Academic Progress Frequently Asked Questions

What is this speedometer looking like "gauge" on my Poly Profile and what does it indicate?

This gauge indicates your academic progress according to the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) policy (see next FAQ). The red zone of the gauge indicates the percentage of the degree applicable units that you are expected to have completed by now. The green zone indicates the remaining percentage of degree applicable units to be completed. The needle points to the percentage of degree applicable units that you have actually completed to date, as well as those units that you are currently registered in. This percentage is also indicated numerically on the bottom of the gauge. So, if the needle is resting on the red zone, this means that you are behind where you are expected to be, and you are "off track". If the needle is on the green zone or on the black line separating the red and the green zones, you are ahead or exactly where you are expected to be in your academic progress, and you are "on track".

What is the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) policy?

EAP is a policy implemented in Fall 2010. It applies to all undergraduate students (freshmen and transfer) who were admitted as of Fall 2010. EAP is defined as making appropriate degree progress each academic year by earning a specified number of degree applicable units that meet major, support, general education, concentration, and free elective (if applicable) requirements of your declared major. This policy is designed to help you graduate on time and to provide you with the support that you need along the way. You may find the complete policy at http://catalog.calpoly.edu/(click on Academic Requirements, then Academic Standards).

Why am I not seeing a gauge?

The Academic Progress portion of Poly Profile is intended for undergraduate students to assist in measuring the progress towards a degree. You will see your Academic Progress gauge appear here during your first enrollment term. Kinesiology majors on the 2009-2011 catalog who have declared a concentration will not be able to view the Academic Progress gauge, but will still have a Degree Progress Report to assist in tracking the progress towards their degree. Students who are in a blended program (4+1); graduate program; have completed their undergraduate degree; or those who have a status of discontinued or dismissed will not be able to view the information contained in the Academic Progress section or obtain a Degree Progress Report.

Why do I see a gauge when I am a Postbaccalaureate Graduate student?

You may see a gauge as a Postbaccalaureate Graduate student if you were an undergraduate student when the gauge was last updated. For example, students who have recently completed their undergraduate degree or are in a blended program (4+1) may continue to see a gauge. The gauge will disappear the next time it is updated.

How often is my academic progress updated on my Poly Profile?

The gauge that you see on your Poly Profile is updated three times each academic year:

1. Once during the period between the last day to add/drop for the Fall quarter and the first day of registration for the Winter quarter.
2. Once during the period between the last day to add/drop for the Winter quarter and the first day of registration for the Spring quarter.
3. Once during the period between the last day to add/drop for the Spring quarter and the first day of registration for the Summer/Fall quarters.

How much academic progress am I expected to make each quarter/year?

Freshmen are expected to complete 20% of their degree applicable units by the end of their first year, 45% by the end of their second year, 75% by the end of their third year, and 100% by the end of their fourth year. For transfer and former returning students, it's 55% by the end of their first year, 80% by the end of their second year, and 100% by the end of their third year. As an example, a freshman who is in a major that requires 180 units to graduate will have to complete 36 units (20% of 180) by the end of their first year at Cal Poly.

Students enrolled in a five-year degree (e.g., BArch, BLA) are expected to complete 20% of their degree applicable units by the end of their first each year, 40% by the end of their second year, 60% by the end of their third year, 80% by the end of their fourth year, and 100% by the end of their fifth year.

In short, the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) policy expects that you make a certain progress towards your degree by the end of each academic year. However, if you make little or no progress during a given quarter without a reasonable excuse or a prior notification to your advisor, your college may contact you based on the fact that it will now be all the more difficult for you to reach your expected progress by the end of that academic year.

How is the numerical value of my academic progress calculated?

The number that you see on the bottom of the gauge is the percentage value of your actual academic progress level. It is calculated by dividing the total number of degree applicable units completed and in-progress by the total number of units required for your major. The Degree Progress Report (DPR) is used to verify that the number of units completed constitute degree applicable units.

What if I would like to declare a minor, or a second major?

Expected Academic Progress (EAP) only applies to your first declared major. This may be the major you have originally declared upon admission to Cal Poly, or the major that you have successfully changed to after your admission. In other words, the Academic Progress gauge will only track your progress in your original major and not the progress you are making towards your minor or your second major, if any. Therefore, you will be held responsible to make adequate degree progress towards your original major regardless of any additional academic workload you may have.

Do you use my AP, IB, and/or transfer credits when you calculate my academic progress?

Yes. As long as these credits satisfy one or more of your degree requirements, they are included in the calculation of your academic progress.

What happens if I am "off track"?

If you are off track, you are considered EAP (Expected Academic Progress) deficient and will be required to meet with your advisor to review and discuss your academic progress. Together, you will create a reasonable academic plan to get back on track. Depending on your college, you may be required to meet with your advisor at the end of the quarter or the academic year that you were deficient.

What if I am trying to change my major?

Those students who have entered into an Individualized Change of Major Agreement (ICMA) are still expected to make reasonable degree progress in their current major until they are officially accepted into the other major.

What if I am attending Cal Poly part-time?

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to attend school part-time for serious and compelling reasons (e.g., financial, health), please contact your advisor to discuss your options and get their help to draft a reasonable academic plan.

What if I am a student athlete?

Student athletes whose academic progress is governed by NCAA regulations must continue to follow those guidelines. However, once a student is no longer officially participating in Cal Poly NCAA athletics, he/she is subject to the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) policy.

What if I am studying abroad?

If you'd like to participate in a study abroad program, keep in mind that you are still expected to make adequate degree progress as indicated in the policy. With careful planning, and depending on your major, the units you earn at a study abroad program can be used as degree applicable units (i.e., units that apply to your major, support, GE, concentration, and/or free elective requirements). Therefore, carefully draft your study abroad plans in advance, in consultation with the Cal Poly International Center and your major advisor.

What if I skip attending Cal Poly for one or two quarters?

You will be expected to make up the deficiency during the quarter(s) that you have not attended. See your advisor as soon as you can to create a reasonable academic plan to get back on track.

What are some ways that I can get back on track if I am behind my Expected Academic Progress?

We recommend that you work with your advising center to determine strategies for getting back on track. Attending summer session, either at Cal Poly, at a community college, or another regionally accredited institution may be a good option for you to make up the deficiency from the previous academic year. You will need to consult with your advisor to make sure that the courses you plan to take at another institution will meet your Cal Poly degree requirements. If you plan to attend a California community college, refer to http://content-calpoly-edu.s3.amazonaws.com/registrar/1/Degree_Progress/Assist_help.pdf

What if I have completed some of my coursework at another college, but my transcripts have not yet been sent to and/or evaluated by Cal Poly?   

Keep in mind that your transfer work may or may not satisfy your Cal Poly degree requirements. Therefore, have your official transcripts sent to Cal Poly as soon as they are ready. In the meantime, meet with your advisor and tell them what course(s) you have taken at the other institution(s) so that they may steer you away from Cal Poly courses that may be equivalents of your transfer work, and advise you how to make degree progress while your transfer work is being evaluated.

Are there exceptions to the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) Policy?
Students who have to comply with an externally imposed set of degree progress standards (e.g., student athletes) must continue to follow those guidelines.  Other students for whom the Expected Academic Progress policy represents undue hardship may appeal for exemption through their advisors.  Such appeals should be supported with official documentation as appropriate. Please see your college advising center for more information.