Academic Support
Learn by Doing defines Cal Poly academics. There are a wide range of academic support services such as tutoring, advising, presentation and essay help, and more to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.
Multicultural Engineering Program
The Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) provides academic, personal and professional support services to underrepresented engineering students. Through academic advising, tutoring, a 24-hour study and computer lab, networking and mentorship opportunities and more, MEP is a resource that can help you build community and feel supported throughout your academic career.
Academic Advising
Our advising centers can you help you plan your schedule, plan and track your degree progress, change your major and more.
First-Generation Student Resources
First-generation students can find campus resources and support as well as connections to the broader first-gen community at Cal Poly.
Student Academic Services
Student Academic Services provides a network of services and programs to help you achieve academic success.
Francis Villablanca, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor | Biology Sciences
I really enjoy reaching out to and advising Latinx students, plus just holding space for them. I was once a transfer student, who eventually found a passion for research and teaching as I worked my way through school. Back in those days no one knew I was bi-cultural, bi-lingual, and was letting them butcher my last name. It was a liability. Today, I unabashedly express my identity. My intent is to help students recognize that I understand where they are coming from, while advocating for Latinx and Indigenous communities, and the transformative role of education. By being present I hope they can see some of themselves in me, and some of themselves at this institution.
Career & Professional Development
Resources, training and advice are available to help you reach your professional goals. Our campus organizations offer career advising and exploration, job and internship placement, career fairs, professional development, mentorship opportunities, mock interviews, resume review and more.
Spanish Debate Team
The Spanish Language Debate Team encourages critical thinking, reasoning and public speaking skills in multiple languages and competes at a national level.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers provides opportunities for academic, professional and personal growth for its members.
Latinx Business Student Association
The Latinx Business Student Association connects business students with each other to build community, enhance skillsets, grow networks and stay connected.
Chicanx Latinx Faculty Staff Association
The Association provides an atmosphere of support, advocacy, understanding and "familia" among Chicana Latino faculty, staff and the wider university community.
Latinos in Agriculture
Latinos in Agriculture empowers minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences by promoting and providing opportunities for academic and professional advancement.
Career Services
Career Services contains resources that can assist you in finding jobs and internships as well as offers career counseling, interview and resume help and more.
When I first came to Cal Poly, I was scared I would have a hard time transitioning and making friends because I knew absolutely no one. Poly Cultural Weekend helped establish the foundations of many of my friendships. During WOW, I also got involved with Cross Cultural Experience, which allowed me to create even more vital connections and friendships and opened numerous doors to me.
Clubs and Community
There are a variety of places, groups and organizations on our campus that provide a supportive environment for you to connect and build your community.
Latinx Cultural Association
The newly established Latinx Cultural Association provides a safe and welcoming environment for all to learn, share and experience Latinx culture and practices. Meetings and events are a great place to be yourself, meet new people and create community.
Student Diversity and Belonging
Student Diversity and Belonging is a coalition of campus centers that work together to provide a place of community and create a culturally rich environment.
Cultural Clubs
Getting involved with one of our many student-run cultural clubs are a great way for you to make connections and find your community.
Greek Organizations
Diverse social fraternities and sororities such as Gamma Zeta Alpha or Lambda Sigma Gamma can help you form lifelong friendships while serving your community.
Cultural Housing Communities
While living on campus, you can choose to live in residential learning community with others who share your field of study, career aspirations, personal interests or cultural identity.
Juan Vergara
English Major | Spanish Major
Coming to Cal Poly was definitely a challenge due to the disparity in its ethnic demographic. Finding Latinx identifying friends was hard, but through the Multicultural Center, Spanish Debate Team, and Latinos in Agriculture I was able to connect with many people and be a part of multiple inclusive communities. Taking the time to experience and try out different groups and clubs definitely helped me find an environment in which I feel comfortable and appreciated.
Cultural pride and Events
Our campus groups, clubs and other organizations create a rich environment of annual and seasonal events that celebrate and educate the campus community on Latinx culture and history.
