Prepare for Your Session

Get Ready for Your SLO Days Session

Special Programs

Schedule At-a-Glance

What's Included

Arrival Information & Parking

What to Bring

Stay Connected

Get Ready for Your SLO Days Session

Get excited for SLO Days 2020! Below we've put together everything you need to know to make your SLO Days experience the best it can be! Remember to pack what you need, know how to get here, and to check in with us once you arrive.

All information on this page pertains to the following freshman 2-day SLO Days:

July 27-28  July 30-31  August 3-4  August 6-7  August 10-11

August 12 -13  August 16-17  August 24-25 August 31-September 1

Register for SLO Days and the Week of Welcome through the "Orientation Events" tab on your Cal Poly Portal.

SLO Days is for Supporters too!

Friends, family, and supporters can join students at SLO Days via our Supporter track. We provide programming geared towards supporting your student through their transition to Cal Poly and navigating the transition for you as well.

When your student registers for SLO Days, they can add up to two supporters to join them. Note: Overnight accommodations are not provided as part of registration. For information on campus accommodations, check the Parents & Supporters tab!

Optional Add-Ons:

Additional meals: Have a sibling or other relative beyond your two supporters? Grab an extra meal ticket for them so they can join you for lunch! You will need to purchase both a lunch and dinner ticket if you would like them to join for both meals. Additional meal tickets for lunch are $20 and dinner are $25. Meal tickets only need to be purchased for guests not registered for SLO Days such as a younger sibling. 

Please note: These tickets are only for young siblings or relatives outside of your immediate two supporters. If you have not registered your supporters under the "guest" section you will need to do that first.

T-shirts: If you would like to represent Mustang Nation prior to attending Orientation. This merchandise is available online only and will not be sold onsite.

Please note: All new students will receive a green Mustang Way shirt at check-in for the Week of Welcome program. That shirt will be a different shirt than the one for sale here.

Special Programs

Mustang Express, August 15-17

Learn more about Mustang Express here.

• Hop on a New Student & Transition Programs bus in either the LA area or the Bay Area for a ride to Cal Poly’s campus and enjoy an additional pre-session night in the residence halls. Limited bus space, regular session registration still available. Additional rates apply. $325 for participants, cover 2-night on campus accommodations and transit to/from pick up location. Meals only provided during session. 

September SLO Days - September 11-12

Learn more about September SLO Days here

• Can’t make any of our summer sessions due to extenuating circumstances? Attend September 11 -12 prior to the Week of Welcome to ensure you have all necessary information and are prepared for the upcoming year. Space reserved only for students who cannot attend any other session.

Schedule At-A-Glance

Note: Students attending July & August freshman sessions will be provided overnight accommodations in the yakʔitʸutʸu Residence Halls. Learn more about yakʔitʸutʸu  here.

Day 1
7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Students & Supporters): Check-in at yakʔitʸutʸu & Morning Kick-Off at the Performing Arts Center Plaza
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Students & Supporters): SLO Days Programming
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Supporters): Supporter Social
8 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Students): Evening Entertainment and Organized Activities
Lunch and Dinner provided for registered students and supporters. Overnight accommodations for students in yakʔitʸutʸu Residence Hall.

Day 2
7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. (Students): Residence Hall Check-out at yakʔitʸutʸu
7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Students): SLO Days Programming
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Supporters): SLO Days Programming
12:30 p.m.  - 3 p.m. (Students & Supporters): Department Office Hours (varies by department check schedule upon arrival for details)
Continental Breakfast provided (students only)

What's Included

For students and supporters attending SLO Days, here's what's included and what to expect. 

Included in Your SLO Days Registration

• On campus parking pass (emailed to the registered student 2 days before your session)
• Cal Poly drawstring backpack (students)
• Cal Poly reusable shopping bag (supporters)
• Orientation folder, programming materials
• Promotional materials and coupons from our sponsors and community partners
• Meals during programming (see below)
• "Mustang Way" T-shirt - picked up at Week of Welcome check-in

SLO Days Programming

SLO Days programming is designed for students and supporters by current Cal Poly students and campus & community professionals. 

Programming for Students: Journey to Academic Success Student Life Essentials Healthy Habits Paving Your Path Inside the Mind Campus Resources Breakout Sessions Student Q&A Panel Mustangs for Inclusive Excellence One Community Mustang Resources Tour Your Advising Toolkit Time with your SLO Days Summer Crew Leader & group

Programming for Supporters: Transitions & You Journey to Academic Success "Student's Drink, but Not My Student" One Community Campus Resources Breakout Sessions Supporter Q & A Supporter Social  Discovering San Luis Obispo Paying for College (with Financial Aid and Student Accounts) Crisis Response & Sexual Assault Prevention Student Life Essentials Office Hours with the VPSA

SLO Days Meals

All registered students and supporters will receive:

• Day 1 catered lunch
• Day 1 catered dinner
• Supporters only: Day 1 light evening refreshments and wine tasting at Supporter Social
• Students only: Day 2 continental breakfast

Please indicate any dietary needs or concerns during your orientation registration or email orientation@calpoly.edu.

Additional catered meals for guests outside of the registered supporters are available for purchase.

Arrival Information & Parking

Parking passes are included as part of your SLO Days registration. Registered students will download their parking pass online prior to their session.

Check out our SLO Days Arrival Information tab for directions to campus and to download your SLO Days parking pass!

What to Bring

To Your Session: Laptop/tablet with charger (Day 2 only) Government issued photo ID Cal Poly user name and password Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses When it becomes available mid-July, make sure to release your directory information to Associated Students, Inc. through the Cal Poly portal, under the Personal Info tab, under the Personal Settings so that you may participate in ASI activities and use ASI managed facilities.

To the Residence Halls: Freshmen staying overnight are provided with a twin XL mattress and access to the in-community bathrooms and private showers. Overnight basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.). Pillow, sleeping bag or sheets for twin XL mattress Towel  Re-useable water bottle Change of clothes for Day 2 Jacket/Sweatshirt for evening Sunscreen Phone charger Snacks Shower Shoes Any necessary medication

Stay Connected

Keep checking your Cal Poly email for important updates and information in the days and weeks leading up to your session. 

Connect with us on social media @CPorientation and share with us your #CPBound stories.