C A L I F O R N I A   S T A T E   U N I V E R S I T Y   B A K E R S F I E L D 2001-2003 Catalog

(661) 664-3036
(661) 664-3389 (fax)
http://www.csub.edu/admissions

Requirements for admission to California State University, Bakersfield are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. If you are not sure of these requirements you should consult a high school or community college counselor or the Admissions Office. Applications may be obtained from any California high school or community college or from the Admissions Office at any of the campuses of the California State University.

Electronic versions of the CSU undergraduate and graduate applications are accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.csumentor.edu/. The CSUMentor system allows students to browse through general information about CSU’s twenty-three campuses, view multimedia campus presentations, send and receive electronic responses to specific questions, and apply for admission and financial aid.

UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Freshman Requirements – You will qualify for regular admission as a first-time freshman if you:

1. are a high school graduate,

2. have a qualifiable eligibility index (see section on Eligibility Index), and

3. have completed with grades of "C" or better each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements (see "Subject Requirements"). Courses must be completed prior to the first enrollment in the California State University.

 

Eligibility Index – The eligibility index is the combination of your high school grade point average and your score on either the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I). Your grade point average is based on grades earned during your final three years of high school (excluding physical education and military science) and bonus points for approved honors courses.

Effective for Fall 2004, the high school grade point average calculation will include only those grades earned in approved college preparatory courses taken during the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades of high school.

Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last two years of high school can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

You can calculate the index by multiplying your grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the SAT I. Or, if you took the ACT, multiply your grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score. If you are a California high school graduate (or a resident of California for tuition purposes), you need a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT I or 694 using the ACT; the Eligibility Index Table (on the following page) illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages.

If you neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes, you need a minimum index of 3502 (SAT I) or 842 (ACT).

If your grade point average is 3.00 or above (3.61 for nonresidents), you are exempt from submitting test scores. However, you are urged to take the SAT I or ACT since campuses use test results for advising and placement purposes.

You will qualify for regular admission when the university verifies that you have a qualifiable eligibility index and will have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subjects and, if applying to an impacted program, meet supplementary criteria.

Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

Provisional Admission – California State University, Bakersfield may provisionally admit first-time freshmen applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned for the senior year. The campus will monitor the senior year of study to ensure that those so admitted complete their senior year of studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school.

Subject Requirements – The California State University requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of "C" or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A "unit" is one year of study in high school. Within the 15 units completed, up to one unit (one year) in visual and performing arts or foreign language may be missing and offset by a college preparatory course(s) in other areas. The missing unit of visual and performing arts or foreign language must be completed either prior to, or by the end of the first year, of CSU enrollment. This provision is effective through the 2002-2003 academic year.

• English, 4 years.

• Mathematics, 3 years: algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra.

• U.S. history or U.S. history and government, 1 year.

• Science, 1 year with laboratory: biology, chemistry, physics, or other acceptable laboratory science.

• Foreign language, 2 years in the same language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence).

• Visual and performing arts, 1 year: art, dance, drama/theatre, or music.

• Electives, 3 years: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts.

 

Applicants seeking admission as first-time freshman for the Fall 2003 or later terms will have the same preparatory course requirements for admission to both the California State University and the University of California. The preparatory course admission requirements for both systems will be the completion of following courses with a grade of "C" or better: four years of English, three years of math (algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra), two years of U.S. history or social science, two years of laboratory science, two years of foreign language, one year of visual or performing arts, and one year of electives chosen from one of the areas above.

High School Students – Students still enrolled in high school will be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given program and does not constitute the right to continued enrollment.

International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements – The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, "foreign students" include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of foreign students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on TOEFL Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those with limited openings.

Adult Students – As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is twenty-five years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:

1. Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the Tests of General Educational Development or the California High School Proficiency Examination).

2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.

3. If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a "C" average or better in all college work attempted.

 

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.

Returning Students – Returning students in good standing must apply for re-entry if absent for more than two full quarters (excluding summer session) immediately preceding the quarter in which re-entry is sought. If the student has attended another institution during that time, transcripts (2 copies of each) must be sent to the Office of Admissions indicating all work for which the student was registered. Policies relating to application fees, statements of residence, and transcripts apply to re-entering students.

Students on academic drop status should refer to the section on "Readmission of Disqualified Students" in the Academic Regulations portion of the catalog.

Veterans – Veterans must qualify and follow the same admission procedure established for other students. Qualified veterans who present certificates of eligibility for curricula offered by California State University, Bakersfield may attend and receive all appropriate benefits extended to veterans. For additional information concerning veterans’ certification, check with the Veterans Coordinator in the Office of Admissions. Veterans not regularly admissible should apply for hardship consideration.

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs – Students enrolled at any CSU campus will have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses or programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and sometimes without paying additional fees. Although courses taken on any CSU campus will transfer to the student’s home CSU campus as at least elective credit, students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California community colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Admissions office.

CSU Concurrent Enrollment - matriculated students in good standing may enroll at both their home CSU campus and a host CSU campus during the same term. Credit earned at the host campus is automatically reported to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

 

CSU Visitor Enrollment - matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported automatically to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

 

Intersystem Cross Enrollment - matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

 

Transfer Requirements

Students who have completed 55 or fewer transferable semester college units (83 or fewer quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students. Students who have completed 56 or more transferable semester college units (84 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students. Students who complete college units during high school or through the summer between high school graduation and fall enrollment in the California State University are considered first-time freshmen and must meet those admission requirements. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses.

Lower Division Transfer Requirements

You will qualify for admission as a lower division transfer student if you have a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" or better) in all transferable units attempted, are in good standing at the last college or university attended, and meet any of the following standards:

1. you will meet the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term to which you are applying (see "Freshman Requirements" section); or

2. you were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for the subject requirements, have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and

a. have made up the missing subjects , or

b. have completed at least 30 semester units of college course work with a grade of "C" or better in each course to be selected from courses in English, arts and humanities, social science, science and mathematics at a level at least equivalent to courses that meet general education requirements. The 30 units must include all the general education requirements in communication in the English language and critical thinking (at least 9 semester units) and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communications and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

 

Applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1988 should contact the Admissions Office to inquire about alternative admission programs.

 

Upper Division Transfer Requirements

You will qualify for admission as an upper division transfer student if:

1. you have a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" or better) in all transferable units attempted;

2. you are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and

3. you have completed at least 30 semester units of college course work with a grade of "C" or better in each course to be selected from courses in English, arts and humanities, social science, science and mathematics at a level at least equivalent to courses that meet general education requirements. The 30 units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language and critical thinking (at least 9 semester units) and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

 

Provisional Admission – California State University, Bakersfield may provisionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily.

Alternate Admission Criteria

UC Prepared Applicants – Beginning with the academic year 1995-96 and continuing through 2002-03, with possible additional continuation, the CSU will conduct an admission experiment that will permit campuses to admit applicants who have completed either the CSU or all of the UC college preparatory (a-f) requirements.

Foreign Language Subject Requirement – The foreign language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to or higher than expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study. Consult with your school counselor or any CSU campus admission or relations with schools office for further information.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities – Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if at all possible. If an applicant is judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of his or her disability, alternate college preparatory courses may be substituted for specific subject requirements. Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by the applicant’s academic adviser or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of a CSU disabled student services program. Although the distribution may be slightly different from the course pattern required of other students, students qualifying for substitutions will still be held for 15 units of college preparatory study. Students should be aware that course substitutions may limit later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For further information and substitution forms, please call the director of disabled student services at your nearest CSU campus.

Making Up Missing College Preparatory Subject Requirements – Lower division applicants who did not complete subject requirements while in high school may make up missing subjects in any of the following ways.

1. Complete appropriate courses with a "C" or better in adult school or high school summer sessions.

2. Complete appropriate college courses with a "C" or better. One college course of at least three semester or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study.

3. Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations.

 

Please consult with any CSU Admissions Office for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

UNDERGRADUATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Prospective students, applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study, in day or evening classes, must file a complete undergraduate application as described in the undergraduate admission booklet. The $55 nonrefundable application fee should be in the form of a check or money order payable to "The California State University" and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate campus and major may be indicated on the application, but applicants should list as an alternate campus only a CSU campus that also offers the major. Generally, an alternate major will be considered at the first choice campus before an application is redirected to an alternate choice campus.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents – The CSU advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residence questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

APPLICATION FILING PERIODS

(Undergraduate & Graduate-Post-baccalaureate)

Terms in 2001-2002

Applications First Accepted

Summer Quarter 2001 February 1 2001

Fall Quarter 2001 November 1 2000

Winter Quarter 2002 June 1 2001

Spring Quarter 2002 August 1 2001

Student Notification Begins

Summer Quarter 2001 March 2001

Fall Quarter 2001 December 2000

Winter Quarter 2002 July 2001

Spring Quarter 2002 September 2001

Terms in 2002-2003

Applications First Accepted

Summer Quarter 2002 February 1 2002

Fall Quarter 2002 November 1 2001

Winter Quarter 2003 June 1 2002

Spring Quarter 2003 August 1 2002

Student Notification Begins

Summer Quarter 2002 March 2002

Fall Quarter 2002 December 2001

Winter Quarter 2003 July 2002

Spring Quarter 2003 September 2002

Filing Period Duration – Each campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category because of overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information.

GRADUATE AND Post-baccalaureate

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

General Requirements – The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post-baccalaureate studies at a California State University campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations. Specifically, a student shall: (1) have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; (2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; (3) have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and (4) satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

If you meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies, you will be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:

Post-baccalaureate Unclassified – To enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, you must be admitted as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student. By meeting the general requirements, you are eligible for admission as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student. Some departments may restrict enrollment of unclassified students because of heavy enrollment pressure. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program; or

Post-baccalaureate Classified – If you wish to enroll in a credential or certificate program, you will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or

Graduate Conditionally Classified – You may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, you can remedy deficiencies by additional preparation; or

Graduate Classified – To pursue a graduate degree, you will be required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus.

Graduate-Post-baccalaureate TOEFL Requirement – All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some campuses require a higher score. Applicants taking the Computer-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language must present a score of 213 or above. Some campuses may require a higher score.

Graduate and Post-baccalaureate

Application Procedures

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (e.g., master’s degree applicants, those seeking credentials, and those interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a completed graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission booklet. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $55 nonrefundable application fee. Since applicants for post-baccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single campus on each application, redirection to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice will be minimal. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it will be necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. Applications may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office or the Admissions Office of any California State University campus. An electronic version of the CSU graduate application is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.csumentor.edu/.

Application Acknowledgment – You may expect to receive an acknowledgment from your first choice campus within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice will also include a request that you submit the records necessary for the campus to evaluate your qualifications. You may be assured of admission if the evaluation of your qualifications indicates that you meet CSU admission requirements and campus requirements for admission to an impacted program. Such a notice is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Hardship Petitions – The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the Admissions Office regarding specific policies governing hardship admission.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications are received in the first month of the filing period than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus where they are offered; others are impacted only at some campuses. You must meet supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program.

The CSU will announce with the opening of the fall filing period which programs are impacted and the supplementary criteria campuses will use. That announcement will be published in the CSU Review distributed to high school and college counselors. Information about the supplementary criteria is also sent to program applicants. At CSUB the Nursing program is the only impacted program.

You must file your application for admission to an impacted program during the first month of the filing period. Further, if you wish to be considered in impacted programs at two or more campuses, you must file an application to each.

Supplementary Admission Criteria – Each campus with impacted programs uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include ranking on the freshman eligibility index, the overall transfer grade point average, completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. If you are required to submit scores on either the SAT I or the ACT, you should take the test no later than November if applying for fall admission.

The supplementary admission criteria used by the individual campuses to screen applicants appear periodically in the "CSU Review" and are sent by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program. For CSUB’s Nursing Program the supplementary admission criteria is found on page 322.

Unlike unaccommodated applicants to locally impacted programs who may be redirected to another campus in the same major, unaccommodated applicants to systemwide impacted programs may not be redirected in the same major but may choose an alternate major either at the first choice campus or another campus.

Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants who have fewer than 56 semester or 84 quarter units of transferable college credit must submit scores, unless exempt (see "Eligibility Index" on page 27), from either the ACT or the SAT I of the College Board. If you are applying to an impacted program on campus and are required to submit test scores, you should take the test no later than November or early December. Test scores are also used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT I or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office. Or you may write to or call:

The College Board (SAT I)

Registration Unit, Box 6200

Princeton, New Jersey 08541

(609) 771-7588

American College Testing Program (ACT)

Registration Unit, P.O. Box 414

Iowa City, Iowa 52243

(319) 337-1270

TOEFL Requirement – All undergraduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a score of 500 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Some campuses require a score higher than 500. Applicants taking the Computer Based Test of English as a Foreign Language must present a score of 173 or above. Some campuses may require a higher score.

Systemwide Placement Test Requirements – The California State University requires each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, to take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) after admission and prior to enrollment. These placement tests are not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition of enrollment. They are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring basic English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate level courses. Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and in mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the first term of their enrollment. Students register for the EPT and/or ELM at their local CSU campus. Question about test dates and registration materials may be addressed to:

California State University, Bakersfield

Testing Center

9001 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, California 93311-1099

English Placement Test (EPT) – The EPT is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of entering undergraduate students so that they can be placed in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses. The CSU EPT must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 550 or above on the verbal section of the College Board SAT I Reasoning Test taken April 1995 or later.

• A score of 24 or above on the enhanced ACT English Test taken October 1989 or later.

• A score of 680 or above on the re-centered and adjusted College Board SAT II: Writing Test taken May 1998 or later.

• A score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Language and Composition or the Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement program.

• Completion and transfer or a course that satisfies the General Education- Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) written communication requirement, provided such a course was completed with a grade of "C" or better.

 

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination – The ELM examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering CSU students in the areas of mathematics typically covered in three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics courses in high school (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry). The CSU ELM must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

• A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT I Reasoning Test or on the College Board SAT II Mathematics Tests Level I, IC (Calculator), II, or IIC (Calculator).

• A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing Mathematics Test.

• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement mathematics examination (AB or BC).

• A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination.

• Completion and transfer of a course that satisfies the General Education- Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) quantitative reasoning requirement, provided such a course was completed with a grade of "C" or better.

 

Graduation Requirement in Writing Proficiency – All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained from the Campus Composition Coordinator (664-3083, FT 102B).

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ADMISSION AND EVALUATION OF ACADEMIC RECORDS

Health Screening – All new and readmitted students born after January 1, 1957, will be notified of the requirement to present proof of measles and rubella immunizations. All students 18 years of age or younger shall be required to present proof of immunization against hepatitis B. These are not admission requirements, but shall be required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU. Proof of measles and rubella immunizations shall also be required for certain groups of enrolled students who have increased exposure to these diseases.

Advanced Placement – California State University, Bakersfield grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit for each of the examinations passed.

Credit by Examination – California State University, Bakersfield grants credit to those students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include the Advanced Placement Examination and some CLEP examinations.

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at the campus. Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully.

Credit for Noncollegiate Instruction – California State University, Bakersfield grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of noncollegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate, that has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The number of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Credit for Prior Learning – California State University, Bakersfield grants up to 20 units of credit for learning, knowledge, or skills-based experience that has been documented and evaluated according to campus policy. Students should be aware, however, that policies for earning credit for prior learning vary from campus to campus in the CSU.

Use of Social Security Number – Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers (taxpayer identification numbers) in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code. The University uses the social security number to identify records pertaining to the student as well as to identify the student for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the University to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Visitors Within CSU – Students enrolled at any California State University campus may transfer temporarily to another CSU campus in visitor status, if they completed twelve units with a 2.0 grade point average at the home campus, are in good standing, and are eligible to register under continuing status. Visitor transfers are approved for one term only and are subject to space availability and enrollment priority policies at the host campus. Visitor applications may be obtained from the Office of Admissions/Records.

Concurrent Enrollment Within CSU – Students enrolled in any California State University campus may enroll concurrently at another CSU campus if they have completed twelve units at the home campus with a 2.0 grade point average and are in good standing. Concurrent enrollment is approved for a specific term, subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus. Because of overlap in academic terms of campuses on semester and quarter calendars, concurrent enrollment is subject to combinations and conditions described in the concurrent enrollment application forms available from the Office of Admissions/Records.

Applicants Not Regularly Eligible – Applicants not admissible under one of the above provisions should enroll in Extended Studies courses, a community college, or another appropriate institution in order to meet the university admission requirements. Only under the most unusual circumstances and only by applying for special consideration will such applicants be admitted to California State University, Bakersfield.

Auditors – Admitted students may register in courses as auditors without credit with permission of the instructor, provided there is room. An auditor must pay the same registration fees as other students and may not change his registration to obtain credit after the last day to add a class. Likewise a student registered for credit may not change to audit status after the last day to add a class. An auditor is not permitted to take examinations in the course. A grade for auditing a course is not posted on a student’s permanent academic record unless, in the opinion of his instructor, he has attended a sufficient number of class meetings to receive the "AU" grade; otherwise a "W" will be recorded.

Cancellation of Admission – A student who is admitted to the University for a given term, who decides not to take advantage of such admission, should notify the Office of Admissions immediately of his change in plans. A student who is admitted but does not enroll, and who later wishes to undertake work at the University must file a new application, pay a new application fee, and meet all current requirements for admission. Material supporting the application for admission, such as transcripts and entrance examination scores, are retained only for one year from the date of their original submission.

WITHDRAWING FROM THE INSTITUTION

Students who find it necessary to withdraw from the California State University, Bakersfield after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the official withdrawal procedures. Failure to follow formal withdrawal procedures may result in the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term.

Students who are receiving financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from the university regarding any required return or repayments of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term. If a recipient of financial assistance under federal Title IV financial aid programs withdraws from the institution during a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance received is subject to return and repayment provisions governed by federal law.

Medical Withdrawal – A student who finds it necessary to withdraw from the University for medical reasons must report to the Student Health Services with written verification of illness or incapacity from a physician. Upon approval of the verification, the Student Health Services will refer the student to the Admissions/Records Office to initiate withdrawal procedures. A student who is given a medical withdrawal during a quarter may return to the University as a continuing student (application for readmission is not necessary) if no more than two full quarters have elapsed. The student must apply for readmission according to regular admission procedures, if absent for more than two quarters.

Military Service Withdrawal – Any student who presents evidence of entering the armed forces may petition through the Admissions/Records Office for withdrawal. No academic penalties will be assessed under these conditions, and a mark of "W" will be entered on the student’s permanent record. This provision also applies to individuals called to active military service.

Other Withdrawals – A student contemplating withdrawal from the University because of personal or academic problems is encouraged to consult with the Counseling Center. Students deciding to withdraw may initiate procedures through the Office of Admissions/Records. Clearance signatures to be obtained are listed on the withdrawal form.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts Required – All beginning freshmen and those transfer students with less than 84 quarter units (56 semester units) of completed college work at time of enrollment must request that complete official transcripts (two copies of each) from the high school of graduation be sent directly to the Office of Admissions. Upper division students are not required to submit high school transcripts and test scores. All students who have attempted college work at another institution must request transcripts (two copies of each) from each college or university attended. Transcripts presented by students cannot be accepted.

No determination of admission eligibility will be made until all required documents have been received. Official transcripts must include a complete record of all previous high school and college work attempted, whether or not the applicant desires to enroll for college credit. Two separate official transcripts are required from each college or university attended, even though one transcript may show work completed at another college. All records submitted become the property of the University and cannot be returned to the applicant or duplicated.

All post-baccalaureate students must submit two official copies of transcripts indicating at least the last 90 quarter or 60 semester units attempted.

Applicants with Courses in Progress – An applicant who is in attendance at a school or college at the time of application must file a transcript which includes a listing of the subjects in which currently enrolled. After the applicant has completed these subjects, the applicant must notify his school or college to forward two supplementary records showing the final grades for that term. Final admission is subject to the receipt and approval of any outstanding credentials.

Veterans – A veteran who desires to have military records evaluated for possible credit toward a baccalaureate degree must file a copy of service separation papers or service form DD-214 with the application.

DETERMINATION OF RESIDENCE FOR

NONRESIDENT TUITION PURPOSES

The campus Admissions Office determines the residence status of all new and returning students for nonresident tuition purposes. Responses to the Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and Reclassification Request Form, and, if necessary, other evidence furnished by the student are used in making this determination. A student who fails to submit adequate information to establish a right to classification as a California resident will be classified as a nonresident.

The following statement of the rules regarding residency determination for nonresident tuition purposes is not a complete discussion of the law, but a summary of the principal rules and their exceptions. The law governing residence determination for tuition purposes by the California State University is found in Education Code Sections 68000-68090, 68120-68134, and in Sections 89705-89707.5, and in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, Sections 41900- 41912.

Legal residence may be established by an adult who is physically present in the state and who, at the same time, intends to make California his or her permanent home. Physical presence in the state combined with steps taken at least one year prior to the residence determination date to show an intent to make California the permanent home is required to establish a California residence for tuition purposes. The steps necessary to show California residency intent will vary from case to case. Included among the steps may be registering to vote and voting in elections in California; filing resident California state income tax returns; ownership of residential property or continuous occupancy or renting of an apartment on a lease basis where one’s permanent belongings are kept; maintaining active resident memberships in California professional or social organizations; maintaining California vehicle plates and operator’s license; maintaining active savings and checking accounts in California banks; and maintaining permanent military address and home of record in California if one is in the military service.

The student who is in the state for educational purposes only does not gain the status of resident regardless of the length of the student’s stay in California.

In general, the unmarried minor citizen or noncitizen (a person under 18 years of age) derives legal residence from the parent with whom the minor maintains or last maintained his or her place of abode. The residence of a minor cannot be changed by the minor or the appointment of a guardian for the minor, so long as the minor’s parents are living.

A married person may establish his or her residence independent of his or her spouse.

A noncitizen may establish his or her residence, unless precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States.

Nonresident students seeking reclassification are required by law to complete a supplemental questionnaire concerning their financial dependence status.

The general rule is that a student must have been a California resident for at least one year immediately preceding the residence determination date in order to qualify as a "resident student" for tuition purposes. A residence determination date is set for each academic term and is the date from which residence is determined for that term. The residence determination dates are:

Quarter Term Campuses

Fall September 20

Winter January 5

Spring April 1

Summer July 1

Semester Term Campuses

Fall September 20

Winter (Stanislaus Only) January 5

Spring January 25

Summer June 1

The residence determination dates for the four stages of CalStateTEACH are as follows:

Stage 1 September 20

Stage 2 January 5

Stage 3 June 1

Stage 4 September 20

Questions regarding residence determination dates should be directed to the campus Office of Admissions, which can provide the residence determination date for the term for which the student is registering.

There are exceptions from nonresident tuition, including:

1. Persons below the age of 19 whose parents were residents of California but who left the state while the student, who remained, was still a minor. When the minor reaches age 18, the exception continues until the student had resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

2. Minors who have been present in California with the intent of acquiring residence for more than a year before the residence determination date, and have been entirely self-supporting for that period of time. The exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

3. Persons below the age of 19 who have lived with and been under the continuous direct care and control of an adult or adults, not a parent, for the two years immediately preceding the residence determination date. Such adult must have been a California resident for the most recent year. The exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

4. Dependent children and spouse of persons in active military service stationed in California on the residence determination date. There is no time limitation on this exception unless the military person transfers out of California or retires from military service. If either of those events happen, the student’s eligibility for this exception continues until he or she resides in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

5. Military personnel in active service stationed in California on the residence determination date for purposes other than education at state-supported institutions of higher education. This exception continues until the military personnel has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

6. Military personnel in active service in California for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged from the military. Eligibility for this exception runs from the date the student is discharged from the military until the student has resided in state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

7. Dependent children of a parent who has been a California resident for the most recent year. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident, so long as continuous attendance is maintained by the student at an institution.

8. Graduates of any school located in California that is operated by the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, including, but not limited to, the Sherman Indian High School. The exception continues so long as continuous attendance is maintained by the student at an institution.

9. Certain credentialed, full-time employees of California school districts.

10. Full-time CSU employees and their children and spouses; State employees assigned to work outside the State and their children and spouses. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a California resident.

11. 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.

12. Certain amateur student athletes in training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

13. Federal civil service employees and their natural or adopted dependent children if the employee has moved to California as a result of a military mission realignment action that involves the relocation of at lease 100 employees. This exception continues until the student has resided in the state the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

14. State government legislative or executive fellowship program enrollees. The student ceases to be eligible for this exception when he or she is no longer enrolled in the qualifying fellowship.

 

Any student, following a final campus decision on his or her residence classification only, may make written appeal to:

The California State University

Office of General Counsel

401 Golden Shore

Long Beach, CA 90802-4210

Written appeal must be within 120 calendar days of notification of the final decision on campus of the classification. The Office of General Counsel may make a decision on the issue, or it may send the matter back to the campus for further review. Students classified incorrectly as residents or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition are subject to reclassification as nonresidents and payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student is subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Resident students who become nonresidents, and nonresident students qualifying for exceptions whose basis for so qualifying changes, must immediately notify the Admissions Office. Applications for a change in classification with respect to a previous term are not accepted.

The student is cautioned that this summation of rules regarding residency determination is by no means a complete explanation of their meaning. The student should also note that changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition, in the statutes, and in the regulations between the time this catalog is published and the relevant residence determination date.

Registration

Registration is the final step in the matriculation process. When students have been admitted to the University and have determined which subjects they should take, they are ready for registration.

A class schedule listing courses offered and the procedure for registration is available before registration for each quarter. No student should attend classes until his or her registration has been completed. Registration is complete only when official programs are properly filed and all fees and deposits are paid. Students may not receive credit in any course for which they are not registered.

Academic Advising – Academic Advising permits students to plan their next quarter’s academic program. It occurs during the sixth and seventh week of the quarter. Students meet with their academic advisor and select the courses to be taken the next quarter. The course selections are placed on the form provided in the class schedule; the form is used to register by telephone.

Telephone and Online Registration – Students may participate in registration by telephone or online. This occurs during the seventh and eighth week of the preceding quarter. Information on telephone and online registration is found in the class schedule.

Add/Drop – CSUB uses its telephone registration system to process student ADDs during the first week of the quarter, and DROPs during the first three weeks of the quarter. After the end of the third week, student DROPs are processed through official forms available at the Records Office. Unauthorized withdrawal or dropping of a course will result in a final grade of "F" or "U".

Registration Dates – Registration dates and the last day to register for classes are published in the Class Schedule and the University Catalog. Late registrants may find themselves handicapped in arranging their programs due to closed classes. A $25.00 fee is required for late registration.

Limitation of Enrollment – Applicants for admission are notified that pursuant to Section 40650 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations concerning limitation of enrollment, admission to California State University, Bakersfield does not guarantee admission to a particular major or to any courses required for that major. Although every effort will be made to notify students of majors which are at capacity, such notification cannot be guaranteed.

Change of Address – A student who changes a local or permanent mailing address after admission or registration should immediately notify the Admissions/Records Office in order that registration materials, correspondence, and other information reach the student without unnecessary delay.

The Student Services Fee – The student services fee provides financing for the following student services programs not covered by state funding:

• Social and Cultural Development Activities: provides for the coordination of various student activities, student organizations, student government, and cultural programs.

• Counseling: includes the cost of counselor’s salaries and clerical support plus operating expenses and equipment.

• Testing: covers the cost of test officers, psychometrists, clerical support, operating expenses, and equipment.

• Placement: provides career information to students and faculty for academic program planning and employment information to graduates and students.

• Financial Aids Administration: includes the cost of the counseling and business services provided in connection with the financial aid programs.

• Health Services: provides health services to students and covers the cost of salaries of medical officers and nurses plus related clerical and technical personnel as well as operating expenses and equipment.

• Housing: includes the cost of personnel providing student housing information and monitoring housing services.

• Student Services Administration: covers 50% of the cost of the Vice President for Student Affairs Office which has responsibility for the overall administration of student services.

 

Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information – The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-664-3016).

• Student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at California State University, Bakersfield;

• The procedures and forms by which application for student financial assistance is made;

• The student eligibility requirements for financial assistance and the criteria used in determining how financial assistance is distributed among eligible applicants who enroll at California State University, Bakersfield; and

• The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance including aid provided under federal Title IV student assistance programs.

 

Information concerning the cost of attending California State University, Bakersfield is also available from the Division Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-664-3016), and includes fees and tuition (where applicable); the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room and board costs and typical commuting costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Information concerning the refund policies of California State University, Bakersfield for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Assistance Vice President, Fiscal Services (ADM 103, 661-664-2251).

Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulation is available from the Division Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships (SA 121, 661-664-3016).

Information regarding special facilities and services available to students with disabilities may be obtained from the Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities (SA 142, 661-664-3360).

Information concerning California State University, Bakersfield’s policies, procedures, and facilities for students and other to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from the Director, Public Safety/University Police (SSS 106, 661-664-2111).

Information concerning California State University, Bakersfield’s annual campus security report may be obtained from the Director, Public Safety/University Police (SSS 106, 661-664-2111).

Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and rehabilitation programs may be obtained from the Director, Personnel Services (ADM 108, 661-664-2266).

Information regarding student retention and graduation rates at California State University, Bakersfield and, if available, the number and percentage of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest may be obtained from the Special Assistant to the President, Institutional Research (AW 110A, 661-664-3145).

Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that California State University, Bakersfield dedicates to its men’s and women’s teams may be obtained from the Director, Athletics (GYM 112, 661-664-2188).

Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the university, its policies, practices and procedures, or its faculty and staff may be obtained from the Associate Academic Vice President & Dean, Undergraduate Studies (EDUC 251, 661-664-3420).

The Federal Military Selective Service Act – (the "Act") requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 21, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act and regulations in order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under specified provisions of existing federal law. In California, students subject to the Act who fail to register are also ineligible to receive any need-based student grants funded by the state or a public post-secondary institution.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online at http://www.sss.gov.

Career Placement – The Career Planning and Placement Center may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in The California State University.

Privacy Rights of Students in Education Records – The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and regulations adopted thereunder (34 C.F.R. 99) set out requirements designed to protect the privacy of students concerning their records maintained by the campus. Specifically, the statute and regulations govern access to student records maintained by the campus, and the release of such records.

In brief, the law provides that the campus must provide students access to records directly related to the student and an opportunity for a hearing to challenge such records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate. The right to a hearing under the law does not include any right to challenge the appropriateness of a grade as determined by the instructor. The law generally requires that written consent of the student be received before releasing personally identifiable data about the student from records to other than a specified list of exceptions.

The institution has adopted a set of policies and procedures concerning implementation of the statutes and the regulations on the campus. Copies of these policies and procedures may be obtained at the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Office.

Among the types of information included in the campus statement of policies and procedures is: 1) the types of student records and the information contained therein; 2) the official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record; 3) the location of access lists which indicate persons requesting or receiving information from the record; 4) policies for reviewing and expunging records; 5) the access rights of students; 6) the procedures for challenging the content of student records; 7) the cost which will be charged for reproducing copies of records, and 8) the right of the student to file a complaint with the Department of Education.

An office and review board have been established by the Department to investigate and adjudicate violations and complaints. The office designated for this purpose is: The Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

The campus is authorized under the Act to release "directory information" concerning students. "Directory information" may include the student’s name, address, and telephone listing, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. The above designated information is subject to release by the campus at any time unless the campus has received prior written objection from the student specifying information which the student requests not be released. Written objections should be sent to the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Office.

The campus is authorized to provide access to student records to campus officials and employees who have legitimate educational interests in such access. These persons are those who have responsibilities in connection with the campus’ academic, administrative or service functions and who have reason for using student records connected with their campus or other related academic responsibilities. Disclosure may also be made to other persons or organizations under certain conditions (e.g., as part of accreditation or program evaluation: in response to a court order or subpoena; in connection with financial aid; to other institutions to which the student is transferring).

New, Continuing, and Graduating Students – Please note that your name, address, phone number, school or college, and year of graduation may be used by California State University, Bakersfield for the development of university affiliated marketing programs. If you do not wish to have this information used, please notify the University Advancement Office by writing to the campus at 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, California 93311-1099.

Transcripts – Official transcripts of courses attempted at the University are issued only with the written permission of the student concerned. Partial transcripts are not issued. A fee of $4.00 for single transcripts issued must be received before the record can be forwarded. A fee of $2.00 is charged for each additional transcript request at the same time. Transcripts from other institutions which have been presented for admission or evaluation become a part of the student’s permanent academic file and are not returned nor copied for distribution. Students desiring transcripts covering work attempted elsewhere should request them from the institutions concerned. No transcript can be issued until all accounts with the University are clear and the record is free of encumbrances.

Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of a Student Body Fee

The law governing The California State University provides that fees defined as mandatory, such as a student body association fee and a student body center fee, may be established. A student body association fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). A student body center fee may be established only after a fee referendum is held which approves by a two-thirds favorable vote the establishment of the fee (Education Code, Section 89304). The student body fee was established at California State University, Bakersfield by student referendum on October 10, 1977.

The campus president may adjust the student body association fee only after the fee adjustment has been approved by a majority of students voting in a referendum established for that purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). The required fee shall be subject to referendum at any time upon the presentation of a petition to the campus president containing the signatures of 10% of the regularly enrolled students at the University. Once bonds are issued, authority to set and adjust student body center fees is governed by provisions of the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947 including but not limited to Education Code, Sections 90012, 90027, and 90068. Student body fees support a variety of cultural and recreational programs, child care centers, and special student support programs.

The process to establish and adjust other campus-based mandatory fees requires consideration by the campus fee advisory committee. A student referendum also is required. The campus president may use alternate consultation mechanisms if he/she determines that a referendum is not the best mechanism to achieve appropriate and meaningful consultation. Results of the referendum and the fee committee review are advisory to the campus president. The president may request the chancellor to establish the mandatory fee. Authority to adjust fees after consideration by the campus fee advisory committee and the completion of a student referendum is delegated to the president.