The CSU System

The California State University (CSU) is the nation's largest and most diverse four-year public university. With 23 unique universities and seven off-campus centers, the CSU serves approximately 460,000 students and employs more than 56,000 faculty and staff.

Each year, the university awards nearly 130,000 degrees, changing the trajectory of students' lives by opening doors to opportunities for upward mobility. Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their families to attend college and more than half of CSU students and more than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. 

For one of the most affordable tuitions in the country, students learn from world-class faculty, gain valuable hands-on experiences and receive strong career advising, empowering them to become leaders in the changing workforce.

CSU graduates are serving as leaders in the industries that drive California's economy, including business, agriculture, entertainment, engineering, teaching, hospitality and health care. To learn more visit the California State University website.

A Tradition of Excellence for More than Six Decades

Since 1961, the CSU has provided an affordable, accessible and high-quality education to millions of Californians. While each university is unique based on its curricular specialties, location and culture, every CSU is distinguished for the quality of its educational programs. All CSUs are fully accredited, provide a high-quality, broad liberal educational program and offer opportunities for students to engage in university life through the Associated Students, Inc., clubs and service learning.

Facts

• Today, one in every 20 Americans with a college degree is a CSU graduate.
• 1 in every 10 employees in California is a CSU graduate.
• The CSU's network of more than 4 million alumni is larger than the population of 23 U.S. states.
• The CSU awards nearly half of the bachelor's degrees earned in California.
• The CSU awards more than one-third of California's undergraduate nursing degrees.
• Between 2016 and 2021, the CSU prepared more of California's teachers than any other state institution.
• About four percent of the nation's teachers graduate from the CSU.
• In 2021-22, CSU students earned more than 20,000 business degrees and more than 7,500 engineering degrees.
• The CSU offers more than 4,000 programs that align with the state's workforce demands.
• The CSU's online concurrent enrollment program gives students the ability to enroll in courses offered by other universities in the CSU system.
• Through CSU community engagement centers, 52,000 student volunteers participated in service-learning, contributing 2 million hours of service in 2021-22.

Governance

The CSU is governed by the Board of Trustees, most of whom are appointed by the governor and serve with faculty and student representatives. The CSU chancellor is the chief executive officer, reporting to the board. The presidents serve as the university-level chief executive officers. The trustees, chancellor and presidents develop university-wide educational policy. The presidents, in consultation with the CSU Academic Senate and other university stakeholder groups, render and implement local policy decisions.

 CSU Historical Milestones

The individual California State Colleges were established as a system with a Board of Trustees and a chancellor in 1960 by the Donahoe Higher Education Act. In 1972, the system was designated as the California State University and Colleges, and in 1982 the system became the California State University (CSU). Today, the CSU is comprised of 23 member universities, including comprehensive and polytechnic universities and, since July 1995, the California State University Maritime Academy, a specialized university.

The oldest university — San José State University — was founded in 1857 and became the first institution of public higher education in California. The newest — California State University Channel Islands — opened in fall 2002, with freshmen arriving in fall 2003. And in 2022, the CSU in Humboldt became California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, joining San Luis Obispo and Pomona as the state's third public polytechnic university.

In 1963, the CSU's Academic Senate was established to act as the official voice of CSU faculty in university-wide matters. Also, the California State College Student Presidents Association — which was later renamed the California State Student Association (CSSA), was founded to represent each university student association on issues affecting students.

Through its many decades of service, the CSU has continued to adapt to address societal changes, student needs and workforce trends. While the CSU's core mission has always focused on providing high-quality, affordable bachelor's and master's degree programs, over time the university has added a wide range of services and programs to support student success – from adding health centers and special programs for veterans to building student residential facilities to provide a comprehensive educational experience.

In 2010, in an effort to accommodate community college transfer students, the CSU, in concert with the California Community Colleges (CCC), launched the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which guarantees CCC transfer students with an ADT admission to the CSU with junior status. The ADT has since proven to be one of the most effective path to a CSU for community college transfer students. In 2023, the CSU will launch the Transfer Success Pathway program to guarantee future CSU admission to high school graduates who are entering a California community college and who commit to transferring within three years. 

Always adapting to changes in technology and societal trends to support student learning and degree completion, the CSU launched CSU Fully Online, which enables CSU students to complete online courses at other CSUs, expanding enrollment opportunities and providing more educational opportunities for students who may prefer an online format to a traditional classroom setting.

The CSU marked a significant educational milestone when it broadened its degree offerings to include professional doctoral degrees. The CSU independently offers Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Audiology (AuD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree programs. Additionally, the CSU was recently authorized to offer the independent Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). A limited number of other doctoral degrees are offered jointly with the University of California and private institutions in California.

The CSU strives to continually develop innovative programs, services and opportunities that will give students the tools they need to meet their full potential. In 2016, the CSU system launched Graduation Initiative 2025, a bold plan to support students, increase the number of California's graduates earning high-quality degrees and eliminate achievement and equity gaps for all students. Through this initiative, the CSU is ensuring that all students have the opportunity to graduate according to their personal goals, positively impacting their lives, families and communities.

By providing an accessible, hands-on education that prepares graduates for career success, the CSU has created a network of alumni so extensive and renowned that it spans across the globe. More than 4 million CSU alumni are making a difference in the lives of the people of California and the world.

Trustees of the California State University

Ex Officio Trustees

The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California

The Honorable Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California

The Honorable Anthony Rendon
Speaker of the Assembly

The Honorable Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Dr. Jolene Koester
Interim Chancellor, California State University

Officers of the Trustees

The Honorable Gavin Newsom – President
Wenda Fong – Chair
Jack B. Clarke Jr.  – Vice Chair
Andrew Jones – Secretary
Steve Relyea – Treasurer

Appointed Trustees

Appointments are for a term of eight years, except student, alumni, and faculty trustees, whose terms are for two years. Terms expire in the year in parentheses. Names are listed alphabetically.

• Larry L. Adamson (2024)
• Diana Aguilar-Cruz (2024)
• Diego Arambula (2028)
• Jack B. Clarke Jr. (2027)
• Douglas Faigin (2025)
• Jean P. Firstenberg (2026)
• Wenda Fong (2024)
• Leslie Gilbert-Lurie (2030)
• Lillian Kimbell (2024)
• Maria Linares (2023)
• Julia I. Lopez (2028)
• John "Jack" McGrory (2023)
• Anna Ortiz-Morfit (2025)
• Yammilette Rodriguez (2029)
• Romey Sabalius (2023)
• Lateefah Simon (2027)
• Christopher J. Steinhauser (2026)
• Jose Antonio Vargas (2030)

Correspondence with Trustees should be sent to:

c/o Trustees Secretariat
The California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210

Office of the Chancellor

The California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, California 90802-4210
Phone: (562) 951-4000

Office of the Chancellor

Name	Title
Dr. Jolene Koester	Interim Chancellor
Mr. Steve Relyea	Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Andrew Jones	Executive Vice Chancellor, General Counsel
Ms. Leora D. Freeman	Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Mr. Vlad Marinescu	Vice Chancellor and Chief Audit Officer
Dr. Nathan Evans	Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Dr. Dilcie Perez	Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Ms. Jessica Darin	Interim Chief of Staff
Ms. Michelle Kiss	Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, Board of Trustees

The California State University System

California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, President
(661) 654-2782
CSU Bakersfield Website

California State University, Channel Islands
One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
Dr. Richard Yao, President
(805) 437-8400
CSU Channel Islands Website

California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
Dr. Gayle E. Hutchinson, President
(530) 898-4636
Chico State Website

California State University, Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President
(310) 243-3696
CSU Dominguez Hills Website

California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542
Dr. Cathy A. Sandeen, President
(510) 885-3000
Cal State East Bay Website

California State University, Fresno
5241 North Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740
Dr. Saúl Jimémez-Sandoval, President
(559) 278-4240
Fresno State Website

California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92831-3599
Dr. Sylvia A. Alva, Interim President
(657) 278-2011
Cal State Fullerton Website

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521-8299
Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., President
(707) 826-3011
Cal Poly Humboldt Website

California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840-0115
Dr. Jane Close Conoley, President
(562) 985-4111
Cal State Long Beach Website

California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Dr. Leroy M. Morishita, Interim President
(323) 343-3000
Cal State LA Website

California State University Maritime Academy
200 Maritime Academy Drive
Vallejo, CA 94590
Navy Reserve Vice Admiral Michael J. Dumont, Interim President
(707) 654-1000
Cal Maritime Website

California State University, Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955-8001
Dr. Vanya Quiñones, President
(831) 582-3000
CSU Monterey Bay Website

California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
Dr. Ericka D. Beck, President
(818) 677-1200
CSUN Website

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
Dr. Soraya M. Coley, President
(909) 869-7659
Cal Poly Pomona Website

California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
Dr. Robert S. Nelson, President
(916) 278-6011
Sacramento State Website

California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2318
Dr. Tomás D. Morales, President
(909) 537-5000
Cal State San Bernardino Website

San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
Dr. Adela de la Torre, President
(619) 594-5200
San Diego State Website

San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
Dr. Lynn Mahoney, President
(415) 338-1111
San Francisco State Website

San José State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0001
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
(408) 924-1000
San José State Website

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
One Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Dr. Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President
(805) 756-1111
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Website

California State University, San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt, President
(760) 750-4000
CSU San Marcos Website

Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Dr. Ming-Tung Lee, Interim President
(707) 664-2880
Sonoma State Website

California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
Dr. Susan E. Borrego, Interim President
(209) 667-3122
Stanislaus State Website

Average Support Cost per Full-time Equivalent Student Sources of Funds

The total support cost per full-time equivalent student (FTES) includes the expenditures for current operations, including payments made to students in the form of financial aid, and all fully reimbursed programs contained in state appropriations. The average support cost is determined by dividing the total cost by the number of FTES. The total CSU 2022-23 budget amounts were $4,589,590,000 from state General Fund (GF) appropriations, before a $(68.5) million CalPERS retirement adjustment, $2,446,491,000 from gross tuition revenue, and $672,655,000 from other fee revenues for a total of $7,708,736,000. The 2022-23 resident FTES target is 383,680 and the nonresident FTES based on past-year actual is 19,953 for a total of 403,633 FTES. The GF appropriation is applicable to resident students only whereas fee revenues are collected from resident and nonresident students. FTES is derived by dividing the total student credit units attempted by a fixed amount depending on academic level (e.g., 30 for a semester university and 45 for a quarter university, the figures that define a full-time undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student's academic load).

2022/23

Cost Per FTES

	Amount	Average Cost Per FTES	%
State Appropriation (GF)*	$4,589,590,000	$11,962	59.6%
Gross Tuition Revenue**	$2,446,491,000	$6,061	31.7%
Other Fees Revenue**	$672,655,000	$1,667	8.7%
Total Support Costs	$7,708,736,000	$19,690	100%

*	Represents state GF appropriation in the Budget Act of 2022-23; GF is divisible by resident students only (383,680 FTES).
**	Represents CSU Operating Fund, gross tuition and other fees revenue amounts submitted in university September 2022-23 final budgets. Revenues are divisible by resident and nonresident students (403,633 FTES).

The 2022-23 average support cost per FTES based on GF appropriation and tuition fee revenue only is $18,023 and is $19,960, which includes all fee revenue (e.g., tuition fees, application fees, and campus mandatory fees) in the CSU Operating Fund. Of this amount, the average tuition and other fee revenue per FTES is $7,728.

The average CSU 2022-23 academic year, resident, undergraduate student basic tuition and other mandatory fees required to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university is $7,520 ($5,742 tuition fee plus $1,778 average campus-based fees). However, the costs paid by individual students will vary depending on the university, program, and whether a student is part-time, full-time, resident, or nonresident.

Campus Smoking Policy

Please view the revised smoking policy for the Cal Poly campus at the Campus Administrative Policies website.

Career Placement

The Career Services office 805.756.2501 may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. Any such data provided must be in a form that does not allow for the identification of any individual student. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the university or graduates of all universities in the California State University system.

Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyrights Law

Anyone who is found to be liable for copyright infringement may be liable for either the owner's actual damages along with any profits of the infringer or statutory damages of up to $30,000 per work infringed. In the case of a willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. (See 17 U.S.C. §504.) Courts also have discretion to award costs and attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party. (See 17 U.S.C. §505.) Under certain circumstances, willful copyright infringement may also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. (See 17 U.S.C. §506 and 18 U.S.C. §2319.)

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student qualifies to pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120- 68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University Office of General Counsel website.

Each CSUs Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that university's new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student's Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified a nonresident.

Residency Requirements

Initial Determination: Eligible Immigration Status, Physical Presence and Intent

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency (see Immigration Information), meet physical presence by the Residence Determination Date, and demonstrate intent to indefinitely remain in the State of California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date. If the student is under the age of 19 (with limited exceptions), the student's residence status is derived from that of the parent or from that of the legal guardian.

Requirements for Residency for Tuition Purposes

Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2023 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2023, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2022.

Intent: 

California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student's residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the RDD.

Documents must include the student's name, the student's California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian's name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian's immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver's license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

Immigration Information

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (see list). If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions.

Nonimmigrant Statuses and Other Categories that are Eligible to Establish California Residency for Tuition Purposes

The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals in certain nonimmigrant statuses to establish permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, they are entitled to establish California residency for tuition purposes. For a complete list of eligible visas and other eligible categories, review the nonimmigrant list. Students must hold an eligible visa status at least one year before the Residence Determination Date (RDD) to be eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes.

Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.

Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the university Admissions Office.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the university nor the Chancellor's Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

Residency determination dates are set each term, They are:

Residence Determination Dates

Term	Date
Fall	September 20
Winter	January 5
Spring	April 1
Summer	July 1

Reclassification - Financial Independence (only applies to continuing students)

A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5. To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the university admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.

41905.5. Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement

• Any nonresident student requesting reclassification to resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate financial independence
• Student has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Student has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Student has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of his/her parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Note: Students who receive a government scholarship and/or financial assistance should be viewed the same as state and federal financial aid, and athletics grants-is-aid; and should not be counted as parental support.
• Effective Fall 2020 academic term, if the student meets at least one of the following criteria, the student does not have to meet the financial independence requirement. Student must provide the university admissions office supporting documents (e.g. state income tax returns, court documents, marriage certificate, military order form) that demonstrate they meet the criteria.
  • Dependent on a parent who has California residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date;
  • Enrolled in a graduate or postbaccalaureate program, regardless of age;
  • Turned 24 years of age by the residence determination date;
  • Married or registered domestic partner as of the residence determination date;
  • Active duty members serving in the U.S Armed Forces;
  • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • Legal dependent other than spouse or registered domestic partner;
  • Former ward of the court, foster youth or both parents are deceased;
  • Declared by a court to be an emancipated minor; or
  • Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residency Appeals

A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final university decision within 30 days of notification by the university. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:

     1. The decisions was based on:

a. A significant error of fact by the university;

b. A significant procedural error by the university; or

c. An incorrect application of the law which, if corrected would require that the student be reclassified as a California resident; and/or

d. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, became available after the date of the university decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes Website.

Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the California State University (CSU) website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at residencyappeals@calstate.edu.

The office of the Chancellor will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the university for further review.

A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.

Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

Back to top

Higher Education Act (HEA)

Under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) and its many amendments, Cal Poly is required to make certain disclosures and institutional information “readily available” to prospective and enrolled students, employees, the general public and the department of education on an annual basis (20 U.S.C. Section 1092(a)). For additional information, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 805.756.0327.

PRIVACY RIGHTS OF STUDENTS IN EDUCATION RECORDS

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (FERPA) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) set out requirements designed to protect students’ privacy in their educational records maintained by the university. The statute and regulations govern access to certain student records maintained by the university and the release of those records. FERPA provides that the university must give students access to most records directly related to the student, and must also provide opportunity to correct the records if the student believes the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. The right to petition to correct a record under FERPA does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade determined by the instructor. In addition, FERPA generally requires the university obtain a student’s written consent before releasing personally identifiable data pertaining to the student. The university has adopted a set of policies and procedures governing implementation of FERPA and the regulations. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at Office of Academic Records or the Educational Equity Services Office. Among the information included in the university statement of policies and procedures is:

1. The student records maintained and the information they contain;
2. The university official responsible for maintaining each record;
3. The location of access lists indicating persons requesting or receiving information from the record;
4. Policies for reviewing and expunging records;
5. Student access rights to their records;
6. Procedure for challenging the content of student records; and
7. The student’s right to file a complaint with the Department of Education. The Department of Education has established an office and review board to investigate complaints and adjudicate violations. The designated office is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

FERPA authorizes the university to release “directory information” pertaining to students. “Directory information” may include the student’s name, address, telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, degrees, honors, and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution the student attended. The university may release this “directory information” at any time unless the university has received prior written objection from the student specifying the information the student requests not be released. Written objections must be sent to University Registrar.

The university is authorized to provide access to student records without prior student consent to university officials, employees, and others who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons include those with legitimate reasons to access student records to perform the university's academic, administrative or service functions, and those with a reason for accessing student records associated with their university or other related academic responsibilities. Student records will be disclosed to the CSU Chancellor’s Office to conduct research, to analyze trends, or to provide other administrative services. Student records may also be disclosed to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of the accreditation or program evaluation; in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; or to other institutions to which the student is transferring).

Completion/Graduation Rates

Information concerning completion, graduation rates and student body diversity at Cal Poly may be found at the Institutional Research website.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA)

http://ir.calpoly.edu/content/publications_reports/ret_grad/index

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV, federal student financial assistance program, and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses, by men’s and women’s teams.

In compliance with this requirement, information contained in the current report for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is available on the US Department of Education’s web site at http://ope.ed.gov/athletics (select “Get data for one institution”). Alternatively, a link is also available to this and other publications through Cal Poly’s Institutional Planning & Analysis web site (see link at top of this section). A paper copy of the report is available upon request.

Campus Security Report (Clery Act)

http://afd.calpoly.edu/police/

Crime statistics for Cal Poly are provided for all prospective and current students, faculty and staff on the website, along with critical updates and prevention advisories. These statistics are reported monthly to the Federal and State Departments of Justice as well as annually to the Office of the Chancellor of the CSU. Crime statistics are published to inform the campus community and to meet mandated reporting requirements. A printed copy of the Campus Security Report is available by request at the University Police Department.

Student Activities

Information concerning student activities may be found at the Cal Poly Student Affairs website http://www.studentaffairs.calpoly.edu/get-involved; 805.756.5903.

Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information

Student Financial Assistance. Director, Financial Aid, Admin. 212; 805.756.2927

1. A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at Cal Poly;
2. For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award;
3. A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
4. The satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance;
5. The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;
6. The way the school provides for Pell-eligible students to obtain or purchase required books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period and how the student may opt out;
7. The terms of any loan received as part of the student’s financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;
8. The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student’s financial aid package;
9. The terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Programs;
10. The exit counseling information the school provides and collects for student borrowers; and
11. Contact information for ombuds offices available for disputes concerning federal, institutional and private loans.

Return of Federal Title IV student assistance funds. Director, Financial Aid, Admin. 212; 805.756.2927.

Cost of Attending Cal Poly. Director, Financial Aid, Admin. 212; 805.756.2927: fees and tuition (where applicable); the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Refund Policies. Assistant Director, Student Financial Services, Admin. 211; 805.756.1428: return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of institutional charges.

Facilities and Services available to Students with Disabilities. Director, Disability Resource Center, Student Services Bldg. 124; 805.756.1395.

Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies. University Police, Building 74; 805.756.2281.

Annual Fire Safety Report. Facility Services, Bldg. 80; 805.756.6662.

Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs. Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Admin. 209; 805.756.1521.

Grievance Procedures for Students. The Dean of Students Office, Bldg 124, Rm 125; 805.756.0327.

Teacher Certification Examinations, pass rates, teacher preparation programs. School of Education, Bldg 2, Rm 120; 805.756.2126.

Back to top

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check.  Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.  Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office of the Registrar, Admin. 222; 805.756.2531.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Military Selective Service Act

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the "Act") requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. For more information on the Selective Service System and to initiate the registration process, visit the official Selective Service System website.

Student Complaint Procedure (Complaints Regarding the CSU)

The California State University (CSU) takes very seriously complaints and concerns regarding the institution. If you have a complaint regarding the CSU, you may present your complaint as follows:

1. If your complaint concerns CSU’s compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards, you may present your complaint on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) website. WASC is the agency that accredits the CSU's academic program.
2. If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by CSU of any law that prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on a protected status (such as age, disability, gender (or sex), gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), religion or veteran or military status), you may present your complaint as described in CSU Non-discrimination Policy.
3. If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by the CSU of other state law, including laws prohibiting fraud and false advertising, you may present your claim complaint to the university president or designee at (Jessica Darin, Chief of Staff, darin@calpoly.edu). See Procedure for Student Complaints—Executive Order No. 1063 for details regarding the complaint requirements and complaint process.
4. Other complaints regarding the CSU may be presented to the university dean of students [or another appropriate administrator], who will provide guidance on the appropriate university process for addressing your particular issue.

If you believe that your complaint warrants further attention after you have exhausted all the steps outlined by the university, or by WASC, you may file an appeal with the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs (or designee) at the CSU Chancellor's Office.

This procedure should not be construed to limit any right that you may have to take legal action to resolve your complaint.

Student Conduct

Inappropriate conduct by students or by applicants for admission is subject to discipline as provided in Sections 41301 through 41304 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. These sections are:

Title 5, California Code of Regulations, § 41301. Standards for Student Conduct

1. University Community Values
   The university is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the university community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the university community, and contribute positively to student and university life.
2. Grounds for Student Discipline
   Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences. The following are the grounds upon which student discipline can be based:
   1. Dishonesty, including:
      1. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty that are intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
      2. Furnishing false information to a university official, faculty member, or university office.
      3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a university document, key, or identification instrument.
      4. Misrepresenting one’s self to be an authorized agent of the university or one of its auxiliaries.
   2. Unauthorized entry into, presence in, use of, or misuse of university property.
   3. Willful, material and substantial disruption or obstruction of a university-related activity, or any on-campus activity.
   4. Participating in an activity that substantially and materially disrupts the normal operations of the university, or infringes on the rights of members of the university community.
   5. Willful, material and substantial obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or other traffic, on or leading to campus property or an off-campus university-related activity.
   6. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior at a university-related activity, or directed toward a member of the university community.
   7. Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the university community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
   8. Hazing or conspiracy to haze. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6), and in addition, any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, university, or other educational institution. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school sanctioned events. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.
   9. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, (except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations) or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
   10. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations), or public intoxication while on campus or at a university related activity.
   11. Theft of property or services from the university community, or misappropriation of university resources.
   12. Unauthorized destruction, or damage to university property or other property in the university community.
   13. Possession or misuse of firearms or guns, replicas, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals (without the prior authorization of the university president) on campus or at a university related activity.
   14. Unauthorized recording, dissemination, or publication of academic presentations (including handwritten notes) for a commercial purpose.
   15. Misuse of computer facilities or resources, including:
       1. Unauthorized entry into a file, for any purpose.
       2. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
       3. Use of another's identification or password.
       4. Use of computing facilities, campus network, or other resources to interfere with the work of another member of the university community.
       5. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
       6. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal university operations.
       7. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
       8. Violation of a university computer use policy.
   16. Violation of any published university policy, rule, regulation or presidential order.
   17. Failure to comply with directions of, or interference with, any university official or any public safety officer while acting in the performance of their duties.
   18. Any act chargeable as a violation of a federal, state, or local law that poses a substantial threat to the safety or well-being of members of the university community, to property within the university community or poses a significant threat of disruption or interference with university operations.
   19. Violation of the Student Conduct Procedures, including:
       1. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information related to a student discipline matter.
       2. Disruption or interference with the orderly progress of a student discipline proceeding.
       3. Initiation of a student discipline proceeding in bad faith.
       4. Attempting to discourage another from participating in the student discipline matter.
       5. Attempting to influence the impartiality of any participant in a student discipline matter.
       6. Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of any participant in a student discipline matter.
       7. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under a student discipline proceeding.
   20. Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to do any act that could subject them to discipline.
3. Procedures for Enforcing this Code
   The chancellor shall adopt procedures to ensure students are afforded appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard before the university imposes any sanction for a violation of the Student Conduct Code. [Note: At the time of publication, such procedures are set forth in the California State University Student Conduct Procedures Policy (Revised August 14, 2020).]
4. Application of this Code
   Sanctions for the conduct listed above can be imposed on applicants, enrolled students, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. Conduct that threatens the safety or security of the university community, or substantially disrupts the functions or operation of the University is within the jurisdiction of this Article regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus. Nothing in this Code may conflict with Education Code section 66301 that prohibits disciplinary action against students based on behavior protected by the First Amendment.

Title 5, California Code of Regulations, § 41302. Disposition of Fees: University Emergency; Interim Suspension. The president of the university may place on probation, suspend, or expel a student for one or more of the causes enumerated in Section 41301. No fees or tuition paid by or for such student for the semester, quarter, or summer session in which the student is suspended or expelled shall be refunded. If the student is readmitted before the close of the semester, quarter, or summer session in which the student is suspended, no additional tuition or fees shall be required of the student on account of the suspension.

During periods of emergency, as determined by the president of the individual university, the president may, after consultation with the chancellor, place into immediate effect any emergency regulations, procedures, and other measures deemed necessary or appropriate to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational activities.

The president may immediately impose an interim suspension in all cases in which there is reasonable cause to believe that such an immediate suspension is required in order to protect lives or property and to insure the maintenance of order. A student so placed on interim suspension shall be given prompt notice of charges and the opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of the imposition of interim suspension. During the period of interim suspension, the student shall not, without prior written permission of the president or designated representative, enter any of the CSUs other than to attend the hearing. Violation of any condition of interim suspension shall be grounds for expulsion.

Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the university to file information returns that include the student's social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Back to top