Welcome to the Kinesiology Department!

August, 2008

Dear Kinesiology Major:

On behalf of the faculty in the Kinesiology Department, I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to Cal Poly! Congratulations on making a very positive choice to become a student in our quality program and a member in our community of learners. We look forward to working with you.

I am sure that one of one of our goals is similar to one of your own, i.e. to complete your degree in an efficient and effective manner, and, at the same time, enjoy the responsibilities and privileges of being both a college student and a learner. Kinesiology faculty members are committed to advising and working with you to guide your progress to meet this as well as other academic and professionals goals you envision for yourself. This letter contains three important points of information that should help you get off to a GREAT start! Although some of you may already be familiar with planning a schedule and registering for classes, using email to communicate effectively with your peers, and the PREFACE program at Cal Poly, I encourage you read this entire letter to make sure you are as up to date and prepared as possible to begin your Cal Poly career.

I. Planning a schedule and registering for classes

Kinesiology majors must choose a concentration in this major. The department offers course work in a sequential manner. Initially your faculty advisor will give you individualized advice regarding the curriculum; later in your career your advisor will be available to offer advice regarding career choices and other options such as graduate and professional school. In addition to working with your academic advisor, you are welcome to discuss your curriculum and career choices with me at any time or you can speak with a staff member in the College of Science and Math Advising Office in building 53, room 219. For more information about the Advising Office for the College of Science and Mathematics visit their website at www.csmadvising.calpoly.edu.

  • Additional concentration information for NEW Freshmen

Beginning fall 2008, new freshmen students may choose from the following Kinesiology concentrations only:

  • a. Exercise Science and Health Promotion Concentration (ESHP)
  • b. Individualized Course of Study Concentration (ICS)
  • c. NOTE: The Teaching Concentration will no longer be offered beginning Fall 2008
  • Additional concentration information for NEW Transfer Students who want to become physical education teachers

Transfer students who want to become physical education teachers MUST enroll in and complete the following three courses during Fall Quarter 2008: KINE 300, KINE 306, KINE 308. These courses will not be offered after fall 2008.

If you are a new transfer student who is NOT interested in becoming a physical education teacher, then you would choose to follow either the ESHP or the ICS concentration.

If you have not done so already please feel free to use OLA – Online Advising – at http://ola.calpoly.edu and follow a step by step tutorial to learn more about planning a class schedule (PASS) and registering for classes (CPREG). Students can also learn more about the Kinesiology Department by browsing the department web site at www.kinesiology.calpoly.edu. Although faculty and staff in the Kinesiology Department and the college advising office will help you as much as possible, I need to emphasize that this is YOUR degree and that the ultimate responsibility for your success is in YOUR HANDS! Students who do not take advantage of departmental, college and university resources are usually the ones who experience more difficulty, delays and frustration with the complexities associated with planning course schedules and graduating in four years. I encourage you to meet early and often with your Kinesiology advisor so that you can make reasonable and effective progress toward completing your degree.

II. E-mail – the campus "official" mode of communication

Each of you received instructions for accessing email and other online resources when you were admitted to Cal Poly. I encourage you to begin using your Cal Poly email account as soon as possible. Email is the official mode of communication at Cal Poly. Students and faculty share a great deal of advising and instructional information through email. Contact the ITS Service Desk (805-756-7000 or Eamil: servicedesk@calpoly.edu) if you have any questions or are experiencing any difficulties accessing and using all the resources in your Cal Poly portal http://my.calpoly.edu.

III. PREFACE – The Cal Poly shared reading program.

New Cal Poly students read Montana 1948 during the summer and discuss it as a common intellectual experience during fall orientation. Early fall quarter, students have the opportunity to hear the author speak and have their books signed. Learn more about this year’s book, the author, and tips for improving reading at http://www.preface.calpoly.edu/.

In closing, I want to WELCOME you to the Kinesiology Department! Please know that all of us in the department and at Cal Poly are committed to assisting you in every manner possible to make your work and experiences at Cal Poly as positive and rewarding as possible. Should you complete your degree with us, you will be well prepared for the professional world where our placement rate is exceptionally high.

Remember to complete the ‘Terms and Conditions of Admission’ and monitor your mycalpoly portal for information and updates. Please contact me if you require further information or advice. I look forward to meeting you. Best wishes for a successful career at Cal Poly.

Yours sincerely,