1. Open your web browser and navigate to the official Cal Poly Pomona catalog homepage. 2. Locate the drop-down menu at the top right of the page to select the academic year you wish to view. The current academic year is typically displayed by default. 3. Use the left-hand navigation menu to browse different sections, such as "Course Descriptions," "Academic Programs," or "Colleges." 4. Alternatively, use the search bar on the homepage to find specific courses by entering the course subject code or a relevant keyword. ## Navigating the Catalog Features The online catalog is organized to help users find specific academic details quickly: * **Course Search:** This feature allows users to filter courses by prefix, code, or keyword to view prerequisites, co-requisites, unit values, and descriptions. * **Academic Programs:** Users can search for specific majors, minors, credentials, and certificate programs to view the exact graduation and curriculum requirements. * **University Policies:** The catalog contains official academic regulations, registration policies, and graduation requirements.
## Understanding Catalog Rights When planning your degree path, it is important to understand the concept of catalog rights. Generally, your catalog rights determine the specific set of graduation and program requirements you must satisfy. These rights are typically established during your first term of attendance at Cal Poly Pomona, provided you maintain continuous enrollment. If you are a transferring student or have paused your education, your catalog year might differ from the current academic year. Always ensure you select the correct archived catalog year that matches your official catalog rights when planning your courses. ## Accessing Archived Catalogs
The university maintains an online archive of past catalogs for students who entered Cal Poly Pomona in previous academic years. To access these: 1. Go to the main catalog page. 2. Open the catalog selection drop-down menu. 3. Scroll down to select the archived catalog corresponding to your catalog rights year. For older historical records not listed in the drop-down menu, contact the Office of the Registrar. ## Tips for Searching the Catalog
To make your search more efficient, keep the following tips in mind: * **Use Exact Course Codes:** If you know the course subject and number, search for the exact code rather than the full course title. * **Check Prerequisites:** Before planning to register for a class, click on the course description to review any required prerequisites or co-requisites. * **Print or Save Pages:** The online catalog platform allows you to print specific pages or save them as PDFs for your personal records or advising appointments. Look for the print icon on the page you are viewing. ## Verifying Information and Getting Support Because academic policies, course offerings, and program requirements can change, always verify critical graduation requirements with an academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar. The online catalog serves as the official source of curriculum information, but individual academic departments can provide the most current updates on course availability and scheduling.
