Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to maintain Scholar eligibility?
To view cohort-specific requirements, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
Am I required to live in the Cal Poly Scholars residential learning community?
Scholars who enroll at Cal Poly as Transfer Scholars are not required to reside on campus.
To view cohort-specific commitments, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
When is the last day to submit a request for my free laptop?
What happens if I don’t meet the GPA requirement?
Please note that even if you are not eligible to receive the financial award for a brief time, you are still welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Scholars program to receive community and academic support.
Will I still be a Cal Poly Scholar if I change my major?
- Career counselor in Career Services to explore career goals and possible majors to help you pursue your career aspirations
- Academic advisor in the college advising center of the major you’d like to pursue to learn more about the change of major process
- Financial aid counselor in the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the possible changes to your financial aid package and Cal Poly Scholars award
May I use the financial award to study abroad?
Additionally, the decision to study abroad should be discussed with your academic college. Topics to discuss include how the courses abroad align with your academic progress, how course sequencing at Cal Poly may be affected, and if your experience abroad may lengthen your time at Cal Poly.
I won’t be enrolled at Cal Poly for a quarter or longer – can I still be a Cal Poly Scholar when I return?
Please complete the Notice of University Departure form (permanent leave) or Informal Time-off form (temporary leave) to help our team better support you through the process.
In general, Scholars are welcomed back into the community and program, and will continue to receive funding as long they maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Upon returning to campus, it is your responsibility to inform the Cal Poly Scholars office that you have returned to campus so your financial award can be reinstated (if eligible).
Please note: Even if you are not eligible to receive the financial award for a brief time, you are still welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Scholars program to receive community and academic support.
Will I receive the Cal Poly Scholars award during summer quarter?
When will the Cal Poly Scholars award be posted as part of my financial aid offerings?
- Fall quarter awards: mid-summer / late-July
- Winter quarter awards: one week before winter classes begin
- Spring quarter awards: one week before spring classes begin
*If you have fewer than 12 units when the first round of award distribution occurs, your award will come shortly after you have enrolled in 12 units. If you are in your final 1-2 quarters before graduating and will fall short of 12 units, please contact the Cal Poly Scholars office to discuss your situation and see if you are eligible for the financial award.
Who is my Academic Advisor?
- Planning for future quarters to meet your desired graduation term
- Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
- Discussing Impacts of withdrawals, Leaves of Absence, CR/NC, etc.
- Checking academic requirements for graduation
- Navigating course registration
- Interpreting academic policies and procedures
I've accepted my Cal Poly Scholars financial award...what's next?
What qualifications do I need to be eligible for the Cal Poly Scholars program?
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and mid-June to incoming students for the 2024-25 academic year with the subject line: You're invited to be a Cal Poly Scholar! Questions? Email cpscholars@calpoly.edu.
When will students be notified about being part of the Cal Poly Scholars program?
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and early June to incoming students for the 2024-25 academic year. Be sure to check your email and the Cal Poly Portal regularly for notifications.
My financial aid award says I was chosen as a Cal Poly Scholar, what does that mean?
What do I need to do to maintain Scholar eligibility?
To view cohort-specific commitments, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
Am I required to live in the Cal Poly Scholars residential learning community?
Scholars who reside in the RLC report that it is a 'home-away-from-home' and a place they feel welcomed and accepted for who they are. Engagement opportunities specifically for Year 1 Scholars take place in the RLCs and are a great way for Scholars to meet fellow Scholars.
To view cohort-specific commitments, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
Can I choose a roommate who is not a Scholar?
What is UNIV 100?
How do I order my free laptop?
I am an incoming Scholar and I paid my orientation fees (SLO Days and WOW). How can I be refunded?
To request a refund, please complete this Orientation Request Form.
When requesting a refund from New Student & Transition Programs, inform them that your reason for the request is that you are a Cal Poly Scholar. The refund can take up to 5-7 business days to appear on your credit card. For more details, please reach out to New Student & Transition Programs.
Who is my Academic Advisor?
Scholars that are also in EOP and/or TRIO may have additional advising requirements determined through their respective programs.
I've accepted my Cal Poly Scholars financial award...what's next?
What qualifications do I need to be eligible for the Cal Poly Scholars program?
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and early June to incoming students for the 2024-25 academic year with the subject line: You're invited to be a Cal Poly Scholar! Questions? Email cpscholars@calpoly.edu.
When will students be notified about being part of the Cal Poly Scholars program?
My financial aid award says I was chosen as a Cal Poly Scholar, what does that mean?
What are the requirements to maintain Scholar eligibility?
To view cohort-specific commitments, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
Am I required to live in the Cal Poly Scholars residential learning community?
To view cohort-specific commitments, please visit the 'New Scholars' or 'Current Scholars' tabs toward the top of the page. Please note that Scholar Agreements may change slightly each academic year.
How can I meet other transfer students?
How do I order my free laptop?
More information regarding specific model options, ordering timelines, and other details will be available around July 1.
I am an incoming Scholar and I paid my orientation fees (SLO Days and WOW). How can I be refunded?
When requesting a refund from New Student & Transition Programs, inform them that your reason for the request is that you are a Cal Poly Scholar. The refund can take up to 5-7 business days to appear on your credit card. For more details, please reach out to New Student & Transition Programs.
Who is my Academic Advisor?
• Planning for future quaters to meet your desired graduation term.
• Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
• Discussing impacts of withdrawals, Leaves of Absence, CR/NC, etc.
• Checking academic requirements for graduation
• Navigating course registration.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Cal Poly Scholars and the Cal Poly Opportunity Fee
Scholar Definitions | |
---|---|
Year 1 Scholars | New Cal Poly Scholars who are enrolled in their first academic year at Cal Poly as non-transfer students |
Year 2 Scholars | Returning Cal Poly Scholars who are enrolled in their second academic year at Cal Poly as non-transfer students |
Year 3+ Scholars | Returning Cal Poly Scholars who are enrolled in their third, fourth, fifth or sixth academic year at Cal Poly as non-transfer students |
New Transfer Scholars | New Cal Poly Scholars who are enrolled in their first academic year at Cal Poly as transfer students |
Returning Transfer Scholars | Returning Cal Poly Scholars who have completed at least one academic year at Cal Poly as a transfer student |
Cohort or Scholar Cohort | A group of Cal Poly Scholars who enrolled, for the first-time, at Cal Poly in the same academic year as either Year 1 Scholars or New Transfer Scholars (e.g. Scholars who entered during the 2017-18 academic year are in the 2017 Cohort) |