Student Information
Open University allows non-matriculated individuals to enroll in state-supported course offerings on a space-available basis after matriculated Cal Poly students have selected their classes. The instructor must sign the Open University Registration form indicating permission to enroll in a course.
What are the next steps after you've submitted your Open University Registration form?
When EPaCE receives your completed Open University registration form you will be contacted via email to confirm the form was received. Please note, you will not be officially enrolled in the class until Open Enrollment begins. Your email confirmation will include the approximate enrollment date. Additionally, if the class is full when Open Enrollment begins, you may be required to find an alternative class or wait until the first week of class to see if space becomes available. This decision will be made by the instructor of the class.
Open University Fees
Fees for your Open University course(s) will be posted to your Student Account after your enrollment has been completed. You will receive an email notification from EPaCE once you have been officially enrolled. Please note, your fees will be due seven days after they are posted. For additional details on fees and payment methods, please visit the Open University Fees & Policies page.
My Cal Poly Portal Access
My Cal Poly portal access is required for various processes and services you will need access to during your enrollment at Cal Poly. Once EPaCE receives your Open University enrollment form(s), a staff member in EPaCE will contact you via email to schedule a Zoom web conference meeting so we can provide you with your portal username and a temporarily password.
Mandatory Online Trainings
In compliance with Executive Order 1095, all Cal Poly students are required to complete an online sexual violence prevention training program each academic year of attendance. Cal Poly also requires students to complete training on alcohol and other drugs annually. Failure to complete this training will result in a hold on your student account. See below description of both required trainings.
- Not Anymore: Sexual Violence Prevention - educates students on consent, sexual assault, stalking, domestic/dating violence, bystander intervention, sexual harassment, risk reduction and more.
- Not Anymore: Alcohol and Other Drugs - educates students on the risks of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and teaches successful strategies for handling dangerous situations related to these substances.
Please visit the Office of the Dean of Students for additional details on this requirement.
Textbooks
Textbooks for your course(s) can be purchased or rented at Cal Poly's University Bookstore.
Canvas
Access to Canvas, Cal Poly’s learning management tool, will be available after you have been enrolled in your Open University course(s). Please note, your instructor may not utilize Canvas for your course. Additionally, your Canvas course may not be available until the first week of class. For tutorials on how to use Canvas, please visit Canvas Support.
Parking
Please visit Cal Poly’s Parking and Transportation Services for information about parking on campus and how to purchase a parking permit.
Cal Poly Student Identification (PolyCard)
As an Open University student, you are eligible for a Cal Poly identification card (PolyCard). The day after your enrollment is processed you will be eligible to get your identification card. Please visit PolyCard for additional information.
Open University Maximum Unit Caps
A maximum of 36 Open University units may be applied toward a Cal Poly undergraduate degree and, if approved by a graduate coordinator, a maximum of 12 units toward the completion of a Cal Poly graduate degree. For additional information on this policy, please review the Courses Taken Through Cal Poly Open University page on the Cal Poly office of the Registrar.
Cal Poly Transcripts
Please visit Transcript Request Instructions on the Cal Poly office of the Registrar for information on how to request your official Cal Poly transcript.
Recreation Center
Open University students have access to purchase a membership for the Recreation Center while enrolled at Cal Poly. If you would like to take advantage of this state-of-the art Recreation Center, please visit Recreation Center Membership for options. You will need a Cal Poly identification card (PolyCard) and you must be at least 16 years old.
COVID-19 Information
For the latest information about COVID-19 screening requirements, please visit Cal Poly Coronavirus Information
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be required to log-in to your Cal Poly Portal as well as email and calendar by using the Duo app. The below links are to articles to help you through the process of setting up and using Duo:
Library Access
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.
Campus Health & Wellbeing Center
Only students admitted to a Cal Poly degree program are eligible to use Health Center Services.
