Frequently Asked Questions

Other Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a matriculated student?

  A matriculated student is a student who has, through normal procedures, been admitted formally at a CSU campus (e.g. Cal Poly) to pursue an authorized degree, credential or certificate (for academic credit). Matriculated students, except for students enrolled in degree programs administered by EPaCE, may not enroll in Open University.

• How many units of Open University credit applies to a Cal Poly degree?

  A maximum of 36 units of Open University credit and other extension credit may be applied towards a Cal Poly bachelor's degree.

  If approved by the Graduate Coordinator, graduate students may apply a maximum of 12 non-matriculated units toward the completion of their Cal Poly Master's degree. All units taken outside of matriculation in a Cal Poly Master's program--including Open University units, Special Session units, and units taken at another institution--count toward this maximum. For more details on this policy, please visit the Courses Taken Through Cal Poly Open University on Office of the Registrar's website.

• How do I make a payment?

  Charges will appear in your student account on your My Cal Poly portal at the time of enrollment, and it is the student's responsibility to log into the portal to make payment by the due date(s). Please see the EPaCE Fees Procedure for more information on how to make a payment.

• Am I eligible for a fee waiver?

  Fees cannot be waived for courses taken through EPaCE, Open University or Special Session.

• How can I get tax credits for educational expenses?

  Please consult with your tax advisor. You may also refer to extended.calpoly.edu/about/policies.html#tax.

• What if I received a "W" or a "WU" as a final grade?

  If you complete the withdrawal process after the add/drop date of the quarter, you will receive a "W" (withdrawal) notation as a final grade. Failure to complete the withdrawal process may result in a "WU" (withdrawal unauthorized) which is equivalent to a failing grade.

• Do I get a Cal Poly ID?

  Yes, individuals enrolled through Open University are eligible to obtain a Cal Poly Id (PolyCard). The day after your enrollment is processed you can visit the Poly Card office to obtain a PolyCard.

• What are the benefits of getting a Cal Poly ID Card (PolyCard)?

  You can use your PolyCard for access to the campus library including online library services, the Campus Express Club, printing in campus computer labs, access to the Recreation Center, plus other services offered on campus. Some services are limited for Open University students. See more information on using your Cal Poly ID.

• What is my Empl ID and how do I get it?

  Your Empl ID is your student ID number that will be issued to you automatically after you register. You may get your Empl ID from "My Cal Poly Portal".

• What is "My Cal Poly Portal"?

  "My Cal Poly Portal" is a web portal that features information and services. Through your Cal Poly Portal you can access:

  • Empl ID
  • Course Information
  • Canvas
  • Email
  • Campus Announcement
  • Events
  • Plus other campus activities

  "My Cal Poly Portal" can be accessed the day after your registration is processed. Instructions for setting up your Cal Poly portal will be sent after your registration has been processed.

• What if I have a Cal Poly registration hold?

  You will need to clear all holds before enrolling through Open University.

• How will I know I'm registered in a class?

  You will receive a confirmation email from EPaCE and the course(s) in which you have registered will be visible on your portal.

• Do I need a permission number to enroll in a class?

  You do not need a permission number to enroll in courses through Open University, but you do need the instructor's and department chair/head's approval and signatures.

• Who do I have sign the Open University registration form when the instructor is STAFF?

  You can either contact the department to see who has signature authority for that class (e.g. Department Head) or show up to the first day of class and have the instructor sign the form in person.

• How can I find out if my courses will meet my degree requirements?

  You should contact your academic advisor at the institution offering your degree to determine if your courses will meet degree requirements.

• How do I get a Cal Poly email address to communicate with my teachers and other students?

  After submitting your registration form(s) and fees, you will be assigned a Cal Poly email address. A staff member in EPaCE will contact you to provide instructions for setting up your Cal Poly portal.

• What if my instructor uses online delivery for course material through Canvas?

  You can access Cal Poly's Learning Management System, Canvas, from your Cal Poly Portal, you will see it noted next to your classes. Your instructor may or may not use Canvas to post online learning content for your course. Please see the below links for further information and tutorials on using Canvas.

  Canvas Support Quick Guides
  Canvas Overview

• What if I can't find an open class?

  If you are having difficulty finding a class, you are encouraged to view the schedule of classes and/or contact academic departments for enrollment availability.

• Can I audit a class?

  You may audit a class through Open University by completing the Open University registration process which includes obtaining the instructor's signature and paying the appropriate fees. To request the audit, you will need to complete and have the instructor sign a Audit course form from Open University Forms. Please refer to Deadlines & Important Dates. Requests to audit a course will not be processed after the deadline.

• If I am a matriculated Cal Poly student, can I take courses through Open University?

  No. Matriculated Cal Poly students, except for students enrolled in degree programs administered by EPaCE, are not eligible to enroll through Open University.

• Can I repeat a Cal Poly course for a better grade through Open University?

  The Cal Poly repeat rules apply to Open University courses as well.
  For more information on Cal Poly's repeat policy, please see http://www.catalog.calpoly.edu/academicstandardsandpolicies/grading/#REPEATINGACOURSE

• What if I am subject to academic disqualification or have been dismissed from Cal Poly?

  Open University allows disqualified Cal Poly students to enroll in classes for academic credit and thus gives them a chance to raise their grade point average while taking degree applicable courses, should they choose to re-apply to Cal Poly. Students will need to provide documentation from their dean’s office allowing enrollment through Open University. For more information on conditions leading to academic disqualification or dismissal, see http://www.catalog.calpoly.edu/academicstandardsandpolicies/academicstandards/.

• What if I need to withdraw from a course?

  Instructions on how to drop or withdraw from a course are found under Fees & Policies.

• What is the refund policy?

  The deadline for a refund is the add/drop deadline. Please refer to Deadlines & Important Dates .

• Can I change my grading option?

  You may change your grading option to CR/NC by completing a Credit/No Credit Grading Option form from Open University Forms. Please refer to Deadlines & Important Dates .

• How do I access my grades?

  You can access your grades through "My Cal Poly Portal" beginning the first Tuesday after finals week.

• How do I get an official transcript of my record?

  You may request an official transcript of your record through Parchment Exchange on your my.calpoly.edu portal. This service offers paper or electronic transcripts. For more information on requesting an official transcript go to registrar.calpoly.edu/transcript_orders.

• Can I receive financial aid?

  No. Only students currently enrolled in a Cal Poly degree program may receive state or federal aid.

• Where can I buy my textbooks?

  You may purchase your textbooks and other course materials from the Cal Poly University Store.

• Where can I find more information about parking?

  Please see the parking website: https://afd.calpoly.edu/parking/.

• Can I use the Cal Poly Health Center?

  Only students admitted to a Cal Poly degree program paying the additional Health Center Fees are eligible to use Health Center Services.

• Can I use the Cal Poly Recreation Center?

  After submitting your registration forms and fees you can pay a membership fee to the Recreation Center in order to gain access. You will also need a Cal Poly ID (PolyCard) and you must be at least 16 years old. For more information, please visit the Recreation Center membership page.

• What is the latest information regarding Covid-19?

  To find the latest information regarding Covid-19, visit Campus Health & Wellbeing.

• Will I have access to the library?

  Open University students have access to use resources at the Robert E. Kennedy Library. Please be sure to have your Cal Poly student identification card (PolyCard) with you when you visit the library.