Messages from the Office of the Provost

6/9/26 - Tod Colegrove named Dean of Library Services effective July 13

Dear Cal Poly Community,

I am pleased to announce that Patrick “Tod” Colegrove will join Cal Poly as dean of Library Services on July 13.

Tod brings a distinctive combination of academic library leadership, technology expertise and entrepreneurial experience. Throughout his career, he has championed the role of libraries as centers for learning, discovery, access, innovation and community engagement.

Tod comes to Cal Poly from Boise State University, where he has served as dean of Albertsons Library since 2022. There, he led efforts to strengthen library services, expand student and faculty support, advance major facilities improvements, and integrate AI literacy into undergraduate education.

Previously, Tod served as Nevada State Librarian and led the transformation of the DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library at the University of Nevada, Reno, into a nationally recognized hub for hands-on discovery, makerspace innovation, emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Tod is also a first-generation college graduate whose early connection to Cal Poly began as an FFA member competing on campus in dairy cattle judging. He holds a doctoratal, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics from the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as a master’s in library and information science from Drexel University.

I want to thank the members of the consultative search committee for their thoughtful work throughout this process, as well as everyone who engaged with our finalists during their visits. I am especially grateful to Katherine O’Clair for her steady leadership and service as interim dean of Library Services during this transition. Katherine will return to the role of associate dean of Library Services effective July 13.

Please join me in welcoming Tod to Cal Poly this summer. I am confident his leadership will help strengthen Cal Poly libraries as dynamic hubs for learning, research, innovation and discovery across the university.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

6/5/26 - Interim Leadership Update for the College of Engineering

Dear Cal Poly Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff,

I am writing to share an update on interim leadership for the College of Engineering (CENG).

Lynnette Zelezny will serve as interim dean of the College of Engineering, effective July 1. Lynnette brings extensive leadership experience across the California State University system and a deep commitment to public higher education, academic excellence and student success. She is president emerita of CSU Bakersfield, previously served as provost at Fresno State, and recently served Cal Poly as acting provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs during an important period of transition.

Many of you had the opportunity to work with Lynnette during her time as acting provost, and I am grateful that she has agreed to return in this interim leadership capacity. Her experience as a campus president, provost and CSU leader will be especially valuable as the college continues to advance its academic priorities, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and support the success of its students, faculty and staff.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Bob Crockett, who has served as interim dean of the College of Engineering since January 2025. Bob stepped into this role during a significant period for the college and has provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance and dedicated service. He will remain a valued member of the Academic Affairs leadership team at Cal Poly through the summer to support the transition and will enter the Faculty Early Retirement Program at the start of the fall term. I’m grateful for Bob’s strong commitment to the College of Engineering and for his continued focus on positioning the college for success as we move toward the appointment of the next permanent dean. Please join me in thanking Bob for his leadership, service and his many contributions to Cal Poly.

The national search for the permanent endowed dean of the College of Engineering and the Noyce School of Applied Computing continues to move forward. As shared previously, we are refining our approach to support a robust and inclusive recruitment process that reflects the scope and aspirations of this important role.

As part of the next phase of the search, Cal Poly has engaged Korn Ferry as our new executive search partner. Josh Ward, a senior client partner with Korn Ferry, visited campus this week to meet with members of the search committee and selected campus and community stakeholders. These conversations provided an opportunity to review the search timeline and strategy, discuss key priorities for the role, and gather additional perspectives to inform recruitment.

I remain grateful to the search committee for their continued service and partnership. Their work is essential as we seek an exceptional leader who can build on the college’s strong foundation, advance innovation in engineering and computing education, deepen industry and external partnerships, and support the continued success of our students, faculty and staff.

CENG is at a pivotal moment, with growing national visibility and expanded opportunities to shape the future of engineering, computing and interdisciplinary education. I am confident that Lynnette’s interim leadership will help maintain momentum as we continue the search for the college’s next permanent dean.

Please join me in welcoming Lynnette to this role and in thanking Bob for his continued dedication to Cal Poly.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

6/4/26 - A Year-End Message from Provost Liddicoat

Dear Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff,

As we close the 2025–26 academic year, I want to thank you for the dedication, expertise and care you have brought to our students, to one another and to Cal Poly. Whether your work takes place in classrooms, labs, advising centers, offices, studios, libraries, field sites or aboard ship, you help sustain the academic excellence, student success and Learn by Doing experience that define this university.

As I complete my first full academic year as provost, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented community. I have appreciated your partnership, candor and professionalism throughout a year marked by progress, complexity and transition.

Across Academic Affairs, we continued to strengthen the academic experience through teaching, scholarship, creative activity, applied learning, advising and student-centered support. We celebrated faculty, staff and student accomplishments and competitive fellowships and scholarships; expanded transfer pathways; and continued momentum in research and innovation.

This was also a year of major institutional work. Semester Conversion is nearing readiness for its fall 2026 launch after years of extraordinary effort by faculty, staff, departments, colleges and the Academic Senate to ensure a thoughtful transition.

The integration of Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy also advanced in significant ways. Colleagues across both campuses worked through complex details related to program alignment, academic senate structures, advising, academic support programs, library services and administrative systems. This work has required patience, partnership and a shared commitment to building one university across two campuses while honoring the distinctive strengths and traditions of the maritime community.

I was grateful to visit Cal Poly Maritime Academy for Fall Conference, and it was heartwarming to see new students and cadets begin the year with such energy and purpose. This spring, I also had the privilege of attending commencement there for the first time. The pride of our graduates and their families was a powerful reminder of the opportunity and responsibility we share to support student success across both campuses.

Planning for a year-round academic model also continued through college conversations, town halls, data analysis and shared governance. This year focused on laying the groundwork: listening, gathering information, identifying opportunities and challenges, and developing a clearer understanding of how expanding the Cal Poly experience year-round could increase access, create more flexible pathways for students and strengthen Learn by Doing.

This summer, we will work with Huron to develop timelines, enrollment projections and communication plans to be shared more broadly this fall. As we move from planning to action, collaboration with faculty and staff will remain central.

We also took important steps to support faculty success. In fall 2026, we will launch the enhanced Teacher-Scholar Model, supported in part by the approximately 130 new faculty positions announced this year. We also advanced the faculty equity program, supported by a $2 million investment approved by President Armstrong. Faculty success and student success are deeply connected, and these investments reflect our broader commitment to the academic mission.

I know this has been a demanding year. The work we have taken on together has required time, adaptability and sustained attention, often alongside already substantial responsibilities. I do not take that for granted. Your leadership, professionalism and willingness to engage complex, student-centered work with care and purpose have made a real difference.

The coming year will bring important opportunities and transitions for Cal Poly, and I am confident in our ability to meet them together while staying grounded in Learn by Doing, student success and the academic excellence that defines this university.

Thank you for all you have contributed this year and for the many ways you support our students and one another. I am proud of what we have done together this year, and I look forward to the work ahead.

6/3/26 - Faculty Equity Update

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share an update on Cal Poly’s faculty equity program, supported by a $2 million investment approved by President Armstrong. Eligible faculty equity adjustments will be effective June 1, 2026, and will be reflected in the June paycheck, issued July 1.

Over the past year, Academic Personnel has worked with focus, urgency and care to advance this effort. This work has included careful salary modeling, consultation and engagement through shared governance and with CFA. I am grateful to the many colleagues whose analysis and collaboration made this progress possible.

Faculty receiving an adjustment through this program will be notified directly beginning next week, June 8-12, with their adjustment amount and additional implementation details.

This program is targeted and based on a data-informed review of salary inversion and compression by rank and discipline. While a universitywide review was conducted, adjustments will not apply to every faculty member. These equity adjustments are made pursuant to the faculty collective bargaining agreement.

Questions about eligibility, individual adjustments or implementation details may be directed to Simone Aloisio, associate vice provost of Academic Personnel, at saloisio@calpoly.edu after notifications are distributed.

This is a meaningful step, though we recognize there is more work to do to support faculty compensation. We will continue to approach this work with transparency and a commitment to shared governance.

Thank you for the work you do every day in support of our students, our colleagues and the mission of Cal Poly. Faculty success and student success are deeply connected, and your teaching, scholarship, service and leadership are central to Cal Poly’s academic excellence.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

6/1/26 - Spring 2027 Special Session for Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Dear Cal Poly Maritime Academy Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share an important update regarding the spring 2027 academic calendar for the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

The Cal Poly 2027 spring semester term is scheduled to begin January 22, 2027, and end May 25, 2027. We recognize that these dates may create challenges for students and faculty participating in the 2027 summer sea term as well as for students who need to meet commercial cruise requirements in summer 2027.

To address these challenges and support student progress, Cal Poly will run a special session for the Cal Poly Maritime Academy in spring 2027. In this special session, Maritime Academy classes will begin on Monday, January 11, 2027, with final grades due on Tuesday, May 4, 2027. This schedule will allow students and faculty to be available to begin sea term as early as the week of May 3–7, 2027.

We understand that supporting this special Spring 2027 session will involve some changes to our planning and coordination efforts. We will share more details as they become available.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to the success of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

5/19/26 - Academic Affairs Leadership Update

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share an important leadership update for Academic Affairs.

Daniel Grassian, senior vice provost, has accepted the position of provost at New York Institute of Technology, effective July 15, 2026. His last day at Cal Poly will be June 26. I want to thank Daniel for his leadership and many contributions to the university and to Academic Affairs. His work has been instrumental in advancing key priorities, including our WSCUC reaccreditation efforts, the integration of Cal Poly Maritime Academy, the CSU Black Student Success Initiative, and the continued development of bachelor’s degree pathway programs with our local community colleges. We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

I am pleased to share that Mary Pedersen will join Academic Affairs as interim senior vice provost beginning May 21 and will assume leadership of the Senior Vice Provost portfolio and direct reports effective May 28.

Mary brings extensive academic leadership experience and a deep understanding of Cal Poly. Over the course of her career, she has held a number of senior leadership roles here, including interim provost and senior vice provost. More recently, at Colorado State University, she served as provost and executive vice president and subsequently as special advisor to the provost and interim director of the school of education.

During this transition period, Daniel and Mary will work closely with me to ensure a smooth and coordinated alignment of responsibilities. Mary’s experience and familiarity with Cal Poly will provide strong continuity and leadership as we continue to move forward on our key priorities with a focus on collaboration and momentum across the division. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and for all that you do to support our students and one another. I look forward to the work ahead and to continuing our progress together.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

4/30/26 - Advancing YRO: Programs Entering Planning for 2028–29 Launch

Dear Colleagues,

As Year-Round Operations (YRO) moves from planning to realization, we are taking the next step by identifying the academic programs that will begin coordinated enrollment growth planning for a phased rollout beginning in 2028-29.

Program selection reflects careful analysis of student demand, workforce alignment and institutional capacity. This builds on work already underway and moves into a more structured phase of program and support services coordination across colleges.

Programs Entering Coordinated Planning for 2028-29

These programs represent the initial group entering coordinated planning; implementation timing will vary by program and will be phased across 2028-29:

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

• Agricultural Business
• Animal Science

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

• Architecture
• Construction Management

College of Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• General Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

College of Liberal Arts

• Child Development
• Communication Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology

Bailey College of Science and Mathematics

• Biological Sciences
• Kinesiology

Orfalea College of Business

• Business Administration
• Economics

What This Means

For these programs, this phase will focus on:

• Multi-year enrollment planning aligned with YRO capacity targets.
• Instructional and staffing models to support expanded offerings.
• Course sequencing and scheduling across three academic terms.
• Identification of facility, lab, and student support needs.

Implementation will be phased, with some programs beginning enrollment growth in summer 2028 and others following in fall 2028 and spring 2029, based on readiness and demand. High-demand areas may move earlier. This work will be coordinated at the college and university level to ensure alignment with broader academic, operational and resource planning.

Implementation Principles

The following principles will guide program-level planning:  

• Student experience remains central, with continued emphasis on high-impact Learn by Doing opportunities supported by aligned investments in faculty, staff and student services
• Academic excellence remains the standard, with growth aligned to existing expectations for rigor, accreditation and outcomes.
• Approach will vary by program, reflecting disciplinary needs, including labs, facilities and instructional models.
• Faculty workload expectations remain consistent, with planning aligned to current policies and agreements.
• YRO implementation will be phased and supported with the resources required to sustain academic quality, faculty workload expectations and student success.

Planning will continue in coordination with colleges and shared governance partners as details are refined.

Foundational and General Education Planning

Growth in these areas will increase demand for general education, foundational, and service instruction across colleges. Academic Affairs is conducting multi-year modeling to:

• Quantify instructional demand
• Inform faculty and staff hiring plans
• Guide scheduling and space utilization

This ensures that growth in majors is matched by capacity across all instructional and academic services and support needs throughout the university.

Additional Information

Additional details on projections and resource alignment (advising, student support, etc.) are available in the YRO Academic Programs FAQ.

Deans and department leaders will continue to receive guidance as this work progresses.

Thank you for your leadership and engagement as we move into this next phase of implementation.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

4/28/26 - Instructional Materials Accessibility: Title II Update

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past several months, faculty have made significant strides in improving the accessibility of course materials. This work is central to ensuring that every student has equitable access to learning. Thank you for the time, effort, and expertise you have invested in advancing accessibility across your courses.

We are writing to provide an update on the Department of Justice’s recently issued Interim Final Rule (IFR) on Title II accessibility requirements and clarify what it means for our continued work.

At its core, ensuring accessibility enables all students to fully engage with course content and succeed in their learning.

What remains consistent:

• Accessibility expectations are unchanged. As a public institution, Cal Poly continues to have ongoing responsibilities under Title II to ensure that digital course materials are accessible to all students.
• The work already underway—improving the quality, consistency and usability of course materials—remains the focus for our campus, and we will continue to build on this progress.
• Accessibility applies across all instructional content. This includes materials in Canvas as well as content shared through external websites, cloud storage platforms, third-party tools, email and other digital environments used for instruction.

Examples of accessibility practices include accurate captions for video, transcripts for audio content, properly structured documents and PDFs that are screen reader–friendly, meaningful alt text for images, and accessible Canvas pages (including headings, lists, color contrast, and descriptive links).

What has been updated:

• The Department of Justice has issued the rule as an Interim Final Rule with a 60-day public comment period.
• The full compliance timeline for large public entities, including CSU campuses, has been extended by one year to April 24, 2027. This adjustment reflects implementation considerations and does not change the expectations or requirements of the rule.

This additional time allows us to build on the strong progress already underway—thoughtfully, consistently, and with the continued support needed to sustain and expand these efforts.

Support available:
The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) offers a range of resources to support this work at every stage:

• MIDAS (Making Instructional Documents Accessible to Students): Courses with enrolled students who have approved Disability Resource Center (DRC) accommodations are prioritized for remediation support.
• Fixing Course Accessibility webpage: Guidance on improving accessibility of course materials.
• Accessible Learning Resources Hub: Resources to address specific accessibility issues, including documents, PowerPoints, contrast, images, PDFs and STEM-specific materials.
• Access4All: A tool embedded in Canvas that helps identify and address accessibility issues within course content.
• Department workshops: One-hour “Essential Skills for Accessible Course Materials” workshops available upon request.  
• Consultations and support: CTLT staff are available for one-on-one support. Contact access4all@calpoly.edu for general questions, or canvassupport@calpoly.edu for Canvas-specific support.

We thank you again for your sustained commitment to our shared goals for accessibility and student success. Over the next year, we will continue to offer support to faculty as we build on the significant progress we have already made together. Please do not hesitate to contact the CTLT at the email addresses listed above with any questions.

Sincerely, 

Teshia Roby 
Associate Provost, Academic Innovations and Programs

4/23/26 - AI Symposium Update: May 6 Pre-Sessions

Dear Colleagues,

As a follow-up to our earlier announcement, we are pleased to share additional programming for the Cal Poly AI Symposium 2026. A set of in-person pre-symposium sessions has been added on Wednesday, May 6, offering opportunities for deeper, more-applied engagement ahead of the full symposium on May 7.

Pre-Symposium Programming | Wednesday, May 6
Location: JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture

• Faculty Luncheon and AI Discussion (12–2 p.m.)
  A facilitated, faculty-focused discussion on AI policy and campus practice. This session offers space for dialogue, reflection and shared learning in a collegial setting. Lunch will be provided.
• AI for Competitive Advantage (2–4 p.m.)
  A featured, hands-on session led by Stan Van Vleck, a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with experience across agriculture, real estate and capital investment. Drawing on real-world applications, this session will focus on how AI can be used to strengthen decision-making, drive innovation and improve organizational effectiveness. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a clear framework for integrating AI into their daily work.
• Networking Reception (5:30–7:30 p.m., 1865 Craft House & Kitchen – 1865 Monterey St. SLO). An opportunity to connect with colleagues, speakers and partners ahead of the symposium.

These sessions are designed to complement the full-day AI Symposium on Thursday, May 7 (Chumash Auditorium), which will bring together campus and industry voices to explore AI in higher education, the workforce and society.

We encourage you to consider participating in one or both days. Whether you are beginning to explore AI or actively integrating it into your work, these sessions are designed to provide both practical tools and space for collaboration.

Registration: Register to attend

Additional details are available on the AI Symposium webpage.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost
Noyce School of Applied Computing

4/15/26 - Update on the College of Engineering Dean Search

Dear Cal Poly Community,

I am writing to share an update on the search for the endowed dean of the College of Engineering (CENG) and the Noyce School of Applied Computing.

After careful consideration and thorough review of input from members of the Cal Poly community and broader stakeholders, President Armstrong and I have decided to continue the search and will not make an appointment at this time. This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring strong alignment between the scope of this role and the college’s evolving opportunities and expectations—particularly in the areas of vision, leadership, and external engagement that will be critical for its continued growth.

I am grateful to the search committee for their ongoing work and to the members of the Cal Poly community who engaged in recent candidate visits. We appreciate the thoughtful input and perspectives shared through this process.

CENG is at a pivotal moment, with growing national visibility and an expanding role in shaping the future of engineering and computing education. This includes an increased emphasis on interdisciplinary integration, external engagement, and rapidly advancing fields such as computing and AI. The next dean will be expected to set a bold, forward-looking vision, lead at both the institutional and national levels, advance transformational strategic initiatives, and deepen industry and external partnerships.

The next phase is strengthened by the recently established named deanship, supported by a $10 million endowment. This investment underscores a long-term commitment to the college’s future and enhances our ability to recruit an accomplished leader who can accelerate innovation and broaden the college’s influence.

As we move forward, we are refining our approach to better support a robust and inclusive recruitment process. This includes adjustments to our strategy and external support to better align with the role’s scope and aspirations and strengthen our ability to identify and engage exceptional candidates. The president and I will soon meet with the committee to refine the criteria and guide the next stage of the process.

I am committed to appointing a permanent dean who will advance the college to its next level of impact and national distinction while supporting the continued success of our students, faculty and staff.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

4/8/26 - Register now: Cal Poly AI Symposium — May 7

Dear Colleagues, 

The Office of the Provost and the Noyce School of Applied Computing invite you to join the Cal Poly AI Symposium 2026, taking place on May 7, 2026. This full-day event will bring together faculty, staff, students, administrators and industry and community partners to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education, industry and society.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Reception: 5 – 6 p.m.)
Location: Chumash Auditorium
Registration: Register to attend
Virtual attendance will be available for keynote and panel sessions. Details will be shared on the AI Symposium webpage prior to the event.
Additional Details: Lunch will be provided; networking opportunities will be incorporated throughout the day

Sessions will explore:

• AI in the Workforce and Industry
• AI in Higher Education
• The Ethical and Human Elements of AI
• Interactive and “sandbox” sessions, including AI basics, applications in the arts and music, and opportunities to connect with industry partners

The program features distinguished speakers who will offer perspectives from research, industry and applied innovation, including:

• Dr. Julie Carpenter, Research Fellow, Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group, Cal Poly
• Dr. Rama Akkiraju, Vice President of AI/ML for IT, NVIDIA
• Mike Abbott, Technology Executive and Cal Poly Alumnus
• Dr. Chris Clark, Director of Experiential Learning and Industry Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NYU; Noyce Distinguished Speaker

The symposium will also feature an industry partners panel with leaders from organizations including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Apple and Google.  

We encourage you to participate in this universitywide conversation on the future of AI. Whether you are beginning to explore AI or actively integrating it into your work, all experience levels are welcome.

We look forward to the ideas and collaborations this event will spark across the Cal Poly community.

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost
Noyce School of Applied Computing

4/3/26 - Maritime Integration: Academic Implementation Update for Fall 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As we move toward full implementation of the Cal Maritime integration this fall, I’m writing to share a brief update on Academic Affairs’ readiness for AY 2026–27 at the Cal Poly Solano campus. Fall 2026 marks a significant milestone, and our focus is on delivering a coordinated, well-supported start for students, faculty, and staff across both campuses.

Implementation is well underway across several key areas:

• Academic alignment: Core academic processes—including program review, curriculum planning and catalog and governance processes—are being integrated across campuses with continued input from faculty and staff.
• Student support and success: Advising, tutoring and academic support services will operate through a unified, cross-campus model that maintains a high-touch, student-centered approach.
• Faculty and program development: Faculty development (CTLT), research, graduate education, EPaCE, and international programs are advancing within an integrated model while maintaining Maritime strengths.
• Infrastructure and services: Library services, academic awards, and administrative systems and processes are aligning to support consistent, accessible services across both campuses.

For additional detail by area—including what is changing, what will remain the same, and what is still being finalized at the Cal Poly Solano campus—I encourage you to review the Maritime Spring 2026 Academic Update – FAQ. You can also visit the Maritime Integration SharePoint page for ongoing updates and resources, or contact the integration team at integration@calpoly.edu for questions or additional input.

Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership in this work. Together, these efforts ensure continuity for students and clarity and coordinated support for faculty and staff.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

4/1/26 - Reminder: Cal Poly’s Religious Observance Policy

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin the new academic quarter, it’s important to be aware that members of the Cal Poly community may observe various religious holidays.

In accordance with the Campus Academic Policy on Class Attendance and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Cal Poly offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to observe the holidays of their chosen faith.
 

• Students: Religious holidays are considered an excused absence. Faculty members should work collaboratively with their students to find reasonable solutions for each case, ensuring students who miss class are not disadvantaged by such absences. When planning major assignments, it may be helpful to refer to this Interfaith holiday calendar.  
   
• Faculty and staff: Supervisors should make reasonable accommodations for religious observances. Requests may be approved through a schedule adjustment, as vacation, or as a personal holiday.

In any given year, some religious holidays that our students may celebrate fall in the first week of classes. As such, some students might reach out to inform professors of a possible absence. Please consider replying to these emails as early as possible in the term, or in some cases, before the quarter term begins, so students know they will not be dropped for missing class due to these holidays.

Without a straightforward and equitable way to verify individual claims, requests related to religious observances should be accepted at face value and handled in a fair and respectful manner.

Thank you for helping ensure Cal Poly remains an environment that supports and promotes the success of every student.

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost

3/27/26 - Semester Conversion Update

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for your continued work supporting Cal Poly’s conversion to semesters. We have accomplished a great deal in the past four years, and we are in the final stages of our conversion. I have good news to share in this message regarding CSU Fully Online and half-term sessions within semester terms.

CSU Fully Online: Because Cal Poly has been on a quarter system while all other CSU universities are on a semester system, we have not participated in the CSU Fully Online program. Due to the semester conversion, we will now participate in CSU Fully Online beginning in fall 2026. CSU Fully Online allows all eligible students enrolled in any CSU to take one online course per term offered at any CSU. This is a great opportunity for our students at both the San Luis Obispo and the Solano campuses. Please find more information on the CSU Fully Online website.

 The Office of the Registrar website will soon include clear instructions stating that, for major and support courses, students should seek faculty approval prior to enrolling in Fully Online courses at another CSU.

Half-term sessions within semester terms: In 2022, the Academic Senate approved a resolution that, in part, called for the scheduling capability to offer half-term sessions (approximately 7.5-week sessions) within regular semester terms. I am delighted to report that we are now able to fully implement the resolution to have back-to-back half-term sessions in a single semester, thanks to some automations we are making in PeopleSoft. Consequently, if departments scheduled half-term sessions in the first half of the fall 2026 term and would like to move some of them to the second half, they may. Please note that these sessions within terms must be offered only in department-owned classrooms/spaces.

The Office of the Registrar asks that faculty add any second half-term classes to the schedule before it is published on April 27. Additionally, we have published important notes from the Office of the Registrar and the Financial Aid Office regarding half-term offerings on the Semester Conversion FAQ website.

In closing, while there is still work to be done for our conversion to semesters, we have completed many crucial tasks. The faculty converted the curriculum thoughtfully and carefully. The Academic Senate approved numerous new policies for semesters under the leadership of past senate chair Tom Gutierrez and current senate chair Jerusha Greenwood. Finally, just as every course and program needed to be revised, staff needed to review every business practice and special configuration in PeopleSoft for quarters and revise as needed. I would like to thank you all again for the extraordinary work you are all doing to support our conversion to semesters.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rachel Fernflores, Ph.D.
Director and Project Manager of Semester Conversion
Professor, Philosophy Department

2/6/26 - Update on the College of Engineering Dean Search

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue the national search for the next dean of the College of Engineering (CENG), I’m pleased to share an important development: Cal Poly has established an endowed, named deanship for the college, supported by a $10 million endowment.

In this role, the dean will provide external and universitywide strategic leadership for the College of Engineering and the Noyce School of Applied Computing. Noyce will continue to operate as a school under the leadership of Director Chris Lupo. This structure is intended to support deeper integration of engineering and computing across the university, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance industry and external partnerships.

This endowment represents a long-term institutional commitment to the strength, visibility and impact of engineering at Cal Poly. It will provide sustained resources to advance strategic priorities, support faculty and staff excellence, strengthen research and innovation, and expand opportunities for students.

An endowed, named deanship elevates the scope of this role and strengthens our ability to recruit a leader with the experience and vision to build on the strong foundation and momentum already in place. The formal title associated with this endowed deanship will be announced later this year.

This development does not change the trajectory of the search, which continues to move forward under the guidance of the current search committee, led by John Pan, chair of the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department. I’m grateful to the committee for their leadership and service in this important work.

As part of the search process, Cal Poly will soon host visits with finalists on both the San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses. These visits will include an open forum with the campus community, offered both in person and via Zoom. Additional details will be provided in advance.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for your participation in this process as we move forward together in support of our students and the university.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

1/8/26 - Update on Fall 2026 Teacher–Scholar Model Assigned Time Program

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin the winter quarter and prepare academic schedules for 2026-27, I am sharing an update on the Teacher-Scholar Model (TSM) assigned-time program, which will launch in fall 2026. Thank you for the thoughtful planning already underway across departments and colleges to support this transition.

Beginning in fall 2026, eligible tenure-line faculty will receive 3 WTUs each academic year for research, scholarship and creative activity while maintaining a minimum instructional load of 6 WTUs. This professional development program was designed to be clear and equitable and has been shaped through collaboration with deans, department heads and faculty leadership.

As implementation gets underway, deans, department heads, chairs and staff will play a central role in supporting faculty and aligning instructional planning with program expectations. This work is further supported by the recent announcement of approximately 130 new faculty positions that will help strengthen instructional capacity across the university.

At the heart of this effort is that students thrive when they learn from faculty who are active scholars, who bring their research and discovery into the classroom, and who invite students into the process of inquiry, creativity and innovation. Providing dedicated, protected time for research, scholarship and creative activity is an investment in faculty excellence and in the Learn by Doing environment that defines Cal Poly.

More information, including eligibility, program parameters and a faculty-facing FAQ, is available on the new Teacher-Scholar Model landing page.

Thank you for your continued leadership, partnership and commitment to our students and to Cal Poly’s academic excellence.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

12/11/25 - End-of-Year Message from the Provost

Dear Colleagues,

As I wrap up my first full quarter as provost, I continue to be impressed by the dedication and expertise our Academic Affairs faculty and staff bring to our students and to Cal Poly. I am grateful for the thoughtful conversations, candid insights and partnership many of you have offered across both campuses.

This has been a quarter of meaningful progress. We celebrated the reopening of the transformed Kennedy Library, advanced transfer pathways with Cuesta and Allan Hancock colleges to expand four-year degree access for local students and welcomed new academic leaders who are further strengthening collaboration across colleges and campuses. These accomplishments, among many others, reflect the momentum you have helped build and the shared focus on student success that defines our community.

Your contributions and feedback continue to guide our work. Interest in intentional, academically grounded engagement with artificial intelligence shaped this fall’s AI Convening, which brought together faculty and staff to explore the responsible, ethical use of AI in higher education. Our research community also moved forward through the administrative support assessment, integrating faculty and staff perspectives that were critical to informing improvements to better support scholarship and creative activity.

We also saw important progress on several major university initiatives that position Cal Poly for the future. Maritime integration advanced through our first common student application cycle and continued academic alignment. Faculty and departments on both campuses are building meaningful collaborations through curriculum decisions and shared governance in the Academic Senate.

Semester Conversion reached a significant milestone with the release of the new semester catalog, marking the culmination of three years of curriculum work by faculty and the catalog team. Students are already benefiting from expanded support resources, including the recent Semester Conversion Resource Carnival, which connected nearly 500 students with faculty, advisors and campus partners.

Planning for Year-Round Operations also continued this fall. Through college meetings, town halls, and data analysis, we are learning how a year-round model can expand access, increase flexibility, and strengthen student success. We are also learning from institutions that have successfully implemented similar models as we consider what will work best for Cal Poly.

These initiatives are ambitious, and I recognize the time and effort they require. Thank you for the leadership and adaptability you continue to demonstrate as we move this work forward together.

In the year ahead, we will finalize the new academic calendar; prepare for full Maritime integration, where we will officially welcome the first class of Cal Poly Maritime Academy students; deepen our work on Year-Round Operations; and launch our enhanced Teacher-Scholar Model. Learn by Doing will continue to guide these efforts as we focus on what best supports our students and our academic community.

My commitment remains to lead with transparency, collaboration, and a shared focus on the success of students, faculty, and staff. I welcome your ideas and feedback and encourage you to continue engaging through our Office of the Provost feedback form.

Thank you for your extraordinary contributions. I look forward to the work we will do together in the new year. I hope you find time this winter break to rest, recharge and reflect on all you have accomplished. Enjoy the well-deserved time off!

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

12/10/25 - Research Administration Assessment: Priorities and Next Steps

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent assessment of Cal Poly’s research administration services. The findings showed that while our research enterprise has grown significantly, our current administrative systems have not kept pace. Through faculty and staff feedback, we consistently heard that delays, unclear processes and inconsistent support create barriers for researchers and add to workload pressures. To better support the faculty, staff and students driving Cal Poly’s scholarly and creative work, we need to modernize our processes, structures and tools.

The assessment highlighted several areas where we can strengthen our foundation. In response, we will prioritize the following actions:

• Simplify and standardize processes for clarity and transparency.
• Strengthen faculty support through faster, more consistent service.
• Clarify roles and responsibilities to reduce overlap and delays.
• Aligning staffing and structure with increased research activity.
• Improve technology integration and access to system-driven data tools and dashboards.
• Provide clearer compliance guidance through policies and training.
• Enhance financial management for efficiency and visibility.

Our immediate goal is to define and formalize roles and responsibilities in research administration. Clarifying these will help reduce workload pressures, streamline handoffs and ensure more consistent service universitywide. We will also review proposal timeline flexibility and set service-level expectations, both of which the report highlighted as crucial to improving faculty experience and accelerating turnaround times.

To help guide this work, we are establishing the University Research Advisory Committee, which will provide regular input, elevate concerns and help shape recommendations as they are developed and implemented.

If you are interested in serving, please complete the interest form by Friday, Jan. 9:
University Research Advisory Committee - Interest Form
Selected members will be notified by mid-January, and the committee will begin meeting later that month. The committee will meet every two weeks for six months, and members should expect to spend approximately 2 to 4 hours per month reviewing materials and participating in discussions.

We are also pleased to share that Alexis Sexton, assistant vice president for finance in the Office of Research, will serve as transformation lead for this effort. In this role, Alexis will work closely with consulting partner Huron and campus stakeholders to guide implementation of the assessment recommendations. She will coordinate improvements across research administration, troubleshoot emerging challenges and partner with Dean Wendt in supporting the University Research Advisory Committee as it begins its work.

Thank you for your partnership and for the many ways you contribute to Cal Poly’s scholarly and creative achievements. Strengthening these systems will not only support faculty and staff but also enhance the learning opportunities we provide for our students. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dean Wendt
Interim Associate Vice Provost for Research
Dean, Bailey College of Science and Mathematics

10/28/25- Deloitte’s Mekena McGrew to keynote Cal Poly’s AI Convening — Nov. 6

Dear Colleagues,

Mekena McGrew, quantum information lead at Deloitte and member of the Noyce School of Applied Computing Advisory Board and Noyce distinguished speaker, will deliver the keynote address at Cal Poly’s inaugural AI Convening on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Advanced Technology Lab (ATL).

Her talk, “AI and Business Transformation” (2:45-3:45 p.m.), will examine how quantum and artificial intelligence technologies are reshaping data analytics and decision-making across industries.

The AI Convening, hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Noyce School of Applied Computing, will also feature panel discussions on applied and responsible uses of AI in teaching, research and university operations.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend the full program, and students are welcome at the keynote. In addition to in-person attendance, colleagues are encouraged to join sessions virtually throughout the day. The keynote and all panels will be livestreamed and recorded for later viewing.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Keynote 2:45-3:45 p.m.)
Location: Advanced Technology Lab (ATL)
Virtual Access: Join via Zoom: https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/89445621547
Full program and registration: AI Convening webpage

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost
Noyce School of Applied Computing

10/15/25- Register now for Cal Poly’s AI Convening — November 6

Dear Colleagues, 

The Office of the Provost and the Noyce School of Applied Computing invite Cal Poly faculty and staff to participate in the Cal Poly AI Convening on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in the Advanced Technology Lab (ATL).

Date: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Advanced Technology Lab (ATL), Cal Poly
Registration: Register to attend
*Virtual attendance will be available for the panels and keynote. Zoom links will be shared on the AI Convening webpage prior to the event.

This inaugural event brings together faculty, staff and industry partners to explore how AI is shaping teaching, research, creative practice and operations. Cal Poly colleagues are already finding creative and responsible ways to apply AI. The convening offers a chance to connect across disciplines, share ideas and consider how applied and responsible uses of AI can strengthen our collective work.

The day will include:

• Faculty Panels on AI in teaching, learning and research
• Staff Panel on AI in administration and operations
• Faculty Poster Session and Staff Showcase (lunch provided to registered attendees)
• Industry Keynote on AI and business transformation
• Networking Reception (refreshments provided)

View the full agenda and additional details on the AI Convening webpage.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or already integrating it into your work, all experience levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. We look forward to the conversations and collaborations this event will spark across our campus community.
 

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost
Noyce School of Applied Computing

10/6/25- Instructional Materials Accessibility Compliance – April 2026 Deadline

Dear Colleagues,

As part of CSU Executive Order 1111 and in compliance with federal law (ADA and Section 508), all digital instructional materials for spring 2026 courses and beyond must be fully accessible by April 24, 2026. This systemwide mandate ensures every student has equitable access to learning. The following describes the work to be completed and the resources we have in place to support it. Please know that you are not on your own; we are here to partner with you!

What this means for faculty:
Accessibility applies to all published digital course materials, regardless of mode or format. Examples of accessible practices include captioning videos, adding alt text for images, using proper document structure, and checking Canvas content with the accessibility checker tool called Access4All. Access4All is a Canvas plug-in that allows you to check your course for accessibility and provides detailed steps on how to fix inaccessible content.

Support available:
The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) team offers direct support for prioritized courses, as well as training, consultations, workshops and tools to support you at every stage. While faculty with Disability Resource Center (DRC) students in their spring courses will be prioritized for support from our new remediation service team, MIDAS (Making Instructional Documents Accessible to Students), both MIDAS and CTLT are also available to support as many faculty as possible. To discuss or schedule an appointment, please contact access4all@calpoly.edu.

All faculty are also encouraged to visit the Fixing Course Accessibility FAQs webpage or email canvassupport@calpoly.edu for support with Canvas technical issues.  

Key checkpoints:

• Fall 2025: For each course you expect to teach in spring 2026, request a new Canvas sandbox course shell, copy all course content into the shell, then use TidyUp to identify older, unused materials for removal, and use Access4All to ensure course accessibility. Video demonstrations showing how to complete this work are available on both the TidyUp and Access4All pages.
• Winter 2026: When Spring course shells open in late December, copy the accessible materials from your sandbox into each course shell and complete accessibility fixes before publishing.
• Spring 2026: All digital instructional materials must be fully accessible. Although the deadline is not until April 24, 2026, we recommend that all materials be accessible by the beginning of spring quarter 2026. Use Canvas's built-in accessibility checker to fix course materials already in Canvas. New materials should be made accessible before uploading them to Canvas and can be rechecked for any remaining issues once uploaded by running Canvas's built-in accessibility checker. CTLT is developing more video tutorials on how to make your materials accessible before you upload them, and we will share them with you soon.

Once again, please know that CTLT, MIDAS and I are all here to partner and support this work, so that we can meet this important systemwide commitment together. By ensuring accessibility, we affirm our shared responsibility for student success. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the email addresses above or to me.

Sincerely,

Teshia Roby
Associate Provost, Academic Innovations and Programs

9/30/25 - Leadership Update: Extended, Professional, and Continuing Education

Dear Colleagues,   

I am pleased to announce that, effective Oct. 1, Damon Fleming, dean of the Orfalea College of Business (OCOB), will also serve as interim dean of Extended, Professional, and Continuing Education (EPaCE). He will serve in this role until Aug. 30, 2026, or until a permanent dean is appointed. Damon will oversee EPaCE’s overall strategy while continuing as dean of OCOB and will report directly to me as provost. 

In this role, Damon will focus on strengthening the for-credit program model, developing a sustainable framework for long-term growth and expanding opportunities for extended education at the Cal Poly Solano Campus.  

Damon brings more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience. At Cal Poly, he has led OCOB through accreditation renewal, semester conversion planning, and the implementation of new student success initiatives. He also has extensive experience managing complex budgets and building partnerships across disciplines and with industry. 

I am also delighted to announce that Bianca Uway has been appointed interim executive director of EPaCE, overseeing day-to-day programmatic and administrative operations and reporting to Damon. Bianca has been with EPaCE since 2022 and brings valuable institutional experience, strong financial and program leadership and a proven record of collaboration across the university. 

I am grateful for Damon’s leadership and Bianca’s partnership in guiding EPaCE through this period of transition and growth. Please join me in congratulating and supporting them both in their new roles. 

Sincerely, 
 
Al Liddicoat 
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

9/24/25 - Cal Poly’s Academic Policies

Dear Colleagues,   

We hope the start of the fall quarter has gone well and that you are settling into the new academic year. As you continue your teaching this quarter, please review the academic policies listed on the Academic Programs and Planning website and the Campus Administrative Policies website, including those based on Title 5, CSU executive orders, systemwide policies, and Academic Senate resolutions.

Among the many policies available at that site, the following are especially relevant:

• Academic Calendar 
• Cal Poly Mission Statement 
• Cal Poly Statements on academic freedom, commitment to community, and diversity.  
• Cheating and Plagiarism  
• Class Attendance  
• Course Policies and Guidelines
• Course Syllabi  
• Diversity Learning Objectives  
• Final Assessments (Exams) 
• Grading  
• Learn by Doing  
• Office Hours  
• Retention of Exams, Graded Coursework, and Gradebook 
• Senior Project  
• Sustainability Learning Objectives  
• The Credit Hour  
• Timely Accessibility of Instructional Materials
• University Learning Objectives  

We ask that you pay particular attention to the Student Health and Safety Training Program, including your roles and responsibilities and the student training and documentation requirements. Relatedly, field trips and field-based work must comply with the Field Trip policy.

Additional resources:

• The Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology (CTLT) offers a set of optional syllabus statements you may include in your courses.
• The online catalog, provides flowcharts and curriculum sheets, program learning objectives, and the requirements, objectives, and criteria of General Education that are useful for advising and course planning.
• The Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers resources to guide and support faculty in addressing bias, navigating compliance and direct referral points for students in need.

Thank you for your attention to these important policies and resources. We wish you a productive and successful fall quarter.

Sincerely, 

Office of the Provost

9/22/25 - Welcome to the 2025-26 Academic Year

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the 2025–26 academic year. Thank you for the dedication you bring to our students, to one another, and to Cal Poly. Whether in classrooms, labs, offices or aboard ship, your work sustains our academic excellence and advances our shared commitment to student success and Learn by Doing. As I begin serving as your permanent provost, I am eager to listen, learn and work alongside you across both the San Luis Obispo and Solano campuses.

This summer, Academic Affairs welcomed several new leaders, advanced semester conversion planning, and formally integrated administratively with Cal Maritime. We also reaffirmed our commitment to the teacher-scholar model by providing tenure-line faculty 3 WTUs dedicated to research and creative activity starting in fall 2026. These efforts give us strong momentum as we begin the year.

Looking ahead, we will build on that foundation as we enter the next phase of Year-Round Operations planning guided by the pillars of Transformation, Innovation and Opportunity. This work will expand student access to Cal Poly, strengthen universal student success and create new ways to support faculty scholarship. Shared governance and open dialogue across departments, colleges and units will be essential as we shape the path forward.

Alongside Year-Round Operations planning, we will also continue to expand 2+2 community college partnerships to open more doors to a Cal Poly degree and initiate campuswide conversations about how to effectively and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into academics at Cal Poly. Additionally, to support the enhanced teacher-scholar model, we will open about 130 faculty recruitments across our colleges to begin at Cal Poly during the 2026-27academic year —likely the largest single-year faculty investment in Cal Poly’s history.

I know this level of change raises important questions about effort, planning, and the rhythms of academic life. For Year-Round Operations, our commitment is to a phased rollout, added resources and strong support at every step. The Strategic Initiatives and Advocacy team, led by Jessica Darin will provide guidance throughout, and additional resources will be made available for each initiative.

I look forward to what we will achieve together this year. I invite you to continue asking questions and sharing your perspectives using this form, or directly at provost@calpoly.edu.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

9/19/25 - Cal Poly’s Religious Observance Policy

Dear Colleagues,

As we begin the new academic year, it is important to be aware that members of the Cal Poly community may observe various religious holidays.

In accordance with the Campus Academic Policy on Class Attendance and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Cal Poly offers students, faculty and staff the opportunity to observe the holidays of their chosen faith.
 

• Students: Religious holidays are considered an excused absence. Faculty members should work collaboratively with their students to find reasonable solutions for each case, ensuring students are not disadvantaged by such absences. When planning major assignments, it may be helpful to refer to this interfaith holiday calendar.  
   
• Faculty and staff: Supervisors should make reasonable accommodations for religious observances. Requests may be approved as vacation, a personal holiday,  or, in some cases, through a schedule adjustment.
   

This year, some religious holidays that our students may celebrate fall in the first week of classes. As such, some students might reach out to inform professors of a possible absence. Please consider replying to these emails before class so students know they will not be dropped for missing class due to these holidays.

Without a straightforward and equitable way to verify individual claims, requests related to religious observances should be accepted at face value and handled in a fair and respectful manner.

Thank you for helping ensure Cal Poly remains an environment that supports and promotes the success of every student.

Sincerely,

Office of the Provost

9/11/25 - Semester Conversion Update: Finalized Scheduling Patterns

Dear Colleagues,

As we prepare for Cal Poly’s transition to semesters in fall 2026, we have finalized the scheduling patterns that will guide how courses and exams are offered. These decisions were shaped by extensive consultation with department schedulers, department chairs and heads, the Academic Senate, and the Registrar’s Office. We are grateful for the thoughtful input shared throughout this process.

Two items required additional consideration: the timing of UU Hour and the length of final exams. We have now reached solutions that balance academic needs, student experience, and efficient use of classrooms.

• UU Hour will move to Fridays, 11:00–11:50 a.m., beginning fall 2026.
• Final exams will follow a 2½-hour schedule, providing sufficient testing time and 30 minutes of passing time between exams.

The complete semester scheduling patterns are available on the Registrar’s website, and additional information can be found on the Semester conversion website.

Thank you for your partnership as we take this important step in preparing for semester conversion.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jerusha Greenwood
Academic Senate Chair

6/12/25 - End-of-Year Note from the Provost

Dear Colleagues,

As we wrap up the academic year, I want to thank you for your continued dedication to our students, to one another, and to the collective efforts that make Cal Poly such an amazing university. Whether in classrooms, labs, advising centers, offices, or across operations and administration, your contributions uphold the academic excellence and innovation that define our institution.

Since stepping into the role of interim provost, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of you through department and college visits, leadership meetings, the Academic Senate, advisory council meetings and at other events on campus. These conversations have been candid and insightful. I’m grateful for the warm welcome home and am so excited to be back working with all of you while serving this wonderful community.

This spring, we’ve made meaningful progress. We’ve advanced a new leadership structure for the Office of Research and began working with Huron to chart a path forward to better support faculty and student research at Cal Poly. I’ve also convened two working groups to assess strategic academic resource planning and academic computing resources, with the goal of identifying critical needs in a time of funding uncertainty. Additionally, along with President Armstrong and university leadership, I participated in listening sessions across colleges to understand priorities as revisions to the CSU budget come forward and discuss how growth may help address long-term resource needs.   

Major university initiatives are also moving forward:

• Semester Conversion remains on track for fall 2026. As of the June 3 Academic Senate meeting, review and approval of the semester curriculum proposals is nearly complete, with just one minor still in progress.  We are grateful to the curriculum committees and the Academic Senate for their diligent work and to those who will continue this work into the summer.  Implementation and system planning are underway, and new faculty and student support resources are planned to roll out in the coming months.
• The Cal Maritime Integration is progressing with Cal Poly and Cal Maritime set to begin operating administratively as one university effective July 1, 2025. Current efforts are focused on aligning academic programs and services and preparing for a smooth 2025-26 bridge year for students, faculty and staff. Additionally, an agreement was reached in our meet and confer with CFA on the required faculty evaluation changes necessary to integrate our two university policies and processes. 

As we prepare for the year ahead, I want to share my top priorities:

• Continue multi-year budget and resource planning in alignment with the university to enhance Learn by Doing, academic excellence, and student and employee success.
• Expanding access to a Cal Poly degree for more California students through strengthened partner school networks, innovative degree programs, and year-round operations where appropriate. This includes continuing to expand and enhance our 2+2 pathways with Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College.
• Strengthening our academic leadership team, including onboarding new leaders and continuing key searches. This summer, we’ll welcome three new permanent deans (CAFES, CAED, and CLA) and one interim dean (Library Services). In the fall, we will resume the search for the next CENG dean and launch a national search for the Library Services dean. These leadership transitions bring fresh perspectives and will help foster multidisciplinary and cross-departmental collaboration.

Our work in the Office of the Provost is grounded in service to the Cal Poly community. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to prioritize transparency, collaboration and a commitment to shared governance. As we plan for the coming academic year, I invite you to share your thoughts on what’s working well, where we can improve, or what you’d like to see more of in Academic Affairs. Feedback can be submitted anonymously using this form, or you can email us at provost@calpoly.edu.

Thank you again for all that you do as we continue to lead the nation in Learn by Doing education. Your contributions make Cal Poly stronger and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.

I hope you find time this summer to rest, recharge and reflect on all you’ve accomplished. I am excited and look forward to what we’ll achieve together in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

6/11/25 - Update on the College of Engineering Dean Search

Dear Campus Community,  

Recently, four candidates for the College of Engineering (CENG) dean position participated in campus visits as part of a national search process. After careful deliberation and consideration of feedback from many and various campus constituents, I have decided to extend the current search and reopen the process in the next academic year.  

Please be assured that I remain committed to appointing a new permanent dean of the college. President Armstrong and I are working with the executive search firm, Isaacson Miller, to assess opportunities for enhancing the next phase of the search. 

I am grateful to the consultative search committee for their dedicated work on this search and to the members of the campus community who participated in the search process, engaged with and provided feedback on the visiting candidates.  

Bob Crockett’s service as interim dean of the College of Engineering (CENG) will be extended while the search continues. Please join me in thanking Bob for his willingness to continue leading during this transition to help ensure the college's and university's continued success. 

Sincerely, 
 
Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

6/9/25 - Supporting Our Community During Difficult Times

Dear Colleagues,

As events continue to unfold in the Los Angeles area, members of our Cal Poly community may be experiencing uncertainty, disrupted routines, or emotional distress in response to social and political unrest.

Please consider extending compassion and flexibility to your students and colleagues who may be affected. This may include adjusting deadlines, offering leniency with attendance or providing other appropriate forms of support. Academic Senate Resolution AS-980-20 provides guidance for accommodating students who miss class due to extenuating circumstances. 

The following resources are also available:

• The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT): Offers helpful resources, including the guide Acknowledge and Respond to Distressing Events.
• Counseling services for students: Available 24/7 by calling 805-756-2511. Further information can be found on the Campus Health & Wellbeing website.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential counseling services to Cal Poly employees and their household members. Empathia’s LifeMatters EAP can be reached 24/7 at 800- 367-7474.
• Campus Assessment, Response & Education (CARE) Team: Allows faculty or staff to refer a student of concern.

Your support is so important to the well-being of our students and in creating a sense of stability across campus. And please remember that as you care for others, take time to care for yourselves.

Thank you for all that you do for our community.

Sincerely,

Al Liddicoat
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

5/19/25 - Interim Dean of Library Services

Dear Cal Poly Library Colleagues, 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine O’Clair as interim dean of Library Services, effective July 1, 2025. She will serve in this role through June 30, 2026, or until a permanent dean is appointed. 

Katherine is a longtime member of the Kennedy Library faculty and a respected leader in academic librarianship with more than two decades of experience in higher education. Since joining Cal Poly in 2009, she has advanced through faculty ranks, earning tenure in 2013 and promotion to librarian in 2018. For the past six years, she has served as associate dean for Academic Services, providing strategic leadership for library programs that reflect Cal Poly’s Teacher-Scholar Model and Learn by Doing philosophy. 

Her scholarship and professional contributions include peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, conference presentations and an edited monograph focused on library practice and information literacy. She has held leadership roles in national organizations such as the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries and has served multiple terms on Cal Poly’s Academic Senate and Academic Assessment Council. 

Katherine holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Nazareth College and a master's degree in library and information studies from Florida State University.  

A national search for a permanent dean for library services will begin soon. Please join me in thanking Katherine for her service and leadership during this transition.  

Sincerely, 
 
Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

5/5/25 - Maritime Integration: New Academic Updates

Dear Cal Poly Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff, 

Before our colleagues at Cal Maritime completed their spring semester on Friday, May 2, I shared a message outlining academic updates that have solidified since my recent visit to their campus. I’m sharing those same updates with you to ensure that faculty and staff across both campuses are informed and aligned.  

Department of International Strategy & Security (ISS) Alignment 
After consultations with stakeholders at both campuses, Maritime’s ISS program will now be merged with the Philosophy Department in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). This updated alignment reflects faculty feedback and positions the program for long-term growth and success.  

Department of Sciences and Mathematics Alignment 
The following alignments of Maritime’s Department of Sciences and Mathematics have been updated: The math faculty will integrate with the mathematics department in the Bailey College of Science and Math (BCSM), and the faculty in natural sciences will transition intact as a department to the BCSM. Faculty in this department will continue to work with Dean Wendt, exploring ways to strengthen and enhance the connections with existing departments in BCSM and the oceanography program that draws from the expertise and synergies across the two campuses. 

Business Program 
The 2026-28 catalog will include a single, unified business program taught on both campuses, including a new supply chain management concentration at the Solano campus starting in Fall 2026. 

Mechanical Engineering 
We’re committed to maintaining ABET accreditation for Mechanical Engineering across both campuses. Faculty in both mechanical engineering programs will develop a common core curriculum in the 2025-26 academic year, which they will propose for review in the 2026-28 catalog cycle. 

Library 
Maritime librarians and library staff will report to the dean of library services at Cal Poly with a continuation of the current Maritime operating model through the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Solano Campus Chair and Coordinator Appointments 
To support continuity and academic operations at the Solano campus, we have finalized new chair and academic program coordinator assignments across several departments and areas. These appointments will begin July 1, 2025, and include some summer assignments, for which faculty will be compensated. Current chair and coordinator roles at Cal Maritime will remain in place through June 30, 2025. The new Solano-based roles will report to Cal Poly leadership and play a key role in supporting a smooth transition. Additionally, college deans are determining assigned time needs for faculty who will take on administrative responsibilities at the Solano campus in the 2025-26 academic year. 

RTP Process 
Details regarding the RTP process for the 2025-26 academic year are still being worked out with the Chancellor’s Office and the California Faculty Association. The meet-and-confer process will continue until an agreement is made. We understand the importance of this issue and will share details as soon as possible.  

Thank you for your continued engagement, collaboration and support as we work together toward successful integration. Questions and feedback can be sent to cpcmintegration@calpoly.edu.  

Sincerely, 

Dr. Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

5/1/25 - Research Updates

Dear Colleagues,

As President Armstrong shared earlier this year, the research office is integrating into the Division of Academic Affairs. Effective today, May 1, this move aims to strengthen the connection between research and academic priorities while optimizing the systems and tools that support scholarly activity across campus. This is a restructuring and does not reflect a reduced commitment to research at Cal Poly.

Dawn Neill, who has served as interim vice president for Research, has started a new position effective today as executive director of Pacific Engagement and Educational Partnerships in the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Advocacy. I am grateful for Dawn’s leadership, dedication and many contributions to research at Cal Poly, and I look forward to seeing her impact in this new role.

Dean Wendt, dean of the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM), will assume the role of interim associate vice provost of research. He will serve in this role through the next academic year or until a permanent appointment is made. Having previously served as Cal Poly’s dean of research, Dean brings a passion for scholarship, a high-level commitment to undergraduate research and a deep understanding of Cal Poly’s mission and values to the role. He has a strong record of securing external funding, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting the success of faculty, staff and students. He will continue to lead Bailey College while taking on these new responsibilities.

We’ve also engaged with Huron Consulting, a firm that specializes in higher education operations, to help guide our efforts. They will conduct a comprehensive review of our research administration processes and provide recommendations and best practices that align with Cal Poly’s needs and our Learn by Doing ethos. We will share updates about this work as it progresses.

Yesterday, Dean, Dawn and I had a chance to meet with the Department of Research to share these updates and answer questions. That team’s expertise and institutional knowledge will be invaluable as we move through these transitions.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication as our research office continues to support faculty, staff and students engaged in scholarship and creative activities at Cal Poly.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

4/23/25 - Maritime Integration Academic Update

Dear Colleagues, 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Cal Maritime faculty and staff to share updates and hear their perspectives on the integration's academic aspects. In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, I want to ensure you are provided with the same information.  

Here are highlights of what was shared:  

Continuity and Planning: The 2025–26 academic year will serve as a bridge year, allowing us to continue delivering essential services on both campuses with a strong focus on student, faculty and staff success while we build toward full academic integration in fall 2026. 

Academic Services: Advising, tutoring, and library services in general will continue as-is through the bridge year. Planning teams have completed a service inventory and are identifying opportunities to strengthen alignment and delivery across both campuses. 

Academic Programs: Progress is underway on overlapping programs such as Mechanical Engineering and Business, with new offerings in development.  Working with Dean Wendt, faculty are exploring ways of strengthening and enhancing the oceanography program drawing from the expertise and synergies across the two campuses. 

Shared Governance: Maritime faculty integration into the Cal Poly Academic Senate is effective as of July 1. As part of their recent academic senate resolution, the Cal Poly Academic Senate created four at-large Solano campus senator positions for the 2025-26 academic year. All Solano at large senators will be selected by the Solano Campus faculty. In addition, the Cal Poly Academic Senate created a Solano specific position on all standing Academic Senate committees and on all upcoming ad hoc Academic Senate committees. The Cal Maritime Faculty Senate approved a resolution to merge with Cal Poly’s Academic Senate earlier this month. An ad hoc committee will evaluate long-term governance models during the bridge year. 

Retention, Tenure and Promotion (RTP): A unified RTP process is currently under discussion through the meet-and-confer process being finalized for the 2025–26 academic year. We aim to share updates as soon as we have an agreement. 

These have also been incorporated into the FAQ available on the Cal Poly Maritime Integration website. This page will be updated regularly, including responses to several questions raised during the session that we are still working to answer.  

This integration is significant and complex, and we know it raises important questions about what is changing, what is staying the same, and how work may be impacted on both campuses. We will have opportunities to discuss these updates with Cal Poly faculty and staff. In the meantime, if you have questions or feedback, please email cpcmintegration@calpoly.edu. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students and academic community. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

4/22/25 - A Message from Interim Provost Dr. Al Liddicoat

Dear Cal Poly Faculty and Academic Affairs Staff, 

It is an honor to return to Cal Poly as your interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Having served this university in various capacities over the years, I have great respect for the work we do together to advance our mission of academic excellence and student success. 

My immediate priority is to engage with faculty, staff, students and our Cal Poly community members as I onboard and begin my new role. Together, we will build on the strong foundation that has made Cal Poly a leader in higher education while enhancing our collaboration and communication across the division. I look forward to collaborating on many of the high priority initiatives that are currently underway.   

Over the past year, I have served as interim vice chancellor for human resources at the CSU Chancellor’s Office. This experience has deepened my understanding of the systemwide challenges and opportunities ahead and reaffirmed my commitment to clear communication, transparency and alignment of our priorities. I will bring this perspective to our work at Cal Poly as we continue to strengthen our university and better serve our campus community. 

I also want to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Lynnette Zelezny for her leadership as acting provost during this transition. Her thoughtful engagement with faculty and staff and focus on accessibility and communication have set a strong foundation for the path ahead. 

Each and every one of you contributes to the success of Cal Poly and our students. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to reconnecting with many of you, meeting new colleagues and hearing your perspectives. I am committed to ensuring the Provost’s Office remains accessible, responsive and engaged in the work that matters most to our campus community. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to Cal Poly. 

Wishing you all a fabulous spring quarter,  

Dr. Al Liddicoat 
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

4/9/25 - Save the Dates: Dean of CENG Candidate Visits & Open Forums

On behalf of the Consultative Search Committee for the Dean of the College of Engineering (CENG), we are pleased to share that Cal Poly will soon host up to four finalists for the role.  

Please save the following dates for potential two-day finalist visits to campus:  

• May 5-6, 2025 
• May 7-8, 2025 
• May 12-13, 2025 
• May 15-16, 2025  

All members of the campus community are invited to participate in the open forums with each finalist, offered both in person and virtually. These forums will take place on the second day of each visit, from 11:10 a.m. to noon, in the Advanced Technologies Lab (Building 007) and via Zoom. 

Information about each finalist, Zoom links for the forums and a feedback survey will be shared in advance of the visits.  

The CENG search committee is chaired by John Pan, professor in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. 

3/11/2025 - Kate Murphy named Dean of CLA effective July 1

Dr. Kate Murphy has been named dean of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), effective July 1.  

Kate has served as interim dean of CLA since August 2024 and has provided steady leadership during this time. In this role, she has advanced multiple strategic initiatives, including expanding transfer student pathways, enhancing career readiness programs and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Under her guidance, the college has remained committed to student success, faculty development and fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.  

Since joining Cal Poly in 2007, Kate has been a dedicated educator, researcher and leader. Before her role as interim dean, she served as associate dean for student success in CLA, overseeing academic advising, student services and graduate program administration. She also held roles as CLA administrative fellow and department chair and professor in the History Department, where she made significant contributions to curriculum innovation and interdisciplinary program development. 

A distinguished historian, Kate's research on the history of science and the transatlantic slave trade has been recognized with funding from the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). Her work has been published widely in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, including Plants, People, Planet; The William and Mary Quarterly; Early American Studies; and The British Journal for the History of Science. She is also the author of Captivity’s Collections: Science, Natural History, and the Transatlantic British Slave Trade. 

Kate holds a doctorate and master’s degree in history from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia. 

2/20/2025 - Marc Swackhamer named Dean of CAED effective Aug. 18

Marc Swackhamer will join Cal Poly as the dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) on Aug. 18, 2025. 
 
Marc brings extensive experience and a forward-thinking vision that aligns with CAED’s mission to lead in sustainable design, interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning. His work at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and the University of Minnesota has been defined by his ability to integrate innovative research, digital fabrication and environmental sustainability into architectural education. 
 
As chair of the Architecture Department at CU Denver, Marc’s support of their design-build program and his own design research closely mirrors Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach. He is committed to creating environments where students engage in experiential learning that prepares them for success in architecture, planning, design and related fields.  
 
Marc is also an advocate for making architectural and design education more accessible and inclusive. His collaborative leadership will support the disciplines within CAED, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. He looks forward to building on CAED’s legacy while advancing innovation, sustainability and community impact. 
 

1/22/2025 - Brian Horgan named Dean of CAFES effective July 1

Dr. Brian Horgan will join Cal Poly as the dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) on July 1, 2025.

Brian brings extensive experience and a clear vision for advancing CAFES as a leader in agricultural innovation, sustainability, and education. His distinguished work at Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota demonstrates his ability to foster collaboration, modernize academic programs, and provide meaningful support to faculty and staff.

His dedication to building interdisciplinary partnerships has created distinct opportunities for research, curriculum development, and community engagement. His focus on cultivating inclusive environments that embrace diverse perspectives will enrich the academic experience within the college and across the university.

As an advocate for experiential learning, Brian values Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy, and he is eager to work with faculty and staff to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students.