Transfer Academic Advising

Prospective Transfer Students

All prospective and conditionally admitted transfer students should direct questions to admissions@calpoly.edu.

Committed and Current Transfer Students

For committed and current transfer students, transfer specific advising information can be found in your college academic advising centers, and your college advisors can support your academic journey at Cal Poly.

Click through each tab to learn more about registration, college advising, transfer support, and more!

Committed to Attending Cal Poly

Non-academic Related Information

Transfer Center

The Transfer Center can help you connect to various resources across campus including, but not limited to, financial aid, housing, transportation, social and engagement opportunities, and so much more!

The Transfer Center does not offer academic advising, but can help you prepare academically by providing support on connecting with faculty, time management skills, and study tips!

Preparing for Orientation and Fall Registration

Open House and Orientation

Learn more about campus life, your desired major/department, the San Luis Obispo community, campus resources, and much more through the Open House weekend. This even is held typically in April and more details can be found on the Open House website.

Orientation at Cal Poly is a two-part series prior to classes starting. All new transfer students are required to complete both parts of orientation, Student Life Orientation Days (SLO Days) (August) and Week of Welcome (September).

How to Register for Classes for your 1st quarter at Cal Poly

Transfer Registration

Registration Toolkit Video - Walks you through your Cal Poly Portal, Degree Planner, and how to register for classes. Please note: "PASS" as referred to in the video is now Schedule Builder.

How to use Cal Poly Registration Tools - Definitions of each registration tool and how to use them.

Timeline for Registration - Comprehensive timeline of when/how transfers register for classes before their first term at Cal Poly.

Suggested Course Offerings

Each college has a list of suggested courses transfers should take during their time at Cal Poly in order to meet their graduation requirements. Find yours below:

College Advising Centers (Transfer Academic Advising)

Transitioning from your former college or university can be made easier by connecting early and frequently (at least once a year) with your academic advisor.

College Advising Centers provide specialized advising for Transfer Students.

Talk with your college advisor about any academic questions you may have: taking classes CR/NC, substitution forms, taking time off, and many more!

Click on your college for information regarding different majors, suggested flowcharts for taking classes, and resources available for transfers within their college.

Learn about the change of major process.

Transfer Academic Success Program (Academic Probation Support)

The Transfer Academic Success Program (TASP) is designed to support transfer students who are placed on Academic Probation (AP) during their first year at Cal Poly. TASP assists transfer students on academic probation by providing dedicated support, enhancing self-efficacy, and facilitating the utilization of academic resources.

TASP will be piloted in winter 2022 and is coordinated by the Transfer Center in partnership with the Office of Writing & Learning and the college academic advising centers. Students will be placed in a Canvas shell for TASP.

We understand that there are many factors that may lead to academic difficulty during your first or second quarter at Cal Poly. Our goal with this program is to provide you with the skills, resources, and support that you need to move toward success in future quarters.

Students in the Transfer Academic Success Program, will complete the following pieces:

Watch the TASP & AP introduction video.
Complete the Resource Self-assessment and Academic Success Plan.
Schedule 1:1 with Transfer Academic Coach to review success plan, form resource connections, and ask questions.
Meet with their college advisor. College dependent - may also meet with their faculty advisor.
Utilize two or more on-campus resources throughout Winter Quarter.
Complete end of quarter reflection.

Transfers in year 2 or beyond at Cal Poly who are on Academic Probation will work with their college to complete the necessary advising requirements.

Other Academic Support

Academic Coaching - peer academic support offered through the Transfer Center.

Tips on:
- Connecting with faculty
- Time management
- Navigating the quarter system
- Study habits
- And more!

Writing and Learning Center - offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Writing Consults
- Support on all writing projects from ANY class
- Preparing for the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE)
Tutoring
- Specific subject tutoring with trained peer tutors
- 1-on-1 and small group options

Academic Skills Center - offers programs to enrich academic development and reinforce the learn by doing emphasis at Cal Poly. The most popular are:

Study Sessions: Study groups for many different STEM classes
Supplemental Workshops: 1 unit courses that meet 2x/week to add to the teaching and understanding of some science and math classes.

College Librarians - Kennedy Library has an expert team of College Librarians and Specialists who provide meaningful, tailored support to students. Contact your College Librarian or Specialist if you are seeking research help or want to learn more about library resources.