Resources for Student Success

Student Support Services

Department Resources

First Generation Students 

• Student Working Group: The POLS Department has a First-Generation Student Working Group. It provides a space to connect with other First-Generation students and advise the Department on initiatives and events you would like to see. If you would like to get involved, contact Dr. Latner at mlatner@calpoly.edu
• Advising:                                                                                                  
  First Generation Faculty Advisor: Dr. Leithner (aleithne@calpoly.edu) and Dr. Latner (mlatner@calpoly.edu)         
  First Generation CLA Advisor: Alejandra Cebreros (alcebrer@calpoly.edu)
• Faculty Mentorship Program: A faculty mentor will be assigned to each
  first-generation student who would like a mentor. Mentors are available to answer questions, help with classes and internships, and provide general academic support and advice. You can meet with your mentor as much or as little as you like; the mentor relationship is meant to be flexible to accommodate varying student needs.

  *If you would like a mentor, please email Dr. Williams at jemwilli@calpoly.edu
  (Faculty Mentors: Dr. Battle, Dr. Denbow, Dr. Hurt, Dr. Latner, and Dr. Williams)

• University Links and Resources:                                                          
  Campus Health and Wellbeing                                                                     
  CLA First-Gen Page                                                                                   
  OUDI Resource Page

• Mindful Meditation Group - Fall Quarter. A mindfulness meditation group is meeting Mondays at 11:10am - 12:00pm at Building 14, Rm. 252. Mindfulness meditation is a non-religious exercise of paying attention to your present-moment experience. Many people find it calming and relaxing. No experience necessary. All are welcome. For more information or to join the group, contact Prof. Matthew J. Moore at mmoore02@calpoly.edu.
• POLS Department Student Travel Policy. The Political Science Department Student Travel Funds are allocated and can be spent for any of the following activities: presentations, conference participation, learning opportunities, etc. Students must submit a brief description of the proposed travel, participation, and budget to the Department Chair no less than three (3) weeks prior to travel domestically and seven (7) weeks prior to travel internationally. Travel support is currently only available for Political Science undergraduate majors. 

College Resources

• CLA Student Advisory Council. If you have any issues, questions or topics for the CLA Student Advisory Council, please feel free to reach out to TBD. They will be a great resource to talk with about any changes you would like to see within the College of Liberal Arts. 
• Drop-In Advising. 

  The CLA Advising Center is available via zoom, email and phone!
  First Year Students (not transfer): Visit the Mustang Success Center
  Email Quick Questions: claadvising@calpoly.edu. While email is best, you may leave a voicemail at 805-756-6200. 
  Zoom Drop-in Advising: Monday - Friday 10am-12pm & 2-4pm. Click to enter our drop-in waiting room!
  Virtual Appointments can be scheduled 9am-12pm & 1-4pm, Monday - Friday. Please see their website for more information https://cla.calpoly.edu/advising 

University Resources

• Cal Poly Basic Needs Initiative.The Cal Poly Basic Needs Task Force recently released their first report. This reports highlights the food and housing insecurity issues that some of our students face. The new report from the Government Accountability Office has added momentum to the conversation, bringing issue to the forefront of higher education issues. Our Cal Poly CalFresh Outreach team is working hard to meet the needs of students experiencing food insecurity. Last quarter alone, they helped 140 students sign up and linked them to the many on-campus resources that are out there to help them succeed. Please contact them at 805-399-0236 (we text!) or CalFreshhelp805@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to set up a private appointment. You can also drop by anytime on Mondays from 10 AM-4 PM or Fridays from 1 PM- 4 PM (lower level of Health Center) to learn more and find out if you may be eligible. No appointment needed! They can help you through the entire application process and provide support resources.
• Cal Poly's Dream Center. The Dream Center is committed to offering a safe, inclusive space for all undocumented students, those from mixed-status families, and their allies. This is a great resource for students, faculty, and staff who may questions. We want to remind the undocumented population on our campus and the broader undocumented community that we are here to support them. This includes the undocumented population at Cal Poly who do not have DACA status and the students, staff and faculty who do. If you or anyone you know has a question regarding their DACA status or how they will be affected, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney. While the university does not currently provide direct legal support, you can find useful information on licensed immigration attorneys and other recommended legal support here.
• Meal Vouchers. An anonymous donor has provided funding for meal vouchers for students. The vouchers are located in the Dean of Students office in Hillcrest (81-1A). If you are experiencing hunger, please stop by. Also, FYI: There is a Food Pantry on campus located at PULSE (Lower Level Health Center, Building 27). There is also a schedule of Food Bank Distribution Centers.
• CalFresh Outreach Project to Minimize Food Insecurity. With the end of the quarter quickly approaching, students face greater pressure academically and many have increased stress about not having enough money to purchase nutritious foods. With 27% of Cal Poly students experiencing food insecurity, resources have been put in place on campus to help students in need. Visit the CalFresh Outreach drop-in office Mondays 10:00am-4:00pm and Fridays 1:00pm-4:00pm in 27-173B to see if you might be eligible for CalFresh. We also provide additional resources about Cal Poly's food pantry and meal voucher program. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment you can call/text us at 805-399-0236 or email us at CalFreshHelp805@gmail.com.
• There are six Research Guides for Political Science students offered through Kennedy Library. Click on the link above and scroll down to Political Science where you will find research guides for both undergraduate and graduate students.