centralization, analyzing vehicle utilization, reducing the age of the fleet, and focusing on sustainability by reducing the campus’ carbon footprint. Over 200 of Cal Poly vehicles are electric, with more on the way.



On the efficiency front, Fleet Services is deploying a fleet management software package.



Fleetio will facilitate and automate the maintenance and inspection process, vehicle cost, utilization, financial reporting and communication to the different shareholders of our vehicles, and much more. There hasn’t been this type of automation at Cal Poly until now.



The Fleetio app will be available to everyone who has a campus vehicle. The driver can use the app to make appointments. An email will be sent out about what services are due, if there is a breakdown, or if a golf cart has a low battery or a flat tire, for example. All one has to do is get on the app, and the message will go directly to Fleet Services.



You can <a href="https://www.fleetio.com/go" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">download the Fleetio app</a> from the Apple Store or Google Play.

All Things New with Fleet Services

<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/procure-to-pay/how-to-buy/csubuy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSUBUY</a> is available now! The CSU’s new system-wide platform for procuring, receiving and paying for goods and services went live at Cal Poly on March 26.



The new procure-to-pay platform is being rolled out, campus by campus, across the CSU and will provide a more automated and intuitive user experience. CSUBUY features a transparent workflow, online approvals, requisitioning, source to contract, purchase orders and accounts payable functionality with integration into the Common Financial System.



To help reduce costs on university purchases, CSUBUY offers a one-stop marketplace with CSU suppliers and contract pricing available to each individual campus.



 CSUBUY office hours are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. <a href="https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/81667660535" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">via Zoom</a>. For the latest updates and extensive how-to guides and videos, please visit the <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/procure-to-pay/how-to-buy/csubuy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSUBUY P2P Resources web page</a>.

Tag: Cal Poly

Making a Difference at the PAC and On Campus: Dhruvi Jain