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.
associate dean, Student Success, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
805-756-2161
Building 11-211
Arianna Lambert
Administrative Support Assistant
arlamber@calpoly.edu
805-756-7574 for administrative needs only; no phone advising available
Building 74M-A100
Arianna Lambert received her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Cal Poly.
Dianne Korth
Lead academic advisor
experience industry management
director of the map center
dkorth@calpoly.edu
805-756-5057
Building 74M-A100
Dianne has worked as an academic advisor at Cal Poly since 2011. She has a bachelor’s degree in government from California State University, Sacramento, and a master’s in education with a specialization in counseling and guidance from Cal Poly.
Cathy Bartholomew
academic advisor
bioresource and agricultural engineering
food science and nutrition
bartholo@calpoly.edu
805-756-5082
Building 74M-A100
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.
Meagan Groom
academic advisor
PLANT SCIENCES
natural resources management and environmental sciences
groom@calpoly.edu
805-756-5071
Building 74M-A100
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.
Plant Sciences Advising Website
Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Advising Website
Craig Hooper
academic advisor
agribusiness
crhooper@calpoly.edu
805-756-5019
Building 74M-A100
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.
Chelsea Kidwell
academic advisor
animal science
clkidwel@calpoly.edu
805-756-5648
Building 74M-A100
Chelsea has worked in higher education as a career counselor and academic advisor since 2014 and is a San Luis Obispo County native. She completed her undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz and has her master's in education with a focus in counseling and guidance from Cal Poly. Prior to joining the CAFES Advising Team, Chelsea was an advisor and lecturer for the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly.
Kristin McCain-Bender
Academic Advisor
AgricuLture education and communication
wine and viticulture
krbender@calpoly.edu
805-756-7423
Building 74M-A100
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 the Wine and Viticulture Department and the Agricultural Education and Communication Department.
Nury Baltierrez
Retention Specialist
College of agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
nbaLTIER@CALPOLY.EDU
805-756-5782
Building 52-D31
Nury is a two-time alumnus of Cal Poly and a local from the Central Coast. She received her bachelor's degree in agriculture science and master’s degree in counseling and guidance in higher education/student affairs. She was born in Mexico and is a daughter of immigrants, and the first in her family to graduate from a university. She is proud to identify as first-generation and understands the challenges and strengths students bring to the institution. As a Retention Specialist, Nury partners closely with the CAFES professional advisors to support students’ academic success. Her goal is to create a safe space where students can feel heard and supported. Students can reach out if they’re considering taking informal time off, want to permanently leave the university, or would like to explore the leave of absence option.
CAFES Advising Center Peer Advisors
CAFES Advising Center, Building 74M-A100