Timelines
Quarter Timeline
Week 0 (before classes start)
- Check your class schedule through the student center. Print/screen shot schedule to retain class schedule information. Waitlists will disappear from your class schedule few days before classes start
- Textbooks: online at the bookstore’s website or walk in to the bookstore in the UU plaza (textbooks are found by department in the back room).
- Check out where your classes are located before the quarter starts either by downloading the CP App or look at campus map, hint: 33-211 mean Building 33 (Fisher Science), in room 211 (on the second floor).
Week 1 (First week of classes)
- Attend all classes and be on time
- Review your course syllabus and make sure to not fall behind on the reading (hint: write down key dates in your planner regarding any tests, quizzes, homework, or projects)
- Add/Drop/Crash classes. Be aware of add/drop deadline (is in week 2)
- Make an academic plan:
- Sign up for workshops and study sessions for your science, math, and engineering classes. Workshops are a 1-unit class taught by an upper division student that got an A or B in it. They will create handouts and practice tests and help answer any questions. You will get graded pass/fail for participation.
- Study sessions are not a class, but rather a time when you can collaborate with peers for a certain class. They are facilitated by an upper division student who can help you out with any questions.
- Plan how you will manage your time throughout the quarter
Week 2
- Add/Drop Deadline this week. Check Student Planner Calendar for exact date
- Last day to add or drop classes with a permission number.
- Last day to change to credit/no credit grading
- Last day to update PolyPlanner to avoid non-compliant rotation
- Attend office hours and get to know your faculty members. They are here for you and want to help you with your academic career.
- Explore the academic advisors available to you. It is never too early to plan ahead, so try and schedule an appointment with an advisor
- Get a head start on any projects and start studying for midterms
- Tutoring schedules become available. Cal Poly offers free tutoring through many departments and clubs. Check out the tutoring resources here
Week 3
- Midterms and papers start being due. Make sure you are keeping up on your classes by reading, studying, and forming study groups with your peers.
- If you are wanting to improve time management, study skills, and/or learn new approaches to your academics, check out Study Skills Library
Week 4
- PASS and your registration enrollment appointment date and time will appear in your student center. This will be listed on the right side of your Student Center. Registration runs from week 6- week 9. Check the Office of the Registrar for Enrollment Appointment Schedule
- Check your Degree Progress Report (DPR), flowchart and curriculum sheet to help you plan for your classes the following term. Meet with an advisor if you have questions.
- Have you made it through your first midterms? Did your study habits work for you? If you want to change how you approached your academics or continue being successful, be sure to use the academic resources Cal Poly has available for you. If you are feeling stressed or unconnected, you are not alone. Schedule an appointment with Counseling Services on the first floor of the health center for support (27-136)
- Review midterms at office hours, and make sure to check out the tutoring resources available for free through Cal Poly
Week 5 (half way through the quarter)
- If you are feeling stressed about academics or life, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. The fast paced quarter system and balancing life responsibilities can be stressful and overwhelming! Reach out to those that can help... such as a trusted friend/family member, Campus Health & Wellbeing, faculty member, RA or CSD in Housing, or academic advisor
Week 6
- Registration begins and continues through week 9.
- All students are limited to 16 units for 1st round of registration.
- 2nd round of registration allows students to go above 16 units and will start approximately a month after your first registration date.
- Check your student center for these specific dates or Enrollment Appointment Schedules
- Once you register, make sure to update your PolyPlanner.
Week 7
- Last day to withdraw from course(s) for serious and compelling reason (5:00 pm).
- Finished your second round of midterms? Reevaluate how midterms went and if there are any study tactics you need to shift to prepare for upcoming finals/final papers.
- Review midterms at office hours, and make sure to check out the tutoring resources available for free through Cal Poly
- Registration continues. Use PASS to plan your schedule.
Week 8
- Prepare for your final papers, projects, or lab finals that may be next week. Check your syllabus to see if you have anything due during "Dead Week." Begin preparing for finals.
- Registration continues. Use PASS to plan your course schedule. Register through your Student Center. Talk with an advisor if you have any questions
Week 9
- Develop your study plan and approach for finals week. Finals exam schedule can be found here
- Wrap up your last papers, projects, or lab finals that may be next week. Check your syllabus to see if you have anything due on "Dead Week."
- Class registration continues. Check PASS on your Cal Poly portal to plan your schedule. Register through your Student Center. Meet with an advisor if you have questions
Week 10 (Dead week)
- Last week of instruction. Students refer to this week as Dead Week, as you may have papers due, lab midterms, or projects to present.
- Last week withdraw from course(s) for emergency reason (5:00 pm). Student Planning Calendar
- Obtain scantrons and other materials needed for exams. Location day and time may be different from your regular class.
- Stick to your study plan and approach for finals week. As a reminder, final exam schedule can be found here
Finals Week
- Good luck! Get lots of rest and eat well.
- Have a great break and we will see you next quarter