Cal Poly Sponsors Conference for High School, Community College Students 1 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... Skip to Content Cal Poly News Search Cal Poly News Go California Polytechnic State University Contact: Pat Harris (805) 756-5834 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cal Poly To Hold 'Change the Status Quo' Student Conference Feb. 28-March 1 SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly has scheduled a two-day conference for high school and community college students interested in learning how to create social change. "Change the Status Quo: A Student's Role in Shaping Society" begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 and ends at 4:40 p.m. March 1 in Chumash Auditorium on campus. The conference is designed to inspire students to create social change in their communities. "The workshops will carry out Cal Poly's traditional 'learn-by-doing' philosophy," said Ali Schlageter, a social science senior and key organizer of the event. Several Cal Poly Student Life and Leadership programs, campus organizations and academic departments are sponsoring the workshops. "The groups sponsoring the workshops already have a great understanding of leadership and are quite accessible for students to join," Schlageter said. Conference attendees will hear inspirational keynote speakers and slam poets, and take part in various interactive workshops that explore the issues of diversity, feminism, service, sexual orientation, gender identity and social justice. Some of the workshops include "Women as Change Agents," "Changing Diversity: Race and Ethnicity Issues," "Allies in Change: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" and "Politics of Change: The Struggle for Peace and Justice in the Global System." "Students often complain about feeling powerless to make changes in areas that concern them," Schlageter said. "This conference is intended to give students the opportunity to educate themselves about 10/2/2009 11:02 AM Cal Poly Sponsors Conference for High School, Community College Students 2 of 2 file:///X:/Copyright/Submissions/_PressReleases%20&%20Cal%20Pol... the issues of the times and to make progress toward change in areas that are important to all of us." Major Cal Poly contributors to the program include the Student Life and Leadership department, the Women's Studies program, Campus Dining, Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals United, the Progressive Student Alliance, the University Diversity Actions Committee and the Associated Students Inc. Registration is open to all high school, community college and college students. The cost $5 for Cal Poly students and $10 for other students. Registration forms are available from the Student Life and Leadership office in the University Union, Room 217. Completed forms should be mailed or brought by the Student Life and Leadership office by Feb. 24. For more information, please call 756-2600 or visit the conference Web site at: http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/csq. - 30 - CP Home • CP Find It Get Adobe Reader • Microsoft Viewers Events • Recent Releases • Cal Poly Magazine • Cal Poly Update E-newsletter • Contact Public Affairs • Alumni • Giving • Athletics Cal Poly Public Affairs California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805.756.7266 polynews@calpoly.edu 10/2/2009 11:02 AM