Parent Orientation
Orientation Programs staff and student volunteers coordinate three programs annually designed to introduce new students and their parents to the Cal Poly community. Each program has a distinct purpose, providing students and families with the information and support they need at various stages of the college transition.
Admitted Students' Day
April 19, 2013
Stay for Open House, Cal Poly's Annual Campus Showcase, on April 20
Admitted Students’ Day is a welcome event for students who have been accepted to Cal Poly for fall term. The program includes a University welcome, tours of the campus and residence halls, department visits with deans and faculty, a university resource fair, a coffeehouse for parents, and a Friday evening mixer for students. There is no registration or fees associated with this program. For more information, visit the Open House website.
PolyCultural Weekend
Friday - Sunday, April 5-7, 2013
PolyCultural Weekend is a two-day orienation program for admitted students of underrepresented, culturally diverse backgrounds. The program is coordinated by the student members of Cal Poly's cultural clubs and organizations, with support from the university's MultiCultural Center. The Parent Program and the PolyCultural Weekend committee host a Friday evening reception and information session for parents. This program involves a fee and requires advance registration. For more information, visit the PolyCultural Weekend website.
Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR)
Freshmen: July 10 - Aug. 7, 2012 (various two-day sessions offered between these dates)
Transfers: Aug. 13-14, 2012
Out of state and international students: Sept. 12, 2012
SOAR is a two-day orientation for students, parents and supporters. Students learn about Cal Poly's student life both on campus and in the community, the pace of the quarter system, time management, and the importance and availability of resources on campus. Parent sessions focus on campus resources and student support programs, the transition, college student development, and ways parents can support their students’ success during the college years. This program involves a fee and requires advance registration. This program involves a fee and requires advance registration. For more information visit the SOAR website.
Welcome Week Cal Poly is held the week prior to the start of fall term classes, just after students move into the residence halls or campus apartments. The week consists of two programs: Fall Launch and Week of Welcome (WOW).
Week of Welcome (WOW)
Sept. 12- 17, 2012
The Week of Welcome Orientation Program helps new students make a successful academic, social and emotional transition to university life through small group activities that introduce them to new friends, the campus and the community. The nationally recognized program takes place the week before fall classes begin and is organized by more than 700 student leaders. New students are placed in groups of 15 to 20 with two trained leaders. WOW helps students start transitioning before classes begin; provides a number of academic, social and awareness programs; and aids students in forming lasting friendships. This program involves a fee and requires advance registration. For more information, visit the WOW Program website.