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| Frequently Asked Questions |
Application and Assignments
Computer in the Residence Halls Dining
General Housing Questions
Learning Communities
Miscellaneous Parking Payments
Roommates
Rooms
Safety
Summer When do I apply for on-campus housing? For dates and checklists for all quarters and class levels please click here. Please note for Fall: Admissions completes the selection and notification process for Fall regular decision applicants by April 1st. The Admissions Office will notify admitted students via e-mail, the date the 'Housing Application System' will be available on their Portal/Housing Tab page. Only students who "accept" their offer of Admission will be able to apply for on-campus housing. Please check your http://my.calpoly.edu Portal often for updates and current information. On-campus housing fills quickly based on the variance in numbers of new students admitted each year and cannot be guaranteed to any class level, including freshmen. On-campus housing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, as space and demand allow. On-campus housing options for incoming freshmen include double and triple rooms in Residence Halls and private bedrooms in apartments. How do I apply for on-campus housing? Students who have accepted their admission to Cal Poly can apply for on-campus housing by entering the Cal Poly portal (my.calpoly.edu) using their Cal Poly portal user name and password. Students select the "Housing" tab then the "Housing Application System." Students should follow the instructions provided to submit their application online. At the same time that students apply for housing, they can print out both the "Student Housing License Agreement" and the "Form 65" (rules and regulations that must be followed when living on campus). The printout of the Student Housing License Agreement should be signed by the student, and by one parent if the student is under 18 years, and mail to the State Cashier's Office (see License Agreement for address) along with either the Fall Quarter installment payment or mark the Financial Aid box as method of payment. Students and parents should keep the copy of the FORM 65 and read thoroughly before signing the "Student Housing License Agreement." What information will I need to provide on the Housing application? Students will have the opportunity to make their hall preferences and roommate choice when they apply. Students will also be asked the following question regarding their roommate preference:
In addition, before viewing their room assignment on-line in mid-August, students will need to have submitted their emergency contact/medical information through the on-line Housing application system. What is the Housing Identification Number? In an effort to protect students Cal Poly Housing, as well as the University, generates IDs that will allow students to move away from using their personal Social Security number. Students who apply online for Housing will be provided an HID (Housing Identification Number) for roommate matching purposes. When do we get the Fall housing assignments? Fall Housing assignments are finalized throughout the summer and are normally posted online mid-August. To view the room assignment, students reaccess the housing application system through the Cal Poly web portal. All rooms have direct, high-speed internet access (Ethernet) to the Cal Poly Computer Network and the Internet at no additional charge. Students wishing to connect to the campus network will need to purchase a 10/100Base-T Ethernet card. Access by modem and phone line is NOT available in the residence halls. Beginning Fall Quarter 2005 the University will be implementing a network security solution from Cisco Systems. This new system is one of a series of steps being taken by ResNet to help improve the quality of networking in the residence halls and enhance the overall security of the campus network. It is recommended that students moving into any on-campus housing facility read the entire CISCO CLEAN ACCESS information section of the ResNet Homepage. Are on-campus residents required to purchase a Dining Plan? 1. All Freshmen who live on-campus, either in Residence Halls or Apartments, are required to purchase a dining plan. All dining plans have "plus" dollars. See Campus Dining for dining plans, costs and due dates. 2. Transfer and Continuing students living in the Cerro Vista Apartments can purchase optional dining plans if desired, or sign up for Campus Express. 3. Continuing students living in the Poly Canyon Village Apartments can enjoy the convenience of an optional on-campus food program. Students utilizing this program can eat at any on-campus food venue including the restaurants scheduled to be located in Poly Canyon. For more information click here. For students with special dietary requirements, food allergies, or other dietary concerns, please contact Campus Dining at (805) 756-1175. How do I purchase a Dining Plan? Convenient and flexible Dining Plans are provided for students living on campus. Freshmen sign up for their mandatory Dining Plans, after you've been accepted into Housing by clicking on the Dining Plan Channel at https://my.calpoly.edu . Access to Dining Plan Registration via the Cal Poly Portal is only available after registration and payment for on campus housing has been received and processed by the University. For more information about meal plans click here. Where can I use my Dining Plan? You can use your Dining Credits and Plu$ Dollars at several locations dining locations and hours of operation from Campus Dining. Beginning in the Fall of 2008 several more dining options will be available at Poly Canyon Village. Can I buy a Dining Plan if I'm living off-campus ? The Campus Express Club is a wise choice for students living off campus. Add value to your Campus Express Club membership at www.calpolycorporation.org/express and then use it at restaurants on campus, El Corral Bookstore, Health Services, Pony Prints in Kennedy Library and for printing at campus computer labs. Who is eligible to live on campus? Students who have accepted their admission to Cal Poly are eligible to apply to live on-campus. To secure a space on campus, students need to have their "admissions acceptance" on record with Cal Poly Admissions. The "admissions acceptance" to Cal Poly can be accessed via the "Accept/Decline" link on the student's portal account. *It is recommended that students who desire to live on-campus, not delay in making on-campus housing arrangements. Housing is not guaranteed and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Are Freshmen guaranteed housing? Freshmen students are NOT guaranteed on-campus housing. On-campus housing fills quickly based on the variance in numbers of new students admitted each year. Cal Poly and University Housing are committed to providing housing to as many new students as possible; however, on-campus housing space is limited and cannot be guaranteed to any class level, including freshmen. University Housing operates on a first-come, first-served basis as space and demand allow, so keep an eye on dates and schedules. On-campus housing options for incoming freshmen include residence halls (double and triple rooms) and apartments (single bedrooms). What about housing for my second year? All Freshmen will have the opportunity to apply for the lottery to live in Cal Poly's on-campus Poly Canyon Village apartments for their second year. Continuing Cal Poly students who have not lived on campus must attend a mandatory informational meeting to be eligible for the lottery. For students who are interested in living off-campus, the Cal Poly University Housing Department sponsors an Off-Campus Housing Fair during Spring Quarter. The Fair is designed to assist students by providing off-campus housing resources and rental market information. In addition, students are provided "Cal Poly's Guide for Living Independently." This free guide provides students with helpful tips regarding roommates, lease and rental agreements, tenant/landlord issues, and tips for the moving-in and moving-out process. Why should I live on-campus instead of off-campus? Living on-campus is convenient and exciting. Here are just a few of the benefits:
Can I stay for one quarter only?
Are halls and apartments open during the quarter breaks? The periods of occupancy are indicated on the Housing License Agreement. For the academic year, the halls and apartments are open during Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks but are closed for Winter Break (mid-December through early January). During the Winter Break, students may leave their belongings in their rooms, but they are not allowed access into their hall, room or apartment(unless emergency entry is required and is coordinated with University Housing). It is recommended that residents take home valuable belongings during this break. Residence halls and apartments are closed during Winter break to help ensure students' personal safety and for cost-saving measures which enable University Housing to offer the lowest housing rate possible for our residents. Students with Disabilities or Special Needs
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC), the primary campus resource for students with disabilities. The DRC provides services for students in an environment emphasizing access over accommodations. Students seeking assistance should contact the DRC as soon as possible at drc@calpoly.edu or (805) 756-1395. Many of our residence halls and on-campus apartments are accessible to students with physical disabilities. Be sure to notify University Housing if you need accommodations such as wheelchair accessible facilities, devices/alarms for hearing impairments, etc. If you have a disability or special need that may require special housing considerations, please submit a written description of your needs as soon as possible to housing@calpoly.edu. Early notification and complete information about your needs allows us to best assist you. Any required supporting medical documentation must be sent to the Disability Resource Center (http://drc.calpoly.edu/).
If you have special dietary requirements, food allergies, or other food concerns, please contact Campus Dining at (805) 756-1175. What about married / family housing? Cal Poly's University Housing does not offer married or family housing. To find off-campus housing, please see the following resources:
How do I decide which Learning Community to live in? Cal Poly's offers three excellent programs: "The Living Learning Program," associated with South Mountain Halls, also known as the "Redbricks," "Connections," associated with the Sierra Madre and Yosemite Residence Halls, and "Transitions," associated with the Cerro Vista apartment complex. During the online Housing application process, applicants are provided the opportunity to list, in order of preference, three Learning Community choices. To help make their preferences, applicants can take a virtual tour of the residence halls and apartments by visiting the Housing Website. Cal Poly's residence halls and apartments are locked 24/7 and access into each building is by residents using their keys. For the security of students living on campus, campus tours do not include the residence halls or apartments, EXCEPT during Cal Poly's OPEN HOUSE and during the traditional high school spring breaks (Spring Break Tours), when Cal Poly's Housing Office conducts guided tours. Please note:
What if I change my mind about which Learning Community I want to live in? If a student later changes their mind about their Learning Community, roommate preferences, or meets someone they would like to room with, they can go back into the application system and make changes to their application without affecting their original application date. For last date to make edits to the housing application (i.e., hall choices, roommates, etc.) before assignments are finalized see Housing Application Checklist. What types of social activities occur in the Learning Communities? Activities such as barbecues, casino nights, coffeehouses, semi-formals, beach bonfires, and various recreational tournaments have occurred in the past. Students have a chance to plan their own activities by participating in Hall Council. What about receiving mail and packages? Distribution Services (the University's mail center) receives all mail/packages sent to students living in on-campus housing. Mail Delivery: Mail sent through the United States Postal Service- USPS Mail (i.e., letters, cards, postcards) will be delivered first to Distribution Services and then forwarded to the front desk of the student's hall and sorted into the student's mailbox (which are small, letter-sized boxes.) Package Delivery for the Residence Halls and Cerro Vista Apartments: Packages, oversized envelopes, and boxes that have been sent to the University via a shipper using a tracking number (i.e., UPS or FedEx) and requiring a signature will be sent by Distribution Services to the "Residence Hall Package Center", a secured area located behind the Sequoia Residence Hall (Building #108). Distribution Services will send an e-mail to the student notifying him/her that a package is being held at the " Residence Hall Package Center ". To pick up packages, residents must present a photo ID and a copy of the e-mail notification to the staff at the ' Package Center '. " Residence Hall Package Center " hours of operation are: Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 4:00 pm and Saturday 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. To receive e-mail notification that a student has received a package, the student must have activated his/her Cal Poly e-mail account. *For best service, it is highly recommended that packages and sensitive mail be sent via a shipper using a tracking number and requiring a signature (i.e., UPS or FedEx). *It is also recommended that any valuable items, such as computers and cameras, be insured for the value of the item. Neither Cal Poly Distribution Services, nor the Housing Department, will be responsible for the delivery of any packages that have a value over $50. For more information regarding mail and package delivery click here. *Poly Canyon Village Apartment mail and package delivery information will be provided in early September. What recreation facilities are available? Recreational Sports provides the Cal Poly community with something for everyone in a fun, safe, and healthy environment. The Recreational Sports Office is located in the Recreational Center which has 95,000 square feet dedicated to programming. For more information, please visit the ASI home page and select Recreational Sports. The following are included in the Recreation Center :
The hours of operation for the Recreation Center during the academic year are:
These hours do not include holidays or quarter breaks. The Recreational Sports Program is comprised of six major program areas which are Sports Clubs, Fitness and Instructional Classes, Special Events, Informal Recreation, Intramural Sports, and Aquatics. The following are brief descriptions of each area:
These programs are designed to offer individuals the opportunity to acquire new skills, engage in athletic competition both on and off campus, enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and meet new friends. For more information call (805) 756-1366. Where can I store my belongings during the summer? Cal Poly does not have storage facilities on campus. There are several Storage Rental Companies in San Luis Obispo that will accomadate your storage needs during the summer.
On-campus parking is extremely limited and residents are encouraged to leave their cars at home for the first year and use a bicycle or utilize the excellent city bus service, which is at no charge to students using their Cal Poly ID.
Students need to print out and sign the "Student Housing License Agreement" and mail to the State Cashier's Office (see License Agreement for address) along with either the Fall Quarter installment payment or mark the Financial Aid box as method of payment (see Housing Fees and Due Dates). Please be aware that on-campus space is limited and payments/License Agreements are accepted only as long as space is available, on a "first-come, first-served" basis. What if I'm getting financial aid? Students who have applied for financial aid can mark "Financial Aid" as the payment method on their "Student Housing License Agreement." By choosing this payment option, housing and dining plan payments may be paid directly by Financial Aid. If the student's award falls below the amount needed, the Student Accounts Office will notify the student of any additional fees due. For more information visit the Financial Aid website. How do I make my housing payment?
**Payment can be made by one of the following methods:
*If you experience any problems making your payment online, please contact the Student Accounts Office at 805.756.1428. If paying by Credit Card or "e-Check", a copy of the online receipt must be attached to the Student Housing License Agreement. **Payments received after 4PM will be receipted on the following business day Can I get a refund if I change my mind about attending Cal Poly? Students must cancel in writing 30 days prior to the move-in date to receive a full refund minus a $5 installment fee. For last day to cancel without financial penalty see Housing Application Checklist. Charges per day will apply thereafter. All rooms in the residence halls are double or triple occupancy. In the event that one of the occupants moves out of the room, University Housing reserves the right to assign a new roommate or to reassign the remaining resident to another room in order to consolidate space. The resident may also be offered the opportunity to occupy the room at the higher single/double occupancy rate. The Cerro Vista apartment complex offers private rooms in an apartment style living for freshmen and transfer students who are independent and have the abilities and experience to live and cook on their own. Students need to be comfortable in an independent setting and have proven self care skills. How do you assign spaces and match roommates? On-campus housing is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. On-campus housing for incoming freshmen includes double and triple rooms in residence halls and private bedrooms in apartments. Housing applications are recorded as of the date submitted by students who have confirmed their acceptance of Admission to Cal Poly. Availability of hall assignments, various room types and program areas are subject to the amount of requests received. Housing cannot guarantee specific assignments into particular halls or room types as the demand is not known until actual room assignments are made in the summer. Students who have earlier application dates do have priority of their request over those who apply later, however all students applying for housing should be prepared for assignment into any one of our bedspaces (private, double, or triple). If the student has not requested a specific roommate, a computer program will match the student with someone based on the information provided on the housing application. Learning Community preference is based on first-come, space available basis. Freshmen can be assigned throughout the residence halls (double and triple rooms) and Cerro Vista Apartments (private rooms). What if I don't like my roommate? Even best friends don't always agree on living needs, such as study habits, sleep habits, cleaning, and when to have visitors. Conflict can be a great opportunity to think creatively and to develop communication skills to resolve problems. Have a face-to-face discussion with your roommate rather than through emails or notes, which can be easily misunderstood, and have that discussion before the problem becomes critical. If all efforts fail, a resident can request a room or hall trade with the approval of the Coordinator of Student Development of the hall in which they reside. Accommodating a room/hall/apartment trade is dependent upon space availability and priority in the desired hall or apartment. For more detailed information regarding room/hall/apartment trades, refer to the Residence Handbook which is provided to each resident upon move-in. Can residents trade rooms during the year? Students can trade within their residence hall/apartment or into another residence hall/apartment throughout the year. When they move onto campus in the Fall, they should refer to the "Residence Hall Handbook" for trading restrictions, dates, and other specific information. Trading is frozen for the first two weeks of Fall Quarter, and the first week of Winter and Spring Quarters. Can I request a specific person to be my roommate? Yes. During the on-line application process, there is an opportunity to indicate a "Roommate Preference." For the roommate request to be considered, both students must request each other on the application by using the selected roommate's Housing Identification Number (HID), which is assigned to each student during the housing application process. For last date to make edits to the housing application (i.e., hall choices, roommates, etc.) before assignments are finalized see Housing Application Checklist. How and when can I see the residence hall rooms and apartments? Cal Poly's residence halls and apartments are locked 24/7. Access into each hall and apartment is by residents using their keys. For the security of students living on-campus, campus tours do not include the residence halls or apartments, except during Cal Poly's OPEN HOUSE and during the traditional high school spring breaks (Spring Break Tours) when Cal Poly's Housing Office conducts guided tours. What do I need to bring if I live on campus? The rooms in the residence halls are completely furnished with: beds, chests of drawers, desks, chairs, bookshelves, and wastebaskets for each resident. Suggested items to bring are a clock radio, desk lamp, bedding (pillow, pillowcase, and sheets for extra long twin bed), bedspread, towels, clothes, laundry soap, toiletries, and small automatic coffee pot. Students MAY NOT bring their own microwaves. Also, hot plates are NOT permitted. There is a microwave oven located on each floor of Sierra Madre, Yosemite and South Mountain residence halls. Click here for suggested items to bring if you live in the residence halls. The apartments in Cerro Vista are completely furnished. Click here for suggested items to bring if you live in Cerro Vista. Most important to bring with you is your moral compass. Too many students make spontaneous choices to drink, have sex or take other risks because they're trying to impress others. The best way to make friends and gain respect is to stick to what you know is right. Room sizes vary by residence hall. South Mountain Residence Hall rooms are approximately 11 feet by 13 feet; Yosemite and Sierra Madre Halls rooms are approximately 8 feet by 19 feet; the North Mountain Residence Halls rooms are approximately 13 feet by 16 feet; and the bedrooms in Cerro Vista are approximately 9 feet by 12 feet. Click here for more information about the different residence halls. Click here for more information about Cerro Vista.
Is there a telephone line in my room? The telephone service is already installed and working in each room. In the residence halls, each room comes equipped with a digital two-line telephone set. Each resident in the residence halls is assigned his or her own telephone number, which is given to students with their housing assignment. Basic telephone service, local calls, and voice mail (except in apartments) are included in the Housing fees. PLEASE NOTE: The telephone system in the residence halls is digital; therefore, answering machines, cordless telephones, and modems will not work in the residence halls. However, voice mail and caller ID are provided at no additional charge. Phone service in on-campus apartments is analog. Voicemail is not included, but students living in apartments can bring an answering machine. To make long distance calls from the residence halls, students can use: *Students can bring to campus, a "pre-paid" long distance calling card which can be purchased from a convenience, grocery, or drug store, or big box store (e.g., Target, WalMart, Costco, KMart, etc.). Phone companies will often provide customers with calling cards that can be billed to the student's permanent home phone number. For answers to questions about the telephone system, long distance calls and services provided in the residence halls and apartments, please contact the ITS (Information Technology Services) desk at 756-7000 (option 2) or go to ITS Service Desk and select "Telephone Support." ITS can also provide information about cellular service providers in the San Luis Obispo area that may offer discounts and other incentives to Cal Poly students. Yes, students can bring both but should contact roommates to prevent duplication of equipment. Due to space constraints in residence hall rooms, it is recommended that couches, large stereo speakers, personal furniture, etc., be left at home. All rooms come with a basic cable service hookup (students must provide their own coax TV cable). Can I bring a mini refrigerator? Only students living in the residence halls may either rent a mini refrigerator from Campus Dining for $50 for the academic year plus a $25 refundable deposit or bring their own, however, if the student brings their own refrigerator it must meet all the following criteria without exception:
Freezers of any size are NOT allowed in residence hall rooms or apartments. Students living in on-campus apartments are not allowed to have mini refrigerators. Standard refrigerator/freezer units are provided in the kitchen. Roommates might arrange to share such items as stereo, TV, refrigerator, etc. In the North Mountain Halls, there are no lounge areas; therefore, each room is provided with a microwave/refrigerator. Students may not bring or keep any animal in or around the residence halls or apartments other than fish in an aquarium not to exceed 5 gallons per resident, 10 gallons per residence hall room, or 20 gallons per apartment. Is smoking permitted in the residence halls or apartments? Governor's Order EO599 prohibits smoking in any university building. Smoking is also prohibited within 20 feet of a building. This policy applies to all residents, guests, and visitors. Can I hang pictures on the wall? Use of nails or tacks that penetrate the wall material is prohibited. Damage or unapproved alterations to the interior or exterior of the housing facilities as well as the grounds is prohibited and subject to charges. What are "Quad and Overflow" spaces? Cal Poly Housing Department is committed to housing as many first-time freshmen as possible. Housing believes it is very important for first-time students to be supported by an outstanding residential living/learning program. By placing students in one of our "special assigned spaces" (Quad or Overflow rooms) located within the residence halls, we are able to house students who would otherwise have to seek off-campus housing. What types of measures are taken to protect my safety? Safety of our residents is our highest priority. Resident Advisors, who are available to students, conduct rounds three to four times a night and make sure exterior doors are secured. Each hall has a Coordinator of Student Development who is a full-time, live-in professional who is able to respond to emergencies if they occur, and alert the community if anything suspicious occurs. A Residence Hall Resource Officer program, in conjunction with University Police, was implemented in the Fall of 1997. A University Police Officer works cooperatively with residence hall staff to provide residents with safety information, community response, and ongoing resources for public safety awareness. There are courtesy phones outside Sierra Madre, Yosemite, and each South Mountain Hall. These allow residents to call friends within a hall or contact Pubic Safety Services in case of emergency. We call upon our residents to participate in a partnership with the University Housing Department in creating a safer community. More resident safety information from University Housing can be found here. Safety information from Residential Life and Education can be found here. Dial 9-1-1 in any emergency:
What if I have a medical emergency? University Police Dispatchers are certified in the use of the Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocol , certified in the use of First Aid and CPR , and certified in the use of Automatic External Defibillators . Emergency Medical Technicians and/or Paramedics will also respond to care for the patient as well. For more information click here.Where is the closest police department? The University Police Department is located on campus. It is a full service police agency, which is certified by the California Department of Justice. It includes 96 members with a broad range of both sworn and civilian responsibilities. It provides emergency response, investigative services, crime prevention services, uniformed police patrol as well as a 9-1-1 communications center which provides Emergency Medical Dispatch. Officers are empowered to enforce the regulations of the university, the laws of the local community and the laws of the state and federal government. You can visit their website at http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/Police/. Where do I go in the event of a campus wide emergency? Outdoor assembly areas, emergency blue phones, wheelchair evacuation chairs and carless pickup areas have been set up around campus. Click here for emergency maps Does Cal Poly have plans in the case of a major emergency? In the event of a major emergency, one in which the campus cannot operate normally, the Emergency Management Plan will be activated and emergency activities will be coordinated from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Residence Hall Fire Safety Guidelines and Policies To view our Fire Safety Guidelines and Policies, click here. Is housing available for Summer Quarter Students? Summer housing will be available for continuing Cal Poly students attending Summer Quarter. This includes "Beginning," "Ending," and "Eight-Week" sessions. Continuing Cal Poly students on local co-ops, internships, Senior projects, working locally, or graduate students can also live on campus during Summer. For dates and checklists please click here.
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