Dear Cal Poly Faculty and PCS members,
We were devastated to learn of yet another Black life lost to police brutality. George Floyd was a father, a brother, a friend, and a community member. His murder is another example of the systemic racism that continues to plague our country, and we must do better.
The pain and hate existing in our country have far-reaching effects on the students, staff, and faculty of Cal Poly. As we move into week 9 and finals week, we hope you will be mindful that these weeks, by themselves, are incredibly stressful for our students. Many students may live in areas directly affected by recent curfews, which will further disrupt their ability to focus and be present in their academic studies. Finally, many students will be taking finals virtually for the first time, causing added uncertainty to their new normal lifestyles.
Headed into finals, Cal Poly’s values of love, empathy, and respect are now more important than ever. To be the best support system we can for our students, please consider the following:
- Address this topic in your classes. Silence is no longer an option. The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology has many published resources in an effort to enhance equity and inclusion in the virtual class setting.
- Spread the word of Cal Poly’s Student Care resources, especially those that assist students’ mental health.
- We appreciate the attention, care, and understanding that you have shown and continue to show through these crises. Please be mindful of the exceptions you were willing to make for struggling students previously and keep those exceptions at the forefront of your mind for those struggling now.
Thank you for meeting and addressing student needs. The success of our students depends largely on the support of Cal Poly faculty members. Even virtually, we have the opportunity to come together as a community now more than ever to ensure the health and success of our Cal Poly family.
In community,
Mark Borges (he/him/his)
ASI President
Dustin Stegner (he/him/his)
Chair of the Academic Senate
