Jeffrey D. Armstrong

The document outlines the vision, mission, and core values of the Cal Poly College of Engineering. Its mission is to provide an excellent Learn by Doing Engineering and Computer Science education that empowers students to innovate, design, and create sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. The vision is to achieve national recognition for its rapidly diversifying student population and unique, inclusive educational and applied research experiences. Key values emphasized are collaboration, growth, fostering a diverse, equitable, just, and inclusive community, and pursuing excellence to prepare students for positive societal impact.

The meeting commenced with a welcome from the Vice President for Student Affairs and the introduction of prospective council members by their mentors. Acknowledgements were made for outgoing members. Updates were provided on past recruitment efforts, the VIP Portal, and the Parent Summit concept, including integration with Mustang Family Weekend. A presentation was given on the University Union Expansion project, soliciting input from council members regarding parent/supporter involvement. An overview of Student Ombuds Services was also presented. The Student Affairs plan for the 2015-16 academic year, focusing on diversity, was reviewed, with further discussion planned for the Winter Meeting. Updates on communications and feedback solicitation regarding Soar, Move-In, and Parent & Family Weekend were conducted. Planning for upcoming events, including the Winter Meeting and Spring Meeting, was discussed, along with available new PAC positions such as Vice Chair.

The meeting featured a presentation by President Armstrong detailing COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including saliva testing, goals for returning to majority in-person classes, athletics capacity, and admissions statistics analysis. Tina Hadaway-Mellis provided an overview of Campus Health and Wellbeing services, unique initiatives like substance abuse prevention, and updates on COVID-19 operations, testing compliance, vaccine administration, and statistics. Liaison reports highlighted the work of the new Student Diversity and Belonging liaison and updates from CAFES, including new building openings and department name changes. Follow-up actions included promoting the purchase of Green & Gold packs and signing up for Spring quarter engagement opportunities.

The Cal Poly Scholars program is designed to recruit and retain high-achieving students with financial need from California high schools and community colleges. Its core priorities are to ensure the recruitment and support of California's highest achievers, improve opportunities for qualified students to attend Cal Poly, and guarantee scholars receive proactive academic advising. The program provides an annual scholarship, a two-year living-learning community, intentional workshops, advising, and credit towards a personal technology package, fostering a culturally diverse environment to prepare students for careers and lifelong achievements.

The meeting covered several key areas, beginning with an update from the Director of Admissions and Recruitment regarding Cal Poly's overarching goals, national enrollment trends, and application results for the fall 2023 cohort. External Relations staff provided updates on fundraising efforts for the Cal Poly Professional Development Fund, the status of the online application development, and plans for selecting grant recipients. Updates were also shared concerning the Parent and Supporter Volunteer Corps, Local Connections program, and revisions to volunteer expectations and bylaws. The Cal Poly Police Department presented an overview of their organization, collaborations with internal and external agencies, strategies for supporting students of concern, and available safety services. Finally, the Vice President of Student Affairs reported on the transition timeline to semesters (starting Fall 2026), the Future Housing Plan aiming for 65% on-campus housing by 2035, and the planned renovation of the Robert E. Kennedy Library commencing in summer 2024. The revised CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which no longer mandates vaccination as of April 6, 2023, was also mentioned.