When is WOW 2021?

WOW 2021 is September 15-19. Click here for more information regarding WOW 2021.

I went to SLO days, why should I do WOW too?

SLO days and WOW contain complementary programming. After attending SLO Days, students will have the base to get the most out of WOW and have a holistic and complete orientation experience. 

How much does WOW cost? 

The price for WOW is $175 at initial reservation, and we ask all students to bring $25 to the Week of Welcome for additional activities.      

What do my fees for WOW cover?

The WOW fee for all new students (Transfer and First Year) covers the access to workshops and presentations, materials, schedule, and program staffing. WOW activities include, but are not limited to Awareness Programming, Big Fall Welcome, Club Showcase, A concert with ASI Events and WOW Closing. Plus, New Mustang Gear (SWAG), any meals not included in campus meal plan and access to the Transition Toolkit platform. Students in the small group experience are encouraged to bring with them a minimum of $25 cash for extracurricular activities and snacks or meals that not included with Campus Dining meal plan.

Note: Parents and supporters do not attend WOW.

Can I participate in CCE if I don't identify with an underrepresented minority community on the Cal Poly campus?

Yes! While CCE seeks to form a community with those that identify with underrepresented minority populations it is open to anyone that wishes to have a more cultural orientation experience.   

Can I switch into CCE if I have already registered for WOW? 

Yes! Just fill out the Orientation Request Form (currently closed) signifying that you would like to switch into CCE.  

How is CCE different than a traditional WOW group experience? 

Cross Cultural Experience groups will have more intentional programming and events to engage with campus resources and faculty that serve underrepresented minorities at Cal Poly. 

Do Transfer Students have to attend WOW? 

Yes! All incoming students are required to attend both SLO Days and WOW. If you have an extenuating circumstance please fill out the Orientation Request Form (currently closed) and request to be exempt from WOW. Please note that your submission is a request and will be reviewed by our Professional Staff before coming to a decision.  

As a Transfer Student will I be placed in a group with Freshmen?

No, you will be put in a transfer specific group. You will be led by two WOW leaders who have gone through additional training on how best to support transfer students during WOW. 

What does Week of Welcome look like for Transfer Students? 

Transfer students can choose between two types of experiences for WOW!

• Small Group Experience: This experience provides Transfer students with the opportunity to navigate the Week of Welcome in a group setting. In the group experience, Transfer students will attend various presentations and activities as a group, lead by two Transfer leaders. The two group leaders will plan out your schedule for the whole week so all you need to do is be ready to participate! The group experience is open to Transfer students living on-campus and open to those who live off-campus as well.  
• Choose Your Own Adventure: The Choose Your Own Adventure experience provides transfer students with the opportunity to navigate the Week of Welcome on their own. Transfer students who participate in this experience will attend various presentations and activities with the Transfer Team available to assist should you have questions.  

  To indicate which experience you would like to attend for WOW, please click here: Microsoft Forms 

   

 Transfer WOW Schedule 

Will students in CYOA still interact with students in the group experience? 

Yes, there will be many times when all of the transfer students will be at events and activities together. Some of these events include Transfer Bingo, Transfe Meet-n-Greet and our Awareness presentations.  

When will I get my PolyCard? Where can I pick it up if I am not in a group?

You will receive your PolyCard during WOW check-in. Remember to submit your photo to the Cal Poly Card office to ensure a timely pick up. All students will check-in no matter if they are doing the Choose Your Adventure track or the Small Group Experience.

What's included in the registration fee?

The orientation registration fee for New Transfer students covers the access to workshops and presentations, materials, schedule, and program staffing. Programs include, Weekly Transfer Workshops (via Zoom) from July-September, Virtual Transfer Advising during SLO Days and WOW Programming that includes Awareness Programming, Big Fall Welcome and WOW Closing, Club Showcase, A concert with ASI Events, New Mustang Gear (SWAG), meals throughout WOW events, participation in various Transfer specific activities, and access to the New Transfer Transition Toolkit platform. Transfer Students participating in “a small group experience” are encouraged to bring with them a minimum of $25 cash for extracurricular activities and snacks or meals that not included with Campus Dining plan.

What do I do if I have to leave early or miss something?

If you are in a group, please communicate with your WOW leaders on conflicts. If you select the Choose Your Own Adventure option, there will be multiple opportunities for you to attend the mandatory sessions. However, if you are unable to attend a session, please contact wow@calpoly.edu to discuss additional options.

How flexible is the group schedule? 

Your WOW group's schedule is planned by your WOW leaders. It is set prior to the start of the week, so there is very little flexibility during that time. It is up to the WOW leaders to decide how much information about the schedule they share with the group.  

When and where do I check-in for WOW?

For transfer students living off-campus for their first year, your check-in days and times are Sunday, August 12 (8/12) from 1PM-5PM and Monday, August 13 (8/13) from 1PM-7PM. It is highlt recommended for Transfer students living off-campus to check-in on these dates to avoid the large crowds later in the week.

For transfer students moving into University Housing (on-campus), you will have a reservation time to check-in for WOW that aligns with your University Housing reservation. Check-in with University Housing first, then at WOW check-in two hours following.

Check-in for WOW is located at the University Union Plaza (Outside of Building 65). 

Where can I find copies of past recorded summer workshop sessions?

The recordings of the past Summer Workshops can be found in the Transition Toolkit on the Transfer Summer Workshop page under "Past Recorded Workshops".

Do I need to attend SLO Days and/or WOW?

• Orientation (attendance at SLO Days and WOW) is mandatory for all new students at Cal Poly. Nationally recognized programming and award-winning leadership will give you the tools for a successful transition to life at Cal Poly.
• SLO Days is a summer orientation program mandatory for all new students. New students will get their first on campus experience as new Mustangs. Make connections with new students, leaders, and your college and explore campus and the San Luis Obispo community in this two-day, overnight event. Sessions occur between July and mid-August. Space in each sessions is limited and not guaranteed until reception of payment upon registration. 
• Week of Welcome, known simply as "WOW", is a 60+ year old tradition at Cal Poly taking place in September leading up to and around your first day of class. Kick off your career as a Mustang with Big Fall Welcome, explore the central coast, learn about your role as part of the Mustang Nation, start on your Journey to Academic Success, and make life-long connections with fellow mustangs.

When and how can supporters register for SLO Days?

Supporters can register to attend SLO Days, either virtually or in-person with their student, starting Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Supporters will register through their student's Orientation reservation account.

When and where will Orientation dates be available to students and supporters?

Dates will be available on the Orientation website and the student's orientation reservation account by April 8. Transfer students will view a pre-selected date based on their college and major.

How do I register for SLO Days and WOW?

Orientation reservations will be available as of Thursday, April 8, 2021. Students and supporters must register through their Orientation reservation account found on the student's Admission checklist. Please submit your payment through the Orientation reservation system to secure your preferred SLO Days and WOW dates. Any pending payments within the Orientation account will prohibit a student from participating in the events.  Click here to learn more about the reservation guidelines.

What do my SLO days and WOW registration fees cover?

SLO Days:

• First Year Students: 

  The fee for new first year students cover the access to workshops and presentations throughout the session, advising materials, day-of schedule, parking, meals (day 1: lunch, dinner; day 2: continental breakfast), one night of housing in the residence halls, program staffing and access to the Pre and Post online orientation platform – The Transition Toolkit for New First Year Students.

  Virtual SLO Days for Students includes all of the above except meals, residence halls and in-person interaction with staff.

• Parents & Supporters: 

  For the supporter of students, the fee covers the access to workshops and presentations throughout the session, program materials day of schedule, access to any virtual recordings and presentation materials, meals (day 1: lunch and dinner), program staffing and access to the Pre and Post online orientation platform – The Transition Toolkit for Supporters. Note: Overnight accommodations is not included.

  Virtual SLO Days for Supporters includes all of the above except meals and in-person interaction with staff.

• Transfer Students: 

  For new transfer students, the Virtual SLO Days fee covers the access to workshops and presentations, materials, schedule, and program staffing.

        - Pre-Orientation Online Platform – The Transition Toolkit

        - 9 weekly Transfer Workshops (via Zoom) from July-September

        - Virtual Transfer Advising during SLO Days

        - Post-SLO Days and Pre-WOW access to The Transition Toolkit

WOW:

• The WOW fee for all new students (Transfer and First Year) covers the access to workshops and presentations, materials, schedule, and program staffing. WOW activities include, but are not limited to Awareness Programming, Big Fall Welcome, Club Showcase, A concert with ASI Events and WOW Closing. Plus, New Mustang Gear (SWAG), meals (on campus) throughout WOW events, and access to the New Transfer Transition Toolkit platform. Students in the small group experience are encouraged to bring with them a minimum of $25 cash for extracurricular activities and snacks or meals that not included with Campus Dining meal plan.

  Note: Parents and supporters do not attend WOW.

What is the deadline to register for SLO Days and WOW?

All first-year and transfer students must register for both SLO Days and Week of Welcome prior to August 6, 2021. We encourage all students to register prior to the last SLO Days sessions to participate in your preferred session. Students that are admitted late, must contact our office by email at orientation@calpoly.edu for further assistance.

Who is invited to attend SLO Days and WOW?

SLO Days and Week of Welcome attendance is mandatory for all first-time freshmen and transfer students. These events are optional for readmitted students after receiving approval from their College Advising Center to be exempt from SLO Days/WOW. Please follow the steps here to register for SLO Days and WOW. For additional information, please visit the Cal Poly Admissions website.

Do transfer students need to attend SLO Days and/or WOW?

Attendance at both SLO Days and WOW is mandatory for all new students. At both SLO Days and WOW, there is specific programming tailored to Transfer students. This is a chance to meet other new transfer students, connect with current students, and learn more about major and resources for academic advising to finish up. It's also a great opportunity to get involved in clubs and organizations on campu, and make new social connections that will last for years to come! Click here for more information on Transfer student orientation and resources.

Do readmitted students need to attend SLO Days and/or WOW?

• SLO Days: As a readmitted student to Cal Poly, attendance at SLO Days is optional. In order to attend you must first receive approval from your College Advising Center. Please follow the steps here to register for SLO Days.
• WOW: Readmitted students are welcome to, but are not required to attend WOW. If you are a readmitted student and want to attend WOW, please call New Student & Transition Programs at 805-756-2400.
• For more information on readmitted student admissions, click here.

Can parents and supporters attend SLO Days and WOW?

Yes! Parents and supporters of Cal Poly students are strongly encouraged (but not required) to attend SLO Days. A maximum of two supporters are allowed per student. SLO Days is a great opportunity to learn how to support their new Mustang, gain insights and helpful resources, and get connected with other Cal Poly parents and supporters. Deadlines do apply, please visit our guidelines page for more information.

Students can add parents/supporters (up to two people) to their SLO Days registration via their student's Orientation Reservation account.

When is the change of date deadline for SLO Days?

All change of date requests must be submitted through the Orientation Request Form (currently closed) no later than Tuesday, July 1, 2021.

I cannot attend any of the sessions or the session I wish to attend is full. What can I do?

Sessions have limited capacity and space is not guaranteed until the registration fee has been received. There is no wait list for closed/locked sessions. In extreme circumstances, students may be granted an exception to change SLO Days date into a full session. To file for an exception, complete the Orientation Request Form (currently closed). 

Do I qualify for a SLO Days fee reduction?

Fee reductions are based on individual students need. The University and the New Student & Transition Programs has worked closely with Financial Aid to make sure we are able to cover the maximum number of students. Fee Reductions are assigned directly to the student's reservation system and do not require any additional action on the student's part for the reduction to be applied. 

My payment is not going through, what do I do?

Our system does not accept international credit cards. We suggest that if you have a credit card that is not an international one, to please proceed with the payment. In the case that you only have an international credit card, please complete your payment via "International Payment (Flywire)" under your 'My Reservation' tab on your orientation registration account. 

How do I go about getting a refund for myself or a parent/supporter?

In order to receive a refund you will need to fill out our Orientation Request Form (currently closed). Refunds are only granted in limited, extreme circumstances. All merchandise and extra meals purchased during registration are non-refundable.

One or more of my supporters can no longer attend, what do I do?

In order to receive a refund you will need to fill out our Orientation Request Form (currently closed). Refunds are only granted in limited, extreme circumstances. To request a refund, complete the Orientation Request Form and a staff member will contact you.

Who should I contact if I do not have access to the Orientation reservation link on my portal? 

The Orientation reservation link will be located on your Admissions checklist within one week of being admitted after our launch date of April 8. Please email our Customer Service Staff at orientation@calpoly.edu if you do not have access to the link within that time frame.  

What do my fees for SLO Days cover?

• First Year Students: The fee for new first year students cover the access to workshops and presentations throughout the session, advising materials, day-of schedule, parking, meals (day 1: lunch, dinner; day 2: continental breakfast), one night of housing in the residence halls, program staffing and access to the Pre and Post online orientation platform – The Transition Toolkit for New First Year Students.

       Virtual SLO Days for Students includes all of the above except meals, residence         halls and in-person interaction with staff.

• Parents & Supporters: The fee for parents and supporters covers the access to workshops and presentations throughout the session, program materials day of schedule, access to any virtual recordings and presentation materials, meals (day 1: lunch and dinner), program staffing and access to the Pre and Post online orientation platform – The Transition Toolkit for Supporters. Note: Overnight accommodations is not included.

        Virtual SLO Days for Supporters includes all of the above except meals and in-          person interaction with staff.

• Transfer Students: For new transfer students, the Virtual SLO Days fee covers the access to workshops and presentations, materials, schedule, and program staffing:

        - Pre-Orientation Online Platform – The Transition Toolkit

        - 9 weekly Transfer Workshops (via Zoom) from July-September

        - Virtual Transfer Advising during SLO Days

        - Post-SLO Days and Pre-WOW access to The Transition Toolkit