Academic Notice and Dismissal Support

Academic Notice Process flowchart

Subject to Dismissal Process flowchart

I am a new student at Cal Poly. Am I at risk of being dismissed in my first year?

To allow for an adjustment period, first-time first year and new transfer students will not be placed in subject to dismissal status until the end of their first year at Cal Poly, even if their GPA falls below the designated actual academic progress level GPA limits.

This means that new students cannot be dismissed from Cal Poly for not meeting their academic progress level GPA limit in their first term. New students may be subject to dismissal after their second term at Cal Poly.   

What if my degree is a 5-year program?

Although the academic progress levels for the 5-year programs at Cal Poly differ from those of the 4-year programs, students in the 5-year programs are held to the same corresponding GPA levels as described above for the purposes of the subject to dismissal policy. Please talk to an Academic Advisor if you have questions about how to interpret your academic progress level.

My appeal was accepted. What comes next?

The Office of the Registrar notifies students who are in subject to dismissal status before the beginning of the next regular term via Cal Poly email address. This email will contain all important dates, deadlines, and next steps regarding the appeal process.

Subject-to-Dismissal Appeal Process

If a student's appeal is approved, they will be asked to create an academic success agreement with their college advising center to identify resources and establish a plan for support.

Students may pause their enrollment and their academic success agreement by taking time off with approval from their college dean or designee. Upon returning to Cal Poly, students are required to meet with the college's designee during their first term back to review and reinstate their academic success agreement. Information about each college’s designee is available via the college website links in the section below. Students can also work with their college's Retention Specialist for support.

At the end of the next term, academic standing will be reviewed: 

• If the student’s Cal Poly and Higher Ed cumulative GPAs rise above the required Academic Progress Levels and GPA limits, but their term GPA remains below 2.0, they will be placed in academic notice status.
• If their term GPA, Cal Poly GPA, and Higher Ed GPA are all 2.0 or higher, all previous statuses will be removed. 

My accept was denied/I didn't appeal. What is the readmission process?

Former students who did not leave the university in good academic standing (i.e. academically dismissed or discontinued while on academic notice) will need to contact their college's advising center and apply for readmission if they are ready to return to Cal Poly. 

Students can review the Cal Poly Readmission website here for more information, deadlines, and the application link.

First Year and New Transfer Students

First-time first year students in academic notice will be contacted to participate in the First Year Success Program (FSP). New transfers in academic notice will be contacted to participate in the Transfer Academic Success Program (TASP).

These programs are designed to give students the skills, resources, and support they need to be successful in future terms at Cal Poly.

As a reminder: first-time first year and new transfer students will not be placed in subject to dismissal status until the end of their first year at Cal Poly, even if their GPA falls below the designated actual academic progress level GPA limits.

Continuing Students (Year 2+) College Information

View your college specific requirements for academic notice, subject to dismissal, and readmission:

• College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• College of Architecture and Environmental Design
• College of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts
• Bailey College of Science and Mathematics
• Orfalea College of Business
• Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Change of Major Impacts

Being placed in academic notice or subject to dismissal statuses may affect a potential change of major.

Each major has different entry requirements for the change of major process (listed under "Step 3: Check Major-Specific Criteria"). Students should review the individual requirements for the major they're interested in changing to. Then, students can contact the department or Change of Major coordinator for further questions about how their academic standing could affect their ability to change majors.

If a student is on an ICMA and in the process of changing their major, they should contact their Change of Major Coordinator as soon as possible. Coordinator information should be found on the approved Change of Major inquiry form and the ICMA.

Understanding Grading Dates and Deadlines

Timeline for academic notice and dismissal:

• Grades are due from faculty on the Tuesday after finals week. 
• Official grades and GPAs are typically posted the Friday after finals week. If students repeat courses during the term for grade forgiveness, these calculations will also be reflected on this date.
• Students can access grades via the Student Center. To access, click on the "Academic Progress" drop-down menu on the left, then click on "Grades". Grades will also show on the PolyProfile.
• An email will be sent to the student’s official Cal Poly email address from the Office of the Registrar, informing them of their academic status.
• The email will contain information about any actions that the student will need to take and/or who will contact them next regarding their academic status.
• Students in subject-to-dismissal status will receive an email including directions for how to appeal and the deadline for appeal submissions.

Repeat courses at Cal Poly

Cal Poly’s course repeat policy can help student's improve their GPA through grade forgiveness. Grade forgiveness is the single most effective way to boost a student's GPAs. 

Students can repeat a maximum of 16 units at Cal Poly for grade forgiveness for classes in which they earned a C- or lower.

• Academic Advisors recommend repeating a course as soon as possible while the content is familiar, although you can choose to retake the course any time before completing your degree.
• Students must repeat the same course, and it must be taken at Cal Poly as a "letter grade" in order to be eligible (not Cr/NC).
• Students may also choose a different instructor or via a different modality (virtual vs. in-person).
• For grade forgiveness to go into effect, all you need to do is simply re-enroll in that course - no petition is needed.

Once the course has been retaken and the new grade is finalized, the original grade is automatically "forgiven". This means that the original grade will no longer be calculated into the GPAs, but it will remain on the transcript. Effective Fall 2026, grade forgiveness can be applied to the same course twice. Any additional attempts will be averaged into the GPA.

Students can also repeat an additional 12 units for “grade averaging”. This will automatically be applied if a student repeats a course for a fourth time or if they have used all 16 allotted units for grade forgiveness.

Once students accumulate 28 units (16 units with forgiveness + 12 units with averaging) of repeated courses, they will no longer be allowed to repeat any future courses. 

Students are encouraged to speak with an Academic Advisor if they feel concerned about how to make room in their schedule to repeat courses or how this might impact their graduation progress. Continuing or transfer students should contact their College Advising Center, and first-time first year students should contact the Mustang Success Center.

Balance your class schedule

Students can work with an Academic Advisor to identify a class schedule that works best for their academic and personal goals. Here are some questions students can consider or bring to an Academic Advisor to discuss when planning their class schedule:

• How many units am I comfortable taking this term (based on my previous term(s) experience)?
• Is my class schedule balanced with major, support, and general education classes?
• Am I enrolled in classes that keep me on track with my personal graduation goal?

Need to make schedule changes?

• Students can make changes to their class schedule via their Student Center (login to My Cal Poly Portal > under "My Apps" > Student Center). For help adding/dropping/swapping classes, check out our “Register for Classes” resources.
• Changes can be made during Round 1 of Registration, Open Enrollment, and Add/Drop periods. For enrollment dates, refer to the  Student Planning Calendar. 

• Not sure if it’s past the point of adding or dropping a class? Academic Advisors can help students identify late add and withdrawal periods and help students with the process!

Create your weekly routine

Here are some tips for managing time and energy while working to improve your academic standing:  

It is recommended that students study for 2 hours per unit per week. Cal Poly students enroll in 12-16 units on average, so they should aim to study 24-32 hours per week depending on their course load. Studying refers to engaging with the material in a focused and intentional way.

What does “studying" include?  

• Previewing/reviewing course concepts and lecture notes
• Reading assigned material actively (taking notes, summarizing, reviewing tables and graphs)
• Completing practice questions
• Preparing for quizzes and exams 
• Visiting office hours to clarify understanding
• Organizing and meeting with study groups
• Attending tutoring or supplemental workshops  

It's also important to consider all other aspects of life when creating a weekly routine: 

• SLEEP: Aim for 8–9 hours per night. Sleep is directly tied to memory and cognition.  
• MEALS AND NUTRITION: Regular meals help maintain energy and focus. Carving out 20-60 minutes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner will ensure that there is time to eat a solid meal. 
  • If you would like to learn more about student food resources on campus, you can find information on the Basic Needs website. 
• MOVEMENT: Physical activity supports stress reduction and cognitive performance. Even a short session of movement can improve mental focus and retention. 
• TAKE BREAKS: The brain learns best in smaller sessions broken up throughout the day/week. 
  • Studying in frequent 30-60 minute blocks with short breaks leads to better retention of course material compared to long, unbroken sessions (e.g., all-nighters). Breaks are an essential part of improving how the brain processes and retains information. 
  • Stretch, go outside for a bit, drink some water, turn off screens for a bit, and avoid breaks that extend far beyond the intended time (e.g., scrolling social media without a timer). 
• SOCIAL LIFE AND COMMUNITY: Planning intentional social time can help prevent burnout. 
  • Consider joining a club on campus. Set time aside for creativity and hobbies in additional to your academic interests.
  • Get a group of folks together and study or do homework, even if you're all focusing on different courses or projects.
• COMMITMENTS OUTSIDE OF ACADEMICS: Keep into consideration the time needed to tend to any other needs and plan accordingly.  
  • Working, caregiving needs, appointments, volunteering, etc.  

We encourage students to create their own daily, weekly, and/or monthly schedule. You can find Time Management Schedules on Cal Poly’s Writing and Learning website. 

• Consider other tools for time management tools: Canvas Calendar, Cal Poly Outlook Calendar, the calendar app on a phone – there are many different tools to help you manage your time. There is no right or wrong way - find a system that works for you.  

Enhance your approach to studying

Learning how to study is an ongoing process. Different strategies may be required for different types of exams or assignments, and everyone has a unique learning style. Students can ask their instructors during office hours how they might focus their efforts to study most effectively for their classes. Cal Poly also offers a Study Strategies Library that students can use to explore various aspects of studying.

Explore tutoring and learning support

The Office of Writing and Learning offers free tutoring, course-based workshops and study sessions, and academic coaching. There are also drop-in help hubs for Math/Stats, ARCE, and CPE that students can utilize without needing an appointment. Students are encouraged to build these options into their weekly schedule and access them early and often throughout the term.

Visit instructor office hours

Instructor office hours can be a great place for students to ask for clarification on lectures and course materials, review exams, discuss mentoring opportunities, and much more. Students are encouraged to meet with their professors early and often and can check their syllabi or Canvas sites to learn when and how to access their office hours. They can reach out via email or phone to inquire about other options.  

Remember: even though they’re called “office hours”, these are hours that professors have set aside to meet with students and discuss course progress. Students can meet with an academic advisor prior to attending office hours for help with brainstorming questions or topics to discuss with their instructors. 

Academic Advisors

Academic Advisors can assist students in identifying resources on campus suited to their personal needs, schedule planning, and study skills development. Academic Advisors can help students navigate and understand their degree requirements, curriculum, and Cal Poly's policies.

First-time first year students can meet with an Academic Advisor in the Mustang Success Center. Continuing students or transfer students meet with an Academic Advisor in their College Advising Center - view college information and links above.

University Advising/Retention Team

The University Advising/Retention team is committed to helping students navigate their journey at Cal Poly. Whether you are considering taking time off, wondering how complex campus policies impact you, or wanting to build your network of support and resources, our goal is to make sure you have the tools and information you need to make decisions about your academic journey. If you have questions that you aren't sure who to ask, connecting with a Retention Specialist is a great place to start!

Basic Needs Program and CARE Team

Cal Poly's Basic Needs Programs seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to focus on education and success at Cal Poly. The Basic Needs Initiative is committed to fostering an equitable environment that honors the wellbeing of the Cal Poly community through intentionality and innovation. Some resources include food resources, housing support, financial wellness, and much more.

Students can reach out to the Dean of Students CARE Team for more support in getting connected with campus resources.

Counseling and Wellbeing Services

Cal Poly's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Wellbeing Services (like SAFER and PULSE) are here to help students make progress in their emotional health and wellbeing through various clinical, educational, and consultative services.

Students may come to talk about anxiety, academic performance, traumatic experiences, suicidal thoughts, substance use, relationship concerns, or anything else that might be going on for them. The professionals at Campus Health and Wellbeing offer active listening and expertise in human development, along with strategies to support student’s personal, social, and emotional growth.  

CAPS offers individual therapy, wellbeing workshops, unique group spaces, drop-in spaces, and more self-help resources. Health and Wellbeing services are free, confidential, and available to all currently enrolled students. 

Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students in academic notice or subject to dismissal statuses may not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for Financial Aid. As a result, they may be disqualified from receiving aid until they submit a SAP appeal (which is different from the subject-to-dismissal appeal mentioned above).

Students should work with Financial Aid Counselors and Academic Advisors as soon as they are notified to understand the appeal process and any steps that may be required of them (example: calculating GPA, putting together an academic plan, etc.).

The Disability Resource Center (DRC)

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Cal Poly provides support services for students with permanent and temporary disabilities. The DRC aims to cultivate an accessible and inclusive community, ensuring that students have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of campus life. They offer individualized support, accommodations, and resources to help students navigate academic and social challenges.

Students can review the DRC's FAQs here and call 805-756-1396 or email drc@calpoly.edu for additional information or inquiries. 

Definitions for Academic Notice and Dismissal

Academic Notice Status: Academic status that is placed on a student’s academic profile when their term grade point average (unadjusted for any subsequent grade forgiveness), Cal Poly cumulative grade point average, and/or higher education grade point average (GPA) drops below 2.000. This status does not show on official transcripts from Cal Poly.

Academic Progress: The degree progress that students make by the end of each academic term by successfully completing units applicable to their declared major.

Academic Progress Level: At Cal Poly, students' academic progress is structured into four levels, corresponding to the progress expected by the end of each academic year. Transfer students follow three levels, while five-year degree programs include a fifth level. For more information, refer to the Academic Standards section of the Cal Poly Catalog.

Academic Progress Level GPA Limits: The minimum GPA that students must attain to remain eligible for enrollment at Cal Poly and to meet the minimum 2.0 GPA(s) required to graduate. The Academic Progress Level GPA Limits correspond to the Academic Progress Levels as outlined in the policy under “Section III. Subject to Dismissal Status.”

Academic Success Agreement: A set of conditions that students who are in Subject to Dismissal status or Administrative-Academic Notice status must meet in order to remain eligible to enroll at Cal Poly.

Actual Academic Progress (AAP) (%): The percentage of degree requirements that a student has completed and is displayed as a gauge in the Academic Progress section of their Poly Profile, accessible through the student portal.

Administrative-Academic Notice (Admin-AN) Status: A status placed by a college dean or designee that can be used when extra support, structure, or accountability is needed. The used for Admin-AN are outlined in the policy under “Section VI. Administrative-Academic Notice.”

Cal Poly Cumulative Grade Point Average (Cal Poly GPA): The grade point average based on all graded work completed only via Cal Poly courses. Formerly CPSLO GPA.

Class Standing: Academic standing based on the total number of units a student has earned. Lower-Division includes freshman (fewer than 30 units) and sophomore (30-59 units) standing, and Upper-Division includes junior (60-89 units) and senior (90 or more units) standing. *Class standing differs from Academic Progress Level (Actual and Expected).

Dismissal: Administrative action that prevents students from enrolling at Cal Poly for future terms. Dismissal may result from being placed in the Subject to Dismissal status or the Administrative-Academic Notice status, or from a disciplinary proceeding.

Expected Academic Progress (EAP) (%): This represents the percentage of degree-applicable units a student is expected to complete each academic year to ensure timely graduation. These units must fulfill requirements for the student’s declared major, including major, support, general education, concentration, and, if applicable, free elective units.

"Good" Academic Standing: "Good" academic standing is a university designation based on a student's GPA. It means that a student's Term, Cal Poly, and Higher Ed GPAs are at or above a 2.0 and that minimum academic requirements are being met.

Higher Education Grade Point Average (Higher Ed GPA): Grade point average based on all graded work completed at all colleges and universities including Cal Poly.

Subject to Dismissal Status: Academic status that is placed on a student’s academic profile at the end of a given term that may lead to dismissal for academic reasons. This status is based on cumulative GPAs and evaluated based on progress levels as outlined in the policy under “Section III. Subject to Dismissal Status.”

Term Grade Point Average (Term GPA): The grade point average based on all graded work for the term.