Making the transition to a semester system, volunteerism, and a faculty/staff fundraising campaign top this week's video update from President Ortiz.

Cal Poly Pomona is among six CSU campuses that will convert from the quarter system to semesters. The new calendar will better align Cal Poly Pomona with other colleges and universities, allow for more in-depth projects and summer internships, as well as additional faculty sabbatical and academic opportunities, President Ortiz said.

The official switch to the semester system will take place in fall 2017, but planning for the transition will begin this year and continue over the next three years. The Chancellor's Office is covering most of the costs associated with conversion.

President Ortiz also encouraged the campus to consider the volunteering opportunities offered through the Center for Community Engagement. Students, faculty and staff can help needy families by packaging food and other essentials, as well as assist with the Pomona Christmas Parade.

The president thanked those who are participating in the faculty and staff fundraising campaign. He encouraged everyone to participate, saying the amount is less important than believing in the university's academic mission and choosing to participate in the campaign.

In other news:

• Alumna and former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis will join the campus as a scholar-in-residence next quarter.
• The Collins College of Hospitality Management broke ground earlier this month on a $10 million facility expansion.
• Thirty-two retired staff members were awarded emeritus status.
• The president gave special thanks to Dawn Taccone and the Farm Store staff for the hard work they put into the Pumpkin Festival - and then keeping the festivities going through November.
• Students, faculty and staff have one week left to apply for the Cross Cultural Retreat in January.
• President Ortiz offered his best wishes to the men's cross country team as they compete in Division II National Championships in Spokane, Wash.
• A number of music and theater events are occurring in the coming weeks, including a main stage performance of the comedy "Bedroom Farce" running through Nov. 24.

To read the entire video message, download a PDF of the transcript.