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Newly Admitted Undegraduate Students

Welcome to the College of Science and Mathematics

You are a College of Science and Math student if your major is one of the following: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Liberal Studies, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, or Statistics.

Students outside the College of Science and Mathematics: If you are a major other than Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Liberal Studies, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, or Statistics and are interested in changing into the College of Science and Mathematics, first consult directly with the Advisor for your current major regarding your options at Cal Poly.

Fall Quarter Registration Information (Entering Freshman - Fall 2016)

  • Freshman: You will receive your blocked schedule on Aug 10, 2016. It is strongly recommended that you consult with an advisor before making any changes to your Fall blocked schedule. If you have been blocked into a course in which you credit for (from AP or IB test credit) or from a college course taken while in high school or this summer, then you will need to adjust your fall class schedule. Please review the PASS and Registration demos to understand how to make changes to your schedule.
  • If you do change your schedule, be sure to print a copy of your class schedule for your records every time you adjust your schedule!
  • After reviewing your blocked schedule, please call the COSAM Advising Center at (805) 756-2615 if you have any questions or concerns regarding your Fall Quarter classes.

https://advising.calpoly.edu/first-year-students

Fall Quarter Registration Information (Entering Transfers - Fall 2016)

  • Please review important advising and registration information found here: https://advising.calpoly.edu/first-year-students
  • Please be sure to send final higher education transcripts as soon as your grades are posted.
    • Send any Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate Exam (IB) credit from high school to Cal Poly
    • Deadline July 15 to submit transcripts (but the sooner the better)
  • Sign up for Student Life Orientation Days on August 14 and 15, 2016.
  • You will resister for Fall 2016 classes on August 15 at Student Life Orientation Days. Please review this website for additional registration information: https://advising.calpoly.edu/fall-transfer-advising
  • During the Student Life Orientation on August 15th, your major department and the COSAM Advising Office will assist you with the registration process.
  • Please call the COSAM Advising Center at (805) 756-2615 if you are unable to attend the Aug 114 & 5th Student Life Orientation Days.

What classes should I take in Winter Quarter?

The College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center Staff will be available for academic advising to students during Fall quarter to help prepare them for Winter Quarter registration. Additionally, each student will also be assigned to a faculty advisor from their major department who can assist with future course planning. Visit the College of Science and Math Advising Center in Building 53, Room 211 or your major department in Fall to find out your faculty advisor. Course registration for Winter quarter begins around the fifth week of the Fall quarter. Plan accordingly.

  • Check out the Majors page of this website for information on your curriculum requirements and to access four year flowcharts to assist you with planning for future quarters.
  • Review your "Degree Progress Report" (DPR) quarterly to determine how the courses you are taking are being applied to your curriculum/degree. You can access the DPR in your Student Center. Click on "Degree Progress" Once has finished processing, click on "expand all" to see detailed information. Your AP test scores (if they have been sent to Cal Poly) and any previous college level credit will be reflected in your DPR by the end of Fall quarter. More information detailed below:

Academic Success Prep

Prepare for Academic Success

Don’t get dropped from your classes. Students are required to attend the first class meeting and to be on time. If the class has a lecture and a laboratory (or activity) you must attend the first class meeting for both the lecture and lab. If you do not attend the first class meeting, your enrollment in the class is not guaranteed and you may be dropped by the instructor. You should confirm with the instructor if you intend to remain in the class. Do not assume that you will be dropped automatically because you did not attend the first session, and do not assume your instructor will drop you because they told you they would.

The following suggestions will help with your transition Cal Poly.

  • Plan to spend 25-35 hours/week studying and preparing for class/lab of class.
  • Go to faculty office hours; each faculty member is required to hold 5 office hours/week.
  • Plan ahead. Keep up with your studying and assignments. Cramming is not effective.
  • Use Supplemental Workshops for Math and for Science.
  • Get help early when experiencing trouble.
  • Visit your advisor(s) regularly throughout the year for course planning and career guidance and so much more!
  • Review your "Degree Progress Report" (DPR) quarterly to determine how the courses you are taking are being applied to your curriculum/degree.
  • Utilize tutoring services in your department or other campus resources.

Advising Resources

We encourage each student to take responsibility for their academic success. The first way to do this is to take time to learn about the academic and advising resources that Cal Poly has in place to assist you in your path to "graduate on time."

Find out about the College of Science and Mathematics Advising Center, where it is, how we can help you, and our online advising resources.

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