Advisory Council

Landscape Architecture Department Advisory Council (LADAC)

The Cal Poly Landscape Architecture Advisory Council was formed in September 2001 to aid the Department in fulfilling its mission and goals. The Council consists of individuals who are leaders in the landscape architecture profession as well as business and community leaders who share a profound interest in furthering the mission of the Cal Poly Landscape Architecture Department.

Members include representatives from the design and planning professions, the green industry, developers, and government and public agencies that interact with the landscape architecture profession.

LADAC Meetings During the 2024-25 School Year

Fall Quarter
November 1-2, 2024

Winter Quarter
March 14-15, 2025

Spring Quarter
May 2-3, 2025

LADAC Members

LADAC Members - Emeritus and Level II

2024-25 Student Representatives to LADAC

LADAC Mission

The Council's mission is to provide advice, advocacy, access, and leverage to assist with the acquisition of needed resources for the Department.

LADAC Goals

1. To provide advice and counsel to the Department Head.
2. To provide input on the goals and objectives of the Department.
3. To aid the Department Head and faculty in seeking public and private support for the programs of the Department.
4. To enhance the communication between the Department and the world outside of the University.
5. To help the Department retain and enhance its unique role as a leader in providing state-of-the-art and relevant education for tomorrow's landscape architecture professionals.
6. To provide an understanding of the pulse and direction of the profession.
7. To enhance access to the resources of the Department and College for the practicing professional, and vice-versa.
8. To maintain liaison with the CAED Advisory Council.
9. To maintain interaction with students and faculty of the department.

LADAC Student Achievement Award

The LADAC Student Achievement Award of $2,000 is given annually to a fourth-year student who best exemplifies skills that the LADAC considers important for future leaders in the profession. The award criteria is not based solely on academic achievement, social, or design skills, but also on the following:

Communication Skills - The ability to communicate effectively internally and externally with colleagues and others. The ability to communicate to a group under difficult circumstances, staying focused and positive.

Community Involvement - Contribution to both the local and the landscape architecture communities, such as SCASLA, ASLA, community service, and/or serving on boards, commissions, or other volunteer efforts.

Leadership Skills - Volunteers or is elected to accept a challenge and follows through to the completion of the task or assignment. Has the integrity and leadership qualities such that others follow without contention or receiving rewards. One who rises up to the top with the sole purpose of reaching a common goal and who continuously demonstrates a positive attitude.

Candidates for this award are selected by the Landscape Architecture department faculty based on who they feel best meets the award criteria. The selected candidates are asked to prepare a short essay (1 -2 pages) that demonstrates how the candidate believes he or she meets the award criteria. The essays are sent to the LADAC Chair prior to the LADAC's Winter Quarter visit. The selected candidates are interviewed by the LADAC during their Winter Quarter visit, with interviews lasting approximately 20 - 30 minutes. Portfolios are not required; resumes are required.

The recipient, as determined by the LADAC, receives the $2,000 award at a Spring or Fall awards ceremony. The recipient is required to attend a predetermined LADAC quarterly meeting to discuss how the award has been applied to the academic, social, or financial progress of the recipient.

LADAC Student Support Internship

The LADAC annually awards $1,500 to a selected student (or $750 to each of two students if they wish to work as a team) who is willing to further the ongoing programs of LADAC. The level of effort expected under this program will be roughly equivalent to 80-100 hours of service. The program provides direct and indirect interaction with the professional members of LADAC as well as with faculty of the LA department. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your resume, make important contacts, and acquire relevant experience that will also assist the department and students. In order to be considered for this program, students must be in at least their second year within the LA program. They must also submit a written proposal, turned into the department office by the deadline date established by the LADAC each academic year.