The FSAs

American Indian and Indigenous Faculty Staff Association

The American Indian & Indigenous Faculty Staff Association (AIIFSA) provides advocacy and support for the American Indian and Indigenous community at Cal Poly. Our aim is to promote and nurture an environment that attracts, welcomes, and retains American Indian and Indigenous faculty, staff, and students while also assisting in their recruitment and retention. We are dedicated to the promotion and support of American Indian and Indigenous faculty and staff, assisting the matriculation and graduation of American Indian and Indigenous students, and the celebration and sharing of our unique heritage in a university environment.

Commencement

American Indian and Indigenous Commencement celebrates the achievements of graduating American Indian and Indigenous students.

Arab Faculty Staff Association

The Arab Faculty and Staff Association (FSA) at Cal Poly aims to strengthen relationships between and provide support for Arab-identifying faculty and staff. The Arab FSA is open to all faculty and staff who identify with Arab culture broadly speaking. We aim to create a safe and brave place for members to support each other and to enjoy interconnected social histories, cultures, values, and interests that have been shared for centuries. The Arab FSA promotes education, awareness, engagement, and advocacy through programming, events, and community action focused on Arab issues. We also hope to create greater synergy with Arab-affiliated student clubs and organizations to enhance our community’s contributions to Cal Poly’s campus.

Commencement

The Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Commencement is an annual graduation ceremony held to recognize the personal and academic achievements of graduating seniors at Cal Poly. This event provides a more intimate atmosphere for family and friends to congratulate each graduating class. Any student who feels connected to the cultures of the SWANA region, regardless of ethnicity or religion, is welcome to participate in SWANA commencement.

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Faculty and Staff Association

The Asian Pacific Islander (API) Faculty & Staff Association is committed to supporting Asian-Pacifics in higher education to become stronger leaders and to create networking and social opportunities. Also referred to as Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP), the API Faculty & Staff Association was founded in 2007 by a group of Cal Poly employees from various departments who attended the LEAP conference. LEAP is a national, nonprofit organization whose mission is to achieve full participation and equality for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) through leadership, empowerment, and policy. We are committed to promoting diversity at Cal Poly and maintaining productive cross-cultural relations on campus. We are a diverse association and membership is open to all Cal Poly faculty and staff as well as individuals from the community.

Commencement

Asian Pacific Islander Commencement is an annual graduation ceremony held to recognize the personal and academic achievements of graduating seniors at Cal Poly. This event provides a more intimate atmosphere for family and friends to congratulate each graduating class.

Black Faculty Staff Association

The Black Faculty Staff Association (BFSA) aspires to create a campus climate that is inviting, nurturing, and hospitable. We are dedicated to establishing a proactive environment that is supportive of the recruitment, retention, and affirmative action of Black faculty, staff, and students. We promote programs that lead to the better understanding and teaching of Black students. We are a multicultural and diverse association. Decision-making and accountability are shared, creating an environment that is vital, challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable. Our association makes a difference—it enriches the lives of our campus community.

Commencement

The Black Commencement, in collaboration with the Black Faculty & Staff Association, is an annual celebration recognizing the culture and accomplishments of the Cal Poly African American graduating class. This commencement is also a time when students are able to thank their families and friends for their support along the way. Distinguished speakers, special student awards, live performances, and the tradition of wearing Kente cloth stoles hand-woven from Africa, all add to the vibrancy.

Chicanx/Latinx Faculty Staff Association

The mission of the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Chicanx Latinx Faculty Staff Association is to give voice and recognition to the many Chicanx and Latinx university members. The organization is committed to facilitating rapport between Chicanx and Latinx university employees at all levels and across the entire campus community. Our presence on campus enriches the university because of our contributions, diversity and commitment to the intellectual life of the community.

Commencement

The Chicanx/Latinx Commencement celebrates the culture and accomplishments of Cal Poly Latinx students. This bilingual ceremony, organized by the Chicanx/Latinx Commencement Committee, is open to all students, parents, family, and friends. The night consists of food, entertainment, guest speakers, remarks by graduating students and recognizes those who have supported Latinx students throughout their Cal Poly journey.

Disability Faculty Staff Association

The mission of the Disability Faculty Staff Association is to foster a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive campus and work environment for all faculty and staff. The DFSA recognizes and celebrates disability, whether temporary or permanent, as diversity and the intersections of multi-identities. We welcome those with disabilities and our allies.

Our Values 

• The DFSA welcomes all persons with disabilities or illnesses whether temporary or permanent, visible or invisible.
  • Disabilities may include mobility, sensory, health, learning, cognitive, pain, and/or psychological impairments and/or functional limitations.
• By using the word “disability” the DFSA wants to encourage individuals to expand their perception of what disability is and dismantle the stigma around disability.
  • Disability is not limited to medical or legal definitions nor is it grounded in a diagnosis.
• The DFSA aligns with a Social Model of Disability which posits that peoples are primarily disabled due to environmental, social, technological, policy and attitudinal barriers.  
  • A person’s functional status is not fixed; disability is often fluid and fluctuates across lifespan and within various contexts.  
• The DFSA actively works to dismantle and combat ableism, how bodies are perceived and valued, and notions of normalcy.
• The DFSA stands in solidarity with other communities that have experienced oppression and marginalization due to narrow definitions of the normal body and mind.
• The DFSA acknowledges and values the knowledge, creativity, and contributions that come from lived experiences of peoples with disabilities.
  • Our community benefits from actively including the perspectives and voices of peoples with disabilities.

Jewish Identifying Faculty and Staff Association

The Jewish Identifying Faculty and Staff Association (JIFSA) is a new FSA looking for interested members! The JIFSA aims to foster connections and build community among Jewish Identifying members of campus and to celebrate the multitude of backgrounds and experiences that exist within our community. Membership is open to any employee, faculty or staff, and no verification of heritage is required — only a commitment to diversity and the support of fellow faculty, staff and students.

Our Mission

The mission of the Jewish Identifying Faculty and Staff Association at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is to unite and connect Jewish identifying faculty and staff across Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. We aim to invite Jewish identifying members of the campus community to participate authentically in what Jewishness means to them. We are committed to celebrating all and connecting all Jewish identifying members of the campus community—regardless of background—so that we may build relationships which aide in senses of belonging, identity development, professional development, and beyond.

Military-Affiliated Faculty and Staff Association

MAFSA’s mission is to cultivate meaningful connections, foster a vibrant sense of community, and celebrate the rich diversity of experiences that military-affiliated members bring to our campus. We welcome all employees, faculty, and staff—regardless of military affiliation—who are committed to supporting and uplifting our military-connected colleagues and students. Whether you’re looking to network, share experiences, or champion a more inclusive and supportive campus environment, MAFSA is the perfect place for you. Join us as we build something great together!

Multiracial Faculty Staff Association

The Multiracial Faculty Staff Association (MFSA) exists to build community and promote identity exploration/growth among multiracial staff/faculty and to connect with/support multiracial students. FSA activities/initiatives may include events discussing media, book circles, mentorship programs, and supporting the events of the Multiracial Student Association (MUSA) and the Multicultural Center (MCC).

Pride Faculty Staff Association

Mission Statement

The Cal Poly Pride Faculty Staff Association (PFSA) strives to establish meaningful communication and connection among LGBTQIA faculty, staff and graduate students, fostering a welcoming environment that empowers, attracts, and retains a diverse community. PFSA is committed to advocating for equitable policies, supporting the Pride Center, and serving as visible role models for LGBTQIA faculty, staff, and students. Through education, resource sharing, and social engagement, the association promotes inclusion and a sense of belonging that strengthens the Cal Poly campus as a whole.

Commencement

Lavender Commencement recognizes the scholarship, accomplishments, and community contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual and allied graduating seniors and graduate students. 

Womxn in Facilities Faculty Staff Association

Our Mission

Womxn in Facilities is about helping womxn become a greater force within the facilities industry and beyond! Here at Cal Poly, we are focused on supporting womxn to maximize their networks, develop career growth, and increase opportunities. Join us if you would like to build community, share project successes, grow your professional network, or mentor and support other womxn across the industry. 

Our Goals

Womxn In Facilities is a sisterhood - where womxn can see other womxn being rad! ​It’s a place where advocacy, mentorship, support and sponsorship can happen.​ These are our goals and call to action…

• Network to create connections across departments, which touch all things facilities.
• Support womxn by sharing our experiences, resources, and knowledge in a safe space.  
• Grow and develop by providing professional development and career pathways.
• Advocate for DEI education, amplification, and gender inclusivity.  
• Celebrate the achievements of womxn on campus.