Undergraduate Academic Forms
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How often should I see an academic advisor, and what should I bring?
2. What determines my undergraduate class level?
3. What is the difference between Lower and Upper Division classes?
4. Are General Education requirements the same for all majors?
5. What are the Basic Subjects in the General Education Program?
6. Can I have AP scores count as university units?
7. What determines remedial status? What if I don't finish my remedial
8. What classes should I take for my first quarter at CSULA?
9. How do I add/drop courses? What happens if I just stop going
10. When and how do I declare a Major?
11. Can I change my major to Undeclared?
12. How do I declare a Dual Major?
14. What is the diversity requirement and how do I satisfy this
15. Do I need to take English 102?
16. What is the WPE? When do I take it?
17. Who is required to take the WPE? Can a student be exempted
18. What if I did not pass the WPE?
19. What is the Upper Division Theme?
G2. What is an “I” or “IC” grade?
G3. What can I do about courses I do not pass?
G4. Does a D- fulfill requirements for G.E./Upper Division Theme courses?
G5. What is Academic Probation?
G6. What is Academic Disqualification?
G7. What is Special Probation?
G8. What is immediate reinstatement?
T1. What does it mean to be "G.E. Certified"?
T2. If I completed G.E. requirements at my community college, will I be done
T3. How do I transfer in courses that are not automatically articulated via the www.assist.org website?
T4. What courses do I take if I am a transfer student and my transcripts
have not been evaluated?
T5. How can I check my transcripts to see if I have satisfied the
requirements for the diversity classes?
T6. Can students use courses taken at another college to satisfy
G.E.requirements?
GR1. What is a “grad check” and how do I get one?
GR 2. When should I apply for graduation?
GR 3. How do I apply for graduation?
GR 4. When is my degree posted?
General questions
1. How often should I see an academic advisor, and what should I bring?
Make an appointment with an advisor from your department at least once per quarter. If you are a pre-nursing major or undeclared, come to the University Academic Advisement Center (Library PW, room 1040). Write down your questions and bring that list with you. If you are a transfer student whose previous coursework has not yet been evaluated, bring unofficial copies of all your transcripts.
2. What determines my undergraduate class level?
Class levels are based on the number of units completed as follows: Freshman = 0-44 units completed, Sophomore = 45-89 units completed, Junior = 90-134 units completed, Senior = 135+ units completed.
3. What is the difference between Lower and Upper Division classes?
Lower Division classes are numbered as 100 and 200 level courses. Upper Division courses are numbered as 300 and 400 level courses.
4. Are General Education requirements the same for all majors?
No. Certain majors require specific G.E. courses. Contact the University Academic Advisement Center for specific lower division requirements for your major. If your major is in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, & Technology, contact their advisement center at (323) 343-4500 or you can visit them in E&T A236.
5. What are the Basic Subjects in the General Education Program?
The basic subjects outlined in Block A involve the four essential skills: college writing (A1), oral presentation (A2), critical thinking (A3), and college math (A4). All classes in Block A must be passed with a “C’’ or better. A “C-“ does not fulfill this requirement.
6. Can I have AP scores count as university units?
Yes. A complete list of AP exams for which the University accepts to meet college level coursework can be found in the 2009-2011 University Catalog on pages 71-72.
7. What determines remedial status and what if I do not finish my remedial courses within a year?
If you are not exempt from the English Placement Test (EPT) and/or the Entry Level Math (ELM) exam, your score(s) are used to determine the appropriate level of reading and writing and/or mathematics skills so that you can be placed in the appropriate baccalaureate-level course(s). If you place into remedial courses, you must pass them all within your first year at CSULA. If not, you will be disenrolled and unable to enroll for any classes until you have completed all remedial coursework at another institution, such as a community college. You have a year at the community college to finish your remedial coursework and then you may return to the university after showing proof you have completed the requirements.
8. What classes should I take for my first quarter at CSULA?
If you are a freshman, complete your Basic Subjects (Block A) requirements within your first 45 units. Block A courses are listed on the General Education Lower Division Courses sheet found in the Schedule of Classes. You must take your Introduction to Higher Education (IHE) course no later than your second quarter. If you are a transfer student, make an appointment with the University Academic Advisement Center to determine what G.E. courses to take. For questions about requirements for your major, speak with an academic advisor from that department.
9. How do I add/drop courses? What happens if I just stop going to class?
You can add courses through the second week of the quarter (check the final add deadline date in the Schedule of Classes). Once the quarter begins you will need to get a permit from your instructor to “add” the class on GET. You may drop your courses the first week of the quarter through GET. To drop after week one, you must fill out a Drop Request Form. Pick up a drop form from your major department, the UAAC, or ADM 146 (Enrollment Services). Obtain the appropriate signatures needed and submit the form to Enrollment Services, ADM 146. If you simply stop going to class without officially dropping, you will receive the grade of “WU” which counts as an “F” in your GPA calculation.
10. When and how do I declare a Major?
You must declare a major before completing 45 units or before the end of your fourth quarter. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. Fill out a "Request for New Undergraduate Major" form available from ADM 146. Visit the department to get the required signature or stamp. Then submit the completed form to Enrollment Services, ADM 146.
11. Can I change my major to Undeclared?
No. Once you have previously declared a major, you cannot change your major back to undeclared status.
12. How do I declare a Dual Major?
Follow the same procedure above for declaring a major, except you will need signatures from both departments of the disciplines you wish to major in. See section II on the form for more information about dual major requirements.
A minor is a program of approved courses you choose (with the approval of a faculty adviser from the department which offers the minor). It involves taking 18 or more quarter units, of which at least 12 units must be upper division and taken in residence at Cal State L.A. Refer to the schedule of classes or the University catalogue for a list of minors.
14. What is the diversity requirement and how do I satisfy this requirement?
Students must complete two courses certified as diversity (d) courses. These courses may be completed at the lower division general education requirements in blocks C, D, E, and F and/or upper division level (in the Themes).
15. Do I need to take English 102?
English 102 is a writing skills requirement for ALL bachelor’s degrees and must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” or better. If you are a transfer student the CSULA Admissions Evaluator will determine whether or not you have completed this requirement elsewhere.
16. What is the WPE? When do I take it?
The WPE (UNIV 400) is a 90-minute test of basic writing skills and organization. It is a credit (CR) or no credit (NC) exam. Plan to take the WPE after passing English 102. Enroll for the WPE by registering for UNIV 400 through GET. This requirement must be satisfied before you complete 135 quarter units to avoid enrollment suspension.
17. Who is required to take the WPE? Can a student be exempted from it?
All undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students are required to take the WPE. If you are a CSU transfer student and passed the GWAR prior to admission at Cal State Los Angeles you are exempt. If you are a graduate student and score a 41 or above on the writing section of the CBEST exam you are exempt. If you are a graduate student who has completed an MA thesis you are also exempt. For further information, contact the University Testing Center (Library PW, room 2098) by calling (323) 343-3160.
18. What if I did not pass the WPE?
Meet with a WPE consultant in the University Writing Center to discuss your test results. The consultant will help you identify deficiencies in the writing and recommend strategies to improve upon them. You may also enroll in UNIV 401 if you have failed the WPE twice. Contact the Writing Center (Library PW, room 2097) by calling (323) 343-5350. If you happen to miss your scheduled test date, contact the Testing Center at (323) 343-3160.
19. What is the Upper Division Theme?
It is a requirement composed of three interrelated courses designed around a theme like gender or the environment. You must take one course from each of the following areas within the theme of your choice: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Grades and GPA
A “WU” on your grade report means an Unauthorized Withdrawal. It is calculated as an “F” in the grade point average computations.
G2. What is an “I” or “IC” grade?
An “I” on your grade report means you have an interim grade designed for students who are passing but through extenuating circumstances have not been able to complete part of the work of the course. It is a grade assigned when significant elements of the course requirements have not been met. There are conditions for removal of the Incomplete, please check the University Catalog for specific information.
An “IC” on your grade report means that an the Incomplete was not removed within the time period allowed and will appear on your permanent academic record as an IC (Incomplete Charged) and will be calculated as an “F” in the grade point average computations.
G3. What can I do about courses I do not pass?
You can repeat a CSULA class (one time per class) if your original grade was a “C-“ or lower. If it’s your first time repeating, complete the class at CSULA. Then fill out a Petition for Academic Renewal by course repetition form and submit it to Enrollment Services (Admin 146). You can do this for a maximum of 20 quarter units. All repetitions must be done for courses taken at Cal State L.A.
G4. Does a D- fulfill requirements for G.E./Upper Division Theme courses?
A “D-” is passing for all Upper Division Theme courses, but Block A G.E. courses must be passed with a “C” or better. Also, you must complete G.E. requirements with an overall “C” average (2.0 GPA).
G5. What is Academic Probation?
You are placed on Academic Probation when either you Cal State L.A. or cumulative GPA has fallen below 2.0. You will remain on probation until your GPA is 2.0 or higher.
G6. What is Academic Disqualification?
Students currently on probation or special probation whose Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average reaches the following levels are disqualified:
|
Class Level |
GPA |
|
Freshman (0-44 units completed) |
<1.50 |
|
Sophomores (45-89 units completed) |
<1.70 |
|
Juniors (90-134 units completed) |
<1.85 |
|
Seniors (135+ units completed) |
<1.95 |
Student notices of disqualification appear on their unofficial transcript in GET and will also be sent a letter from the Cal State L.A. Registrar. Students who wish to appeal their disqualification should refer to the section on Immediate Reinstatement in the Cal State L.A. catalog. Disqualified students are required to arrange an exit interview with their academic advisor to establish readmission requirements. undeclared and Pre-Nursing majors, as well as students completing the Elementary Subject matter Teacher Preparation Common Core will hold this exit interview with an advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center.
G7. What is Special Probation?
All disqualified students who are reinstated or readmitted are placed on special probation because their grade point average is less than is allowed for their class level as outlined below.
|
Class Level |
GPA |
|
Freshman (0-44 units completed) |
<1.50 |
|
Sophomores (45-89 units completed) |
<1.70 |
|
Juniors (90-134 units completed) |
<1.85 |
|
Seniors (135+ units completed) |
<1.95 |
These students are required to earn better than a C (2.0) grade point average each quarter until their grade point average is increased to a level that is higher than that which would normally cause them to be disqualified according to their class level. Students who withdraw completely from any quarter while on special probation will again be disqualified.
G8. What is Immediate Reinstatement?
A student who has been disqualified may submit a petition for immediate reinstatement to their college dean or designee after first meeting with their academic advisor. The University Academic Advisement Center will rule on petitions for immediate reinstatement for undeclared majors and students completing the pre-nursing requirements or elementary subject matter teacher preparation common core.
Immediate reinstatement may be granted for not more than two successive quarters. The petition will specify the terms and conditions under which you will be reinstated, including any courses to be completed and any GPA requirements mandated by the advisor. Students approved petitions must be received in Enrollment Services, Administration 146 by the end of the third week of the quarter after disqualification.
The policy for reinstatement as of Winter 2010 is that you are eligible for only ONE reinstatement. If you have been previously disqualified you will need to discuss your academic options with your advisor.
If you are not eligible or have not been approved to be reinstated then you must wait for two quarters to complete coursework through CSULA Open University, Extended Education, or you may attend another institution until your GPA deficiency has been rectified. At that time you may, with the approval of your department chair and dean, apply for readmission.
Transfer Questions:
T1. What does it mean to be "G.E. Certified"?
G.E. Certified means that a student has completed the CSU lower division G.E. requirements in Blocks A through E at the Community College. This will be noted on the official transcript from that school. However, even if you have been fully certified from a community college, you will still be required to satisfy the English 102, G.E. Upper Division Theme, and diversity requirements.
T2. If I completed G.E. requirements at my community college, will I be done with G.E.s at CSULA?
No. You may have satisfied all lower division G.E. requirements at another college, but you will need to fulfill a G.E. Upper Division Theme (three courses) requirement as well as a diversity and other graduation requirements. For help, see an advisor in your major or with the University Academic Advisement Center.
T3. How do I transfer in courses that are not automatically articulated via the www.assist.org website?
If the Admissions Office did not give you credit, talk to an academic advisor in the department of your major. If you are undeclared, Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Common Core, or in pre-nursing, make an appointment with the University Academic Advisement Center. Bring a copy of the course description from the catalogue of the year you took the course to your meeting with the academic advisor. A General Academic Petition for UNDERGRADUATE Requirements form will be filled out for each course you and your adviser feel should have transferred.
T4. What courses do I take if I am a transfer student and my transcripts
have not been evaluated?
It may take up to one quarter to evaluate your transcripts. During this time, check the website www.assist.org to see what course credits you earned at one public California college or university can be applied when you transfer to another. You can also pick courses you know you have not taken such as courses for your upper-division theme, and required major courses.
T5. How can I check my transcripts to see if I have satisfied the requirements for the diversity classes?
Log on to the GET system. Click the Self Service link at the top left corner of the screen. Click the Academic Records link. Then click the View Unofficial Transcript link. For “Report Type” select “Unofficial Transcript”, and click the “go” button.
T6. Can students use courses taken at another college to satisfy G.E. requirements?
Yes , courses may be taken at the Community College or other colleges and universities to satisfy General Education requirements. If the course is being taken at the Community College, you may check the articulation agreement between that Community College and Cal State L.A. by using the website www.assist.org to confirm the course you are taking will transfer. If you feel that you should have received GE credit for a course you took at another institution you may file a General Academic Petition with the Office of Undergraduate Studies. The petition must have a recommendation and signature from your major advisor or an advisor from the University Academic Advisement Center (UAAC) and a recommendation and signature from the Chairperson of the department offering the course. The student must file the petition with the Office of Undergraduate Studies or ensure that the UAAC, home department, or department offering the course forwards it to Undergraduate Studies.
Graduation:
GR1. What is a “grad check” and how do I get one?
The “Grad Check” is actually a degree check sent to you by the Graduation Office (after you've applied for graduation) that outlines all your degree requirements (missing or completed).
GR2. How do I get a degree check?
You will receive a degree check from the Graduation Office after you have applied for graduation, met with your faculty advisor (who will complete the Bachelors Degree Worksheet and approve your major program), and the department, division or school forwards all documentation to the Graduation Office for processing.
Once the Graduation Office has received your graduation application and supporting documents, they will notify you. Graduation check results will be mailed to you prior to your final anticipated quarter. Students who are enrolled in the quarter they expect to graduate but do not complete all degree requirements will have their graduation application "automatically" transferred to the following quarter for processing. All questions regarding the graduation check or final results are to be directed to the students' major department, division or school.
GR3. How do I apply for graduation?
Once a minimum of 135-quarter units is earned, students may apply for graduation. Application for graduation (degree check) is made on a form available at the Cal State L.A. Graduation Office website, academic department/division/school, and Enrollment Services in Administration 146. These forms are available five days prior to the application filing period. (Filing periods are published in the Graduation information section of the Schedule of Classes.) Take the completed application form for payment to the Cashiers office. Once payment is made, take your application to your major department, division or school for approval and processing.
Students arrange to meet with their faculty advisor who will complete the Bachelors Degree Worksheet and approve the candidate's major program. The department, division, or school will forward all documentation to the Graduation Office for processing. The Graduation Office notifies students of the receipt of their graduation application and supporting documents.
GR4. When is my degree posted?
Degree dates are posted at the end of the quarter in which all requirements are met.
Note::: Spring 2010 Registration has begun.