Open House 2016

23rd Annual

OPEN HOUSE April 14th-16th, 2016

Celebrating the Mustang Legacy

YEAR S

Table of Contents

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Is Cal Poly right for me?

When choosing a school, it’s important to analyze all the decision-making factors. Here’s a guide to help you figure out if Cal Poly’s the school for you.

Schedule of events Participate in all activities and events occurring at Open House by following this schedule.

Campus map Stay on top of where you are on campus by using this map as a guide.

Cal Poly’s admission process remains selective Interested in how your class ranks? Here are all the statistics on Cal Poly’s accepted students.

How to get the most from your Open House experience Don’t miss out on the highlights of Open House weekend.

BE PART OF THE

TAKE PART IN THE PERKS

EXPLORE UNIVERSIT Y HOUSING AT CAL POLY.

Visit us this weekend.

SEQUOIA HALL WELCOME CENTER UU RESOURCE FAIR PARENT & SUPPORTERS COFFEE HOUSE Walking tours of our Learning Communities start at the Sequoia Hall Welcome Center.

Open House | 6 | Mustang News

Is Cal Poly right for me?

Regine Smith @regine321

This is a selling point for environmental management and protection freshman Daniel Namyst.

You’ve done all the right things.

Y

ou aced your high school classes, scored high on the SAT and wrote killer admissions essays. You’ve gotten into some great schools, and now the most important decision remains.

Where will I go to college?

Deciding where to attend university may be one of the biggest life decisions you have to make. The decision can affect your career path, the connections you make, the opportunities presented to you and the overall direction of your future.

Before you spiral into a quarter­-life crisis, remain calm. At the age of 18, you don’t have to have your whole life figured out. There are many questions to consider to find the right fit for you, whether Cal Poly or a different institution.

A starting point might be the financial practicality of the school. Is the school public or private? This can influence the cost of attendance. Will you be paying in­-state or out­-of-state tuition? How much are the living expenses in the city of your campus?

In terms of Cal Poly, Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships Lois Kelly thinks the university is a cost-­effective choice.

“I think that (Cal Poly) is a good option because it’s one of the campuses that has a medium-­to-­low cost in the grand scheme of things,” Kelly said. “Our tuition and registration fees for California residents will be $9,075 next year. While our room and board, transportation and other (expenses) will increase the overall cost of attendance, it’s still very reasonable when you compare it to other campuses’ costs.”

Along with cost, it’s important to consider if the university will provide the bang for its buck. Will it help you get where you want in your future career?

“The main factor for me was the uniqueness of the majors at Cal Poly,” Namyst said. “As an environmental management and protection major, very few schools offer the option to specialize in the environmental sciences. Being that Cal Poly offers it, and the extremely high percentage of post­grads finding a job within one year of graduation, made the decision fairly easy.”

Whether you’re interested in the environmental sciences, you participated in high school choir and want to sing in college or you’re worried about sharing a room for the first time, you probably aren’t the first student who has such concerns. Many students have the same questions, so it’s important to seek help. Universities are equipped with staff to help students find answers.

The Mustang Success Center does exactly that — it is a resource for Cal Poly students to guide them in the right direction.

The center’s director, Shannon Stephens, emphasized the importance of seeking help to connect students to the right resources.

“We try to help students understand where they need to get to, and try not to make assumptions that students know where all the resources are and how to access and utilize them,” Stephens said. “Regardless of what college a student is in, they all need to figure out how to navigate Cal Poly. This includes the language we use, where offices are located, how to communicate with instructors, etc. Our aim is to take the things that are common to all students and then through conversation, connect them to the specific areas/resources they may need to reach or access.”

But that’s not the only thing that draws prospective students to Cal Poly.

“I think the Learn by Doing philosophy and the San Luis Obispo area is what attracts students to Cal Poly. This is ... continued on page 9

Open House | 7 | Mustang News

a teaching institution and not a research institution like “I chose to go to Pepperdine, thinking it was my the UC system. While Cal Poly students do research, it dream school. I wanted a tight­ knit community is the connection of putting research into practice and where I felt like I knew everyone,” she said. “When not the research itself that is the priority. It’s a differ- I got there it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I ent philosophy here at Cal Poly. I think we associate still feel like I see people I know now that I’m at Learn By Doing with hands­on expeCal Poly, but people can find difriences, which make us different ferent things and be who they than R1, or Research One, instituwant here. There’s a different tions. This approach to education niche for everyone here, and can be a great asset to many stuI like that. I was disappointed “I wouldn’t be who I dents, but I also respect the fact that because I wanted to love Pepperother students are looking for that dine and I didn’t, but in the end am today if I didn’t research emphasis.” things worked out for the better. have to realize I I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t have to realize I needed There are many things to conneeded the change.” the change.” sider, but the most important is to keep an open mind and realize that college is a dynamic time in If you aren’t quite sure yet what your life. What you think you want the next four years will look like, may change in four years time and that’s OK. The truth is, this choice who you are will grow as you experience new things. doesn’t define you as much as you think. The college experience will teach you to overcome difficulties, This was the case for business administration junior grow in knowledge and wisdom and learn to thrive Nicole Fetsch, who transferred to Cal Poly at the wherever you may be. These qualities will define who you are much more than your alma mater. beginning of this year.

Open House | 9 | Mustang News

THE G N I T LEBRA

G N A T MUS

CE

WELCOME TO CAL POLY’S

OPEN HOUSE 2016 Schedule of Events FRIDAY, APRIL 15 SATURDAY, APRIL 16

For more information visit: orientation.calpoly.edu/openhouse calpolyopenhouse @cporientation

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G R AT I N B E L E C

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OPEN HOUSE 2 FRIDAY, APRIL 1 5 7:00AM – 4:00PM

Information Booth Mustang Way

8:00AM – 1:00PM

Open House Check-In Mustang Way

8:00AM – 1:00PM

Resource Fair University Union Plaza

9:00AM – 9:45AM

University Welcome I College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (CAFES) College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED) Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) Cal Poly Recreation Center Main Gym

10:00AM – 3:00PM

Campus Tours (Every Hour) Last tour starts at 2:00PM University Union Plaza

10:30AM – 11:15AM

University Welcome II College of Engineering (CENG) College of Liberal Arts (CLA) College of Science & Mathematics (CSM) Cal Poly Recreation Center Main Gym

11:00AM – 12:00PM

Financial Aid Information Session Performing Arts Center, Phillips Hall

11:30AM – 12:15PM

CENG Welcome Cal Poly Recreation Center Main Gym

11:30AM – 1:00PM

CSM Welcome University Union, Chumash Auditorium

12:00PM – 4:00PM

Campus Dining Tours 19 Metro Station Cal Poly Solar Decathlon C-7 Parking Lot

12:00PM – 4:00PM 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Design Village XXI Poly Canyon (free shuttles available)

Shuttle Tours of the University Housing Communities Shuttles board at Santa Lucia Hall (Bldg.

106)

1:00PM – 2:15PM

CLA Welcome Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall

2:00PM – 2:30PM

LSAMP Information Session Bldg. 186, Rm. C100

9:00AM – 3:30PM

Floral Design Class Display Robert E. Kennedy Library

3:00PM – 4:00PM

International Center Showcase Bldg. 180, Rm. 102

9:00AM – 4:00PM

Walking Tours of Campus Housing Learning Communities Meet in hall or lobby of apartment Communitiy Center

3:00PM – 5:00PM

Disability Resource Center: Student Speaker Panel – Transition to College University Union, Rm. 220

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Cal Poly Recreation Center Guided Tours Cal Poly Recreation Center

3:00PM – 5:00PM

9:30AM – 12:00PM

Dining Presentations (sessions every half hour), last session starts at 11:30AM 19 Metro Station, Outside Patio

MultiCultural Center Students and Family Reception University Union, MultiCultural Center, Rm. 217

3:00PM – 5:00PM

LGBTQIA Students and Family Reception University Union, Pride Center, Rm. 209

3:00PM – 5:00PM

Quarter Plus Info Session Bldg. 180, Rm. 101

3:30PM – 4:30PM

Financial Aid Information Session Bldg. 52, Rm. E-27

4:00PM – 5:00PM

“Talking To Your Student About Staying Safe in College” Bldg. 52, Rm. E-26

9:00AM – 3:00PM

10:00AM – 3:00PM

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Reception Bldg. 81, Hillcrest

10:00AM – 10:45AM

OCOB Welcome Recreation Center Multi Activity Center

10:00AM – 11:00AM

CAED Welcome University Union, Chumash Auditorium

10:00AM – 11:30AM

CAFES Student Welcome Bldg. 9, Farm Shop

6:00PM – 8:00PM

10:00AM – 11:30AM

CAFES Parent Welcome Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall

Poly Royal Rodeo Rodeo Arena

7:00PM – 8:00PM

10:00AM – 11:00AM

Advising Center CSM Cal Poly Pre-Health Professionals Advising & Services (open to all majors with intent to pursue a health profession) Bldg. 180, Rm. 114

Out of State Parent and Supporter Reception University Union, Rm. 220

7:30PM – 10:00PM

Friday Nite Invite/Transfer Mixer University Union Plaza

2016

Schedule of Events

7:30PM – 10:00PM

Parent and Supporter Coffee House University Union, Chumash Auditorium

8:00PM – 10:00PM

Open House Concert Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 8:00AM – 9:00AM

Morning Cup with President Armstrong Bldg. 108, Front Lawn (Sequoia Hall)

12:00PM – 1:00PM

Equestrian Team Showcase Equine Unit

1:00PM – 3:00PM

Poly Royal Truck & Tractor Pull Field across from the Crops Unit on Mount Bishops Rd.

1:00PM – 3:00PM

RoboRodentia XXI Recreation Center Main Gym

2:10PM – 3:00PM

Music Department Student Recital Bldg. 45, Rm. 218

2:30PM – 3:00PM

Poly Royal Stage Awards Ceremony Dexter Lawn

2:30PM – 5:00PM

Orfalea College of Business & College of Engineering Beer & Wine Garden Engineering Plaza (in case of rain, Building 7, Keck Lab)

9:00AM – 10:00AM

Poly Royal Parade Starts at Grand Ave and Perimeter Rd. to University Ave.

9:00AM – 3:00PM

Agricultural Pavilion Department Showcase Bldg. 9, Farm Shop

3:00PM – 5:30PM

CAFES Alumni & Friends Reception Bldg. 11, Third Floor Mezzanine

9:00AM – 4:00PM

Tours of the University Housing Meet at Santa Lucia Hall (Bldg. 106)

5:00PM – 8:00PM

Poly Royal Rodeo Rodeo Arena

9:00AM – 5:00PM

Cal Poly Recreation Center Guided Tours Cal Poly Recreation Center

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Opening Ceremonies Dexter Lawn

10:00AM – 11:00AM

Advising Center CSM Cal Poly Pre-Health Professionals Advising & Services (open to all majors with intent to pursue a health profession) Bldg. 180 Rm. 101

10:00AM – 3:00PM

Campus Tours (Every Hour) Last tour starts at 2:00PM Dexter Lawn

10:00AM – 3:00PM

Shuttle Tours of the University Housing Community Shuttles board at Santa Lucia Hall (Bldg. 106)

10:00AM – 2:00PM

Cal Poly Solar Decathlon C-7 Parking Lot

10:00AM – 5:00PM

Design Village XXI Poly Canyon (free shuttles available)

10:30AM – 3:00PM

Poly Royal Stage Dexter Lawn

10:30AM – 3:00PM

Information Booth Dexter Lawn

10:30AM – 3:00PM

Campus Showcase Dexter Lawn

10:30AM – 3:00PM

Kids’ Fair Preschool Learning Lab Across from Library

11:00AM – 12:00PM

Dressage Team Show Equine Unit

Sunday,

2:30PM – 4:00PM

All State Festival Concert Performing Arts Center, Harman Hall

Download Guidebook for a more detailed schedule of the weekend! http://guidebook.com/g/CPOH2016

THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 SPONSORS

POLY CANYON VILLAGE APARTMENTS

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POLY ROYAL TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL

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CAMPUS SHOWCASE SATURDAY, APRIL 15 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

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Slack St.

(ADDITIONAL PARKING LOCATED SOUTH ON HIGHLAND DRIVE)

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EVENT LOCATIONS & POINTS OF INTEREST

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7

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RESIDENCE HALLS & APARTMENTS

• WE OFFER •

Sunday Mass @ 6 PM Weekday Mass @ 11 AM 4 Community Houses Retreats, Bible Study, Social Events Men’s and Women’s Group www.slonewman.org

College can either help you grow closer to God or lead you away. We’re here to help you grow deeper in your faith!

Cal Poly’s admission process remains selective Prakash Ravikumar @p96kumar

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very year, admission to Cal Poly gets more competitive and selective. According to the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office, of the 830,000 applications submitted for admission into the 23 CSU campuses, approximately 57,000 were for Cal Poly.

The College of Engineering had the most applicants with 16,464. This was followed by the College of Math and Science (10,335), College of Liberal Arts (7,979), Orfalea College of Business (6,828), College of Agriculture (4,426) and College of Architecture and Environmental Design (2,114).

“This was the largest and most selective undergrad- “We’re one of the five most competitive public uniuate applicant pool in Cal Poly history,” said James versities in the country,” Maraviglia said. “It’s hard Maraviglia, associate vice provost to get into, but admission is based for marketing and enrollment on your ability to compete.” development. “I think students recognize the unique nature of A large reason for the jump in this campus and I believe stuselectivity over the past few “We’re one of the five dents know the value of a degree years, especially at Cal Poly, is most competitive from Cal Poly.” because of system-­ w ide impacpublic universities tions, according to Erik Fallis, There was a 2.8 percent increase Director of Writing in the Chanin the country,” in freshman applicants and a 7.7 cellor’s Office at the CSU. Maraviglia said. percent increase in transfer applicants from last year. This brings Currently at Cal Poly, all underthe total number of freshman graduate majors are impacted. applicants to 48,146 and transfer This means that more students applicants to 8,747. are applying for spots than the school can accommodate. When a major becomes The average GPA for freshmen beginning Fall 2016 impacted, it is susceptible to higher standards of was a 4.04, an increase from a 4.0 last year. The admission. average SAT score was a 672 on critical reading and a 680 on mathematics, while the average ACT score Fallis associates this situation with budget issues. was a 30. The most selective college, the College of Engineering, had an average GPA of 4.17, SAT “Impaction exists because the state does not provide scores of 711 on critical reading and 739 on mathe- the CSUs with enough funds to give all qualified stumatics and an ACT score of 33. dents access,” Fallis said.

The transfer GPA stayed the same at 3.43, with the highest average in the Orfalea College of Business with a 3.56.

Even with the lack of funding Cal Poly is provided with, the university continues to admit strong academic applicants.

Open House | 20 | Mustang News

How to get the most from your Open House experience Amanda Cranston @Cranlynn

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ne of the hardest decisions a senior in high school faces is what they will do next. For those who choose to go to a four ­year university, there is a selection process. First, the school must accept them. And then, they must accept the school.

Cal Poly offers Open House as a way for prospective students and admitted students to decide whether the university is the place for them. Spanning three days, this event is meant to give students an idea of the Cal Poly experience and to connect them with fellow students.

“I was sold on Cal Poly because everyone seemed very proud of going here,” anthropology and geography freshman Maya Royle said. “Nobody had said they had a negative experience here.”

Marcus Pereira, co-­chair for the Open House committee, emphasized that each day is meant to allow students to explore a different part of the Cal Poly experience.

Thursday night is an opportunity for Open House attendees to experience the San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market. Various clubs set ­up booths, offering a mini showcase for Open House’s Club Preview Night.

Friday’s all­-day activities focus on the academic side of Cal Poly. Students are encouraged to tour their individual colleges as well as the campus.

“I wish that I had explored more of the housing options for freshmen,” recreation, parks and tourism administration sophomore Alyssa Lucero said. “I really only looked at the one dorm that was recommended to me, but I wish that I had spent some more time talking to the residents and students of different halls so that I could find the one that really was the best fit for me academically and socially.”

Friday evening, students can attend Friday Night Invite while their parents and supporters are encouraged to attend the Parent and Supporter Coffee House event.

There is also a transfer event concurrent to these.

Saturday is an all-day event, focused on giving students a feel for campus life.

Poly Royal will include a parade, rodeo, tractor pull and stage performances. The parade is at 9 a.m. and will kick off the day.

The 76th Annual Poly Royal Rodeo will take place Friday night at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online.

“When you get admitted, you’re part of the Mustang family — you and your entire family,” Pereira said.

In the event of a strike, alternative options will be made available to give Open House attendees the full experience.

Tours of on­-campus housing are also available to students. It is encouraged that students tour several different options to understand what might be the best fit.

A full schedule of events is available for attendees, and the Guidebook app also offers a special Open House guide with customizable options and answers to frequently asked questions, in addition to the schedule.

“If you really want to get a good sense of what Cal Poly has to offer, we do our best to give you the whole package, both academics and what the culture is like,” Pereira said.

The package of academics and culture is not only for prospective and admitted students, but for their families as well.

“When you get admitted, you’re part of the Mustang family — you and your entire family,” Pereira said.

Open House | 24 | Mustang News

WELCOME

BACK

ALUMNI Visit our booth on Dexter Lawn!

Tag us #CalPolyProud all weekend long. @calpolyalumni

Open House | 25 | Mustang News