Returning from Time Off
If you are returning to Cal Poly after taking time away, the details involved can feel overwhelming. Use the buttons below to identify and track the processes that match your unique situation. If you have questions, do not hesitate to email retention@calpoly.edu for support.
If you are looking to reapply to Cal Poly, more information can be found here. You can contact admissions@calpoly.edu with questions about the readmission process.
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Returning from Time Off
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HOLDS
For students with holds in their Student Center, that may impact registration.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Student Accounts
First-year students: Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37
All other students: College Advising Centers advising.calpoly.edu/advising-centers
Office of the Dean of Students Building 81 805-756-2472
University Housing |
When you return from time off, check for any holds on your account which may impact your ability to register for the upcoming term.
To access your holds, you can log into your Student Center and select the “To Dos, Tasks, and Holds” on the drop-down menu. You can click on each individual hold, which contains instructions on how to clear it and the Cal Poly department you can contact if you have questions.
Student Accounts Hold:
To ensure your ability to register on time, upon your return, you should regularly review your account balance on your Cal Poly portal. Payment can be made online through the CASHNet portal or in person at the Cashier’s Office, Administrative Building (Bldg 1), Room 131E.
Students who have an overdue balance will have a financial hold placed on their academic records until the balance is paid to zero. The hold restricts the student from receiving University services, including registration. We strongly suggest reaching out to Student Accounts as soon as possible to explore options for paying off outstanding balances.
College Advising Center Hold:
If you are a first-year student and receive a hold on your account from Mustang Success Center, you will need to meet with an academic advisor from Mustang Success Center and let them know that you have a hold on your account because you did not complete their First Year Success Program requirement. The academic advisor will support you with clearing the hold on your account.
If you are a continuing student and receive a hold from your college advising center, contact your advising center to request information on how to clear the hold on your account.
Student Affairs Hold:
As a student, you are required to complete an online sexual violence prevention training program once per academic year. If you see a hold from Student Affairs, you will need to complete the training to clear the registration hold. To ensure there are no challenges with registration, complete the training the week before your registration date. If you feel unable to complete the training due to being triggered/traumatized, you can receive an alternative training through scheduling a consultation appointment with a Campus Advocate through Safer.
Housing Hold:
As you plan to return to Cal Poly, if you see a hold on your account from Housing, you should notify housing@calpoly.edu of your plans to enroll. Housing will provide instructions on how to release the hold on your account so you can register for classes. When emailing Housing, include your Cal Poly EMPLID or email address so their office can properly assist you. |
REGISTRATION
For students who are seeking to reenroll in classes.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Academic advisors are available to help with this process.
First-year students: Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37
All other students: College Advising Centers |
Note: Before you register for classes, double check when your password expires. Not updating your password will lock your access to your portal.
Before returning to campus, we strongly encourage you to schedule a meeting with an academic advisor for a smooth transition back. If you are a first-year student, you can meet with an academic advisor from Mustang Success Center. All other students can meet with an academic advisor from your specific advising center or your retention specialist.
When you plan to return to Cal Poly, you will need to register during normal registration periods.
If you were close to graduating and do not see an enrollment appointment on your account, you may have been denied graduation. To receive an enrollment appointment for future quarters, complete the Request to Extend Expected Graduation Term form.
If you were on a Leave of Absence, you may not see your enrollment appointment because you only receive an enrollment appointment the term before your Leave of Absence ends. To return early, contact your retention specialist, who can support you with completing a new Leave of Absence form with an updated return term along with any other forms you may need to fill out.
As you plan to register for classes, you can check the Planning Calendar for the term you plan to reenroll for.
If you were discontinued or dismissed, you will need to apply for readmission to Cal Poly, before receiving an enrollment appointment in your Student Center. |
TRANSFER CREDIT
For students who are looking to transfer credit back to Cal Poly.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Academic Advisors are available to help with this process.
First-year students: |
If you took classes while you were away, we recommend sending your transcripts as soon as possible. Your ability to enroll in certain classes may be impacted by the processing of your transcripts. Take note of the transcript processing timeline, as you plan to return to Cal Poly.
Cal Poly accepts transcripts received through Parchment. If your school is registered through Parchment, you can select Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as your institution and your transcripts will be sent directly to us.
If your institution provides electronic transcripts through a service other than Parchment, you can have your institution send your transcripts to cptrans1@calpoly.edu. |
BASIC NEEDS INITIATIVE
For those in need of basic housing and food assistance or issues such as safety and security, sanitation, access to clean water, and clothing.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Basic Needs Programs basicneeds.calpoly.edu
Hannah Steen |
As you return to Cal Poly, you have access to Cal Poly’s Basic Needs Program, which seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to focus on education and success at Cal Poly. In addition to Food Resources, Housing Support and Resources, and Financial Resources, you may have access to the following programs as an enrolled student:
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CAL POLY SCHOLARS
For students in the Cal Poly Scholars program wondering how returning from time off impacts program participation.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Cal Poly Scholars
For general inquiries:
Current Year 1 Scholars: Trisha Hongcharti
Current Year 2 Scholars: Ana Garcia
Current Transfer/Year 3+ Scholars: |
If you are a Cal Poly Scholar, depending on the term you return, your Scholar program commitments may be modified. Contact scholars@calpoly.edu to inform them of your plans for returning to campus and the outstanding commitments you have for the academic year.
If you return at the start of the new academic year, you will have a new Scholar agreement, which you can view on your Canvas page for Cal Poly Scholars. For additional ways to become involved or find resources, you can view the Modules section of the Cal Poly Scholars Canvas page.
Additionally, to have your award reinstated, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. |
CAREER SERVICES
For students experiencing uncertainty about their major and/or career path.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Career Services
General Drop-In: Monday – Thursday, 1p.m. - 4 p.m.
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You can schedule an appointment with your Career Counselor to discuss your unique needs. Career counselors can support you if you are looking to change your major upon returning from time away along with career exploration. If you are a first-year student, you can meet with a career counselor from the Freshman Focus Team and if you are a continuing student, you can meet with the career counselor assigned to your college.
Career Services also offers drop-in hours for resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation through Career Services Ambassadors. |
COUNSELING SERVICES
For students seeking mental health and emotional wellbeing support after reenrolling.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Campus Health & Wellbeing *After hours, follow the prompts to speak with a counselor. |
When returning from time off, you are eligible to receive an appointment from Counseling Services on the first day of the term in which you are enrolled and have paid tuition and fees. If you saw a counselor more than six months ago, you will need to complete a new screening appointment. Otherwise, you can call to schedule an appointment with your previous provider. |
DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
For students with accommodations on file or those needing accommodations during enrolled terms.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Disability Resource Center |
If you have documentation and want to receive accommodations for your classes, be sure to request accommodations prior to the start of the term. Waiting until the start of the term can delay processing your documentation. You can complete the DRC’s Online Student Application form to upload your documentation.
If you received accommodations prior to taking time away, you would not need to resubmit documentation. You would need to just email your access specialist, to notify them of your plans to reenroll. To check who your access specialist is, you can check your Student Accommodations page under your Cal Poly portal, or you can email drc@calpoly.edu to ask who your access specialist is.
In addition to providing accommodations for your classes, the DRC provides support for housing, meal plan, and transportation accommodations. For more information, you can view the available DRC services that are the best fit for your situation. |
FINANCIAL AID
Procedures for Work Study students and students receiving state and/or federal aid to follow upon returning from time away.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Financial Aid Office
Most general questions can be answered via email at financialaid@calpoly.edu or phone (805) 756-2927. Phone hours are Monday-Thursday 1:30 - 3:30p.m. Front counter hours are Monday - Friday 10:00a.m. - Noon and 1:00 - 3:00p.m. |
If you receive any kind of financial aid and you return to Cal Poly within the same academic year, contact the financial aid office to notify them about your return. If you met Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements prior to taking time away from Cal Poly, your financial aid will be reinstated without any issue.
If you did not meet SAP requirements when your time off began, you may need to submit an appeal letter. The financial aid office will follow up with you in case there are other action items you need to take upon returning to campus and you can reach out to your retention specialist if you’d like support with your appeal letter.
If you are returning in a new academic year, you should still notify the financial aid office about your return and fill out your FAFSA or Dream Act for the academic year you are returning. Additionally, please check your SAP status and any holds or warnings you may have in your Student Center.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with your financial aid counselor, you can email the financial aid office to ask to set up a meeting. |
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
For non-transfer students in their first year at Cal Poly planning to return for Winter or Spring quarter.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37 |
As a first-year student, you may be blocked into classes. For questions or help with rearranging your schedule, we encourage you to contact success@calpoly.edu or meet with an academic advisor from the Mustang Success Center. |
HEALTH SERVICES
For students in need of medical support.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Health Services Building 27 |
Once the quarter begins and you are enrolled in classes, you are eligible to receive services from the Health Center such as office visits, in-house lab tests, and x-rays free of charge. You are responsible for labs ordered from an off campus medical provider, Rx’s, orthopedic supplies, and over the counter items not included in basic services such as immunizations.
Campus Health & Wellbeing strongly recommends carrying private health insurance for medical and surgical problems beyond the scope of Cal Poly's Health Services. Each student is encouraged to have their own coverage for major medical, surgical and emergency expenses. Cal Poly cannot pay for off-campus care; therefore, an individual is responsible for those charges. We recommend consulting with an insurance broker to find the best available insurance coverage for you or Covered CA to choose a plan.
You can also meet with a SLO County Public Health Department's Healthcare Access Navigator. To learn more or get help with a health care question: call 805-781-4838 or visit SLO County Health Care Navigation. |
HOUSING
For students seeking housing upon returning to campus.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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University Housing |
If you held your room while taking time away, contact housing@calpoly.edu to inform them of your plans for returning to campus
If you are returning during the middle of the academic year and are interested in living on-campus, University Housing offers an interest list and application to students for Winter and Spring quarter or Spring quarter.
If you are looking for housing off campus, the Off Campus Housing Program offers support, ranging from workshops on budgeting and your rights as a tenant to connecting you with available housing units. |
INDIVIDUALIZED CHANGE OF MAJOR AGREEMENT (ICMA)
For students interested in changing majors or paused their ICMA prior to taking time off.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Your ICMA is accessible through PolyProfile. In the Faculty/Staff approvals section of your agreement, find the “username” for “Approver #1” |
If you were in an ICMA prior to taking time off, contact your change of major approver to notify them of your return to Cal Poly. You can find your approver’s contact information in the Change of Major portlet in the Academics tab of your Cal Poly Portal.
If you are looking to switch majors, you can submit a portlet inquiry for the department to determine if you are eligible to change majors. |
INFORMAL TIME OFF
For students taking 1-2 consecutive terms off.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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| When you reenroll for a quarter, you are eligible to take up to two consecutive quarters through Informal Time Off. |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For international students returning from time away.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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International Center |
If you are an international student, it is important to contact the International Center for advising regarding your return to campus. |
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
For students taking more than 2 consecutive terms off.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Leave of Absence application - Domestic Student
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If you were on a Leave of Absence, you may not see your enrollment appointment because you only receive an enrollment appointment the term before your Leave of Absence ends. To return early, contact your retention specialist, who can support you with completing a new Leave of Absence form with an updated return term along with any other forms you may need to fill out.
Depending on the amount of time you took away from Cal Poly, you may have remaining eligibility for Leave of Absence. As a student, you have up to 6 quarters of Leave of Absence throughout your time at Cal Poly.
Please review the eligibility requirements and submission process. Click on “Take time off.” and then click on “Leave of Absence (LOA)”. |
PARKING PERMIT
For students in need of a parking permit.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Transportation Services |
Cal Poly offers annual and quarterly parking passes. For more information, you can visit Transportation Services for more information on obtaining a permit. Fall quarter waitlists are usually available in early September and Winter and Spring waitlists open approximately during finals week of the previous quarter. |
POLYCARD/CAMPUS DINING
For students interested in purchasing a Campus Dining plan.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Campus Dining |
If you are interested in purchasing a meal plan upon returning to campus, you can purchase directly through your Money Matters portal (plan must be paid in full amount upfront) or you can purchase a plan through you Housing Portal (allows for payment installments through Student Accounts).
If you previously purchased a campus dining plan and would like to roll over your dining dollars into the next academic year, you can purchase a Community Dining Plan for the upcoming academic year. |
RECREATION CENTER
For students interested in using the Rec Center when returning to campus.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Recreation Center |
As a student, you are eligible to utilize the Recreation Center on the first day of the term in which you are enrolled and have paid tuition and fees. |
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
For students employed through the University.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Student Payroll |
If you were away for over one quarter, you can work on campus on the first day of a term in which you are enrolled for at least 6 units. |
UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
For students with and without DACA status.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Dream Center Building 52, Room E-11 |
If you retained your enrollment at Cal Poly, you would not need to reapply for AB540 status.
If you reapplied to Cal Poly after being discontinued or dismissed, you will need to reapply for AB540 status. More information about applying for AB540 status can be found here. |
