Contact the CAFES Advising Center
The CAFES Advising Center supports undergraduate students with their transition and integration into Cal Poly. The center’s staff provides accessible academic advising that guides students to clear pathways of success and timely graduation.
Academic Advisors by major TO BE UPDATED SHORTLY:
Ann De Lay
Associate Dean, Student Success and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
adelay@calpoly.edu
805-756-2161
Building 11-211
Ann De Lay is the college’s associate dean of student success and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She joined Cal Poly in 2008, working previously in the college’s Agricultural Education and Communication Department as a professor and graduate coordinator, supervising, evaluating and mentoring teacher candidates during their clinical practice. She also served as the advisor for the Latinos in Agriculture Club and has held several appointments as a CAFES faculty fellow in the areas of DEI, assessment and the quarter to semester transition.
De Lay earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Cal State Fresno, a master’s degree in agriculture at Cal Poly and a doctorate degree in agricultural education at the University of Florida.
Kiku Severson
Administrative Support COORDINATOR
CAFESAdvising@calpoly.edu
805-756-7574 for administrative needs only; no phone advising available
Building 74M-A100
Kiku is from the Central Valley of California where her family grows almonds and walnuts. She earned her bachelor's degree in plant sciences from Cal Poly in 2017. Within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Kiku provides administrative support to all the advisors and students to ensure academic success.
Meagan Groom
LEAD academic advisor
groom@calpoly.edu
805-756-5071
Building 74M-A100
Majors Advised: Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences; Environmental Management and Protection; Forest and Fire Sciences; Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration
Meagan has worked in higher education as an academic affairs professional for more than 12 years, working with both traditional and non-traditional students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Multnomah University and a master’s degree in higher education from Portland State University. On the weekends, she enjoys getting out in nature, hanging out with her family, and drinking locally roasted coffee.
Cathy Bartholomew
academic advisor
bartholo@calpoly.edu
805-756-5082
Building 74M-A100
Majors Advised: Food Science; Nutrition; BioResource and Agricultural Engineering; Agricultural Systems Management; Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration
Cathy previously worked as an academic advisor at Azusa Pacific University. She also worked as an adjunct professor teaching English, managerial communication and conflict management and negotiation.
Austin Joseph Ferguson
Academic Advisor
805-756-7574
Building 74M-A100
Majors advised: Environmental Earth and Soil Science
Austin is a first-generation college graduate from Bakersfield, California, representing California's Central Valley with pride. He started his academic advising journey at Cal Poly in 2020 by interning at the Mustang Success Center. He worked there full-time beginning in 2022 and transitioned to the CAFES Advising Center at the end of 2024. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and later earned his master's degree in higher education counseling and student affairs (HECSA) from Cal Poly. For fun, you’ll catch him hiking around the county, playing video and board games with his friends, making latte “art” at home, and telling life stories to get a few laughs (be sure to ask him about his twin).
Maria Grando
Academic Advisor
mgrando@calpoly.edu
805-756-7574
Building 74M-A100
Majors advised: Plant Sciences
Maria Grando is a first-generation student from Ukraine but has spent most of her life in California. With over a decade of experience working in education, she first attended Santiago Canyon College before transferring to California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies in 2015. In 2017, she obtained a paralegal certificate from the University of California, Irvine. Maria's educational and career journey continued at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned her master's degree in higher education counseling and student affairs in 2020. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Central Coast.
Craig Hooper
academic advisor
crhooper@calpoly.edu
805-756-5019
Building 74M-A100
Majors Advised: Agricultural Business; Wine and Viticulture
Craig has worked as an academic advisor at Cal Poly since 2008. He received a degree in kinesiology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and a master’s degree in theology from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.
Kristin McCain-Bender
Academic Advisor
krbender@calpoly.edu
805-756-7574
Building 74M-A100
Majors Advised: Animal Science; Dairy Science
Kristin grew up in California's Central Valley and began her academic advising career in 2005. She attended Modesto Junior College before transferring to Liberty University where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. She came to Cal Poly as an EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) Advisor in 2007. She is the academic advisor to Animal Science Department.
Sarah Vilardo
Retention Specialist
College of agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
svilardo@calpoly.edu
805-699-5510
Building 52-D31
Students advised: Cal Poly Scholars in CAFES (year two+) and students considering taking time off or departing from Cal Poly
Sarah is originally from the inland empire area of southern California. As a first-generation college student, she received a B.A. in English and Feminist Studies from UC Santa Barbara. During her time as a leader on campus, she discovered a passion for supporting students and building community. She has worked in residence life for over 10 years at various institutions including University of Redlands, UC Santa Barbara, University of Wyoming, and USC. Sarah has an M.A. in Higher Education and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Her work focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sarah is looking forward to connecting with students at Cal Poly and helping them find success in their higher education journey!
CAFES Advising Center Peer Advisors
CAFES Advising Center, Building 74M-A100
The Academic Advisor for the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration major is currently vacant but we are actively recruiting to fill this position. In the meantime, please contact the Experience Industry Management Department or click here for the peer advising drop-in schedule.