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Cal Poly Pomona

Advising FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

How can I get involved with student clubs related to the department?

Visit the web sites of the Political Science Club and the Cal Poly chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society.

What should I do if I can't find what I'm looking for on the political science department's web site?

Check our site map.

If I don't show up for the first day of class, will I be automatically dropped?

It's up to the instructor whether to drop you from the class if you are a "no show" at the first meeting.  Don't assume that you will be dropped - if you aren't planning on taking the class, drop the class yourself as soon as possible.   On the other hand, don't assume that you won't be dropped - if you are planning on taking the class, contact the instructor to explain why you will miss the first meeting, and ask the instructor not to drop you.

If I receive a grade of less than "C" in a required course, do I need to repeat the course?

Generally speaking, no. A grade of "D-" or better is considered a passing grade. However:

  • to graduate, you do need to average "C" or better in 1) all course work, 2) Cal Poly coursework, and 3) coursework in the major. 
  • some courses (though none in PLS) require at least a certain grade in another course as a prerequisite.

Before taking an upper-division general education synthesis course, do I need to first satisfy all lower division requirements in the same general education area?

Yes.

Why can't I take PLS 390 (Political Sociology)?

This course was designed to meet the general education needs of engineering majors. There are other courses that cover similar material, but that are better suited to the needs of our majors.

How can I find out whether a class is a social science synthesis class?

Check the general education section of the catalog, or us the "Advanced Search" function in the BroncoDirect Schedule of Classes to find the synthesis courses in each area (B, C, and D) that are geing offered in a particular quarter.

Why do I have an advising hold that has to be removed almost every quarter?

Regular advising is meant to facilitate your progress to graduation and your planning for after you graduate.

In addition to seeing my advisor regularly, how can I best make my post-graduation plans?

How many units is too many?

There's no hard and fast rule, but you should figure on spending an average of about three hours a week (in class and out) for each unit. A good "rule of thumb" might be to multiply your number of units by three and add the number of hours you work each week. If the total exceeds about 60, you're probably heading for trouble. (This assumes that the rest of your life is going fairly smoothly and not imposing unusual demands on your time, energy, and other resources.)

If you seek to take more than 20 units in a quarter, you must file a petition approved by 1) your advisor, 2) the department chair, and 3) the College Dean.