For more information on the Lyle Center please watch this short video.

For even more information, here is a longer video.

Actualize the Lyle: Cal Poly Pomona Students Require Transparent Partnership with Administrators, Faculty, and Staff to Actualize the Mission of the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies.

 

          The mission of the John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies is to advance our understanding of environmentally sustainable living through education, research, demonstration, and outreach. Opened in 1994, the Lyle Center was meant to be a living laboratory and an example of how regenerative and sustainable practices across many disciplines can be brought together for a more environmentally sound way of living. It is meant to act as a home, classroom, and laboratory all in one. In the first phase of the project, two dorms were built to house 24 students across all disciplines. The students worked together as a community to live more sustainably, growing their own food, utilizing regenerative energy, and conducting research to further their efforts. It was meant to be a tested example for the rest of the world to learn from and be inspired by.

 

          The John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies is an incredible resource to the campus community that could help Cal Poly Pomona achieve its mission but is currently underutilized. Many students are unaware of its existence and of the minor and master programs it offers. For a university that is focused on social and environmental responsibility, experiential learning, and community engagement, this is a profound missed opportunity. Particularly given the necessity for sustainable research and life modeling to thrive in the coming years. 

          

          Cal Poly Pomona became a leader in sustainable development and research by building the Lyle Center. Even though it is not currently being used to its full potential, it is never too late. Students are excited by the opportunities that the Lyle Center represents and want to learn and do more. Cal Poly Pomona is the perfect place to accelerate the environmental technological revolution. To help visualize what the Lyle Center can be like in the 21st century, we have included a 10-year action plan.  

1-2 Year Goals
I. Hire a full staff for the Lyle Center without losing any of the current staff.

   a) Hire a permanent, full-time director with no faculty duties that is committed to improving community engagement, refurbishing the grounds, and enhancing course offerings and programs of the Lyle Center over a five-year period. 

   b)Hire an outreach coordinator to create revenue-generating programs and write grants. 

   c) Hire two full-time facility assistants that will be trained in how to care for the Lyle Center grounds by the resident Site Supervisor and Instructional Technician. 

II. Improve available transportation to the Lyle Center by requiring the Bronco shuttle to include the center in its regular route, dropping off students at the TOP of the hill. This is a short detour from their current route and would lead to more foot traffic at the Lyle Center.

III. Include the Lyle Center in new faculty, student, and freshman programs.

   a) Faculty and student Orientation

   b) First-Year Experience

   c) Bases

   d) Undeclared events and workshops

   e) Poly Transfer

IV. Complete the refurbishment of the siding of the center buildings.

V. Clean and repair the Lyle Center Kitchens so they are available for student programs and fundraising events. 

VI. Improve signage and visibility of the Lyle Center from Temple Blvd. 

5 Year Goals

I. Refurbish and expand the Lyle Center dorms.

   a) Refurbish the existing dorms and house a diverse group of students that will conduct various research pertaining to sustainable community building.

   b) Begin planning and accruing funds for a campus-wide project to build Earthship (a sustainable home usually built from recycled materials, that provides power, water, and food to inhabitants) dorms on the Lyle Center property.

II. Expand Regenerative Studies (RS) programs and course offerings.

   a) Create an RS undergraduate program.

   b) Add more RS courses to the General Education selections.

   c) Create cross-listed courses for each college and ensure each major includes at least one cross-listed course that is available every school year.

III. Research and implement sustainable policies for the Cal Poly Pomona campus. I.e., A campus-wide composting project that generates revenue through the sale of CPP compost.

IV. Analyze the original Phase 2 plans for the Lyle Center. Consider potential alterations to Phase 2 of the Lyle Center construction project and begin planning, fundraising, and finding partnerships. 

10 Year Goals

I. Implement a campus-wide Earthship dorm project.

II. Improve and expand parking at the Lyle Center with a solar park that includes charging stations for electric vehicles. 

III. Break ground for Phase 2 of construction at the Lyle Center. A sustainable village with 90 housing units for students and faculty.