Cal Poly issues a new catalog every one or two years, and the requirements for degree programs may change from one catalog to the next. Students have the right to choose the catalog they'll use, as described in Section 40401 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

An undergraduate student remaining in attendance in regular sessions at any California State University campus, at any California community college, or any combination of California community colleges and campuses of the California State University, may for purposes of meeting graduation requirements, elect to meet the requirements in effect at the campus from which the student will graduate either:

(1) at the time the student began such attendance, or

(2) at the time of entrance to the campus, or

(3) at the time of graduation, or

(4) as allowed by campus policy.

Campus authorities may authorize or require substitutions for discontinued courses. A campus may require a student changing his or her major or any minor field of study to complete the major or minor requirements in effect at the time of the change.

For purposes of this section, "attendance" means attendance in at least one semester or two quarters each university year. Absence due to an approved educational leave or for attendance at another accredited institution of higher learning shall not be considered an interruption in attendance, if the absence does not exceed two years. (Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 40401.)