Below are the questions our team most commonly receives. Have additional questions? Email orientation@calpoly.edu.
Who is invited to attend SLO Days and Week of Welcome?
SLO Days and Week of Welcome attendance is mandatory for all incoming first year and transfer students. We have saved a space for up to two supporters to attend SLO Days with their new students. Supporters will register on the same session as the new student. Their attendance is optional. Log in to your orientation account to complete your SLO Days and WOW reservation through the student’s Cal Poly portal.
How does a readmitted student request an exemption from orientation events?
If you did not attend either orientation previously, then you will be required to complete your reservation for SLO Days and Week of Welcome. Students who participated previously will need to contact the College Advising Center (advising@calpoly.edu) and receive written approval that will be forwarded to orientation@calpoly.edu.
Which SLO Days sessions can EOP students attend?
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) sets a specific session that Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students can attend. This information will be loaded onto your Cal Poly Portal. If you have further questions or concerns, contact eop@calpoly.edu.
For transfer students, the program is structured into two parts. The first part is offered in-person or virtually to introduce the incoming students to various campus resources and help them gain valuable insights and information that will aid in their transition to university life. The second part is pre-assigned based on the student's major to meet with their college advisors. This preparation is essential for their success in their first semester at Cal Poly, ensuring the student can confidently navigate the process.
Which events can supporters attend?
Supporters of Cal Poly students are strongly encouraged (but not required) to attend SLO Days. A maximum of two supporters are allowed to attend per student. The supporter track offers a chance to meet other parents and supporters, learn about Cal Poly and how best to support your Mustang. Supporters will be placed on the same session date as their student, whether the student selected an in-person or a virtual experience. If a supporter needs to be added after a student has completed their reservation, fill out the Orientation Request Form.
Can parents and supporters stay overnight?
Overnight accommodations are not included in the supporter registration fee for the first-year in-person SLO Days sessions. Cal Poly Conference and Event Planning offers parents and supporters a unique option to stay on campus for one or two nights in beautiful Poly Canyon Village. Find more information and register. Questions? Call 805-756-7600. You can also find more information on the local area, including accommodations, on the Visit SLO CAL website.
How do I change my SLO Days session date?
Complete the Orientation Request Form to request a change to your SLO Days session date. Please note, a $25 change-of-date fee will be automatically applied. Failure to submit payment immediately will result in a denied request to change your SLO Day session.
I cannot attend any of my sessions or the session I wish to attend is full. What can I do?
Sessions have limited capacity and space is not guaranteed until your reservation payment is received. There is no waitlist for closed sessions. In extreme circumstances, students may be granted an exemption to change SLO Days date into a full session. To file for an exception, complete the Orientation Request Form.
If I have a sudden change of plans and can't attend the event on any available dates, can I get a refund?
Orientation events are mandatory for all newly admitted first-year and transfer students. A refund is not available. In special circumstances, students may be granted an exemption and attend a closed session. To file for an exemption, complete the Orientation Request Form.
My payment is not going through, what do I do?
- Domestic Payments: Please proceed with selecting the credit card option listed under the Orientation Payment tab found on your orientation reservation account. When paying, only click the "submit" button once. Clicking it multiple times could result in a double payment.
- International Payments: Please select the International Payment (Flywire) payment method on the Orientation Payment tab of your orientation reservation account. If you do not see this option, and you need to submit payment by this route, contact orientation@calpoly.edu to assist you further.
When will I get access to my Cal Poly email?
Students gain access to their Cal Poly email in the middle of the summer. Essential information will be sent to this account, which is linked to your personal email address provided on your Cal Poly application. Please continue to use your personal email for correspondence up until you have received full access to your Cal Poly email account.
What is the contact information for my college advisor?
How do I download the New Mustang Guide?
Download the “Cal Poly Orientation” app in the App Store or Google Play and search for “New Mustang Guide 2026” before you arrive on campus.
