Prepare for the Summer
In-Person Sessions
Student Track - Day 1
During the first day of SLO Days, students will:
- Check in and explore the Resource Fair
- Attend the Student Life Essentials presentation
- Meet their SLO Days group and begin building connections
- Learn about academic expectations through the Journey to Academic Success presentation
- Explore career planning through the Paving Your Career Path presentation
- Enjoy meals in the campus dining facilities
- Engage in community-building and inclusion-focused presentations
- Learn about mental health resources and support services
- Participate in evening social activities such as SLO Nights and other campus events
Student Track - Day 2
On the second day, students will:
- Reconnect with their SLO Days group
- Learn about paying for college and financial expectations
- Attend a presentation on navigating alcohol and other drugs at college
- Explore advising tools and academic planning
- Participate in a closing session celebrating their transition to becoming a Mustang
Supporter Track - Day 1
Parents and supporters will:
- Attend the Student Life Essentials presentation
- Learn about supporting their student’s transition through Transitions & You and related activities
- Explore the campus community and its resources
- Enjoy lunch on campus
- Attend the Journey to Academic Success presentation
- Learn about their role in preventing and responding to sexual violence
- Participate in a Supporter Q&A session
- Enjoy an evening social gathering for supporters
Overnight accommodations are not included in SLO Days fees for Parents & Supporters.
Supporter Track - Day 2
On the second day, supporters will:
- Learn about paying for college and financial planning
- Attend a session on navigating alcohol and other drugs at college
- Hear from Cal Poly leadership during a Q&A session
A full schedule will be available on the Cal Poly Orientation app by downloading "New Mustang Guide 2026".
What to Bring (In-Person Sessions)
- Bring a photo ID to check-in for your SLO Days session.
- Remember your Cal Poly Username and password.
- Prepare to stay overnight! This includes bringing your toiletries and a sleeping bag (or sheets) along with a pillow. Student check-in begins at 11 am for the overnight stay in yakʔitʸutʸu Residence Halls.
- It gets chilly at night so bring a sweatshirt or jacket.
- Closed-toed shoes for going to the Rec Center (required).
- While meals are provided, we recommend bringing a few small snacks in case you are hungry between meals.
Arriving on Campus
The recommended parking structure is the Grand Avenue Structure or Structure 131. Parking is included in the SLO Days fee. Students will receive a parking code for them and their supporters and instructions by email about two weeks before their registered session.
Virtual Sessions
General Flow (Student Experience)
During the virtual SLO Days session, students can expect:
- A welcome and overview of the SLO Days experience
- Mandatory presentations from key campus partners and student support offices
- Multiple breaks throughout the day
- A closing “Now You’re a Mustang” session
When will you receive your Zoom links
A Zoom webinar link will be sent to each registrant two days prior to attending their session.
What to Bring
- A device capable of running Zoom.
- Remember your Cal Poly Username and password.
Stay Connected
Keep checking your Cal Poly email for important updates and information from Admissions. Once you register for your SLO Days Session, you will receive information about how to prepare. If you have questions, email us at orientation@calpoly.edu.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @calpolyporientation or Facebook: Cal Poly Orientation.
Download our New Mustang Guide for more details of SLO Days Sessions!
The New Mustang Guide provides details about schedule information during sessions, with events, locations, and resources along the way! Click on this: "New Mustang Guide 2026" to download the guide. This will be available at the beginning of June.
