Changing the Cal Poly Password

The Cal Poly Guest Password Manager can be used by people with forgotten passwords who have established answers to "forgotten password" questions. To set your answers for the first time, follow the steps below.

Cal Poly passwords expire annually. For more information, please visit the Password Expiration website.

If Password is KNOWN and is NOT Expired

Faculty, Staff, Students, Applicants & Departments who know their current Cal Poly Password can change it via the My Cal Poly Web portal.

  • CLOSE ALL APPLICATIONS EXCEPT YOUR BROWSER (Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari)

  • Log into My Cal Poly at http://my.calpoly.edu

  • Go to the Cal Poly Password Manager channel.

    • Faculty, Staff, Students and Departments will find the Cal Poly Password Manager channel on the Personal Info tab. Applicants will find the Cal Poly Password manager channel on the Main tab.

  • Enter your old password - the password used to log into the My Cal Poly Web Portal

  • Enter your new password - For tips to choose a secure password, click on the FAQ and Rules link on the Cal Poly Password Manager channel.

  • Retype the new password to confirm

  • Press Submit

  • Answer the three, automatically generated, questions to be used in the future if you forget your password.

  • Check the box to agree to the Responsible Use and IT Policies

  • Check the box to agree to the Confidentiality-Security Agreement

  • Press Agree

  • Wait 30 minutes and test your login.

  • If you still have any problems accessing applications that use the Cal Poly Password, RESTART your workstation.

If Current Password is UNKNOWN , FORGOTTEN, or EXPIRED

Faculty, Staff, and Departments with expired or forgotten passwords who have not yet set their "forgotten password" answers, must submit the Password Change Request Form [PDF]. Complete the form and fax it to the ITS Service Desk at 805.756.1536. If you cannot submit a form, call the ITS Service Desk at 805.756.7000 and ask for a Service Desk STAFF member. We will make every effort to expedite your request.

  • After an assisted password change, the account owner MUST log into the My Cal Poly Portal and reset the password within seven (7) days.

  • Upon resetting the password, the account owner will be prompted to answer three (3) questions. If the password is later forgotten, the account owner can answer the three questions and then reset the password without outside assistance.

Students and Applicants with expired or forgotten passwords who have not yet set their “forgotten password” answers, may contact the ITS Service Desk at 805.756.7000 during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8am-5pm.

Applicants Initial Login

Applicants will initially set their Cal Poly passwords at the Applicant Password Manager. This is a one-time-only application that requires First Name, Last Name, Zip Code and the last eight (8) numbers of the CSU Mentor Application Confirmation number. Applicants who have lost their confirmation number or who aren't sure of other information needed by the Applicant Password Manager should visit the Admissions Logon Problems website.

Clubs

Clubs can request a password change by submitting the Cal Poly Club Account Form.

If you need assistance, contact the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@calpoly.edu or 805-756-7000.