Orientation Programs - Cal Poly



The Best Starts Here:
Open House, SOAR, and Week of Welcome

New Beginnings, Developing Leaders, Transition, and Fostering Growth are essential components of Cal Poly's Orientation Programs. We start with new students and their families as they begin their transition to Cal Poly by offering three distinct programs, each with its unique focus. Open House, Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR), and the Week of Welcome (WOW) are structured in a way that provides new students and their families with the information and support they may need at particular stages of their transition to the university.

We pride ourselves in the development of leaders and mentors that are skilled in program design and implementation, event planning, customer service, group dynamics and communication skills, campus knowledge and more. Orientation Programs conducts extensive leadership training to develop a core of model leaders.

Fostering growth of students, whether new to the Cal Poly environment or serving as a leader is essential in developing a successful Cal Poly student. Orientation Programs is committed to guiding the transition process for students from the beginning and throughout their Cal Poly career. We truly believe Cal Poly offers one of the best college experiences for our students, and with that, the best starts here.

Week of Welcome

September 13 & 14, 2008 - Family Orientation Weekend
September 15 - 19, 2008 - New Student Orientation

Visit the WOW website: http://orientation.calpoly.edu/wow/

The Week of Welcome (WOW) Orientation Program is coordinated by staff and operated by students for students, with a peer-helping method that creates a combination of excitement, learning, and new experiences for new students and their families in a fun, comfortable atmosphere. New first-year and transfer students are placed in small groups that participate in activities introducing them to the campus and community for the week prior to fall classes. The WOW experience is designed to assist new students with successful academic, social and emotional transition to university life.

Parents have the opportunity to celebrate with their students as well as have their own questions and concerns addressed during Family Orientation Weekend. We provide programs for first-year students, transfer students, non-traditional students, and parents and younger siblings of new students. WOW is also the host of the Parent's Coffee House during Open House; Summer Advising sessions for parents and welcome activities for new students starting during winter and summer quarters. WOW is a thrilling environment to meet new people, become familiar with Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo, and prepare to start a college career.

Open House

April 16, 2009 - Club Preview Night at Farmers Market
April 17, 2009 - Admitted Students' Preview Day
April 18, 2009 - Open to the Public, Poly Royal Parade

Visit the Open House website: http://orientation.calpoly.edu/openhouse/

Open House encompasses many activities showcasing the excellence of Cal Poly and our surrounding community. Thursday, we host an event preview at the popular Farmers' Market and Friday conditionally admitted students and their supporters are invited to campus. The fun continues on Saturday, we're open to the public, with many on-campus events including the Poly Royal Parade, Opening Ceremonies, Kid's Fair and an exciting club booth and activity area with over 200 student clubs.

SOAR: Student Orientation, Advising & Registration

Various sessions: July 29 - August 17, 2009

Visit the SOAR website: http://orientation.calpoly.edu/soar/

For all transfer and freshman students, Cal Poly holds seminars during July and August with information sessions about registration, transitioning to college life and developing a first quarter schedule.

The Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR) program coordinates these efforts with programs for you and your family. Your path to a successful Cal Poly career begins before you get here.

SOAR for transfers will be a one-day event, and for freshmen and their families will be a two-day (overnight) event.