Navigating Time Off - Retention - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo * Skip to Content * ? * Current Students * Prospective Students my CalPoly login * * Retention * Our Mission * What We Do * Navigating Time Off * Returning From Time Off * University Departure * Our Team Navigating Time Off If you have decided to take time away from Cal Poly temporarily , the details involved may feel overwhelming. Use the buttons below to identify & track processes relevant to your unique situation. If you have questions, do not hesitate to email [email protected] for support. If you are a graduate students, please email [email protected] for support. If you are an incoming first-year student and you wish to take your first term at Cal Poly away, please contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or call (805) 756-2311.     Impacts of Time Off         INFORMAL TIME OFF (ITO) For undergraduate students taking 1 consecutive term off CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Informal Time Off (ITO) form To take ITO, undergraduate students should complete the ITO form and read the instructions provided. This includes important details relevant if you need more time away.   If you are going to be taking off more than one term of ITO (summers excluded), you will need to submit an official Leave of Absence  (LOA).   If you are a graduate student who wants to take time off, please email [email protected] for support. BACK TO TOP     LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) For students taking more than 1 consecutive term off CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Leave of Absence (LOA) application - Domestic Student   Leave of Absence (LOA) application - International Student Please review the eligibility requirements and submission process . Select “Taking Time Off" and then "Leave of Absence (LOA).” BACK TO TOP     TERM WITHDRAWAL For students who no longer plan to complete a term after the deadline to drop classes CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Academic advisors are available to help with this process.   First-year students: Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37 [email protected] success.calpoly.edu   All other undergrad students (Year 2+ and Transfer students): College Advising Centers advising.calpoly.edu/advising-centers   Graduate students: Grad Ed [email protected] https://grad.calpoly.edu/ Please review information for withdrawals on the Office of the Registrar's website  as well as the planning calendar for the term to review information about deadlines.   Withdrawing from the term counts as an attempted term, which means that you do not need to use Informal Time Off (ITO) for that term. ITO would begin the following term if you do not enroll.   If your last date of attendance was prior to the drop deadline, your term withdrawal will be processed as a "true drop" as if you dropped the courses yourself. This means that the term would count as ITO.   If you are a first-time first-year student:  you may get blocked into classes for both fall and spring terms. If you receive a block schedule while you're taking time off, you will need to return to your Student Center during your upcoming enrollment appointment and drop those courses from your “Enrollment Tab” in your Student Center in order to avoid paying fees or being assigned a grade of "F"/"WU". You will not be placed on LOA until you are enrolled in 0 units. Please connect with your advising center if you have any questions about this!   Students taking a Leave of Absence (required if taking more than one consecutive term away, not including summer): * Submitting a Leave of Absence form does not withdraw you from courses . * If you are currently enrolled in classes and plan to finish out the term, please note that you will not be placed on Leave of Absence status until you are enrolled in “0” units or have dropped/withdrawn from all classes. BACK TO TOP     SEMESTER CONVERSION CHANGES For students taking Informal Time Off (ITO) + Leave of Absence (LOA) through the quarter to semester conversion CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Contact your Retention Specialist with questions about your time off used or remaining or email [email protected]. Cal Poly’s time off policy for quarters:   * Students may take two quarters of ITO before they must either re-enroll or begin an approved LOA.   * Approved LOA may be granted for up to 6 regular academic quarters (2 years).   Cal Poly's time off policy for semesters:    * Students may use one (1) semester of ITO before discontinuation or requesting an LOA.    * Students may take consecutive or non-consecutive LOA for a maximum of 4 regular academic semesters (2 years). * Note: This has the potential maximum result of 5 consecutive semesters away (1 semester ITO + 4 semesters LOA).   * Informal Time Off eligibility still resets once a student re-enrolls in Cal Poly courses and attempts a term. * This policy applies to all reasons for time off except for Military Leave. Please review the Registrar's website to learn more and contact the Center for Military Connected students . Transition details and scenarios:   * Students who take winter 2026 + spring 2026 as ITO must enroll or request LOA in fall 2026.   * Students taking their first quarter of ITO in spring 2026 may also take fall semester 2026 as ITO. Students must either enroll in courses or request LOA starting spring 2027.   * All students who take fall 2026 as ITO must request LOA or register for spring 2027.   * For interpreting number of LOA terms used or remaining, use the following conversion chart. If questions arise, please reach out and confirm with your Retention Specialist!  BACK TO TOP     BASIC NEEDS INITIATIVE For students experiencing housing or food insecurity, financial hardship, transportation challenges, or concerns related to safety and security, sanitation, access to clean water, clothing or other basic needs. CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Basic Needs Programs basicneeds.calpoly.edu     Cal Poly's Basic Needs Programs seeks to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to focus on education and success at Cal Poly. Whether you are enrolled in classes or taking time away from Cal Poly, you may still be eligible for the following programs: * Food Resources * Housing and Community Resources * Financial Resources * If you have applied for a Cal Poly Cares grant and have questions, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected].  * Mental Health Resources * Additional campus Mental Health resources: SLO Counseling Service at Cal Poly   * Transportation Resources   BACK TO TOP     CAL POLY SCHOLARS For students in the Cal Poly Scholars program wondering how time off impacts program eligibility. CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Cal Poly Scholars Bldg 15, Rm. 116-120 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. scholars.calpoly.edu   For general inquiries: [email protected] Phone: (805) 756-5103    Please refer to the main Cal Poly Scholars website for contact information to program coordinators.     Students taking time off are not required to complete Scholars program requirements in the terms they are away, but they are eligible to participate if they’d like.   To understand potential financial impacts to your Cal Poly Scholars scholarship, email [email protected] . BACK TO TOP     CAREER SERVICES For students experiencing uncertainty about their major and/or career path CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Career Services Student Services, Bldg. 124 careerservices.calpoly.edu (805) 756-2501 [email protected]   General Drop-In: Check for current days/times To make an appointment : * log into MustangJOBS * 1st-time users complete basic profile  * click “Counseling Appts” (top-right)  * select “Request New Appointment”  * If you do not have access to MustangJOBS, please email [email protected] Career Services has curated a Career Resource Toolkit for students to access - it includes topics like job searching, considering graduate school, and career specific resources curated for various identities and lived experiences.     Career counselors are here to support you in all stages of your career and post-graduation planning. Appointments range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the topic, and you can make an appointment during your time off.     Drop-In hours are great for students seeking support for the following three topics: resumes, cover letters, and interview prep.     Appointments are best for career exploration, change of major discussions, and more in-depth job or graduation school searching. It is recommended that students explore PathwayU , prior to setting up a change of major appointment.   BACK TO TOP     COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS) For students seeking mental health and emotional wellbeing support CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Campus Health & Wellbeing Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (805) 756-2511 Building 27, Room 135 chw.calpoly.edu/counseling CAPS is currently offering services in-person and remotely by phone and HIPAA-compliant Zoom. To schedule an appointment : call (805) 756-2511 If you are in crisis :  call (805-756-2511) anytime* *After hours, follow the prompts to speak with a counselor. Eligibility for services: * Currently enrolled Cal Poly students (graduate and undergraduate) * Students who have chosen not to enroll for summer term, but were registered in the previous spring term and are registered for the following fall term * For couples counseling, all partners must be currently enrolled Cal Poly students * Students who have withdrawn from a term and do not receive a refund of fees maintain eligibility for services at CAPS through the end of that term. * A student who is no longer eligible (loss of matriculation status and/or refund of tuition and fees) and for whom termination of care would present significant risks, may receive authorization for continued care until the student can be referred to another appropriate treatment option. BACK TO TOP     DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (DRC) For students with accommodations on file or those needing accommodations during enrolled terms CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Disability Resource Center Building 124 (805) 756-1395 [email protected] drc.calpoly.edu If you have a temporary or permanent disability and need support, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for assistance.   Even if you do not have verification of documentation of a disability, you can fill out the DRC Online Student Application to initiate the process. A DRC Access Specialist will contact you to request necessary information and schedule an individual intake appointment to discuss individualized support options.    Services are currently offered in person or virtually and may include: * Disability management * Online test-taking support * Alternative media services * Note-taking service coordination * Remote assistive technology support * On-campus transportation * Sign language interpretation   If you are taking time off, it is helpful to notify your Access Specialist when you plan to return so you can coordinate services in advance, if needed.   BACK TO TOP     F-1 VISA ELIGIBILITY For students who are on an F-1 Visa CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS International Center Library: Building 35, Room 319 (805) 756-1477 [email protected] international.calpoly.edu Students on an F-1 visa, please check with the International Center before dropping classes or discontinuing from Cal Poly. Changes to your class schedule could impact your visa.   If you are an international student or scholar, please send your email correspondence to: [email protected] BACK TO TOP     FINANCIAL AID For Work Study students and students receiving state and/or federal aid CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Financial Aid Office Building 01, Room 212 calpoly.edu/financial-aid   Most general questions can be answered via email at [email protected] or phone at (805) 756-2927.    Walk-up Window: Mon-Fri • 10-12 & 1-3  Phone Hours: Mon-Thurs • 1:30-3:30  Counseling Appointments: Mon-Fri • 8-5  Taking a leave from Cal Poly, even for one term, could have implications for your financial aid.    To view the type of aid you receive, log into your Student Center and select “Financials” on the sidebar, then select ”View Financial Aid."    Notify the Financial Aid Office of your plans for internship, co-op, study abroad, or taking time off by sending an email to [email protected] or by meeting with a financial aid counselor and inquire how your aid might be impacted if you take time off. Include your full name, EMPL ID, and major in your email sent from your Cal Poly account.    Student Loans : After six months of not being enrolled in at least half-time status (at any institution), you may be in repayment mode for disbursed loans. This is an important topic to review with your financial aid counselor when considering time off.   Federal, State & University Repayment : If you receive federal, State, or University Financial Aid and withdraw from all classes prior to completing 60% of the term, you may need to pay back a prorated portion of your aid.   Cal Grants : If you’re not enrolled at least half-time for any term, you must request a Leave of Absence from the Cal Grant program. You are allotted a maximum of 4 semesters/6 quarters (200%) of Leave of Absence throughout the lifetime of your Cal Grant award. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances for students that submit a Cal Grant Appeal. Please review this website for important information and processes.    Return of Title IV Funds - Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, Subsidized Federal Direct Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, and Other Title IV Programs: * The Federal Return of Title IV Funds policy mandates that students who officially or unofficially withdraw from all classes may only keep the financial aid they've earned up to the time of withdrawal. Federal aid recipients who withdraw from Cal Poly may need to repay a portion of their financial aid money. You are not required to repay any money you have earned via Federal Work-Study. * The portion you may need to repay will be calculated by the Financial Aid Office and returned to federal or state programs. You may need to reimburse Cal Poly for what has been returned on your behalf. * No repayment is required if you withdraw after completing 60% of the term. If you are considering withdrawing for a term, contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the impact of doing so. SAP Appeals (Satisfactory Academic Progress):  if you did not meet satisfactory academic progress requirements during your last term attended, you may be required to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal in order to receive financial aid for the term you plan on returning. The appeal must be submitted in advance of the term you plan to return and by the applicable deadline.  * If you recently had a SAP appeal approved and you are currently on financial aid probation (FA SAP probation), but need to take time off, please contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to inquire about your options.   * Not sure if you need to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal? Check your Cal Poly emails for emails from the Financial Aid Office or see your Cal Poly To Do List. You may also see a hold in your Holds section in your Student Center. You can also reach out to the Financial Aid Office directly at  financialaid@calpoly. edu or (805) 756-2927 to inquire.    Changes in Financial Status: If your financial situation has changed and your current financial aid award does not reflect the change, you can request a review of your financial information through Special Circumstances forms, which may result in an adjustment in your financial aid award.   * View these webpages for more information:  * Special Circumstances Appeals   * Cost of Attendance Appeals   * Dependency Appeals   * Special Circumstances forms are accessible on: https://calpoly.studentforms.com   BACK TO TOP     FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS For non-transfer students in their first year at Cal Poly CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Mustang Success Center Building 52, Room D-37 [email protected] success.calpoly.edu First-year students cannot use time off to defer their admissions. If you are a first-year student who does not plan to attend your first term at Cal Poly, please email [email protected] for support.   We recommend that first-year students start by taking Informal Time Off (ITO) if interested in taking the spring term off.   Submitting an Informal Time Off form does not prevent first-year students from being block enrolled in classes in future terms. It is important to drop any classes you are blocked into during your enrollment appointment for the term(s) you plan to be away to avoid owing fees or receiving grades of F/WU. BACK TO TOP     HEALTH SERVICES For students in need of medical support CONTACT INFORMATION KEY DETAILS Health Services Building 27 [email protected] chw.calpoly.edu/health/health-services If you were enrolled in the previous term, you may be eligible to receive medical care at Health Services at a fee-for-service basis.     Campus Health & Wellbeing strongly recommends carrying private health insurance for medical and surgical problems beyond the scope of Cal Poly's Health Services. Each student is encouraged to have their own coverage for major medical, surgical and emergency expenses. Cal Poly cannot pay for off-campus care; therefore, an individual is responsible for those charges. We recommend consulting with an insurance broker to find the best available insurance coverage for you o