Continuing Student and Transfer Student Learning Communities

Updated: Jan 20, 2021

Residential Learning Communities, or RLCs, in University Housing are a group of students who live together and engage in experiences focused around their field of study, career, identity, or personal interest. All students who live on-campus at Cal Poly are housed in a learning community.

2021-22 Communities
 

Cal Poly Scholars:
Continuing students

An invitation-only program that provides a two-year residential experience for students from selected California high schools. The key goals of this program are to think critically and creatively, build respect for diversity and work collaboratively and to build scholarly expertise and lifelong learning.

 

Cultural and Identity Scholars:
Continuing students and Transfer Students

Offered in partnership with Student Diversity & Belonging, Cultural and Identity Scholar Communities provide opportunities — especially for underrepresented students on campus — to create cultural, social and academic connections. These communities also serve as safe spaces for students who identify within the Culture & Identity Scholars Community. We offer the following communities in the application:

• Asian-Pacific Islander Scholars 
• Black Scholars 
• Chicanx/Latinx Scholars
• Cross Cultural Scholars 
• Native and Indigenous Scholars
• SWANA Scholars

Communities will be formed based off of student interest. If there is not enough interest in a specific cultural and identity learning community, students will be offered a space in the Cross Cultural Scholars Community.

 

College-based Communities - CAED and CAFES
Continuing students only; All Majors Welcome

As students from CAED and CAFES are required to live on campus for two years, their colleges have their own Residential Learning Community in campus apartments! College communities afford students the opportunity to live with others in their college/major, often sharing the same classes, while participating in activities that center around their academics, careers and social interests.

 

Engage
Continuing Students

This social-based learning community provides an opportunity for students to connect through fun community events and become more integrated into campus life. 

 

Pride Community
Continuing and Transfer Students

A living-learning community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) identified students and their allies that specializes in strong community, leadership and identity development and education on issues pertaining to sexual and gender diversity at Cal Poly and in the San Luis Obispo community.  This living option features gender-inclusive assignments, gender-inclusive restrooms, and programmatic offerings through the Pride Center.

 

Substance Free
Continuing and Transfer Students

The Substance Free community is for those committed to a living environment of wellness and having a great time without tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Residents of the Substance Free community sign a Statement of Understanding and agree to live in an environment that is conscientious of the well-being of yourself and others by forgoing substances within the community — even if you are over the age of 21.

 

Transfer Program
Transfer students only

For students who are transferring to Cal Poly from another college, this program gives students opportunities to connect and grow with other transfer students. Students living in this area will receive resources on academic/career support, campus resources and involvement that are specific for the transfer student.