We’re a good chunk of the way into fall term now, whatever brand of “term” applies to your educational structure. For some students, the telltale signs of routine finally kicking off its shoes and making itself comfortable are quite apparent, and hopefully that’s a good thing! Even partway through a quarter of Cal Poly, however, there are all sorts of new revelations. After all, the recently opened Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics, which received its dedication on Nov. 1, is, according to its website, an atmosphere “allowing students to actively discover science,” which sounds like the start of a great many madcap adventures. The building is named for President Emeritus Warren J. Baker, who was honored at the ceremony by Congresswoman Lois Capps, Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian, and student representatives from the CSU Board of Trustees. President Armstrong also bestowed Baker with the President’s Medal of Excellence for “transformational service to Cal Poly and the State of California.”

And how about the bachelor of architecture program climbing to the No. 1 spot in DesignIntelligence’s latest rankings of the country’s top 20 architecture and design schools? The bachelor of landscape architecture program sits smiling at the fourth spot. Brent Freeby, architecture lecturer, and K. Richard Zweifel, longtime associate dean, were recognized among DesignIntelligence’s list of the nation’s 30 Most Admired Educators for 2014. Without the effort and talents of so many dedicated people, the school could be practically unrecognizable.

Truly, though, newness and excitement can be found in a plethora of places. Do you have tips on some of the places to start looking? Are there things that you’d like to read about. This is a column for Cuesta and Cal Poly, so don’t hesitate to send ideas on both.

Speaking of those who pair their green with white rather than gold, Cuesta’s Enrollment Priority system is changing for fall 2014. To continue to keep enrollment priority, new and continuing students alike are tasked with showing the school that they’re on the path on which they need to be. This involves developing or updating a Student Education plan, maintaining a good standing with at least a 2.0 GPA, completing 50 percent of enrolled units each semester, and the like. New students will also want to ensure they complete assessment testing as well as the online orientation. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a school counselor to make certain these conditions are going to be met, and also to not accumulate more than 100 units. If you’re nearing 100 units, you should meet with an academic counselor as soon as possible.

Intern Chris White-Sanborn wonders what would happen if fall semester was renamed autumn semester. Send your collegiate news to [email protected].