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Home : GE Course Substitution for Study Abroad
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- Student Petitions
- - GE Substitution
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- - GE Course Substitution for Study Abroad
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Template and Curriculum
- Standard GE Requirements
- Standard and High-Unit Templates
- Curriculum Overview
- - Area A Guidelines
- - Area B Guidelines
- - Area C Guidelines
- - Area D Guidelines
- - Area E Guidelines
- - Area F Guidelines
- GE Study Abroad Policies and Petitions
- Preapproved Study Abroad GE Courses
- GE Course Substitution for Study Abroad
- GE 2020 Recertification
- Former Program Requirements (prior to GE 2020)
- Current GE Courses (external)
Please visit the International Center's Course Planning — GE webpage for a link the current GE course substitution form.
The following process was updated January 2023.
When planning your trip, it is important to confirm the GE area(s) you need to fulfill. Refer to your Degree Progress report or check with your academic advisor.
How to Find Preapproved GE Courses
Many courses have already received approval for GE credit and do not require additional review by Cal Poly.
- Check the list of pre-approved courses for your study abroad program by going to abroad.calpoly.edu.
- Use the Program Search to find your program.
- Navigate to the "Academics" tab, and click the "Course Pre-Approvals" link to access a list.
Petitioning for GE Course Substitution
Courses taken through a Cal Poly-approved study abroad program that are not on the pre-approved list will not count for GE unless, and until, they have been reviewed and approved by the Office of the Registrar Evaluations team. Here is the process to petition that one of the courses taken abroad count for GE credit.
- Review the GE information in your Cal Poly Catalog for information on what each GE Area is and to see examples of on-campus courses that meet the area requirements, which will help you better assess which courses abroad might fit the GE areas you need.
- Complete a GE Course Substitution Form, which will be routed to the International Center before being sent to Evaluations for consideration. Detailed instructions on how to fill out and submit the GE Course Substitution Form can be found on the International Center's Course Planning — GE webpage.
- Be sure to attach a course description or syllabus for each course on the form.
- Once you have submitted the GE Course Substitution Form, staff in the International Center will review the information you provide for accuracy before routing the form to Evaluations. Please note that the International Center does not approve course substitutions.
- Review of your form by Evaluations may take 6-8 weeks. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified by evaluations@calpoly.edu and will receive a copy of your petition.
- Credit for approved GE coursework abroad will only be awarded after Cal Poly has received an official transcript from your study abroad program and has verified the educational institution, courses, course levels, and units. It may take up to two quarters for coursework from abroad to appear in your Degree Planner.
When out of the country and you need to change your courses........
You may contact the Cal Poly Evaluations Office for INFORMAL advice via email at evaluations@calpoly.edu. Please allow 1 week for an email response. Upon your return, complete this petition for formal review of the courses.
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