SLO Days 2017

Incoming students' guide to everything Cal Poly 1

Contents 3 Editor’s Note 6 How to Make the Most of the SLO Days Experience 9 Campus Resources You Need to Know About 14 I’m a Transfer: How is SLO Days different for me?

17 Reaching New Heights: Mustangs by the Numbers 22 Advice to Freshmen from Current Students 25 How to Conquer “SLO” Days so That You’re Prepared for Fall Quarter 28 How to Take on San Luis Obispo Without a Car 32 5 New Changes Coming to College 36 What I Learned at SLO Days: 5 Lessons 39 Campus Map

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Editor’s Note College is a time to explore. It’s a time for us to pursue a higher level of knowledge and grow individually and collectively. In your freshmen year, you will learn just how to manage this new independence and find your way throughout campus and throughout your college career.

When I arrived as a freshman, I can admit to feeling lost at times. But with the help of my SLO Days leaders and company of my orientation group, I managed to learn more everyday. I learned about the experiences of students around me and the different backgrounds from which they came. A couple of us still keep in contact today too— and as a senior looking back, it’s a pretty special moment to realize that the smiling face I once said hello to during SLO Days is one to whom I’m still close.

Although SLO Days is short and passes by quickly, take these couple days to get to know people. Be open to new ideas because this is what your college experience is about.

I hope that this edition will provide guidance, direction and get you even more excited to begin your freshman year at Cal Poly.

On behalf of the Mustang News family, welcome! We’re excited to have you here.

Megan Schellong Special Sections Coordinator 2017-18

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How to Make the Most of the SLO Days Experience Nick Dockery First off, congratulations! You’re here at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, taking your first step in the transition into college! The change can be unfamiliar and scary, but with SLO Days, you’ll acclimate quickly into Cal Poly. This great orientation program will be your first taste of the Cal Poly experience! But, it’s only two days… How should you make the most of it?

Come Prepared and Be Prepared By now, you may have been on one or two tours, so you already have a rough idea of Cal Poly as a location. The campus is very hilly and can get very hot. “A lot of students don’t know what to expect going into SLO Days. What to wear, what to pack and how to maintain energy is important.” Child development alumnus Sophie Richman remembers her experience as a SLO Days leader: “[Incoming freshmen] sometimes aren’t used to the heat or the hills or try to ‘dress to impress’ and overdress.”

Richman recommends that students wear t-shirts, shorts and walking shoes, as well as to keep in mind that orientation days have late nights and early mornings.

Keep an Open Mind “Be ready for tough and controversial conversation. Keep an open mind about things” Richman said. Cal Poly is proud to have orientation programs that involve intimate talks about diversity, political correctness and how to build a respectful community in SLO. Try opening dialogues with students and acknowledging differing opinions. College is a time for respectful discussion about hard topics.

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Ask Questions “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” English sophomore Anna Davis said. “I came with lots of questions on how to register for classes and major changes, and it was nice to have some worries disappear when I received concrete answers.” Davis commends her orientation leaders; They are here to answer all questions. Ask away!

Be Friendly and Outgoing Graphic communications sophomore Mckenna Moura encourages you to “put yourself out there.” Since you’ll be grouped by college, SLO Days is a great opportunity to get to know students that will be around campus and in your major. “Everyone is in the same boat as you. The more open you are, the easier it’ll be forming those new connections with people.” The students around you might even be in some of your classes. So, take initiative and say hello to your future lab partner!

photo by Chris Gateley

Soak it all in “They honestly throw a lot of info on academics at you, and there are so many locations on the tours. Take any advice that’s given seriously,” business administration sophomore Tali Pilip said. SLO Days is chock full of useful information about the Cal Poly portal and the on-campus career services. Pilip said how “grateful [she] was to have leaders that gave so much info.” Trying to retain some of it will serve you well going into other orientation events and will prepare you for your first year at Cal Poly.

Now that you have a few things to consider going into orientation, have a great SLO Days! Make the most of this event and use the guidance for the coming years because those two days will go by faster than you know it.

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photo by BJ Yebisu

Campus Resources You Need to Know About Anna Reck College is a huge transition. In one moment you find yourself at home, interacting with friends you’ve known for years, going throughout your days with a mixture of excitement and fear nipping your heels. After what seems to you like a matter of seconds, high school is a summer behind you, and you are ready to pursue a degree.

As an incoming student, it’s important to understand that you are not alone in your feelings of nervousness. Leaving home is challenging; in the coming year at Cal Poly each new student will grow more, and in more ways than could be imagined.

Not only is paying attention to Cal Poly’s various resources something that is encouraged, but also extremely beneficial to the magnitude of your growth, and the value of your time here at Cal Poly. The on-campus resources that Cal Poly offers— the Campus Health and Wellbeing and Peers Understanding Listening Supporting Educating (PULSE), Safer and the Cross Cultural Centers— all provide students with the skills and extra boost needed to live a successful, healthy, inclusive and interactive life on campus.

After living on campus my first year, one of the things that I and many of my peers found to be a hidden gem at Cal Poly was PULSE. PULSE is a resource that provides students with peerto peer health education.

Campus Health & Wellbeing is made up of four main sections: Health Services, Counseling Services, Health Education (PULSE) and Campus Wellbeing. It is highly recommended that incoming students check out PULSE as a go-to resource, as it can serve as a reliable guide in any situation in which students feel sub-par, or simply stressed. Health educator Christine Nelson emphasizes the incredible impact PULSE has on any student that is willing to come in, sit down, and have a discussion. “It’s our student volunteers that really make the program happen,” she said. “Each student that participates in PULSE as a peer health educator really just wants to improve the wellbeing of their peers by providing them with evidencebased information.”

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PULSE is made up of four teams in which students are trained to have accurate, evidencebased educational dialogues— Educational Resources on Sexuality (EROS), HEAT (Health Enrichment Action Team), REAL (Reach Out Empower Accept Listen) and TLC (Thoughtful Lifestyle Choices). These students guide others through any questions they may have about their health, ranging from inquiries as specific as eating well, stress management, exploration and sexual health.

Peer health educators at PULSE will actively listen to educate students on how to live the healthiest life at Cal Poly. They will refer them to either Health and Counseling Services or other on-campus resources when they feel it is best for the overall health, happiness, and wellbeing of the student. They even house the Hunger Program’s food pantry for those with an unstable food situation and a massage chair, available by appointment.

Prevention is PULSE’s mantra and Nelson hopes to encounter students before they become distressed. “Come to PULSE to seek information,” Nelson said. “We want to prevent students from engaging in high-risk behaviors by educating them and giving them support.”

PULSE is always free for students and always reliable. I highly encourage you all to stop

by PULSE, say hello and even just come and relax. As aforementioned, it is a hidden gem to which not many students are fortunate enough to have access.

Safer is another prevention-education based resource at Cal Poly that specifically serves to address sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Typically, the beginning of the year is when Cal Poly and other universities across the country see the most cases of sexual violence according to Safer coordinator Kara Samaniego. Samaniego serves as an advocate for those who seek help in these situations of

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sexual violence. Her role is “first and foremost, to serve as emotional support,” she said. By working one-on-one with individuals and supporters, she connects individuals affected by sexual assault to resources on and off campus as they go through the healing process. Anyone can contact her for clarification and support.

Safer works to promote Cal Poly as an affirmative consent campus. It partners with residence halls to put on informative presentations for students and has a strong presence at resource fairs. As confirmed by Samaniego, Safer is working toward becoming more accessible in residence halls during the upcoming year and plans to dedicate safe spaces for confidential conversations. These spaces allow any student passing by to come chat and receive direction to various resources and individuals for more information.

Safer is a resource crafted for anyone and can be casual or intensive, depending on the wishes of the individual. It’s one of two fully confidential resources at Cal Poly, and welcomes any student, regardless of gender identity and background. “It is imperative that students know we are completely open to anyone,” Samaniego said.

Safer is a safe space, so go stop by— even just to learn more about the impact of sexual assault on campus, a major issue of which all incoming students must remain mindful.

During my first year at Cal Poly, I wish I had taken time to get more involved in the Multicultural Center, Pride Center, and Gender Equity Center— resources that all make up the Cross Cultural Centers. It’s a common misconception among students that only those individuals who use those resources are made to support are allowed to interact with them. In reality, any student is welcome to become an ally with the Cross Cultural Centers.

Director of the Cross Cultural Centers Bryan Shon Hubain said that he helps to form networks and build relationships across campus. “When it comes to having a serious conversation that often comes along with the subjects of diversity and inclusivity people are threatened less when they know the person,” he said. “I strive to make connections in order to keep everyone open and vulnerable during discussions about inclusivity and diversity, which can only strengthen us as a campus.”

Cal Poly is re-envisioning the definition of diversity. By creating a much wider network on campus and coming together to have engaging conversations, it is working together to create a more inclusive and open environment.

Hubain points out that Cal Poly has been extremely open to change, especially during the nine months he has been here to observe it. “Partnerships happen that make diversity and inclusivity the center of who we are as a campus,” Hubain said. “We are making shifts more quickly than a lot of institutions.”

for all students. In October, the Cross Cultural Centers will host an event called Another Type of Groove, an open mic, which serves as a great opportunity for students to interact with the Multicultural Center, Pride Center, and Gender Equity Center. Also look out for Culture Fest and the unique dialogues. The dialogues hosted by the CCC are recommended for students that want to explore their identity.

I highly advise any incoming student to keep the Cross Cultural Centers as a point of interest. These resources can easily make a student’s experience at Cal Poly even more extraordinary, as they are incredible at assisting students explore who they truly are.

The Cross Cultural Centers will see a positive change during this upcoming year, including more resources and space. The Multicultural Center, currently located upstairs in the Julian A. McPhee University Union, is constantly overf lowing with eager students. After collaborating with ASI and student focus groups, the Multicultural Center will relocate to the stairs next January and set up shop in the rose f loat space, across from Yogurt Creations and next to the Craft Center. “As a result of this move, we are hoping to make the Multicultural Center less hidden and more accessible to all students,” Hubain said.

All incoming students should look out for events held by the Cross Cultural Centers.

Any student is welcome to use the CCC; a large part of it is about making connections

photo by BJ Yebisu

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photo by Hanna Crowley

I’m a Transfer: How is SLO Days different for me?

Peter Gonzalez Transfer students are both coming to into Cal Poly with advantages and disadvantages that are unique to them. As a transfer student you are both a freshman and a junior at the same time. A lot of the advice that you’ll get during SLO Days and Week of Welcome (WOW) is geared toward freshmen.

These students are typically younger than a transfer student and are in a different headspace when it comes to college. Here are a couple tips directly from transfer students who were also coming into Cal Poly.

Kacey Cadwell, an agricultural sciences graduate and transfer from Irvine Valley College has literally thrown herself into Cal Poly. Cadwell is involved in New Student Transition Programs, where she has been a WOW leader, a facilitator for WOW training and will be leading a group of transfer student for Week of Welcome for the second time. “My advice, although it’s probably been said many times, is to get involved in other programs and accept all opportunities you are given,” she said.

Cadwell herself recalls hearing the common phrase “school is going to fly by” and uses it to remind her to “embrace the opportunities and create friendships with people that could last a lifetime.” As a transfer student, you get two to three years to create a new chapter and then you’ll be walking across the stage to receive a diploma. Cadwell is pursuing her master’s and teaching credentials, so she’s getting extra time to continue to create opportunities.

Louise Ibuna, software engineering junior and transfer from Allan Hancock College said that coming in as a community college student gives you a fresh perspective when it comes to age. “Some people think college is limited to 18-22 year olds.

But when you start off as a community college student, you realize people come from different walks of life. Regardless of where others come from, their opportunity of pursuing higher education is still there.”

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An advocate for taking one’s time in the speed force that is the quarter system, she appreciates the connection that transfer students share and said, “you’ll meet a lot of young individuals who are close to getting their degrees than you are. Don’t let it take you seriously. Take your time in graduating, but don’t waste it.”

Lastly Miguel Becerra, mechanical engineering senior and transfer from East Los Angeles College said that an open mind and collaboration are key to transfer students because, “we tend to do a lot of group work at Poly, which can be overwhelming for those that like to work alone. I know I was a bit overwhelmed when it came to having to work with others.”

methods of working by learning from others, I gained experience in communication, and I made new friends. Working in teams at Poly will open many doors for you, from meeting new people to getting that extra push that you need to be successful in your classes.”

These three students shared from their own personal experiences and they’re all different.

The transfer student experience isn’t the same as an incoming freshman and that’s part of the experience. As a transfer student you get to write and make your own rules for the next two years. The choice is up to each student and with the quarter system, it’ll fly by.

He said that through collaboration, he grew and was provided many opportunities. “At the end, I gained so much knowledge and insight by working with others. I improved my

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Reaching New Heights: Mustangs by the Numbers Josh Ortlip Cal Poly welcomes a strong class of freshmen for fall 2017 as another school year rapidly approaches. The reputation of the acclaimed university has drawn an increase in applicants to all six colleges. In addition to fantastic weather and outstanding location, students are equipped with a “Learn By Doing” approach to apply a specific field of study to practical situations. Moreover, Cal Poly’s academic acclaim has grown in recent years, which has distinguished the college of engineering as one of the strongest technical schools in the nation.

“I think it’s a tribute to the Class of 2021 and to Cal Poly and to generate this type of interest and this type of student demand, it’s

a reflection of the quality and experience here,” associate vice provost of marketing and enrollment development Jim Maraviglia said.

Interestingly, data show that Poly’s standards for selection remain high in other colleges as well, with impacted majors in business, agriculture, math, science and liberal arts.

Standardized test scores as well as student GPA’s indicate record levels for fall 2017. With the strength of the incoming freshmen class, it is evident that any degree from Cal Poly is of great value and a means of success in the modern workforce. “It’s a pretty intense group coming in so [they’re] the highest quality,” Maraviglia said.

Over the past nine years, back to the freshmen class of 2008, data convey the progression of average calculated GPA per year. Since 2008, there has been a significant increase from 3.78 to 4.04 for fall 2017, which demonstrates the rising standards for admission.

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In addition to GPA, standardized test scores are used as an indicator for student performance. Both ACT and SAT scores clocked in at record levels for fall 2017. For ACT scores, the average score across all colleges came out to a 30, a 1.6 point increase from the previous year’s 28.4. This rapid rise tracks to a 3.9 increase from fall 2008. SAT scores are no different, with an average 1391 across all colleges for reading and math composites. Last fall’s average stood at a 1251, exactly 141 points lower than 2017. In 2008, the average SAT score was 1200, significantly lower than recent scores.

GPA for the six colleges across Cal Poly has never been higher and the data indicate very high student performance across the board. Agriculture students’ scores average to a 3.9 GPA on the bottom end while accepted engineering majors demonstrate the highest with a 4.16. Overall, the average remains very high across all colleges, demonstrating the improvement and growth of the school.

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The next set of data breaks down the incoming freshmen class of 2017’s ACT and SAT scores by college.

Engineering students came in with the highest average for ACT with a score of 32 and an SAT of 1467. The other colleges also scored high for both categories. The College of Engineering remains the front-runner for high academic standards.

Cal Poly received 48,571 total freshmen applicants with 16,995 selected. Data show the breakdown of each college with the amount of applicants selected. Among the most impacted public universities, Cal Poly accepted about 35 percent of their total applicants.

The class of 2021 has great potential for success with many exciting experiences ahead. Cal Poly welcomes the newest additions to the Mustang family with open arms, leaving students with an education and memories that will surely last a lifetime.

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photo by Chris Gateley

Advice to Freshmen from Current Students Katherine Flitsch One thing that you will quickly notice about Cal Poly is how incredibly happy everyone is to be here. In the classroom, you will find knowledgeable, approachable professors. On campus, you will find welcoming, passionate students and around SLO you will find all kinds of fun activities to do. How will you manage to access the full potential of the Cal Poly experience?

We’ve compiled advice from current students on how to make the most of Cal Poly, in terms of academics, healthy living and having fun:

Academics “Is it super cliché to say, ‘talk to your professors’?”

Elizabeth Heyde, biomedical engineering junior Yes, it is, but it’s solid advice. This is one of those things that every entering freshman hears, agrees with, and never actually puts into practice. Don’t be that freshman, because this is also one of those things that every sophomore who finally does try it wishes they had started doing sooner. Your professors are valuable sources, beyond being lecturers. Additionally, it is important to develop confidence and comfort with asking questions about concepts or requirements that you don’t fully understand.

“Find a place, other than your dorm room, to study.” Amy Bilodeau, mathematics sophomore If you get yourself to go all the way to the library, the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU), or a favorite coffee shop downtown, not only will you have fewer distractions, but, by designating this space for studying, your brain will shift into a state of productivity quicker and will remain in that mindset longer. Besides, you won’t want to associate your happy dorm room with the stress of cramming for exams and writing papers.

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“Get involved in your department, beyond classes.”

Hayley Crowell, biological sciences graduate student College, in general, is a fantastic place to gain industry experience and to network for your career. Cal Poly, specifically, is renowned for its abundance of opportunities offered to students of all majors. But, you know that; it’s partially why you chose to come here! Don’t lose sight of why you’re at Cal Poly, and don’t take for granted these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to build up your resume, advance your career prospects, and gain experience in fun and exciting ways. Take advantage of clubs, networking events, department projects, and professional resources in locating internships.

Your major should be evident in ways beyond a statement on your diploma.

“Take math right out of high school.”

Joseph Vaysman, history senior Get those Area B GE’s out of the way before it’s been three years since you last looked at a calculator. Don’t give your brain too much of a break from basic math courses; it is not a subject that rewards gaps in attention.

Healthy living “Eat three meals a day, for sure.”

Jake Walejko, mechanical engineering sophomore Don’t feel the need to conserve your Plu$ Dollars; most freshmen find that at the end of the year they are in excess. Your allotment is more than enough to ensure that you are eating plenty. If time is what you are looking to conserve, park yourself at Metro and do homework there, or grab something to go from the Ave. Of course, three meals a day won’t do you much good if all three meals are Bishop’s

Burger or Chick-fil-A, but, a healthy diet is achievable if you know where to look (start with Red Radish, Sandwich Factory or Metro 19). Balance is necessary in all areas of basic health; establish hygiene, sleep, and eating routines early on and stick to them throughout the year.

“Use the Rec Center to stay in shape.”

Michael Ayers, architectural engineering sophomore Whether it’s taking a group fitness class, using the workout facilities, playing a sport recreationally with your friends, or spending a sunny day by the pool, take advantage of our state-of-the-art gym and recreation center. It’s a great way to stay in shape and to have fun.

Having fun “Get involved in clubs on campus.”

Dylan Stafforini, parks and recreation senior Clubs are a great way to pursue your interests and hobbies and to meet like-minded people.

Friendships are often built on commonalities, and, although random encounters, like whom you live across from or whom you sit next to in class, allow for the chance of meeting people with similar interests, going to a club guarantees it. As a freshman, try out as many clubs as you can, then choose one or two to focus on and dive deeper into.

“Take advantage of the nature surrounding campus.”

Jesse O’Connor, history junior SLO is a beautiful area! Experience it for yourself by exploring the various hiking trails, some of which even head off from campus. If you or your friends have a car, Montaña de Oro State Park is well worth the relatively short trip.

Even without a car, with the hills bordering

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campus and the many trails throughout Poly Canyon, it will take a while before you run out of beautiful new spaces to explore.

“Try something new. You’ll never know what you like until you do it.”

Jacob Davis, mechanical engineering sophomore And don’t be afraid to try things on your own. Don’t make the mistake of limiting your experiences to activities which your friends are already doing. You might meet new friends, which doesn't mean you're leaving your other friends behind. In fact, those other friends might even join you once they see how much fun it is. College is this wonderful once-ina-lifetime experience because you have a lot of freedom with relatively little responsibility.

This opportunity has so much more potential than simply partying. Take advantage of the most valuable and rare aspect of this freedom, which is that you can test things without great consequence. So, join that club, try out that class, sign up for that Poly Escapes trip.

You can always drop it if you decide it's not for you. But make that decision actively and informatively, by first experiencing it for yourself.

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How to Conquer “SLO” Days so That You’re Prepared for Fall Quarter Natalie Truong Summer seems endless when you’re living in the moment, but relaxing days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months. Before you know it, fall quarter has arrived. So, what should you do to ensure a fantastic fall quarter?

We’ve compiled five ways to prepare for an unforgettable fall quarter.

First, make sure you have registered for all of your classes for the best possible schedule.

I know thinking about academics during summer is not at the top of your to-do list, but I cannot stress the importance of staying on top of registration to get your preferred classes.

As a very confused and unorganized freshman, I once forgot to update my PolyPlanner and got stuck with the last round of registration. I went into summer with only four units and it wasn’t until open round registration that I was able to register for 16 units. During your slow days of summer, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to keep registration in mind if you’re aiming for a couple more units or a better schedule. New sections constantly open up without warning and what better way to start off fall quarter than with an ideal schedule.

Secondly, with all that extra time on your hands in between long summer days, use it to your advantage and avoid the mistake I made by consistently updating your PolyPlanner.

According to aerospace engineering junior, Josh Buckhalter, planning out all four years has not only made registration easier, but also helped him stay on track with his academic goals. He advises that “sitting down and

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photo by Chris Gateley

planning the rest of your year(s) you have left at Cal Poly will allow you to set reasonable academic goals and relieve some of the stress during registration since you’ve got an outline of the classes you’ll need to take each quarter.

Although the thought of planning the rest of your college career is overwhelming, you’ll thank yourself later on during registration.”

Apart from worrying about academics, there’s another way you can prepare yourself for an epic fall quarter—Pinterest. It’s a fun way to kick off fall quarter with a well decorated space. With spare time in the summer months, roaming around Pinterest can solve boredom and turn your empty dorms into something you see on Home and Garden Television (HGTV) through DIY projects and lots of hot gluing. According to political science junior Andrea Amavisca, a majority of her apartment is decorated in finely crafted and affordable decor she made herself from endless hours of scrolling on Pinterest. “Everything is much better with glitter,” she said.

Lastly, utilize summer downtime by interacting with more people. Set a goal to meet new people whether it’s at the beach, a restaurant or just neighbors around the block. An essential part to having a great college experience is by having a great set of friends, so take some risks, push yourself out of your comfort zone and make new friends.

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photo by Chris Gateley

How to take on San Luis Obispo without a car Laura Horst The beauty and vivacity of the San Luis Obispo locale are two of the many reasons incoming freshman choose to spend their undergraduate career at Cal Poly – a couple of perks, among others. Thursday night farmers’ markets, sunny Avila Beach days and round-the-clock trips to SLO Donut Co. are a part of every Cal Poly student’s college experience. The announcement that incoming freshmen will no longer be allowed to bring cars to campus means driving is no longer an option for most oncampus freshmen. This means that freshmen will look to other means of getting off-campus and around the county. University spokesperson Matt Lazier previously stated in an email to Mustang News that less than 15 percent of the Class of 2021’s freshmen brought cars to campus last year. Currently, there are many options that are available to students from all years to get around the community without requiring a car.

SLO Transit is a free transportation service for all Cal Poly students. Three separate routes stop at one of two SLO Transit stops on campus that provide transportation around San Luis Obispo. “The bus goes pretty much everywhere in SLO,” animal science sophomore Roya Stoops said. “It’s great that it’s free for all Cal Poly students”. The SLO Transit app provides realtime information on buses and stops near you. With the app, it’s easy to time when any given bus will arrive and where each route goes. All buses are accessible to persons with disabilities and mobility devices in addition to being equipped with frontloading bike racks for riders’ convenience. Among many other destinations, SLO Transit provides service to stops in the downtown area, the Foothill Boulevard strip malls and Los Osos Valley Road — where Costco and Target are located.

In recent years, the popularity of transportation services such as Uber and Lyft has been booming across the country. San Luis Obispo has been no exception. Uber and Lyft services are commonly used among students, especially during late hours when the bus may no longer be running. “Everybody has Uber on their phone,” environmental earth and soil science sophomore Danny Kleist said. “I’ve never had an issue with a

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driver finding me on campus, which is nice.

Since freshmen can’t have cars next year, it’ll definitely be useful for them to use Uber to get around.” These services can easily be used to get to places outside of the San Luis Obispo township, like Avila Beach or Morro Bay upon downloading the app. However, the cost of these services can be taxing. In addition, prices vary depending on the time and what type of car is requested. Forestry and natural resources sophomore Ethan Fagan said, “with Uber and Lyft it’s already fifteen to twenty dollars without surge prices on to go downtown from the dorms … it’s pretty pricey”. The convenience of driving services like Uber and Lyft may be matched by prices that can be rough on a college student’s budget.

Another service available to Cal Poly students over the age of 18, Zipcar provides self-service car rentals on campus. Cars are located in the A-1 parking lot, Cerro Vista Circle, Poly Canyon Village and the H-2 parking lot next to the library. Cal Poly students, faculty and staff are given discounted rates for the service.

Memberships cost $15 yearly, while hourly rates are $7.50 and up.

Bicycles have been popular among college students across the country for getting around campus. For incoming students, , it could be a reasonable method to get around town.

“Biking is probably the fastest way to get to class,” Kleist said. “Getting around town on a bike might be more tiring, but it’s doable.

SLO’s not that big, after all.” San Luis Obispo is notably biker-friendly, with its recognition by the League of American Bicyclists in 2007. A strong network of bike paths run throughout the town, reaching as far as Avila Beach. A company recently launched by Cal Poly graduates, BoltAbout, leases electric bikes on a monthly basis. Electric bikes have become increasingly popular on campus because of they eliminate the physical stress of biking (and

arriving to class sweaty) while retaining the ease of leaving a bike in one of the many bike racks on campus.

The range of options available to Cal Poly students who do not have cars varies in degrees of accessibility, autonomy and cost.

Likely, incoming freshmen will find they use a variety of different methods of transportation depending on the circumstance.

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Mustang News File Photo

5 New Changes Coming to College Lea Bruder Leaving home for college is a bittersweet moment. It’s scary thinking about moving to a new place, being without old friends and learning how to fend for yourself. But don’t be nervous— you should also be looking forward to new adventures and opportunities in the beautiful town of San Luis Obispo. This journey you are about to embark on as you make your way to college will challenge you but also allow you to grow in ways you never thought possible. To help transition into the college lifestyle, here are five new changes to expect.

1. New environment and relationships The second you get to college, you make so many new friends. You have a whole town to explore and people to meet.

“Keep an open mind,” wine and viticulture junior Nicolas Kent said. Don’t stick to just one place to study or one hiking trail. Get out there and see what else is around you.

2. Study Habits Unfortunately, many of the ways you studied for high school won’t work for college classes. That doesn’t mean college is impossible, that just means you need to find different ways to study that work best for you. “Plan ahead, don’t wait ’til the last minute to do assignments, go to the library and don’t just read notes,” political science junior Myree Butler said.

3. More Responsibility With the freedom of living on your own comes the responsibility of taking care of yourself. Making sure you balance academics, social life and health seems daunting, but there are plenty of resources on campus to guide you. These include your academic advisors, Mustang Success Center and Peers Understanding Listening Supporting Educating (PULSE). Political science senior Margaret Barreto said to

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not be afraid to go to the counseling center because it helps “even going in just one time.” Being responsible for your studies is important, but being responsible for yourself is important too.

4. New Opportunities Cal Poly provides its students with a variety of outlets to get involved on campus, including clubs that cater to cultural, environmental, political or religious interests.

There are also Greek Life chapters and Intramural Sports. “Even if there’s the slightest thing that interests you, there is somewhere on this campus where you can get involved with that hobby” Butler said. And if you can’t find it on campus, create it! Kent adds, “it’s all about finding out what you want to do.”

5. Freedom to be Yourself Another change moving to college and being away from home is the ability to learn about and be yourself. Butler explains her biggest regret about her first year of college is that she was scared to put herself out there. “Just go for it because it’s college so why not?

These are some of the best years of your life.”

And they are. So get ready, and don’t forget to have fun.

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What I Learned at SLO Days: 5 Lessons Jacob Lopez Students find SLO Days an essential component to their segue into college.

From informative presentations, housing stays, a wide selection of meals and learning about the registration process at Cal Poly, you can bet your money on SLO Days with peace of mind. Here are some lessons past attendees of SLO Days have learned.

Lesson 1: Attend both days If you want the full SLO Days experience, you will want to go to both days. I found this essential in my own experience; it provided me the time to explore the campus in its entirety, learn about activities and essential resources and become acquainted with my department and the registration process.

Lesson 2: Listen in on the presentations This is the best day to get to know the campus and its resources. Biology junior Alex Valdivia attended this day and particularly enjoyed a couple of the presentations offered, “The housing presentation provided good info on what to expect during move-in, as well as good info about health resources.” There are a plethora of resources on campus, and there’s no better way to learn about them than by attending SLO Days. Valdivia also enjoyed the safety presentations given by a firefighter and police officer as well. He appreciated their guidelines on how to act if another student were to be in danger at a party or other social event.

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Lesson 3: Learn about registration On this day, you will learn about the registration process. “Learning about the registration process is crucial,” mathematics junior Jason Brown said. This is a good point Jason makes, especially when considering that registration occurs three times in the academic year. You’ll also want to know how to update your Poly Planner so that you don’t get stuck in the last round of registration. He also said that by speaking one-on-one with college professors on day two, you'll be able to ask them all the questions concerning your college and program.

Lesson 4: Make yourself at home The university will provide the on-campus housing for your use. It is convenient and provides a good prelude to what it will actually be like to live at school. When biology freshman Alicia Ellingson stayed overnight, she said housing is “comfortable and was a good experience.” Ellingson also said there were specific accommodations that she enjoyed.

“They even provided me with a blanket when

photo by Noah Sadler

I forgot mine.” Alicia attended both days of SLO Days and found staying on-campus to add insight to her experience.

Lesson 5: Establish meaningful relationships Valdivia and Brown both took advantage of the friendly environment by making friends at SLO Days.

“I even made a friend from a neighboring city to my hometown,” Valdivia said. He said he was excited about potentially meeting with this friend back home. Brown also said that meeting friends at SLO Days was great because he became friends with people he saw in class during fall quarter. SLO Days is your initial chance to become acquainted with other students. Making connections both with students and professors is a part of having a fulfilling experience at Cal Poly.

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