Writing and Learning

Connect. Collaborate. Achieve.

INFO

Tutoring & Learning Center
Kennedy Library, Room 209
Hours: M-R, 10-8; F, 10-4
Phone: 805-756-6032
Virtual Front Desk

About Us

The Office of Writing and Learning (OWL) is Cal Poly’s hub for academic success, uniting academic preparation, learning support, and writing across the curriculum. In 2024–2025, OWL facilitated nearly 15,000 academic support sessions, helping to advance student achievement across all six colleges. OWL helps students strengthen skills, satisfy degree milestones, and graduate Ready Day One.

Academic Preparation & Transitions Learning Support Programs            Writing Across the Curriculum
  • Early Assessment Program
  • Resources for High School Educators
  • First-Year Course Placement
  • Supportive Pathways Program
  • Transfer Transitions
  • Academic Coaching
  • Tutoring Services
  • Study Sessions
  • Supplemental Workshops
  • Study Strategies Library
  • Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) Program Administration
  • Supplemental Writing Support Courses
  • Writing Tutoring

Mission

Our mission is to provide accessible, student-centered programs and resources that meet the diverse needs of Cal Poly students, close opportunity gaps, and promote academic excellence.

Commitment to Student Success

OWL is committed to advancing access, opportunity, and academic achievement for every student. Guided by Cal Poly’s Diversity Action Plan and OUDI’s pillars of institutional excellence, our programs foster a culture of learning and growth where all students can share their strengths and succeed. Learn more about how OWL advances access, opportunity, and student success in our Diversity Action Plan.  

We respectfully acknowledge that Cal Poly resides on the unceded ancestral homelands of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini tribe of Indigenous Northern Chumash peoples and are grateful to live and learn as guests on this land.

Department Contact Information

Name                                                                   phone email office 
Administrative Office 805.756.2067 writingandlearning@calpoly.edu 35-208
Dawn Janke, Executive Director 805.756.2066 djanke@calpoly.edu 35-208A
Emily Carrow, Budget & Administrative Analyst 805.756.3092 ecarrow@calpoly.edu 35-208
Academic Preparation & Transitions      
VACANT, Early Academic Preparation Coordinator     35-202A
Learning Support Programs      
Tutoring & Learning Center 805.756.6032 writingandlearning@calpoly.edu 35-209
Stacy Neely, Administrative Support Coordinator 805.756.6084 slneely@calpoly.edu 35-209
Jeff Milbourne, Tutoring Coordinator & STEM Learning Support Specialist 805.756.7663 milbourn@calpoly.edu 35-202A
Trevor Forzetting, Study Session Coordinator 805.756.7660 tforzett@calpoly.edu 35-202A
Lydia Keema, Supplemental Instruction Coordinator 805.756.5784 lkeema@calpoly.edu 35-202A
Writing Across the Curriculum      
Dawn Janke, GWR Coordinator 805.756.2066 djanke@calpoly.edu 35-208A

Related Content

Connect

 
Visit the Tutoring & Learning Center in Kennedy Library to connect with free academic resources.

 

Collaborate

Schedule time to collaborate with peers and grow more confident in your studies.

Achieve

Engage with OWL’s resources and achieve important degree milestones from GE to the GWR.