Scholar Agreements 2022-23
By fulfilling specific commitments and striving toward supplemental expectations, Scholars will maintain annual eligibility for financial and programmatic support. Scholar requirements are designed to assist Scholars in fostering an inclusive community of Scholars, building a personal support network for college success, and developing knowledge and skills for lifelong success.
*Scholar requirements are subject to change each academic year.
Housing
Year 1 Scholars
Required
- Reside in the designated Year 1 Scholars residential learning community while enrolled during the academic year
- Year 1 Scholars who are also part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) or TRiO Achievers will likely to be placed into the EOP or TRiO residential learning communities, as space allows. Year 2 Scholars, including those who are also participating in EOP or TRiO Achievers, are expected to reside on campus as a Year 2 Scholar, preferably within the Year 2+ Scholars Community.
- Complete the housing application for continuing student housing during the specified timeframe (typically early winter quarter)
- Engage and participate in the residential learning community by attending events and meeting your Scholar neighbors
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Reasonable accommodations as determined by the Disability Resource Center
Year 2 Scholars
- Reside in on campus in continuing student housing (typically PCV and Cerro Vista), though preferably within the designated Year 2+ Scholars residential learning community, while enrolled during the academic year
- Engage and participate in the residential learning community by attending events and meeting your Scholar neighbors
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Reasonable accommodations as determined by the Disability Resource Center
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Employment as a Resident Advisor/Multicultural Advisor in University Housing
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Successful exemption request and approval through University Housing's exemption request process (via the Housing portal).
Year 3 Scholars
- Reside in an environment conducive to success on- or off-campus. Year 3 Scholars are welcome to continue residing on campus in the Year 2+ Cal Poly Scholars' residential learning community (as space allows).
Year 4+ Scholars
- Reside in an environment conducive to success on- or off-campus. Year 4+ Scholars are welcome to continue residing on campus in the Year 2+ Cal Poly Scholars' residential learning community (as space allows).
New Transfer Scholars
- Reside in an environment conducive to success on- or off-campus. New Transfer Scholars are welcome to reside on campus in the Transfer and Graduate Residential Learning Community, as space allows, (though not required).
Continuing Transfer Scholars
- Reside in an environment conducive to success on- or off-campus. Returning Transfer Scholars are welcome to reside on campus in the Year 2+ Cal Poly Scholars residential learning community, as space allows, (though not required).
Workshops and Events
Year 1 Scholars
- Choose one of the following two options to fulfill this requirement:
- Join and participate in the Scholar Mentorship Program and engage in a minimum of three (3) individual or group events with your Scholar Mentor. (Details regarding sign-ups will be shared this summer).
- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program. Approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated accordingly via publicity and the Scholars Event webpage.
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
Year 2 Scholars
- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program*
- Year 2 Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on career readiness and planning, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some career readiness workshops in the past included:
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Internship Panel
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Resume Makeover
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Wokeshop: Cultural Capital to Fuel Your Purpose
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- Year 2 Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on career readiness and planning, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some career readiness workshops in the past included:
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
Year 3 Scholars
- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program*
- Year 3 Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on financial literacy, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some financial literacy workshops in the past included:
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Budgeting for Living Off-Campus
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Financial Conversations with Supporters
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On-Campus Resources to Save Money
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- Year 3 Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on financial literacy, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some financial literacy workshops in the past included:
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
Year 4+ Scholars
- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program*
- Year 4+ Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on transitioning to the future, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some transitioning workshops in the past included:
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Beginners Guide to Investing
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Grad School Panel
-
Wokeshop: Decolonizing Your Leadership
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- Year 4+ Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on transitioning to the future, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some transitioning workshops in the past included:
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
New Transfer Scholars
- Choose one of the following two options to fulfill this requirement:
REVISE TO TRansfer Center Academic Coaching Program: Join and participate in the Scholar Mentorship Program and engage in a minimum of three (3) individual or group events with your Scholar Mentor. (Details regarding sign-ups will be shared this summer).- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program. Approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated accordingly via publicity and the Scholars Event webpage.
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
Continuing Transfer Scholars
- Engage in a minimum of three (3) events/workshops hosted by the Cal Poly Scholars program*
- Returning Transfer Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on transitioning to the future, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some transitioning workshops in the past included:
-
Beginners Guide to Investing
-
Grad School Panel
-
Wokeshop: Decolonizing Your Leadership
-
- Returning Transfer Scholars are encouraged to participate in workshops focused on transitioning to the future, though attending any of the Cal Poly Scholars events and workshops will fulfill the participation requirement. Some transitioning workshops in the past included:
- Participate in university, department, academic college, and club events and workshops that support your personal and professional interests and goals
*Note: approved events, workshops, and other engagement opportunities are indicated in publicity as to how they count toward participation requirements
Advising & Academic Achievement
Year 1 Scholars
- Engage in one (min.) 1:1 academic advising interaction with assigned Mustang Success Center advisor ● Scholars may be referred to college academic advisors when appropriate
- Participate in SLO Days during one of the session dates listed for Cal Poly Scholars, and attend the ‘Academic Toolkit’ session with the Mustang Success Center
- Maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- Scholars with a cumulative GPA of ≤ 2.5 and/or on Academic Probation (AP) or Disqualified (DQ) will have additional advising and/or participation requirements from Cal Poly Scholars, University, and/or academic colleges
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Note: Being on AP (Academic Probation) does not impact your eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar, though depending on your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), it may impact the Scholar’s scholarship and other financial aid (see the Academic Achievement section for more details regarding SAP)
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- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
- Reach out to advisors for academic resources and support
Year 2 Scholars
- Scholars are expected to meet with a Mustang Success Center advisor if their Cal Poly cumulative GPA is between 2.0 and 2.5.
- Scholars on Academic Probation (AP) for any given term must complete an AP support requirement to ensure they have guidance to reach their academic goals. The options for satisfying this requirement vary by college.
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Note: Being on AP does not impact eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar; though depending on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), scholarship and other financial aid may be affected
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- Maintain ‘Satisfactory Academic Progress’ (SAP) for financial aid eligibility
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A general definition of SAP is to maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 67% of attempted units for financial aid eligibility.
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For more details, please talk with a financial aid counselor and review SAP guidelines on the Office of Financial Aid website
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- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
- Communicate regularly with Mustang Success Center advisors or academic advisors in college advising centers for resources and academic support.
Year 3 Scholars
- In the event of a rough quarter in which a Scholar is placed on Academic Probation (AP), Scholars will be contacted by an academic advisor or retention specialist to schedule a required advising appointment or workshop
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Note: Being on AP (Academic Probation) does not impact eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar, though depending on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), it may impact the Scholar’s scholarship and other financial aid (see the Academic Achievement section for more details regarding SAP)
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If an academic college requires an advising appointment to meet AP requirements, that appointment will satisfy this requirement
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- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid eligibility
-
A general definition of SAP is to maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 67% of attempted units for financial aid eligibility.
-
For more details, please talk with a financial aid counselor and review SAP guidelines on the Office of Financial Aid website
-
- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
- Scholars are highly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from their academic college at least once per year. Key reasons to meet with academic advisors include:
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Planning for registration, including reviewing flowcharts and course sequences
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Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
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Discussing impacts of withdrawals, Leave of Absences, CR/NC, etc.
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- Reach out to academic advisors in college advising centers for resources, academic support, and to schedule any required appointments
Year 4+ Scholars
- In the event of a rough quarter in which a Scholar is placed on Academic Probation (AP), Scholars will be contacted by an academic advisor or retention specialist to schedule a required advising appointment or workshop
-
Note: Being on AP (Academic Probation) does not impact your eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar, though depending on your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), it may impact the Scholar’s scholarship and other financial aid (see the Academic Achievement section for more details regarding SAP)
-
If an academic college requires an advising appointment to meet AP (Academic Probation) requirements, that appointment will satisfy this requirement
-
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid eligibility
-
A general definition of SAP is to maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 67% of attempted units for financial aid eligibility.
-
For more details, please talk with a financial aid counselor and review SAP guidelines on the Office of Financial Aid website
-
- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
- Scholars are highly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from their academic college at least once per year. Key reasons to meet with academic advisors include:
-
Planning for registration, including reviewing flowcharts and course sequences
-
Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
-
Discussing impacts of withdrawals, Leave of Absences, CR/NC, etc.
-
- Reach out to advisors for resources, academic support, and to schedule any required appointments
New Transfer Scholars
- Engage in one (1) academic advising interaction with assigned college retention specialist or academic advisor. Key reasons to meet with academic advisors include:
- Planning for registration, including reviewing flowcharts and course sequences
- Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
- Discussing impacts of withdrawals, Leave of Absences, CR/NC, etc.
- Checking academic requirements for graduation
- Interpreting academic policies and procedures
- Maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- Scholars with a cumulative GPA of ≤ 2.5 and/or on Academic Probation (AP) or Disqualified (DQ) will have additional advising and/or participation requirements from Cal Poly Scholars, University, and/or academic colleges
-
Note: Being on AP (Academic Probation) does not impact your eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar, though depending on your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), it may impact the Scholar’s scholarship and other financial aid (see the Academic Achievement section for more details regarding SAP)
-
- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
Continuing Transfer Scholars
- In the event of a rough quarter in which a Scholar is placed on Academic Probation (AP), Scholars will be contacted by an academic advisor or retention specialist to schedule a required advising appointment or workshop
-
Note: Being on AP (Academic Probation) does not impact your eligibility to be a Cal Poly Scholar, though depending on your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), it may impact the Scholar’s scholarship and other financial aid (see the Academic Achievement section for more details regarding SAP)
-
If an academic college requires an advising appointment to meet AP (Academic Probation) requirements, that appointment will satisfy this requirement
-
Scholars are expected to follow up with an academic advisor or retention specialist contact in a timely fashion
-
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid eligibility
-
A general definition of SAP is to maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA and successfully complete at least 67% of attempted units for financial aid eligibility.
-
For more details, please talk with a financial aid counselor and review SAP guidelines on the Office of Financial Aid website
-
- Set a personal goal of 2.75 GPA or higher
- Scholars are highly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from their academic college at least once per year. Key reasons to meet with academic advisors include:
-
Planning for registration, including reviewing flowcharts and course sequences
-
Exploring academic support and planning resources including tutoring, study tips, etc.
-
Discussing impacts of withdrawals, Leave of Absences, CR/NC, etc.
-
- Reach out to advisors for resources, academic support, and to schedule any required appointments
FAFSA/CA Dream Act
All Scholars
- Complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application annually by the specified date as set by the Office of Financial Aid (typically around March 1)
- Reach out to the Office of Financial Aid with questions regarding FAFSA or the CA Dream Act Application prior to the deadline for completion
Personal Responsibility and Conduct
All Scholars
- Abide by all University Policies and expectations, including, but not limited to:
- University Housing resident Handbook and Community Standards Guidelines
- Office of Financial Aid policies and eligibility requirements regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Additional policies and procedures as outlined by the respective academic colleges
- Demonstrate personal responsibility and conduct consistent with the ideals of a Scholar, including, but not limited to:
- Cal Poly’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Initiatives
- Cal Poly’s Commitment to Community
- The tenants and expectations of Mustang Way
Expectations Agreement 2022-23
| 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 academic year at Cal Poly as non-transfer students |
| Year 4+ Scholars | Returning Cal Poly Scholars who are enrolled in their 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 |
| Continuing 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) |
