California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

{{Short description|Public university in San Luis Obispo, California}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox university | name = California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | image = CalPoly Seal.svg | image_upright = .6 | former_name = California Polytechnic School (1901–1947), California Polytechnic State College (1947–1972) | motto = ''Discere Faciendo'' (Latin) | mottoeng = "Learn by Doing" | established = {{start date and age|1901|03|08}} | type = Public polytechnic university | endowment = $296.45 million (2024)<ref name=NACUBO>As of June 30, 2024. {{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL-Feb-12-2025.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2024 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2024 Endowment Market Value, Change in Market Value from FY23 to FY24, and FY24 Endowment Market Values Per Full-time Equivalent Student |date=February 12, 2025 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |access-date=February 12, 2025 |format=XLSX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212074654/https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL-Feb-12-2025.xlsx |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref> | president = Jeffrey D. Armstrong | provost = Al Liddicoat (interim) | faculty = 1,600 (fall 2025)<ref name=Employee>{{cite web |title=Employee Data |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMjQxYzk4OTAtNjcxYi00OWNhLWE1YzYtOWQ4OWFkMjI5MjY4IiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9 |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly Institutional Research |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> | administrative_staff = 1,827 (fall 2025)<ref name=Employee/> | undergrad = 22,313 (fall 2025)<ref name="Enrollment">{{cite web |title=Enrollment Data |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMzg5MjNmMjctMTM5Yi00ODA5LWE5MTItNTY3OTg1Njk0M2RiIiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9 |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly Institutional Research |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> | postgrad = 932 (fall 2025)<ref name="Enrollment"/> | city = San Luis Obispo, California | country = United States | campus = Small suburb<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=San+luis&s=all&id=110422|title=College Navigator - California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo|website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref> | campus_size = {{convert|9678|acre|ha}} total; {{convert|1321|acre|ha}} main campus; {{convert|155|acre|ha}} campus core<ref name=Facts/> | colors = Green and Gold<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ucm.calpoly.edu/colors|title=Colors|access-date=June 28, 2024}}</ref> {{color box|#154734}} {{color box|#BD8B13}} | mascots = {{hlist|Chase the Mustang|Musty the Mustang}} | sports_nickname = Mustangs | sporting_affiliations = {{hlist|NCAA Division I FCS – Big West|Big Sky|Pac-12|MPSF}} | academic_affiliations = Space-grant | parent = California State University | accreditation = WSCUC | website = {{url|https://www.calpoly.edu}} | logo = Cal Poly Logo 2019.svg | logo_upright = .9 | free_label2 = Newspapers | free2 = ''Mustang News, Cal Poly News'' }}

'''California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cal Poly San Luis Obispo {{!}} CSU |url=https://www.calstate.edu/attend/campuses/san-luis-obispo |access-date=2025-10-23 |website=www.calstate.edu |language=en-US}}</ref> ('''Cal Poly''')<ref>{{cite web |title=California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo |url=https://ucm.calpoly.edu/cal-poly-name |access-date=October 1, 2024 |publisher=The California State University}}</ref> is a public university in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States,<ref name=CDPmap>{{cite map|author=Geography Division|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/DC20BLK/st06_ca/place/p0609835_california_polytechnic_state_university/DC20BLK_P0609835.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: California Polytechnic State University CDP, CA|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2025-06-01|quote=California Polytechnic State Univ}} - Cites the location of the university and shows that the university is outside of the San Luis Obispo city limits. Even though the postal address says "San Luis Obispo, CA", it is not in the city limits. [https://web.archive.org/web/19961031170034/http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/annexation/annexation_FAQ.html The City of Houston stated]: "The U.S. Postal Service establishes ZIP codes and mailing addresses in order to maximize the efficiency of their system, not to recognize jurisdictional boundaries."</ref> outside of the city limits of San Luis Obispo.<ref name=Grossi/><ref name=Rajagopal/> Founded in 1901, it is the oldest of three polytechnic universities within the California State University system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cal Poly Name {{!}} University Communications and Marketing |url=https://ucm.calpoly.edu/cal-poly-name-1#:~:text=The%20names,%20California%20Polytechnic%20State,is%20managed%20under%20Trademark%20Licensing |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=ucm.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref> Cal Poly emphasizes a "learn by doing" philosophy, integrating hands-on, practical experiences into its curriculum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learn By Doing {{!}} Cal Poly |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/learn-by-doing |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=www.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref> As of fall 2025, Cal Poly had approximately 22,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students.<ref>{{cite web |title=Enrollment Data |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMzg5MjNmMjctMTM5Yi00ODA5LWE5MTItNTY3OTg1Njk0M2RiIiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9 |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly Institutional Research |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref>

The university is home to several programs, including in engineering, architecture, and business. Most of the university's athletic teams participate in the Big West Conference.

==History== thumb|upright|The California Polytechnic School

=== Establishment and early years === Cal Poly was founded in 1901 as the California Polytechnic School, following the signing of the California Polytechnic School Bill by Governor Henry Gage. The school began classes on October 1, 1903, with 20 students enrolled, offering three-year secondary-level courses.<ref name="University Archive">{{cite web |title=Highlights in the History of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo |url=http://lib.calpoly.edu/universityarchives/history/timeline/ |access-date=October 10, 2007 |work=Cal Poly San Luis Obispo}}</ref>

Originally coeducational, the school enrolled 16 male and 4 female students.<ref>Morris Eugene Smith. ''A History of California State Polytechnic College, The First Fifty Years''. Masters Thesis, 1958. pg. 13.</ref> In 1929, California Governor C.C. Young prohibited women from attending.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Filice |first1=Soquel |title=HERstory: Women at Cal Poly, 1903–1930 Kennedy Library {{!}} Home |url=https://lib.calpoly.edu/news/2014/03/herstory-women-at-cal-poly-1903-1930/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712025759/https://lib.calpoly.edu/news/2014/03/herstory-women-at-cal-poly-1903-1930/ |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |access-date=March 22, 2020 |website=Robert E. Kennedy Library – Cal Poly}}</ref> Women were readmitted in 1956. By Fall 2023, female students constituted 50.1% of the total student population.<ref>{{cite web |title=California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo Student Life |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo-1143/student-life#:~:text=California%20Polytechnic%20State%20University%2D%2DSan%20Luis%20Obispo%20has%20a,students%20and%2050.1%25%20female%20students. |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=U.S. News and World Report}}</ref>

=== Transition to higher education === In 1924, Cal Poly came under the control of the California State Board of Education. During the Great Depression, financial constraints led to discussions in Sacramento about converting Cal Poly into a state prison.<ref name="Gerth_Page_35">{{cite book |last1=Gerth |first1=Donald R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NKH8c1LMlZ4C&q=prison |title=The People's University: A History of the California State University |date=2010 |publisher=Berkeley Public Policy Press |isbn=9780877724353 |location=Berkeley |page=35}}</ref> It was saved by Julian A. McPhee, who went on to lead Cal Poly as its president for thirty-three years.<ref name="Gerth_Page_35" />

In 1933, the institution transitioned to a two-year technological and vocational school. By 1940, it began offering Bachelor of Arts degrees, with the first baccalaureate ceremony held in 1942. In 1947, the school was renamed California State Polytechnic College to better reflect its expanding higher education offerings. A Master of Arts degree in education was added in 1949.<ref name="Cal Poly Timeline">{{Cite web|url=http://www.calpoly.edu/~centen/time/timeline7.htm|title=Cal Poly Historical Timeline}}</ref>

=== Expansion and satellite campuses === In 1938, Charles and Jerry Voorhis donated a farm and school to Cal Poly. In 1949, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation gifted an 812-acre horse ranch in Pomona, California. Originally a satellite campus for Cal Poly, the Pomona campus became an independent university, Cal Poly Pomona, in 1966.

=== Integration into the CSU system === In 1960, control of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and other state colleges was transferred to the newly formed CSU system. That same year, a plane crash killed 22 of the 48 people on board, including 16 Cal Poly football players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toledo Blade - Google News Archive Search |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-MYwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AgEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7163,5296196 |access-date=June 5, 2024 |website=news.google.com}}</ref>

Authorized to offer Master of Science degrees in 1967, Cal Poly reorganized its curriculum from 1967 to 1970 into specialized schools: the School of Science and Mathematics, the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the School of Architecture. In 1968, Cal Poly's FM radio station, KCPR, was launched as a senior project.

In 1971, the California State Legislature officially renamed the institution ''California Polytechnic State University''. Since the 1970s, the university has seen steady enrollment growth and significant campus expansion.

=== Major donations and 21st century developments === On May 3, 2017, Cal Poly received a $110 million gift from alumni William L. and Linda Frost, one of the largest donations ever made to public education in California.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2017 |title=Cal Poly Receives Historic $110 Million Gift from Alumnus William L. Frost |url=https://magazine.calpoly.edu/news/cal-poly-receives-historic-110-million-gift-alumnus-william-l-frost/ |access-date=May 3, 2017 |format=URL}}</ref>

In 2022, the university established the Noyce School of Applied Computing, combining three departments - electrical engineering, computer engineering, and software engineering - under one umbrella through donations received from the Robert N. Noyce Trust.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 14, 2022 |title=College of Engineering To Create The Noyce School of Applied Computing — Thanks to Generous Donation |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/news/college-engineering-create-noyce-school-applied-computing-thanks-generous-donation?fbclid=IwAR1ReYlh8kEa1HfPRsj1N5oyGtLqu8KK0aMSaLIWN7otauvEfNXo6Q8ONSU |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly News |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> In 2024, the school received a $60 million gift from the trust to establish an endowment, funding operations for the foreseeable future.<ref>{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Jessica |date=May 15, 2024 |title=Cal Poly Receives $60 Million for Applied Computing Endowment |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/05/15/cal-poly-receives-60-million-applied-computing-endowment |access-date=November 12, 2025 |website=Inside Higher Ed |publisher=Inside Higher Ed}}</ref>

In 2024, the CSU system recommended integrating Cal Maritime with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CSU Recommends Integrating Cal Maritime and Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo {{!}} CSU |url=https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/cal-poly-maritime-integration.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=www.calstate.edu |language=en-US}}</ref> On November 21, 2024, the CSU Board of Trustees approved the CSU Chancellor's recommendation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2024 |title=CSU Board of Trustees Approves Cal Maritime and Cal Poly Integration {{!}} Cal Poly |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/news/csu-board-trustees-approves-cal-maritime-and-cal-poly-integration |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=www.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref> As of July 1, 2025, the two universities operate as a single institution: Cal Poly. On May 21, 2025, the university announced that Dr. Corey Cook had been named vice president and chief executive officer of Cal Poly, Solano Campus in Vallejo, and Rear Admiral (Retired) Eric C. Jones, USCG, had been named superintendent of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy, effective July 1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2025 |title=Cal Poly Announces New Leadership for Solano Campus and Cal Poly Maritime Academy {{!}} University Communications and Marketing |url=https://ucm.calpoly.edu/news/cal-poly-announces-new-leadership-solano-campus-and-cal-poly-maritime-academy |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=ucm.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref> The full integration of academics will be completed in fall 2026 and all Cal Poly Maritime Academy and Cal Poly, Solano Campus students will be enrolled as Cal Poly students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cal Poly Maritime Academy {{!}} Cal Poly |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/maritime |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=www.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref>thumb|right|The Dexter Lawn – Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo's unofficial social center and meeting place.<ref>{{Citation |author1=Kabalka, Kabalka |author2=Christian, Pults |name-list-style=amp| title = Cal Poly Land: Dexter Lawn| url=http://polyland.calpoly.edu/topics/history/studentsites/2006a/Index.htm|access-date =August 17, 2011 }}</ref> thumb|Jespersen Hall thumb|Performing Arts Center

==Campus== thumb|Poly Canyon Village student housing, built in 2009 Caly Poly is in a census-designated place designated by the U.S. Census Bureau, and is in an unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County,<ref name=CDPmap/> separate from the San Luis Obispo city limits.<ref name=Grossi>{{cite news|last=Grossi|first=Sarina|url=https://www.kcbx.org:443/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2024-06-10/slo-city-council-approve-application-to-shrink-city-limits-for-university-housing|title=SLO city council approve application to shrink city limits for university housing|publisher=KCBX|date=2024-06-10|access-date=2025-06-01|quote=The university is not a part of SLO and has its own designated boundaries.}}</ref><ref name=Rajagopal>{{cite news|last=Rajagopal|first=Bulbul|url=https://www.newtimesslo.com/news/slo-city-council-kicks-off-process-to-change-city-limits-for-cal-poly-housing-15400660|title=SLO City Council kicks off process to change city limits for Cal Poly housing|newspaper=New Times|date=2024-06-06|access-date=2025-06-01|quote=While Cal Poly is outside city limits, [...]}}</ref> It has a postal address stating "San Luis Obispo, CA".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.calpoly.edu/|title=Home|publisher=California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo|access-date=2025-06-01|quote=1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407}}</ref>

Cal Poly has one of the largest college campuses in the United States, covering 9,967.6 parcel acres and making it one of the state's largest land-holding universities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Poukish |first=Hannah |date=April 11, 2025 |title=Does Cal Poly have largest college campus in California? We crunched the numbers |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article303501176.html |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=San Luis Obispo Tribune |publisher=San Luis Obispo Tribune}}</ref> The property includes the main campus, two agricultural lands, and two sites in Santa Cruz County. The Swanton Pacific Ranch, a 3,200-acre ranch in Santa Cruz County, provides educational and research opportunities, encompassing rangeland, livestock, and forestry operations for the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. It supports Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy with an emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices and laboratory experiments. University House serves as the university president's residence.

The census-designated place is in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District.<ref name=SDCensusList2020>{{cite news|author=Geography Division|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06079_san_luis_obispo/DC20SD_C06079.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: San Luis Obispo County, CA|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|date=December 18, 2020|page=1 (PDF p. 2/3)|access-date=2025-06-01}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st06_ca/schooldistrict_maps/c06079_san_luis_obispo/DC20SD_C06079_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref> thumb|Chase Hall thumb|Cal Poly's Performing Arts Center

=== 21st century construction === In the summer of 2018, a dormitory-style student community was completed at the corner of Slack Street and Grand Avenue. This development includes seven 3- to 5-story concrete-framed freshman residence hall buildings with 1,475 beds and an adjacent four-level parking structure. Community spaces feature a café, community room, game room, mail room, welcome center, offices, and maintenance shop. Additional site improvements provide a large open space for activities and group events, volleyball and basketball courts, and outdoor gathering areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/project_news.asp|title=Cal Poly Student Housing South |publisher=Cal Poly |access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref>

The Warren J. Baker Center for Science and Mathematics was dedicated on November 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baker Center Dedicated Nov. 1 |url=http://cosam.calpoly.edu/center_sci_math.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629133243/http://cosam.calpoly.edu/center_sci_math.html |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=December 15, 2013 |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> This $119 million, six-story building replaced the aging "spider" Science Building 52 with a new 189,000-square-foot structure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Center for Science and Mathematics – College of Science and Mathematics |url=http://cosam.calpoly.edu/content/center_sci_math |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707053055/http://cosam.calpoly.edu/content/center_sci_math |archive-date=July 7, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2012 |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> It includes laboratories, classrooms, offices for the physics, chemistry, and soil science programs, and spaces for the Western Coatings Technologies Center and the Environmental Biotechnology Institute. The center also features Centennial Park, a landscaped central green area.

The William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation was dedicated on May 5, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 8, 2023 |title=Frost Center for Research and Innovation is Dedicated — And a College is Renamed for Phil and Tina Bailey {{!}} Cal Poly |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/news/frost-center-research-and-innovation-dedicated-and-college-renamed-phil-and-tina-bailey |access-date=May 27, 2025 |website=www.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref> The 102,000-square-foot interdisciplinary research center features state-of-the-art interdisciplinary laboratory and teaching spaces for students and faculty in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics; the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; and the College of Liberal Arts.

===Commuting=== Campus parking is limited, with 2,892 general-purpose parking spaces, 3,492 dorm resident spaces, and a total of 8,648 parking spaces.<ref>[http://afd.calpoly.edu/police/docs_services/parking/parking_stats/2011Octprksrv.pdf Parking Lot Survey] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801061500/http://afd.calpoly.edu/police/docs_services/parking/parking_stats/2011octprksrv.pdf|date=August 1, 2013}} Cal Poly University Police Department, October 18, 2011</ref> The Facilities Master Plan acknowledges that, despite adding more parking spots, the ratio of parking to students will decrease due to expected enrollment growth.<ref>[http://www.facilities.calpoly.edu/masterplan/masterplan.htm Cal Poly Campus Master Plan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060814011555/http://www.facilities.calpoly.edu/masterplan/masterplan.htm|date=August 14, 2006}} Cal Poly Facilities Planning and Capital Projects, March 21, 2001</ref> To address this, the plan emphasizes reducing demand for individual vehicle parking by constructing additional dorms and enhancing campus life. Cal Poly Commuter and Access Services has successfully promoted alternatives to single occupancy vehicles, with bus use more than doubling and bicycle use nearly quadrupling from 2002 to 2012.<ref>{{cite news | title = Commuting That Makes Cents | url = http://mustangdaily.net/commuting-that-makes-cents-part-one/ | work = Cal Poly Daily Mustang | date = May 23, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150124101817/http://mustangdaily.net/commuting-that-makes-cents-part-one/ | archive-date = January 24, 2015 | url-status = usurped | access-date = September 25, 2024}}</ref>

As of 2024, there are over 7,000 bike rack spaces and 252 secure bike lockers on campus. In 2019, approximately 57% of students and 33% of faculty/staff lived within five miles of campus, facilitating easy bike commutes.<ref name="commute">{{cite web |title=Cal Poly Commuting Options |url=http://www.afd.calpoly.edu/police/commuter_services_commuting.asp?pid=1&subid=3|access-date=September 25, 2024}}</ref> The city's SLO Transit bus system provides service to and from campus. Cal Poly supports SLO Transit with funding from parking citation revenue, allowing faculty, staff, and students to ride for free.<ref name="commute" /> The SLO Regional Transit Authority provides bus service throughout the county, with discounted passes available to the Cal Poly community.{{Panorama|image=Image:360-SLO-Calpoly.jpg |fullwidth=22113 |fullheight=1916 |caption=360° panorama from the top of Poly Canyon; the main Cal Poly campus and agricultural area can be seen below.|height=300}}

===Leaning Pine Arboretum=== [[File:Lawn - Leaning Pine Arboretum - DSC05832.JPG|thumb|The Leaning Pine Arboretum, at Cal Poly SLO.]] [[File:Melaleuca linariifolia - Leaning Pine Arboretum - DSC05482.JPG|thumb|Snow-in-Summer in bloom, Leaning Pine Arboretum]] [[File:Kniphofia Christmas Cheer.jpg|thumb|Kniphofia "Christmas Cheer"|upright]] The '''Leaning Pine Arboretum''' is located on {{convert|5|acre|m2}} on the north side of the campus. The arboretum is maintained by students.{{sfn|Russell|Spencer|2006|pp=81-82}} In 2022, the Arboretum received a one-million-dollar gift from a former Provost and her husband.<ref>[https://calpolynews.calpoly.edu/news_releases/2022/april/Arboretum "Cal Poly's Leaning Pine Arboretum Receives $1 Million Donation for Upgrades and Improved Programming"]</ref>

Collections are arranged primarily by nativity and feature a diverse array of trees, shrubs, and other landscape plants appropriate for the Central Coast of California region. The gardens display hundreds of plants, primarily from the Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub Biome in the world's five Mediterranean climate regions located in areas of: Australia, California, Chile, the Mediterranean region, and South Africa. The arboretum also has a New Zealand garden, a dwarf and unusual conifer garden, a formal garden, and displays of cycads, palms, and succulents.

The arboretum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Admission is free.

==Academics==

===Colleges=== As of 2020, the university offers 65 bachelor's degrees, 39 master's degrees, 84 minors and 13 credentials in six colleges:<ref name="Facts">{{cite web |title=Cal Poly Quick Facts |url=http://www.calpolynews.calpoly.edu/quickfacts.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110055037/https://calpolynews.calpoly.edu/quickfacts.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=January 1, 2020 |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> * College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences * College of Architecture and Environmental Design * Orfalea College of Business * College of Engineering * College of Liberal Arts * Bailey College of Science and Mathematics

===Bachelor's projects=== All undergraduate students are required to complete a senior project, a capstone experience integrating theory and application from their undergraduate studies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senior Project |url=https://academicprograms.calpoly.edu/content/academicpolicies/Policies-Undergrad/Senior-project |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=Academic Programs and Planning |language=en}}</ref> Projects may include design or construction experiences, experiments, self-guided studies or research projects, presentations, reports based on internships or co-ops, public portfolio displays, or performances.<ref name="calpoly1">{{cite web |title=Senior Project |url=http://www.academicprograms.calpoly.edu/academicpolicies/Policies-Undergrad/Senior-project.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208100713/http://www.academicprograms.calpoly.edu/academicpolicies/Policies-Undergrad/Senior-project.htm |archive-date=February 8, 2006 |work=calpoly.edu}}</ref> These projects often lead to job offers or recognition. Notable examples include Punchd, acquired by Google, and Jamba Juice, inspired by a senior project idea.<ref>[http://www.calpolynews.calpoly.edu/magazine/Fall-11/punchd.html Collaboration Packs a Punch at Poly: Google Acquires Punchd, a Cal Poly Senior Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001010650/http://www.calpolynews.calpoly.edu/magazine/Fall-11/punchd.html|date=October 1, 2011}}, ''Cal Poly Magazine'' (Fall 2011), accessed October 8, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/calpoly_magazine/vol11/iss2/5/ Blended Bliss], ''Cal Poly Magazine'' (Summer 2007), accessed October 18, 2011.</ref> The campus area known as 'Architecture Graveyard' hosts many senior projects, including experimental and unconventional structures.

===Undergraduate admissions=== {| class="wikitable" |+ Enrolled Fall Freshman Statistics<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/cal-poly-university/article287319830.html |title= Cal Poly students get more A’s, have higher GPAs than decade ago. See the data |last=Lavine |first=Owen |website=San Luis Obispo Tribune |publisher=San Luis Obispo Tribune |date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjc2ZjcyODctODE0OS00NjA4LTkwODktODY4ZDA4MjBiZjZlIiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9&pageName=ReportSection335dfd4ed071111c6bba |title=Power BI Report |website=Microsoft Power BI}}</ref> | !2025 !2024 !2023 !2022 !2021 !2020 !2019 |- !Applicants |81,899 |68,604 |63,955 |58,944 |54,570 |52,371 |54,072 |- !Admits |22,531 |21,416 |18,964 |17,885 |18,008 |20,127 |15,366 |- !% Admitted |27.5 |31.2 |29.7 |30.3 |33 |38.4 |28.4 |- !Enrolled |N/A |5,276 |5,270 |5,111 |4,884 |4,788 |4,613 |- !Avg. GPA |4.06 |4.12 |4.03 |4.04 |4.01 |3.99 |3.99 |}

Cal Poly's admissions process is described as "more selective" according to ''U.S. News & World Report''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo-1143 |access-date=June 2, 2019 |magazine=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref> For the class entering fall 2025, 22,956 students were accepted out of a record 81,910 applicants, a 28% acceptance rate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/cal-poly-university/article307104626.html |title=Record number of new students commit to attend Cal Poly this fall |last=Dittenber |first=Sadie |website=San Luis Obispo Tribune |publisher=San Luis Obispo Tribune |date=May 29, 2025 |access-date=July 9, 2025}}</ref>

Cal Poly requires students to declare a major upon applying, then admits the most competitive applicants for each major. Each major has a change of major plan, requiring certain classes and GPA (usually between 2.5 and 2.75). In some cases, students wishing to change majors transfer to other universities.

For fall 2024, Cal Poly accepted 2,040 of 10,432 applicants as new transfer students, a 19.5% acceptance rate.<ref name="fall2024">{{cite web |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjc2ZjcyODctODE0OS00NjA4LTkwODktODY4ZDA4MjBiZjZlIiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9&pageName=ReportSection335dfd4ed071111c6bba |title=Admissions Data |website=Microsoft Power BI |publisher=Cal Poly |access-date=July 9, 2025}}</ref> In 2024, the incoming freshmen class was composed of approximately 50% women and 50% men.<ref name="fall2024"/>

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the middle 50% of enrolled students scored between 1240 and 1460 on the SAT (with a 50th percentile of 1350), between 610 and 740 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (50th percentile: 670), and between 630 and 780 on the SAT Math section (50th percentile: 680).<ref>{{cite web |title=Common Data Set 2024–2025 |url=https://ir.calpoly.edu/content/publications_reports/cds/index |publisher=California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo |access-date=April 13, 2026}}</ref>

=== Rankings === As of 2025, Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo has been ranked the best public institution in the Western United States for 33 consecutive years by ''U.S. News & World Report.''<ref>{{cite web |date=September 23, 2025 |title=Cal Poly Continues Streak as Best in the West For 33rd Straight Year |url=https://www.calpoly.edu/news/cal-poly-continues-streak-best-west-33rd-straight-year |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly News |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref> The publication also ranked Cal Poly as the best overall master’s-level university — public or private — in the West for the third straight year.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/cal-poly-university/article292970119.html |title= Cal Poly earns prestigious ranking for second straight year |last=Dittenber |first=Sadie |website=San Luis Obispo Tribune |publisher=San Luis Obispo Tribune |date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 23, 2025 |title=Cal Poly ranks #1 'Best in the West' college on U.S. News & World Report list |url=https://www.ksby.com/san-luis-obispo/cal-poly-ranks-1-best-in-the-west-college-on-u-s-news-world-report-list |access-date= |website=KSBY |publisher=Scripps News Group}}</ref> Regional universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master's programs, but few doctoral programs.

''U.S. News & World Report'' (2025)<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=US News - Cal Poly Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo-1143/overall-rankings |access-date=February 2, 2026}}</ref>

* Regional Universities West ''-'' 1st * Most Innovative Schools - 1st * Best Undergraduate Teaching - 2nd * Top Public Schools - 1st * Best Colleges for Veterans - 1st * Best Value Schools - 7th{{Infobox US university ranking | USNWR_REG = 1 | USNWR_W = 1098 (tie) | Forbes = 55 | THE_WSJ = 116 | Wamo_MASTERSU = 32 }} * Engineering Programs - 5th ** Computer - 1st ** Aerospace / Aeronautical / Astronautical - 2nd ** Civil - 2nd ** Electrical / Electronic / Communications - 2nd ** Mechanical - 2nd '''''National Rankings'''''

[https://www.wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2026?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfzdBxwdZBnvaUhsPyu-RADADOY6JxCDKiH7agtJ77E7Q2mgSkFeyfz&gaa_ts=68fff485&gaa_sig=ZhMEtKhLGdrpQ66eYPOlzGvi2RmlYz6gcz_hVCrcrYjgbJOIHjglRTVBaT6m6uvcxCPM6AzJZI2PR5canJRFnw%3D%3D The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse] rankings (2026) - 28th best college in the country both public and private.

[https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/ Forbes America's Top Colleges] (2026) - 55th best college in America overall, 16th best public university.

PayScale Best Value Colleges Ranked by ROI (2025) - 36th out of 1,978.

''Money'' Best Colleges for Your Money (2025) - 5 out of 5 star - Awarded America's Best Colleges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California - Complete Profile, Rankings and Data |url=https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |website=Money |language=en}}</ref>

Institute of International Education (2025) - #1 study aboard offerings across masters-level U.S. universities.

DesignIntelligence: America's Best Architecture & Design Schools:

* Undergraduate Architecture Programs - 3rd in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://di-rankings.com/architecture-schools.html |title=Most Admired Architecture Schools |publisher=DesignIntelligence |access-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041650/https://di-rankings.com/architecture-schools.html |archive-date=January 24, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Landscape Architecture - 6th in the nation, 1st in the western region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://di-rankings.com/landscape-architecture-schools.html |title=Most Admired Landscape Architecture Schools |publisher=DesignIntelligence |access-date=June 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117063217/https://di-rankings.com/landscape-architecture-schools.html |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> == Student life ==

===Student characteristics=== {| class="wikitable floatleft sortable collapsible" ; text-align:right; font-size:80%;" |+ style="font-size:90%" |2024 Undergraduate demographics |- ! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enrollment Data - Demographics |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGJkMGY0ZWYtNmFiYy00ZmJjLWE2ZjItZTIwZGI5NjllZTY4IiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=Microsoft Power BI |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330005536/https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZGJkMGY0ZWYtNmFiYy00ZmJjLWE2ZjItZTIwZGI5NjllZTY4IiwidCI6IjFiMGQwMmRiLWZjOWUtNDQ5NS05NTM3LTFkMzc5Y2NhMmFlNyIsImMiOjZ9 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ! colspan="2" data-sort-type="number" |Total |- | White |align=right| {{bartable|50|%|2||background:cyan}} |- | Hispanic |align=right| {{bartable|23|%|2||background:green}} |- | Asian |align=right| {{bartable|14|%|2||background:orange}} |- | Two or more races{{efn|Other consists of Multiracial Americans & those who prefer to not say.}} |align=right| {{bartable|11|%|2||background:violet}} |- | Foreign national |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:#008080}} |- | Black |align=right| {{bartable|0.7|%|2||background:purple}} |- | Pacific Islander |align=right| {{bartable|0.3|%|2||background:yellow}} |- | Native American |align=right| {{bartable|0.1|%|2||background:brown}} |- ! colspan="4" data-sort-type="number" |Economic diversity |- | Low-income{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.}} |align=right| {{bartable|14|%|2||background:blue}} |- | Affluent{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.}} |align=right| {{bartable|86|%|2||background:red}} |} {{clear}} === Residence halls === thumb|right|The Orfalea College of BusinessCal Poly's on-campus student housing, totaling 6,239 spaces,<ref>{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Facilities planning |url=http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/Facilities_Planning/2013-14-Five-Yr-CapImprovementPgmBk.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195906/http://www.calstate.edu/cpdc/Facilities_Planning/2013-14-Five-Yr-CapImprovementPgmBk.pdf |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=www.calstate.edu}}</ref> is the largest student housing program in the CSU system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Poly Canyon Village Recognized as Best New Development |url=http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4178&context=pao_pr |access-date=November 6, 2012 |work=Cal Poly}}</ref> In Fall 2015, 35.9% of undergraduates lived in 28 dorms, and 98.7% of first-time freshmen lived on campus. Additionally, 28.7% of sophomores lived on campus.<ref name="PolyView">{{cite web |title=Poly View Fall 2015 |url=http://content-calpoly-edu.s3.amazonaws.com/ir/1/images/Fall%202015%20PolyView%20-%20FINAL%2012_22_15.pdf |publisher=Institutional Research, California Polytechnic State University}}</ref>

There are five distinct groups of residence halls: North Mountain Halls, Red-Brick Halls, Sierra Madre and Yosemite Halls, Cerro Vista Apartments, Poly Canyon Village, and Yakʔitʸutʸu residence halls

===Greek life=== Greek organizations have been present at Cal Poly since 1949, with numerous fraternities and sororities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.studentlife.calpoly.edu/greek/index.asp |title=Greek Life |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=Cal Poly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226012551/http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/greek/index.asp |archive-date=December 26, 2012 }}</ref>

===Week of Welcome orientation program=== The ''Week of Welcome (WOW)'' is a volunteer-based orientation program for new students during the first week after move-in each September. It aims to introduce students to the campus and community and prepare them for a successful college career. Freshmen are placed in groups of 10–12, while transfer students are grouped in sizes of 40–60, each led by two current student orientation leaders. WOW groups participate in various orientation events and activities on and off campus. In 2010, the program's awareness section won the National Orientation Directors Association (NODAC) Media & Publications Showcase Award for Emerging Technologies, developed entirely by student volunteers. Started in 1956, WOW is now the largest volunteer orientation program in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mustangdaily.net/history-of-wow-by-kristy-gonzalez |title=History of WOW |access-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920023153/http://mustangdaily.net/history-of-wow-by-kristy-gonzalez/ |archive-date=September 20, 2012 }}</ref>

===Recreation Center=== thumb|right|Cal Poly Recreation Center The Cal Poly Recreation Center is the on-campus student recreation center.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asi.calpoly.edu/recreation_center# |title=Cal Poly Recreation Center |publisher=calpoly.edu|access-date=April 25, 2019}}</ref>

===Clubs and independent student organizations=== Cal Poly hosts over 400 recognized clubs and independent student organizations, including cultural clubs, mathematics and science clubs, improv and sketch comedy clubs, religious and atheistic groups, service organizations, engineering research and development clubs, professional development organizations, a perennial Rose Parade Float design program, LGBTQ+ and Multicultural groups, competitive and social athletic teams, and academic honors clubs. Notable engineering clubs include Prove Lab, PolySat, CubeSat, and QL+.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bmed.calpoly.edu/student-groups/ql-quality-life-plus|title=QL+ (Quality of Life Plus) – Student Clubs – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo|website=bmed.calpoly.edu|language=en-US|access-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901000920/https://bmed.calpoly.edu/student-groups/ql-quality-life-plus|archive-date=September 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cal Poly Now |url=https://now.calpoly.edu/organizations |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly Now |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref>

==Athletics== {{main|Cal Poly Mustangs}}

{{See also|California Polytechnic State University Mustang Band|Cal Poly Mustangs baseball|Cal Poly Mustangs men's basketball|Cal Poly Mustangs football|Cal Poly Mustangs men's soccer}} thumb|Alex G. Spanos Stadium

Cal Poly fields 20 sports (10 for men and 10 for women) and competes in NCAA Division I.<ref name="Athletics">{{cite web |title=Cal Poly: Athletic and Academic Excellence |url=http://www.gopoly.com/inside_athletics/whycalpoly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802070343/https://gopoly.com/404-1.aspx?url=/inside_athletics/whycalpoly |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |access-date=November 2, 2017}}</ref> It is a member of the Big West Conference, except for football, wrestling, and indoor track & field. The football team competes in the Big Sky Conference; the wrestling team is part of the Pac-12 Conference; and indoor track & field is independent.

Prior to joining Division I in 1994, Cal Poly won 35 NCAA Division II national team championships<ref>{{cite web |title=Inside Athletics |url=http://gopoly.com/inside_athletics/whycalpoly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601020208/http://www.gopoly.com/inside_athletics/whycalpoly |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2012}}</ref> and competed in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The university has two mascots: Musty the Mustang and Chase, a live mustang named after Margaret Chase, the university's second president.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cal Poly Mustang Mascot Name Honors Past President Margaret Chase |url=https://www.gopoly.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20141119o78yv0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907221347/https://www.gopoly.com/sports/fball/2014-15/releases/20141119o78yv0 |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |access-date=September 7, 2018 |work=CNN}}</ref>

=== Club sports === Cal Poly also offers various non-NCAA (club) sports. The Mustangs play college rugby in the California Conference of Division 1-A. The Mustangs are often ranked in the Top 25 nationwide,<ref name=":0">Rugby Mag, All Divisions College Top January 25, 28, 2013, presented by Selective Service, January 28, 2013, {{cite web |url=http://www.rugbymag.com/cpl/6901-all-divisions-college-top-25-jan-28-2013-presented-by-selective-service-.html |title=All Divisions College Top 25 Jan. 28, 2013, presented by Selective Service |access-date=February 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629194837/http://rugbymag.com/cpl/6901-all-divisions-college-top-25-jan-28-2013-presented-by-selective-service-.html |archive-date=June 29, 2013 }}</ref> and their rugby sevens team has been ranked as high as No. 7.<ref name=":1">Rugby Mag, Men College 7s Rankings, November 13, 2012, {{cite web |url=http://www.rugbymag.com/news/colleges/collegiate-sevens/6418-men-college-7s-rankings-nov-13-2012-p.html |title=Men College 7s Rankings Nov 13, 2012 – P |access-date=January 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122045709/http://rugbymag.com/news/colleges/collegiate-sevens/6418-men-college-7s-rankings-nov-13-2012-p.html |archive-date=January 22, 2013 }}</ref> SLOCORE represents Cal Poly in ultimate at the D-1 open level. The Mustangs have been one of the top teams over the past decade, ranked as high as No. 5, and reached their first national final in 2024 while winning the team spirit award.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://play.usaultimate.org/events/2024-USA-Ultimate-D-1-College-Championships/ |title=Event Details |website=Play USA Ultimate}}</ref>

=== Rivalry and band === The Battle for the Golden Horseshoe is an annual rivalry college football game between the UC Davis Aggies and the Cal Poly Mustangs.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bill Paterson |date=October 31, 2013 |title=UC Davis-Cal Poly rivalry intense |url=http://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article2581412.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210213707/http://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article2581412.html |archive-date=December 10, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2014 |newspaper=Sacramento Bee}}</ref> The Mustang Marching Band, with over 200 members, performs at football, basketball, and volleyball games.

== Administrative organization == thumb|right|The Agricultural Sciences Building Cal Poly is administratively organized into four divisions:

* Academic Affairs: Includes six colleges, Library, Research and Graduate Programs, and Information Technology Services. * Student Affairs * Administration and Finance * University Advancement

=== University auxiliary organizations === '''Cal Poly Partners''': A public-benefit nonprofit corporation providing commercial, fiscal, and support services to promote the educational mission of Cal Poly and the CSU system. Founded in 1940, it was known as the Cal Poly Foundation until 2006 and Cal Poly Corporation until 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2024 |title=Cal Poly Corporation Renamed Cal Poly Partners {{!}} University Communications and Marketing |url=https://ucm.calpoly.edu/news/cal-poly-corporation-renamed-cal-poly-partners |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=ucm.calpoly.edu |language=en}}</ref>

'''Cal Poly Foundation:''' An auxiliary organization and IRC 501(c)(3) public charity that accepts and administers tax-deductible gifts to the university. It leads campus philanthropic activity by supporting fundraising and managing campus endowments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.calpolyfoundation.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207194018/http://www.calpolyfoundation.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 7, 2006 |title=Cal Poly Foundation }}</ref>

'''Cal Poly EPaCE:''' Cal Poly Extended, Professional and Continuing Education (EPaCE) provides access to Cal Poly and expands degree, certificate, and professional development opportunities for individuals through both academic and professional programs.<ref>{{cite web |title=EPaCE |url=https://extended.calpoly.edu/ |access-date=Nov 12, 2025 |website=Cal Poly: Extended, Professional and Continuing Education |publisher=Cal Poly}}</ref>

'''Associated Students Inc''': The Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is a 501(c)(3) nnonprofit corporation owned and operated by Cal Poly student leaders, with an annual operating budget exceeding $12 million. ASI provides co-curricular experiences, including events, speakers, concerts, intramural sports, fitness programs, aquatics, outdoor adventure trips, craft center courses, club services, and child development programs. ASI manages the University Union, Recreation Center, Sports Complex, and Children's Center, totaling over 450,000 square feet of campus facilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asi.calpoly.edu/about_us |title=ASI}}</ref>

'''Alumni Association:''' Engages and serves alumni, fostering lifelong connections between the university and its alumni, and supporting the university's mission. The association includes 15 regional and special interest chapters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alumni.calpoly.edu/content/about_cpaa/index |title=Cal Poly Alumni Association |access-date=November 8, 2012 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729220231/https://alumni.calpoly.edu/content/about_cpaa/index |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Directors and presidents ==

* Leroy Anderson, 1902–1907 * Leroy Burns Smith, 1908–1914 * Robert Weir Ryder, 1914–1921 * Nicholas Ricciardi, 1921–1924 * Margaret Chase (Acting), 1924 * Benjamin Ray Crandall, 1924–1933 * Julian A. McPhee, 1933–1966 * Dale W. Andrews (acting), 1966–1967 * Robert E. Kennedy, 1967–1979 * Warren J. Baker, 1979–2010 * Robert Glidden (Acting), 2010–2011 * Jeffrey D. Armstrong, 2011–present

==Notable alumni==

<gallery class="center" mode="no lines"> Gibson-rl.jpg|Robert L. Gibson Abel-Maldonado.jpg|Abel Maldonado John_Madden_in_2007.jpg|John Madden File:Doug_LaMalfa_113th_Congress_official_photo.jpg|Doug LaMalfa ZodFarzad_Nazem.jpg|Farzad Nazem Devin_Nunes_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg|Devin Nunes Burt Rutan Oct 3 2004 photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|Burt Rutan Ozzie_Smith_1983.jpg|Ozzie Smith AlYankovicByKristineSlipson.jpg|"Weird Al" Yankovic </gallery> * Gregory Chamitoff, NASA astronaut<ref name="The Astronaut">{{Cite web|title=The Astronaut|url=https://magazine.calpoly.edu/fall-2020/the-astronaut/|access-date=October 8, 2020|website=Cal Poly Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> * Danding Cojuangco, former chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2020/06/10/2019790/man-all-seasons|title=A man for all seasons|first=Joaquin|last=Henson|work=The Philippine Star|date=June 10, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020}}</ref> * Robert "Hoot" Gibson, NASA astronaut<ref name="The Astronaut"/> * Victor Glover, NASA astronaut<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover|title=Victor J. Glover, Jr.|first=Melanie|last=Whiting|date=February 4, 2016|website=NASA|access-date=May 15, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115083531/https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/victor-j-glover/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Rick Sturckow, NASA astronaut<ref name="The Astronaut"/>

==Listing as a census-designated place== {{Infobox settlement |name = California Polytechnic State University CDP |official_name = |settlement_type = Census-designated place |nickname = |motto =

|unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{Cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_06.txt |access-date=March 23, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> |area_total_sq_mi = 1.548 |area_land_sq_mi = 1.539 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.009 |area_total_km2 = |area_land_km2 = |area_water_km2 = 0

|timezone = Pacific |utc_offset = -8 |timezone_DST = PDT |utc_offset_DST = -7 |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=GNIS/> |elevation_m = |elevation_ft = 325 |coordinates = {{coord|35|18|19|N|120|39|56|W|region:US-CA|display=inline}} |postal_code_type = ZIP Code |postal_code = |area_code = |blank_name = FIPS code |blank_info = 06-09835<ref>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title=2024 Gazetteer - California |website=United States Census Bureau|date= |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2024_Gazetteer/2024_gaz_place_06.txt |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> |blank1_name = GNIS feature ID |blank1_info = 2805238<ref name=GNIS>{{cite GNIS|2805238|name=California Polytechnic State University Census Designated Place}}</ref> |website = |footnotes = }}

The United States Census Bureau, has designated the campus as a separate census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, under the name ''California Polytechnic State University''. It first appeared as a CDP in the 2020 Census with a population of 8,583.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020 Geography Changes|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/technical-documentation/table-and-geography-changes/2020/geography-changes.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=California Polytechnic State University CDP, California|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US0609835|website=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 13, 2022}}</ref>

{{US Census population |2020= 8583 |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}</ref> 1850–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/> }}

===2020 census=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+'''California Polytechnic State University CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition''' {{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}} !Race / Ethnicity (''NH = Non-Hispanic'') !Pop 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – California Polytechnic State University CDP, California|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=1600000US0609835&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> !% 2020 |- |White alone (NH) |5,499 |64.07% |- |Black or African American alone (NH) |169 |1.97% |- |Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) |4 |0.05% |- |Asian alone (NH) |1,196 |13.93% |- |Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) |1 |0.01% |- |Other race alone (NH) |148 |1.72% |- |Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) |256 |2.98% |- |Hispanic or Latino (any race) |1,310 |15.26% |- |'''Total''' |'''8,583''' |'''100.00%''' |} {{clear}}

==References== ===Notes=== {{Notelist}} {{Reflist|group=Note}}

===Citations=== {{reflist}}

===Sources=== * {{citation|last=Pflueger|first=Donald|author-link=Donald H. Pflueger|title=California State Polytechnic University, Pomona: A Legacy and a Mission|orig-year=1991| year=1999|publisher=Arthur H. Clark Company|location=Spokane, Washington|isbn=0-9622822-1-9|oclc=43853707 }} * {{cite journal|last1=Wassenberg|first1=Christopher L.|last2=Goldenberg|first2=Marni A.|last3=Soule|first3=Katherine E.|title=Benefits of botanical garden visitation: A means-end study|journal=Urban Forestry & Urban Greening|volume=14|issue=1|date=2015|doi=10.1016/j.ufug.2015.01.002|pages=148–155|bibcode=2015UFUG...14..148W }} * {{cite book|last1=Russell|first1=J.J.|last2=Spencer|first2=T.S.|title=Gardens Across America, West of the Mississippi: The American Horticultural Society's Guide to American Public Gardens and Arboreta|publisher=Taylor Trade Publishing|year=2006|isbn=978-1-4617-0891-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pZqhAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA81|access-date=January 2, 2025}} * {{cite book|last1=Stevens|first1=B.|last2=Conner|first2=N.|title=Where on Earth: A Guide to Specialty Nurseries and Other Resources for California Gardeners|publisher=Heyday Books|year=1999|isbn=978-1-890771-17-1|url=|page=268}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * [https://gopoly.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster Athletics website]

{{California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo}} {{Navboxes |titlestyle = background: #154734; color: white; {{box-shadow border|a|#BD8B13|2px}} |list = {{San Luis Obispo County, California}} {{California State University}} {{Polytechnic Universities}} {{Big West Conference navbox}} {{Big Sky Conference navbox}} }} {{Authority control}}

{{Coord|35|18|15|N|120|39|46|W|region:US-CA_type:edu|display=title}}

Category:California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo California Polytechnic State University Category:San Luis Obispo, California Category:Universities and colleges in San Luis Obispo County, California Category:Technological universities in the United States Category:Schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Category:Buildings and structures in San Luis Obispo County, California Category:1901 establishments in California Category:Universities and colleges established in 1901

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

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