Academics
Cal Poly has six colleges, which include the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; Orfalea College of Business; College of Engineering; College of Architecture and Environmental Design; College of Liberal Arts; and College of Science and Mathematics. Each of these colleges offers numerous undergraduate and graduate degree programs, while the School of Education specializes in education credentials, masters, and doctoral degrees.
Cal Poly is famous for its “learn by doing” philosophy, which encompasses laboratory work, team projects, internships, and senior project opportunities outside the classroom. This learning strategy allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in the real world and prepare them for their careers better.
Students
Cal Poly has a total of approximately 22,000 students, with more than 20,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduates. The university has a diverse student population, with more than 35% of its students coming from underrepresented groups.
The student community at Cal Poly is active and involved in many co-curricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and organizations. The university has over 350 clubs, including academic, cultural, and social groups. Also, the campus is home to over 16 club sports teams and more than two dozen varsity teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Campus and Facilities
Cal Poly’s campus is located in San Luis Obispo, California, the “happiest city in America,” according to National Geographic. The campus spans more than 9,000 acres and includes 177 buildings. Among the facilities are state-of-the-art laboratories, studios, classrooms, libraries, and computer labs.
The university’s library system includes the Robert E. Kennedy Library, which houses over 1.5 million print volumes and is open 24/7 to students, and the Poly Canyon Village Library, which is a popular study spot for students.
One of the unique features of the Cal Poly campus is the student-built architectural wonder, the “Poly Canyon Village.” This engineering marvel comprises of nine net-zero-energy residences that can house 800 students. The buildings feature advanced sustainability features such as geothermal heating and cooling systems, greywater recycling, and sustainable landscaping.
Conclusion
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is a world-renowned university with a history of academic excellence and a “learn by doing” philosophy that prepares students for the real world. The campus culture is vibrant and active, with many opportunities for students to engage in co-curricular activities, clubs, sports, and organizations. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and studios. Cal Poly has been consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the country and attracts students from all over the world.