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 https://afd.calpoly.edu/student-accounts/holds/
First-year students: Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37
All other students (Year 2+ and Transfer 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. 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 re-enroll 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 (Year 2+ and Transfer Students): College Advising Centers |
Note: Not updating your password will lock your access to your portal. If your password expires, please contact ITS for support
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 prior to taking leave and do not see an enrollment appointment on your account, you may have been "denied" graduation. To receive an enrollment appointment for future terms, complete the Request to Extend Expected Graduation Term form.
If you were on a Leave of Absence, you may not be able to view a 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 re-enroll 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 students experiencing housing or food insecurity, financial hardship, transportation challenges, or concerns related to safety and security, sanitation, access to clean water, clothing or other basic needs.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Basic Needs Programs basicneeds.calpoly.edu
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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,Transportation 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 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For general inquiries: (805) 756-5103
Please refer to the main Cal Poly Scholars website for contact information to program coordinators.
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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: Check for current days/times
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Career Services has curated a Career Resource Toolkit for students to access - it includes topics like job searching, considering graduate school, and career specific resources curated for various identities and lived experiences.
Career counselors are here to support you in all stages of your career and post-graduation planning. Appointments range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the topic, and you can make an appointment during your time off.
Drop-In hours are great for students seeking support for the following three topics: resumes, cover letters, and interview prep.
Appointments are best for career exploration, change of major discussions, and more in-depth job or graduation school searching. It is recommended that students explore PathwayU, prior to setting up a change of major appointment. |
COUNSELING SERVICES
For students seeking mental health and emotional wellbeing support after re-enrolling.
| 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 met with 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 |
Even if you do not have verification of documentation of a disability, you can fill out the DRC Online Student Application to initiate the process. A DRC Access Specialist will contact you to request necessary information and schedule an individual intake appointment to discuss individualized support options.
If you received accommodations prior to taking time away, you do not need to resubmit documentation. Instead, please email your access specialist to notify them of your plans to re-enroll. 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.
Drop-in Window: Mon-Fri • 10-12 & 1-3 Phone Hours: Mon-Thurs • 1:30-3:30 Counseling Appointments: Mon-Fri • 8-5 |
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 your financial situation has changed and your current financial aid award does not reflect the change, you can request a review of your financial information through Special Circumstances forms, which may result in an adjustment in your financial aid award. See these webpages for more information: Special Circumstances forms are accessible on: https://calpoly.studentforms.com
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 the spring term.
| 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 both fall and spring terms. 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 |
If you are enrolled in classes at the beginning of the term, 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.
To find community health resources, reach out to the SLO County Public Health department and San Luis Obispo County Health Access for helpful information.
If you are not insured, you may be eligible to receive some medical care through the SLO Noor Foundation. |
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 the spring term.
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 undergraduate students taking 1 term off.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
|---|---|
| When you re-enroll for a term, you become eligibile to take off a future term 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 1 term off.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
|---|---|
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Leave of Absence application - Domestic Student
Leave of Absence application - International Student
Graduate students: Grad Ed grad@calpoly.edu |
If you were on a Leave of Absence, you may not be able to view 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 4 semesters (2 years) 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 waitlists are usually available in early August, 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.
Please review the Rollover FAQs and contact the office directly with any questions. |
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 more than one term, you can work on campus on the first day of a term in which you are enrolled for at least 6 units. |
STUDENTS WITH DEPENDENTS
For students who are expecting or current parents or caregivers.
| CONTACT INFORMATION | KEY DETAILS |
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Students with Dependents Program Hillcrest Building (81) studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu
Courtney Moore (she/her) Student Services Coordinator for Students with Dependents cmoore90@calpoly.edu |
Undergraduate students with dependents have access to Special Exception Registration. If you haven’t already, make sure to contact the Students with Dependents Program and complete the priority registration form.
If you think you may benefit from accommodations through the Disability Resource Center upon your return, please read the DRC section on this page. |
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. |
