Academic Information

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for all academic programs. The degree programs are administered by school deans and housed in four schools: the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (DDH B102, 654-2221), the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SCI 102, 654- 3450), the School of Business and Public Administration (BDC A, 654-2157), and the School of Education (EDUC 124, 654-2219). The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Academic Programs provides overall coordination for the graduate and undergraduate programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420). The Dean of the Extended University (BDC C, 654-2441), in cooperation with the deans of the four schools, administers offcampus degree programs, certificate programs offered through the Extended University, Open University, and special sessions. Individuals with questions about specific degree programs or academic policies can contact the above offices.

The following sections are organized to provide essential information about academic programs and policies.

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

All undergraduate degree programs at the University are structured to provide sufficient breadth and depth to prepare students to function as useful and responsible citizens. To accomplish this goal, the University requires that programs leading to both undergraduate degrees, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, have three components: a) broad exposure to a variety of fields of knowledge (general education); b) study of one or more fields in depth (major or major/minor combination); and c) courses chosen to fit the background and preferences of the individual student (electives). Requirements for the general education program, for each major field, and for each minor field are found in the appropriate sections elsewhere in this catalog.

Bachelor of Arts degree programs have a broad focus and prepare students for immediate employment or graduate study in a variety of professions or disciplines, respectively. The major and the minor, often complementing each other, constitute areas of study within the degree program. Bachelor of Science degree programs have a narrower focus than Bachelor of Arts programs, and, while requiring the same breadth in general education, are usually directed toward immediate employment or graduate study in a specific professional field or discipline, respectively. These programs, therefore, require no minor field, but do require a larger number of units in the major field to permit greater depth of study in a single field or professional area.

When both degree programs are offered within the same field, the Bachelor of Arts program will maintain a broader focus, will require a minor field of study, and will prepare students for advanced study in a variety of disciplines and professions. The Bachelor of Science program in the same field, because it is more narrowly focused on study leading to employment or toward further study in a single field, will require no minor, but will achieve more depth in the single field often through more emphasis on applications, practical field experiences, and use of the specialized techniques peculiar to the field.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

- One of the two types of undergraduate degrees offered at the university is a Bachelor of Arts degree. A complete list of the BA degrees is found on pages 84-88. The minimum requirements are as follows:

General Education: 72 quarter units
Minimum Major, including Senior Seminar: 36 quarter units
One of the following three alternatives: 20 quarter units

  1. A minor of 20 quarter units designed by another discipline, 10-15 of which must be upper division, and taken outside the major department.
  2. An interdisciplinary concentration or minor in one of the specially developed areas such as Black Studies or Chicano Studies.
  3. A special minor consisting of 20 or more units, 15 of which must be upper division, taken outside the major discipline. Proposals for the Special Minor must be submitted and approved by the faculty advisor, the department chair for the student’s major, and the Dean of Academic Programs no later than the Census Date of the quarter in which the student becomes a Senior (135 or more units). Any changes to the Special Minor require the approval of the student’s faculty advisor, the department chair of the student’s major, and the Dean of Academic Programs.
Electives: 52 quarter units
Total units required for graduation: 180 quarter units

In addition to the university-wide requirements, each school or department may impose additional requirements for its particular majors. These are listed under each discipline area.

Bachelor of Science Degree

- The second type of undergraduate degree offered at the university is the Bachelor of Science degree. A complete list of the BS degrees is found on pages 84-88. The minimum requirements are as follows:
General Education: 72 quarter units
Minimum major, including Senior Seminar: 55 quarter units
Electives: 53 quarter units
Total units required for graduation: 180 quarter units

In addition to the university-wide requirements, each school or department may impose additional requirements for its particular majors. These are listed under each discipline area.

Senior Seminar
-

As part of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree the student completes a senior seminar, normally numbered 490. The senior seminar is designed as a culminating activity for the student’s major field of study. The seminar’s particular focus, approach, unit value, and content vary from discipline to discipline. Descriptions of the discipline senior seminars are found under the program requirements.

Discipline-Based Majors

- Each of the academic disciplines at CSUB has a prescribed set of requirements involving a correlated set of courses that lead to the baccalaureate degree, either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. The faculty have primary responsibility in developing and updating its major requirements and the supporting curriculum. Students declaring a discipline-based major will develop a program of study in collaboration with a faculty advisor to meet the prescribed requirements. See also “Declaring a Major”.

Double Majors

- Any student completing the requirements for two majors in disciplines generating Bachelor of Arts degrees or in two majors generating Bachelor of Science degrees must request approval for a diploma recognizing a double major. The Dean of Academic Programs acts on these requests.

Any student completing work for two majors, one of which generates a Bachelor of Arts and the other a Bachelor of Science, must request approval for a diploma recognizing a double major. The Dean of Academic Programs acts on these requests.

Students graduating with a double major are required to complete all components of each major, including the Senior Seminars. Although double-counting of courses from one major to the other is possible, the student must accumulate a minimum number of unduplicated units in each major. For the BA major, the minimum is 36 quarter units; for the BS major, the minimum is 55 quarter units. The student completing a double major does not need to complete a minor.

Special Major

- The University also offers a baccalaureate degree with a Special Major. This permits a student to propose a program of correlated studies. This alternative is for the student who wants to pursue a field of study not covered by one of the University’s academic departments or who transfers with a large number of upperdivision units in a degree program not offered at CSUB. Students seeking information on the Special Major should contact the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

A student wanting to develop a Special Major first approaches a faculty member and requests that he/she serve as the academic advisor. The faculty advisor, upon agreeing to serve, may require that a second or third advisor(s) be secured for the other fields to be subsumed in the Special Major.

The student and advisor(s) then develop and agree upon a Program of Study. The Program of Study must contain a minimum of 55 quarter units, 35 of which must be upper division. The student is also required to complete the senior seminar requirement. This can be accomplished by completing a “special” senior seminar specifically developed for the Special Major. The form to be completed for the Special Major is available in the Office of the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

The proposed Program of Study is then reviewed for approval by the dean or deans of the school(s) involved. If the proposed Program of Study receives their approval, the Dean of Academic Programs then reviews the proposed Program of Study and makes a final determination. The approved Program of Study becomes a permanent part of the student’s academic record.

Minors

- The university offers a wide array of minors. There are three different types of minors - a traditional minor from a single discipline, a special minor, and an interdisciplinary minor. Regardless of type, most minors require a minimum of 20 units with at least three upperdivision courses. The student may request that two (2) lower-division courses that are “related” in subject matter content be used to meet one of the upper-division course requirements. However, all minors must have at least 10 units of “real” upper-division coursework.

Students, whether pursuing either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, are able to complete one or more minors and have them displayed on their diploma and transcript. Students should contact the academic department or faculty coordinator responsible for the minor. The department or faculty coordinator must approve the minor and, at the time of graduation, certifies completion of the minor to the Evaluation Office.

The 20 units (normally four 5-unit courses) used in a minor cannot be drawn from those used to satisfy the major requirements. However, in the case of majors requiring extensive lower division cognates (e.g., Business Administration), students may count one of the cognate courses as one of the four required in the minor. Alternatively, two lower-division cognate courses can be used in lieu of one of the required upper-division courses for the minor, as long as the minor contains at least 10 units of “real” upper-division course work.

Special Minor
- The special minor consists of 20 or more units outside of the declared major, at least 15 of which must be upper-division courses. The student may request that two (2) lower-division courses that are “related” in subject matter content be used to meet one of the upper-division course requirements. However, the Special Minor must include at least 10 units of “real” upper-division course work. Proposals for the Special Minor must be submitted and approved by the faculty advisor, department chair for the student’s major, and the Dean of Academic Programs no later than the Census Date of the quarter in which the student becomes a Senior (135 or more units). Any changes to the Special Minor require the approval of the student’s faculty advisor, the department chair of the student’s major, and the Dean of Academic Programs.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

- The University does not encourage students to seek a second bachelor’s degree. A student who has the ability and the interest will normally be better advised to satisfy the prerequisites to the second field and then seek the master’s degree in that field. Exceptions may be made under the following guidelines:

  1. A student may not be granted two baccalaureate degrees at the time of meeting the requirements for graduation from the University.
  2. A student desiring a second baccalaureate degree should have the written approval of the department chair of the major in which he/she seeks the second degree.
  3. To earn a second baccalaureate degree:
    1. the student must meet the current graduation requirements of CSUB, including, but not limited to, General Education, Gender, Race, & Ethnicity, American Institutions, and foreign language;
    2. the student must meet all the requirements for the second baccalaureate degree, including the major and the minor, if applicable;
    3. units completed for the first baccalaureate degree may be counted, but the student must complete a minimum of 36 units of additional course work.

Undergraduate Certificate Programs

The University offers several undergraduate certificate programs. A student might pursue one of these to achieve a variety of purposes: career advancement, professional growth and development, in-service training, and vocational or occupational training. A student interested in one of the first four undergraduate certificate programs listed below should read the relevant section of the General Catalog and consult the department offering the certificate. The certificate programs currently offered at CSUB are as follows:

Business & Public Administration

Education Humanities & Social Sciences Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Extended University

- The Extended University offers a variety of specially designed certificate programs that lead to new employment opportunities. The curricula are designed for individuals who participate in an organized and integrated program of study but who are not regularly registered students. These certificate programs are designed and taught by professionals in the field. Certificate programs currently offered by Extended University include:

For additional information regarding these or other certificate programs contact Extended University at (661) 654- 2427.

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Programs

Designated officials at CSUB will provide students with guidance in the selection of programs designed to prepare them for subsequent study in professional schools oriented toward careers in such fields as business administration, theology, forestry, and pharmacy. Help with decisions concerning professional study is available through the individual schools.

Pre-Engineering

- For information on the pre-engineering program, which allows transfer to Schools of Engineering at some other universities, and a list of required courses, turn to the section on Engineering in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (page 316). Pre-Law - Law schools are more concerned about the general quality of an applicant’s undergraduate education rather than about his/her having taken specific courses. Students can major in any discipline they desire, but they must maintain a high GPA and develop good writing, speaking/listening, critical thinking/logical reasoning, and problem solving skills. Advice on preparation for law school is available to CSUB students from the pre-law advisor in the Political Science Department (BDC 248A, 654-2141).

The University offers pre-law concentrations within each of the Philosophy, Economics, Environmental and Global Studies, and Political Science baccalaureate degree programs. These concentrations provide the appropriate broad preparation desired by law schools. Students wishing to prepare for law school may complete one of these majors with the pre-law concentration. Students should read the relevant section of this catalog for each discipline for information on specific requirements.

Pre-Medical

- The University offers course work to meet the requirements of medical and other professional schools in the health sciences, including dentistry, physical therapy, clinical laboratory sciences, optometry, physician’s assistant, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. Although these professional schools do not always require a bachelor’s degree, they generally encourage basic preparation and a broad general education leading to that degree before specialization. Most students obtain a baccalaureate degree in the natural sciences, e.g., Biology or Chemistry, but other majors are also accepted, provided that the student has completed the required courses. Typically, mathematics and computer science (one year each), physics (one year), chemistry (two years), and biology (two years) are required. Courses recommended for CSUB students to satisfy these requirements include:

Since the admissions requirements vary among the diverse medical programs and institutions, interested students should acquire a list of specific requirements from professional schools of their choice. Sources of information include the Career Development Center, the Walter Stiern Library, and the internet. Students are urged to consult with appropriate faculty advisors as soon as possible to plan course selections. These advisors and further information can be located through the Department of Biology (SCI I Room 227, 661-654- 3089), Department of Chemistry (SCI II Room 273, 661- 654-3027), or the Office of the Dean for Natural Sciences & Mathematics (SCI I Room 104, 661-654-3450).

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Committee on Academic Requirements and Standards (CARS)

- This committee will oversee all university- wide academic requirements other than those of majors or minors and report to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Academic Senate. University-wide academic committees that will report to this committee include the General Education Area and Theme Committees, the Roadrunner Resources for Undergraduate Success & High-Achievement Committee (RUSH-A), the American Institutions Committee (Al), the Graduate Writing Assessment Committee (GWAR), the Gender, Race and Ethnicity Committee (GRE), and the Computer and Information Literacy Committee (CILC).

Baccalaureate Degree Policies and Procedures

- To qualify for the baccalaureate degree, a student must satisfy the specific requirements in the following areas:

Units Requirements - A minimum of 180 quarter units is required, including at least 60 upper-division.

Note: Students who began their university curriculum in the fall of 1979 or thereafter will be limited to 8 units of credit in PEAK 150 or any approved equivalent courses which may be applied toward graduation.

Residency Requirements - A student must complete a minimum of 45 quarter units in resident study at CSUB. At least thirty-six (36) of these units shall be earned in upper-division courses, and at least 18 upper-division units shall be earned in the major.

Academic Scholarship Requirements - Each student must complete, with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) or better: (1) all acceptable university units at tempted, including all transfer units, (2) all units counted toward satisfaction of the major requirements; (3) all units counted toward satisfaction of the minor requirements, if applicable; and (4) all units attempted at CSUB, except that only courses in which a letter grade is assigned (A, B, C, D, F, including pluses and minuses) are used in computing the GPA. Students cannot graduate with grades of “I,” “RP,” or “RD” on their record.

Currency of Courses Requirements - CSUB students pursuing a baccalaureate degree must satisfy major and minor requirements, including all required cognates and prerequisite courses, within ten (10) years of the date of the award of the baccalaureate degree.

Exceptions to the policy may be granted if a student can demonstrate currency in the relevant course or courses to the satisfaction of the faculty in the department or program offering the major and minor. Students should consult their academic advisor about how to demonstrate currency for course work that is completed 10 or more years prior to the anticipated award of the baccalaureate degree.

The academic dean responsible for the major or minor program must approve all exceptions to this currency of courses requirement.

Catalog Requirements for Graduation - Students may elect to meet the graduation requirements in effect at any one of the three times indicated below.

  1. During the term in which graduation requirements are completed.
  2. During the term they started course work at CSUB assuming they have been in continuous enrollment since then.
  3. During the term they began college-level course work applicable to the baccalaureate degree, provided they have been in continuous enrollment in regular sessions and in the same general education curriculum in any California public university (California State University or University of California) or California community college.

Applicable University Requirements - To maintain rights to a set of graduation requirements a student must remain in continuous enrollment. “Continuous enrollment” means that the student cannot miss 3 consecutive quarters or two consecutive semesters. Summer sessions do not count toward continuous enrollment. Absence due to an approved educational leave shall not be considered an interruption in continuous enrollment, provided the absence does not exceed two (2) years.

Applicable Major/Minor Requirements - The University allows the students two (2) options in selecting their major and minor requirements. Students may choose to satisfy major and minor requirements:

  1. From the Catalog in effect when they began continuous enrollment at the university or college level
  2. From the Catalog in effect at the time they graduate from CSUB.

Students who select option 2 would not be held to new General Education or other graduation requirements.

Students must declare a major by the time they achieve junior standing, i.e., have 90 quarter units of coursework listed on their transcript, and they must declare the Catalog under which they intend to graduate when they file for graduation.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Purpose of General Education

- The goals of general education are accomplished jointly through the General Education Program, major and minor programs, and other graduation requirements. The goals include the following:

  1. develop and reinforce basic skills in writing, speaking, and listening in the English language, in critical thinking and logical reasoning, and in quantitative reasoning;
  2. provide students with a breadth of exposure to mathematics, life and physical sciences, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences;
  3. provide students with an in-depth exposure to themes of importance in the modern world-natural science and technology, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences;
  4. assist students in the process of becoming wellinformed and responsible citizens;
  5. increase students’ understanding of human diversity and their tolerance for differences of perceptions, ideas and values;
  6. give students an international and multicultural perspective on issues and problems confronting human society and the natural world; and
  7. facilitate the process of ethical development and responsibility at the personal, interpersonal, and societal levels.

Curriculum of General Education

- Students must accumulate a minimum of 72 quarter units to complete CSUB’s General Education Program.

The program consists of two parts. The first part is comprised of introductory, lower-division courses that expose students to the breadth of the core disciplines. These courses are grouped into four broad subject areas (Areas A-D). Typically, 60 quarter units earned in Areas A-D courses are required to satisfy this part of CSUB’s General Education Program. However, CSUB accepts certification of the CSU general education requirements by California community colleges and completion through the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). The overall unit requirements may also be reduced through the passage of externally developed standardized examinations and through the passage of CSUB waiver or challenge examinations.

The second part consists of a minimum of 12 quarter units in upper-division (300 and 400 level) courses grouped in three thematic areas (Themes 1-3). This requirement must be completed in residence at CSUB and after the student achieves upper-division status, i.e., completes 90 quarter units. These courses are designed to give students a more in-depth exposure to topics not fully covered in introductory, lower-division courses. Instructors in all courses will incorporate materials related to the dimensions of human diversity, whenever appropriate and to the extent possible.

Part 1: Lower Division Component
Areas A-D Requirements

These lower-division courses are designed to be introductory in nature and will expose students to the richness and breadth of disciplines. They are grouped in the following four areas:

  1. Communication in the English Language
  2. Mathematics, Life and Physical Sciences
  3. Arts and Humanities
  4. Social and Behavioral Sciences

Area A: Communication in the English Language

Thirteen to seventeen (13-17) quarter units in Communication in the English Language.
A1. One course in speaking (with emphasis on public speaking) and listening (must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher)
A2. One course in writing and reading (must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher)
A3. One course in writing-intensive critical thinking and logical reasoning (must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher)

Area B: Mathematics, Life and Physical Sciences

Thirteen to seventeen (13-17) quarter units in Mathematics, Life and Physical Sciences.
B1. One lecture course in life sciences
B2. One lecture course in the physical sciences
B3. One related science laboratory in life sciences or physical sciences
B4. One course in mathematics (must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher

Area C: Arts and Humanities

Thirteen to seventeen (13-17) quarter units in the Arts and Humanities. One course from three of the following subareas:
C1. Art or Performing Arts (Music or Theatre)
C2. Modern Languages and Literatures (103 level or above fluency courses),
C3. World History
C4. Literature
C5. Philosophy/Religious Studies

Area D: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Thirteen to seventeen (13-17) quarter units in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. One course from three of the following subareas:
D1. Anthropology
D2. Economics
D3. Political Science
D4. Psychology
D5. Sociology

Part 2: Upper Division Component

Students must complete in residence at CSUB a minimum of 12 quarter units from coursework approved for upper-division general education credit. Students can enroll in this coursework only after they have achieved upper-division status, i.e., completed 90 quarter units, and have completed the lower-division requirements in Area A, Communication in the English Language, and B4, Quantitative Reasoning. In addition, students must have completed the respective Areas related to each Theme--Area B for Theme 1, Area C for Theme 2, and Area D for Theme 3.

Thematic Course Requirements

- The upper-division component of the General Education Program normally consists of three courses, one from each of the following themes:

  1. Natural Sciences and Technology
  2. Arts and Humanities
  3. Social and Behavioral Sciences

Thematic courses may have specific lower-division prerequisites that must be completed prior to enrollment in the thematic course. One of the three thematic courses may be taken as an optional credit, no-credit. All thematic courses have a significant writing assignment in addition to classroom examinations.

Students may satisfy two of these thematic requirements by taking a specially designed interdisciplinary course (minimum of eight quarter units) taught by faculty representing two of the thematic areas.

Thematic courses shall NOT be used to satisfy lowerdivision Area requirements or the Gender, Race, Ethnicity (GRE) Requirement.

Theme 1: Natural Sciences and Technology

Courses offered under this theme will provide students with an analysis and understanding of contemporary issues involving technology and physical and biological sciences. Within this context, courses will focus on issues regarding the impact of human activities on natural resources and the resulting global implications.

Theme 2: Arts and Humanities

Courses offered under this theme will enable students to gain knowledge of communications, linguistics, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and/or artistic expression of ideas. Students are expected to learn how different methods of inquiry can be used to convey perspectives on the human condition. Through the study of language, culture, and the arts in different times and places, students should gain a greater understanding of diverse cultures and their development over time. In a substantial research assignment, students will demonstrate their ability to critically analyze and interpret evidence and incorporate scholarly resources.

Theme 3: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Courses offered under this theme will focus on human, social, economic, and political behavior and institutions and their historical backgrounds. These courses will enable students to gain knowledge of contemporary social and behavioral issues as well as individual initiatives and public policies which address those issues.

POLICIES FOR GENERAL EDUCATION
  1. Students must complete the four areas and three themes and accumulate as many additional units as are needed to reach a total of 72 units.
  2. Students must complete three approved upperdivision theme courses in residence at CSUB. These are required of all students intending to graduate from CSUB, regardless of community college certification or the courses completed at other institutions. These courses cannot be completed and counted toward this requirement until the student has achieved upper division status, i.e., 90 quarter units. These courses can NOT be double-counted toward lower-division area requirements or the Gender, Race, Ethnicity (GRE) requirement.
  3. Lower-division general education and upper-division theme courses may be double-counted for the major, minor, cognate, foundation, or American Institutions requirements.
  4. Waiver Exams: The requirements for subareas A1, A2, A3, and B4 may be satisfied by a test designed specifically for that requirement. The exams for subarea A1 are scheduled once each quarter by the Academic Programs Office (EDUC 242). Exams for subareas A2, A3, and B4 are available through the Testing Office. Exams cost $10.00 each.
  5. Students earning degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Nursing, and Physics have the Theme 1 requirement waived by their senior seminar.
  6. The US Constitution/CA State and Local Government course fulfills the requirement for subarea D3, Political Science.
  7. Students with a verified learning disability who are registered with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) may be eligible to petition for a course substitution for a General Education requirement. The Dean of Academic Programs acts on all such petitions. Information regarding course substitutions can be obtained from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Sequencing for “Basic Skills” (Areas A and B4)

- Because the four basic skills (speaking, writing and reading, critical/logical thinking, and mathematical reasoning) are so fundamental to the educational process and to living an informed life, students must demonstrate that they have acquired these skills to a sufficient degree. This may be accomplished by passing challenge examinations or, in what is assumed to be the normal case, by satisfactorily completing a course or courses specifically designed to increase our students’ basic skills.

The University requires students to demonstrate basic skills competency in a timely manner.

  1. Students who begin their CSUB studies with less than 30 quarter units are required to:
    1. Complete Area A2 within the first 45 quarter units at CSUB;
    2. Complete Areas A1 and A3 within the first 60 quarter units at CSUB;
    3. Complete Area B4 within the first 75 quarter units at CSUB.
  2. Students transferring with 30 or more quarter units are required to:
    1. Complete Areas A1, A2, and A3 within the first 45 quarter units at CSUB;
    2. Complete Area B4 within the first 60 quarter units at CSUB.

Certification of General Education

- The University accepts full certification of lower-division General Education (57 quarter units) or partial certification by Area (A, B, C, or D) from California Community Colleges, other CSU campuses, and other institutions of higher education that have negotiated agreements with the CSU. Courses and examinations used to certify units must be baccalaureate level and have been completed at the certifying institution. However, any participating institution may report completion of courses or examinations taken at other participating institutions provided that all such courses and examinations would be certified by the institution offering them. Such courses and examinations shall be deemed to have been certified. It is the student’s responsibility to request the community college, other CSU, or other institutions of higher education to send the certification to the Evaluations Office at CSUB.

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

- CSUB participates fully in the IGETC system. Students who have completed an IGETC program at a California community college or other participating institutions should ask the last institution attended to submit an IGETC completion form to the Evaluations Office at CSUB.

PETITIONS FOR EXCEPTION REGARDING GENERAL EDUCATION
Transfer Students

- In unusual circumstances, transfer students may petition for exemption from a specific General Education requirement by providing appropriate justification of undue hardship and/or of other means by which the student has acquired the knowledge. Petitions must be submitted to the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

Students with Disabilities

- Students with documented learning disabilities may petition for substitution of course(s) for specific General Education requirements. Students must be registered with Services for Students with Disabilities (SA 140, 654-3360) and undergo a review by a certified staff member for recommendation of any substitution. All recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

Upper-Division Students Who Have Broken “Continuous Enrollment”

- Upper-division students who have broken “continuous enrollment” (see Applicable University Requirements page ??) may discover that the General Education requirements have changed upon their re-admission to CSUB. If these changes cause serious hardship for the student in terms of additional courses needed to complete the new requirements, these students have an opportunity to petition to the Academic Petitions Committee (APC) for return to the catalog in effect at the time the student stopped attending CSUB. Students desiring to submit such a petition to the APC must get information regarding the specific content and format of the petition at the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

OTHER BACCALAUREATE DEGREE REQUIRMENTS

Roadrunner Resources for Undergraduate Success & High-Achievement (RUSH-A) Program

- As a part of the organizational culture committed to excellence in the quality of the student experience and community engagement, the CSUB Roadrunner First-Year Resources for Undergraduate Success & High-Achievement (RUSH-A) Program has been developed as an integrated one-year program for undergraduate students in “transition.” The mission and goals of the Roadrunner First-Year RUSH-A Program are:

To build, nurture and sustain a vibrant educational community at CSUB committed to academic and personal success of undergraduate students “in transition”: firstyear college students, transfer students, and re-entry students.

  1. To assist students “in transition” to acquire essential academic information, gain necessary technical skills, and access needed academic support services at CSUB (LEARN).
  2. To assist students “in transition” to become actively engaged with CSUB through faculty “passions for the academy” (ENGAGE).
  3. To provide students “in transition” structured opportunities to become actively involved with the diverse leadership of CSUB as a “student ambassador” (SERVE).

Only the FIRST component of the Roadrunner RUSH-A Program is required of all first-time freshman students. This first component offers a seminar (one version for first-time freshman students and a second version for new transfer and re-entry students) with the following course goals:

  1. To acquire knowledge about CSUB and to use that knowledge for academic success;
  2. To improve technical skills for academic success; and
  3. To increase connections and engagement of students “in transition” with CSUB, i.e., other students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

CSUB 101 Roadrunner RUSH-A Seminar (2)

This seminar is required of all first-time freshman students. It introduces these students to important issues for academic success and personal achievement at CSUB, including, but not limited to, managing time and money, learning how to learn, reading/listening/taking notes, thinking logically/critically, communicating effectively, taking exams/writing papers, avoiding violations of academic integrity, growing personally and interpersonally, living healthy, and exploring majors and careers. Class activities that require students to “work” together and meet other entities of CSUB will be an integral part of the course. Credit, No-Credit grading.

CSUB 301 Roadrunner RUSH-A Seminar (2)

Similar to CSUB 101, except for new transfer and re-entry students as “highly recommended.” Credit, No-Credit grading.

The CSUB 101 and 301 seminars will be linked with other “first-year” activities for all new students at CSUB:

The SECOND component of the Roadrunner RUSH-A Program offers a seminar (single version, with different course numbers, for first-time freshman students and new transfer/re-entry students) with the following course goals:

  1. To become engaged with a faculty member’s “passion with the academy” through “active learning and inquiry;
  2. To further develop and nurture connections with other students “in transition” who share the faculty member’s “passion”; and
  3. To examine and develop one’s own strengths and a path in pursuing a “passion.”

CSUB 103 and 303 Roadrunner RUSH-A “Passions” Seminar (2)

First-time freshman students will enroll in CSUB 103, while new transfer and re-entry students will enroll in CSUB 303. Both “seminars” shall meet at the same time/day and be taught by the same instructor. Credit, No-Credit grading.

The CSUB 103/303 seminar will be linked with other CSUB activities:

The THIRD component of the Roadrunner RUSH-A Program offers a seminar (single version, with different course numbers, for first-time freshman students and new transfer/re-entry students) with the following course goals:

  1. To implement a project with other students to pursue a “passion” that will benefit the university in meeting the President’s vision of “Excellence”;
  2. To further develop and nurture connections with other students “in transition” and the CSUB community (students, faculty, staff, and administrators) who share this “passion”; and
  3. To examine and develop knowledge and skills focused on leadership needed for effective teamwork.

CSUB 105 and 305, Roadrunner RUSH-A “Ambassadors” Seminar (2)

First-time freshman students will enroll in CSUB 105, while new transfer and re-entry students will enroll in CSUB 305. Both “seminars” shall meet at the same time/day and be taught by the same instructor. Credit, No-Credit grading.

The CSUB 105/305 seminar will be linked with other CSUB activities:

English and Mathematics Developmental Programs

- Students requiring developmental (remedial) course work in English shall be placed in either ENGL 80 or 100, depending upon their score on the English Placement Test (EPT). Students requiring developmental (remedial) course work in Mathematics shall be placed in either MATH 75 or 85, depending upon their score on the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Exam.

Executive Order 665

- In accord with EO 665 (issued February 1997, revised June 1999), all students requiring developmental (remedial) course work in English and/or Mathematics must complete the courses within one academic year (3 quarters). Students who have maintained a CSUB grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher and have made “good faith effort” to complete required developmental (remedial) course work in English and/or Mathematics may be allowed an additional quarter based upon the recommendation by the Director for the Academic Advising & Information Center (AAIC) and Coordinator for the Roadrunner Academic Achievement Program (RAAP) and if approved by the Dean of Academic Programs.

English Placement Test (EPT)

- The CSU English Placement Test (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:

Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination

- The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement 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 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:

Physical Education Credit

- Students who began their university curriculum in the fall of 1979 or thereafter will be limited to 8 units of credit in PEAK 150 or any approved equivalent courses which may be applied toward graduation.

American Institutions Requirement

- The California Education Code requires that each student qualifying for graduation with a baccalaureate degree shall demonstrate competence in the areas of United States history and federal, state, and local government, including the rights and obligations of citizens.

Satisfaction of this requirement shall be met by no less than one course in United States history and one course in United States government or by examinations administered respectively by the History (FT 304E, 654-3079) and Political Science Departments (BDC A248, 654- 2141). The course in United States government must focus on both the federal government, including the United States Constitution, and the state and local government of California. Students who have completed their U.S. government course at an institution outside of California will not have satisfied the state and local government requirement and will be required to take an additional course or to pass the applicable examination.

Courses that satisfy the United States history requirement include:

Courses that satisfy the United States and state/local government requirement include:

Gender, Race and Ethnicity Requirement (GRE)

- As part of its effort to assist its graduates to become well educated and enlightened citizens, to be sensitive and tolerant of diverse beliefs and practices in our contemporary society, and to engage effectively with diverse peoples and cultures, the University requires all students to complete a course focusing on gender, race, and ethnicity prior to graduation.

Courses approved for this equity requirement (Gender, Race, and Ethnicity) can not satisfy either Area or Theme requirements for General Education.

The list of approved CSUB courses is published in the quarterly online Schedule of Classes. CSUB accepts equivalent articulated courses offered at other institutions of higher education.

Students with questions about this requirement should discuss them with their advisor or the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

Foreign Language Proficiency

- Students must demonstrate competency in a foreign language. They can do so in one of the following ways:

  1. Meeting the CSU admissions requirement for firsttime freshman students by completing two years of high school coursework in the same language with a “C” or better (for international students, this is demonstrated by a high school diploma or equivalent in an non-English language);
  2. Passing a CSUB administered foreign language challenge exam at the 101 or higher level.
  3. Passing a CSUB Foreign Language course at the 101 or higher level, or equivalent.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

- In May 1976, the CSU Board of Trustees established a system-wide policy that all degree candidates (bachelor’s and master’s) must demonstrate writing competence as part of their graduation requirement. Undergraduate students must be upper-division (90 or more quarter units) before they demonstrate competence.

Both undergraduate and graduate students have two options for meeting this requirement: (1) achieve a score of 8 or higher on a university-wide proficiency examination or (2) receive a grade of “credit” or of “C” or better in any of the following courses: COMM 304, 306 or 311; ENGL 305, 310, or 311; HIST 300; ADM 510.

If you transferred to CSUB from another CSU or from a UC, the Evaluations Office can determine if you have satisfied the upper-division writing requirement at that campus. If you transferred to CSUB from a college or university other than a CSU or a UC, the Evaluations Office may grant a waiver of the GWAR based on your having taken an appropriate course. If you disagree with their decision, you will have to bring a transcript, a course description, and proof of your upper-division standing to the Composition Office in FT 102D showing you have earned a grade of C or higher in an upper-division writing course equivalent to one of the CSUB GWAR courses (NOT just a writing-intensive course, but a course that focuses on writing instruction and the development of writing skills).

The university-wide proficiency examination, open to all students who have earned at least 90 quarter units of undergraduate college credit and have completed ENGL 110 (the Basic Subjects requirement in English) or its equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher, is given at least three times a year. Information concerning dates and registration for the examination can be obtained from the Testing Center (654-3373). Students will be required to provide evidence (printout of transcript or degree evaluation) to verify upper-division standing and completion of ENGL 110 (or the equivalent) with a grade of “C” or higher prior to registering for the examination. Eligible students may attempt the examination more than once.

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individual arrangements and accommodations for testing and course work will be made for handicapped students to meet the GWAR. These arrangements will be made in such a manner as to assure that the English competence of handicapped students be tested and not the limitations imposed by their disabilities.

Examination results will be mailed to each registrant who completes the examination. Results will be sent to the addresses registrants provide on the day of the examination.

Brochures with more information on the GWAR may be obtained from the Testing Center, the Campus Composition Office (FT 102B, 654-3083), the Department of English (FT 202A, 654-2144), the Academic Programs Office (EDUC 242, 654-3420), and all school deans’ offices.

ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY AS AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

First-Time Freshman Students

- Generally, first-time freshman applicants will qualify for regular admission to the California State University if they meet the following requirements:

  1. graduated in the upper 1/3 of the graduating high school class,
  2. have a qualifiable minimum 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 below).

Subject Requirements for First-Time Freshman Students

- The California State University requires that firsttime freshman applicants complete, with grades of C or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 year-long high school courses.

Admission Status of Students

Pre-Baccalaureate/General
Final
Met all admission requirements
Probational
Admitted with scholastic deficiency
Conditional
Permitted to register pending official verification of final admission status
Extension
Permitted to register for extension course work only
Summer
Permitted to register for summer session course work only
Post-Baccalaureate
Classified
Admitted by a specific credential or certificate program for the purpose of enrolling in a post-baccalaureate credential or certificate program, subject to prerequisites
Unclassified
Admitted by the university since the student holds an acceptable baccalaureate degree or has completed equivalent academic preparation, or admitted by “Special Action”. Admission as a post-baccalaureate unclassified student does NOT constitute admission to any specific graduate program or post-baccalaureate credential or certificate program.
Graduate
Classified
Admitted by a specific graduate program for the purpose of enrolling in an authorized graduate degree curriculum by meeting all requirements for admission. Classified graduate students may enroll in all graduate courses.
Conditional
Admitted by a specific graduate program for the purpose of enrolling in an authorized graduate degree curriculum, but the student must remedy identified deficiencies, such as prerequisite preparation, within a specified time period. Normally, “Conditional” graduate students are not allowed to enroll in 600- level courses.

Registration Status of Students

Continuing
Student is enrolled in regular programs in the previous quarter, or a student is resuming studies after an absence of no more than two consecutive quarters
Former
Returning student who has not registered in three previous consecutive terms
New
Student who is registering in a regular term for the first time

Class Level of Students

Freshman
44-1/2 or fewer quarter units
Sophomore
45 to 89-1/2 quarter units
Junior
90 to 134-1/2 quarter units
Senior
135 or more quarter units
Post Baccalaureate
Possesses acceptable baccalaureate or advanced degree; may be admitted to a credential or certificate program, but is not admitted to a graduate degree curriculum.
Graduate
Formally admitted to a graduate degree curriculum.
Quarter Unit

- One (1) quarter unit of credit normally represents one hour of in-class work and 2-3 hours of outside study per week. One (1) semester unit of credit is equivalent to one and one-half (1 1/2) quarter units. Conversely, one (1) quarter unit of credit is equivalent to 2/3 semester unit.

International Student Program (ISP)

- The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or 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 each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file before 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 majors or programs with limited openings.

The International Students and Programs Office (MB2 211, 654-2014) provides a host of services for international students enrolled in classes at CSUB, including:

  1. Responding to inquiries from all prospective international students.
  2. Maintaining close contact and follow-up with international student applicants.
  3. Providing academic and social-cultural orientation for new international students, including meetings with the Friendship Partners, a community group interested in assisting international students.
  4. Providing pre-departure orientation for students returning home at the end of their studies.
  5. Scheduling workshops to provide updated information on immigration issues, academic policies and procedures, cultural and social adjustment to life in the US, resume and job interview preparation, etc.
  6. Providing general assistance to international students with academic, immigration, and personal issues.
  7. Providing initial academic advising for lower-division international students.
  8. Advising/assisting the International Student Club to plan campus events and social activities.

All international students should contact the office for International Students and Programs upon their arrival at CSUB.

Transfer Status

- Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students. Students who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students. Students who complete college units during high school or in the summer immediately following high school graduation 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 and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower Division Transfer Requirements

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

  1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements (grade point average and subject requirements) in effect for the term for which they are applying (see “Freshman Requirements” section); or
  2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for the subject requirements, and have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and have made up the missing subjects.

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

Re-Entry Students

- Returning students in good standing must apply for re-entry if absent for more than two full consecutive 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 for each institution) 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 Dismissal status should refer to the section on “Readmission of Disqualified Students” in the Academic Regulations portion of the catalog.

EVALUATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER CREDIT

After a person has been accepted for admission as an undergraduate transfer student, the Evaluations Office of Admissions and Records (SA 104, 654-2258) will evaluate all previous college work and issue an evaluation of transfer credit to the student and to the student’s major department. The evaluation remains valid as long as the student matriculates at the date specified and remains in continuous enrollment (see Applicable University Requirements page 57). These evaluations are conditional and are subject to revision during the first quarter that the student is in attendance. Therefore, transfer students should discuss their evaluation in detail with their academic advisors to insure that all credit earned has been granted and that no error has been made.

Lower Division Transfer Pattern (LDTP)

- Executive Order No. 918 established the development of the lowerdivision transfer patterns by major as one element of a graduation initiative adopted by the CSU Board of Trustees in January 2003. This initiative consists of three parts: (I) increasing the academic preparation for college, (2) clarifying and improving the community college transfer process, and (3) identifying a clear path to the degree for matriculated students. Because the CSU annually enrolls over 60 percent of all California Community College students who transfer to a four-year college in California, it is imperative that a clear path to the degree be identified for California Community College transfer students.

To ensure that students planning to transfer to the CSU can earn a baccalaureate degree in the most direct manner without losing credits for courses taken at a California Community College, Title 5 requires the establishment, for each high-demand major, of a lower-division pattern of community college courses that will advance students toward graduation at any CSU campus offering the major. A CSU campus may then identify additional course requirements it considers necessary to prepare the students for upper-division study in that major. Together, the systemwide and campus-specific patterns will (I) help identify a clear path to the baccalaureate degree for California Community College transfer students, (2) grant priority admission to those who complete the lower-division transfer pattern by major, (3) protect against the loss of credit by ensuring that California Community College students interested in transferring to the CSU will not take courses that are not required for graduation and can identify which courses will bring them closer to graduation in minimal time, (4) maximize access to CSU campuses and programs, (5) simplify student advising, and (6) provide a basis for California Community College transfer degrees and programs.

  1. CSU System-Wide Course Pattern - The “CSU systemwide lower-division transfer pattern by major” means a set of lower-division curricular specifications comprising at least 45 baccalaureate-level semester (67.5 quarter) units but no more than 60 baccalaureate-level semester (90 quarter) units that will be accepted at every CSU campus offering a program leading to a baccalaureate degree with that major.
  2. CSUB Campus-Specific Course Pattern - “Campus- specific lower-division transfer pattern by major” means a set of lower-division curricular specifications beyond the systemwide lower-division transfer pattern by major, comprising units that will be accepted at CSUB, for its baccalaureate degree programs.
Credit from a California Community College

- The University will accept for full transfer credit all course work taken at a California community college which has been indicated by that college as designed or appropriate for baccalaureate credit. Community college credit is allowed to a maximum of 105 quarter (70 semester) units. Courses taken at a community college by a student who has already completed 105 quarter units of community college work may be used to fulfill course requirements but do not carry unit credit towards total units required for the baccalaureate degree. No upperdivision credit may be allowed for courses completed at a community college.

Credit from an Accredited Four-Year College or University

- The University will accept for full transfer credit any baccalaureate-oriented courses taken at a four-year accredited college or university. Credit from a Non-Accredited College or University - Credits earned in non-accredited colleges may be accepted upon review and recommendation by respective faculty for each course and approval by the appropriate dean(s).

Credit for Extension, Correspondence, and DANTES Work

- The University will accept for credit towards a baccalaureate degree, on the basis of evaluation of courses submitted on official transcripts, no more than 36 quarter units of credit earned through extension, correspondence, and/or DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support) courses.

Credit for Military Service

- Students with active military service of one year or more will receive 9 quarter units of lower-division elective credit and additional units for specified service training and courses. A copy of service separation papers (service form DD-214) must be submitted to the Admissions Office during the admissions process.

Credit for Peace Corps Service

- Students with Peace Corps service of one year or more will receive 9 quarter units of lower-division elective credit and additional units for training courses completed at an accredited college. Written certification by recognized authorities of service and training must be filed with the Admissions Office during the admissions process.

Subsequent Enrollment

- Students enrolled at the University who wish to receive transfer credit for courses offered at other institutions should obtain prior approval of these courses from the appropriate department chair, school dean, and the Dean of Academic Programs before enrolling in such courses.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Declaring a Major or Changing a Major

- All students are encouraged to declare a major in a discipline area, or a Special Major if applicable, as soon as possible so that they can be advised by a faculty member from that discipline. In addition, the earlier that the student declares a major, the sooner the student can develop a comprehensive program of study for the baccalaureate degree. All students are required to declare a major by the time they achieve junior status, i.e., have completed 90 quarter units.

If a student decides to change his/her major, it is the student’s responsibility to submit a formal “Change of Major” form to Admissions & Records (SA 103, 654- 2147).

Academic Advising

- The assignment of the faculty advisor is normally made by the Department Chair. All freshman students with less than 45 quarter units, will be required to meet with their assigned advisor prior to registering for courses each quarter. The faculty are trained to provide accurate information and helpful advice regarding university requirements (Roadrunner First-Year RUSH-A seminar; GE, GRE, GWAR, foreign language, residency, etc.), major and minor requirements, and career opportunities within the discipline.

Students who have not declared a major (i.e., undeclared) will be assigned a faculty advisor (Roadrunner Advising Fellow) or a trained staff member from The Student Success and Retention Center (SSRC). All undeclared students will also be required to meet with their assigned advisor (Roadrunner Advising Fellow or SSRC staff) until they formally declare a major and get assigned to a faculty advisor from the discipline/program of their major.

Students who are required to enroll in developmental courses for English and/or Mathematics will be “tracked” and advised by the Coordinator for the Roadrunner Academic Achievement Program (RAAP). The RAAP Coordinator is a staff member of The Student Success and Retention Center (SSRC).

Students who have been placed on “academic probation” or “subject to dismissal” status will be required to meet with the SSRC Director until the student achieves “good academic standing.” In addition, any student granted “reinstatement” following “academic dismissal” will be required to meet with the SSRC Director.

The staff at the SSRC is available for academic advising to all students, not just students who have not yet declared a major. Regardless of class level or major, all students are encouraged to meet with their advisors every quarter. Advising is particularly important prior to registration, not only for selecting courses for the coming quarter but also to verify whether the student is on track regarding his/her program of study toward the baccalaureate degree. Regular meetings with the faculty advisor also provide the student with the opportunity to ask questions about the scheduling of needed courses, availability of specific instructors, internships, career plans, employment opportunities, etc. These meetings also provide the faculty advisor with the opportunity to become better acquainted with the student and his/her academic performance, progress toward degree, and career interests, so that the advisor may be able to provide more detailed and helpful letters of recommendation when requested. The SSRC professional staff can answer questions about many of the university’s programs.

Our advising system is designed to insure that all students obtain the information they need to meet their educational objectives. If a student finds that the system is not working, however, he/she can receive emergency assistance from the Division of Enrollment Management (SA 104, 654-2160).

Registration

- Registration is the final step in the matriculation process. When students have been admitted to the University and have determined which courses they should take to meet specific requirements for their baccalaureate degree, they are ready for registration.

A listing of courses offered and details of registration procedures are available online before registration each quarter. No student should attend classes until his or her registration has been completed. Registration is complete only when all official documents are properly filed, and all outstanding fees and deposits are paid or arrangements for a payment plan are completed. Students may not receive credit in any course for which they have not completed registration.

Online Registration & Student Information

- Students are encouraged to register for courses and review their academic records online. To register for courses and to access student records online, the student must have an internet connection available. The CSUB website offers the following options:

  1. Registration
    • Registering for classes
    • Dropping and Adding classes
    • Verifying current and past schedules
    • Checking availability of courses
  2. Student Records
    • Accessing unofficial transcripts
    • Viewing an up-to-date degree audit
    • Viewing quarter-by-quarter grades
    • Reviewing account history, charges, and payments
    • Checking current address and biographical information on file

Upon logging into Student Information Online, the student will be prompted for his/her user name and PIN. The user name is the student’s campus ID number and the PIN is the student’s date of birth entered as mm/dd/yy.

Full-Time and Part-Time Student Classification

Full-Time
  1. For fee purposes, students registering for more than 6 quarter units of credit.
  2. For certification under the Veterans’ Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-358), undergraduate students registering for 12 quarter units or more of credit or graduate students registering for 8 quarter units or more of credit.
  3. For all other purposes, undergraduate students registering for 12 quarter units or more of credit or graduate students registering for 8 quarter units or more of credit.
Part-Time

- Undergraduate students registering for less than 12 quarter units of credit or graduate students registering for less than 8 quarter units of credit, except as noted above.

Course Load and Changing Course Load

Course Overload

- A student is normally permitted to enroll in a maximum of 19 units. Loads in excess of 19 units are not permitted for first-quarter CSUB students. A student with a CSUB grade point average 2.5 or above may request permission to carry more than 19 units per quarter by petition to the dean of the school for his/her major. A full-time student with a CSUB grade point average of 3.3 or better may carry extra courses without petition.

Open University Enrollment

- Concurrent enrollment in regular CSUB courses by nonmatriculated students is on a space available basis through Open University with the Division of Extended Studies. Courses carry extension credit and no more than 36 quarter units can be applied towards a baccalaureate and no more than 13 quarter units toward a master’s degree.

Enrollment

- A student at CSUB who desires to enroll for concurrent work at another institution or through Extended University at CSUB must file a petition with the Director of Admissions and Records (SA 107, 654-2160). A student for whom the total units resulting from concurrent enrollment in courses at CSUB and courses from another institution, including Extended University at CSUB, will exceed the “standard” 19-unit load, must have approval via a petition to the dean of the student’s major in accord with the University’s policy for Course Overload.

Repeating Courses

- The University does not limit the number of times that a student may repeat a course. However, the number of credit units counted toward the baccalaureate degree is limited to that of a single registration for that course. The grades for each repetition shall be calculated in the CSUB grade point average, unless the student petitions for Replacement of Grade through Repetition of Course.

Changing Course Registration

Each student is responsible for all changes made to his/ her official schedule of classes, i.e., adding courses, dropping courses (except for instructor initiated drop, see below), or complete withdrawal from the university.

Adding Courses

- Students may ADD courses that are “open” either in person at the Records Office or using the online Web-based registration system until the end of the first week of the term. For courses that are “closed” and for all courses after the first week of classes, students must file an Add Form with instructor signature(s) with the Records Office (SA 103). Add Forms are available in the Records Office and in all the school deans’ offices.

Dropping Courses

- It is the responsibility of students to attend each class meeting of the courses in which they are enrolled. Students absent from any class meeting are responsible for personally contacting the instructor by the next class meeting.

In addition, as a courtesy to other students waiting to get into classes as well as a courtesy to the faculty, students who decide to drop a class should notify the instructor immediately. However, it is still the student’s responsibility to submit the “Drop Request Form”.

Dropping classes during week 4 through week 7 is permitted only for serious and compelling reasons that make it impossible for the student to complete course requirements. “Serious and compelling reasons” include documented accident or serious illness, job change, or serious family and/or psychological reasons. Approval and signatures from the instructor and advisor are required.

Failing or performing poorly in a class is not an acceptable “serious and compelling” reason.

Secure a drop request form from the Records Office. The signatures of the instructor and the department Chair of each course being dropped are required. The completed drop form is then returned to the Records Office for processing and a grade of “W” will appear on the transcript. (Note: Grades of “W” do NOT affect a student’s GPA).

Instructor Initiated Drop Policy

- If a class is fully enrolled and the instructor has a waiting list, the course instructor has the right to request that students who have not attended for three (3) consecutive class sessions during the first two weeks of the term be administratively dropped from the class.

Except for the courses designated as “instructor initiated drop courses,” students will not be automatically dropped from classes due to nonattendance.

Withdrawal From The Term Policy

- Withdrawal from the university for the term may occur in two periods during the quarter: (1) After the 3rd week of instruction and thruogh to the 7th week; and (2) After the 7th week of instruction.

Authorization to withdraw from the term shall be granted only for the most serious and compelling reasons. “Serious and compelling reasons include documented accident or serious illness, job change, or serious family and or psychological difficulties or other factors beyond the student’s control.” Such reasons must be documented by the student. Poor academic performance or poor attendance is not evidence of a serious and compelling reason for withdrawal.

For the period after the third week of instruction and up through the seventh week, approval of the instructor or advisor is required. If the student is on financial aid, the approval of the Financial Aid Office is required. The request for withdrawal must state the reason for the withdrawal.

Withdrawals from the term shall not be permitted after the seventh week of instruction except in cases, appropriately documented, such as accident or serious illness, job change or serious family and or psychological difficulties where the assignment of an Incomplete is not practical and the need for withdrawal is clearly beyond the student’s control. Ordinarily, withdrawals in this category will involve total withdrawal from the university except that credit and/or an incomplete grade may be assigned for courses in which sufficient work has been completed to permit an evaluation to be made. Secure a Complete Withdrawal From Term Request form from the Records Office. Clearance signatures are required from:

  1. Instructor(s) of the course(s)
  2. Department Chair or Dean of one of the courses
  3. Cashier’s office
  4. Financial Aid Office
  5. AVP for Enrollment Management
The completed form is then returned to the Records Office for processing.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Numbering System
1- 99
Courses which carry no-credit toward a degree or a credential.
100-199
Lower-division courses designed as freshman level, but also open to other students.
200-299
Lower-division courses designed as sophomore level, but also open to other students.
300-399
Upper-division courses designed as junior level; may be opened to “advanced” lower-division students under special circumstances with prior approval.
400-499
Upper-division courses designed as senior level, not open to lower division students and may be used for post-baccalaureate or graduate credit with prior approval.
500-599
Graduate courses open to “advanced” seniors, credential candidates, and graduate students.
600-699
Graduate courses designed primarily for Classified graduate students.
700-799
Continuous enrollment courses designed for those students who have completed all requirements for the Master’s Degree except the thesis, project or examination, and who are not enrolled in any other course. These are offered in each Master’s program.
800-899
Courses receiving Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) designed for re-licensure requirements. Credit for these courses not applicable to degrees.
900-999
Courses designed for professional groups seeking vocational improvement or career development. Credit for these courses not applicable to degrees or credentials.
Course Units

- Most courses at CSUB are based upon the 5-quarter unit model. However, courses may also be designed for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 quarter units. Course instruction is 50 minutes for each unit of credit, so a 5- unit non-lab course will have 250 minutes of instruction. Courses with laboratories or studios will either have the laboratory/studio integrated into the course structure or the laboratory/studio will have separate course numbers. Regardless of structure, laboratory/studio instruction varies from 1.5 to 3 hours for each unit. Some of the science courses have two units of laboratory (up to 6 hours).

Class Schedule

- An official Schedule of Classes is prepared each term by the University that provides information about the registration schedule, registration procedures, fees, class offering, and other pertinent information about university resources available to the student. The Schedule of Classes is available online in advance of registration each term.

Class Meetings

- Classes meet at the time and place indicated on the CSUB website Class Schedule. Except in cases of emergency, all changes will be updated online and/or announced by the course instructor prior to subsequent class meetings. Information on any rescheduled class session may be secured from the office of the appropriate School Dean.

University Absence Policy

- Responsibilities regarding student absences are as follows:

If unexpected scheduling changes occur, the sponsor will provide the student with a revised memorandum to be given to instructors as soon as possible.

When students must miss class, it is their responsibility to inform faculty members of the reason for the missed class (documentation may be required) and to arrange to make up any missed assignments, exams, quizzes, and class work, to the extent that this is possible. Excusable absences include, but are not limited to:

Faculty are expected to make reasonable accommodations for excused student absences, provided there is not an unreasonable number of such absences (as per course instructor)during the quarter, and provided that make-up work can be accomplished without substantial additional time or resources from the academic department or instructor. All parties must recognize that not all learning activities and exercises during class times can be made up, and therefore students may not be able to make up missed work.

This University Absence Policy will be disseminated to faculty, students, school Deans, advisors, the Athletic Director, the Faculty Athletic Representative, coaches, and through appropriate university documents.

Out-of-Class Preparation

- Course instructors generally structure their courses so that the “average” student will need to devote 2-3 hours outside of class each week for each unit of course credit. In other words, students should expect to spend 10-15 hours outside of class each week for a 5 unit class in completing assigned readings, performing library or internet searches, doing homework assignments, writing papers or reports, studying for quizzes/exams, etc.

Student Opinionnaire on Courses and Instruction (SOCI)

- Students enrolled in each regular non-seminar class are asked to fill out anonymous questionnaires which report their assessment of the course content and the instruction in that class. The Student Opinionnaire on Courses and Instruction (SOCI) are used both by individual faculty members and the university administration in a continuing effort to insure that the instructional program at CSUB is as effective as possible. Faculty use the student feedback to make systematic adjustments in their courses to better serve our students. Faculty committees and university administrators use the SOCI as one mechanism to assess faculty performance in teaching for Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (RTP) for probationary tenure-track faculty, for post-tenure review of tenured faculty, and for performance review of temporary faculty.

COURSE GRADING SYSTEM

Grade Symbol Explanation Grade Points/Course Unit
A Excellent 4.0
A- 3.7
B+ 3.3
B Good 3.0
B - 2.7
C+ 2.3
C Average 2.0
C- 1.7
D+ 1.3
D Passing 1.0
D- 0.7
F Failing 0
W Withdrawal No Effect
I Incomplete No Effect
ICIncomplete-Charged 0
CR Credit No Effect
NC No-Credit No Effect
RD Report Delayed No Effect
AU Audit No Effect
RP Report in Progress No Effect
WU Unauthorized Withdrawal 0

Grade point averages (GPA) are computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted. Only units and grade points earned by a student while enrolled at CSUB are used to compute the CSUB GPA. The CSUB GPA is used to determine academic standing.

Letter Grades

- The assignment of letter grades for each course is the responsibility of the course instructor.

Change of Final Course Grade

- A change in letter grade can be approved by the department chair only in the case of a declared clerical error. The definition of clerical error is an error made by the instructor or by an assistant in grade estimating or posting. Under no circumstances, except for completion of work when “I” was issued or through the Student Academic Grievance Procedures, may a grade change be made as the result of work completed or presented following the close of a grading period.

Non-Letter Grade Symbols
AU (Audit)

- Admitted students may file a request with the Office of Admissions and Records (SA103, 654- 3036) to audit a course. An auditor does not receive baccalaureate credit for the audited course. Enrollment as an auditor is subject to permission of the instructor; enrollment in a course as an auditor shall be permitted only after students otherwise eligible to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so. Auditors are subject to the same fee structure as credit students and regular class attendance is expected. Once enrolled as an auditor, a student may not change to credit status unless such a change is requested no later than the last day to add classes. Auditors are not permitted to take examinations in the course. A grade of “AU” for an audited course is posted on a student’s permanent record if, in the judgment of the instructor, the student has attended enough class meetings to receive a grade of “AU”; otherwise, a “W” is recorded.

CR, NC (Credit, No-Credit)

- These symbols are used in courses where letter grades are not deemed appropriate. Credit, no-credit registration is also used for all students enrolled in courses numbered 0-99 that do not count toward the baccalaureate degree, and in some performance courses such as Music and Theatre where participation is the key component. Finally, most Independent Study and Directed Research courses are graded on a credit, no credit basis, since accomplishment of a specified amount of work is the content of such courses. A “CR” or “NC” is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points.

A student desiring to enroll in a course on an optional credit, no-credit basis must obtain from the Records Office (SA 103, 654-3036) the appropriate form. This form requires the advisor’s signature and, if a student is requesting permission to take more than one course in a single term on an optional credit, no-credit basis, the signature of the appropriate school dean. Students may change their enrollment among optional credit, nocredit grading and letter grading up to the 15th instructional day (Census Day). A grade of “CR” will be awarded for work of “C” (2.0) or better; the grade “NC” will be awarded for the grade of “C-” (1.7) or below.

Courses taken on an optional credit, no-credit basis may not be counted toward major, minor, concentration, or cognate requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Ten (10) units of optional credit, no-credit course work can be used in meeting the General Education requirements. Up to a maximum of 45 units of credit, no-credit course work (including optional credit, no-credit) completed at CSUB may be counted toward a baccalaureate.

I (Incomplete - Authorized)

- The symbol “I” indicates that the student has been unable to complete a portion of required course work in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen, but fully justified, reasons and that the instructor believes that the student is still capable of completing the required course work and earning credit. It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the attention of the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements which must be satisfied to remove the Incomplete. A formal Petition for Incomplete Grade must be signed by the instructor and filed with the Records Office. The student will have one quarter to remove the Incomplete. This one-quarter time limitation prevails whether or not the student is enrolled at CSUB during the subsequent quarter. An “I” is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points. A final course grade will be assigned by the course instructor when the required work has been completed and evaluated.

IC (Incomplete Charged)

- The “IC” symbol is used when a student who received an authorized incomplete (“I”) fails to complete the required course work within the allowed time limit. The “IC” replaces the “I” and is counted as a failing grade (F) for grade point average and progress point computation.

RD (Report Delayed)

- The “RD” symbol is used where a delay in the reporting of a grade is due to circumstances beyond the control of the student. The symbol may be assigned by the registrar only and, if assigned, shall be replaced by a substantive grading symbol as soon as possible. An “RD” is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points. The Records Office shall notify both the instructor of record and the department chair within one week of the assignment of RD grades.

RP (Report in Progress)

- The “RP” symbol is used in connection with courses that extend beyond one academic term, normally Independent Study, Directed Research, and master’s thesis or project. It indicates that work is in progress and that the progress has been judged satisfactory, but that the assignment of a final course grade must await completion of additional work. Work must be completed within one year; theses or projects for master’s degrees may be authorized for a maximum of two (2) years as long as the delay does not exceed the overall time limit for completion of the master’s degree requirements. Any extension of time limits must receive prior authorization by the appropriate school dean and, for master’s degree theses and projects, by the Dean of Academic Programs.

W (Withdraw)

- The “W” symbol indicates that the student was authorized to withdraw from the course after the third full week of class instruction with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points. Withdrawals are not permitted during the final three weeks of instruction except in cases such as accident or serious illness, where the cause of withdrawal is clearly beyond the student’s control and the assignment of an “Incomplete” is not practical. Ordinarily, withdrawals during the last three weeks of the quarter involve Complete Withdrawal from the University.

WU (Unauthorized Withdrawal)

- The “WU” symbol indicates that an enrolled student did not formally withdraw from the course and failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the judgment of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. For purposes of grade point average and progress point computation, the “WU” symbol is equivalent to an “F.”

ACADEMIC STANDING

The students’ academic standing is determined by the quality of their academic performance and progress toward their degree objective. Academic standing is determined by a progress point scale based on the grade point computation for letter grades, augmented by the assignment of two (2) progress points per unit for the CR grade.

Dean’s List

- A full-time, undergraduate student, carrying at least eight (8) units of letter-graded work during the quarter, who earns a GPA of 3.25 or above in that quarter will be placed on the Dean’s List.

Good Academic Standing

- Good Academic Standing indicates that a student is eligible to continue in attendance at CSUB and is not under academic probation/ disqualification or disciplinary probation/suspension/ expulsion from the University.

Academic Probation and Disqualification

- Any undergraduate student with a CSUB GPA falling below 2.00 shall be placed on Academic Probation. In accord with Executive Order 823, each class level (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior) shall have separate criteria for determining academic standing.

Freshman Student (44.5 or fewer quarter units)
  1. Students on Academic Probation retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.75 through 1.99 in subsequent terms shall remain on Academic Probation.
  2. Students on Academic Probation shall become Subject to Dismissal when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.75.
  3. c. Students Subject to Dismissal retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.50 through 1.74 in subsequent terms shall remain Subject to Dismissal.
  4. Students Subject to Dismissal shall be Academically Disqualified when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.50.
Sophomore Student (45 - 89.5 quarter units)
  1. Students on Academic Probation retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.85 through 1.99 in subsequent terms shall remain on Academic probation.
  2. Students on Academic Probation shall become Subject to Dismissal when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.85.
  3. Students Subject to Dismissal retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.70 through 1.84 in subsequent terms shall remain Subject to Dismissal.
  4. Students Subject to Dismissal shall be Academically Disqualified when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.70.
Junior Student (90 - 134.5 quarter units)
  1. Students on Academic Probation retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.92 through 1.99 in subsequent terms shall remain on Academic Probation.
  2. Students on Academic Probation shall become Subject to Dismissal when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.92.
  3. Students Subject to Dismissal retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.85 through 1.91 in subsequent terms shall remain Subject to Dismissal.
  4. Students Subject to Dismissal shall be Academically Disqualified when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.85.
Senior class standing (135 or more quarter units)
  1. Students on Academic Probation retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.97 through 1.99 in subsequent terms shall remain on Academic Probation.
  2. Students on Academic Probation shall become Subject to Dismissal when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.97.
  3. Students Subject to Dismissal retaining a CSUB GPA of 1.95 through 1.96 in subsequent terms shall remain Subject to Dismissal.
  4. Students Subject to Dismissal shall be Academically Disqualified when their CSUB GPA falls below 1.95.
Readmission of Academically Disqualified Undergraduate Students

- Students disqualified for academic reasons will ordinarily be considered for readmission only when they have satisfied one of the following conditions:

  1. For students who were lower-division (completed fewer than 90 quarter units): completed college work elsewhere or in CSUB Extended University, and
    1. brought their total college work completed to 90 or more quarter units with an overall grade point average of “C” (2.0) or better, with recent work clearly indicating capability of performing college work with above average achievement, or
    2. attained at least a “B” (3.0) average in not less than 15 quarter units.
  2. For students who were upper-division (completed 90 quarter units or more): and
    1. earned college credit elsewhere or in CSUB Extended University and attained at least a “B” (3.0) average in not less than 9 quarter units, or
    2. remained absent from the university for at least one year, during which time they have remedied the conditions that contributed to their academic difficulty.

Students who have satisfied these conditions will be considered for readmission only after filing a regular application for re-entry and furnishing transcripts of all college work taken since disqualification. Readmission is not automatic: each applicant is considered on an individual basis.

Students must file a petition for readmission with the Academic Petitions Committee (APC). The petition must clearly indicate the courses the student successfully completed to meet the above conditions. For upperdivision students who simply remained absent for at least one year, the petition must provide verifiable evidence that the student has remedied whatever difficulties contributed to the previous poor academic performance. Students interested in having the APC consider their petitions for re-admission should contact the Dean of Academic Programs (EDUC 242, 654-3420). Those students accepted for readmission will re-enter on Academic Probation.

ACADEMIC RENEWAL

Replacement of a Grade through Repetition of Course

- Students may replace grades of “C-” or below in a maximum of 20 units by repeating the course at CSUB and filing a Repetition of Course Petition form with the Admissions and Records Office. Although the grades for each repetition will remain on the transcript, only the grade for the most recent course registration will be used in computing the GPA. The original coursework for which students petition to replace grades may have been taken at CSUB or some other institution. In the latter case, courses must be at the same level, have similar titles, and cover essentially the same subject matter content. CSUB does not accept courses from another institution for this policy.

Qualified students may get the Repetition of Course Petition form from the Records Office (SA 103, 654-3036) or from the Admissions and Records website. The petition does not require any approvals and may be filed at any time, although students are encouraged to file soon after they have completed the repeated course.

Students needing to raise their CSUB GPA in order to graduate on a timely basis may petition the Academic Petitions Committee (APC) to replace grades beyond the 20 units allowed by the University. Approval of such petitions is not automatic. Students should contact the Academic Programs office (EDUC 242, 654-3420) to get information regarding the content and format for their petition to repeat courses and replace grades beyond the 20-unit limit.

Retroactive Withdrawal

- Students may petition for retroactive withdrawal from a course after the completion of the quarter in which they were registered for the course if they meet the following criteria:

  1. The request to drop the course would have been approved by the course instructor if it had been filed during the quarter;
  2. There is verification that the student was unable to file the request to drop the course in a timely manner because of extenuating circumstances, e.g., serious illness or injury to self or family or sudden unexpected change in work assignments, that were beyond the student’s control; and
  3. No more than 12 months have elapsed since the end of the term in which the course was taken.

All petitions for retroactive withdrawal shall be submitted as a Petition for Exception to the office of the Dean of the school of the student’s major. Such petitions require the approval of the course instructor(s), the department chair(s), and the school dean(s). Because retroactive withdrawal from a course is an exceptional occurrence, the student’s documentation of eligibility shall be carefully scrutinized before approval is granted. All petitions for retroactive withdrawal that have been approved will result in the assigned grade for the course(s) being changed to “W.”

Removal of Coursework from Previous Terms (Academic Renewal)

- In exceptional circumstances, an undergraduate student may be granted permission to have up to three quarters of undergraduate coursework, taken at least five years earlier, disregarded from all considerations associated with requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Removal of coursework from previous terms (academic renewal) shall be used only to assist a student to graduate with his/her baccalaureate degree, i.e., to achieve a CSUB and/or cumulative GPA of 2.0. Under no circumstances will students be authorized to remove coursework for previous terms solely to raise their GPA for scholarships or honors, for admission to graduate or credential programs, or for any situation that has GPA criteria. This policy does not apply to graduate students.

To qualify for Academic Renewal through removal of coursework from previous terms, an undergraduate student must demonstrate by his/her academic performance since that time that the coursework to be removed is not reflective of his/her ability. Students must file a petition for the removal of coursework for previous terms with the Academic Petitions Committee (APC). Students should contact the Academic Programs Office (EDUC 242, 654-3420) to get information regarding the content and format for their petitions.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS

The academic plan of the University not only provides for a wide range of degree programs, minors, concentrations, etc., but it also provides for a variety of academic support services to assist new and continuing students in achieving academic success.

Roadrunner Orientation, Advising, and Registration (OAR) Program

- The University schedules one-day Orientation, Advising, and Registration (OAR) programs in April, May, July, August and just before the beginning of each academic quarter to provide new first-year students (first-time freshman, transfer, and re-entry students) an opportunity to (1) learn about basic requirements for the baccalaureate degree and about various academic support services available at CSUB, (2) be advised by either faculty or staff in the selection of courses for the student’s first academic term, and (3) register for those courses in order to become a CSUB student.

Combined Summer Academic Preparation Program (CSAPP)

- The CSAPP provides selected firstyear freshman students (Summer Bridge) and new international students (Intensive English Language Center) an opportunity to receive early academic preparation prior to the beginning of each Fall quarter and to start developing a “network” with faculty, staff, and other students. CSAPP involves academic instruction in English (reading, writing, & speaking) and mathematics, acquisition of “survival skills,” and establishment of “social networks.”

In addition, the Roadrunner JumpStart programs in English and Math are available to first-time freshman students as an intensive 2-week academic preparation in English (reading & writing) and/or mathematics.

Roadrunner Resources for Undergraduate Success and High-Achievement (RUSH-A) Program

- The Roadrunner RUSH-A Program formally introduces all new students in “transition” (first-time freshman, transfer, and re-entry students) to the many important issues that are fundamental to academic and career success. An integrated series of seminars is offered for all new students in “transition” CSUB 101/301, 103/303, and 105/305. The CSUB 101 is required for all first-time freshman students.

The Roadrunner RUSH-A program collaborates with the following campus programs to offer new and continuing students a wide range of academic support services to assist in their achievement of academic success:

ALTERNATIVES TO CLASSROOM STRUCTURE

The University provides a variety of alternatives to the traditional classroom. These alternatives serve a number of purposes. Some alternatives allow students to accelerate their progress toward their baccalaureate degree. Other alternatives may permit the student to earn baccalaureate credit for experience or study completed prior to matriculation at CSUB. Several permit the student to earn academic credit for career-related employment or community service.

Currently, the University offers the following alternatives: (1) Advanced Placement (AP) Program, (2) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, (3) College Level Examination Program (CLEP), (4) credit for courses by challenge examination; (5) credit for the passage of externally developed tests; (6) credit for prior experiential learning; (7) service learning, (8) Human Corps program, (9) community service program, (10) discipline-based internships, (11) Cooperative Education, (12) directed research, and (13) several kinds of independent study. Each of these alternatives is described below. Students are urged to explore with their advisors the different programs.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

- The University 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 3 or better will be granted up to six (6) semester units (nine (9) quarter units) of college credit.

Students will receive credit for CSUB coursework most nearly equivalent to the material covered in the AP examination. The courses credited will be displayed on the transcript. Questions about AP credit should be directed to the Academic Programs office (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

- The University recognizes the high scholastic quality of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. High school students holding the IB diploma (not certificate) are eligible for admission and will receive 5 quarter units of General Education credit for each higher level examination passed with a minimum score of 4.0. Application of credit to a major or minor is at departmental discretion.

Applicants who plan to enroll at CSUB should submit a copy of their official IB transcript to the Office of Admissions for evaluation. The courses credited will be displayed on the transcript. Questions about IB credit should be directed to the Academic Programs office (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

- The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables students who have reached the university level of education outside the classroom and before matriculation to demonstrate their knowledge and to earn baccalaureate credit. Students interested in CLEP should contact the Testing Office (654-3373).

There are four CLEP General Examinations for which credit is awarded: Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. These General Examinations provide a comprehensive measure of undergraduate achievement in these basic areas of the liberal arts. Students who successfully pass one or more of these examinations earn credit that applies to CSUB’s General Education Program. The application of the Credit is displayed on the transcript.

There are also approximately 30 Subject Examinations. These differ from the General Examinations in that they are more closely tied to course content and are intended to cover material that is typical of university courses in these subjects. Before taking a Subject Examination, students should consult with the relevant department. If the department approves, the students may earn credit for specific university courses by passing a Subject Examination.

A student who has taken CLEP examinations should request that scores be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Credit by Challenge Examination

- Students may challenge some lower-division courses by taking examinations developed by the CSUB faculty. Credit (units) for the lower-division course shall be awarded if these examinations are successfully passed.

A student interested in challenging a CSUB lowerdivision course must first contact the Department Chair of the program that offers the course to determine whether it is eligible for challenge. If the course is eligible, the student then discusses the challenge examination with a faculty member who teaches the course. That faculty member then may develop an appropriate challenge examination. The student is required to pay a $2.00 fee, payable to the CSUB Accounting Office, for each challenge examination; the student submits the receipt to the department prior to taking the examination.

There are several restrictions on Credit by Challenge Examination:

  1. Credit shall not be awarded when degree credit has already been granted through regular course work, credit by evaluation, credit through externally developed diagnostic tests, or other instructional processes, such as correspondence;
  2. Credit shall not be awarded when credit has already been granted at a level more advanced than that represented by the examination;
  3. Credit by Challenge Examination shall not count as resident credit and shall be awarded only on a credit, no-credit basis;
  4. Application of the Credit by Challenge Examination units to major or minor requirements shall be determined by the department responsible for the student’s baccalaureate degree program; and
  5. A student may earn no more than 20 quarter units through Credit by Challenge Examination.

Credit for Prior Experiential Learning

- The University grants units of credit for learning, knowledge, or skillsbased 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.

The amount of credit for experiential learning is determined only after self and faculty assessment of the scope and quality of the learning. Evaluation of experiential learning takes varied forms, including written examinations, portfolios, personal interviews, and demonstrations. Frequently, complementary academic study will be required prior to the awarding of credit.

There are several restrictions on Credit for Prior Experiential Learning:

  1. Students shall not be awarded Credit for Prior Experiential Learning until they have completed 30 quarter units in residence.
  2. Credit for Prior Experiential Learning shall not count as resident credit and shall be awarded only on a credit, no-credit basis;
  3. Credit for Prior Experiential Learning shall not exceed 20 quarter units;
  4. Only undergraduates are eligible to receive Credit for Prior Experiential Learning, and the credit may not count for post-baccalaureate credit;
Students interested in pursuing this option should consult with the appropriate school dean or department chair. Forms are available from the Academic Programs office (EDUC 242, 654-3420).

Service Learning

- Many faculty at CSUB have developed service learning components that are integrated into their courses. Students enrolled in such courses have the opportunity to be placed with a community organization in the private, public, or non-profit sector. The Community Partnerships and Service Learning office (CPSL) works cooperatively with these faculty to facilitate the placement of students so that they can receive “hands-on” experience in the real world. Students gain professional knowledge and skills and develop valuable relationships in the community through service learning while completing academic courses.

Human Corps Program

- The Human Corps Program provides students an opportunity to receive university credit for volunteer community service experience. Qualified students must work with the Community Partnerships & Service Learning Center (CPSL, MB2 302, 654- 2100) to arrange for 30 hours of volunteer service experience with nonprofit, governmental, educational, or community- based service organizations. Placements are designed to provide direct experience with appropriate professionals, while improving the quality of life in the community.

To receive university credit, students enroll in a General Studies course, HCOR 396, or a departmental Human Corps course, and must complete at least 30 hours of service per quarter. One unit of Human Corps credit may be earned each quarter, and no more than 12 units of credit may be counted toward the baccalaureate.

Community Service Program

- The Community Service Program includes a series of General Studies courses GST 207A, B, and C in which students receive 2 units of credit for 40 hours of community service per quarter, with a total of 6 units available through the three courses. Most of the “class activities” for GST 207A, B, and C, will be completed online via WebCT. Students in “good academic standing” must work with the Community Partnerships & Service Learning Center (CPSL, MB2 302, 654-2100) to arrange for 40 hours of community service with nonprofit, governmental, educational, or community-based service organizations. Placements are designed to provide direct experience with appropriate professionals, while improving the quality of life in the community.

Discipline-Based Internship Program

- Under the Internship Program, students can receive academic credit for paid employment or non-paid service that is directly related to their academic discipline. Community Partnerships & Service Learning (CPSL, MB2 302, 654- 2100) works cooperatively with the faculty sponsor to place qualified students in an internship site or to develop a partnership with their current employer. Students register for their internship credit in a discipline-based course with the units based on the number of hours being worked. The faculty sponsor in the student’s major field of study is the instructor of record for the internship course.

For more information, students should contact their faculty advisor, Department Chair, and/or the Community Service Programs office at 654-2100. Students can also access information about these programs online at www.csub.edu/csp.

Cooperative Education

- Cooperative Education is a type of educational experience that integrates a students’ university academic study with related work experience in a business, government, or nonprofit agency. Students participate in part-time employment with concurrent attendance or alternate periods of attendance with periods of employment.

All students who are in good academic standing are eligible to apply for Cooperative Education. Academic credit, on a credit, no-credit basis, is awarded through enrollment in either General Studies or discipline-based Cooperative Education courses.

Students interested in this program should contact the Community Partners & Service Learning office (CPSL, MB2 302, 654-2100).

Directed Research

- Faculty involved in research projects may engage students with their research. Students so engaged may earn 1 to 5 units per quarter. In addition, students may engage in “independent” research under the sponsorship of a faculty member. Students so engaged may earn 1 to 5 units per quarter. Students interested in working on research projects should contact their faculty advisor or the Department Chair of their major.

Independent Study

- A major goal of the University is the inculcation in its students of a commitment to continuing self-education. Many CSUB students will reach a point during their undergraduate or graduate years at which they will have the knowledge, skills, ability, and discipline necessary to carry out independent projects under the sponsorship of a faculty member.

Undergraduate or graduate students may enroll in independent study courses for 1 to 5 units of credit. Students may apply a maximum of 20 quarter units of independent study credit toward their undergraduate degree but no more than 10 units toward their major. Graduate degree requirements vary by program. The department responsible for the degree determines the application of the independent study units toward specific requirements.

Students wishing to engage in independent study must file a petition. This petition, available in the school deans’ offices, requires the signatures of the supervising faculty member, the department chair, and the school dean. After securing the required signatures, the student follows the registration procedures required for traditional courses.

The University offers several different types of independent study courses, with the two most common being Individual Study and Individual Course. Students should discuss with their faculty advisor the alternatives offered by their department.

Individual Study

- The individual study course, normally numbered 499, 599 or 699, allows the student to explore in-depth a topic of interest or to engage in an original creative project selected by the student. The student must identify a faculty member willing to supervise the course. The University strongly recommends that students wishing to enroll in an independent study course have earned a CSUB GPA of 3.00 or higher and have completed at least 30 units in residence. Grading may be by letter grade or be on a credit, no-credit basis, depending upon the nature of the independent study.

Individual Course

- When a student requires a regular course for graduation or other special purposes and the course is unavailable, the department may allow a student to enroll in that course as an independent study. A faculty member must agree to conduct this course as an independent study. The content of the course will remain the same as the regular course, with some adjustments made by the faculty member to accommodate the independent study mode. Students will earn the same number of units as the regular course. Grading will be based upon the same standards as the regular course.

ALTERNATIVES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY

Early Enrollment Program

- The Early Enrollment Program was designed to assist high schools in meeting the needs of gifted students and expand outreach programs to underrepresented groups. High School students may earn college credit through this program. Cost for the program is $2.00 each term; books and parking are extra.

Eligible students may take a freshman level course offered by CSUB in fall, winter or spring terms. Early Enrollment is not available during summer session except special programs such as Enterprise College. Students are limited to one course each term. Students must follow the following enrollment process:

Antelope Valley Campus

- In cooperation with Antelope Valley College (AVC), the University operates the CSUB Antelope Valley campus for students in the Lancaster and Palmdale area. For more detailed information on the offerings provided at the AV campus, please refer to pages 102-103.

Instructional Television (ITV)

- The University televises a variety of university courses from the CSUB campus to nearby locations and surrounding communities. Some courses are available for home viewing via cable; others require attendance at specific sites. All courses are televised live at the time of instruction at CSUB, and students must watch at the designated time. The region serviced by the program broadcast varies from course to course. The general area is from Porterville on the north to Frazier Park on the south using wireless transmission and five cable systems. There are no additional fees charged for participation in courses delivered through the ITV network. For information concerning registration procedures, fees, and the current schedule of classes, interested students should call (661) 654- 2448 or log on to the CSUB web site at www.csub.edu/ itv.

National Student Exchange (NSE)

- CSUB is one of over 100 state colleges and universities within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands that participate in the National Student Exchange (NSE) program. Students may spend a year or part of a year at one of the participating institutions and return to CSUB to complete their undergraduate education. The NSE program provides the student with new academic and social experiences through a simplified admissions process and assurance of full academic credit at CSUB during the term of exchange at a minimal cost to the student.

To qualify for participation in the National Student Exchange program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. be a full-time student at CSUB (enrolled in at least 12 units per quarter);
  2. be a sophomore or junior during the term(s) of exchange; and
  3. have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Tuition and fees assessed are the in-state (resident) tuition and fee at either CSUB or the host campus, depending upon the exchange plan of the member college or university. Participants must also pay for room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses at the host school. Students are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aids Office early in the National Student Exchange application process to determine financial needs for the exchange period.

Catalogs, detailed information, and applications are available from the National Student Exchange Coordinator in the Admissions & Records Office (654-2123).

International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

- CSUB is a member institution with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a network of 275 institutions of higher education located throughout the United States and in more than 39 other countries. The ISEP program offers CSUB students the opportunity to study at a diverse range of sites and programs that combine opportunities for intellectual and personal growth with immersion in another culture. Through reciprocal exchange and other innovative and cost-effective approaches, students have access to affordable, high quality study abroad programs as an integral part of their education.

The program is designed so that students exchanged throughout the ISEP network pay all of their fees, including room and board, to CSUB, and take up a place at a host institution, with no money changing hands. Exchanges can range in length from one academic term to one year of study. In most cases, ISEP participants are matriculated directly into the host institution and pursue courses with native students.

Most forms of financial aid can be applied toward participation. ISEP offers students two options:

Requirements

- All undergraduate and graduate students at CSUB, who have completed at least one year of university coursework. The GPA requirement for most programs is a 2.75, and some programs may require foreign language skills. However, there are many institutions office courses taught in English. Students must also demonstrate the personal maturity needed to study abroad, which is evaluated by your essays and professor recommendations.

Deadline for application
- Feb 1 for Fall entry and July 1 for Spring entry.

For more information about the ISEP program offerings at CSUB, please call the International Students and Programs office at 661-654-2014, email csubis@csub.edu, or visit the ISP office in the Modular East Complex, Room 211. You may also visit the ISEP homepage at www. isep.org/ for more information.

Bilateral Exchange Programs

- The University has bilateral exchange agreements with three foreign universities.

General requirements

- students must have a 2.75 GPA or higher. In addition, they must have the equivalent of 2 years foreign language education of the host country at college level with a 3.0 GPA or higher in the language. Application deadline: Feb 1st for Fall entry and July 1 for Spring entry.”

University of Odense

- Odense, Denmark - as the first university and description: “This program is based on one-on-one student exchanges of CSUB students and University of Odense (OU). The actual school costs to participate in this program are the same as CSUB and are paid here before you go. OU receives approximately 100 exchange students each year. The exchange students enroll in various courses as well as in the Scandinavian Area Studies.” Contact the Office of International students & Programs for further information (Tel: 654-2014; email: csubis@csub.edu).

Universite d’Orleans

- Orleans, France - This program is based on balanced one-to-one student exchanges of CSUB and Universite d’Orleans students. Students pay CSUB tuition and fees before departure to the host institution. Room and board is arranged through the Universite d’Orleans. Students must have a 2.75 GPA or higher to apply to the Universite d’Orleans. In addition, they must have the equivalent of two years of university French and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the language. Through participation in study at the Universite d’Orleans, CSUB students enroll directly in the host institution and are integrated with native students. Most majors at CSUB are offered by the Universite d’Orleans. Students interested in studying at Unversite d’Orleans should contact Dr. Joanne Schmidt, Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, (DDH B117, 654-2317).

Fachhochschule at Lugwigshafen am Rheim

- The purpose of this Agreement is to develop balanced one-toone student exchanges of CSUB students (home institution) and those at Fachhochschule at Lugwigshafen am Rheim (host institution) in the shared conviction that unique understandings accrue from the continuing emphasis on the universality of human knowledge and of the academic endeavor, and that such exchanges contribute to international friendship and cooperation. Although most majors can be accommodated, the primary focus of this program is in science and technology, business administration, and public administration. Students must have a 2.75 GPA or higher. In addition, they must have the equivalent of two years of university German and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the language. Students interested in studying at Fachhochschule at Lugwigshafen am Rheim should contact either Dr. Julio R. Blanco, Dean for Natural Sciences & Mathematics (SCI 104, 654-3450), or Dr. Donavan Ropp, Department of Management & Marketing (BDC A214, 654-2435).

MICEFA (Mission interuniversitaire de coordination des echanges franco-americains Paris - lle de France)

- This program is a Franco-American exchange based on balanced one-to-one student exchanges of CSUB students (home institution) and those of MICEFA (host institutions are Universites de Paris III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII). Students must have a 2.75 GPA or higher to apply to MICEFA. In addition, they must have the equivalent of two years of university French and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the language. Most forms of financial aid can be applied toward participation in MICEFA. Students enroll directly in courses at the host institutions. Most majors at CSUB are offered on the various campuses of the Universite de Paris. Students interested in studying at one of the Universite de Paris campuses should contact Dr. Joanne Schmidt, Department of Modern Languages & Literatures (DDH B117, 654-2317).

THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of The California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year. More than 15,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or special study center abroad. The International Programs serves the needs of students in over 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 20 countries, the International Programs also offers a wide selection of study locales and learning environments.

International Programs pays all tuition and administrative costs for participating California resident students to the same extent that such funds would be expended to support similar costs in California. Participants are responsible for all personal costs, such as transportation, room and board, living expenses, and home campus fees. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work- Study, is available to qualified students.

To qualify for admission to the International Programs, students must have upper division or graduate standing at a CSU campus by the time of departure. Students at the sophomore level may, however, participate in the intensive language acquisition programs in France, Germany, and Mexico. California Community Colleges transfer students are eligible to apply directly from their community colleges. Students must also possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program for which they apply. Some programs also have language study and/or other coursework prerequisites.

Additional information and application materials may be obtained on campus, or by writing to The California State University International Programs, 401 Golden Shore, Sixth Floor, Long Beach, California 90802-4210. Visit us on the World Wide Web at www.gateway.calstate.edu/ csuienet/.

Morelia Summer Program

- is designed to give participants the opportunity to live in a Spanish-speaking country while studying the language and culture. Over the years we have had participants of all ages and from many walks of life, and with different individual needs. Some wish to visit a region of Mexico which is somewhat off the beaten path, others wish to improve their Spanish, and still other need to satisfy academic and professional requirements. Therefore, the program offers not only language classes (beginning, intermediate and advanced), but also literature and culture courses. Contact: Dr. José Reyna (Department of Modern Languages and Literatures). email: jreyna@csub.edu

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

Academic Integrity

- The principles of truth and integrity are recognized as fundamental to a community of teachers and scholars. The University expects that both faculty and students will honor these principles and in so doing will protect the integrity of all academic work and student grades. Students are expected to do all work assigned to them without unauthorized assistance and without giving unauthorized assistance. Faculty have the responsibility of exercising care in the planning and supervision of academic work so that honest effort will be encouraged and positively reinforced.

There are certain forms of conduct that violate the university’s policy of academic integrity. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (CHEATING) is a broad category of actions that involve fraud and deception to improve a grade or obtain course credit. Academic dishonesty (cheating) is not limited to examination situations alone, but arises whenever students attempt to gain an unearned academic advantage. PLAGIARISM is a specific form of academic dishonesty (cheating) which consists of the misuse of published or unpublished works of another by claiming them as one’s own. Plagiarism may consist of handing in someone else’s work as one’s own, copying or purchasing a pre-written composition and claiming it as one’s own, using paragraphs, sentences, phrases, words or ideas written by another without giving appropriate citation, or using data and/or statistics compiled by another without giving appropriate citation. Another example of academic dishonesty (cheating) is the SUBMISSION OF THE SAME, OR ESSENTIALLY THE SAME, PAPER or other assignment for credit in two different courses without receiving prior approval from the instructors of the affected courses.

When a faculty member discovers a violation of the university’s policy of academic integrity, the faculty member is required to notify the CSUB Dean of Student Life and CSUB Student Conduct Coordinator and the student(s) involved. A course grade of ‘F’ may be assigned or another grade penalty may be applied at the discretion of the course instructor. Additional academic sanctions are determined by the student conduct coordinator. Academic sanctions may include disciplinary probation, suspension, permanent expulsion from the university or from the California State University system, administrative hold on the release of records, and withholding a degree. Disciplinary probation shall be noted on the student’s formal academic record only for the duration of the probationary period. Disciplinary suspension and expulsion are a part of the student’s permanent record.

The student may pursue a formal hearing or make a settlement agreement with the student conduct coordinator. CSUB Dean of Student Life and CSUB Student Conduct Coordinator shall conduct an investigation, confer with the faculty member, students and any witnesses identified, and review all evidence. The student is entitled to a formal hearing scheduled by the CSUB Dean of Student Life and CSUB Student Conduct Coordinator, in which the evidence of the alleged violation shall be presented before an impartial Hearing Officer (appointed by the President) and the student shall be present to provide an explanation or defense. The Hearing Officer shall submit a written report to the President containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Alternatively, a settlement agreement may be made with the CSUB Dean of Student Life and CSUB Student Conduct Coordinator. The settlement agreement will specify the academic sanctions, the length and terms of disciplinary probation or suspension, and the conditions the student is expected to meet in order to remain in good standing (e.g., training or regular meetings with the CSUB Dean of Student Life and CSUB Student Conduct Coordinator). All sanctions are reported to the instructor reporting the incident, the student’s Chair, and the student’s Dean.

Any repeated violation of academic integrity shall result in more serious academic sanctions. Normally, this will include suspension or expulsion from the university with a note on the student’s permanent record.

Academic Freedom

- Freedom to pursue truth and to achieve personal and intellectual development is essential to CSUB’s community of scholars. The University is firmly committed to such freedom for both students and faculty. Academic freedom is the University’s guarantee of freedom of expression by all students and faculty under the First Amendment.

For the achievement of academic freedom, a necessary condition for such pursuit is an acceptance of the spirit of inquiry and appreciation for diverse ideas, viewpoints, cultures, and life-styles. Acceptance must be demonstrated not only in the classroom but in all other areas of the campus. The achievement of academic freedom, however, must occur within a respect for law and the protection of the opinions and dignity of others.

Civility and Respectful Conduct

- The classroom is essential for the achievement of academic freedom, the pursuit of truth, and the development of students. Because of its importance, students are expected to exhibit respect for the views of others, the professionalism of the instructor, and the goals of academic freedom whenever they are in the classroom.

Faculty are obligated to recognize and respect student diversity, ideas, perceptions, and opinions. At the same time, faculty have a fundamental responsibility to maintain the integrity of the learning environment. When confronted by unreasonable disruption in the classroom, faculty are expected to initiate actions to correct such conditions. Such actions may result in disciplinary action ranging from removal from the classroom to formal disciplinary sanctions, including probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Financial Responsibility

- The Student Financial Responsibility Act (AB 521, now California Education Code Section 99030) specifies that all CSUB students are expected to accept personal responsibility for all debts incurred, whether they are owed to the university, local businesses, or another person. Students who become so indebted financially that they are unable to make expected monthly payments on their debt should contact the Counseling Center (Health Center, 654-3366) to receive advice and possible referral for additional financial counseling and debt restructuring.

Credit Cards

- The Student Financial Responsibility Act (AB 521, now California Education Code Section 99030) also specifies the following policies regulating the marketing practices of vendors offering credit cards to students on campus:

  1. Vendors offering credit cards to students on campus shall register with campus administration through Academic Scheduling (EDUC 239, 654-2285) to schedule an approved site on campus for their marketing efforts.
  2. No more than two (2) vendors shall be allowed on campus at the same time for marketing credit cards to students.
  3. Vendors marketing credit cards to students on campus shall be prohibited from offering gifts of any kind, regardless of monetary value, to students as an incentive for completing credit card applications.

Students are encouraged to exercise caution and “due diligence” before completing any credit card application, especially from vendors offering credit cards. Before completing any credit card application, students are reminded to ask questions about interest rates on any unpaid balance, likely changes to interest rates over time, and “grace period” allowed before interest is applied to the unpaid balance.

UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATION PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

Application for Graduation

- Candidates for baccalaureate degrees to be awarded at the end of each academic quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer) must file applications with the Evaluations Office (SA 104, 654- 2258) no later than the end of the third week of instruction of the quarter before the quarter in which they expect to complete all graduation requirements.

All students are urged to submit their Application for Baccalaureate Degree at least two full quarters before they plan to graduate, because a reply to the application by the Evaluations Office may take six to eight weeks. By applying “early,” students may be notified prior to the registration period for their last quarter of any deficiencies in graduation requirements and, thereby, enroll in appropriate classes so that their graduation plans will not be disrupted.

Graduation Application Procedures

- The student will complete the application on the web and return a printed copy of the application with proof of payment to the Evaluation Office. The Evaluation Office will notify the student’s major(s), minor(s) and dean’s office, via e-mail, of the applicants request for graduation. The departments should respond in a timely manner and submit the appropriate materials to the Evaluation Office, for completion of the graduation process. The Evaluation Office will complete the graduation process and will send a copy of the decision to the student and the major department. The online graduation application can be found on the Admissions and Records website.

Provisional Post-Baccalaureate Credit

- Courses taken by a student that are not needed to fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements, may be recorded as provisional post-baccalaureate credit. It is the student’s responsibility to request this provisional post-baccalaureate credit as part of the Application for Baccalaureate Degree. The courses for which the student is requesting provisional post-baccalaureate credit must be taken in the final quarter prior to the date of graduation. Liberal Studies majors may request provisional post-baccalaureate credit for credential courses taken within three quarters of the date of graduation (Summer quarter counts only if credential courses are completed in the term). The student’s request for provisional post-baccalaureate credit shall NOT be made retroactively; the student must request this provisional post-baccalaureate credit as part of the Application for Baccalaureate Degree. Units for any one course must be applied either wholly to the baccalaureate degree or wholly to provisional post-baccalaureate credit and may not be divided.

Graduation with Honors

- An undergraduate student must have completed at least 60 letter-graded units of resident credit at CSUB to be eligible for graduation with honors. Honors are awarded if the student’s cumulative grade point average (Cum GPA) and CSUB GPA both reach the following standard: GPA 3.3 - 3.59 ....... cum laude
GPA 3.6 - 3.89 ....... magna cum laude
GPA 3.9 - 4.0 ......... summa cum laude

Graduation Dates

- The University has four graduation dates each year. These dates coincide with the last day of the final examination period for each academic quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). For the different sessions that may be scheduled during Summer quarter, the graduation date will be the last day of the final examination period of the last session.

Commencement

- The University holds commencement ceremonies twice each year to honor all degree awardees or candidates (baccalaureate and master’s degrees) and all credential awardees or candidates.

Fall Commencement

- is an all-university event and is held on the Friday following the last day of the final examination period for Fall quarter. Students who complete all requirements for their degree (baccalaureate or master’s) or for their credential either at the end of Summer or Fall quarter shall participate in the alluniversity Fall Commencement ceremonies.

Spring Commencement

- is school-based and is held on the Friday or Saturday following the last day of the final examination period for Spring quarter. Students who complete all requirements for their degree (baccalaureate or master’s) or for their credential either at the end of Winter or Spring quarter shall participate in their appropriate school-based Spring Commencement ceremonies.