Cal Poly Academic Calendar 2026-2027
San Luis Obispo, California
Public | Semester System | ~22000 Students
Looking for important California Polytechnic State University academic calendar dates? Below you'll find registration periods, semester information, finals, commencement, and other resources.
Stay Organized at Cal Poly with Course Sync
Keep your Cal Poly classes, assignments, registration dates, exams, and important academic deadlines organized in one place. Course Sync helps you build a personalized semester plan so you can stay ahead of deadlines, reduce stress, and stay focused throughout the entire academic year.
School Facts Card
School's Name
California Polytechnic State University
School's City
San Luis Obispo
School's State
California
School Semester System
Semester
School's Enrollment
22000
School's Type
Public
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
August 23, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 13, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 17, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
January 24, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
Spring Break Start Date
March 14, 2027
Spring Break End Date
March 20, 2027
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
Spring Finals Week Start Date
May 14, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
May 20, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
California Polytechnic State University
Summer Semester Begins
San Luis Obispo
University Overview
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a public polytechnic university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Cal Poly is known for its "Learn by Doing" philosophy and nationally recognized programs in engineering, architecture, agriculture, business, and computer science. Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, Cal Poly follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The Office of the Registrar publishes official academic calendars with important dates for registration, instruction, holidays, final examinations, and commencement.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 semester begins on August 17, 2026, with classes starting on August 24, 2026. Students should review the academic calendar before classes begin to understand registration periods, add/drop deadlines, holidays, withdrawal deadlines, and final examination schedules.
Spring Semester
The Spring 2027 semester begins on January 22, 2027, with classes starting on January 25, 2027. Throughout the semester, students should monitor registration periods, advising appointments, Spring Break, graduation deadlines, and final examination schedules.
Summer Semester
Cal Poly offers multiple Summer sessions that allow students to complete degree requirements, earn additional credits, or accelerate graduation. Session dates and deadlines vary throughout the summer.
Registration Overview
Registration appointments are assigned according to student classification and academic progress. Students should meet with their academic advisors before registration and enroll as soon as their registration window opens to maximize course availability.
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 final examinations are scheduled for December 14 through December 18, 2026. Spring 2027 final examinations are scheduled for May 15 and May 17 through May 21, 2027. Students should verify their individual examination schedules before making travel plans.
Graduation Overview
Spring 2027 commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, 2027. Students planning to graduate should monitor graduation application deadlines and commencement announcements throughout the academic year.
What Actually Works
Add every important academic deadline to one calendar
Review every course syllabus during the first week
Meet with your academic advisor before registration
Register as soon as your enrollment window opens
Begin preparing for final exams before finals week
Check the official academic calendar regularly for updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official Cal Poly academic calendar?
CSULB Academic Affairs publishes the official academic calendar with semester dates, registration periods, holidays, final examination schedules, commencement information, and other important academic deadlines.
Does Cal Poly use semesters or quarters?
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, Cal Poly follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Does Cal Poly offer Summer sessions?
Yes. Cal Poly offers multiple Summer sessions, allowing students to earn credits, complete degree requirements, and accelerate graduation outside the traditional Fall and Spring semesters.
Why should I check the Cal Poly academic calendar throughout the semester?
Reviewing the academic calendar regularly helps students stay informed about registration deadlines, add/drop periods, withdrawal dates, holidays, final examinations, commencement, and other important academic milestones throughout the academic year.
Final Thoughts
The Cal Poly academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, registration, internships, and graduation throughout the academic year. Reviewing it regularly can help you stay organized and avoid missing important academic deadlines.
Important Note
Academic calendars may change because of administrative updates or unforeseen circumstances. Always use the official Cal Poly academic calendar as the final authority for semester dates, examination schedules, commencement, and other important academic deadlines.
