Quarters to Semesters Conversion
Why is Cal Poly converting to semesters?
Cal Poly is the last campus within the California State University system to transition to the semester-based academic calendar. At the request of the Office of the Chancellor, the university was informed in October of 2021 that it would begin the process of converting to a semester calendar. Cal Poly's first term on semesters will begin fall 2026.
WHAT'S BEEN DONE?
Campus Plan
Cal Poly faculty and staff have conducted a thorough analysis and revision of the curriculum, policies, systems, and overall business practices for the university. The 2026-27 semester catalog will be published in fall of 2025.
WHAT's HAPPENING NOW?
Current Status
Fall 2026 will be the first semester term. Faculty and staff have been working collaboratively to review, convert, and improve curriculum. Our teams are working to convert all aspects of the change, from IT dependencies to student support services and more.
What's next?
Stay Informed
There's a dedicated website to support semester conversion, which will have the most timely information available. It centralizes resources for students, employees, and community members.
Cal Poly is currently midway through converting from quarters to semesters. This conversion is a university wide effort to strengthen our alignment with the CSU, which is a semester-based system.
Timelines
Conversion Materials
Academic Senate Resolutions
General Information
Students should know that much work is being done behind the scenes to prepare for the conversion. Once the fall 2025 catalog is published, more specific tools will be available for students.
Timelines
Conversion Materials
Academic Senate Resolutions
Resources are being developed to support faculty and staff during the conversion, with even more in the early stages of development. Here are a few current resources that are available.
Timelines
Curriculum Resources
- Course Numbering and Registrar Guidance
- Faculty and Staff Conversion Resources
- Program and Curriculum Conversion Definitions
- Program and Curriculum Templates
- Unit Converter
Academic Senate Resolutions
Communications
Questions?
Cal Poly is committed to ensuring students, staff, and faculty
feel supported throughout the semester conversion process.
If you have questions, please reach out to the Semester Conversion Team.