Schedule Builder
Schedule Builder is a tool that allows you to create potential class schedule options as you prepare to register for the coming term. Schedule Builder is found in the Student Center and works with Degree Planner to create a seamless user experience.
Schedule Builder is only available to students who are term activated in the given term. Students who are not active can still view Cal Poly's Class Schedule by visiting Class Search.
ALERTS
Schedule Builder Error: Building a class schedule with a course that allows you to enroll multiple times in the same term
Schedule Builder automatically validates your schedule when you select "build schedule." If your schedule contains a course that allows for multiple enrollments in the same term, you will receive the following error:
If you are building a schedule that contains a course that allows for multiple enrollments in the same term, add that course directly through your Student Center. Do not validate your schedule prior to registering.
The Course Catalog will inform you if a course allows for multiple enrollments in the same term.
Example: Total credit limited to 4 units; repeatable in same term.
Schedule Builder Error: Variable unit course not showing full range of units possible
When enrolling in a variable unit course via Schedule Builder, the "max" unit value is not displayed correctly.
For example, if the section is offered for 1-4 units, Schedule Builder will only allow you to enroll in 1-3 units. If the section is offered for 1-2 units, Schedule Builder will only allow you to enroll in 1 unit.
A fix has been identified and will be implemented as soon as possible.
How to proceed in the interim:
For variable unit courses, if Schedule Builder does not display the unit value in which you want to enroll, complete the enrollment transaction through the Add function in your Student Center.
Schedule Builder View
This class is a variable 1-4 unit section, but Schedule Builder only displays the option to enroll in 1-3 units:
How to Use Schedule Builder
Step 1: Access Schedule Builder through your Student Center
"My Apps" in the Cal Poly Portal > Student Center > Enrollment > Schedule Builder
You will be greeted by a Welcome Message that displays pertinent information and timely messaging associated with the registration process.
Selecting "Skip this message in the future" will suppress the message for future visits. The message will refresh should the content change.
Step 2: Select the correct term
You can select the correct available term from the Term drop-down menu on the left-hand side of the screen. You should click on the term itself instead of using the carrot to access the drop-down menu.
If you are unable to see a future term, it could mean one of two things:
- The term is not yet available. Visit the Student Planning calendar to review dates.
- You are not term activated for the desired term. This means you are unable to register for classes.
Contact the Records Unit within the Office of the Registrar for additional information. This will typically occur if you had an expected graduation date that was not updated.
You may elect to pull in coursework from Degree Planner, the Shopping Cart, Enrolled Classes, or classes where you are Wait Listed by using the drop down. It is easy to identify where a course pulled from based on the icon in the Status column (see "11. What do the symbols on the main page in Schedule Builder mean?" in the FAQs).
Step 3: Expand Filters, set filter options, and add additional courses
In order to search for courses, select Expand Filters in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Unavailable Time Filter
Unavailable Time may be set and used as a Filter when searching for classes. This Filter may be turned off if results are too limited.
Class Status
When searching for courses, to see all results, make sure to view open, wait listed, and closed sections.
To view all class offerings, including classes that are closed, full, or have formed a wait list, uncheck both Class Status filter options (uncheck both "Open" and "Wait List").
Modality of Instruction
There are six different modalities of instruction at Cal Poly: Synchronous (fully online with established meeting times), Asynchronous (fully online with no established meeting times), Sync/Async Hybrid, In Person, In Person/Sync Hybrid, and In Person/Async Hybrid.
Use the "Modality of Instruction" filter to search for courses that fit your needs.
Section Filters
Section Filters may be used to search for courses in specific categories. Students may elect to search by GE (General Education) Area, US Cultural Pluralism (USCP) courses, or Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) courses.
Students have the ability to select multiple Section Filters, but Section Filters do not overlap. If a student selects the GWR filter and the USCP filter, Schedule Builder will include all GWR courses and all USCP courses in the search results.
*Note: If a quick view of all courses that fulfill a specific GE Area is required, Class Search is an easy tool to use to quickly generate this information.
When searching for General Education (GE) courses, students must know their Cal Poly catalog.
*To find your catalog, visit the My Academics tab of your student portal.
Subject and Catalog Number Filters
You may also search directly for a course by entering the Subject and Catalog Number in the drop down fields. When searching for a course, these two fields are required (note the red asterisk).
Add Course
Use the Add Course button to select the courses Schedule Builder will use to create Class Schedule options. By selecting the course in the sub-navigation, you may elect to further limit which sections are used to build schedules. If you do not select specific sections of the course, Schedule Builder will create Class Schedule options with all available sections.
How to add a class in schedule builder video
View Seat Availability
Once the course has been added, you can either click on the course or the "Select Sections" button to view additional class details and seat availability.
Unreserved and reserved seat counts are listed for each section of the class. If you have selected the "Open" Class Status filter, only open sections will appear.
If you selected the "Open" Class Status filter and the "Wait List" Class Status filter, all sections will appear. A yellow exclamation point in the "Wait List Open" column indicates that the section has students waiting. When you try to register, if you select the wait list option, you will be wait listed even if seats are open for enrollment. The wait list counts down to zero from the total positions available (for example 89/99 means that 10 students have wait listed).
Step 4: Build schedule options
Up to ten (10) courses may be used when building a schedule. Select Build Schedule to see options.
*Results will return up to 100 schedules
Step 5: Evaluate schedule options
Set Favorites
You may elect to save up to five (5) Favorite schedules. Indicate that a schedule is a "Favorite" by clicking the heart icon.
A pop up will allow you to name each Favorite schedule.
Compare Schedule Options
You may compare multiple schedules using the Add to compare function.
View Maps
From the schedule, you may view class locations on a map by clicking the three (3) dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen:
The map feature allows you to view distance between classes:
Step 6: Enroll in classes and review important messaging
Once the desired schedule has been identified, you may Validate the schedule, Add the classes to your Shopping Cart, or Enroll directly in the classes. Select the green "Enroll" button to view these options.
Validate Schedule
This option is helpful prior to your enrollment appointment. The Validate function will check to see that your meet prerequisites for the selected courses. If a permission number will be needed during the registration process, you will know prior to your enrollment appointment.
Add to Shopping Cart
This option allows you to move classes directly to the Shopping Cart in your Student Center. From there, they may complete the registration process.
Enroll in Classes
You have the option to Enroll directly in classes from Schedule Builder.
If Enrolling directly in classes, you will select each class and fill in any necessary information related to the enrollment transaction.
Option: Change Grading Basis
Use the drop down to change grading option for the class.
In this example, grading basis was changed from "Graded" to "Credit / No Credit"
Option: Add Permission number
A permission may be obtained from the department offering the course prior to the term or directly from the instructor.
How to add a permission number video
Option: Select Waitlist
By checking the Wait list if class is full option, you will be added to the wait list if course prerequisites are met. Each day the wait list process runs. If a seat becomes available, the wait list process will enroll you into the class.
Review Messaging
After options have been saved and the Enroll transaction has been processed, you will receive messages associated with each transaction. It is important to read all messages to ensure that the enrollment process was successful.
Green: Success
Red: Errors that need to be reviewed
Yellow: Success, but with messages. It is important to review each message (wait list placement, course repeat notification, etc.). It is possible to receive a message indicating the class has been added to your schedule, but when reviewing your schedule, you will find you were wait listed for the section if that was the option you selected.
PLEASE NOTE: The following message is a standard PeopleSoft message that may appear in your Schedule Builder "Enrollment results" or your Shopping Cart:
"Note that this is a GE and/or USCP course and may fulfill a Bachelor's degree requirement."
No further action is necessary. However, it is important to run your Degree Progress Report (DPR) after you have registered.
Search for a class
Students can add classes starting at their registration enrollment appointment time through the 4th day of the “add/drop period” on their Student Center or through Schedule Builder.
It is important for students to know their catalog year to ensure you are searching for correct classes
Search for a general education (GE) course
Using the Section Filters, select "General Education Area" and "Subject-Area." You can then use the Course Selection Filters to search for courses that fulfill that specific GE Area.
Schedule Builder works like a funnel to narrow down results based on search criteria.
Note that when selecting multiple Course Attributes (i.e. General Education and USCP), results will include all courses that meet either attribute, not only courses that meet both attributes.
When searching for General Education options, you will need to know your Cal Poly Catalog to ensure that you make the correct choice.
- select correct term
- go to "section filters" (if not appear, hit expand filters on the right)
- click on GE Area
- click on "If GE, Select Area" box to the right
- select GE area based on applicable catalog
- Go to "Course Selection" box and choose subject
- Go to "catalog number" and select course
- click on "add course"
- courses appear at bottom of page - click on select section to view dates, times and course information
Search for a specific course
You must enter a Subject and Catalog Number (as noted by the red asterisk) if you are searching for a specific course. Course description and prerequisite information will display when the Subject and Catalog Number fields have been filled. Select Add Course to include the specific course as an option when building your schedule.
- select correct term
- go to course selection box" (if not appear, hit expand filters on the right)
- Select subject
- select catalog number
- go to "catalog number" and select course
- click on "add course"
- course appear at bottom of page - click on select section to view dates, times and course information
Search for GWR | USCP
Under the Section Filters heading, use the first field (Select GE; GWR; USCP) and select one of the following: Graduation Writing Requirement or United States Cultural Pluralism.
These types of courses do not have "sub-areas," so the "If GE, Select Area" field does not need to be populated.
Next, under the Course Selection heading, select a Subject from the drop-down menu. Once you select a Subject, the corresponding Catalog Numbers will display only the courses that are offered during that term. Be mindful of your filter selections as they will impact what courses appear in the drop-down menu.
Search for open class
To view all class offerings, including classes that are closed, full, or have formed a wait list, uncheck both Class Status filter options.
First, select "Expand Filters":
Next, under "Class Status," uncheck both the "Open" option and the "Wait List" option. Removing the Class Status filter entirely will ensure that your search results include all classes regardless of class status.
Search for modality course
Cal Poly offers six different modalities of instruction:
Asynchronous classes are virtual classes taught in a self-guided format. There are no required weekly meeting days and times. The meeting pattern will be "TBA" in Schedule Builder.
Synchronous classes are virtual classes taught in a guided format. There are required weekly meeting days and times, and students are required to log in for class instruction of some sort. The class schedule will list required days and times.
Synchronous/Asynchronous Hybrid classes are fully online, but the meeting pattern is a combination of established days and times (for the synchronous online component) and student self-guided work (for the asynchronous online component).
In Person classes are offered at on-campus or off-campus physical locations with established meeting days and times. Location information (building number and room number) can be found in Schedule Builder for these sections.
In Person/Synchronous Hybrid classes include in-person and online course content. These classes have established meeting days and times which are listed in the class schedule.
In Person/Asynchronous Hybrid classes include in-person and online course content. The meeting pattern is a combination of established days and times (for the in-person component) and student self-guided work (for the asynchronous online component).
NOTE: When searching for in-person classes, results will also display Independent Study and/or Supervisory courses (such as Senior Project classes). In general, meeting patterns for these courses will be listed as "TBA" as students will be required to coordinate requirements with the instructor. Even though these courses will display as "in person" offerings, this does not necessarily mean course content will be delivered face-to-face. Reach out to the instructor or department offering the course for additional information.
To find classes that fit your needs, use the "Modality of Instruction" filter:
Knowing who reserved seats are for (Reserve capacities)
Class seats can be reserved for a specific student population. Students who meet the criteria for the reserved seats can enroll in the class and others are added to the waitlist. Refer to class notes to know if you meet criteria. To know the exact number of seats reserved and which student populations, click on the section and look in bottom right corner
Class notes
Class notes can be found in two locations:
1.) Class notes are seen as you select sections for a course. They are viewable prior to drilling down into the expanded course information.
2.) After selecting "Build Schedule," class notes can be found in the calendar view of your schedule.
When you click on a course in the calendar view, a text box appears that allows you to either "View" or "Pin" the course.
Select "View" to find course details, including class notes.
Understanding Errors and Symbols
"Class Status" error
To view all class offerings, including classes that are closed, full, or have formed a wait list, uncheck both Class Status filter options.
First, select "Expand Filters":
Next, under "Class Status," uncheck both the "Open" option and the "Wait List" option. Removing the Class Status filter entirely will ensure that your search results include all classes regardless of class status.
Various symbols in the class section information
Planned - Courses are brought over from Degree Planner, planned coursework
Enrolled - Sections in which the student is enrolled
Wait List - Section in which the student is on the wait list
Shopping Cart - Section that has been added directly into the Shopping Cart
Zero Cost Course materials or Open Education Resources
Closed Leaf - Sustainability Focused
Open Leaf - Sustainability Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Cannot find a class
Sections that the department has set to "no print" will not publish in Schedule Builder. For a section where you have been given the class number and/or permission number to enroll, you must do so directly from the Enrollment > Add option via your Student Center.
Textbooks
Under the class section information, once confirmed by the instructor, there will be a link to "Course Materials." This link will take you directly to the University Bookstore website to view required course material information and purchase materials as needed.
Variable Unit Course
Variable unit courses will have the option to set unit value before completing the registration process. Use the "Units*" field to select number of units in which you would like to enroll.
View class schedule
First, check your class schedule for the term to review what classes you have been successfully enrolled in. If there are outstanding questions, contact the Records Unit within the Office of the Registrar or the Advising Center in your college. Refer to contact information under Troubleshooting Resources at the bottom of this page.
Topic for a course
Classes with topics are viewable when selecting sections in Schedule Builder. There is a drop down menu that can be used to search for specific topics associated with that course.
Cal Poly Faculty and Staff FAQs
Faculty and Staff | How to request access to view Schedule Builder
To gain security access to Schedule Builder, you will need to submit a Technical Service Request. The Technical Service Request link can be found in the “My Apps” menu of your Cal Poly Portal.
Once you click on the "Technical Service Request" link, you will be directed to the Employee Technical Support page. From here, select the "New CMS Account Request" option:
When you submit your request, please include detailed information explaining why you need access to this student tool.
Please Note: In order to receive security access, you must have taken the FERPA training through the Cal Poly Learning Hub within the last year.
You can access the FERPA training course through the "Staff and Faculty Training" tab on your Cal Poly Portal. Once there, click on the "Go to the Cal Poly Learning Hub" green button and search for the “Data Security and FERPA” training.
Please allow about an hour and a half to complete the training.
Faculty and Staff | Using schedule builder on behalf of student
Faculty and staff must act on behalf of students when using Schedule Builder. As there is no general view in Schedule Builder, the platform should not be used for enrollment monitoring purposes. To monitor enrollment, faculty and staff can use any of the following: Class Roster, Class Search, and/or Enrollment Management Dashboards.
To act on behalf of a student, you will Look Up the student using either name or EMPL ID.
Troubleshooting Resources and Video Tutorials
For Curriculum-Related Assistance:
Mustang Success Center (First-year students)
For Technical Assistance:
Office of the Registrar, University Scheduling
To Find Your Cal Poly Catalog (Undergraduate students):
- Access your My Cal Poly Portal
- Select your Academics tab
- Your Cal Poly Catalog is listed under Degree Information