Cal Poly ITS provides technology services that support teaching, research, and administration across the California State Polytechnic University system. This overview explains how the unit delivers infrastructure, applications, and expert assistance to students, faculty, and staff.
From core platforms to campus specific tools, Cal Poly ITS aligns technology with academic mission and operational needs. The sections below highlight focus areas, compare key systems, and address common user questions.
| Service Area | Primary Function | Typical User | Support Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Infrastructure | Network, authentication, and data center services | IT staff, facilities teams | Help desk, tickets |
| Learning Systems | Course management, LMS hosting and support | Instructors, students | Campus help desk, documentation |
| Collaboration Tools | Email, calendars, video conferencing, file sharing | Faculty, staff, students | Help desk, quick guides |
| Application Services | Campus portals, registration, and student information systems | Students, advisors, admin staff | Campus help desk, training sessions |
| Security and Compliance | Data protection, access controls, policy enforcement | IT security, legal, admin staff | Security office, incident reporting |
Learning Systems and Digital Classrooms
Learning Management Platform
Cal Poly ITS supports the campus learning management system, providing reliable hosting, integrations, and accessibility features for instructors and students. Regular updates and monitoring help minimize downtime and maximize engagement.
Classroom Technology Integration
Classroom solutions include audio visual systems, lecture capture tools, and device compatibility support managed by Cal Poly ITS. Training sessions help educators use these technologies effectively within physical and hybrid learning spaces.
Collaboration and Communication Tools
Email and Messaging Services
The unified communications platform provided by Cal Poly ITS includes institutional email, calendar, and chat tools designed to streamline faculty and student interaction. Scalable infrastructure ensures continuity during peak usage periods such as registration and exams.
File Sharing and Workflows
Secure file storage and collaboration spaces enable teams to work across departments while maintaining data governance. Integration with campus applications supports document versioning, permissions control, and audit trails.
Security Policies and Data Governance
Access Control and Identity Management
Centralized identity services manage user access across systems, enforcing role based permissions and multifactor authentication. Cal Poly ITS aligns these controls with state and industry standards to reduce risk and simplify user experience.
Privacy and Compliance Frameworks
Ongoing reviews of privacy practices ensure that student and institutional data are handled in accordance with relevant regulations. Policy documentation, training, and incident response processes are maintained by the security team within Cal Poly ITS.
Future Directions and Digital Strategy
Cal Poly ITS continues to evolve its service portfolio in response to campus priorities, emerging technologies, and user feedback.
- Expand secure remote access and zero trust network strategies
- Enhance analytics and reporting across teaching and administrative systems
- Strengthen integration between campus applications to reduce duplicate entry
- Pilot emerging technologies such as AI assisted learning tools under controlled environments
- Improve self service options to streamline common IT tasks for students and faculty
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I reset my campus account password if I cannot access email?
Use the self service password reset portal linked from the login page, verify your identity through alternate methods, and follow the prompts to create a new password without contacting support.
What should I do if a course registration system shows an error during enrollment?
Submit a help ticket through the campus IT portal with details of the error, including the exact message, course code, and time of occurrence so the support team can investigate promptly.
Can I install campus licensed software on my personal laptop off campus?
Yes, many campus licensed applications allow off campus installation for eligible students and staff, provided you sign in through the university remote access portal and follow the established usage policies.
How often are my courses backed up in the LMS and where are the copies stored?
Automated backups occur nightly within the learning management platform, with redundant storage across secure data centers managed by Cal Poly ITS to ensure quick restoration if needed.