What is SLO Days?
Our Student Life Orientation Days or SLO Days is the first part of the two part orientation series all incoming undergraduate students attend to prepare them for the start of their journey as a new Mustang. Students will learn more about academics and the campus support resources available to them during their collegiate experience.
First-year Students and Transfer Students participate in different SLO Days experiences. Parent and supporter SLO Days sessions are offered the same days as the student sessions and are geared toward the parent/supporter experience. Click below to learn about the correct experience for you.
First-year Students
SLO Days is an immersive two-day, overnight, summer orientation experience designed to connect students with their peers and the Cal Poly campus.
Each incoming first-year student is required to attend one SLO Days Session. During the sessions, students hear from campus resources, engage in activities with their SLO Days group, and begin to prepare for life at Cal Poly.
In-person Sessions - 2025
- July 1-2; Tuesday-Wednesday
- July 7-8; Monday-Tuesday
- July 10-11; Thursday-Friday
- July 14-15; Monday-Tuesday
- July 18-19; Friday-Saturday
- July 22-23; Tuesday-Wednesday
- July 25-26; Friday-Saturday
- July 28-29; Monday-Tuesday
- August 8-9; Friday-Saturday
Virtual Session — Reserved for International and out-of-state students
Supporter Sessions will be held on the same dates as the student sessions for both in-person and virtual sessions. Students will register their supporters/guests when they register themselves. Students can register a supporter after they register as well.
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.
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 quarter at Cal Poly, ensuring the student can confidently navigate the process.
More information on Transfer Student Sessions can be found here.
First Part - 2025
- In-Person Session
- August 1-2; Friday-Saturday
- Virtual Session
Second Part (Depending on the Major)
- Virtual Sessions
- August 6-7; Wednesday-Thursday
Supporter Sessions will be held on the exact dates of the student session and will be specifically tailored for the first part of the event. Students will register their supporters/guests when they register themselves, and they register as well.
Special Programs
Cal Poly Scholars
First Year Cal Poly Scholars students can attend in-person SLO Days sessions. Transfer Cal Poly Scholars students can attend either the virtual or in-person First Part sessions. All transfer students must attend the Second-Part session as well.
Learn more about Cal Poly Scholars here.
Educational Opportunity Program -
First Year EOP students will attend the August 8-9 in-person SLO Days session. If you are not able to attend this session, please contact orientation@calpoly.edu. Transfer EOP students can attend either the virtual or in-person First Part sessions. All transfer students must attend the Second-Part session as well.
For any questions regarding this, please contact EOP at eop@calpoly.edu.
If you have declined participation in EOP, please log back into your orientation account to find any incurred fees. This information can be accessed through the "Orientation Events" tab in your MyCalPoly Portal. A new price for SLO Days will be reflected in your account.
Please note: This is an application-based program. All participants must have already applied to the Educational Opportunity Program though Cal State Apply and received acceptance. Students unsure of their status in EOP should check their email for notification or reach out to the program directly at eop@calpoly.edu.
Learn more about Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) here.
How to Register
SLO Days reservations will open at the beginning of May 2025. 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, etc.) may have preferred SLO Days sessions to attend. See the Special Programs section for more details.
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.
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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 is not included. To find local accommodations, please visit our Plan Your Visit page.
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 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
Previous SLO Days Highlights
