Cal State University, Bakersfield | International Students & Programs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Now that I'm admitted what do I do?	What courses will I take?
Do I need to take placement tests?	How do I get a university catalog and schedule of classes?
How do I choose my courses?	How do I choose a major?
How do I register for classes?	What do I need to do if I want to travel out of the country?
What is pre-advising?	Can I work?
How many courses will I take each quarter?	Why do I need health insurance?

Now that I'm admitted, what do I do?

All international students new to CSUB are required to take the International Student Orientation. In the fall, the orientation begins the week before classes start. Specific information regarding the orientation will be sent to you upon your admittance. At this time you will 1). meet with a faculty advisor to choose your courses, 2). learn information about important university policies and 3) register for your classes.

Do I need to take placement tests?

A CSU requirement is that all new undergraduate students must satisfy the requirements of the English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Math (ELM) test prior to enrollment, or have their admission cancelled. It is important that you take these tests as soon as possible in order to have the results for your advising sessions. Otherwise, you won't know which English and Math courses are appropriate for your level of preparation. The EPT and ELM are given numerous times each year and advance registration is required. In most cases transfer students and graduate students are not required to take the tests.

How do I choose my courses?

After you are admitted to CSUB and during Orientation, you will meet with a faculty advisor who will assist you in choosing courses to meet graduation requirements. New students should consult the university catalog to determine courses required for graduation. While faculty advisors are available for assistance, CSUB students are ultimately responsible for meeting the university requirements.

How do I register for classes?

You are not registered until you pay your fees. Students who take part in the Orientation Program will chose courses with an academic advisor, pre-register, and be billed for fees by mail (except in September, January, or March when fees are paid that day).

What is pre-advising?

After you enroll, two weeks are set aside each term for you to choose your courses with your advisor for the following quarter. Doing this usually assures you of getting the classes you want and need, and allows you to pay your fees by mail ahead of those who are not pre-advised. Those who are pre-advised have a better opportunity to get desired courses.

How many courses will I take each quarter?

Most courses at CSUB are 5 quarter units of credit, and full-time undergraduate students normally take between 12-17 credits. A five quarter-unit course usually meets two or three times per week and is just slightly more credit than a three semester-unit course (3 semester units equal 4.5 quarter units or a ratio where 1 semester equals 1.5 quarter units). Thus full-time undergraduate students will take approximately 46 quarter units per year to meet the 186 quarter unit total graduation requirement. Undergraduate international students are required to take 12 units per quarter. Graduate international students must take 8-10 units per quarter.

What courses will I take?

Freshmen and Sophomores will take courses in a variety of areas to meet "General Education" requirements and to meet any prerequisites for their major field's) of study. General Education" requirements are required of students because they were deemed essential by the university to ensure that each individual has a well rounded education.

Juniors and Seniors usually start taking requirements and electives in their major and minor fields, plus any prerequisites and general education requirements they may be missing. You may want to review the General Education and major/minor requirements as outlined in the University Catalog, which is available through the Bookstore. Graduation requirements vary depending upon the major.

How do I get a university catalog and schedule of classes?

The schedule of classes is given to you at Orientation, and both are sold by the University Bookstore Phone: (661/654-2273), fax: (661) 654-2402 or view their web page http://csubakersfield.bkstore.com. The schedule of classes is usually available by the fourth week of the preceding quarter.

How do I choose a major?

Many people and offices on campus can assist you with this concern-you aren't alone as many students aren't sure of their goals. The Career Planning and Placement Center can assist you in making your decision and also has information on opportunities and trends in various career areas; faculty advisors can assist you with details about a particular major. Many freshmen and sophomores are "Undeclared" majors while they complete General Education requirements. They try a variety of courses in different fields in order to see what they like; then they formally declare a "major" in their Junior year.

What do I need to do if I want to travel out of the country?

If you plan to travel within the United States, you need no special permission. Traveling outside the US requires that you do a little planning. A week before your trip you should have your I-20 or DS-2019 forms signed by one advisor in the office of ISP. You must also make sure that you have your passport and any other documents that are necessary for you to legally leave or re-enter the country.

Can I work?

Yes, you are allowed to work as long as you are maintaining your immigration status. During the school year you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus. During holidays and school breaks you are allowed to work 40 hours per week. You are not allowed to work off campus without authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Illegal employment can result in deportation. For any questions regarding immigration contact the office of ISP. For more information regarding working off campus, please visit Current Students site.

Why do I need Health Insurance?

The primary reason is because it is University policy. It is also necessary for your protection. In the event that you are in an accident or injured, the company you are insured by will pay for either all of the costs or most of the costs of your medical treatment. In the united States, medical treatment is very expensive. It is not paid for by the government. This is why it is necessary to have insurance.

If you have further questions, please contact the International Students & Programs office at:
(661) 654-2014 or csubis@csub.edu