Teaching, Learning and Working Remotely
There are a number of services and resources available to the Cal Poly community to support virtual instruction and telecommuting, so our university can keep teaching, learning and working—from anywhere.
Learning - Students | Teaching - Faculty | Working - Staff |
Students
Computers & Connectivity
Tech Rentals has a very limited number of laptops available for check-out. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford the technology you need to be academically successful, email the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to determine if there are any resources available to assist you.
- Computer requirements may vary depending on your college or department.
- Visit everyoneon.org to find low-cost internet and computers in your area.
- Visit our knowledge base for tips to maximize your internet bandwidth
Outdoor WiFi is now available in the University Union (UU) Plaza, Mustang Way, Dexter Lawn, and other common areas on campus to provide additional study space for students.
Services to Support Virtual Learning
Web Conferencing (Zoom) allows you to virtually participate in classes, club meetings and office hours with your professors.
Canvas, Cal Poly's Learning Management System (LMS) connects you to your instructors and assignments on both desktop and mobile devices.
Software is available to students at low or no cost. Many software titles can be downloaded for free or streamed through a browser using Virtual Computer Labs (AppStream). Others can be purchased at a discount from Kivuto OnTheHub.
- See a full list of software and where it is available
- Get Adobe Creative Cloud for $29.99/year
- Antivirus software from Sophos can be downloaded on a personal computer at no cost.
Virtual Private Network (GlobalProtect) securely connects you to Cal Poly's network. It is required when using some software, including Autodesk, GIS Software (ESRI/ERDAS/Trimble), Maple, Mathematica, MATLAB/SIMULINK, and Solidworks
Cloud Storage & Sharing (OneDrive) allows you to upload, save and share files, and work on group projects with as many as 10 collaborators via web browser, mobile or desktop app.
Help
Tech Support is available by phone, email and web Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Service Desk technicians answer questions, provide solutions, and can even remotely connect to your computer for one-on-one troubleshooting.
New to Cal Poly? Check out our New Student Tech FAQ for more information.
Faculty
Services to Support Virtual Instruction
Web Conferencing (Zoom) allows you to live stream and record classes, meetings, and even office hours.
- Securely using Zoom
- Recording a Zoom Meeting
- Zoom Guides for Faculty from Cal Poly's Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology
- Visit our knowledge base for tips to maximize your internet bandwidth
Canvas, Cal Poly's Learning Management System (LMS) helps you manage your courses on both desktop and mobile devices.
Virtual Private Network (GlobalProtect) securely connects you to the wiki, file shares, certain software, from anywhere
Virtual Computer Labs (AppStream) gives you access to specialized academic software usually only available in labs, through a browser
Cloud Storage & Sharing (OneDrive) allows you to upload, save and share files, and create and edit Microsoft documents via web browser, mobile or desktop app.
Antivirus software from Sophos can be downloaded on a personal computer at no cost.
Help
Tech Support is available by phone, email and web Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Service Desk technicians answer questions, provide solutions, and can even remotely connect to your computer for one-on-one troubleshooting.
For additional remote work tips and information, check out our Faculty & Staff Guide For Remote Work.
Staff
Services to Support Virtual Work
Web Conferencing (Zoom) allows you to attend meetings, give presentations, and connect with your colleagues
- Log in with the Zoom app
- Securely using Zoom
- Schedule a Zoom meeting
- Visit our knowledge base for tips to maximize your internet bandwidth
Virtual Private Network (GlobalProtect) securely connects you to the wiki, file shares, certain software, from anywhere
Cloud Storage & Sharing (OneDrive) allows you to upload, save and share files, and create and edit Microsoft documents via web browser, mobile or desktop app.
Antivirus software from Sophos can be downloaded on a personal computer at no cost.
Help
Tech Support is available by phone, email and web Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Service Desk technicians answer questions, provide solutions, and can even remotely connect to your computer for one-on-one troubleshooting.
For additional remote work tips and information, check out our Faculty & Staff Guide For Remote Work.
For Coronavirus updates and resources, visit coronavirus.calpoly.edu
For virtual resources and updates on campus operations, visit calpoly.edu/roadmap