[an error occurred while processing this directive]Financial Aid And Scholarships
Student Administration Building, SA 114
(661) 664-3268
(661) 665-6800 (fax)
email: hturner@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/97-99Catalog/FinAid.htx


The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships administers a number of financial aid programs to enable students without adequate financial resources to attend California State University, Bakersfield. Students may contact their high school counselor, community college financial aid office, or the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Cal State Bakersfield for filing instructions. The priority filing date for financial aid consideration for all CSU campuses is March 2. Applications for financial aid will be accepted after the priority date, but awards to eligible late applicants are dependent upon the availability of limited funds.

A qualified applicant will be considered for a "financial aid package" which may include monies from one or a combination of the following programs:

Grants/Fellowships -- Grants and fellowships do not have to be repaid and are disbursed directly to students for living and educational expenses.

Federal Pell Grant -- Undergraduate students working on their first degree who are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree objective are eligible to apply by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Within four weeks an eligibility report (Student Aid Report-SAR) will be returned to the student. This report should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office for processing. All undergraduate students who wish to be considered for financial aid must apply for the Pell Grant.

State University Grant -- This grant is intended specifically to offset fee increases for needy California State University (CSU) students. Applicants must be California residents in either an undergraduate or graduate course of study. Subject to available funding, students who meet the required eligibility criteria are awarded State University Grants (SUG) of up to the full amount of the State University Fee component of total fees.

Alan Pattee Scholarships -- Children of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties are not charged fees or tuition of any kind at any California State University campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code Section 68121. Students qualifying for these benefits are known as Alan Pattee scholars. For further information contact the Admissions/Registrar’s Office, which determines eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant -- SEOG is awarded at CSUB according to a formula based on student need and generally will range from $100 to $1,000 per academic year. The SEOG program can aid eligible students until they receive their first undergraduate degree, subject to the standards of normal academic progress.

California Educational Opportunity Grant -- This program provides up to a maximum of $650 per year to approximately four to five hundred full-time students who must be admitted to the University’s Educational Opportunity Program.

CSU Graduate Equity Fellowship Program -- This program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs in the CSU and encourages continuation on to doctoral programs and consideration of university faculty careers. It provides fellowships for economically disadvantaged CSU students, especially from groups that are underrepresented among graduate degree recipients in their areas of study, and promotes faculty mentoring and research opportunities. Fellowships are administered through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research on a competitive basis for graduate students. Individual fellowship awards may range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $4,500 with an average award approximating $1,500. Students may apply by filing a FAFSA and by contacting the Office of Graduate Studies and Research (661-664-2231) for the fellowship application material required.

Loans -- Some financial aid programs allow eligible students to borrow money to pay their living and educational expenses.

Federal Perkins Loans (National Direct Student Loan Program) -- This is a long-term government loan, interest free while students are enrolled in college. A limit of $15,000 is placed on the total that may accrue during the student’s undergraduate program. An additional $5,000 may be borrowed each year for graduate or professional study, or a maximum aggregate of $30,000 for undergraduate and graduate borrowing.

Federal Nursing Loan (NL) -- Program is available to students accepted into the Nursing Program as bona fide nursing candidates. The Program provides $2,500 per academic year with a maximum of $4,000 per year for third and fourth year nursing students. Repayment begins nine (9) months after a person ceases to be at least a half-time student. The total repayment period may extend up to 10 years, and during repayment 5% simple interest is charged on the unpaid balance of the loan principal. No repayment is required for up to three (3) years if a student is serving in the Armed Forces or Peace Corps (does not include VISTA). Additional information concerning deferment and cancellation provisions prior to 9/29/79 is available through the Financial Aid Accounting Office at (661) 664-2236.

Federal Family Education Loan Programs -- The FFELP loan programs, which consisted primarily of the Stafford Loan programs both subsidized and unsubsidized, have been replaced at CSU Bakersfield, by the William D. Ford DIRECT Student Loan program. The Direct Loan program is virtually identical to the FFELP program, except that the Federal Government is the lender, rather than a private bank, savings and loan, or other commercial lender. CSUB, as well as many other colleges and universities, have converted from the FFELP program to the Direct Loan program as we believe it will better serve the needs of our students, especially with respect to expediting the processing of their student loans.

SUBSIDIZED Direct Student Loan -- This loan is designed to meet the calculated NEED of students (up to the maximum allowed at each grade level) where grants, scholarships, and other resources do not completely fill the need for aid, as calculated by the federally-mandated needs analysis process. For subsidized direct loans, there is no interest as long as the student is continuously enrolled on at least a half-time basis (except for summers). Repayment, including interest, begins six months after a student is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The variable interest rate on new loans with a first disbursement on or after July 1, 1998, is currently 7.46%.

UNSUBSIDIZED Direct Student Loan -- For students who are not able to show need according to the required need analysis calculation, or where the calculated need for a subsidized loan is less than the maximum that is allowed for the student’s grade level, students may apply for an UNSUBSIDIZED Direct Loan. For example, if a freshman has no calculated NEED for aid, and if he/she is receiving no scholarships or other resources, then that freshman could borrow, as an UNSUBSIDIZED Direct loan, any amount he/she wished, up to the freshman academic year limit of $2,625. For Unsubsidized Direct loans, students must pay the interest on the loan. For example, the interest on an Unsubsidized loan of $2,625 is approximately $195 per year. Depending upon the amount due, students who are receiving unsubsidized loans will be billed monthly or quarterly for the interest, beginning within sixty days of the first disbursement of the loan. Full repayment (not just interest) begins within sixty days after the student drops below full-time.

Direct PLUS Loan -- The PARENTS of students who are regarded as DEPENDENT for need analysis purposes may also choose to apply for a Direct Parent Loan. Typically, the direct parent loan takes the place of whatever calculated parent contribution (resulting from the need analysis process) which the parents cannot actually provide from current income and or savings. Parent loans are limited only by the budget calculated by the school financial aid office, minus any scholarships or other resources which are to be received by the student. For example, if the calculated budget is $8,700 for an academic year, then the parents of a dependent student may borrow any amount they feel they need up to $8,700. However, if the student was to receive scholarships totaling $1,000, the parents could only borrow up to $7,700. Parents should take note that there is no deferment of interest or regular repayment for Direct PLUS loans. Full regular repayment will begin within sixty days of the first disbursement of the loan. The variable interest rate on new PLUS loans with a first disbursement on or after July 1, 1998, is currently 8.26%.

Academic Year Direct Loan Program LIMITS
 

Freshman $2,625 (0-44 units)
Sophomores $3,500 (45-89 units)
Juniors $5,500 (90-134 units)
Seniors $5,500 (above 135 units)
NON-Credential Classified Graduate Students $8,500
CONDITIONALLY-ACCEPTED Graduate Students $5,500 for no more than one year
Classified Graduate Students in Graduate Program $5,500
Graduate Cumulative Maximum, INCLUDING Undergraduate loans $65,500

The above academic year amounts are maximums. If the required need analysis process indicates a lesser need, then you may borrow only the amount for which you are calculated to have need. To be considered for any of the William D. Ford DIRECT loans, you should complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority deadline is March 2 of each year for the subsequent academic year, which begins in mid-September. Applications received after the deadline will be processed as soon as possible after on-time applications are considered.

Short-Term Emergency Loan -- This loan is administered by the University Foundation Office and is for the purpose of assisting students with unanticipated temporary emergency situations. The maximum loan is $150 and is repayable within 30 days. A nominal service fee is charged. The emergency loan is available to any enrolled student, not just those receiving financial aid. Applications are available from the Foundation cashier, Room 121B, in the University Advancement Building.

Work -- Part-time employment opportunities on and off-campus.

Federal Work-Study -- This program provides employment on or off-campus for students who demonstrate financial need. Students pay for a portion of their educational expenses through this employment.
 

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Campus-Based Scholarships -- The following list is a sampling of campus-based academic scholarships offered at California State University, Bakersfield. Incoming freshmen are advised to contact the Department of Undergraduate Studies for an Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application. Incoming students who plan to major in an arts or sciences field should also contact the School of Arts & Sciences for an Arts & Sciences Merit Award Application. Transfer and continuing CSUB students are advised to contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for an Academic Scholarship Application.

Arts & Sciences Merit Award Program -- This program is sponsored by the Advisory Board for the School of Arts & Sciences. The goal of this program is to offer selected "honors" and/or "high ability" graduates from area high schools four-year scholarships of $5,000 to major in one of the Arts & Sciences programs and to graduate with a baccalaureate degree within four years. Each merit award scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement and commitment to complete one of the twenty-four (27) majors in the School of Arts & Sciences within a four-year time frame. Interested students must meet the following minimum criteria: 3.8 cumulative GPA; or 1150 on the SAT; or 29 on the ACT.

Associated Students, Inc. -- Three (3) $500 scholarships are awarded annually to three incoming freshmen. Selection criteria include academic achievement (at least 3.25 cumulative high school grade point average) and extracurricular activities (evidence of leadership experience through involvement in associated students or other campus-related organizations).

Dolores and Victor Cerro Scholarship -- Established by Victor and Dolores Cerro and family, this $500 scholarship is awarded annually to three students transferring from Bakersfield College to CSUB. Eligible applicants must be BC Transfer Center participants who plan on attending CSUB full-time (12 units or more), must possess a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, demonstrate evidence of campus and community involvement, and must have resided in Kern County for at least three years.

Florence Clare Presidential Scholarship -- This scholarship, established by the Estate of Florence Clare, is intended for incoming freshmen who demonstrate academic achievement (minimum 3.25 GPA) and leadership ability. The potential recipient must reside in the CSUB service region, be interested in serving the community, and have a viable economic need. Three or more scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded on an annual basis.

CSU Future Scholars Program -- The CSU Future Scholars Program is designed to increase college participation of students who are disadvantaged because of economic, educational, or environmental factors. Students whose family have not had education beyond elementary or secondary school or who are the first in their family to attend college are eligible for consideration for this scholarship. Those who attended high schools where low rankings on standardized tests or poverty prevails, as well as migrant families, rural families and residents of impoverished areas are also eligible. To be considered, students must be California residents, graduate from a California high school, meet regular CSU admission requirements, enter the CSU as a first-time freshman, or as a transfer student, enroll on a full-time basis, and demonstrate academic promise. Applications are customarily made available in the fall. For more information, please call the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 661-664-3016.

Pelletier Presidential Scholarship Program -- Through the generosity of Mr. Robert Pelletier, a prominent businessman in the Bakersfield community, CSUB is able to offer this program. This scholarship program invites each high school and community college in our service area to nominate an outstanding student from their school/college to be considered for these awards. From the nominees, thirty (30) $750 non-renewable scholarships are awarded to the most deserving high school seniors and/or transfer students who meet the minimum scholarship requirements, i.e., minimum 3.0 GPA, evidence of community and school involvement, leadership potential, and demonstration of financial need. Contact your high school/college for an application.

G. A. Holtz Scholarship -- This scholarship was established by Mrs. Grace Holtz in memory of her late husband, G. A. Holtz. Four awards of $300 each and one award of $400 will be made to incoming freshmen who have demonstrated academic excellence and potential for a high degree of interest and participation in activities of the college community. Financial need is not a consideration.

Harold G. Hull Scholarship -- One scholarship in the amount of $300 is made available to an incoming freshman meeting University requirements of academic excellence, campus and community involvement, and financial need. Monies are provided by the estate of Dorothy D. Hull to honor Harold G. Hull.

Kiwanis Club of Bakersfield -- The Kiwanis Club of Bakersfield has provided scholarships to students attending California State University, Bakersfield since 1976. The Club offers two (2) annual scholarships in the amount of $500 each to incoming freshmen who are Kern County residents. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and financial need.

Dr. Robert C. Marshall Endowed Scholarship -- This scholarship program was created out of the generosity of Dr. Robert C. Marshall, M.D., a local Bakersfield physician and a Taft Union High School alumnus. In an effort to promote and support the educational pursuits of Taft Union High School District graduates attending CSUB, this $2,000 annual scholarship is awarded to a student who meets the following scholarship requirements: admission to CSUB; graduation from the Taft Union High School District, academic potential, leadership ability, and economic need. Incoming freshmen as well as continuing CSUB students are eligible to apply for scholarship consideration by submitting either the Freshman Scholarship Application (incoming freshmen only) or the CSUB Academic Scholarship Application (all other students), of which both have an annual deadline of April 1.

Gladys Rachal Scholarship Fund -- This scholarship fund was bequeathed to the Cal State Bakersfield Foundation through the estate of Gladys Rachal, a prominent Kern County resident. Two (2) $300 scholarships are awarded annually to incoming freshmen with outstanding scholarship records (3.25 cumulative GPA minimum) and who have demonstrated evidence of campus and community leadership. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement delineating their educational and career goals.

Helen Louise Hawk Honors Program -- Through the generosity of Helen Hawk Windes, a former journalist and public relations professional, funds were made available to allow the University to offer a series of $1,000 scholarships to incoming honors students. To be selected, students must have at least a 3.8 high school GPA or an 1150 on the SAT or a 26 on the ACT. Recipients must also elect to participate in the CSUB Honors Program.

Specialized Scholarships -- In addition to the sampling of campus-based academic scholarships listed above, the following list represents just a few of the specialized scholarships that are also available at CSUB. These specialized scholarships have their own applications, separate and apart from the applications required for the campus-based scholarships, and may be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at CSUB.

Filipino Excellence Scholarship -- The Filipino Excellence Scholarship was established to promote disadvantaged students of Filipino ancestry and financially assist them with their educational endeavors. Typically, two to ten $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Interested students must meet the following criteria: be a full-time student; a new or re-entry CSUB student of Filipino ancestry; and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eligible applicants must submit the following along with their Filipino Excellence Scholarship Application: three letters of recommendation, an academic transcript or latest grade report, and a recent passport-size photograph. For more information, please call 661-664-2264.

Hispanic Excellence Scholarship -- The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund is a CSUB collaborative initiative launched in 1984 by President Tomás A. Arciniega to increase access for academically-qualified, disadvantaged Hispanic students who display leadership potential. Typically, 60, $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Interested applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and intend to be enrolled as a full-time student at CSUB. For more information, please call 661-664-2160 or 661-664-3052.

Dr. Ernest W. Williams, Jr. Scholarship -- This scholarship was established by members of the CSUB staff, faculty, and interested persons from the community to honor the memory of Dr. Ernest Williams, Jr. Generally 10 to 15 awards of $1,000 each are given annually to disadvantaged African-American or other CSUB students enrolled full-time, who demonstrate academic and leadership potential, and a commitment to the advancement and educational opportunity of all people without regard to cultural or ethnic background. Scholarship applications for the Dr. Ernest W. Williams, Jr. Scholarship are available at area high schools and CSUB in the spring, with a mid-April deadline. For more information, please call Dr. Willis Hill at 661-664-3366.

Other Scholarships -- In addition to all the scholarships listed above, the following sampling of awards are available from various private donors and organizations who wish to assist students majoring in specific academic disciplines in meeting their educational expenses. These awards fall under the category of campus-based scholarships and requires completing the CSUB Academic Scholarship Application and two recommendation forms.

Athletics
  • Ayars Brothers Memorial Scholarship in Soccer
  • Sean Baxter Memorial Scholarship (Basketball)
  • Friends of CSUB Wrestling Endowment
  • The Fred McDonnell Memorial Scholarship (Soccer)
  • Brent Waterman Memorial
    • Arts & Sciences
  • Betty B. Albright Memorial Scholarship (Sociology)
  • Audrey Kay Bender Memorial Scholarship (Economics)
  • CSU - Angelina Aliberti Ruggie and Lawrence L. Ruggie Scholarship (Humanities, Law, Social Work)
  • Kern County Sheriff’s Reserve Association Scholarship (Criminal Justice)
  • San Joaquin Valley Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute
    • Fine Arts Scholarships History/Political Science Natural Science and Mathematics Nursing Business and Public Administration Education
    Veterans’ Affairs -- California State University, Bakersfield is approved by the State of California as a training facility for veterans applying for V.A. benefits. The Office of Veterans’ Affairs (located in the Office of Admissions) provides services to approximately 200 veterans currently attending the university under the G.I. Bill. These services include certification of enrollment for educational benefits, direct liaison between the University and the Veterans Administration Regional Office regarding underpayment, overpayment, or nonpayment of benefits, veterans work-study, and information concerning University services.

    Students expecting to enroll under educational benefits administered by the Veterans Administration may obtain application forms from the Office of Veterans’ Affairs if they have not previously established their eligibility with the V.A. Transfer students will need to complete a "Request for Change of Training Application" while returning students need only notify the Office of Veterans’ Affairs of their enrollment intentions. It is desirable that students make applications well in advance of anticipated enrollment to avoid unnecessary delays.

    The University will certify the following course levels to the Veterans Administration:
     

    Full Time 12 or more units
    3/4 Time 9 to 11 1/2 units
    1/2 Time 6 to 11.9 units

    Less than 1/2 time (1-5 1/2 units) will receive payment for tuition and fees only. Graduate students enrolled in graduate level courses (courses numbered 500-699, or courses acceptable by the particular curriculum department as work towards a master’s degree will have their course units weighted at a scale of 1.5.

    Students eligible for V.A. Educational Benefits must have all documents and transcripts pertaining to prior civilian or military training sent directly to the Admissions Office before a certification of eligibility can be sent to the V.A. The Code of Federal Regulations requires a transfer evaluation of prior credit be completed and sent to the student and to the V.A. within two quarters after admission to the University. Failure to adhere to this regulation will result in the termination of educational benefits.

    Students receiving V.A. Educational Benefits who have been placed on probation must raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.0 within two quarters. Students who remain on probation for a third quarter will have their educational benefits terminated until they are taken off probation.

    Students receiving V.A. Educational Benefits must be enrolled only in courses that lead to their declared educational objective (BA, BS, MA, MS, Credential, etc.). Cooperative Education courses may be taken only if the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.
     

    STUDENT DISCIPLINE

    Inappropriate conduct by students or by applicants for admission is subject to discipline as provided in Sections 41301 through 41304 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. These sections are as follows:

    Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations

    41301. Expulsion, Suspension and Probation of Students -- Following procedures consonant with due process established pursuant to Section 41304, any student of a campus may be expelled, suspended, placed on probation or given a lesser sanction for one or more of the following causes which must be campus related:

    1. Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a campus.
    2. Forgery, alteration or misuse of campus documents, records, or identification of knowingly furnishing false information to a campus.
    3. Misrepresentation of oneself or of an organization to be an agent of a campus.
    4. Obstruction or disruption, on or off campus property, of the campus educational process, administrative process, or other campus function.
    5. Physical abuse on or off campus property of the person or property of any member of the campus community or of members of his or her family or the threat of such physical abuse.
    6. Theft, of, or non-accidental damage to, campus property, or property in the possession of, or owned by, a member of the campus community.
    7. Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of campus property.
    8. On campus property, the sale or knowing possession of dangerous drugs, restricted dangerous drugs, or narcotics as those terms are used in California statutes, except when lawfully prescribed pursuant to medical or dental care, or when lawfully permitted for the purpose of research, instruction or analysis.
    9. Knowing possession or use of explosives, dangerous chemicals or deadly weapons on campus property or at a campus function without prior authorization of the campus president.
    10. Engaging in lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior on campus property or at a campus function.
    11. Abusive behavior directed toward, or hazing of, a member of the campus community.
    12. Violation of any order of a campus president, notice of which had been given prior to such violation and during the academic term in which the violation occurs, either by publication in the campus newspaper, or by posting on an official bulletin board designated for this purpose, and which order is not inconsistent with any of the other provisions of this Section.
    13. Soliciting or assisting another to do any act which would subject a student to expulsion, suspension or probation pursuant to this Section.
    14. For purposes of this Article, the following terms are defined:
      1. The term "member of the campus community" is defined as meaning California State University Trustees, academic, non-academic and administrative personnel, students, and other persons while such other persons are on campus property or at a campus function.
      2. The term "campus property" includes:
        1. Real or personal property in the possession of, or under the control of, the Board of Trustees of the California State University, and
        2. All campus feeding, retail, or residence facilities whether operated by a campus or by a campus auxiliary organization.
      3. The term "deadly weapons" includes any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, sling shot, billy, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, any dirk, dagger, switchblade knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, any knife having a blade longer than five inches, any razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club.
      4. The term "behavior" includes conduct and expression.
      5. The term "hazing" means any method of initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with regard to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, or physical or emotional harm, to any member of the campus community; but the term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.
    15. This Section is not adopted pursuant to Education Code Section 89031.
    16. Notwithstanding any amendment or repeal pursuant to the resolution by which any provision of this Article is amended, all acts and omissions occurring prior to that effective date shall be subject to the provisions of this Article as in effect immediately prior to such effective date.
    41302. Disposition of Fees -- Campus Emergency; Interim Suspension. The President of the campus may place on probation, suspend, or expel a student for one or more of the causes enumerated in Section 41301. No fees or tuition paid by or for such student for the semester, quarter, or summer session in which he or she is suspended or expelled shall be refunded. If the student is readmitted before the close of the semester, quarter, or summer session in which he or she is suspended, no additional tuition or fees shall be required of the student on account of the suspension.

    During periods of campus emergency, as determined by the President of the individual campus, the President may, after consultation with the Chancellor, place into immediate effect any emergency regulations, procedures, and other measures deemed necessary or appropriate to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational activities.

    The President may immediately impose an interim suspension in all cases in which there is reasonable cause to believe that such an immediate suspension is required in order to protect lives or property and to insure the maintenance of order. A student so placed on interim suspension shall be given prompt notice of charges and the opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of the imposition of interim suspension. During the period of interim suspension, the student shall not, without prior written permission of the President or designated representative, enter any campus of the California State University other than to attend the hearing. Violation of any condition of interim suspension shall be grounds for expulsion.

    41303. Conduct by Applicants for Admission -- Not withstanding any provision in this Chapter 1 to the contrary, admission or readmission may be qualified or denied to any person who, while not enrolled as a student, commits acts which, were he enrolled as a student, would be the basis for disciplinary proceedings pursuant to Sections 41301 or 41302. Admission or readmission may be qualified or denied to any person who, while a student, commits acts which are subject to disciplinary action pursuant to Section 41301 or Section 41302. Qualified admission or denial of admission in such cases shall be determined under procedures adopted pursuant to Section 41304.

    41304. Student Disciplinary Procedures for the California State University -- The Chancellor shall prescribe, and may from time to time revise, a code of student disciplinary procedures for the California State University. Subject to other applicable law, this code shall provide for determinations of fact and sanctions to be applied for conduct which is a ground of discipline under Sections 41301 or 41302, and for qualified admission or denial of admission under Section 41303; the authority of the campus President in such matters; conduct related determinations on financial aid eligibility and termination; alternative kinds of proceedings, including proceedings conducted by a Hearing Officer; time limitations; notice; conduct of hearings, including provisions governing evidence, a record, and review; and such other related matters as may be appropriate. The Chancellor shall report to the Board the actions taken under this section.

    Student Opinionnaire on Courses and Instruction (SOCI) -- Students in each regular class offered at the University are asked to fill out questionnaires which report their assessment of the course content and the instruction in that class. These Student Opinionnaires on Courses and Instruction (SOCI) are used both by individual faculty members and the university administration in a continuing effort to insure that the instructional program at CSUB is as effective as possible.