WOW
Schedule of Activities

Before WOW Week
Click through the tabs above for daily WOW schedules.
Check back later for more general information.
Printable Schedules
Sunday's Schedule
Monday's Schedule
Tuesday's Schedule
Wednesday's Schedule
Thursday's Schedule
Friday's Schedule
Saturday's Schedule
Saturday, September 12
Fall Launch
Residence Halls
The Cal Poly University Housing Department is excited to introduce the Class of 2013 Fall Launch Program!
Fall Launch will provide on-campus housing students with a solid foundation. Fall Launch is part of the
University Housing student experience and there is no additional cost associated with the activities.
Fall Launch provides new students with the opportunity to get to know their roommates and the other
residents in their learning community through interactive social activities. In addition to all the fun,
residents will be introduced to campus resources, campus dining and the Cal Poly athletics program.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the University Learning Objectives and receive valuable
information about succeeding at Cal Poly.
Visit the Fall Launch website!
Sunday, September 13 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WOW Check-In for New Students
Mott Lawn
New students will be able to check-in for WOW on Mott Lawn. New students will receive their WOW group
numbers, meeting times and locations, and their wristbands—their key to the entire week. On-site
reservations are available for new students.
Monday, September 14 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WOW Check-In for New Students
Mott Lawn
New students will be able to check-in for WOW on Mott Lawn. New students will receive their WOW group
numbers, meeting times and locations, and their wristbands—their key to the entire week. On-site
reservations are available for new students.
Tuesday
Featured Events:
WOW Information Booth
WOW Check-In for New Students
College Connections: Academic Success
WOW Kick-Off
Smile and Nod
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
WOW Check-In for New Students
Mott Lawn
New students will be able to check-in for WOW on Mott Lawn. New students will receive their WOW group
numbers, meeting times and locations, and their wristbands—their key to the entire week. On-site
reservations are available for new students.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WOW Information Booth
Mott Lawn
The WOW Booth is an information booth staffed by Orientation Leaders who assist new students
during the orientation week. The booth has a lost and found, group rosters and daily location
sheets that help new students locate their WOW group at any time.
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (scheduled by group number)
Breakfast
Location TBA
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
College Connections: Academic Success
College of Agriculture – Mott Gym
College of Engineering – Harman Hall, Performing Arts Center
College of Architecture – Dexter Lawn
Orfalea College of Business – O’Neill Green
College of Liberal Arts – Chumash Auditorium
College of Science and Mathematics – Spanos Theater
Each college has scheduled activities for the new students during this time. New students will have
the chance to meet other students in their same major, academic advisors and future professors. Lunch
will be served at various locations during this time as well.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
19 Metro Station, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
Location TBA
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Workshop
University Union, Room 220
Hosted by the Financial Aid Office, this workshop is essential for all new FWS recipients who want to learn how to
fully benefit from and utilize their 2009-2010 Federal Work-Study Award. Visit our Web page for more information at:
www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid or call the office at 756-2927.
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
WOW Kick Off
Dexter Lawn and O’Neill Green
Come and get pumped up about WOW and life as a Cal Poly student, with Cal Poly’s Athletic and Spirit
organizations, hundreds of Orientation Leaders, the WOW Board and special guest speaker, Paul Wesselmann.
Meet your Orientation Leaders and WOW group of fellow new students whom you will be getting to know
throughout the Week’s various activities. Be on time so as not to miss any group activities, and wear
comfortable clothes and shoes!
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Spanish Placement Exam
Building 53, Room 215
This exam is for students who plan to take Spanish classes here at Cal Poly. Simply show up at the
above time and location to sign up for the exam.
4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Dinner
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf, The Avenue
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Smile and Nod
Spanos Theater
Join Cal Poly’s own student improv comedy group for lots of laughs in a fun, interactive show.
11:00 p.m.
WOW Group Activities End
Wednesday
Featured Events:
WOW Information Booth
Classroom Tours Day 1
PREFACE: Cal Poly Shared Reading Program
Respect Workshop Day 1
WOW Day of Service Day 1
St. Jude Letter Writing Campaign
WOW-A-RAMA
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WOW Information Booth
Mott Lawn
The WOW Booth is an information booth staffed by Orientation Leaders who assist new students
during the orientation week. The booth has a lost and found, group rosters and daily location
sheets that help new students locate their WOW group at any time.
8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
Classroom Tours Day 1
Students will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out where their fall classes
will take place. Be sure to bring along your class schedule!
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (scheduled by group number)
Breakfast
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
PREFACE: The Cal Poly Shared Reading Program
Classrooms, Residence Halls, outdoor spaces throughout campus
The Cal Poly Shared Reading Program presents Flight by Sherman Alexi.
After reading a provocative and meaningful book, students discuss it with faculty, staff, and community
members to experience a college level discussion with no grades attached. All students are expected to
attend Flight discussion with a copy of the book, ready to discuss the themes
presented.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Respect Workshop Day 1
University Union Building 65, Chumash Auditorium
A new workshop of activities that set the tone for inclusive excellence, respect and
appreciating diversity as a new member of Cal Poly. Students will see a brief video and
participate in an activity and discussion.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Lunch
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WOW Day of Service Day 1
Various location in San Luis Obispo County
Implemented in 2004, the WOW day of service has grown to become one of the largest community
service events in San Luis Obispo. Students get a better grasp of the community that they have
become a part of through lending a helping hand and serving the place that they will call "home"
throughout their college experience. WOW Day of Service is organized by the Student Community Services
(SCS) office which offers students opportunities to volunteer in the greater San Luis Obispo area.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St. Jude Letter Writing Campaign
Location TBA
Come support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Groups will be addressing letters to
recipients asking for donations to the hospital. You can help a family receive the care they need!
According to their website, "St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never
pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s
inability to pay."
Click Here for
an Informational Flyer
4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Dinner
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf, The Avenue
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
WOW-A-RAMA
Cal Poly Sports Complex
This is the Central Coast’s largest get-to-know-you social. Thousands of students will mingle as they
play games and interact with one another. Picture thousands of people moving and shaking, dancing and
jumping, yelling and screaming! The event will also be emceed by special guest and Cal Poly WOW alumnus,
Frank Warren.
11:00 p.m.
WOW Group Activities End
Thursday
Featured Events:
WOW Information Booth
Classroom Tours Day 2
Respect Workshop Day 2
Awareness: Personal Responsibilities
WOW Day of Service Thursday
St. Jude’s Letter Writing Campaign
Smile and Nod
Hypnotist Bruce McDonald
Movie Under the Stars
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WOW Information Booth
Mott Lawn
The WOW Booth is an information booth staffed by Orientation Leaders who assist new students
during the orientation week. The booth has a lost and found, group rosters and daily location
sheets that help new students locate their WOW group at any time.
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (scheduled by group number)
Breakfast
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
Classroom Tours Day 2
Students will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out where their fall classes
will take place. Be sure to bring along your class schedule!
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. or
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. or
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Awareness: Personal Responsibilities
Performing Arts Center: Harman Hall
Thursday begins the Awareness programming with an important presentation. Awareness programming is
based off of a success and wellness model for college students, meant to increase awareness and respect
in the Cal Poly Community.
Personal Responsibilities
With college comes a great deal of freedom and opportunity, and with that comes a great deal of
responsibility. Students will be introduced to topics dealing with the choices they may be faced
during college and how they can be successful at Cal Poly. The presentation will provide awareness
regarding drug and alcohol use, the choice of whether or not to have sex, safe sex, personal safety,
sexual assault and drunk driving. Students will have the opportunity to consider their own personal
decisions and how these choices affect their lives and the lives of others.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Respect Workshop Day 2
University Union Building 65, Chumash Auditorium
A new workshop of activities that set the tone for inclusive excellence, respect and
appreciating diversity as a new member of Cal Poly. Students will see a brief video and
participate in an activity and discussion.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Lunch
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WOW Day of Service Day 2
Various location in San Luis Obispo County
Implemented in 2004, the WOW day of service has grown to become one of the largest community
service events in San Luis Obispo. Students get a better grasp of the community that they have
become a part of through lending a helping hand and serving the place that they will call "home"
throughout their college experience. WOW Day of Service is organized by the Student Community Services
(SCS) office which offers students opportunities to volunteer in the greater San Luis Obispo area.
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St. Jude Letter Writing Campaign
Location TBA
Come support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Groups will be addressing letters to
recipients asking for donations to the hospital. You can help a family receive the care they need!
According to their website, "St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never
pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s
inability to pay."
Click Here for
an Informational Flyer
4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Dinner
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf, The Avenue
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. or
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Smile and Nod
Black Box Theater Building 45, Room 212
Join Cal Poly's own student improv comedy group for lots of laughs in a fun and interactive show.
7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. or
9:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Hypnotist Bruce McDonald
University Union Building 65, Chumash Auditorium
Come enjoy a fun and comedic show to find out what getting hypnotized is all about! The astounding
Bruce McDonald is back as our hypnotist. He has been here many times in the past and always puts on a
magnificent show!
9:00 p.m. -10:30 p.m.
Movie Under the Stars
Cal Poly Recreation Center Field
Relax under the stars, curl up with a few blankets, munch on some popcorn and enjoy a showing of
The Sandlot on a giant outdoor screen. This event is always a blast, but be sure to dress cozy and
warm. It can get chilly out there!
11:00 p.m.
WOW Group Activities End
Friday
Featured Events:
WOW Information Booth
Classroom Tours Day 3
Awareness: SLO Life and Respect
SLO Bound 2009: SLO Necessities
Smile and Nod
Hypnotist Bruce McDonald
Spoken Word Poetry
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WOW Information Booth
Mott Lawn
The WOW Booth is an information booth staffed by Orientation Leaders who assist new students
during the orientation week. The booth has a lost and found, group rosters and daily location
sheets that help new students locate their WOW group at any time.
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (scheduled by group number)
Breakfast
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.
Classroom Tours Day 3
Students will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out where their fall classes
will take place. Be sure to bring along your class schedule!
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. or
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. or
10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m. or
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Awareness: SLO Life & Respect
Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall
University Union, Chumash Auditorium
Friday continues the Awareness programming with an important presentation. Awareness programming is
based off of a success and wellness model for college students, meant to increase awareness and respect
in the Cal Poly Community.
SLO Life & Respect
This presentation is a sequel to the Campus Life & Respect presentation students saw at SOAR. It is all
about getting acclimated to Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo life. Learn about what the university and the
town have to offer while hearing about diversity, academics and community awareness from current
students and the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. (scheduled by group)
Depart for Downtown via Bus (Lunch included)
Performing Arts Center Circle
Immerse yourself in a new community! Take a bus to a WOW-exclusive lunch in Mitchell Park. Learn how to
use the SLO Transit buses which are free with your Cal Poly ID card. Lunch, which is part of the
Zero-Waste program designed for greater sustainability, will be served by Campus Dining as a prelude to
SLO Bound 2009.
11:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (scheduled by group)
SLO Bound 2009: SLO Necessities
Downtown San Luis Obispo
Students experience a unique introduction to the San Luis Obispo community by
taking a leisurely stroll downtown and visiting participating businesses through San Luis Obispo.
Students will have the opportunity to learn more about local restaurants, shops, resources, landmarks,
and the history of San Luis Obispo.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Lunch
Included as part of SLO Bound
2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (scheduled by group)
Depart for Cal Poly via Bus
Mitchell Park
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Dinner
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf, The Avenue
7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. or
9:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Hypnotist Bruce McDonald
University Union Building 65, Chumash Auditorium
Come enjoy a fun and comedic show to find out what getting hypnotized is all about! The astounding
Bruce McDonald is back as our hypnotist. He has been here many times in the past and always puts on a
magnificent show!
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. or
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Smile and Nod
Black Box Theater Building 45, Room 212
Join Cal Poly's own student improv comedy group for lots of laughs in a fun and interactive show.
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. or
9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Spoken Word Poetry
Spanos Theatre
Come and find out how words will change the world at WOW's Spoken Word
Poetry event, showcasing three nationally recognized poets: Steve Connell, Sonya
Renee and Sekou. This is an undeniably phenomenal event that is sure to keep
you entranced. Come to one of two shows on Friday and find out why
poetry is contagious.
11:00 p.m.
WOW Group Activities End
Saturday
Featured Events:
WOW Information Booth
WOW Day of Service Day 3 – Beach Clean-Up
Awareness: Coping with Stress
WOW Block Party
WOW Closing
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WOW Information Booth
Mott Lawn
The WOW Booth is an information booth staffed by Orientation Leaders who assist new students
during the orientation week. The booth has a lost and found, group rosters and daily location
sheets that help new students locate their WOW group at any time.
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (scheduled by group number)
Breakfast
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WOW Day of Service Day 3 – Beach Clean-up
About 100 WOW Leaders and WOWies will be taking part in a county-wide beach clean-up.
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. or
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. or
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Awareness: Coping with Stress
Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall
Saturday concludes the Awareness programming for the week with an
important wrap-up presentation. Awareness programming is based off of a success and wellness model for
college students, meant to increase awareness and respect in the Cal Poly Community.
Coping with Stress
Stress is a natural part of college life, and every student will experience various levels of stress
throughout his or her time at Cal Poly. Students will have the opportunity to explore their personal
stressors, learn about resources available to them and find comfort in the commonalities that Cal Poly
students share.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Lunch
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WOW Block Party
Dexter Lawn
Over 200 student-run clubs and organizations join forces with Student Life & Leadership and ASI to take
over the Dexter Lawn area with information booths, club performances, games, giveaways and live music in
the 5th annual WOW Block Party!
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (scheduled by group number)
Dinner
19 Metro Station, VG Café, Sandwich Factory, Baja Surf
7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
WOW Closing
TBA
1:00 a.m.
WOW Group Activities End
Resources Schedule
Cal Poly Admissions Office
Building 1
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cal Poly Parent Program: Out-of-State Parent Welcome Reception
Rossi Grand Lobby, Performing Arts Center
Sunday, September 13: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Cornel N. Morton hosts this reception to welcome parents and families of students who are coming to Cal Poly from outside the State of California. Out-of-state parents will be introduced to resources in the Division of Student Affairs that are available to support student success.
Cal Poly Parent Program Welcome Tent
Spanos Theatre Plaza
Saturday, September 12: 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 13: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cal Poly parents and Parent Program staff are available to introduce new families to our services. Stop by to ask questions, purchase a Parent Handbook, and sign-up to win a Parents’ Weekend package for the October 24th event.
Cal Poly Pride Center
University Union, Building 65
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Disability Resource Center
Student Services Building 124, Room 119
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Disability Resource Center will be open daily between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. DRC staff will be available to answer general questions for those students having inquires about support services. However, advance appointments are strongly encouraged for students anticipating a need for temporary or permanent support services. To arrange for an appointment, students should contact (805) 756-1395.
A New DRC Student Orientation and Open House occurs on Monday, September 14, 2009, from 11am – 1pm.
El Corral Bookstore
University Union, Building 65
Saturday, September 12: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 13: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, September 14 to Thursday, September 17: 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
El Corral Bookstore offers all required courseware and supplies along with educationally priced computers and computer software, Cal Poly insignia merchandise, books of local interest and Residence Hall room supplies. Textbook reservation pick-up for WOW is September 12 & 13 at Vista Grande restaurant. All other reservations will be available September 19 & 20 at the Avenue.
Financial Aid Office
Administration Building 1, Room 212
Telephone: (805) 756-2927
Monday, September 14 to Thursday, September 17: 9 a.m. -12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Walk-Up Window
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Health Center
Health Center, Building 27
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, September 14: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 17: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, September 18: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
International Education and Programs
Building 38, Room 145
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities
Student Services Building 124, Room 127
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 8:30-4:40
Students will be able to ask questions and receive information regarding student rights and responsibilities, the student code of conduct, and the student discipline process.
PolyCard & Customer Service Office
Building 19 Atrium
Monday, September 14 to Saturday, September 19: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PolyCard photos will be taken throughout the week. The card serves as the official identification for the University and provides students with access to Robert E. Kenned Library, the Recreation Center, check-writing privileges, dining plans, the Campus Express Club and other specified needs.
Cal Poly Recreation Center
Building 43
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 19: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Explore your Rec Center: entrance located next to Health Center
• Weight & cardio equipment
• Gym courts
• Pool / water basketball
• Sand volleyball
For class and program information, please visit www.asi.calpoly.edu
PolyCard is required for access to the Recreation Center.
Robert E. Kennedy Library
Building 35
Monday, September 14 to Friday, September 18: 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
University Union
Building 65
Monday, September 14 to Thursday, September 17: 6:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m.
Friday, September 18: 6:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 19: 8:00 a.m. -1:00 a.m.