Skip to main content

Brand Platform and Position

What separates Cal Poly from other institutions? We built our Brand Platform to answer this question and guide our brand strategy. Ultimately, these elements all work together to describe the scope and impact of the most important aspect of our brand: Learn by Doing

Student and faculty work with equipment at the Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach

 

Position, Pillars, Personality and Foundation

Our Position 

Our brand position presents our strongest and most unique position in the market. This is not a tagline, but rather, a simple phrase that forms the foundational point of Cal Poly and our brand strategy. 

“People and problem-solving

centered in California and impacting the world.”

Faculty and student observe student's model on Dexter Lawn during a class presentation

 

Our Pillars 

Our brand pillars further define our competitive advantage through our three biggest strengths: what we believe in, what connects people to us, and what we do differently (and better) than other institutions. 

LEARN Our approach to education: We educate the head and the hand, readying accomplished students who value the link between knowledge and application and are confident in their ability to make an impact. 

BY How we do it: We focus on putting learning into practice by working across disciplines and having extensive partnerships to address today’s (and tomorrow’s) most pressing challenges. 

DOING Its impact on others: We make a difference every day in industries, communities and lives across California and around the world. 

A student does field work at Swanton Ranch

Our Personality

Our personality helps us establish and maintain a consistent tone throughout our communications. 

Ambitious: We have an energetic, yet disciplined approach to discovery.  

Action-oriented:  Engaged, hands-on approach to collaboration.  

Accomplished:  Confident individuals with experience in problem-solving. 

Three student friends smile for the camera after graduating

Our Foundation  

Our foundation represents our strong yet non-differentiating pride points. 

  • Uniquely Californian  
  • Comprehensive polytechnic  
  • Undergraduate education  
  • Academic rigor
  • Student-centered