Cal Poly Celebrates Learn by Doing

Cal Poly recently hosted its More than a Motto: Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing Conference, designed to showcase Learn by Doing examples from across the university.

The one-day conference featured welcoming remarks from Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong and Provost Kathleen Enz Finken, a keynote presentation from Web developer and alumnus Noah Stokes, and presentations from students, faculty and staff. The conference served as a prelude for the forthcoming book, “More than a Motto: The Meaning Behind Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing Signature.”

More than 50 faculty, staff and student teams gave 29 presentations in curricular, co-curricular and research categories. Highlights from the presentations included:

• Mathematics professor Dana Paquin, who discussed and demonstrated how undergraduate students are involved as research assistants in a mathematical modeling project designed to examine strategic treatment interruptions for a type of chronic leukemia.​
• Political science students Ashley Stephens, Joi Sullivan and Katie Magnus, who discussed the process of creating and managing the political science journal Paideia.
• Associated Students Inc. student employees and staff members Greg Avakian and Janet Tarlton, who presented the ASI professional development model that provides students with unique opportunities to fully plan, manage and supervise campus programs.
• A group of students and faculty from the College of Architecture & Environmental Design, who presented projects associated with the college’s award-winning interdisciplinary sustainability curriculum offering Cal Poly students an opportunity to shape their own education.

The closing reception for the conference was held in the University Art Gallery against the backdrop of the Annual Student Exhibition.

Learn by Doing was also integrated into the conference planning and execution. Graphic communication students assisted with conference design elements and videography, and University Graphic Systems printed the programs and posters. Cal Poly’s Floral Design Team designed table and podium centerpieces, and Cal Poly Wine was served at the reception. Students also helped with registration and check-in through Conference & Event Planning, food was provided by University Catering, and event/audiovisual assistance was obtained through ASI.