Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award Nominations Now Open

The Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, developed by the Academic Advising Council, recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The award recipient will receive a $2,000 cash stipend and will be recognized by the President at Fall Conference. One faculty member is recognized annually.

All nominations are due by Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m. and can be submitted here.

Students Visit Local Winery Leading Sustainable Production Practices

Students from AG 452 visited Wolff Vineyards in Edna Valley and were introduced to sustainable viticulture by owner Jean-Pierre Wolff. The vineyard is certified sustainable, where students experienced unique cultivation practices and had the opportunity to speak with Wolff about his production techniques.

Six CAFES Students Recognized at Champions Tour in Sacramento

Six students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences were recognized at the state capitol on Feb. 3 for the annual Champions Tour. Each has distinguished himself or herself as an individual or on a team that has received a national industry award or in other high-profile events. 

This year’s recipients are Jack Busch, Marc Cabeliza, Victoria Chau, Marlene Delgado, Reagan Denny and Caroline Kargenian.

National Survey of Student Engagement now open

NSSE surveys first-year and senior students about their participation in programs and activities provided by Cal Poly for their learning and personal development.  The results provide an estimate of how our students understand their learning and development, how they spend their time, and how they characterize their experiences at this institution. NSSE results will be shared with faculty to identify impactful instruction practices and areas for improvement in student learning experiences.

The NSSE survey is open from February 25, 2025 to May 12, 2025.  Students will receive a link to the NSSE survey in their Cal Poly email.  Students who complete the NSSE survey will be entered into a raffle for one of 19 campus bookstore gift cards ranging from $25 – $100.

Save the Date: Spring Student Research Symposium

Save the date for the annual CAFES Spring Student Research Symposium on Friday, May 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. Undergraduate and graduate students will present their research in poster format to other students, faculty, and staff. Refreshments are available and prizes for the top three undergraduate and graduate posters will be awarded.  

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Applications Now Open

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program is a chance for students to work closely with Cal Poly faculty members on a research project from Monday, June 23 to Thursday, August 28. A $3,500 scholarship is awarded to students selected to participate in the full program. Email Marni Perry (mperry11@calpoly.edu) to request an application and more information.

Plant Science Institute Applications Now Open

The Agriculture Future of America Plant Science Institute is July 20-22 in Sacramento, California. Applications are now open — don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience!

Step beyond roots and soil health to uncover the full spectrum of plant science. 

• Hands-On Learning Through Industry Tours
• Exclusive Networking and Career Exploration
  Connect with industry leaders, hear their stories of innovation and success, and explore career pathways in plant science. Build relationships with other passionate students who are eager to make a difference.

Application Deadline:

Submit your application by March 10, to secure your spot. Don’t wait — this is your chance to gain invaluable experiences and prepare for an impactful future in the Plant Science world.

How to Apply:

Click this link to create an account and complete your application today!

Contact Savannah Taylor at staylo59@calpoly.edu or Jody Bracker at jody.bracker@agfuture.org with questions.

Cal Poly Dressage Team earns region champion title

On February 8 and 9, the Cal Poly Dressage Team hosted its home show at the Oppenheimer Family Equine unit, claiming the Region U Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Hight Point Team title. Kaileen Grace (animal science, ‘26), and Caroline Kargenian (animal science, ‘27), lower training level, will be traveling to the IDA National competition in St. Louis, Mo. this April, competing in their respective levels.

40 Years of Western Bonanza

Over 215 Cal Poly students were involved with the execution of the 40th annual Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show in mid-February. This year, there were record numbers of entries and exhibitors at the Paso Robles Event Center, where there were 900 livestock showmen and nearly 2,000 animals for a total of 6,000 show entries.