Cal Poly Among 'Top 100' In Nation in Degrees to Black Students

Cal Poly is again among the "Top 100" universities in the nation in awarding degrees to black students, according to rankings in this month's Black Issues in Higher Education magazine.

Cal Poly was among 14 California State University campuses on the magazine's recently published "Top 100" list. The magazine compiles a national list of colleges and universities that confer the most bachelor's degrees on minority students based on data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The magazine this year ranked Cal Poly 60th overall on the list.

When it comes to national standings in awarding undergraduate agriculture degrees, the magazine ranked Cal Poly as No. 5 in degrees to all minorities; No. 2 in degrees to Native Americans, No. 3 in degrees to Hispanic students, and No. 4 in degrees to Asian Americans. Cal Poly has the fourth-largest undergraduate agriculture program in the United States.

"We're pleased that Black Issues in Higher Education has recognized Cal Poly, but the real recognition should go to our students," said Interim Provost Robert Detweiler. "We are committed to offering a high-quality education to all of our students, and to helping all of our students succeed in industry and in working for California."

Among Cal Poly's many student clubs are several African-American interest and cultural groups, including the Black Student Union, the Black Commencement Committee, Black Student Leadership Committee, Alpha Phi Alpha, a Black interest fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha, a Black interest sorority, and the National Society of Black Engineers and Scientists.

In academics, Cal Poly offers a MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science) Engineering program. The program aims to recruit, retain and graduate educationally disadvantaged students in engineering and computer science disciplines. It offers an on-campus orientation class in effective learning techniques, a study center, tutoring, group-study workshops, professional development and industry networking opportunities, and scholarship opportunities.

Cal Poly is currently launching an ethnic studies major, approved by CSU trustees in spring 2005.

The university also offers a Multicultural Center with a variety of programs for students of all ethnicities, and participates in the Educational Opportunity Program. EOP goals are to improve the access, retention and graduation rates of students who have been historically, economically or educationally disadvantaged -- traditionally, low-income students. The program assists students by providing comprehensive admissions and academic support services.

For more details about Cal Poly, visit its Web site at www.calpoly.edu.

The other CSU campuses in the "Top 100" are Fullerton, Long Beach, San Francisco, San Diego, Northridge, San Jose, Los Angeles, Pomona, Sacramento, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, San Bernardino and East Bay.

Contact: Robert Detweiler,(805) 756-2186