What is SLO Days?
SLO Days (Student Life Orientation Days) is the first part of Cal Poly’s two-part orientation program for all incoming undergraduate students. This experience helps new Mustangs prepare for their transition to campus life by introducing them to academic expectations, campus resources, and the support services available throughout their collegiate journey.
First-year students and transfer students participate in different SLO Days experiences tailored to their unique needs. Parent and supporter sessions are also offered on the same days as student sessions, providing information specifically designed for families and supporters. Select your student type below to learn more about your SLO Days experience:
First-year Students
SLO Days is an immersive, two-day, overnight summer orientation experience designed to help incoming first-year students connect with their peers and become familiar with the Cal Poly community.
All incoming first-year students are required to attend one SLO Days session. Throughout the program, students meet with campus resources, participate in small-group activities, and begin preparing for academic and campus life at Cal Poly.
In-person Sessions - 2026
- June 30-July 1; Tuesday-Wednesday
- July 7-8; Tuesday-Wednesday
- July 10-11; Friday-Saturday
- July 13-14; Monday-Tuesday
- July 17-18; Friday-Saturday
- July 20-21; Monday-Tuesday
- July 27-28; Monday-Tuesday
Virtual Session — Reserved for International and out-of-state students
Supporter Sessions take place on the same dates as student sessions for in-person sessions. Students will register their supporters or guests when they register themselves; supporters may also be added after the student completes their own registration.
Transfer Students SLO Days
Transfer students are required to participate in a comprehensive two-part SLO Days session to introduce them to the Cal Poly experience and prepare them for their academic journey.
Part One: Introduction to Cal Poly
Offered either in person or virtually, Part One provides an overview of key campus resources, opportunities, and support services to help incoming transfer students successfully transition to university life.
Part Two: Major-Specific Academic Preparation
Part Two consists of pre-assigned virtual sessions based on a student’s major. During these sessions, students meet with their college advisors to prepare for class registration and their first quarter at Cal Poly. This step is essential to ensure students understand their academic path and feel confident moving forward.
More information on Transfer Student Sessions can be found here.
First Part - 2026
- In-Person Session
- July 24-25; Friday-Saturday
- Virtual Session
Second Part (Depending on Major)
- Virtual Sessions
- August 5-6; Wednesday-Thursday
Supporter Sessions will take place at the same time as the corresponding student sessions. Depending on the session, supporters may be in the same room as their student or in a separate designated space. All participants will be guided by our Summer Crew to their assigned locations. Students will add their supporters or guests during their own registration process. All official SLO Days registration information—including confirmations and parking codes—will be sent directly to the student only.
Note: Overnight accommodations are not included in fees for Parents & Supporters.
How to Register
SLO Days reservations will open at the beginning of May 2026
Admitted students will be emailed with information and a link to register for orientation
Please note that your date is not secured until we receive payment for your session.
Step 1: Accept Your Offer
Accept your Offer of Admission from Cal Poly through your Application Status Portal to secure your spot, which allows you to register for SLO Days and the Week of Welcome (WOW).
Step 2: Pick a Session Date
Select the date that you and your supporter(s) want to attend. Your date will not be secured until payment is received for your session. Please note that students in certain programs (e.g. Educational Opportunity Program, 2+2 Cohort, etc.) may have preferred SLO Days sessions to attend. These special program sessions will be pre-selected and available for the student to register in their portal.
Step 3: Register for SLO Days or Transfer Advising Days and WOW
Step 3: Register for SLO Days or Transfer Advising Days and WOW here or through your Application Status Portal.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Session
Let's make sure you're ready to go!
SLO Days Fees
- 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, 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 are not included for Parents & Supporters. To find local accommodations, please visit our Plan Your Visit page.
- Transfer Students
For new transfer students, the Transfer SLO Days fee covers the access presentations, materials, schedule, program staffing, and access to the Pre and Post online orientation platform — The Transition Toolkit for New Transfer Students.
Frequently Asked Questions and Support
Do you have any questions? Our student leadership team has the answers. Please visit our FAQs webpage or email us at orientation@calpoly.edu
Guidebook App
To help you navigate SLO Days, we use the Guidebook app for all session times, locations, maps, and real-time updates. We strongly encourage all students and supporters to download the app before arriving on campus. Guidebook ensures you always have the most up-to-date schedule and notifications throughout your orientation experience. Download the app here.
