Each summer the Architecture Department sponsors the four-week Summer Career Workshop, a residential program for High School students. This hands-on program is highly recommended for high school students between their junior and senior year who are considering architecture as a career. Students are introduced to architecture concepts, and to all five of the disciplines in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Classroom time is supplemented with learning activities and field trips. Participants are supervised in their activities and in the campus dorms by Resident Assistants.

Design Village is an annual design competition for students held on the Cal Poly campus during Open House weekend at the end of April each year. Community College, High School, and other students from around the state spend the weekend "camping" in the structures they design and build as part of the competition. The exhibit in Poly Canyon, and guest lectures are open to the public. For more information on the current and past Design Village, click here.

Cal Poly's Annual Open House takes place in April. Friday of that weekend is "Admitted Student Day," a day set aside for counseling students newly admitted to programs throughout the University, and Saturday is the campus-wide Open House, to which the general public is invited. Highlights in the Architecture Department include the annual Design Village Competition, exhibits of current student work, tours of the facilities, and portfolio review for incoming transfer students. Newly admitted students will be mailed detailed information about New Student Day and Open House early in Spring Quarter.