Roadmaps for all degrees and options are available online and can be found on the College or Department website. There is a link on the UAAC website to the College websites.

2. If I am a freshman, when do I need to declare my major (and option-

if applicable)?

All freshman students must declare their major (and option-if applicable) and be accepted into a degree program by 45 units.

3. If I am a transfer student, when do I need to declare my major (and option-if applicable)?

All transfer students must declare their major (and option-if applicable) and be accepted into a degree program upon matriculation.

4. Once I declare my major (and option-if applicable) then what?

. After declaring your major (and option--if applicable)

· All students, within 1 quarter of being accepted into a degree program, shall have their degree completion program on file in GET.

· All students will have mandatory advisement at 90 units to review degree progress.

· All students will have mandatory advisement when they are within 3 quarters or within 36 units of graduation, whichever comes first.

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.

Class Level	Units
Freshman	0-44
Sophomores	45-89
Juniors	90-134
Seniors	135+

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) 343-4527 or you can visit them in E&T A-126.

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 grants credit can be found in the Admissions section of the University e-Catalog on pages 71-72.

7. What determines remedial status and what if I do not finish my remedial courses within my first year at Cal State L.A.?

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 Cal State L.A. 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 Cal State L.A.?

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, you may make an appointment with the University Academic Advisement Center to determine what University requirements or General Education courses you may have left to complete. You must take your Transition to Higher Education (THE) course no later than your second quarter. 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.

Dropping a course between the seventh day of instruction and the end of the seventh week of the quarter are permitted only for serious and compelling reasons. The student must obtain the signatures of the course instructor and the department/division chair or school director on a drop request form, which shall state the reasons for the withdrawal. Undergraduate students shall not be allowed to withdraw for more than a total of 28 quarter-units attempted at Cal State L.A. The student's record will note the withdrawal from the course with a "W".

When circumstances clearly beyond the student's control such as serious illness, accidents, job transfer, or military deployment are documented and used as a basis for the approval of withdrawal from all classes during this drop period, the units dropped under these circumstances shall not count against the 28 quarter-unit maximum. Exceptions to this policy may be granted only with the additional approval by the appropriate college dean.

After the seventh week of the quarter, withdrawals shall not be permitted except in cases when circumstances are clearly beyond the student's control and the student is not eligible for an incomplete. Withdrawals of this nature shall normally require withdrawal from all courses. For those courses in which sufficient work has been completed to permit an evaluation to be made, a course grade and credit may be assigned at the discretion of the faculty. The student must obtain the signatures of the instructor, the department/division chair or school director, and college dean. The student's record will note the withdrawal from the course with a "W". Such withdrawals shall not count again the maximum 28 quarter units.

10. When and how do I declare a Major?

You must declare a major before completing 45 units. 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?

Students may earn multiple baccalaureate degrees if the requirements for each of the multiple majors leading to the degree(s) are completed in the same quarter. Students must file a "Request for New Undergraduate Major" form, endorsed by the multiple departments, division, and/or schools, available from ADM 146. (See section II on the form for more information about dual major requirements.)

13. What is a minor?

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 Cal State L.A. 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.

20. What is Early Start?

The California State University (CSU) system recently created "Early Start." The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in mathematics and English composition before their first term at the CSU, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree. Incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level mathematics and/or English composition will be required to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU.

Click on the following link for more information:

http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/estart/#Whats_Early_Start

21. What does Impacted Programs mean at Cal State L.A.?

Program Impaction (effective Fall 2013)

Program impaction means that the number of applications from fully eligible students to a designated major far exceeds the number of spaces available in that major. However, students can still be admitted to the major if they meet the supplementary admission criteria.

The following are impacted undergraduate programs/majors at Cal State L.A.:

Child Development
Criminal Justice
Pre-Nursing/Nursing
Nursing (for Transfers)
Psychology
Social work

For specific information regarding the supplemental admissions criteria for each major, please visit:

http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/advise/docs/programimpaction.pdf

Grades and GPA

G1. What is a “WU” grade?

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?

Students may repeat a CSULA course up to two times for purposes of grade replacement if the grade of record is below a "C". Grade replacement is the circumstance in which the new grade replaces the former grade in terms of the calculation of GPA. Grade replacement can be done for up to a maximum of 20 quarter units of repeated coursework and is limited to courses taken at CSULA. Repeating courses under this policy does not result in the removal of the original record and grade from the transcript. Complete the class at CSULA and fill out a Petition for Academic Renewal by course repetition form and submit it to Enrollment Services (Administration 146).

G4. Does a grade of D- fulfill the requirement for a lower division General Education (G.E.) or Upper Division Theme course?

Yes, if you earn a D- for a General Education course (lower or upper division) it will count except for the Block A courses. All of the Block A courses must be passed with a “C” or better. For all Bachelor’s Degrees you must also have a minimum “C” (2.0) average in all general education courses.

G5. What is Academic Probation?

Students are placed on academic probation at the end of a quarter if either their grade point average at Cal State L.A. or their cumulative grade point average in all college work attempted falls below C (2.0). They are continued on academic probation until their Cal State L.A. and cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher or until they are disqualified in accordance with the regulations for academic disqualification.

G6. What is Academic Disqualification?

Students already on probation whose Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average drops below 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. Disqualified students are required to arrange a disqualification interview with their academic advisor to review the reasons for disqualification, to explore the option of requesting special probation or readmission, and to establish the terms and conditions for recommending special probation or readmission. Undeclared majors will hold this interview with their advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center.

G7. If I am disqualified, what is Reinstatement on Special Probation?

Continuing students who have been disqualified may petition to be reinstated as matriculated students on special probation. 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. Students' approved petitions must be received in Enrollment Services, Administration 146 by the deadline specified in the Schedule of Classes.

To be eligible for special probation, disqualified students must complete the disqualification interview with their academic advisor. The advisor must specify on the petition the terms and conditions under which the student will be eligible to be returned to and to remain in matriculated status, such as courses to be repeated, courses to be completed, GPA requirements, and any required workshops and/or tutoring. The student and advisor must sign the petition and forward it to the appropriate department/division chair for approval and the appropriate college or university dean for final approval.

All disqualified students who are placed on special probation 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, at which time they would be switched from special probation to probation.

G8. If I am disqualified, what is Readmission?

Students who are not eligible for or are denied special probation may petition for readmission. Readmission after disqualification is not automatic. Disqualified students will not be considered for readmission until at least two quarters have elapsed. Students will be eligible for readmission when they have satisfied the terms and conditions established during the disqualification interview as documented in the student's file by the academic advisor, provided that they meet or exceed the following minimum Cal State L.A. and cumulative grade point averages for their class level when they apply:

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

Units earned elsewhere while under disqualification can be used to raise the cumulative grade point average above the minimum required for admission. However, any deficiency in the Cal State L.A. grade point average may only be corrected by completing Cal State L.A. courses through Open University or special sessions offered by Extended Education. Students who have not previously been placed on special probation and whose grade point averages do not meet these minimum criteria may be considered for readmission with special probation with the approval of their college dean.

Students who wish to request readmission must provide evidence to their advisor that they have met the terms and conditions specified in their disqualification interview, including official transcripts of all transfer work attempted since disqualification. Advisors who support the request for readmission must specific on the petition for readmission a plan for attaining good academic standing. Students requesting readmission must obtain approval for readmission from the department, division, or school and the college from which they were disqualified. The University Academic Advisement Center and the Office of Undergraduate Studies will rule on petitions for readmission of disqualified students with undeclared majors.

Disqualified students must file their application for readmission to the University before the appropriate admissions deadline.

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 GET to see if I have satisfied the requirements for the diversity classes?

You should check your CSU Academic Advisement Report (CAAR) in GET. Your report is based upon your declared major and option (if applicable).

Log on to the GET system. Click the Self Service link at the top left corner of the screen. Click on Student Center. Click on Academic Requirements. Scroll down through your Academic Records and after the information on GE Block E, you will find the information about the diversity requirement.

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.

T7. What are Associate Degrees for Transfer?

Effective Fall 2011, The Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act requires California Community Colleges (CCC) to develop and to grant associate degrees for Transfer AA-T or AS-T, with the following stipulations:

Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of coursework that would be eligible for transfer to the California State University, including General Education:
- IGETC or CSU GE Breadth
Completion of at east 18 semester units of coursework in a major or area of emphasis as defined by the CCC
Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework

A California Community College student who has earned the Associates in Arts degree for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science degree for Transfer (AS-T) will be granted priority admission to the CSU into a similar baccalaureate (BA) degree program with a guarantee of junior standing as long as the student meets all prescribed admission requirements. Once admitted, the student will be required to complete no more than an additional 60 semester or 90 quarter prescribed units to qualify for the similar baccalaureate degree.

Click on the follow link for a list of the similar baccalaureate degrees at Cal State L.A.:

http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/advise/docs/staract.pdf

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.

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