Semester Conversion Student Handbook

Introduction to Semester Conversion

Cal Poly is the last campus within the California State University system to transition to the semester-based academic calendar. At the request of the Office of the Chancellor, the university was informed in October of 2021 that it would begin the process of converting to a semester calendar. Cal Poly's first term on semesters will begin fall 2026.

2026-2027 Academic Calendar

What are Catalog Rights?

A catalog is an official document that outlines all the program requirements and university policies in effect for the duration of that catalog. As a student, you have catalog rights. This means you have the option to follow the requirements from any catalog year in which you were enrolled as a student at either a public community college in California or a CSU campus or institution. Therefore, you can complete your degree based on the requirements in place when you enrolled, even if those requirements change later in subsequent catalogs. You also have the right to move to a newer catalog that becomes available. 

With the transition to semesters, Cal Poly will publish a new catalog (2026–2028) that includes updated major and GE requirements.

What do Catalog Rights Have to Do with Semester Conversion?

• Continuing Students: If you are a continuing student who has maintained continuous enrollment, you have the option to follow the requirements from any catalog year in which you were enrolled as a student at either a public community college in California or a CSU campus or institution. This means you have the option to switch to the new 2026-28 catalog requirements after the semester conversion. This flexibility allows you to choose the pathway that best fits your academic goals and timeline. Most continuing students are currently on the 2022-26 quarter requirements catalog. Please check your college semester conversion website for information regarding what catalog is recommended (see links here). To clarify: the term structure the university operates under will be the same for all students as of Fall 2026; everyone will be on the semester calendar and will take courses with semester units. That is a separate consideration from the curriculum you follow, which can be either the curriculum you were following when Cal Poly was on quarters or the new curriculum your major has adopted for the semester system.
• Changing Majors: If you decide to change your major before the semester conversion, consult with your academic advisor to understand what catalog would best fit your academic goals and timeline.
• Transfer Students: Transfer students will be able to choose to follow the new semester catalog requirements, which in some cases will align more closely with the semester system used by most California Community Colleges, potentially making the transition smoother. But it may be better for transfer students in some majors to follow the quarter catalog requirements.

Staying on the Quarter Catalog or Moving to the Semester Catalog?

• Semester Catalog Requirements: The major and general education requirements listed in the 2026-2028 semester catalog will apply to all students who choose to follow the new semester catalog.
• Quarter Catalog Requirements:Most continuing Cal Poly students are currently following the 2022–2026 quarter catalog. These students will continue to follow the GE pattern and existing major requirements unless they choose to switch to the semester catalog. Students should check their college advising website and if needed consult with their academic advisor to determine which catalog is most beneficial for their academic goals.
• Semester Units for Quarter Catalog Students: If you remain on the 2022–2026 quarter catalog you will take semester-based courses beginning Fall 2026. Those semester units will be converted to quarter-equivalent units on your Degree Progress Report. This ensures your progress toward graduation is accurately reflected, even as the course format changes. Be sure to consult your advisor to understand how converted units apply to your specific degree requirements.
• Department-Level Decisions:Some majors may elect to move all students within a given cohort to the semester catalog. Students should check with their department or advising center to see if this applies to them.
• Catalog Rights Reminder:Even if a department opts to move a cohort to the semester catalog, students retain their catalog rights and may choose to remain on (switch back to) the quarter catalog. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential to determine which catalog is most beneficial for their academic goals, especially if your department has decided that moving to the new catalog is better for you.
• Quarter Units:All degree applicable quarter units you have earned will count towards your degree following the conversion, even if you decide to switch to the Semester Catalog requirements. (note: All degree applicable earned units will be applied to your total degree unit count needed to graduate.)
• Consult Your Advisor:It is crucial to talk with your academic advisor to discuss how changing your catalog requirements might impact your time to degree and to ensure you are making the best decision for your academic progress.
• Major & GE Catalogs:Major & GE requirements must always come from a single catalog.

Curriculum Changes and Course Numbering

As part of the semester conversion at Cal Poly, there will be significant changes to the curriculum and course numbering system. These changes are designed to streamline the academic experience and ensure that courses are clearly categorized by their academic level and type.

Only approved semester courses will be offered starting Fall 2026. Students should consult advisors to determine which courses to take before or after the transition. For example, some of the three quarter course series have been combined into two course series for semesters. Other courses are simple conversions of their quarter course with very few or no changes to the course. Courses will shift from 3-digit to 4-digit numbers to distinguish semester offerings. So, for example, PHIL 231 on quarters will be PHIL 2231 on semesters.

For more details on course number assignments, please refer to the full guidelines here.

Unit Conversion

The number of instructional weeks per term is increasing from 10 to 15. Because of this change, the number of units assigned to each course must be adjusted to reflect the longer term length. Unit conversion ensures that students receive equivalent credit for their coursework and that degree requirements remain consistent and fair across both systems. This also aligns Cal Poly’s credit structure with other CSU campuses and most transfer institutions.

Quarter-to-Semester Conversion: # of quarter units divided by 1.5 = semester unit

Semester-to-Quarter Conversion: # # of semester units multiplied by 1.5 = quarter unit

Changes to the Degree Progress Report

Your Degree Progress Report (DPR) provides you with information about the status of your degree requirements. When you start taking semester courses, your DPR will show your degree requirements slightly differently. The DPR will change for students staying on the quarter catalog versus students moving to the semester catalog requirements.

Changes to General Education Requirements

The new 2026-28 semester catalog will have a new GE pattern. Here are some things to note regarding these changes: Beginning Fall 2026, all newly admitted transfer and first-year students will follow the new 43-semester-unit CSU GE pathway. Here is a link to the differences in GE patterns (in semester units). GE Patterns Link Here

• Reduction in GE Units: The total number of lower-division GE units will be reduced by five semester units. This includes the removal of GE Area E (Lifelong Learning) and one course from lower-division Area C (Arts and Humanities).
• Catalog-Specific Requirements: These changes apply only to students who adopt the 2026–2028 semester catalog. Students who remain on the 2022–2026 quarter catalog will continue to follow the GE pattern in that catalog.

For the most up-to-date information on GE requirements, visit the Cal Poly GE web page.

Student Advising

At Cal Poly, academic advising is crucial for student success, especially during the transition from quarters to semesters. Below you will find a list of advising resources for students.

• Mustang Success Center: This center provides first-year student advising, academic support, assistance with changing majors, transfer credits, registration tools, and more. It is dedicated to helping new students navigate their academic journey and make informed decisions.
• College-Specific Advising Centers: Each college at Cal Poly has dedicated advising centers to assist students with their specific academic needs. These centers offer specialized support tailored to the unique requirements of each discipline. These college-specific advising centers support students after their first year.
• Additional Advising Centers and Resources: Career Services, Student Academic Services (SAS, EOP, TRIO), Pre-Health Career Advising, Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), Study Abroad, Athletics Advising, International Center, Retention, and Graduate Student Advising, Faculty Advisors through Major

Visit the advising website for more details on the above advising resources.

Course Scheduling

Please consult with your department regarding course scheduling and tentative course offerings later in winter quarter, 2026.

Semester Conversion Checklist

• Use Academic Planning Tools: Utilize the academic planning tools provided to map out your courses and ensure you meet all graduation.
• Create an Academic Plan: Partner with your academic advisor to create a detailed academic plan. This plan will help ensure you stay on track to graduate during the transition from quarters to semesters.
• Consult with Your Academic Advisor: Schedule regular meetings with your academic advisor to discuss your academic progress and any adjustments needed due to the semester conversion.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with announcements and changes related to the semester conversion by regularly checking your university email and the official semester conversion website.
• Understand the New GE Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the new General Education (GE) requirements, including the 43-unit CSU GE pathway (note: this will only apply to you if you switch to the semester catalog).
• Review the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar: Be aware of key dates and deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year to ensure you are prepared for the transition.
• Financial Planning:Review any changes to tuition costs and financial aid that may result from the semester conversion.
• Stay Connected with Resources and Contacts: .Utilize the resources and contacts provided by Cal Poly or additional support during the transition. This includes academic advising, financial aid offices, and other student services.

Links to Conversion Tools & Resources

• Semester Conversion Website Advising Resources
• Advising at Cal Poly
• Degree Progress Report Guide
• Student Planning Calendars
• Degree Planner Information
• Flowcharts and Curriculum Sheets
• Course Catalog

Please direct any questions to Rachel Fernflores, Director of Semester Conversion.