Alumni/Advisory Council
Alumni of the Earth and Soil Sciences department are a vital part of our programs. Without the help and support of the department’s alumni, we would not be where we are today. Cal Poly’s “learn by doing” motto is in part fueled and made possible by the donations of ERSS alumni.
Donations may be made directly to the department or through Cal Poly’s giving page.
Earth and Soil Sciences Department
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
For further information, please proceed to the Cal Poly Alumni page:
http://www.calpoly.edu/student/alumni.html
The Advisory Council for the Earth and Soil Sciences Department (ERSSAC) was established in December 1995 by Warren Baker, President, Cal Poly.
Mission of the Earth and Soil Sciences Advisory Council:
The Advisory Council advises the university in its efforts to educate students of the Earth and Soil Sciences Department in matters of curriculum; to support and promote the “learn by doing” concept for education development; to assist the department and students to find employment opportunities; to assist in obtaining professional certification and registration for graduates; and to encourage alumni, friends, and parents to become meaningfully involved in the department mission.
Goals and Tasks
- To keep the department up-to-date on current and future needs of employers so that the curriculum will be well-suited to prepare graduates for meaningful careers.
- To become proactive in providing student job listings from employers for employment opportunities, including permanent positions, co-ops, and internships.
- To assist with maximizing the opportunities for graduates to obtain professional certification, such as ARCPACS, REA, CCA, CPESC, and others as appropriate.
- To develop and implement an action plan for increased financial involvement on the part of alumni, friends, and parents.
- Promote the Soil Science profession and Earth & Soil Sciences Department in industry, society and elected officials.
Membership
Membership in the council is by invitation of the President of Cal Poly. Nominations may be made by the Earth and Soil Sciences Department through the Dean of the College of Agriculture to the President. Membership is a three-year appointment with review for renewal at the recommendation of the department chair and concurrence by the president with terms staggered so that about one-third expire each year. The chair and vice-chair will serve three-year terms. The ERSSAC chair represents the department on the College of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee.
The council will consist of fifteen to thirty outstanding leaders who are alumni, friends, supporters or parents of students with a special interest in Cal Poly. The department student club will nominate up to three students for approval by the department chair to participate in the council meetings. One of these students, approved by the department chair, may be nominated to serve as a voting member of the council.
Organization
Officers are chair and vice-chair, nominated and elected by the council membership. They are supported by the department chair, who acts as an ex-officio advisor to the council, and an administrative coordinator designated by the department chair.
Participation
The full ERSSAC Council will meet at least once a year to review progress and provide advice on department programs and direction. The council officers will convene prior to each meeting to review action taken on recommendations from the previous meeting and to outline the general program content for the ensuing meeting. The council officers will convene and conduct the meetings. The council and department chair may call on members from time to time for additional advice. The council does not determine academic policy, but drawing on the knowledge and experience of the membership advises the department chair on matters in which council has been sought.
A quorum (>50%) of members is required to vote on council decisions. A simple majority is required for approval.
Benefits
Members will receive the recognition of leadership for serving on the Earth & Soil Sciences Advisory Council. Additionally, members have the ability to obtain the following benefits:
- Recognition on campus as a council member
- Information on special department and university programs
- A direct impact on the ERSS program success
- Recognition in department and college publications as appropriate
- Communicating industry trends to faculty
- Interaction with fellow industry leaders
- Access to faculty and students
- Interaction with academic leaders
A great place for alumni to network online alone can be found here.
For more information on the ERSS Advisory Council, please see the Advisory Council Guidelines.
An up-to-date listing of members and their addresses can be found here: Advisory Council Member List.