CLA Transfer Students
WELCOME!
We're so glad you are here! CLA Advising is excited supporting transfer students as they transition to and through Cal Poly.
We have put together some information here to assist with the transition. Check out this information, along with the general information applicable to all transfer students at Cal Poly and to connect with the Transfer Center for campus wide transfer resources, events, and support.
Future Transfer Students
If you're a future Cal Poly transfer student, please visit Cal Poly Admissions.
To learn more about the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly, start with our Future Students page.
Newly Admitted Transfer Students
Preparation
- Do these important things between receiving your offer of admission and beginning your first day of classes in Fall.
- Don't worry about transfer credits just yet. The processing will take some time. You will be notified, via email, when your credits have been evaluated (mid July through Aug). Learn more about transfer credit from the Office of the Registrar.
- Explore these helpful transfer specific resources for recently accepted transfer students. Read advice from Cal Poly transfer students, and staff and faculty that were transfer students themselves!
Orientation & Registration Preperation: SLO Days
Register for and attend Transfer SLO Days in August and Week of Welcome (WOW). During each of these advising/registration and orientation events, you will get a chance to meet your CLA Advising team and your department. We will get you acquainted with Cal Poly and make sure you have the information you need about your transfer credit and fall registration in August.
Prior to SLO Days you will get access to an online advising module (in mid July) that will walk you through advising and registration resources. This will help you to get the most out of Transfer SLO Days and prepare for registration.
Fall Registration
- Review the registration process and tips in your online advising module (available mid July). You can also find details on the registration process from the Office of the Registrar.
- When planning your schedule, reference the Fall Course Recommendations from your major department. We will also discuss this during Transfer SLO Days.
After Fall Registration
- Update your Degree Planner to include your full 2-3 years to graduation. Submit your Degree Plan to CLA Advising for Advisor review and feedback.
First Quarter at Cal Poly
Here are some important things to do during your first quarter at Cal Poly.
Registration (Plan for Winter)
From now on, you will register as a continuing student. The overall process remains the same, but the details will be slightly different from when you registered for fall quarter.
Each quarter you will be given a date/time for registration, which will be listed on the right side of the Student Center, two weeks prior to the start of registration. This date and time is based on your actual academic progress level (how many degree applicable units you have completed). Your level can be found on your academic progress gauge in PolyProfile (link found on your Academics Tab in Cal Poly Portal). It will be updated during week 4 of each quarter.
We recommend that all new transfer students meet with CLA Advising to review their transfer credit, academic progress level and plan for graduation. In many cases, students will also be advised to meet with their Faculty Advisor or Department Chair.
Getting Connected
Faculty and Staff
People to Introduce yourself to
- Get to know CLA Advising as a resource to help you transition to Cal Poly and set yourself up to graduate on time!
- We highly recommend connecting with your faculty advisor right away.
- Your major department's administrative staff is a great resource.
- Schedule an appointment with your CLA career counselor, Laura.
- Chat with our college librarian, Brett.
Transfer Center Events
The Transfer Center is a great resource and physical space to connect with current transfer students, find community, study, and more.
- Stop by their space – Bldg 52 Rm E 30 – for coffee, a place to study or heat up your lunch, to connect with a transfer student assistant, and more.
- Attend a Transfer Center Program or Event – bowling, study breaks, dialogues, and more!
- During October we celebrate National Transfer Student Week!
- Email transfer@calpoly.edu for any questions you may have or for support in connecting to resources across campus.
Second Quarter through Graduation
Here are some ways to get involved once you start feeling settled at Cal Poly.
Clubs & Programs
- Join a CLA club
- Join a club outside CLA
- Participate with the Cross Cultural Centers, Dream Center, Men and Masculinities.
Leadership
Research Opportunities:
- Talk with your Faculty Advisor and Department Chair about research opportunities in your department!
- BEACon Faculty Research Projects
- CSU Student Research Competition
Graduate School and Career Planning
- Your best resource for graduate school planning will be your Faculty Advisors. They have been through it, they love to talk about it, and they have great information!
- If you are a pre-health student, please visit the College of Science and Math Advising Center to discuss your health career plans and journey to becoming a competitive applicant.
- For additional career support and graduate school planning, don't forget about your Career Counselor! They even have great online resources!