Cal Poly Usernames

Your Cal Poly username is the unique identifier that associates your Cal Poly account with a broad range of campus services. Your Cal Poly email address is your Cal Poly username + @calpoly.edu, for example, jmustang@calpoly.edu. 

How are Cal Poly usernames assigned?

Usernames are automatically assigned based on an individual's "preferred" name, as listed on the My Cal Poly Portal, under the Personal Info tab > My Info. Usernames are algorithmically generated based on availability. Usually, a username is created from a combination of your first initial and last name (up to eight characters). Users cannot personally choose their Cal Poly usernames and cannot have more than one active username.

Usernames are based on the following distinguishing items:

• First initial, last name

• Last name only

• First initial, middle initial, last name

• First two letters of first name, last name

• Or a combination of the above, plus numbers

Can I change my Cal Poly username?

Only in very rare cases might a user get a new username. Changing a username requires manual intervention and takes substantial time and effort to ensure that it is changed in all applicable campus systems.

ITS will only change a username if:

• An individual's legal name is changed.

• The assigned username represents a credible danger to the health or safety of the individual.

• The username spells out a word considered inappropriate or offensive to the individual or the university.

Any other exceptions must be approved by ITS. Submit an Other Account Modification Request.

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