Unwind and connect at our end-of-day reception: an opportunity to relax, reflect, and build relationships with colleagues from across SEMSA. Join us for light refreshments, conversation, and community as we close out the day together.
Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Summit 2026
May 28, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Performing Arts Center
We look forward to seeing you at our conference-style summit! Please see the SEMSA Summit Schedule below.
Vice President’s Welcome: A Year-End Review of SEMSA
9:00 – 10 a.m.
Join us as we kick off the SEMSA Summit with a warm welcome, reflections on where we’re headed as a division and the work ahead by Vice President Harris with special remarks by President Armstrong. We will also celebrate our community through the presentation of the 2026 award winners, recognizing SEMSA employees who exemplify exceptional service to students and the Cal Poly community.
Breakout Session 1
10:10 – 11 a.m
The Water of Systems Change: The Role of Student Affairs in Transforming Higher Education
Department: Campus Health & Well-Being
Location: Miossi Hall
Participants will explore the three interconnected levels of systems change: structural (policies, programs, resources), relational (trust, collaboration, belonging), and transformational (beliefs and narratives about students and success). Utilizing guided systems mapping, participants apply the model to challenges such as retention gaps, first-generation success, or student belonging.
By identifying leverage points across all three levels, student affairs professionals learn how their daily practice shapes not only access to resources, but also campus culture and student identity. The session positions student affairs as central to advancing equity through programs and through shifting relationships and mindsets that define who belongs and who thrives.
Kirsten Vinther-Fanucchi, Associate Director - Safer
Kimme Schiltgen, Health Promotion Lead
One ASI, Two Campuses: Advancing Student Success Through Shared Governance
Department: ASI
Location: Founder's Room
This session will provide an overview of ASI’s integration with the Cal Poly Maritime Academy campus beginning in 2026–27 to deliver a cohesive, high-quality student experience across campuses. As the first ASI auxiliary in the CSU system to undertake this level of integration, this session will share the approach, guiding principles, and key decisions that shaped this work.
Attendees will gain insight into how ASI developed a shared governance structure, strategic staffing model, coordinated facility operations, and student-centered programming to support an inclusive and high-quality student experience. It will highlight early outcomes, lessons learned, and assessment-informed strategies that strengthen student success across campuses.
Anna Hassey, ASI Assistant Director - Strategic Initiatives
Michelle Crawford, ASI Executive Director
All Things Slate
Department: SEM Slate
Location: Gallery
We’ll take you inside Slate—what’s happening now, why it matters, and where we’re headed next. Hear directly from the Slate team about how a comprehensive CRM is transforming the way we connect and engage with students.
Alaina Torres-Norman, SEM CRM Lead
Josh Anderson, Security Analyst
Colleen Kasel, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Breakout Session 2
11:10 – noon
Building Safer Spaces: Cultivating a Resilient Campus through Trauma Informed Practices
Department: Campus Health & Well-Being
Location: Miossi Hall
Nearly two-thirds of incoming undergraduates have experienced trauma, with lasting impacts on academic success. Staff and faculty are often the first point of contact for students seeking support, yet many are unsure how to respond or what resources are available. Supporting students through traumatic experiences can also take an emotional toll, leading to vicarious trauma.
In this session, Safer staff will share practical tools for providing trauma-informed care, navigating student disclosures, and managing secondary trauma. Participants will gain awareness of campus resources and strategies to effectively support students who have experienced trauma.
Gillian Cutshaw, Campus Advocate - Safer
Rene Candelaria, Prevention Specialist - Safer
Kirsten Vinther-Fanucchi, Associate Director - Safer
Demystifying Transfer Selection Through Cross-Divisional Collaboration
Department: Admissions & Registrar
Location: Founder's Room
This session explores how Admissions, Evaluations, and applicants work collaboratively to expand access for transfer students. Presenters will highlight intentional cross-divisional practices that help “widen the bridge” to Cal Poly, including an overview of transfer selection criteria, articulation processes, and the review and evaluation of student submissions. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how coordinated efforts streamline pathways and support transfer student success.
Josh Michelsen, Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Helen Bailey, Associate Registrar
Abigail Haskell, Lead Business Analyst
Carly Head, Assistant Registrar for Transfer Credit/Statewide Articulation Officer
Leveraging Institutional Research for Data-Informed Decision Making
Department: Institutional Research
Location: Gallery
Discover how Institutional Research supports data-informed decision making across campus. This session provides an overview of IR services, including our website, dashboards, program profiles, and the data request process. Attendees will also gain insight into historical enrollment patterns and a programing overview of Maritime.
Mauricio Saavedra, Exec. Dir. for Institutional Research
Gary Moser, Director of Institutional Research - Solano Campus
Gary Glasspool, Institutional Research Analyst
Meghna Taneja, Institutional Research Analyst
Taylor Takanishi, Institutional Research Analyst
Lunch: PAC Lobby
Noon – 1 p.m.
Join us for lunch in the PAC Lobby, Patio or Pavilion and enjoy conversation with colleagues.
Breakout Session 3
1:10 - 2:00 p.m.
Bridging Systems, Supporting Students: A Collaborative Model for Basic Needs
Department: Dean of Students, Campus Health & Well-Being, and Nutrition & Food Science
Location: Miossi Hall
Learn about the basic needs resources available to students , how cross-campus collaboration has strengthened resource navigation and support systems, and how faculty and staff can help students access the resources they need to thrive.
Maritza Perez, Basic Needs Coordinator
Lea Scott, Lead Program Coordinator
Mel Vedrin, Student Healthcare Navigator
Olivia Watts, CalFresh Outreach Program Manager
Block Scheduling Basics
Department: Office of the Registrar
Location: Founder's Room
The Office of the Registrar enrolls first-time first-year students in a full-time schedule in fall term and a partial schedule in the spring term. Join us for an overview on what block scheduling is and what goes into building class schedules for our newest Cal Poly students. We'll provide insight into timelines, the student survey, factors considered when building schedules such as prior coursework, and how information is communicated to students.
Brad Fely, University Scheduling Analyst
Michele Kekaha, Associate Registrar
Understanding Financial Aid Today: Policy Changes, Student Need, and Practical Support
Department: Financial Aid
Location: Gallery
Financial aid is evolving rapidly, and faculty and staff play a critical role in helping students navigate an increasingly complex landscape. This session brings together key perspectives on how aid is determined, what’s changing at the federal level, and how these shifts impact student experiences at Cal Poly.
We will connect policy to practice by equipping participants with practical knowledge, shared language, and strategies to better support students. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how financial aid decisions are made, how to respond to student questions, and how to partner more effectively with Financial Aid to support student success.
Saul Ramirez, Director of Financial Aid - Solano campus
Adrienne Garcia-Specht, Interim Associate Director of Financial Aid
Breakout Session 4
2:10 – 3:00 p.m.
Connecting Enrollment with Budget
Department: Institutional Effectiveness
Location: Miossi Hall
Learn about the State, CSU and campus budget processes and how these are tied to our enrollment goals. Included will be a review of the progress our campus has made and the strategies we are pursuing as part of our strategic enrollment planning.
Joe Borzellino, Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management
How to Plan a Campus Event
Department: Cross-Divisional Panel Discussion
Location: Founder's Room
Does your area plan meetings or events on campus? Unsure of the steps to take to reserve campus space and resources OR do you just need a refresher? Join colleagues from University Scheduling, Clubs and Organization, Facilities, Risk Management, Campus Dining, EH&S, and Transportation & Parking Services for insight into working with their business areas when planning a gathering on campus. This panel discussion will provide a brief overview, then time to ask specific questions of the group.
Michele Kekaha, Office of the Registrar
Lauren Madonna, Transportation and Parking Services
Sarah Hawkins, Clubs and Organizations
Mike Morgan and Emily Rutherford, Risk Management
Jasper Garcia, University Catering
Using the NACE 8 to Advance Career Readiness in Student Employees - A Pracitcal Guide for Supervisors
Department: Career Services
Location: Gallery
In this session, we will introduce the NACE 8 Career Readiness Competencies (the top eight qualities employers agree every recent graduate should have) and share how you can use them to develop and evaluate student employees. Participants will learn a simple three-phase model: goal setting, midpoint reflection, and final career translation - all designed to structure meaningful growth conversations. Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies to help students articulate their development on resumes, LinkedIn, and entry-level job applications.
Matt Parks, Career Counselor
Diane Camacho, NACE 8 Graduate Assistant
Reception: PAC Lobby
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
SEMSA Employee Engagement Events
Friday, May 29, 2026
Hike to "P" or Campus Walk
Time: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Administration Building (No. 1)
Meet out in front of the Administration building for a hike up to the “P” behind the residential community or take a self-guided walk around campus with colleagues.
Open Time / Team Meetings
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon
Location: Varies
Teams are encouraged to meet with their units and cross-divisionally for team building, planning and strategy sessions.
Poly Rep Tours
Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon
Location: Meet at the Welcome Center Classroom, yakʔitʸutʸu
Take a campus tour with a Poly Rep! Tours include a 90-minute presentation and campus tour.
Let's Make Journals! A Relaxing, Hands-On Activity
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: University Union 220 (No. 65)
This session highlights how accessible, low-cost crafting can positively impact both students and staff while contributing to a culture of collaboration and growth. Pre-registration required. Led by Evie Kriegbaum, Career Services
CAFES Tour and Wine Tasting
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Meet at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture (No. 156)
Tour various CAFES facilities and experience some of the best Learn by Doing in action! The event concludes with an optional wine tasting. Pre-registration required.
Cal Poly Wine Tasting
Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture (No. 156)
Taste some Cal Poly wines! Pre-registration required.
Bowling
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Location: Mustang Lanes, University Union (No.65)
Have some fun with colleagues at Mustang Lanes Bowling Alley. No experience necessary. Just bring the fun. Bowling shoes are included.