Summer Institute FAQ
SI Application
How do I submit the Summer Institute application?
By signing the EOP contract, you are agreeing to participate in SI. You must sign the EOP contract by May 24, 2024.
When is the EOP Contract Due?
First-time Freshmen – May 24, 2024
Transfer Students – June 14, 2024
Is there anything I should do to prepare for Summer Institute?
Please check your email periodically for SI updates.
Is Summer Institute mandatory?
Yes.
If I do not attend the Summer Institute, will I still be able to be a participant in Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and receive the EOP grant?
Yes.
I cannot attend Summer Institute for _____ reason, can I still be in the program? Please contact at eop@calpoly.edu and please let us know why you are unable to attend Summer Institute. You may be able to qualify for an exemption and still participate in EOP. Please note, you will still need to participate in SLO Days.
Transportation
What are my transportation options to attend Summer Institute?
If you plan to arrive by train or SLO airport, EOP cannot pick you up. Please plan accordingly.
SI Programming
What if I am unable to make it to the first day of class, can I still participate in Summer Institute?
It depends. Please email eop@calpoly.edu and an EOP counselor will contact you.
What if I need to leave earlier, may I still participate in Summer Institute?
It depends. Please email eop@calpoly.edu and an EOP counselor will contact you.
Can I participate in both Quarter Plus & Summer Institute?
No. You must be available to attend all SI dates and cannot be dual enrolled into both programs.
Which SLO Day Sessions should I attend?
If you are attending Summer Institute, you should attend the SLO Days session during SI which is on August 9 – 10. Do not sign up for any other SLO Day sessions.
If you are not attending Summer Institute but still part of the EOP program, we recommend that you attend the August 9 – 10 session but it is not a requirement. You may sign up for another session.
Courses (register/registration)
What courses will I be taking?
SI participants will be enrolled in the following courses: Ethnic Studies 112, Ethnic Studies 112 Discussion, and English 150.
How do I register for the courses?
You do not need to register for the courses, we will enroll you into these courses.
My courses are not showing up in my student center in my Cal Poly Portal, what should I do?
Once your high school transcripts are processed, you will be enrolled in the courses. This typically occurs mid- to late-July.
Technology and Textbook Assistance
What should I do if I do not have a laptop?
You can rent a laptop from Cal Poly for free! Once you are enrolled into Summer Institute, you can use this link to rent a laptop. If you have any issues or questions related to laptops or technology, please email eop@calpoly.edu
When and where will I return the laptop?
Details will be emailed to you prior to your departure.
Will I need to purchase books and when will these be given to me?
EOP will provide the books for the courses. You will receive your books during move-in. These will be your books to keep, so no need to return them!
When and where will I return the books?
Details will be emailed to you prior to your departure.
Cal Poly Scholars Technology Support
If I am admitted into Cal Poly Scholars, may I use the funds that Cal Poly Scholars will give me to purchase a laptop for Summer Institute? If you are a part of the Cal Poly Scholars program, check your email to fill out the steps to select and order your laptop.
Financial Aid
What FAFSA/CADAA am I supposed to complete for Summer Institute? What information should I provide? What tax information should I be using?
Fill out the previous year’s FAFSA, 2023-2024 based on 2021 tax information. Please contact the financial aid office at financialaid@calpoly.edu if you have any questions.
By when do I need to complete and submit the 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA?
You need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA by May 30, 2024.
I submitted my FAFSA before the deadline, but I am waiting on my parents’ signature, am I eligible to participate in Summer Institute?
Yes. You can also print the FAFSA signature page, have your parents sign it with pen, take a picture of it with your phone and email it to financialaid@calpoly.edu.
I already completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA, why do I have to complete another one?
We understand it sounds odd to submit an additional FAFSA. Summer Institute and summer sessions fall under the previous years financial aid application. This 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA is in addition to 2024-2025 FAFSA you submitted for this upcoming academic year. Submitting the previous year’s FAFSA helps keeps the costs down on our end.
Who can assist me to complete the FAFSA or CA Dream Act?
Contact the financial aid office at financialaid@calpoly.edu.
I missed the deadline to complete the FAFSA, is there another way for me to provide the information?
Unfortunately, no. Since you did not fill out the SI FAFSA application on time, you will be unable to participate in the program.
Will filling out the 2023-2024 financial aid deduct my financial aid for the 2024-2025 year?
No, these are separate financial aid years and this will not impact your aid for the academic year. If you have financial aid questions, please contact the financial aid office at financialaid@calpoly.edu
Tuition, Housing, and Meal Fees
How much will I pay out of my pocket for Summer Institute?
Summer Institute is FREE of cost.
Will I have to make my housing deposit, or will it be deferred until the fall?
You may see a balance on your account, these fees will be covered by financial aid and no further action is needed from you.
What is a disbursement?
This is when your financial aid will disburse. Your summer aid will disburse during the first week of SI.
What does “pay now” and “future due” mean on my student center?
Do not worry about making any payments for Summer Institute, these fees will be covered by financial aid and no further action is needed from you.
What does “deferred payment by financial aid” mean on my Money Matters tab on my Cal Poly Portal?
This means the grace period for making a payment is extended. These summer fees will be covered by financial aid and no further action is needed from you.
Direct Deposit
I am experiencing issues with setting up my direct deposit, what should I do?
Please email eop@calpoly.edu and an EOP counselor will contact you.
How do I set up the direct deposit?
Check your email and follow the steps that were sent to you or follow this link: https://afd.calpoly.edu/student-accounts/financial-aid/direct-deposit
I do not have a bank account, what happens then?
If you don’t already have a bank account, we strongly urge you to open one no later than May 30, 2024. Look for banks that offer free checking to students. You will need to have a bank account set up to receive funds from Financial Aid via direct deposit.
Housing
When does the housing application for Summer Institute open and when is the deadline?
The application opens June 18 and closed on July 3.
Is there a separate housing Summer Institute application, from the regular housing application?
Yes. All SI participants are required to submit a summer housing application in addition to the fall housing application.
How do I find the housing application?
The summer housing application is in your Cal Poly portal in the “University Housing” tab under “My Apps.”
Where do I find my room assignment?
In your Cal Poly portal in the “University Housing” tab under “My Apps.”
May I move in earlier?
No. All SI participants are required to move in Sunday, August 4, 2024.
May I move out earlier?
No. We ask that you please move out on Friday, August 30, 2024.
I am flying in, when should I arrive?
During SI move in Sunday, August 4,2024.
If I arrive earlier than the move in day, is there a place I may stay until I may officially move into Cal Poly?
You may stay at a hotel in SLO or nearby SLO. Keep in mind, EOP will not cover these expenses.
What should I bring (packing list) to Summer Institute?
Follow this link to see what to bring and what to leave behind: http://www.housing.calpoly.edu/move-in
Will the housing I am staying in for Summer Institute be the same one as the fall quarter?
No. You will need to take all your belongings back home.
Will I have to move out once Summer Institute is complete and move in again during the fall?
Yes. You will need to completely move out from your Summer Institute housing placement.
Where will I be staying during Summer Institute?
This year, Summer Institute will be in yakʔitʸutʸu residence hall in building tšɨłkukunɨtš building. The number for this building is 172D.
Supporters/Visitors
Who can I bring with me when moving in and out of Summer Institute?
You are allowed to bring your family and supporters to help you move in and out of Summer Institute.
Is there a family and supporter orientation?
During move in on Sunday, August 4, we will have a family and supporter lunch and orientation session that will be held in both English and Spanish. We will share more details via email and day of.
Can my supporters/parents visit me during the Summer Institute?
During the weekday you will be busy with class and activities. We ask that they visit you during the weekend.
Parking/Parking Permits
Where will I unload the items I brought for Summer Institute?
Housing carts will be provided for you so you can unload your belongings from your car. These carts are available for free during move in/out.
If I bring my car, will parking permits be provided during the Summer Institute?
You are responsible for purchasing your own parking permit for the duration of the program. We generally don’t recommend students bringing their cars. Our program is designed mostly to be on campus and if there is any off-campus events, we will provide free transportation. Additionally, students can utilize public transportation for free. You can learn more about public transportation here.
Roommates
How are the roommates selected?
Housing assignments are coordinated by University Housing.
Can I select my roommate(s)?
In your housing application, you can request a roommate by typing their name in an text box. University Housing does their best to assign requested roommates but roommate pairings are not guaranteed. Please note, both individuals must request each other. University Housing does not honor request if only one person requests a specific roommate.
Will my roommate be the same one as the one I selected during the academic year?
It depends. If your roommate is a part of EOP, you both will be placed in the EOP Residential Living Community.
Can I get my own room?
No. Single rooms are not available during Summer Institute.
May I leave campus during Summer Institute?
You may leave during your free time.
Meal Plans
How do I get my Poly Card and what is it for?
When you arrive to Cal Poly, you will need your PolyCard to have access to various services around campus such as the Recreation Center and the buses. To receive your PolyCard when you arrive to SI, you will need to submit a photograph of yourself to PolyCard Services by completing the following steps:
1. Log in to your MyCalPoly Portal.
2. Click on the "PolyCard Services" link included in the "Single Click Links" channel (upper left corner of your Portal).
3. Select “Submit ID Photo” located in the sidebar at the left of the screen.
4. Read the guidelines and select “Upload Photo” at the bottom of the page.
Will breakfast, lunch, and dinner be provided?
Yes, all meals for the program are covered by EOP.
What should I know about dining?
Lunch and dinner will take place at Vista Grande Monday- Sunday. On your Polycard, you will have dining dollars to spend on breakfast at any of the locations that are open.
Gym
Do we have access to the gym? If so, what will be needed to access it?
Yes. This requires a release of information to ASI on your My Cal Poly Portal personal info tab.
