Governance of Cal Poly Corporation
Since 1940, Cal Poly Corporation (CPC, Corporation), formerly called Cal Poly Foundation, has provided responsible, diverse, and high-quality services to Cal Poly. The CPC is a separate, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, organized chiefly to support the educational mission of the university. The CPC is self-supporting and does not receive funding from any state sources for its operations. We currently employ over 1,500 students, faculty, and staff, making the CPC one of the largest employers in San Luis Obispo County.
The CPC was divided into two separate operations in 2006. Cal Poly Foundation became Cal Poly Corporation (described in preceding paragraph).The Cal Poly Foundation now runs as a separate nonprofit, led by Cal Poly alumni and friends. The Foundation generates private funding to advance the polytechnic "Learn- by- Doing" educational model of Cal Poly. To read more about the Cal Poly Foundation, visit the website at www.calpolyfoundation.org
The CPC Board of Directors is a notable and representative group of community leaders, distinguished faculty and staff, and motivated students who are committed to supporting Cal Poly and its educational mission.
Programs and Services
Within CPC there are two main divisions: commercial operations and fiscal and administrative services.
All programs and services are designed to benefit and support Cal Poly. This diagram depicts the types of services CPC provides. The various departments and organizations that are explained below.
Division 1: Commercial Operations
- Campus Dining provides campus-wide food services, which include catering and vending. (www.calpolydining.com)
- El Corral Bookstore and Cal Poly Downtown provide textbooks, school supplies, and spirit apparel. (www.elcorralbookstore.com).
- Cal Poly Print & Copy provides complete print, copy, and binding services. (www.elcorralbookstore.com/misc/ponyPrints/index.aspx).
- Educational Web Services provides web application development, project management, and web-hosting services. (www.educationalwebservices.com).
- Cal Poly Housing Corporation manages Faculty & Staff Housing . Visit the Bella Montana Housing community website (www.bellamontanahomes.com) to learn more.
Division 2: Fiscal and Administrative Services
- Sponsored Programs provide post-award fiscal and administrative support services. (www.calpolycorporation.org/sponsoredprograms)
- The CPC Administration office manages fiscal administration and services for instructionally related programs, conference services, workshops, agency activities, and ASI. by (www.calpolycorporation.org)
- The Trust Administration offices provide trust and investment services. (www.calpolycorporation.org/trust)
- The Human Resources department manages employee resources and services for all CPC employees through the HR office (www.calpolycorporation.org/humanresources).
- El Corral Bookstore oversees trademark licensing and management consulting (www.elcorralbookstore.com).
Serving the University
History
CPC began modestly as a cafe-dorm fund, a student project fund, and a faculty-operated student store. In 1940, the organization was incorporated to provide a single entity. In 1967, El Corral Bookstore came under the supervision of the Foundation.
The CPC was divided into two separate operations in 2006. Cal Poly Foundation became Cal Poly Corporation. The Cal Poly Foundation now runs as a separate nonprofit, led by Cal Poly alumni and friends. The Foundation generates private funding to advance the polytechnic "Learn-by-Doing" educational model of Cal Poly. To read more about the Cal Poly Foundation, visit the website at www.calpolyfoundation.org
Mission
Cal Poly Corporation's mission is to provide self-supporting, responsible, diversified, creative, and high-quality services that complement the instructional program of the university and assist the institution in achieving its educational mission.
To accomplish this mission, the CPC will actively pursue the following fundamental objectives:
Emphasis on Self-Sufficient, Responsive, and Diversified Services
The university is committed to an environment that fosters complete growth of the individual-student, faculty, and staff. CPC will, therefore, place strong emphasis on auxiliary and support services to the university that closely complement instructional programs or objectives and that meet diverse university needs in a financially sustainable manner.
Excellence in Support Services
The university is committed to excellent instructional programs and to a campus ambiance that fosters the will to excel. As a full-service auxiliary to Cal Poly, CPC models Cal Poly's commitment to excellence by providing support services for the university and its students, faculty, and staff. Such services shall be dependable, cost-effective, and managed with integrity and technical competence. CPC employees shall be imbued with the philosophy that good service comes from listening and being responsive to customer needs.
Emphasis on Projects and Programs, which will Facilitate University Fundamental Objectives
CPC, by law and charter, serves only the university. CPC is therefore solely committed to programs and projects that facilitate the achievement of the university's educational mission.
Institutional Creativity Through Innovative Services
The university strives to stimulate creativity and develop dynamic professionalism among its faculty, students, and staff. CPC supports Cal Poly's objective by providing innovative services and programs, which will enhance the educational and social environment of the institution.
Performance Based Upon Productive Employees
CPC's success as an effective auxiliary to Cal Poly is largely dependent on the character and skills of its employees. CPC fosters a work environment where the full talents of employees are realized.. CPC enhances competence and a sense of challenge among its employees by encouraging employee participation in programs that stimulate professional and personal growth, fitness, and university and CPC pride.
