In the beginning of the 2025 fall quarter, Cal Poly’s International Center found a new home in room 319 of the updated Robert E. Kennedy Library. It opened on Sept. 15.
“The International Center’s move into the newly renovated Kennedy Library is part of Cal Poly’s broader Making Space for Student Success initiative,” university spokesperson Keegan Koberl said.
The goal of this initiative is to relocate both student and staff-serving departments into one space on campus, according to Cal Poly’s Administration and Finance website. This makes it easier for students to find all their necessary resources, as well as uses space efficiently.
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On top of consolidation, the move allows the vacated space to be repurposed for academic use. The International Center’s previous room in building 52 has since been turned into classrooms, according to Koberl.
Koberl also said that the move will be beneficial for the International Center, seeing as this “allows the center to continue to be located in a central hub of campus.”
International Center staff believe the new space will be easy to find for international and study abroad students.
First years and continuing students alike appreciate the relocation of the International Center.
“I didn’t know where it was before,” economics sophomore Shane Reynolds said. “But now I’m fully aware and it’s very accessible to me.”
The International Center also anticipates that the collective spaces will be easily accessible and utilized for workshops, advising and information sessions. This includes events like the recent study abroad fair held on Oct. 2 in the library’s courtyard.
Omster Haynes, an economics junior and transfer student, said he liked the International Center’s location in the Kennedy Library.
“Honestly I think it’s a good idea just because it seems like the library is the hub for everything,” Haynes said.
The International Center has both in person and virtual hours, according to their website. The Center’s in-person hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. Their virtual office hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays.