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Frequently Asked Questions
Office of the Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students strives to provide resources and spaces for everyone to connect to a community and be supported through their college experience.
Who are we?
Whether you're a student, faculty member, or supporter, we're here to ensure every Mustang feels supported, empowered, and connected to the resources they need to succeed at Cal Poly.
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Welcome to the Office of the Dean of Students! Whether you're a student, faculty member, or supporter, we're here to ensure every Mustang feels supported, empowered, and connected to the resources they need to succeed at Cal Poly.
Our office provides a range of programs and services designed to support students in every aspect of their college journey. From basic needs assistance to personal challenges, we’re here to help you navigate university life.
Through our CARE program, we assist students facing obstacles such as mental health challenges, housing or food insecurity, financial hardship, or difficulties balancing personal and academic responsibilities. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out—we’re here to help.
While our office is focused on supporting students, we also uphold the university’s commitment to integrity and accountability through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. OSRR ensures a fair and educational approach to student conduct, promoting ethical decision-making and personal growth.
We also oversee several key programs, including the Guardian Scholars Program supporting current and former foster youth, the Students with Dependents Program supporting parenting students, and the Off-Campus Housing Program to help students secure safe and affordable housing.
Beyond our programs and services, we also play a critical role in campus-wide initiatives, from bias incident response and high-risk event planning to supporting student advocacy efforts. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and thriving campus for all Mustangs.
I encourage you to explore the resources we have available on our website. There are several videos and materials designed to help you navigate our campus. Please take advantage of these resources, including videos that explain key processes and help you make the most of what we have to offer.
We want to hear from you! If you need support, have questions, or are looking for resources, please reach out. Visit our website, explore the services we offer, and know that you are not alone—we’re here to help every step of the way. Welcome to Cal Poly!
We encourage you to explore the resources available on our website. On this page, you will find videos and materials designed to help with navigating our campus.
If you need support, have questions, or are looking for additional resources, please reach out to us at deanofstudents@calpoly.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some valuable student resources on campus?
For academic support, students can reach out to their academic advisors or advising centers.
For questions about student fees or account holds, contact Student Accounts.
Financial aid inquiries can be directed to your Financial Aid Counselor. Additionally, if you or someone you know is experiencing Basic Needs insecurities, such as food or housing insecurity, visit the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative webpage for resources.
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For support on academic matters, such as registration questions or academic planning, students can connect with their academic advisors or advising centers, which are linked below this video.
Questions about student fees and account holds can be addressed by Student Accounts, while questions about your financial aid package can be addressed by your Financial Aid Counselor. You can schedule appointments with both departments by visiting their respective pages on the Cal Poly website.
If you or a student you know are experiencing Basic Needs insecurities, such as housing or food insecurity, please visit the Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative webpage, which is linked below, for resources and support for these insecurities.
For a comprehensive list of resources on campus, please visit our FAQ page for direct links and more information.
What is the Cal Poly Cares Grant?
The Cal Poly Cares Grant provides limited financial assistance to students facing temporary hardships and unable to cover essential expenses due to unexpected situations. Unlike loans, this grant doesn’t need to be repaid and is designed for short-term financial needs, not to replace or supplement financial aid. Visit the Cal Poly Cares grant webpage for more details on eligibility and how to apply.
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Cal Poly Cares grant offers limited financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are facing temporary hardship and can’t cover immediate, essential expenses because of an unexpected situation.
This grant is meant to help with short-term financial needs and isn’t intended to replace or supplement financial aid.
The funds are awarded as a grant, so unlike a loan, they don’t need to be repaid.
Check out the Cal Poly Cares grant webpage for more information about eligibility and the application process.
What should I do if I miss or will miss a class or exam?
If you need to be absent from class, the first step is to contact your professors using your Cal Poly email. Include your name, class details, dates of absence, and reason. If you're unable to reach your faculty or don't feel comfortable sharing details, you can get support from the CARE team via the reporting form. For absences due to emergencies or mental health crises, the CARE team can assist in communicating with faculty.
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If you have been or will be absent from a class, the first step is to contact your professors using your calpoly.edu email address.
You can find your professors’ contact information in your syllabus, student schedule, or within the directory on your Cal Poly Portal.
In your email, you should include your first and last name, the class name and section information, the date or dates of your absence, and the reason for your absence.
If you are unable to communicate with your faculty or are uncomfortable sharing the details of the circumstance leading to your absence with your professors, you can reach out to the CARE team for support by using the reporting form on the CARE webpage.
Lastly, if your absence is due to an extenuating circumstance, emergency, or mental health crisis, and you are unable to contact your faculty, please reach out to the CARE team for support.
Where do I find information about withdrawing or taking time off?
If you're facing challenges that affect your coursework, withdrawing from a course or the term can help protect your GPA and give you the space to focus on your health and well-being. This option allows you to avoid failing grades and can help you get back on track. Students may also consider Informal Time Off or a Leave of Absence for extended breaks. For more details and deadlines, visit the Registrar’s and Retention Team’s websites. Processes vary by student type, and the CARE team is available to assist you.
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Our team connects with many students who, due to extenuating circumstances, have fallen behind in their courses or are unable to continue their coursework for the term. Withdrawing from a course or the term can be a good option to help you avoid a failing grade on your transcript, which could hurt your GPA, and gives you a chance to focus on your health and wellbeing. Overall, withdrawing can be a great way to protect your academic standing and give yourself the space you need to get back on track.
Students may also need to take extended time away from classes and can do so through the Informal Time Off and Leave of Absence processes.
If you have more questions about withdrawing from a course, taking a leave of absence, or need to know the withdrawal deadlines for each quarter, check out the links from the Registrar’s and Retention Team’s websites below.
Keep in mind, these processes can vary depending on whether you're a first-year student, transfer, student athlete, military-connected, international student, on an ICMA contract, or receiving financial aid, and the CARE team is here to help you navigate these specifics.
Campus Assessment, Response & Education (CARE) Team
Campus Assessment, Response & Education (CARE) supports student success and retention by coordinating comprehensive non-clinical case management services for students experiencing barriers to their academic progress.
What is CARE?
The CARE Team (Campus Assessment, Response & Education) supports student success by addressing barriers to academic progress, such as mental health challenges, basic needs insecurities, financial struggles, or difficulty navigating campus procedures. The team works closely with university departments, community agencies, and stakeholders to connect students with the resources they need. The CARE Team is dedicated to helping students overcome extenuating circumstances and continue their education.
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So what is CARE? Campus Assessment, Response & Education, also known as the CARE Team, supports student success and retention by coordinating comprehensive non-clinical case management services for students experiencing barriers to their academic progress.
These barriers can be circumstances such as mental health challenges, basic needs insecurities, financial insecurities, needing to take time off or withdraw from a course, or difficulty navigating campus policies and procedures.
Our team partners extensively with university departments, community agencies, and stakeholders to ensure that students' diverse needs and concerns are effectively managed through collaborative services and support.
In short, the CARE Team exists to support students through extenuating circumstances and get them connected to the appropriate campus resources and services so they can continue pursuing their degree.
What happens when you submit a CARE report?
If you believe a student needs support, you can submit a CARE Report through the Dean of Students or CARE Team webpages. Provide as much detail as possible, including the student's name, the concerning behavior, and any context to help the team offer tailored support. After submission, the CARE Team evaluates the report and assigns a coordinator to develop a support plan. In emergencies involving reckless or dangerous behavior, contact Cal Poly Police at 805-756-2281 or 911 immediately.
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If you believe a student is in need of support from our team, the best way to get them connected with us is by submitting a CARE Report.
The CARE report form can be found on the Dean of Students website in the sidebar menu or on the CARE Team webpage.
Please include as much detail as possible, including the name of the student, the concerning behavior or circumstance, and any additional context that could help our team provide better and more tailored support.
After you submit the report, it’s received and evaluated by our CARE Team and assigned to the appropriate CARE Coordinator.
From here, the CARE Coordinator will work with the student to address the barriers they are experiencing by developing and implementing a support plan.
Please note that if the student's behavior is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening including self-harm behavior, please immediately contact the Cal Poly Police Department at 805-756-2281or 911.
What is a 5150 and what support does CARE provide in these situations?
A 5150 hold in California allows for the involuntary detention of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis for up to 72 hours if they are a danger to themselves, others, or unable to care for their basic needs. CARE can help students hospitalized under a 5150 hold by coordinating support with their network once they are discharged, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing assistance.
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In California, a "5150 hold" refers to an involuntary psychiatric hold, where a person experiencing a mental health crisis can be detained for up to 72 hours in a psychiatric facility if they are considered a danger to themselves, others, or are "gravely disabled" and unable to care for their basic needs; the term originates from Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code which outlines this legal provision.
If CARE is informed of a student’s hospitalization, our team can work with the student and their support network to coordinate support once the student is discharged.
Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities
The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (OSRR) upholds Cal Poly's student conduct code by promoting ethics, integrity, and respect, prioritizing student learning and development throughout the judicial process. When appropriate, OSRR aims to support students in staying on track for graduation, even when addressing conduct concerns.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about OSRR, please visit the OSRR FAQ page or the OSRR website.
If the student's behavior is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening including self-harm behavior, please immediately contact the Cal Poly Police Department at 805-756-2281 or 911.
If you would like to refer a Student of Concern, which may include, but are not limited to non-emergency worries about a student’s behavior, such as signs of depression, suicidal ideation, the intent to be violent, and/or sudden mood shifts, please click the following link.
Programs
Guardian Scholars Program
The Guardian Scholars Program serves incoming first-year, transfer, and continuing undergraduate and graduate students who have experienced foster care or similar circumstances.
We are committed to helping students earn a degree by providing a community of support where students can succeed and thrive.
What is the Guardian Scholars Program?
The Guardian Scholars Program at Cal Poly supports students with lived experiences in foster care, homelessness, or similar circumstances, offering community, resources, and guidance to help you succeed. Learn more and connect with us through our website.
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The Guardian Scholars Program is designed to support students who have experienced foster care, homelessness or similar circumstances. Our mission is to provide a community of support here for you at Cal Poly. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and we’re here to help you succeed and thrive.
We serve students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, were a ward of the court, orphan, or a certified independent youth prior to their 18th birthday.
Check out our website to learn more about the Guardian Scholars Program and how we can support you on your journey.
How do I become a Guardian Scholar?
Learn how to join Cal Poly’s Guardian Scholars Program in just two easy steps: submit an interest form and meet with our coordinator to explore your eligibility and available resources. Start your journey today—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
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Interested in becoming a Guardian Scholar? Here’s how you can join our program. The process is straightforward and designed to ensure you receive the support you need.
Step one: Complete the Guardian Scholars Program interest form on our website. You can either directly upload your verification documents if you have access to them or sign a release of information form and we can help locate documentation on your behalf. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, don’t worry—just fill out the form, and we’ll assist you in figuring it out.
Step two: Once we receive your interest form, you’ll be invited to meet with our program coordinator. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your unique circumstances and how the Guardian Scholars Program can best serve you. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and learn more about the resources available to you.
Join us today and start your journey with the Guardian Scholars Program. We look forward to meeting you!
What benefits and services do I receive as a Guardian Scholar?
Learn about the benefits of the Guardian Scholars Program at Cal Poly, including scholarships, priority registration and housing, access to the Guardian Scholars Center with free resources, and life skills workshops. Join a supportive community committed to your success—visit our website to learn more!
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As a Guardian Scholar, you’ll have access to a wide range of benefits and services designed to support your success. First, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants which can help ease the financial burden of your education.
Another key benefit is priority registration, which allows you to enroll in classes before most other students. You’ll also receive priority housing, giving you access to on-campus accommodations that provide a supportive living environment.
The Guardian Scholars Center is another valuable resource. Here, you can take advantage of free printing services, a food pantry, and basic needs supplies. The center is a welcoming space where you can study, relax, and connect with other Guardian Scholars.
In addition to these resources, we offer life skills workshops and one-on-one sessions that cover a variety of important topics, such as financial wellness, study skills and more. These workshops are designed to help you develop the skills you need to succeed both academically and personally.
With all these benefits, the Guardian Scholars Program is here to help you succeed. Visit our website to learn more and join our community. We’re excited to support you here at Cal Poly!
Students with Dependents
The Cal Poly Students with Dependents Program offers services, resources and supports to pregnant and parenting students in undergraduate, graduate, credential and post-baccalaureate programs.
Growing Family Resources
This video shares resources for expecting and parenting students at Cal Poly, including a Student Family Leave & Time Off Planning Guide, priority childcare enrollment, and free “Future Mustang Boxes” with Cal Poly baby gear. Reach out to the Students with Dependents Program for support as your family grows!
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Are you soon-to-be a new parent or having another child? The Students with Dependents Program has resources for growing families!
In collaboration with the Office of Retention, we have created a “Student Family Leave & Time Off Planning Guide” that can help you navigate your academics. Please contact us if you would like a copy of this guide.
If you need childcare for ages 4 months to 6 years old, we recommend connecting with the Cal Poly Orfalea Family & ASI Children’s Center. Students with dependents receive priority enrollment when space is available.
We also have “Future Mustang Boxes,” available in 12 month and or 18 months sizes. These boxes include a plushy, a baby blanket and two Cal Poly onesies. If you are interested in a box, please email us at studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu.
Congrats on your growing family! The Students with Dependents Program is here to support you.
Priority Registration & Priority Parking
This video shares how Cal Poly students with dependents can receive priority registration and parking support through the Students with Dependents Program. Once connected, benefits like early registration and assistance with parking permits are provided each term without needing to reapply.
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Did you know that students with dependents qualify for priority registration under the special exception category? If you are a pregnant, parenting or caregiving student, please ensure you have connected with the Students with Dependents Program either via email at studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu or through the intake form on our website.
Once you are connected with the program, we will add you to our system, and you will begin receiving priority registration. This benefit will continue automatically each registration period, so there is no need to reapply.
Also, the Students with Dependents Program can also assist you with obtaining a parking permit! If you are not offered a parking permit through the standard lottery system, you can email us at studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu with your name, EMPL ID, and the type of parking permit you need. We will then guide you through the next steps in the parking permit process.
Lactation Spaces
This video highlights the Lactation Spaces available across Cal Poly’s campus, which offer private, supportive environments for nursing and pumping. Many rooms include mini fridges for milk storage, and access codes can be requested through the Students with Dependents Program or Human Resources.
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Cal Poly has Lactation Spaces available throughout campus. The specific location and details of these spaces can be found on Cal Poly’s Human Resources website, under Employee Resources and then “Lactation Support Program.” You can also find the Lactation Spaces using the Cal Poly interactive maps, using the “map layers” function.
Please note, some of the spaces require a code for access. If you need the code, please contact the Students with Dependents via email at studentswithdependents@calpoly.edu or call Cal Poly Human Resources at 805-756-5395.
The Students with Dependents Program has added mini fridges in most of the Lactation Spaces. Students can use these mini fridges for milk storage as needed, and there are labels readily available with each fridge for your convenience!
If you have ideas for improving the Lactation Spaces, please contact the Students with Dependents Program, we are always interested in new ideas and feedback. These spaces are designed to support students, faculty and staff and we are committed to enhancing their utility.
Off-Campus Housing Program
The Off-Campus Housing Program was established to provide students and community stakeholders with connections and resources to improve student success as they live in the San Luis Obispo community. It is our goal to help students make an easy transition from on-campus to off-campus living while encouraging them to become engaged, positive members of the community.
Overview of Off-Campus Housing Program
This video introduces Cal Poly’s Off-Campus Housing Program, which offers students personalized support, workshops, and online tools to help them find and maintain safe, affordable housing. From rental listings to tenant rights, the program is here to guide you every step of the way.
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Cal Poly’s Off-Campus Housing Program is designed to support students as they navigate finding and maintaining housing off-campus. We’re here to provide guidance on searching for rentals, understanding leases, knowing your rights as a tenant, and connecting you with helpful resources.
We offer workshops to help you navigate the search process, we provide one-on-one support, and can connect you to community resources. On our website, you’ll find rental listings, roommate-finding tools, budgeting tips, and guidance on tenant rights and responsibilities.
All our resources can be found at the Off-Campus Housing Program website. You can also reach out to us directly with any questions. We’re here to support you in finding safe, affordable, and comfortable housing.
Rental Timeline
This video covers the timeline and steps for securing off-campus housing at Cal Poly, recommending students start their search in the fall—nearly a year in advance. From budgeting and roommate planning to tours and applications, the Off-Campus Housing Program offers resources and support every step of the way.
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Finding off-campus housing takes time, so it’s important to plan ahead! The best time to start the search process is the fall before you’re ready to move into your new rental. Yes, you have to plan almost a year ahead!
Start by setting a budget, finding a roommate group, and understanding what you need and want in a rental. In Fall, attend The Off-Campus Housing Week events and our Unlocking You Housing Path workshop. You can even start outreaching to properties to get your name on an interest list, if available and in late fall some applications will begin to open.
The Off-Campus Housing Program website has all the resources you will need to navigate the rental market. Once applications begin to open you should be touring places, reviewing leases carefully, and submitting your applications.
Some rentals, especially near campus, fill up fast—so don’t wait too long! We recommend searching diligently with your roommate group until you have secured a rental. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Visit the Off-Campus Housing Program website to get started!
Educated Renter’s Certificate Program
This video introduces the Educated Renter’s Certificate, a self-paced Canvas course that equips students with essential off-campus housing knowledge—from budgeting and leases to tenant rights. Completing the course earns a certificate that can boost your rental applications and show landlords you're a responsible tenant.
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Want to be a more competitive applicant? The Educated Renter’s Certificate is a great way to prepare for off-campus living and set yourself up for success as a tenant. This program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to be a confident and informed renter.
The Educated Renter’s Certificate Program is a self-paced Canvas course covering how to find housing, understanding your lease, budgeting for rent and utilities, tenant rights and responsibilities, conflict resolution with roommates or landlords, and how to avoid common rental pitfalls.
By completing the course, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to protect yourself as a renter and show landlords that you're a responsible tenant. After finishing, you’ll take a quick quiz to receive your certificate of completion, which can strengthen rental applications.
To enroll in the course, visit the Off-Campus Housing Program website to get started!
