We know students have many questions about the upcoming transition from quarters to semesters. While we don’t have all the answers just yet, we want to share some important updates regarding program and course prefix changes within the EIM Department. These changes will go into effect starting Fall 2026, so there’s nothing students need to do at this time.
We’re excited about these upcoming changes and what they mean for the future of our program and our students. We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience as we make this transition together.
Each of our 3 concentrations in EIM plays a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences, blending creativity, strategy, and people-centered approaches. Here’s how they come together:
• Event Planning and Experience Management prepares students for careers in designing, planning, and managing impactful experiences. From festivals and celebrations to conventions, mega-events, and non-profit initiatives, students learn to create unforgettable moments that bring people together and inspire!
• Tourism, Hospitality, and Destination Management prepares students for exciting careers delivering unforgettable experiences to national and international tourists. From resort management and tourism planning to food, beverage, and destination marketing, and entrepreneurship—there’s a path for every passion!
• Sport and Recreation Management prepares students for leadership roles in organizations like professional sports teams, intercollegiate athletics, adventure recreation, and nonprofits. Career tracks include Professional Sports, Outdoor Recreation, Youth Development, and Community Recreation, offering endless ways to make a positive impact through sport and active lifestyles!
Together, these concentrations form the backbone of the experience industry, a dynamic field where creating meaningful, memorable, and seamless experiences is the ultimate goal. From planning a sporting event at a destination resort to managing hospitality for a major conference, each concentration brings its expertise to the table, working in harmony to deliver joy, connection, and value to people everywhere.
#CalPolyEIM #LearnByDoing
This is one special year for EIM, celebrating 50 years! Seeing how much our department has grown over the decades is a true testament to the strength of our community, the passion of our students, and the impact of our industry partnerships.
The B.A. Recreation Administration degree program was initiated in 1975-76, housed in the Physical Education Department within the School of Human Development and Education. In 1986, the program began offering a B.S. Recreation Administration degree. In 1992, when what was by then known as the School of Professional Studies and Education was closed, the B.S. Recreation Administration program was moved to the College of Agriculture. In 2003, the program began offering a B.S. Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration degree; until 2009, this degree program was housed in the Natural Resources Management Department.
The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration (RPTA) Department was established in fall 2009. Following a formal university approval process, the department was renamed as the Experience Industry Management (EIM) in fall 2016. The degree program remains a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration.
We are ecstatic to announce that earlier this year, in July 2025, the CSU Chancellor’s Office approved changing the degree title to B.S. in Experience and Event Management, effective Fall 2026.
This milestone not only recognizes our department’s roots but also paves the way for an exciting future ahead of us!🎉💚
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Calling all RPTA & EIM alumni — if you have photos from your time in the program, we’d love to see them! Send us a DM, and we may feature your memories.
Explore 4 exciting new opportunities on our Jobs Blog!
Visit our website, linked in our bio, to learn more about responsibilities, dates, locations, deadlines, and how to apply.
Our biggest piece of advice: If you see an opportunity, don’t hesitate-apply as soon as you can!
We created this blog to make it easier for the EIM
Community to find the most recent job, internship, and volunteer opportunities that have been sent to our faculty, as well as industry-related webinars for professional development. A recap of the week’s newest additions will be posted every Wednesday.
#CalPolyEIM #TheExperiencelndustry #StudentSuccess
It’s that time of year again! 🌷
Come celebrate students’ amazing accomplishments and the department’s 50th anniversary at the annual EIM End-of-Year Celebration on May 28 at the SLO Ranch Pavilion from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
The RSVP form is linked in our bio — secure your ticket while they’re still available!
Take EIM summer classes to stay ahead before the semester switch! ☀️
Open classes:
• RPTA 201 — First Five-Week Section (Asynchronous)
• RPTA 255 — 06/22-08/12, 2026 (Asynchronous)
• RPTA 360 — First Five-Week Section (Asynchronous)
Secure your spot before they fill up!
#CalPolyEIM #LearnByDoing #SemesterSwitch
This past week our members had the opportunity to act as “secret shoppers” for Hearst Castle! This was a great experience for students to truly analyze how tourism at a historic site makes them feel, and how to improve it for future guests!
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#rhophilambda #rhophilambdacalpoly #calpolyslo
Explore 4 exciting new opportunities on our Jobs Blog!
Visit our website, linked in our bio, to learn more about responsibilities, dates, locations, deadlines, and how to apply.
Our biggest piece of advice: If you see an opportunity, don’t hesitate-apply as soon as you can!
We created this blog to make it easier for the EIM
Community to find the most recent job, internship, and volunteer opportunities that have been sent to our faculty, as well as industry-related webinars for professional development. A recap of the week’s newest additions will be posted every Wednesday.
#CalPolyEIM #TheExperiencelndustry #StudentSuccess
Workshop: Virtual Reality and AI in Research
Date and Time: Thursday, May 21 (11:10 to 12:00)
Location: Experience Innovation Lab (181-205)
Lunch will be provided, catered by Old SLO BBQ (including a vegetarian option).
This workshop highlights cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) applications in research, featuring three projects: AI-driven VR avatars for customer training, VR sustainability research, and VR for attention restoration with emotional measurement. Participants will gain hands-on experience with our VR equipment and engage in interdisciplinary discussions to foster collaboration.
Please RSVP using the QR code provided on the flyer.
The workshop is hosted by the Experience Innovation Lab, Experience Industry Management Department, CAFES. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Sandy Shen at [email protected].
We hope you can join us for this engaging and collaborative session!
EIM Club and Rho Phi Lambda present…
The Hotel Industry Panel on Thursday, May 14th in the EIM Lab from 11am–12pm!
Come gain insight into panelists’ career paths, hiring tips, networking opportunities, and the local hospitality industry from leaders in SLO County.
Panelists include:
• Rachelle Ramirez - Event Experience Manager, Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach
• Shea Hanson - Director of Sales, The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo
• Karen Reed - Director of
Weddings & Events, La Lomita Ranch
• Jamie Wallace - Cal Poly Lecturer with 40+ years of industry experience and management
There will be free doughnuts from SloDoCo!
Link in bio to RSVP — we hope to see you there!
#CalPolyEIM #TheExperienceIndustry #HospitalityIndustry
EIM students under the representation of Rho Phi Lambda had an amazing weekend at the 2026 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA!
During the weekend, a group of 11 EIM students contributed approximately 65 hours of volunteer work while gaining hands-on experience with special events, festivals, and event operations.
A special shoutout to students Levi Folkrod and Pella Ward, who competed in both downhill and dual slalom races.
Congratulations to Levi on taking 1st place in downhill!
Thank you Rho Phi Lambda for representing EIM through volunteering, racing, and learn by doing!
#CalPolyEIM #CalPolyProud #SeaOtterClassic #LearnByDoing
Explore 5 exciting new opportunities on our Jobs Blog!
Visit our website, linked in our bio, to learn more about responsibilities, dates, locations, deadlines, and how to apply.
Our biggest piece of advice: If you see an opportunity, don’t hesitate-apply as soon as you can!
We created this blog to make it easier for the EIM
Community to find the most recent job, internship, and volunteer opportunities that have been sent to our faculty, as well as industry-related webinars for professional development. A recap of the week’s newest additions will be posted every Wednesday.
#CalPolyEIM #TheExperiencelndustry #StudentSuccess
