---

COMS Announcements 

COMS Club
Want to get involved in the COMS major, show your engagement in the discipline, and connect with other COMS students? You're invited to attend COMS Club all semester long! COMS Club will meet the first Wednesday of every month for an hour to connect with other students in the major/minor as well as professors and alumni. Meetings run from 11 AM - 12 PM in Math and Science Room 038-0227. Visit the COMS Club website or follow their Instagram account for the most up-to-date information - we hope to see you there!

• Dec. 2, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Cookies & Conversation in 038-0227.

Lambda Pi Eta Recruitment
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association’s official honor society. The organization recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of COMS majors and offers membership benefits including honors status at graduation and ceremonial graduation regalia. To see if you qualify to join, check out the membership requirements and fill out the Cal Poly LPH Interest Form by December 1. Be sure to follow LPH on Instagram @lphcalpoly to stay in the loop. 

Spotlight: COMS Alumni
We're proud to share the amazing stories of our current students and alumni! This month, we're spotlighting the work and accomplishments of COMS alum Jack Shaw (he/him), who is making a return to Cal Poly for another comedy show! 

• Jack Shaw Live in San Luis Obispo: Jack will perform live stand-up comedy at Libertine Brewing Co. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. Shaw is a Los Angeles-based comedian and actor who has performed at venues including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Comedy Mothership in Austin, and several Improv comedy clubs. He has also appeared on ABC’s The Rookie, Hulu’s Good American Family, and national commercials for Sling TV and Spectrum Mobile. The show is open to audience members 21 and older. Tickets are available through My805Tix.

• Jack Shaw Alumni Reflection: After graduating from Cal Poly in spring 2021, Jack went on to become a Golden Ticket winner on the podcast "Kill Tony" (2024) and has since toured the country performing stand-up comedy. Reflecting on his Cal Poly COMS experience, he shared: “I discovered my love for stand-up at Cal Poly. I have always loved comedy but never thought I could do it until I tried for the first time in San Luis Obispo. I then used many of my communication classes to try out jokes, as I am sure some of my professors would remember.”

Spotlight: Professional Development Funding for COMS Students
Looking for funding to support a professional development opportunity, including a senior project? The Cal Poly Professional Development Fund awards up to $2,500 to eligible students for career exploration opportunities, including senior projects, conference and seminar travel, scholarly seminars and symposiums, faculty-mentored research, and other extracurricular opportunities related to their major. The fund prioritizes applicants who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students from all Cal Poly colleges are eligible to apply, and the fund has a rolling deadline, with applications reviewed and decisions typically made within one to two weeks. Learn more and apply today! For questions about an application, email student-success@calpoly.edu.
 

---

Events & Opportunities

CLA Design Student Assistant Intern
CLA Advising is hiring a part-time Student Assistant Intern to support the development of student advising and outreach resources. The position is ideal for a dependable, creative, and self-motivated student interested in gaining practical experience in digital marketing and design, technical communication, and data visualization. Anticipated projects include graphic design, social media management, video creation, and other multimedia content development. The position pays $19 per hour and requires an anticipated commitment of 8–12 hours per week during the 2026–2027 academic year. Interested students should submit a résumé, cover letter, and 2–4 examples of relevant work representing at least two different project types, such as data visualizations, social media posts, graphics, photographs, or videos, through the Mustang Jobs posting. See the attached information for additional application details.

STARZ Filmmaker Grants
Exciting news for CSU filmmakers! STARZ has partnered with The CSUEA to continue supporting CSU students and recent alumni through the STARZ #TakeTheLead Post-Production Funds Grant. This opportunity provides funding to help bring your film across the finish line, with support available for color, sound, editing, music composition, animation, and VFX. All completed films receiving funding will be featured in an industry screening! Learn more about this grant through the application guidelines. Applications are due November 6, 2026 @ 11:59 PM and you can apply online here.

Disneyland & Disney Movies: Robin Hood
Discover the history, character design, pacing, and enduring appeal of Disney’s classic 1973 animated film, Robin Hood! Before the screening, Dr. Troy Hiduke Campbell, a former Disney Imagineer, storyteller, experience designer, and lifelong Disney fan, will explore how this playful adaptation transformed its rogue fox hero into a 21st-century icon who stands up to a corrupt king. The event takes place Saturday, November 7 at 7:00 PM at the Palm Theatre in downtown San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit the Palm Theatre website.

ASCEND Launch Event
Cal Poly is launching ASCEND, a new program supporting autistic students through connection, advocacy, and resources designed to promote belonging and student success. Led by a clinical psychologist who specializes in autism, ASCEND invites members of the Cal Poly community to learn more about the program and help shape its development. The launch event will include a presentation on Monday, November 9, from 9–11 a.m. in University Union, Room 220. If you are interested in attending, please email Dr. Diana Orem at dorem@calpoly.edu to receive an invitation.

Philosophy Talk: Military Intervention, Pacifism, and New Technologies
Join Professor Jennifer Kling of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, for a talk exploring the relationship between pacifism and society-destroying wartime technologies, including nuclear, chemical, and AI weapons. Drawing on the destruction of Alderaan in the Star Wars universe, Kling will consider how emerging technologies challenge traditional approaches to humanitarian military intervention and make a case for proactive, nonviolent forms of intervention aimed at preventing atrocities before they begin. The talk takes place Tuesday, November 10, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Building 38, Room 123, with opportunities for discussion following the presentation. Kling’s research focuses on social and political philosophy, particularly war and peace, protest, feminism, and philosophy of race. This event is hosted by the Philosophy Department and funded by the CLA.
 

Capital Fellows Programs
Capital Fellows Programs are administered by the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State and are an outstanding opportunity for college graduates to begin their careers and engage in public service. Fellows work 10-11 months as paid, full-time staff members in the California State Assembly, California State Senate, California Executive Branch, or California's Judicial Branch. They participate in policymaking, program development, and program implementation. Upon successful completion of their fellowships, Fellows receive a graduate certificate in Applied Policy and Government from Sacramento State. Prospective Capital Fellows must have a bachelor's degree and a demonstrated interest in public service, California state government, and public policy. All majors are welcome to apply. Online applications are now open and must be submitted by Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. If you have questions regarding the Capital Fellows Programs, please contact calstudies@csus.edu. 

Million Climate Champions Fellowship
Cal Poly has been invited to participate in the Ramanathan Million Climate Champions Fellowship, a year-long program designed to support student leaders working at the intersection of climate change solutions and community resilience. This opportunity is part of Cal Poly’s participation in the Eco-Resilience Initiative, which is piloting its climate resilience course at Cal Poly as the first CSU campus to join the program. The fellowship provides mentorship, leadership development, climate-action training, and a $1,000 stipend to support community-serving climate projects. Undergraduate and graduate students with a passion for climate action are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a one-page résumé, a one-page description of their climate-action project interests, and a two-minute video explaining why they are a good fit for the program. Applications are due by Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Visit the Million Climate Champions Fellowship webpage or apply directly here.

International Student Week
Join the International Center for International Education Week, happening November 16–20! Celebrate global learning and cultural exchange through internationally themed meals, cultural activities, and events highlighting the many global opportunities available across Cal Poly. Hear from study abroad participants, international students, and program leaders; explore opportunities that align with your professional interests; and discover how international education can enrich your experience at Cal Poly and beyond. Learn more and register for events at their website.
 

Critical Language Scholarships Available
Interested in intensive language study abroad next summer? The U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) offers an eight-week summer program combining rigorous language instruction with cultural immersion. Languages include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Overseas participants receive support for tuition, travel, housing, meals, and program-related travel. CLS is open to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. The application deadline is November 17, 2026. Application support is available through the NIFS Office from Nishi Rajakaruna (nrajakar@calpoly.edu) and COMS professor David Askay (daskay@calpoly.edu). Learn more about the program and language options at their website.

AMA Speaker Series: Mental Health & Wellness Professionals
Join the AANHPI Initiatives AMA series for a panel of Mental Health & Wellness professionals in SLO County, followed by an open Q&A where you can ask our speakers anything - food provided! The AMA speaker series connects students with APIDA professionals, alumni, and local resources who can offer career insights, mentorship, and support. This upcoming panel features Cheri Love (LMFT), Nissa Lee of YOUU-NESS, and Chenda Lor of Lor Coaching Studio. Join us Wednesday, November 18, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Multicultural Center (University Union, Room 111F). This event is organized by COMS Professor Dr. Alison Cheung through a Mini-grant from Cal Poly’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Initiatives.

Disney Imagineering Applications
Walt Disney Imagineering invites undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their skills and talents through the Imaginations Design Competition! All finalist teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Imagineering headquarters in California, where they will present their project to Disney executives, compete for awards, and interview for internship opportunities. The final submission deadline is November 19, 2026. For more information, please email: wdi.imaginationsentry@disney.com with Subject: "Imaginations Info."
 

CSU Research/Creative Activity Competition
The "CSU Student Research/Creative Activity Competition" is held each year to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments across the 23 CSU campuses. The competition is open to all disciplines and to current undergraduates, graduate students, and 2026 alums. Cash prizes are awarded. Submissions are due by the end of the day on Friday, 1/15/27. For general information, visit the Office of Student Research website.

Grocery Tripper Shuttle
Need to make a grocery run? The ASI Grocery Tripper Shuttle provides free transportation for students to off-campus grocery stores. Three Mustang Shuttles run every Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 11. Shuttle stops serve Trader Joe’s, Food 4 Less, Target, Whole Foods, and Costco. The shuttle is open to all students with a valid PolyCard. Visit the Grocery Tripper Shuttle webpage for exact times, stops, and routes.

Hollylist Media Careers List
Want to explore career opportunities in film, TV, music, digital media, and other areas of the entertainment industry? The CSU Entertainment Alliance is offering CSU students and alumni free access to Hollylist, a job search website and daily newsletter designed specifically for entertainment careers. Hollylist connects job seekers with employers and provides access to the latest job and internship opportunities across the industry. Whether you’re actively searching for a position or just curious about the types of careers available in entertainment, this is a great resource to start exploring! The free membership is available through November 2026. Apply here to sign up.

Diaper Program for Students with Dependents
The Cal Poly Food Pantry and Students with Dependents office have launched an improved Diaper Program! Student parents can request one free pack of diapers per dependent per term, and the diapers will be mailed directly to their address. To request diapers, scan the QR code on the flyer or contact Students with Dependents at studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu. 
 

Free Immigration Legal Services
The California State University (CSU) offers free immigration legal services for CSU students and employees through the nonprofit agency Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD). Attorneys, paralegals, and/or accredited representatives from the service providers visit campuses on a routine basis to assist with legal services such as consultations, DACA renewals, and general assistance in filling out forms such as family-based petitions. For more information, visit the immigration legal services website. 
 

---

National Communication Association 

Communication Studies students, alumni, and faculty head to the 112th annual convention of the National Communication Association (NCA), November 19-22, 2026, in New Orleans, LA! Scheduled participants will present their original research, share best practices in teaching, participate in academic service opportunities, and network with scholars.  

Scheduled Student & Alumni Presentations

Sophie Dickert (COMS)

• Don’t Let Them: An Analysis of Postfeminism and False Female Empowerment in the Let Them Theory [Author/Presenter]

Ciara O'Connor (COMS Alum)

• Authenticity, Hyperreality, and Neoliberal Body Image in the Age of AI: An Analysis of Equinox’s “Question Everything” [Author/Presenter]

Frank Guo (EE)

• Committee on International Discussion and Debate (CIDD) Demonstration Debate [Author/Presenter]

Scheduled Faculty Presentations & Academic Service

Dr. Darrian Carroll

• Western States Communication Association Executive Council Meeting [Participant]
• Move/ments in Leadership: The Legacy and Future of the African American Communication and Culture Division and the Black Caucus at NCA [Chair]
• African American Communication and Culture Division Meeting [Chair Business Meeting]
• Top Papers in African American Communication and Culture [Chair]
• Moving from Parochial to Possibilities: Theorizing Black Masculinities in the Film Sinners [Author/Presenter]
• Public Address in Precarious Times [Chair, Author/Presenter]
   

Dr. Anu Dhillon

• Movement Toward Relationality and Connection: IDEA Committee's Mentorship Program in the Interpersonal Communication Division [Co-Chair]

Dr. Yuming Fang

• Replication of Social Norm and Family Communication Effects on HBV Screening among Asian Americans [Author/Presenter]
   

Dr. Sergio Fernando Juárez

• Legislative Assembly I & II [Participant]
• Doctoral Education Committee Meeting [Author/Presenter]
   

Dr. Vince Meserko

• Out of Sync and In Motion: Pedagogical Attunement Across Generations [Author/Presenter]
• Pedagogical Choices and Challenges in Teaching Freedom of Expression [Author/Presenter]

Dr. Salwa Kazi

• Toward Critical Caste and Communication Studies [Author/Presenter]
• A ruthless critique of liberalism: Ambedkar, Du Bois and radical transformative potential [Author/Presenter]

 

---

Faculty & Staff News

Faculty Projects

Our COMS Department faculty are always participating in high-quality teaching, research, and service projects within our academic community! This month we're highlighting the following news showcasing the work of your professors: 
 

Dr. Sergio Fernando Juárez served as a guest editor for a special issue of the Association of Mexican American Educators Journal (AMAEJ), titled “Community Resistance and Educating in an Authoritarian Climate.” This special issue examines how educators, students, families, scholars, artists, and communities continue to resist authoritarian policies and imagine educational futures that are more just. Contributors in the special issue address censorship, surveillance, curricular restrictions, and the policing of knowledge while highlighting community-rooted forms of resistance, creativity, care, and collective possibility.

Professor Martin Mehl's Cal Poly AI Immersion Lab (AI²) made its public debut during Cal Poly’s AI Day on October 22, coinciding with the grand opening of the NVIDIA AI Factory. Founded and directed by Professor Mehl, the Lab hosted a session alongside Dr. Leida Chen, Dr. Bingyi Wu, and Dr. Bo Liu, presenting its three core functions: Change Management, AI Literacy, and Agile AI Build. In just four months, the Lab progressed from an exploratory task force meeting to its first client delivery. Professor Mehl also served on the AI Day ribbon-cutting task force and developed the AI Day student poster showcase webpage for Graduate Education.
 

---

Sharing is Caring

Do you have an announcement to share with COMS majors, minors, faculty, and staff? Email Dr. Brie to find out how to share it! Follow COMS on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn