2003-2005 Catalog
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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
2003-2005 Catalog |
STUDENT SERVICES
Student Services are offered to individualize and supplement university instruction. The Student Services program is based upon the principle that personal development and maturity are prerequisites to a happy and productive life. To these ends, Student Services are designed to help students gain full benefit from university life. The function of the Vice President for Student Affairs is to coordinate the enrichment program of the university and to assist each student in meeting his or her individual needs.
The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the development and operation of the Student Services program and reports directly to the President of the University. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs are the Office of Admissions and Records (responsible for the functions of admissions, evaluations, registration, student records, and veterans affairs); the Office of Financial Aids; the Career Planning and Placement Office; the Housing Office (responsible for both on- and off-campus residential programs); the Student Activities Office (responsible for student activities, cultural programs and foreign student services); the Counseling and Testing Center (responsible for educational, career and personal counseling, testing, and orientation); the Disabled Student Services; the Health Center; the Children’s Center; University Ombudsman; Re-Entry; the Educational Support Services (responsible for Academic Advancement Center, Educational Opportunity Program, Outreach Services, and Student Affirmative Action); and the STAAR and Educational Talent Search.
Admissions and Records
Three major sections make up the Admissions/Records Office; they are Admissions, Records and Evaluations. In addition to administering the three offices, Admissions and Records is responsible for conducting the National Student Exchange Program, and the Veterans Affairs Program.
Admissions – Is responsible for admitting freshman, transfer and graduate students into the University. The office processes over 4,100 applications a year, provides pre-admission advising to prospective students, adults, and veterans seeking admissions into the undergraduate, graduate and credential programs of the university. The Office of Admissions also assists the Office of Outreach Services in their recruiting efforts and works closely with school deans, superintendents, high school principals, counselors, and community colleges in providing admissions information on required course patterns and other admission changes approved by the Board of Trustees for the California State University. The Office of Admissions also provides applications to prospective students and to high schools and community colleges in the service area. Students interested in enrolling in the University should contact this office.
Commencement – Commencement activities are scheduled at the end of the Spring quarter. Each of the four schools now schedule their own Commencements. Students are encouraged to consult with the Dean of their school for the date, time and place for their specific major’s commencement. Policy may vary from school to school as to who may participate in the formal commencement and any exception must be approved by the specific dean’s office.
Evaluations – The Evaluations Office is responsible for admitting all students, providing evaluations of transfer credit, and for certification of general education breadth requirements and graduation check requirements for prospective graduating students. Transfer students enrolled in the university may check with this office to insure course credit has been given for courses taken at another institution. Students who anticipate graduation should confer with this office to insure all requirements have been met.
Graduation – Students anticipating graduation within two quarters should submit a “grad check” application in the Admissions and Records Office.
Students must have completed at least 150 units for undergraduates and the advisor must provide the Evaluations Office the major course outline. Graduate students should request their master course outline from the department of their major and file for a “grad check.”
Students who do not complete the required course work for the quarter designated on the “grad check” will not be eligible for graduation for that specific quarter. Incomplete course work listed as report delayed (RD), incomplete (INC), or satisfactory progress (SP) for any current or prior quarter will be denied graduation.
Campus policy does not permit changes in a student’s transcript after a final computation has been completed and a date of graduation has been established. Request for retroactive post baccalaureate credit or grade changes will not be honored after the student has completed the degree.
National Student Exchange Program – The Office of Admissions and Records administers and works closely with over 130 colleges and universities in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands in providing admissions and registration support to students enrolled in the National Student Exchange Program. Students enrolled at California State University, Bakersfield who are interested in participating in the program should contact the Registrar to obtain participation admission requirements.
Records – Is responsible for registration, works closely with faculty, school deans, and Extended University in keeping records and processing grades of students. They also process academic renewals, credit, no-credit, auditing, grade changes, transcript requests and class withdrawals for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Transfer Credit – Transfer students are encouraged to submit transcripts from all institutions attended at the earliest date possible, prior to their first quarter of attendance. Students who provide all transcripts may expect a completed transfer credit evaluation within ten days. Copies of the evaluation will be made available to the department of your major and personal copies will be mailed to the student’s local address.
Students who are admitted on a “conditional” basis or provide partial transcripts will not be provided a transfer credit evaluation. Transfer credit evaluations are available only to CSUB student applicants, who transfer from other institutions. Continuing students, graduates and Extended University students do not have their transcripts evaluated. Community College transfer students are encouraged to request a “full” or “partial” general education certification from the college attended. Their general education certification is available only to students attending a California Community College. Students who have any specific questions regarding transfer credit should make an appointment with the evaluator listed on your transfer credit letter.
Veterans Affairs - The Veterans Office is located in the Admissions and Records Office. The Veteran Coordinator is responsible for working with the Cal State University community and the Veterans Administration to insure that certified veterans are receiving their benefits. Veterans having any questions should contact this office.
Career Planning and Placement Services
The University maintains a centralized placement service through the Career Planning and Placement Center which has the primary responsibility for career counseling on the CSUB campus. This service functions as a part of the total educational process of the University, in its cooperation with the various academic departments and as a part of the Student Services Program. Students are encouraged to discuss their educational and career plans with the Placement Center staff, in order that realistic objectives may be formulated for successful professional careers after graduation.
The Career Planning and Placement office 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 system.
Career Counseling – The primary responsibility for career counseling of CSUB students is housed in Career Planning and Placement. Emphasis is placed on assisting students in looking at themselves and appraising their strengths and weaknesses relative to career goals and aspirations. Career inventories are used to assist students in identifying interest patterns and characteristics which may help them make sound career decisions.
Career Guidance – EUREKA (The California Career Information System) is available for use in the Career Planning and Placement Center. EUREKA is a library of occupational and educational information which is up-to-date and localized to our area (California). Other assessment inventories are available that can help you evaluate your present interests and skills systematically. Results of the inventory will provide insight as to which careers most closely match your skills and interests.
Career Library – A career library is maintained to provide information in regards to careers, employment trends, and job search skills. Information concerning individual companies and agencies in addition to graduate school information is available. Video tapes on careers and job search skills are available for viewing in the Placement Center.
On-Campus Interviews – A program providing on-campus interviews for seniors and graduates is offered. Recruiting visits have been conducted on campus by a variety of organizations, including private companies, school districts, state and federal agencies. In addition, the Placement Center hosts an Annual Career Day. Employers are invited to visit our campus, giving students the opportunity to explore career paths and meet potential employers.
Part-Time and Summer Placement – This service is available to all currently enrolled students. It provides a way to help students defray some of the expense of a college education and in many cases provides valuable work experience, which can be an asset when seeking full-time employment.
Placement File Service – The Placement Center provides a central location for establishing professional files for registered seniors and graduates. These files are sent to prospective employers at the request of the student. The placement file is especially necessary for all candidates planning to teach at the elementary or secondary level.
Presentations and Seminars – Presentations are made to classes providing a broad overview of the basic elements of the job search process including resume writing and interview preparation. Seminars are also held relative to careers for specific curriculum areas.
Vacancy Listings and Referrals – Each year over 7,000 jobs are listed with the Career Planning and Placement Center. The Placement Center, in partnership with JobDirect, makes jobs currently listed with the office available through a Website. Along with this service, direct referrals are made of seniors and graduates who have specific qualifications which are sought by individual employers.
Children’s Center
The Children’s Center is a student sponsored program through the University Foundation which is designed to provide developmental activities and care for children aged 2 through 5. The program is concerned with the personal growth of children while providing a meaningful educational experience for those participating youngsters. Included in the approach is a concern for the children’s educational needs, social learning, emotional growth and physical well-being.
While the emphasis is to provide a program for the children of California State University, Bakersfield students, other children are welcomed for admission as space permits. Interested families should contact the Director of the Center as early as possible prior to the start of each quarter in order to complete application procedures.
Counseling Center
The University offers to registered students, counseling services that are designed to help them develop their maximum potential while pursuing their educational and personal goals. Professional staff provide without charge, confidential individual and group services in the following areas:
Academic Advising – The student’s faculty advisor assists with class scheduling and answers questions pertaining to academic policies and procedures.
Career – Emphasis is on assisting students in looking at themselves relative to the choice of their educational and career goals, and in choosing a major at the University. Career inventories sometimes are used to assist students in identifying interest patterns and characteristics which may affect career decisions.
Educational – Emphasis is on helping students be successful in reaching their educational goals. This includes identifying obstacles to academic success and the development of strategies to improve class performance. It may include counsel about learning progress, clarification of curricular policies and procedures, help with study habits/skills, and assessment of academic problems.
General Studies Group Courses – Each term counselors offer one credit unit courses or workshops to assist students in being more successful in reaching educational and career goals. Topics include Systems for Success, Test Anxiety, Stress Management, Parenting, and other areas that assist students in developing strategies for academic growth.
Personal – Emphasis is on the personal growth and development of students in order that they may be successful academically in pursuing their educational goals. Assistance is offered with individual concerns, anxieties, dilemmas, or problems; in finding ways to increase self-confidence, self-control and self-direction; in university adjustment; with clarifying values; and in crisis situations.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
The Educational Opportunity Program at California State University, Bakersfield is designed to help those students who are disadvantaged because of their economic or educational background, but who have the potential and motivation to succeed in a college environment. The Educational Opportunity Program serves California residents who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission, if they have a history of low income and need academic and financial aid assistance.
All EOP applicant documents and forms must be completed and returned as soon as possible since there are a limited number of spaces allocated for the Educational Opportunity Program. Deadline dates are:
Fall Quarter..................................... April 1
Winter Quarter................................ December 1
Spring Quarter................................ March 1
Academic Advancement Center – Under the aegis of Educational Support Services and with the cooperation of the entire campus, an academic support program is available for students experiencing scholastic difficulties or simply interested in strengthening their academic skills. Courses, programs, and activities are especially designed to assist in the retention of the under-represented student on campus. Services provided by the Academic Advancement Center include, but are not limited to, the following:
Basic Skills Development - In addition to the subject tutorials, the Academic Advancement Center provides assistance in basic skills development in the following areas:
• Study Skills Workshops (e.g. research skills, notetaking techniques, exam preparation, etc.)
• Reading, Writing, and Math Labs
Additional Preparatory Workshops - These include CBEST and ELM preparation.
Counseling Services - Counseling services include: academic assistance, career counseling and goal setting, personal counseling, peer counseling, cultural enrichment activities, bilingual counseling, special services for physically or educationally handicapped students.
Subject Tutorials - Tutors are available in most academic disciplines. The tutors work closely together with the faculty in their academic departments and are trained to provide academic assistance outside of the classroom. Small groups and individual tutoring are both successfully utilized.
Student Affirmative Action - The Student Affirmative Action Program is designed to increase the enrollment of regularly eligible women, ethnic minority, the disabled, and other under-represented groups in post-secondary education.
The Student Affirmative Action Program’s main emphasis is on outreach in the local area, with some statewide efforts as well. Locally the program focuses on those high schools and community colleges with high enrollments of under-represented students. At these selected schools, students and parents are provided with information and assistance on admissions, financial aid, scholarship, and special programs. Through its Early Outreach efforts the Student Affirmative Action Program helps minority/disadvantaged 7th and 8th grade students become better prepared to pursue the high school pre-college curriculum, thereby increasing the pool of regularly eligible minority/disadvantaged students.
The Office of Outreach Services - Consolidates the outreach efforts of the Office of School Relations, Student Affirmative Action program and the Educational Opportunity Program and serves as a liaison between high schools, community colleges and California State University, Bakersfield. The office coordinates a number of services designed to assist academic preparation, access, and transition for junior high school, high school, and community college students. Through its Early Outreach efforts, junior high school students are provided career awareness and intensive academic support services. The immediate Outreach efforts are directed toward juniors and seniors at the service area high schools and provide admission information to prospective students. CSUB’s Transfer Center assists transfer-eligible community college students in making the transition to the California State University, Bakersfield campus.
Campus tours are available for prospective students and their parents. Appointments can also be made with faculty and staff concerning their educational goals. These tours and appointments may be arranged by contacting the Office of Outreach Services (661) 664-3138.
Health Services
The Health Service (SHS) provides on campus medical care for the evaluation and treatment of illnesses and injuries for current students of California State University, Bakersfield. The mandatory health fee paid at the time of registration provides funding to support the clinic. The Health Service is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, an independent national accrediting organization. Your health services staff is committed to the highest level of quality health care by providing the medical services and health education programs that are responsive to the needs of students.
Health services are available on the main campus and the satellite campus in Antelope Valley. A CSUB identification card must be shown at each visit. Enrollment is verified prior to any patient care. Current students of the Extended University qualify for care once they have paid the mandatory health fee. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the “Consent to Treat”, prior to their first visit. Forms are available at the health center reception desk.
Basic services rendered in support of actual illness or injuries are provided at no extra cost. Pharmacy services, specialized lab testing, or services requested for health maintenance or clearances have a small fee. The complete fee schedule in posted in the health center and on the website: www.csub.edu/healthcenter/.
All chares for health care provided off campus, i.e., referrals to specialists, prescriptions, lab work, x-rays, etc., are the responsibility of the individual student. Supplementary health insurance is recommended for all students to meet major medical expenses not available at the Health Service. For those not otherwise covered, medical insurance plans are available through the Associated Students, Inc.
Please also see section on Health Screening for students regarding documentation of the vaccine series for hepatitis B vaccination for those students 18 years of age and younger, and documentation of a vaccination for measles and rubella.
Housing
The campus residence hall complex opened in September, 1972 and contains six three-story buildings. Each building accommodates a total of fifty-five students in both double and triple rooms. A large living room area is located on the ground floor with color television, study carrel room, and recreational space. All living space is fully carpeted; and each room has individualized heating and air conditioning. Freshmen who do not live at home or with legal guardians are encouraged to live on campus.
The Housing Office sponsors numerous co-curricular programs in the areas of human sexuality, music, arts and crafts, and special living-learning environments.
A limited listing of off-campus apartments and rooms in the Bakersfield community is available.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), also known as the Welfare Reform Act, includes provisions to eliminate eligibility for federal and state public benefits for certain categories of lawful immigrants as well as benefits for all illegal immigrants.
Students who will require a professional or commercial license provided by a local, state, or federal government agency in order to engage in an occupation for which the CSU may be training them must meet the immigration requirements of the new Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act to achieve licensure.
International Students and Programs
International (foreign) student assistance is available in the (MB2 211, 664-2014) to help students regarding their academic concerns, personal, and cultural requirements. A variety of special programs and services are also available to assist international students to become better acquainted and adjusted to university life, including an orientation for new students, special interest programs, a quarterly newsletter, and conversation/discussion groups.
International Study Abroad Program – Information concerning study opportunities for American students in foreign universities is available from the Office of Student Activities. This office organizes the selection of U.S. students applying to one of the International Programs operated by the California State Universities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Republic of China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. For additional information, refer to the section on International Programs under Academic Information.
New Student Orientation
All new students are encouraged to participate in planned orientation activities prior to the start of their first term at CSUB. Held prior to every registration period, the orientation program provides an introduction to the campus, student services, academic programs and requirements, and an appointment for academic advising by faculty members. All new students are mailed Orientation information which details dates and times for each quarter’s programs. Every effort is made to provide new students with information and advice which will facilitate a smooth and effective beginning at CSUB.
To gain specific information about the orientation options, students can call the Orientation Office (664-3388) or the Division of Undergraduate Studies (664-3420).
OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Educational Talent Search Program – The purpose of the Educational Talent Search Program is to identify low-income and potential first generation college students who have potential for post-secondary education; to encourage them to continue in and graduate from secondary schools; and to enroll them in programs of post-secondary education. The program provides information regarding post-secondary educational opportunities, academic assistance, career options, and the availability of student financial aid; technical assistance in applying for college admissions and/or student financial aid; preparation workshops for college admissions tests; and workshops on personal growth and development.
Student Achievement, Academic, & Retention Program (STAAR) – The STAAR Program is a federally funded program committed to providing services to 450 first generation, low income, or physically and/or learning disabled students. From the Program’s 25 years of experience in Student Support Services, we have realized that developing academic skills and confidence are essential for retention and academic success. STAAR’s professional staff and paraprofessionals help students succeed by utilizing both traditional and nontraditional methods of instruction and counseling. The utilization of culture, background experience, motivation, and counseling support is what makes all of STAAR’s support services different from mainstream academic assistance.
Applications for participation in the STAAR Program are available in the STAAR Office (AE-102). Staff will verify eligibility and then perform an intake interview for applicants who qualify for the Program.
Throughout the year, STAAR offers many services that are both academically and socially driven. These services include the following:
• Math Assistance • Career Planning
• Reading Assistance • Tutoring Referral
• Writing Assistance • Proofreading
• Financial Aid Assistance • Personal Counseling
• STAAR Networking • Academic Advising/
• STAAR Peer Counseling Counseling
• STAAR Future Educators • Graduate School
(SFE) Counseling
• Cultural & Academic • Chi Alpha Epsilon,
Enrichment National Honor Society
Classes sponsored by the STAAR Program:
• GST 61 Math Brush Up
• GST 115 Academic Success Via Vocabulary
• GST 116 Reading for College Success
• GST 118 Making It In College
• GST 220 Concepts of Mariachi Music
• GST 263 Public Presentations
• GST 265, 266, 267: Mexican Culture and History Through Dance
• GST 287 Occupational Opportunities
These classes are all two-units classes and meet once or twice a week. To find out more, please stop by the STAAR Program or call 664-2281.
Activities sponsored by STAAR & SAC (Student Activities Club):
• Graduate Field Trips • Funfest (S)
• Quarterly Bowling • Awake-a-thon (W)
Challenge • Teleplays
• CBEST Workshops • Student Leadership
• Academic & Personal Conference
Enrichment Workshops • GWAR Workshops
STAAR provides Math Assistants to help with the needs of our participants. They hold various hours throughout the week to assist with math classes, CBEST preparation, or computational and basic skills.
Reading Assistants are available to STAAR participants throughout the academic year to assist with reading or writing difficulties and various English classes. They also provide proofreading services and CBEST preparation.
For more information regarding any of STAAR’s services, please call 664-2281, or visit the STAAR office in the Admininstration East building.
Services For Students With Disabilities (SSD)
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) was planned with a dedication to academic excellence and an emphasis on accommodating individual student needs. This philosophy is extended to all students and is implemented for students with disabilities through the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
The mission of SSD is to provide support services that will enable every student, regardless of disability, to have access to a university education. In addition, SSD staff will promote campus awareness of and sensitivity to disability issues.
CSUB is accessible, both in its architectural planning and in the attitudes of the faculty and staff. As the nineteenth institution in the California State University system, CSUB was built in the 1970’s in compliance with state architectural building codes that mandate accessibility for persons with disabilities. It is a small campus, built on flat terrain, with classrooms and services located close together and with proper ramping. The student-to-professor ratio is the best in the California State University system.
SSD recognizes the following disabling conditions which may impede the educational process and necessitate support service(s) or programs: Visual Limitations, Communication Disability, Mobility Limitation, Specific Learning Disability, Other Functional Limitations, and Temporary Disabilities.
• Services are available without charge to all enrolled students with verified temporary or permanent disabilities. All contacts and obtained information are confidential within CSU policies and state and federal laws.
• Assistance is available for mobility, reading, writing, and communication needs that may occur during registration.
• Readers, notetaking paper, test proctors, scribes, and interpreter services are provided as appropriate.
• Priority registration is available for students with disabilities.
• A variety of equipment is available including: tape recorders, assistive listening devices, a Kurzweil reading machine, Brailler, CCTV large text display, and adaptive computer training.
• Contact is made with off-campus agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitation in order to best meet the needs of the students. SSD staff serves as liaison with campus departments and personnel to ease the student’s integration into the campus population.
• A learning disabilities specialist is available to provide diagnostic assessment at no cost to currently enrolled CSUB students who feel they may have a learning disability.
• Disabled Parking spaces for persons with physical disabilities are designated near each major facility on campus and may be used with a valid DMV Disabled placard.
• Students who are interested in obtaining information about services appropriate to their disabilities should contact the SSD staff for an application for services. SSD is located in the SA 140. Upon receipt of a completed application, including current medical documentation or previous diagnosis of a learning disability, the SSD will evaluate and certify the disability and recommend appropriate accommodations.
At CSUB, members of the Disability Services Advisory Committee are appointed by the Director of Disability Services, as designated by the campus President. The composition of the committee includes campus representatives from various student disability categories, administrative, and academic areas including representatives from the Disability Services Office, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Admissions and Records, Housing Office, Counseling Center, faculty, etc.
Any disability related concerns should be forwarded to the Advisory Committee to be placed on the agenda for their next meeting. The Committee normally meets on a quarterly basis and more frequently should the need arise.
Student Activities
Assists students, faculty and staff in the development and coordination of social, cultural, educational and recreational activities and programs for the college. Extracurricular activities and programs are planned to enhance instructional offerings and to provide opportunities for student involvement.
These activities and programs include: campus clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, special interest programs, recreational and leisure activities, intramural sports, pep band, pep squad and mascot program and student government. Each year Student Activities sponsors special events such as Runnerfest, the campus’ spring fair.
In addition, Student Activities is responsible for the International Study Abroad program which involves 36 foreign universities in 16 countries around the world.
Student Activities is also concerned with the development and training of student leaders. All students are encouraged to become involved in the planning of various student activities and to serve on the numerous campus committees.
Student Activities is interested in student ideas for new activities and programs for suggestions for improving the existing ones. Students who have ideas for activities and programs or who want to get involved are encouraged to visit the Office of Student Activities.
Testing Center
The Testing Center administers three general types of tests: (1) national admission and matriculation tests for undergraduates and graduates, and (2) English and math placement tests for CSUB and other CSU campuses.
For information and registration bulletins concerning the following tests, inquire at the Testing Center located in the Student Health Center (661) 664-3373.
American College Test (ACT)
Scholastic Assessment Tests I & II (SAT)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Praxis I & II Series: Subject, Specialty (MSAT)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
English Placement Test (EPT)
Entry Level Math Exam (ELM)
California Basic Education Skills Exam (CBEST)
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Campbell Interest and Skills Survey (CISS)
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
Single Subject Assessments for Teaching (SSAT)
CSUB is not a designated test center to offer the computer (only) based testing for the GRE or GMAT, nor to administer the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but testing information and registration bulletins are available.