Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do to maintain Scholar eligibility?
As part of accepting the Scholars financial award, you and the program agreed to the commitments indicated in the Scholar Agreements. The agreements are designed to foster an inclusive community of Scholars, build a personal support network for college success, and develop knowledge and skills for lifelong success for all Scholars. By fulfilling specific commitments, Scholars will maintain annual eligibility for financial and programmatic support.
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.
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?
For current Year 1 Scholars (first enrolled Summer or Fall 2024), residing in the Year 1 Scholars residential learning community is required. Exceptions are if you are also a member of EOP or TRiO Achievers and are residing in their communities, or if you have an approved exemption through University Housing and/or the Disability Resource Center.
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.
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?
Most incoming Scholars will receive their laptop during Week of Welcome (WOW) because they ordered a laptop or a laptop has been ordered for them. For those who did not receive a laptop during WOW, all devices must be selected and ordered through the process indicated no later than April 15 of a Scholars' first year at Cal Poly.
What happens if I don’t meet the GPA requirement?
Bummer – sorry to hear you had a rough quarter or year. Since each Scholar’s circumstances are unique, the first thing you need to do is meet with an academic advisor to discuss your specific situation. Together, you will determine an academic plan moving forward and may be asked to connect with other resources such as the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to see if/how your financial award may be affected.
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.
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?
In short, yes, you will remain a Cal Poly Scholar and enjoy the community, academic, and educational aspects of the program. However, the amount or source of your financial award may change. If considering changing your major, you are encouraged to meet with a:
- 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?
Most study abroad experiences associated with Cal Poly are eligible for financial assistance in the form of financial aid and scholarships, including your Cal Poly Scholars financial award. To learn more about study abroad funding eligibility and opportunities, visit Study Abroad Financial Planning and meet with a financial aid counselor.
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.
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?
Occasionally, Scholars need to leave campus for various reasons (ex. co-ops/internships, medical, financial, academic, etc.). We encourage you to take the time and opportunities away from campus that will lead to your success at Cal Poly and beyond. When possible, we encourage you to connect with your academic advisor and financial aid counselor before departing to discuss potential policies and procedures that could affect your enrollment and funding.
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.
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?
Unfortunately, the Cal Poly Scholars award is only available during fall, winter, and spring quarters. The total amount you are awarded is divided equally among the three primary quarters (whether you are enrolled in all three or not).
When will the Cal Poly Scholars award be posted as part of my financial aid offerings?
Eligible quarters for awards are fall, winter, and spring. For each of these quarters, 1/3 of your total annual financial award will be distributed. Approximate award distribution timelines for Scholars are as follows*:
- 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?
Year 1 Scholars have agreed to one 1:1 meeting with an assigned Mustang Success Center academic advisor during their first year. Scholars are encouraged to meet with an advisor prior to end of fall quarter. Scholars can contact their assigned MSC academic advisor directly.
Continuing Scholars receive academic support from their college academic advisors and their college's dedicated retention specialist and are highly encouraged to meet with them at least once per year. Key reasons to meet with these members of your support network include:
- 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
*Scholars who are also in EOP and/or TRIO may have additional requirements determined through their respective programs.
Note: Academic advisors are professional staff members at the University. They provide academic planning support and are different from Scholar Mentors and Transfer Scholar Academic Coaches.
I've accepted my Cal Poly Scholars financial award...what's next?
Wonderful news – we can't wait to meet you! Please review our step-by-step guide for incoming scholars at scholars.calpoly.edu/nextsteps.
What qualifications do I need to be eligible for the Cal Poly Scholars program?
Scholars are high-achieving students from California schools, who come from low-income backgrounds. Undergraduate students admitted to Cal Poly are automatically considered for the Cal Poly Scholars program when they apply for financial aid via the FAFSA or California Dream Application. Scholars are selected at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. There is no additional application to be completed.
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and mid-June to incoming students for the 2025-26 academic year with the subject line: You're invited to be a Cal Poly Scholar! Questions? Email cpscholars@calpoly.edu.
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and mid-June to incoming students for the 2025-26 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?
Cal Poly Scholars offers are part of the financial aid process. When you receive your financial aid package, typically between mid-March and late May, it may include a Cal Poly Scholars award. Due to issues with FAFSA this year, financial packages have been delayed.
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.
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?
Congratulations! Being offered a Cal Poly Scholars award means that you have an opportunity to receive additional financial, community, and academic support as an undergraduate student at Cal Poly. To learn more, visit Why Be a Scholar? and once you accept the financial award on your MyCalPoly student portal, review our step-by-step guide for new Scholars.
What do I need to do to maintain Scholar eligibility?
As part of accepting the Scholars financial award, you and the program agreed to the commitments indicated in the Scholar Agreements. The agreements are designed to foster an inclusive community of Scholars, build a personal support network for college success, and develop knowledge and skills for lifelong success for all Scholars. By fulfilling specific commitments, Scholars will maintain annual eligibility for financial and programmatic support.
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.
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?
Residing in the Year 1 Cal poly Scholars residential learning community (RLC) is optional, though you are highly encouraged to be part of the 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.
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?
Yes! Just know, you and your requested roommate must mutually choose one another on your Housing Portal and the same residential learning community (preferably the Year 1 Cal Poly Scholars Residential Learning Community).
What is UNIV 100?
UNIV 100 is a 1-unit, course for first-year Scholars to build community, explore campus resources, and develop skills for success at Cal Poly. Scholars are blocked scheduled into UNIV 100 during fall quarter. UNIV 100 is a Cal Poly Scholars program requirement – do not drop this course. If you are not block scheduled into a section of UNIV 100, please email cpscholars@calpoly.edu.
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?
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?
Year 1 Scholars have agreed to one 1:1 meeting with an assigned Mustang Success Center academic advisor during their first year. Scholars are encouraged to meet with an advisor prior to end of fall quarter. Scholars can contact their assigned MSC academic advisor directly.
Scholars that are also in EOP and/or TRIO may have additional advising requirements determined through their respective programs.
Scholars that are also in EOP and/or TRIO may have additional advising requirements determined through their respective programs.
Note: Academic advisors are professional staff members at the University. They provide academic planning support and are different from Scholar Mentors and Transfer Scholar Academic Coaches.
I've accepted my Cal Poly Scholars financial award...what's next?
Wonderful news – we can't wait to meet you! Please review our step-by-step guide for incoming scholars at scholars.calpoly.edu/nextsteps.
What qualifications do I need to be eligible for the Cal Poly Scholars program?
Scholars are high-achieving students from California schools, who come from low-income backgrounds. Undergraduate students admitted to Cal Poly are automatically considered for the Cal Poly Scholars program when they apply for financial aid via the FAFSA or California Dream Application. Scholars are selected at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. There is no additional application to be completed.
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and early June to incoming students for the 2025-26 academic year with the subject line: You're invited to be a Cal Poly Scholar! Questions? Email cpscholars@calpoly.edu.
Email invitations to join the program will be sent on a rolling basis between April 8 and early June to incoming students for the 2025-26 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?
Cal Poly Scholars offers are part of the financial aid process. When you receive your financial aid package, typically between mid-March and late May, it may include a Cal Poly Scholars award. 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?
Congratulations! Being offered a Cal Poly Scholars award means that you have an opportunity to receive additional financial, community, and academic support as an undergraduate student at Cal Poly. To learn more, visit Why Be a Scholar? and once you accept the financial award on your MyCalPoly student portal, review our step-by-step guide for new Scholars.
What are the requirements to maintain Scholar eligibility?
As part of accepting the Scholars financial award, you and the program agreed to the commitments indicated in the Scholar Agreements. The agreements are designed to foster an inclusive community of Scholars, build a personal support network for college success, and develop knowledge and skills for lifelong success for all Scholars. By fulfilling specific commitments, Scholars will maintain annual eligibility for financial and programmatic support.
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.
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 enroll at Cal Poly as Transfer Scholars are not required to reside on campus. However, if you choose to reside on campus during your first year at Cal Poly, you will be placed in a residential learning community with other transfer students, which will likely include other Scholars. During your second year at Cal Poly, you are welcome to reside in the Year 2+ 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.
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?
The Cal Poly Scholars program will host a few gatherings specifically for Transfer Scholars, so we encourage you to come mix and mingle! Additionally, Cal Poly offers Transfer SLO Days and hosts Transfer Week; both are excellent opportunities to engage with the transfer community and learn about resources relevant to you.
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?
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.
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?
New Transfer Scholars are highly encouraged to meet with their college academic advising center or retention specialist from your college during your first quater and at least once per year. Key reasons to meet with these members of your support include:
• 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.
• 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.
* Scholars that are also in EOP and/or TRIO may have additional advising requirements determined through their respective programs.
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) |
