A Message from President Armstrong
At Cal Poly, student success is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to academic excellence, Learn by Doing, and a vibrant campus culture ensures our graduates are ready day one for high-impact careers in an increasingly global workforce.
Academic Excellence
Extraordinary faculty and staff bring their talent and unwavering commitment to students' success. We provide a low student-teacher ratio in classes conducted primarily by full-time, regular faculty.
As a comprehensive polytechnic university, we emphasize instruction in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics while also recognizing the essential role of liberal arts. We foster cross-disciplinary experiences and use technology to enhance learning across classrooms, labs and the library.
Anti-discrimination
The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on religion, ethnicity, ancestry, and all other protected characteristics. Antisemitism and anti-Zionism may constitute unlawful discrimination when it targets individuals based on their Jewish identity, resulting in denial of rights, benefits, or equal access, or creating a hostile environment. Criticism of a government or its policies, when not directed at individuals because of religion, ethnicity, or ancestry, is protected free expression under the First Amendment. The University is committed to protecting both civil rights and free speech consistent with federal and state law for all individuals.
Learn by Doing
Learn by Doing is the foundation of a Cal Poly education — classroom instruction complemented by hands-on experiences in labs, studios, on farmland, and around the globe.
Rich Campus Culture
Cal Poly offers a dynamic residential campus life, enriched by a growing selection of housing options, student clubs, and co-curricular activities. We welcome different perspectives and experiences, encouraging multi-cultural education. Our diversity enriches Cal Poly’s educational environment.
By blending rigorous academics, Learn by Doing, and a supportive campus community, Cal Poly creates an environment where students don’t just learn — they thrive.
Jeffrey D. Armstrong
President
Cal Poly has been guided by the following chief executive officers.
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| Leroy Anderson | 1902 to 1908 |
| Leroy Burns Smith | 1908 to 1914 |
| Robert W. Ryder | 1914 to 1921 |
| Nicholas Ricciardi | 1921 to 1924 |
| Margaret Chase (acting) | 1924 |
| Benjamin Ray Crandall | 1924 to 1933 |
| Julian A. McPhee | 1933 to 1966 |
| Dale W. Andrews (acting) | 1966 to 1967 |
| Robert E. Kennedy | 1967 to 1979 |
| Dale W. Andrews (acting) | 1979 |
| Warren J. Baker | 1979 to 2010 |
| Robert B. Glidden (Interim) | 2010 to 2011 |
| Jeffrey D. Armstrong | 2011 to Present |