Presidential Position Statement

Overview of California Polytechnic State University
Established in 1901, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a nationally ranked and highly selective, comprehensive public polytechnic university, with a “learn by doing” education philosophy, emphasizing hands-on educational experiences. Cal Poly, one of twenty-three campuses in the California State University system, is located in San Luis Obispo, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco and fifteen minutes drive from the Pacific Ocean.

Cal Poly consistently has been rated as the “best” public-master’s university in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes magazine lists Cal Poly at number 27 on its list of the nation’s top 100 public universities.

It has a student body of 19,325 (18,699 full-time equivalent), some 1,293 full-time, part-time and temporary faculty members, and just over 1,000 devoted and enthusiastic full-time staff members.

The university is comprised of a main campus of 1,321 acres, of which 155 are the campus core. The university also owns several ranches that total 8,347 acres including the Swanton Pacific Ranch near Santa Cruz, California. Cal Poly is the second largest land-holding university in California and one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation. Cal Poly uses all of its land holdings in active support of the education of its students.

Cal Poly offers 66 baccalaureate degrees, 27 master’s degrees, and a doctorate of education in educational leadership in association with UC Santa Barbara. Cal Poly operates on the academic quarter calendar, including a summer quarter. The academic organization consists of the six colleges of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences; Architecture & Environmental Design; Engineering; Liberal Arts; Orfalea College of Business; and Science & Mathematics. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Twenty-four programs hold accreditation from national professional associations.

The “learn by doing” philosophy enables students to discover or refine their values and interests. Classroom instruction is complemented by “hands-on” learning in the laboratory, the studio, and out in the field. Over 89.2% of the graduates are employed full-time or attend graduate school within one year of graduating. The median starting salary of 2007-08 graduates is $52,000.

In fall 2008, first-time freshmen average high school G.P.A. was 3.78, the average SAT 1 score was 1200, and the average ACT score was 26.

The College of Engineering is one of the top public undergraduate programs in the country. The College of Agriculture is the nation’s fourth largest undergraduate agricultural program. The undergraduate architecture program is ranked one of the best in the United States at producing graduates prepared for real-world practice. The engineering, agriculture, and architecture programs are among the top three programs in the education of Hispanic graduates nationwide. Academic programs at Cal Poly are constantly being recognized for their innovation, excellence, quality of students and faculty, and for contributing to a strong workforce for the future.

Cal Poly competes in intercollegiate athletic programs at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Big West Conference.

Mission Statement
Cal Poly fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment where students and faculty are partners in discovery. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly promotes the application of theory to practice. As a comprehensive institution, Cal Poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, while encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular experiences. As an academic community, Cal Poly values free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Learning Objectives
All students who complete an undergraduate or graduate program at Cal Poly should be able to:

• Think critically and creatively
• Communicate effectively
• Demonstrate expertise in a scholarly discipline and understand that discipline in relation to the larger world of the arts, sciences, and technology
• Work productively as individuals and in groups
• Use their knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to society
• Make reasoned decisions based on understanding of ethics, a respect for diversity, and awareness of issues related to sustainability
• Engage in lifetime learning

Cal Poly Faculty
A tradition of teaching excellence lies at the heart of the university experience for Cal Poly students. Most faculty members have earned doctoral degrees from prestigious universities across the nation. The faculty strives to sustain a dynamic teaching and learning environment. The Center for Teaching and Learning supports the university’s mission of enriching lives of students through their contact with faculty members who effectively combine teaching, scholarship and service, and help create a campus culture that values and supports excellence in teaching, learning, and research. Offered are workshops and training to assist existing faculty members to improve their teaching techniques, incorporate technology into their classes, and encourage students to improve writing skills, as well as workshops and activities to assist individuals new to the faculty profession.

The Cal Poly Academic Senate is the principal agency for the formulation and recommendation of university policy. The Senate and its committees communicate recommendations to the president on such matters as faculty affairs, curriculum, instruction, student affairs, finances, and other matters relevant to the welfare of Cal Poly. The senate consists of 51 elected faculty representatives, four senior administrators and two students.

Student Life
The resources of a large university, coupled with many relatively small class sections, access to faculty, opportunities for internships and field experiences, active departmental student associations, and a large variety of other student activities such as 16 club sports and 14 intramural sports, give students opportunities for involvement within smaller communities of interest. The Office of Student Affairs ensures that student activities and programs are integrated into every student’s overall learning experience at Cal Poly.

Close to 300 clubs and organizations, including many nationally chartered fraternities and sororities, offer students companionship and activities for all interests. The Associated Students (ASI) of Cal Poly has over 100 years of student service and leadership. The ASI student government is the students' voice on campus regarding fees, academic excellence and non-academic services, as well as the center of student activism and representation regarding student life and shared governance. ASI not only sponsors clubs and organizations, but it provides on-campus entertainment such as concerts, comedy and artistic events, multicultural celebrations, and speakers.

Cal Poly is a residential campus with 6,500 students currently living on-campus and others in the nearby community. Most eligible students enter the university directly from high school, and a relatively small number are community college transfers. A large portion (32%) of the students come from the greater San Francisco Bay Area; other students are from throughout California and the United States. There are also a small percentage of international students.

The students operate a university union that provides a setting for relaxation and exchange of ideas. It has several study lounges, meeting spaces, a ten-lane bowling alley, a craft center, food outlets and coffee shop, Associated Students offices, student life and leadership development offices, outdoor adventure trip office, women’s center, multi-cultural center, and auditorium.

Since 1949, students from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly, Pomona collaborate to design, construct and decorate a float entry for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Not only is the Cal Poly float a one-of-a kind building experience, but it also is an opportunity for students to develop new innovations such as computer controlled animation, hydraulics systems for movement, and more.

The Recreation Center is available to all currently enrolled Cal Poly students. Cal Poly employees and their spouses may purchase an annual membership. The facility includes: 9 racquetball courts, 4 basketball courts, two sand volleyball courts, a 50 meter pool, a martial arts room, a 6,500 sq.ft. fitness room, a 7,000 sq.ft. exercise room, a 3,400 seat concert venue, and locker rooms. The facility is currently undergoing a major expansion and renovation that will meet student need for improved recreational facilities as well as green building and sustainability goals.

To access the Clery Crime Statistics report, click here.

Life in San Luis Obispo
The City of San Luis Obispo, known locally as San Luis or SLO, has a population nearing 50,000. It serves as the commercial, cultural, and governmental hub of San Luis Obispo County. One of California’s oldest communities, SLO began in 1772 with the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on the site of the Chumash village of Tilhini.

The economy of SLO is centered on tourism. It is a natural stopover when traveling by car between Los Angeles and San Francisco. SLO has many motels and bed and breakfast inns, eclectic shops and boutiques, and outdoor cafes. Minutes from downtown are never ending acres of vineyards that support a thriving wine industry. The weekly Thursday night Farmers’ Market is among the area’s most popular events; live entertainment is featured and local farmers and vendors sell their produce and goods year-round in a festival-like atmosphere.

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport offers commercial air service to Los Angeles and San Francisco, plus Las Vegas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City. Amtrak provides daily rail services as a stop on the Coast Starlight and as the terminus of the Pacific Surfliner.

Enjoying over 300 days of sunshine annually, the local Mediterranean-type climate boasts moderate temperatures. January's average high is 63°F and average low is 42°F. July's average high is 78°F and average low is 52°F, with heat exceeding 90 °F on some summer days. The mean annual rainfall is approximately 23 inches.

The mild climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, hiking trails, local lakes, and rolling hills support many forms of outdoor recreation. San Luis Obispo is a bike friendly community. The local public bus system, SLO Transit operating within the city limits, is free to students, faculty, and staff. Employees and students can ride the regional bus service (RTA) at reduced rates.

Alumni
Currently, there are more than 130,000 alumni and many are active in the alumni association. Cal Poly alumni are leaders in business, serve on school boards, hold elected public offices, and are CEO’s of respected California and international corporations. Among the accomplished alumni are: Gary Bloom, a leader in California’s high-tech sector; James W. Boswell, chairman of J.G. Boswell Company; Greg Chamitoff, NASA astronaut; Jim Considine, CEO of Ryder Stilwell; Laura Diaz, TV news anchor at KCBS in Los Angeles; George Foster, owner, Foster Farms; Michelle Franzen, national correspondent, NBC News; Robert “Hoot” Gibson, retired chief NASA astronaut; Noel Lee, owner/founder of Monster Cable; Linda Ozawa Olds, Kirk Perron, and Joseph Vergara, founders, Jamba Juice; John Madden, long-time NFL broadcast analyst; George Radanovich, U.S. Congressman for California’s 18th district; Burt Rutan, president, Scaled Composites and pioneering designer of experimental air and space craft; Ozzie Smith, National Baseball Hall of Famer; Alex Spanos, humanitarian and owner of the San Diego Chargers professional football team; Rick Sturckow, NASA astronaut; Bill Swanson, CEO of Raytheon Corporation; Ernesto Vasquez, partner in the international award-winning architectural firm MVE & Partners; and, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Grammy-winning rock music entertainer.

Financial Status
Historically, state revenue support for public higher education has been very generous compared with other states. Due to a multitude of demands on declining state revenue, public institutions of higher education in California are receiving a smaller proportion of the state budget. The California Master Plan for Higher Education’s principles of access, quality, and relatively low fees are challenged. Yet, for those students who commit to full-time enrollment and following the recommended curriculum flow chart for each major, it is possible to complete a baccalaureate degree in the traditional four-year period. The CSU Board of Trustee policy on student fees provides for a large financial aid component. Annual fees for full-time undergraduate students in 2009/10 are $4,026 plus $1,429 to $1,681 for campus academic fee, student union, health center, Associated Students, child care, and other campus-based fees specific to Cal Poly.

The Cal Poly Plan, instituted in fall 1996, is a campus-based fee model formulated to enhance and sustain the quality of academic programs. The fee, which varies in amount by college, preserves small class section size and laboratories, promotes quality, encourages use of technology and innovation in teaching, decreases student time to degree completion, promotes faculty scholarship, and provides opportunities for student research.

Over the past decade, private support (gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations) for the university has been a priority. The three-year average of gift commitments from 2006/07 to 2009/09 was $49.3 million. During 2008/09, Cal Poly administered over $53.7 million in grants and contracts.

Facilities
Cal Poly is constantly renovating existing facilities, constructing new facilities, and making additions to existing facilities, in order to keep the academic programs robust.

The following are among recent projects:
Construction Innovation Center – a 46,000 square foot new facility and 165,000 square feet of renovation at a project cost of $25.4 million and was completed in spring 2008.

Bonderson Projects Center was completed in fall 2006 to support senior projects in engineering and computer science.

Engineering IV – a 101,000 square foot new facility creating classrooms, laboratory space and faculty offices. It was completed in winter 2007 at a cost of $32.8 million.

The Alex G. Spanos Stadium expansion and improvement will add 4,000 seats, construct restrooms and a new press box at a project cost of $19.4 million. Completion is scheduled for summer 2010.

Marine Science Research Center, completed in winter 2006, is a new 1,600 square foot seawater circulation facility, constructed on Avila Pier at a cost of $2.1 million.

The Cal Poly Corporation, a university auxiliary, formed the Cal Poly Housing Corporation to develop and operate faculty and staff housing. The first undertaking was the development of Bella Montaña at the corner of Highland Drive and Highway 1, adjacent to one of the entrances to Cal Poly. Construction was completed in September 2007. Very attractive pricing and financing options are available.

Cal Poly’s newest student housing complex is Poly Canyon Village – a $299.9 million project that recently received the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Gold certification for New Construction. The first phase, with 1,500 bed spaces, opened in fall 2008. Phase II added 1,100 more beds with its opening for the Fall 2009 academic term. The complex provides apartment type housing, reaction facilities, parking, and retail space. With the completion of Poly Canyon Village in 2009, Cal Poly’s inventory of 6,500 beds for students makes it the largest student housing program in the California State University system.

Currently under construction is a 25,000 square foot building that will function as the Cal Poly Technology Park. The project is funded with public and private funds and nearly $16 million in federal funds. This venture is a collaborative effort between Cal Poly and the California Central Coast Research Partnership. The facility will be ready to occupy in September 2010.

The outdated and inefficient Science building is being replaced by a $119 million, 190,000 square foot, Center for Science. When completed, it will provide lecture and laboratory space, and faculty offices designed and constructed according to green building practices.

Of special note is the performing arts center completed in the 1990s. Cal Poly, the City of San Luis Obispo, and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center formed a partnership to build a state-of-the-art performing arts center to serve the greater San Luis Obispo community. The Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo includes a concert hall with 1,289 seats, the pavilion – a multi-purpose venue, a 180-seat recital hall, and incorporates the existing 498-seat Cal Poly Theatre. Construction began in 1994 and the new facilities opened in September 1996. Programming includes such individuals as humorist Garrison Keillor, musicians Kris Kristofferson and Brandon Marsalis, and groups such as The American Ballet Theatre.

Presidential Responsibilities
As chief executive and academic officer of California Polytechnic State University, the president leads the institution by managing the human and financial resources to fulfill the stated mission. Working in harmony with internal and external constituencies, the president provides overall leadership and guidance for the university. The president is expected to nurture and expand the academic reputation of the university and to orchestrate the charting of the future course of the campus. The president is the leading spokesperson for the institution with internal stakeholders and external constituencies. The president is expected to symbolize the best qualities of the institution; the president represents the campus interest within the CSU system, with local, state and national elected officials, and with the state and national higher education community.

In addition to oversight of the state funded programs of the university, the president has the authority and responsibility for the fiscal integrity and overall operation of campus auxiliaries including the Associated Students, Cal Poly Corporation (El Corral Bookstore, dining services and more), Cal Poly Foundation, parking, university housing, and University Union. This authority is vested in the president through CSU regulations and delegations from the CSU Board of Trustees and chancellor in accord with state statutes.

Specified responsibilities of the president are to:

• Provide leadership for the university, exhibiting vision, initiative, and creativity that improve and sustain the quality of the institution.

• Work with various constituencies, internal and external, to build consensus on issues of concern to the university.

• Lead planning efforts that prepare the university to be a significant polytechnic and comprehensive educational entity for the 21st century by shaping and communicating a vision for the institution based on current strengths and anticipated new programs that contribute to the economic vitality of the state.

• Oversee the management of the university’s financial resources and take an active leadership role in securing the human and financial resources needed to achieve the university’s long-range goals.

• Exercise leadership in creating a campus environment that is responsive to the needs of the students, staff, faculty, and the community.

• Serve as a catalyst, inspiration, and facilitator who helps others transform ideas into viable results.

• Organize and lead a strong and engaged team of senior campus managers.

• Maintain and support a collegial governance structure that involves members of the campus community in current activities and future plans of the university, welcomes participation by valuing everyone’s opinion, respects academic freedom, and promotes respect for dialogue and open communication.

• Lead, support, and foster efforts to further increase employee and student diversity, and foster an environment supportive and understanding of cultural diversity on campus and in the community.

• Support the role of the arts and humanities in a polytechnic institution.
  
  
• Be an advocate for sustainability education and practices at Cal Poly, and advance Cal Poly into a leadership position among universities having a campuswide culture of sustainability.
  
  
• Oversee the institutional advancement program that garners an increasing amount of non-state resources for university programs and promotes the reputation of the university. These resources include increased grants and contracts, foundation gifts, and individual donations, particularly from the Cal Poly alumni, business, industry, and friends.

• Take an active personal role in management of the university’s institutional and community relations programs, serving as the primary spokesperson for Cal Poly, and articulating to the community the priority of the academic mission of the university and the unique qualities of this university.

• Build and expand partnerships between Cal Poly and business, industry, governmental entities, non profit, and public benefit organizations in the State and locally as well as internationally and nationally.

• Be an advocate for global and social awareness among faculty and students.

• Have a deep interest in students and their learning experiences.

• Participate actively as a member of the California State University system executive group along with the chancellor and other campus presidents.

Professional Qualifications
Leading candidates for the position of California Polytechnic State University president will have a strong record of academic accomplishment and significant executive or senior management experience. Preferred qualifications include:

• A commitment to strong academic programs and a desire to make the academic mission the priority of the university.

• A doctorate or equivalent terminal degree or professional experience, ideally in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics discipline.

• A record of successful teaching and scholarship, as a faculty member in an institution of higher education or pertinent professional experience.

• Significant experience as a senior level administrator/executive in a complex organization with oversight responsibilities of complex financial resources. There will be a demonstrated record of progressive responsibility and increasing oversight of fiscal, human, and physical resources.

• Possesses diverse experience in institutional and academic settings.

• Evidence of successes in philanthropic fundraising and an interest in private sector partnerships.

• A strong commitment to the polytechnic institution and learn-by-doing philosophy of Cal Poly.

• Understanding of current issues and trends in higher education.

• A record of welcoming challenges and risk taking, and demonstrated abilities to foster, plan, and manage change, including the skill to reduce conflict and promote a sense of shared commitment to change.

• Evidence of being a strategic thinker who operates with transparency, clarity (i.e., good communicator), and engagement of constituencies.

• An understanding of the applications and benefits of the Teacher-Scholar model at a largely undergraduate institution.

• Demonstrated success in promoting diversity and sensitivity to cultural diversity and multi-cultural education.

• Demonstrated accomplishments and leadership related to environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

• Evidence of the ability to implement decisions, the ability to articulate the reasoning for decisions, and the ability to achieve a widespread understanding of the rational for decisions.

• A style that emphasizes leadership by consultation and consensus building, and teamwork among the managers.

• An ability to understand the distinct characteristics and traditions of Cal Poly and a commitment to preserve those characteristics that have intrinsic value in the context of the campus mission.

Personal Characteristics
In addition to the strong academic and administrative skills required for the executive leadership of California Polytechnic State University, the president should be visionary, energetic, open-minded, approachable, sensitive to opinion of the members of the campus community, and enthusiastic about the university. The president should possess integrity, be a good listener, be a capable delegator, be a team builder, be action oriented and results focused, be well-organized, and have a sense of humor. The president must be able to communicate easily within the university, within the local community, and with industry partners. The president must relate to the students, potential students, and the communities Cal Poly serves. The president should be willing to explore diversifying sources of revenue. The president should be a strategic thinker, be passionate about Cal Poly, be visible on campus and in the community, and have a “can do” attitude.

Reporting Relationships
Like the other campus presidents in the California State University system, the president is responsible to the CSU Board of Trustees through the chancellor. The president is a member of the CSU Executive Council, which advises the chancellor and the CSU Board of Trustees on policy matters.

The chancellor serves as the chief executive officer of the CSU system and is an ex officio member of the CSU Board of Trustees. The chancellor is charged with responsibility for overall leadership and management of the system, working with and through the campus presidents.

The CSU Board of Trustees is the governing body of the CSU system; it sets academic, fiscal, and personnel policy, and has the appointing authority for the chancellor and the presidents. The CSU Board of Trustees consists of 24 voting members and one non-voting member, including 16 public members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate for eight-year terms, two student trustees who serve on staggered terms and a faculty trustee appointed by the governor for two-year terms, an alumni trustee designated by the CSU Alumni Council, and five ex officio trustees: the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the state assembly, the state superintendent of public instruction, and the chancellor.

The president determines the university reporting lines.

Starting Date
The preferred staring date is July 1, 2010.

Nominations and Applications
For optimal consideration, résumés should be forwarded by March 10, 2010, when candidate screening begins. Nominations should be made well in advance of this date. A brief cover letter, not to exceed two pages, will be appreciated. It is expected that the final group of candidates will be recommended to the CSU Board of Trustees and a selection made by the board in late May or early June 2010.

Nominations or applications with current résumés should be sent to:

Dr. Charles B. Reed, Chancellor
The California State University
401 Golden Shore, Suite 641
Long Beach, California 90802-4210
e-mail: executivesearch@calstate.edu

Electronic submittal (MS Word format) is strongly encouraged.

Cal Poly Facts at a Glance
Cal Poly 2008/09 Budgeted Appropriations/Revenues
CSU Operating Fund	$241,299,106
New Capital Renewal	$0
New Minor Capital Outlay	$0
Subtotal, State Support:	$241,299,106	53.85%
Housing Funds	$28,307,788
International & Extended Studies	$2,217,457
Parking Funds	$2,217,457
*Student Health Funds
Lottery Revenue Fund	$1,904,000
Subtotal, Revenue Funds:	$36,972,371	8.25%
Trust Financial Aid	$46,975,902
IRA Funds	$6,062,526
Other Miscellaneous Trust Funds	$931,000
Student Course Related Fees	$1,839,863
Subtotal, Other Revenue:	$55,809,291	12.46%
Research Foundation
Cal Poly Corporation	$41,834,050
Cal Poly Foundation	$11,324,605
Bookstore and other auxiliaries enterprises	$44,763,290
Student Union	$7,214,643
Associated Students	$8,864,985
Subtotal, Auxiliaries:	$114,001,573	25.44%
Total, All	$ 448,082,341	100.0%

Mascot:	Mustangs
Colors:	Green and gold
NCAA:	Division I
Conference:	Big West Conference
Alumni/ae:	130,000

Prepared by the California State University