supporting our students
Cal Poly is committed to building a campus community where everyone can come together to learn and contribute to a better future. We want to ensure that people from every background and social identity are welcomed, valued and given the resources to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Student Diversity and Belonging
Student Diversity and Belonging is a coalition of campus community centers including the Gender Equity Center, Men and Masculinities, the MultiCultural Center, the Black Academic Excellence Center, the Dream Center and the Pride Center. These centers work together to provide a place of community and to create and promote a culturally rich environment at Cal Poly.
Cultural Pride
Our campus groups work hard to create a rich environment full of events that actively promote history and culture while generating unity, awareness, empowerment and pride.
Cultural Commencements
In addition to the main commencement ceremony, we host seven cultural ceremonies to honor our diverse student communities.
CultureFest
CultureFest is a free event with live performances, ethnic food and activities designed to promote and celebrate cultural awareness.
Dia de los Muertos
Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Latinx multi-day holiday that revolves celebrating and remembering ancestors and friends.
Lunar New Year
A family oriented event that strives to encourage education on the Lunar New Year across Asia through performance, activities and food!
PolyCultural Weekend
Polycultural weekend is an annual event that introduces academic, cultural and social resources to our newly accepted students.
Students of Color Summit
This day long conference unites students of color to explore issues and think critically about our social and moral responsibilities.
Cultural Housing Communities
While living on campus, you can choose to live with others who share fields of study, career aspirations, personal interests or even cultural identities. The Cultural and Identity Scholars Community gives you the opportunity to connect with others and begin creating your community.
Moving to San Luis Obispo was nerve-racking. It really wasn’t until I joined the Black Student Union that SLO began to feel like home. Shortly after joining BSU, I learned about the Black Academic Excellence Center where Black students can go to study, connect and just hang out in a safe space that belongs to us. The people I’ve met and befriended have enhanced my experience and I cherish every one of them.
Student Academic Services
Student Academic Services (SAS) provides services to ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources to achieve academic success and graduation. Through SAS, you can utilize a network of services including academic advising and tutoring, as well as programs such as Cal Poly Scholars, the Education Opportunity Program and more.
WOW Cross Cultural Experience
The Cross Cultural Experience of our Week of Welcome (WOW) consists of activities, workshops and more that allow you to engage with the campus resources and faculty that serve underrepresented students at Cal Poly.