Graduating on Time
There are a few basic requirements that every student needs to satisfy before being eligible to graduate Cal Poly as a College of Business student. You might have already heard some of them, but there are a few subtle ones that may have snuck by you. So use this list to check that you are up-to-date with what you need to be doing:
- Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
- United States Cultural Pluralism (USCP)
- Completed 180 units of degree applicable classes (60 upper division major units & 72 GE units) for BUS and ECON students on catalogs 2000-2001 and beyond and 186 on catalogs prior to 2000-2001 and for IT majors
- Free elective units met
- Your major and higher-ed GPA must be at least a 2.0
- If BUS or ECON major, a concentration declared
- If IT major, an advisor approved electives form signed and submitted
- Your graduation evaluation must be completed and approved
- All course work completed
You can download a Graduation Checklist to mark off items you've done.
Plan Your Graduation
The Orfalea College of Business recognizes the importance of planning to ensure that you are able to graduate in four years. Click on your current year at Cal Poly to view resources you will find helpful to help you graduate on time:
1st Year (Freshmen)
Be Sure To...
- Activate your Cal Poly E-mail address. Go to the Cal Poly Portal and click on "Activate Your Account".
- Attend Student Orientation Advising and Resources (SOAR).
- Become familiar with your Curriculum Sheet & Flow Chart.
Links to Enhance Your Studies
- Academic Skills Center
- Test Office
- Disability Resource Center
- Educational Opportunity Program
- First Year Seminars
- Health Education/SAFER
- Student Support Services
- Supplemental Workshops
- Study Groups
- Study Skills Seminars
- Writing Skills Program
- Start filling in your curriculum sheet as you complete classes
each quarter. See: How
to Edit your Curriculum Sheet.
All students should keep an updated copy of their curriculum sheet. You may use different symbols than the ones listed above to show which classes you've taken; however, if you use the same symbols as the Evaluations office, you will find it easier to read your Graduation Evaluation. In addition, you may find it helpful to cross out classes on your flow chart as you complete them. - Validate your major choice by reviewing Career Service's Career Exploration.
- Draft realistic goals for your Undergraduate Education.
- Find out about Double Counting.
2nd Year (Sophomore)
Be Sure To...
- Continue to update your Curriculum Sheet.
- Begin a Minor if you have an interest in doing so.
- Plan your coursework for the coming year, see Flow Charts.
- Meet with your Career Counselor at Career Services to further define your goals.
- Begin investigation Studying Abroad opportunities.
3rd Year (Junior)
Be Sure To...
- Continue to update your Curriculum Sheet
- Complete a Request for Graduation Evaluation form spring quarter
- Begin taking Concentration classes and complete a Concentration Declaration form
- Complete the Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) once you have 90 units.
- See the Senior Experience Checklist, which begins six quarters before graduation
- Investigate potential Internships / Co-ops
- Draft ideas for your Senior Project & seek advice from your Concentration Advisor
4th Year (Senior)
Be Sure To...
- Complete classes in your Curriculum Sheet & Flow Chart
- Complete a Request for Graduation Evaluation form
- Almost Alumni Information
- Commencement Schedule
- Career Services / Web Walkup
- Exit Interviews
- Diploma, Cap and Gown ordering at the Grad Center at El Corral Bookstore
- Graduate Placement Testing (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, more...)
- Graduate Programs
- If you have degree progress questions visit Graduation FAQ
- Graduation Process