Current Students
Scroll down to find information about advising, benchmarks, transferring to Liberal Studies, field experience, graduation, and final degree requirements, or skip directly to information about:
General Information | Graduation | Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
CSET's need to be taken before senior year. Visit this link for exam information.
Advising
For advising questions, please contact the COSAM advising center (53-219). You may reach them by email at csmadvising@calpoly.edu or by phone at (805) 756-2615.
LS 230 Community-based Field Experience
Cal Poly's motto is "learn by doing," and that philosophy certainly extends beyond the classroom. LS 230 "Community-based Field Experience" (2 units) is a course that will aid you in your career decisions. If you are choosing the Elementary Education concentration, you will be placed in a local school, observing in the classroom. LS 230 requires a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer work per quarter. This class is a prerequisite for students who want to transfer into Liberal Studies.
Benchmarks
Freshman (less than 45 units)
1 year of science - Physical Science or Biology series
LS230, LS250, LS270 - completed
Sophomore (less than 90 units)
2 years of science - Physical Science and Biology series
2 quarters of math ending in Math 328
LS / ENGL260 and LS311
Start taking the CSET exams
Junior (less than 145 units)
Step A completed at the end of the junior year
EDUC310, ENGL391, KINE443
LS310 / LS477, MATH330
Senior (less than 182 units)
Step B completed
Educ 436, 430, 435, 431
Emphasis completed
LS 461
Graduation
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement ceremonies are held at the end of Fall and Spring quarters. Students completing all degree requirements in the Winter, Spring or Summer term are eligible to participate in the Spring commencement (June). Students completing all degree requirements in the Fall term are eligible for Fall commencement (December).
Posting your Degree
To receive the official BA/BS degree, all requirements must be met. Students may participate in the commencement ceremony with final requirements (up to12 units) being met the quarter immediately following participation in the commencement ceremony. Graduating students will receive a complimentary diploma. Additional diplomas may be ordered through El Corral Bookstore. The diploma will not be ordered until all degree requirements have been completed. The diploma will be mailed approximately 4-6 weeks after the degree has been awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find out when courses will be offered?
Tentative course offerings for Winter & Spring quarters are listed at schedule.calpoly.edu. For LS students on the Integrated program, courses are listed on the Curriculum Scope & Sequence flowchart.
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What is the minimum passing grade for a Major or Support course?
Maintain a "C" average in Major/Support course work. You must earn a "C' or better In Math 227,328 & 329 to qualify for the SOE Credential Program. See your Advisor immediately when experiencing difficulty in a course. Recommendations or referral services will be provided.
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How can I get into a required class that is closed?
Keep checking class availability via CPReg; students may drop, new sections may be added, etc. If there is not a spot that opens up, feel free to add your name to the waiting list. Then you can "crash" the course on the first day of class. If you are still unable to enroll in the class, see your Advisor to review your class schedule.
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How do I interpret my Degree Evaluation Report? For What classes did I receive transfer credit?
Credit has been given for any course listed on the Degree Evaluation Report on your portal that has a green circle. A yellow circle represents a course in progress and a red circle represents classes still needed. Contact your CSM Advisor for any questions regarding your evaluation report or the Evaluations office in the Administration building.
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How does the University know when I want to graduate?
Four (4) quarters before you plan to graduate, pick up a Request for Graduation Evaluation form at the Academic Records office. Completion of this form will initiate a final evaluation on your degree requirements and set the process in motion for your graduation.
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I am having difficulty in one or more of my classes. What should I do?
You should contact the professor who is teaching the course to discuss any problems you are having with course content/material. You should also contact your Advisor as soon as you realize you are having academic difficulty. There are many resources available on campus that can help you succeed in your classes. They include the Academic Skills Center, Writing Lab, tutoring, etc.
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Which catalog should I follow?
Transfer students may elect to follow either the catalog currently in effect at the time they entered Cal Poly or any catalog in effect during the time they are in attendance, provided they have continuous enrollment. You may be eligible to graduate under the catalog requirements that were in effect at the time you began attending a higher education institution.
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How do I fulfill the Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)?
Students who have completed 90 units may fulfill the GWR in two ways. 1) Earn a grade of C or better and certification of writing proficiency in a GWR-approved upper-division course selected from the eligible classes listed on PASS. Some of these courses also meet GE area C4 requirements. 2) By passing the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) that is normally given each quarter on a Saturday morning. Visit the Writing Skills Program web site for details and dates, or call the office at 756-2067 or visit them at 10-130.
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I need help with my writing skills. What should I do?
The Writing Skills office is located in Bldg. 10, room 130. They can assist you in improving your writing skills and help prepare for the Writing Proficiency Exam.
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How can I be sure that courses taken at a community college are equivalent to Cal Poly courses?
Articulation agreements between Cal Poly and all California community colleges, state university campuses and most UC campuses are available to be referenced in the LS office or on the web at: http://www.assist.org
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Where can I get information about General Education requirements?
Information about General Education requirements can be found in the Cal Poly catalog, the Curriculum sheet and on the web at: http://www.ge.calpoly.edu
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What do I do if I am on Academic Probation?
If you are placed on AP as a result of your last quarters' grades, you will receive a grade report from Academic Records and a letter from the Dean. The letter will state your academic conditions that you must meet during the current quarter.
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Where would I go to find a tutor?
Tutoring information is available at Student Academic Services. For study skills information, go to their web site at: http://sas.calpoly.edu/
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When do I declare an emphasis?
- You will declare your emphasis when you apply for Step A during your junior year.
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When do I take the CSETs?
- You must have passed the CSETs before you apply for Step A. For details and test dates, go to the CSET web site at: http://www.cset.nesinc.com/
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Who do I talk to if I am interested in pursuing an ISMA?
- Start in the Liberal Studies Office, where you will be connected to an academic advisor to help guide you on your path.