Track your course progress using your Curriculum Plan (formerly the Working Formal Study Plan) or your Degree Progress Report.
Advancement to Candidacy (Title 5, Article 7, 40510a and 41011) recognizes that the student has, so far, sufficiently demonstrated the ability to operate at and sustain a level of scholarly competence that is satisfactory for the successful completion of the degree requirements. The student is then cleared for the final stages of the program, which include the thesis, project, or comprehensive examination, in addition to any remaining coursework.
This is an important milestone in your program. Once you meet your program’s candidacy requirements, you will receive an Advancement to Candidacy form through Adobe Sign. When you receive the form, you will verify details such as your culminating experience type, faculty advisor, and thesis committee (if applicable). Be sure to check your Cal Poly email regularly throughout your program to stay informed about key program tasks such as this.
Students who do not have a Degree Progress Report (DPR) will submit this with their Intent to Complete Degree. Unsure if this form applies to you? Email grad@calpoly.edu.
Download the template below and follow the instructions to list your coursework. We encourage you to start this early in the term you finish your coursework so you have time to review the form with your advisor and/or Graduate Coordinator before submitting.
Submitting this form notifies the university of your intent to complete your program. This form is required before your degree can be evaluated after the completion of your final term. Once you submit the form, your expected graduation term will be processed and added to your PolyProfile. You can then expect to receive communications about additional tasks to complete* during your final term. This form should be submitted during the term you expect to graduate and can only be submitted once.
- Fall 2026 Expected Graduates: Submit this form no later than Friday, November 20, 2026.
- Spring 2027 Expected Graduates: Submit this form no later than Friday, April 30, 2027.
Click here to initiate Intent to Complete Degree.
*Tip: Students completing a thesis should familiarize themselves with the thesis formatting requirements and timeline.
If you need to change your expected graduation term after submitting the form, complete the Change of Degree Completion Term – Graduate request on the Registrar’s website.
This form is due the term you complete your culminating experience (thesis, project, or exam). This form communicates to the university your successful completion of your culminating experience.
- Fall 2026 Expected Graduates: Submit this form no later than Friday, December 18, 2026.
- Spring 2027 Expected Graduates: Submit this form no later than Friday, May 21, 2027.
Information regarding the 2027 Commencement ceremony will be posted later in the year. Please check back for updates.
Have a question about a form? Did you miss a form deadline? Are you looking for a form not found on this page? Please email grad@calpoly.edu.
Tips & Common Questions
- Enter the email addresses and requested information in the PowerForm page. Be sure they are entered accurately. If you think may have entered an email address incorrectly, email grad@calpoly.edu with the correct email address.
- Within a few minutes, you should receive an email from Adobe with a link to complete the form. If you do not receive the follow-up email, please check your spam or junk folder.
- Unsure if you’ve already completed a form? Email grad@calpoly.edu with your Empl ID before starting a new version.