Parent and Family Programs

Mustang Family News

Mustang Family News - February 2025

In the wake of New Year’s resolutions, our minds are geared toward the year ahead and all that we want to accomplish. This time of year, our students are focused on setting goals, attending career fairs, securing housing for next year, registering for classes and exploring summer internships or study abroad opportunities.

They’re having fun too, as you can see from a photo of Associated Students Inc.’s inaugural Snow Day!

This is a great quarter to send some love to your student through snail-mail. Care packages, cards, photos of pets, or even a little Valentine’s gift will brighten your student’s quarter.

Remember that our staff members are available to support you. Please stay in touch by reaching out anytime!

Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy this month’s edition of Mustang Family News.

Sincerely,
The Parent and Family Programs Team

Change the Status Quo: Feb. 27

The Center for Service in Action welcomes Isabel Valentín, a Puerto Rican environmental advocate and storyteller, for its annual Change the Status Quo social justice and speaker series. The free event will empower attendees to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change.

Cal Poly Magazine Winter Edition

The latest issue of Cal Poly Magazine features stories on a scientific diving class, students who get an early start on Learn by Doing, food science research involving the humble carrot, a pre-vet student working with elephants in Thailand, engineers exploring the campus heating/cooling plant and an alumni startup looking to accelerate EV adoption.

Commencement Ticket Update

Due to increased enrollment and stadium capacity limits, College of Engineering graduates will receive up to nine guest tickets for spring commencement this June. Learn more and sign up for commencement emails.

Scholarship Honors Student for Perseverance

Kinesiology major Luke Hansen receives the Courtney Elizabeth Smyth Memorial Scholarship recognizing determination through hardship and a commitment to maintaining academic progress.

Heads Up: Cal Poly's Plans for St. Patrick's Day

Cal Poly is sharing information with students about the St. Patrick’s Day holiday with a focus on responsibilities and safety. Enforcement measures include double fines in the city and a no-guest policy on campus. Remind your student: Don’t test your luck this St. Patrick’s Day.

Stay Informed with PolyAlert

PolyAlert is Cal Poly’s Emergency Notification System, and the primary tool for delivering critical emergency information to help ensure the safety of our community. Students, faculty and staff can register up to two phone numbers. Parents, supporters and community members can sign up for text alerts.

Cal Poly's 32nd Annual Open House: April 10-12

The annual event showcases the Cal Poly campus to new students, their families and supporters, and the community while offering a glimpse into life as a Mustang. Explore downtown SLO and its world-famous farmers market, experience Learn by Doing through interactive sessions on campus and celebrate the Mustang Legacy during the Poly Royal Celebration.

Next Year's On-Campus Housing Options

The 2025-26 continuing student housing application is open for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; College of Architecture and Environmental Design; College of Engineering; Cal Poly Scholars; TRIO Achievers and student-athletes. All other students who do not have a two-year housing requirement can add their name to an interest list starting Feb. 13.

Recommended Viewing

Jump into the Pacific with a scientific diving course where students build skills in one of the world’s most challenging marine environments. MSCI 410: Scientific Diving is arguably one of the most vivid Learn by Doing experiences a student can have at Cal Poly.