Who We Are
Top from left to right: Jessica Carson, Katie Tool, Rachel Henry, Delores Lencioni, Melanie Peterson
Bottom: Mary Pedersen and Erling Smith
Mission Statement
The mission of the Programs and Planning Office is to support the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of academic programs that help our students achieve University and program learning objectives.
What We Do
The office facilitates academic planning as well as the development and implementation of academic policies. We also coordinate the University’s regional accreditation as well as the accreditation and review of all academic programs. In addition, Programs and Planning conducts reporting to meet the California State University’s accountability requirements and administers the University’s Instructionally Related Activities program.
The Vice Provost resolves academic appeals (other than grade disputes) and oversees Cal Poly's General Education Program, U.S. Cultural Pluralism course requirement, International Education and Programs, and the University Honors program.
Please view the Office of Programs and Planning organizational chart (PDF) and the personnel listing below for contact information.
Who We Are
Erling Smith
Vice Provost for Programs and Planning
Erling A. Smith assumed the position of Vice Provost for Programs and Planning in January 2010 after serving as Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Planning. In that position, he successfully led the development of the 2009 working draft of the Cal Poly Strategic Plan.
Contact:
805.756.2246
esmith21@calpoly.edu
Mary Pedersen
Associate Vice Provost for Programs and Planning
Mary Pedersen joined Programs and Planning in October 2011 after serving as Department Chair of Food Science and Nutrition, then as Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Mary oversees the process for academic development and program review as well as assisting in strategic process and implementation.
Contact:
805.756.2246
mpederse@calpoly.edu
Jessica Carson
Administrative Analyst
Jessica joined Programs and Planning in February 2008. She plans the budget, facilitates personnel issues, supports Instructionally Related Activities (IRAs), and is the contact for student appeals.
Contact:
805-756-2326
carson@calpoly.edu
Rachel Henry
Administrative Support Coordinator, Webmaster
Rachel joined Programs and Planning in September 2005. She maintains the office websites and supports the WASC self-study.
Contact:
805-756-7280
rrhenry@calpoly.edu
Delores Lencioni
Administrative Support Coordinator
Delores joined Programs and Planning in December 2007. She supports program review, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participarion (LSAMP), and assessment efforts.
Contact:
805-756-7299
dlencion@calpoly.edu
Katie Tool
Administrative Support Coordinator, General Education
Katie joined Programs and Planning in November 1997. She provides operational support for the General Education Program and fields questions regarding GE courses, policies, and procedures. She also provides support to the Associate Vice Provost/Programs and Planning on Academic Degree Programs and CSU system-wide initiatives.
Contact:
805-756-2228
mtool@calpoly.edu
Melanie Peterson
Administrative Assistant
Melanie joined Programs and Planning in June 2011. She supports the office, the WASC Self Study, and maintains the office website.
Contact:
805-756-7282
mpeter15@calpoly.edu