Mar 19, 2024  
2015-2016 Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Undergraduate Admission


Click on any of the following links for information:


General Admission Procedures and Policies

 

Requirements for admission to California State University, Stanislaus are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available at www.csumentor.edu/planning/.

Electronic versions of the CSU undergraduate and graduate applications are accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.csumentor.edu.  The CSUMentor system allows students to browse through general information about CSU’s twenty-three campuses, view multimedia campus presentations, send and receive electronic responses to specific questions, and apply for admission and financial aid.

Applying online via www.csumentor.edu is expected unless electronic submission is impossible.  An acknowledgement will be sent when an online application is submitted. Application in “hard copy” form may be obtained online at http://www.csumentor.edu in Portable Document Format (PDF). Application forms (in PDF) may also be downloaded from www.calstate.edu/sas/publications. (Paper applications should be mailed to the Enrollment Services Office.)

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

California State University, Stanislaus advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Application Filing Period

 

(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.)

Terms in 2015-2016 Applications First Accepted

Initial Filing Period

Filing Period Duration
Summer 2015 February 1, 2015 February 1-28, 2015 Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached.  Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits.  If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information.  Similar information is conveniently available at http://www.csumentor.edu/filing_status

Fall 2015

October 1, 2015 October 1 - November 30, 2015
Winter 2016 June 1, 2015 June 1-30, 2015
Spring 2016 August 1, 2015 August 1-31, 2015

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from CSU regularly eligible students are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accomodated.  Some programs are impacted at every campus where they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses.  Candidates for admission must meet supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or campus.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted.  Detailed information on campus and programs impaction will be available at the following websites:

Campuses will communicate its supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in its service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media.  This information will also be published at the CSU campus individual website and made available online at www.calstate.edu.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period.  Applicants who wish to be considered in impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each campus with impacted programs or admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants.  Supplementary admission criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of AA-T or AS-T degree, the overall transfer grade point average, completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted campuses or programs are required to submit scores on either the SAT or the ACT.  For fall admission, applicants should take tests as early as possible, but no later than November or December of the preceding year.

The supplementary admission criteria used by the individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.  Details regarding the supplementary admission criteria are published at www.calstate.edu/impactioninfo.shtml.

 

Steps in the Application Process

1. Send a complete, accurate, and timely application

Apply online at www.csumentor.edu

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $55 nonrefundable application fee can be paid by credit card or by a check or money order payable to “The California State University.” The application and fee may not be transferred or used to apply for another term. Students may indicate an alternate campus and major on the application. The application of a person denied admission to an impacted and/or closed campus may be re-routed to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Returning Students

A former CSU Stanislaus undergraduate student wanting to re-enroll may register for courses without filing an application for readmission if both of the following apply: (1) the student was enrolled for residence credit coursework after the Enrollment Census Date for any semester or term in the 12 months immediately preceding the start of the term of desired re-enrollment; and (2) the student has not transferred to another college/university, or graduated from CSU Stanislaus, or another college/university since last enrolled at CSU Stanislaus.

The Enrollment Census Date is defined as the 20th instructional day in fall and spring semesters and the 6th day of instruction in winter term, and the last day to drop a course for summer term. Students at CSU Stanislaus who fail to graduate in the term for which they apply for graduation must reapply for graduation for the term in which they will complete their requirements to continue their enrollment at CSU Stanislaus.

Cancellation of Admission

Admission will be cancelled automatically if a student is accepted by California State University, Stanislaus for a given term and does not register for that term. If the student wishes to undertake work at the University at a later date, he/she must file a new application, pay a new application fee, and meet the requirements for admission in effect at the time of admission.

Reservation

The university reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the university or any of its programs as the university, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the university.

Other Applicants

High School Advanced Placement Program

The CSU Stanislaus Advanced Placement Program supplements high school curriculum by opening university courses to qualified high school students, providing a gradual transition to higher education. Qualified students may enroll in any lower-division courses provided space is available and all course prerequisites are satisfied. See the course description section of this catalog about course prerequisites. Regular college credit will be awarded. Submission of a special application form each term is required for continued enrollment. Advanced Placement applicants are not required to take the ACT or SAT. Students may not enroll through Extended Education without prior Enrollment Services Office approval. No admission application fee is required. Regular registration fees are required. Inquiries should be addressed to the Director of Enrollment Services, who is responsible for approving these applications.

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Students enrolled at any CSU campus will have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted or admission to the desired program/admission categories are closed.  This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and sometimes without paying additional fees.  Although courses taken on any CSU campus will transfer to the student’s home CSU campus as elective credit, students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges.  Additional information about these programs is available from the Enrollment Services office.

CSU Concurrent Enrollment - matriculated students in good standing may enroll on a space available basis at both their home CSU campus and a host CSU campus during the same term.  Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included in the student’s transcript at the home campus. 

CSU Visitor Enrollment - matriculated students in good standing at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term following a simplified application procedure.  Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus. 

Intersystem Cross Enrollment - matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a space available basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

2. Await an acknowledgment of the application

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgement from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application.  The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications.  Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicate that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, campus requirements for admission to an impacted program.  Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

3. Send transcripts and test scores

Students must request an official transcript from (1) the last high school attended and (2) each college and university at which they registered, as applicable. These should be sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office. Transcripts presented by students cannot be accepted unless in a sealed institutional envelope. If applicable, General Educational Development (GED) examination results and California High School Proficiency Examination Certificates must be submitted in addition to available high school records.

Applicants who are in attendance at a school or college when transcripts are requested must file a transcript which includes verification of the subjects in which they are currently enrolled. After applicants have completed these subjects, they must notify the school or college to forward a supplementary transcript showing the final grades for that term.

Official college transcripts must include a complete record of all previous work attempted whether or not the applicant desires credit. A separate official transcript is required from each college attended even though one transcript may show work completed at another college. All records submitted become the property of the University. Records submitted by students who do not enroll are retained for only one year.

Returning Students

Former students of CSU Stanislaus who are returning after an absence are required to submit official and complete transcripts covering attendance at any other college after enrollment at CSU Stanislaus.

Students seeking to enroll for extension or open university courses are not required to file an applicaton or official transcripts. For more information call Extended Education at (209) 667-3111.

4. Receive Notice of Admission

The sooner students submit a complete application, the sooner their eligibility for admission can be determined. Once evaluators have confirmed eligibility, students will be mailed an admission packet with information on conditions for admission, if any, testing, New Student Orientation, immunization and an enrollment checklist.

Provisional Admission

CSU Stanislaus may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts, and cancel any university registration for students who are found not to be eligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a diploma from high school, have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

Hardship Petitions

The campus has established procedures for consideration of applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid regarding specific policies governing hardship admission.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

First-Time Freshman Applicants

Generally, first-time freshman applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements: is a student who has earned no college credit beyond the summer immediately following high school graduation. Generally, first-time freshmen applicants qualify for regular admission if they:

  • Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certification of General Educational Development (GED), or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE); 
  • Have a qualifiable eligibility index (see section below); and
  • Have completed with grades of C or better the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern. (See Subject requirements in the following section.)

Subject Requirements

The California State University requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

  1. History/Social Science: 2 years
    • One year of U.S. history or one-half year U.S. history and one-half year civics or American Government
    • One year (two semesters) social science;
  2. English: 4 years
    • College preparatory - composition and literature
  3. Mathematics: 3 years
    • Three 1-year courses in beginning algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, or algebra II
    • Or by a 3-year-long sequence such as Math 1, 2, 3;
  4. Laboratory Science: 2 years
    • One year biological science with laboratory
    • One year physical science with laboratory (example: chemistry or physics);
  5. Language other than English (LOTE): 2 years
    • Study in the same language (waiver available to students who can demonstrate foreign language skills equal to two years of high school foreign language);
  6. Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
    • A year-long course to be selected from art, dance, drama/theatre, or music
  7. College Preparatory Electives: 1 year
    • To be selected from the above A-F areas and other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if possible. If judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement due to a disability, they may substitute alternate college preparatory courses for specific subject requirements. Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by a department chair in consultation with the director of a CSU Disabilities Resource Services program.

Failure to complete courses required for admission may limit later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics.

Eligibility Index

The eligibility index is the combination of a high school grade point average (GPA) and the score on either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board. The GPA is based on grades earned in courses taken during the final three years of high school. Included in calculation of GPA are grades earned in all college preparatory “a-g” subject requirements, and bonus points for approved honors courses. Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the tenth grade can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

A CSU Eligibility Index (EI) can be calculated by multiplying your grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the mathematics and critical reading sections of the SAT I. Students who took the ACT, multiply the grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score.Persons who are California high school graduates (or residents of California for tuition purposes) need a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT. The Eligibility Index Table illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages. The university has no current plans to include the writing scores from either of the admissions tests in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index. 

An applicant who did not graduate from a California high school and who is not a resident of California for tuition purposes needs a minimum index of 3502 SAT I or 842 (ACT). Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.

Applicants with grade point averages above 3.00 (3.61 for nonresidents) who have satisfied all college preparatory subject requirements are not required to submit test scores. However, all applicants are urged to take the SAT I or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to each CSU to which they seek admission.  Campuses use test results for advising and course placement purposes, and may require them for admission to impacted majors or programs. Impacted CSU campuses require SAT I or ACT scores of all applicants for freshman admission.

Eligibility Index Table

 

For California High School Graduates or Residents of California 

  ACT SAT   ACT SAT   ACT SAT   ACT SAT   ACT SAT
GPA Score Score GPA Score Score GPA Score Score GPA Score Score GPA Score Score
3.00 and above qualifies with any score 2.81 14 660 2.60 18 820 2.39 22 990 2.18 26 1160
2.80 14 660 2.59 18 830 2.38 22 1000 2.17 26 1170
2.79 14 670 2.58 18 840 2.37 22 1010 2.16 27 1180
2.99 10 510 2.78 14 680 2.57 18 850 2.36 23 1020 2.15 27 1180
2.98 10 520 2.77 14 690 2.56 19 860 2.35 23 1020 2.14 27 1190
2.97 10 530 2.76 15 700 2.55 19 860 2.34 23 1030 2.13 27 1200
2.96 11 540 2.75 15 700 2.54 19 870 2.33 23 1040 2.12 27 1210
2.95 11 540 2.74 15 710 2.53 19 880 2.32 23 1050 2.11 28 1220
2.94 11 550 2.73 15 720 2.52 19 890 2.31 24 1060 2.1 28 1220
2.93 11 560 2.72 15 730 2.51 20 900 2.3 24 1060 2.09 28 1230
2.92 11 570 2.71 16 740 2.50 20 900 2.29 24 1070 2.08 28 1240
2.91 12 580 2.70 16 740 2.49 20 910 2.28 24 1080 2.07 28 1250
2.90 12 580 2.69 16 750 2.48 20 920 2.27 24 1090 2.06 29 1260
2.89 12 590 2.68 16 760 2.47 20 930 2.26 25 1100 2.05 29 1260
2.88 12 600 2.67 16 770 2.46 21 940 2.25 25 1100 2.04 29 1270
2.87 12 610 2.66 17 780 2.45 21 940 2.24 25 1110 2.03 29 1280
2.86 13 620 2.65 17 780 2.44 21 950 2.23 25 1120 2.02 29 1290
2.85 13 620 2.64 17 790 2.43 21 960 2.22 25 1130 2.01 30 1300
2.84 13 630 2.63 17 800 2.42 21 970 2.21 26 1140 2 30 1300
2.83 13 640 2.62 17 810 2.41 22 980 2.2 26 1140 Below 2.00 does not qualify for regular admission
2.82 13 650 2.61 18 820 2.40 22 980 2.19 26 1150

The CSU uses only the SAT mathematics and critical reading scores in its admission eligibility equation. The SAT and ACT writing scores are not currently used by CSU campuses.

High School Students

Students still enrolled in high school will be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.

Transfer Policies of CSU campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency is accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decision regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus. 

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer. 

“Certification” is the offiical notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements.  The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed at www.assist.org.

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses and any of all of the California community colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions.  Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found at www.assist.org.  Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges.  Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90-semester (135 quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants 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.  Applicants who have completed college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission.  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 CSU admission consideration as a lower division transfer if they have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted. 

  1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements (grade point average and subject requirements) in effect for the term to which they are applying (see “Freshman Requirements” section); or
  2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for missing college preparatory subject requirements, have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and have made up the missing subject requirements with a 2.0 or better GPA.  

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

Lower-division applicants who did not complete subject requirements while in high school may make up missing subjects in any of the following ways:

  1. Complete appropriate courses with a C or better in adult school or high school summer sessions. 
  2. Complete appropriate college courses with a C or better.  One college course of at least three semester units or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study. 
  3. Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations, e.g., SAT subject tests.  

Please consult with the CSU admissions office, to which you are applying for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

Due to enrollment pressures, many CSU campuses do not admit lower division transfer applicants.

Upper Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for admission as an upper-division transfer student if they meet all of the following requirements:

1. They have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) or higher in all transferable units attempted;

2. They are in good standing at the last college or university attended; and

3. They have completed at least 60 transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C or higher in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 semester (90 quarter) units must include at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units of courses, which meet the CSU general education requirements including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T)/Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student a clear transfer preparation and admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

California Community College students who earn an associate degree for transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus, or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given priority consideration to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-S/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if all the following conditions are met:

Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the tests of General Educational Development or the California High School Proficiency Examination); and Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years; and If there has been any college attendance, has earned a 2.0 (C) average or better in all attempted transferable coursework.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation. A student should have completed the majority of high school college preparatory courses, or college remediation of these courses, and must demonstrate skills equivalent to eligible freshmen students to be admitted as an adult student. Appropriate college entrance examination scores must be submitted at the time of application.

International Students

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. It uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants, below), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file at least eight weeks before registration for the first term and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

All students with coursework from countries other than the United States are required to obtain and submit to CSU Stanislaus an evaluation of academic credentials performed by a credentials evaluation service. This kind of evaluation will convert educational credentials from any country in the world into their U.S. equivalents, and will help CSU Stanislaus make a prompt, well informed decision regarding admission and/or transfer credit. For more information, contact the Office of International Education at 209-667-3117.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

To help facilitate the timely reporting and monitoring of international students in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), has implemented the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS provides tracking, monitoring, and access to current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas). SEVIS enables the University to transmit electronic information via the Internet to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ICE requires CSU Stanislaus to report on a timely basis the occurrence of certain events. International students at CSU Stanislaus are required to immediately report the following to the Office of International Student Services: 

Change of name;
Change of degree objective;
Change of address, phone number, or e-mail;
Failure to enroll;
Graduation prior to the end date cited on the Form I-20;
Dropping below a full course of study without prior authorization;
Failure to maintain status or complete student’s program;
Beginning and ending dates for optional practical training (OPT) authorization;
Work authorizations;
Any disciplinary action taken by the school against the student as a result of his/her being convicted of a crime.

Questions and concerns may be addressed by the Enrollment Services Office at (209) 667-3152 or the Office of International Education (209) 667-3117.

Health Insurance

As a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Call the Office of International Education at (209) 667-3117. 

Determination of Residence for Tuition Purposes

 

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from those of other types of residency, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency.  These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student should pay tuition on an in-state or out-of-state basis.  A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements.  These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University (CSU) are California Education Code sections 68000-68085, 68120-68134, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900-41916. This material can be viewed on the Internet by accessing the CSU’s website at www.calstate.edu/GC/resources.shtml

Each campus’s Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of all new and returning students based on the Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, Reclassification Request Form, and, as necessary, other evidence furnished by the student. A student who fails to submit adequate information to establish eligibility for resident classification will be classified as a nonresident.

Generally, establishing California residency for tuition purposes requires a combination of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely. An adult who, at least 366 days prior to the residence determination date for the term in which enrollment is contemplated, can demonstrate both physical presence in the state combined with evidence of intent to remain in California indefinitely may establish California residency for tuition purposes. A minor normally derives residency from the parent(s) they reside with or most recently resided with.

Evidence demonstrating intent may vary from case to case but will include, and is not limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting an apartment where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

Nonresident students seeking reclassification are required to complete a supplemental questionnaire that includes questions concerning their financial independence. Financial independence is required, along with physical presence and intent, to be eligible for reclassification. Financial independence is established if in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years preceding the reclassification application the student:

  • has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent;
  • has not and will not receive more than seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from his/her parent; and
  • has not lived and will not live longer than six (6) weeks in the home of his/her parent.

A nonresident student who has been appointed as a graduate student teaching assistant, a graduate student research assistant, or a graduate student teaching associate on any CSU campus and is employed on a 0.49 or more time basis is exempt from the financial independence requirement.

Non-citizens establish residency in the same manner as citizens, unless precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States.

Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68085 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906-41906.6, and include, but are not limited to, members of the military and their dependents, certain credentialed employees of school districts and most students who have attended three or more years of high school in California and graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent of graduation. Whether an exception applies to a particular student cannot be determined before the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither campus nor Chancellor’s Office staff may give advice on the application of these laws, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal adviser.

Residency determination dates are set each term. They are:

  Fall September 20
  Winter* January 5
  Spring January 25
  Summer June 1

*Applies only to winter term at CSU Stanislaus

CalState TEACH operates on a trimester system. The residency determination dates for the four stages of CalStateTEACH are as follows:

  Fall September 20
  Spring January 25
  Summer June 1

Students classified as non-residents may appeal a final campus decision within 120 days of notification by the campus. A campus residency classification appeal must be in writing and submitted to:

The California State University
Office of General Counsel
401 Golden Shore, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210

The Office of General Counsel can either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the campus for further review. Students incorrectly classified as residents or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition are subject to reclassification as nonresidents and payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student is subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

Resident students who become nonresidents or who no longer meet the criteria for an exception must immediately notify the Admissions Office. Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

 

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester (or 90 quarter units) of transferable college credit must submit scores, unless exempt (see Eligibility Index Table, above), from either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board.  Persons who apply to an impacted program may be required to submit test scores and should take the test no later than November or December. 

Test scores are also used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors, from a CSU campus testing office, at CSU Stanisluas Testing Office, 667-3157 or www.csustan.edu/testing, or from:

The College Board (SAT)
Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
Phone: (609) 771-7588
www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration Unit
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 337-1270
www.act.org

English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction must provide verification of English proficiency by submitting one of the following:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL Paper Test: 500 or above with part scores of 50 or above
TOEFL iBt: 61 or above with part scores of 15 or above

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS: 6 or above with part scores of 6 or above

English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)
ELPT: 955 or above

Advanced Placement International English Language (APIEL)
APIEL: 3 or above

ACT English score: 22 or higher

SAT Verbal score: 500 or higher

CSU Stanislaus English Placement Test (EPT): 151 or higher

Completion and transfer of a course that satisfies the CSU General Education-Breadth or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) written communication requirement with a grade C or better.

Systemwide Placement Tests

The CSU requires that each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment.

These placement tests are not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition of enrollment.  These examinations are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring college entry-level English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level courses.  Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and in mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the first term of their enrollment.

Students placed in remedial programs in either English or mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment.  Failure to complete remediation by the end of the first year may result in denial of enrollment for future terms.  Students register for the EPT (www.csuenglishsuccess.org/ept) and/or ELM (www.csumathsuccess.org/elm_exam).  Campus may establish deadlines by which new students must register for and/or take placement exams as a requirement for enrollment.   Questions about test dates and registration materials may be addressed to the campus testing office at (209) 667-3157 or online at www.csustan.edu/testing.

CSU English Placement Test (EPT)

The English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of students entering the California State University.  The CSU EPT must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses.  Students who score 147 or above on the EPT will be placed in college-legel composition classes.

Exemptions from the EPT are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:

  • A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level English courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California Standard Test in grade 11
  • A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level English courses” or “Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11, provided successful completion of the Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC), AP English, IB English or an English course approved for extra honors weight on the University of California “a-g” Doorways course list. 
  • A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
  • A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test
  • A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program
  • Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Compsition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better

Directed Self Placement (DSP)

Directed Self Placement (DSP) is the only method used at CSU Stanislaus to place students into First-Year Composition.  Although some students are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT), those scores are not used for placement decisions. Students are given guidance in Directed Self Placement before selecting one of the options below:

  •     First-Year Composition: ENGL 1001  , which fulfills GE area A2.
  •     First-Year Composition (Computer Assisted): ENGL 1002  , which fulfills GE area A2.
  •     First-Year Composition (Stretch):
    •   (Stretch A), which fulfills GE area E1, and 
    • ENGL 1007   (Stretch B), which fulfills GE area A2.
  •    Editing for Language and Dialect:  ESL 1000  , which fulfills GE area C3.
  •    Essay Skills for Language and Dialect: ESL 1005  , which fulfills GE area C3.    
  •    ESL 1000  or ESL 1005  together with the First-Year Composition Stretch sequence.

CSU Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses.  Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in college-level mathematics

Exemptions from the ELM are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:

  • A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level Mathematics courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction wiht the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II
  • A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses” or “Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathememtics or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite. 
  • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
  • A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level I or level 2)
  • A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test
  • A score of 3 or above on a College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC examination
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination
  • Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better

ELM Course Placement Requirements

ELM Score   ELM Placement

0-32    Enroll in MATH 0103, Pre-Algebra, or retake and pass the ELM

34-48   Math, Science, or Computer Science Major take MATH 0110, Intermediate Algebra for Math/Science; Other Majors take MATH 0106, Intermediate Algebra for Non-Math/Science or retake and pass the ELM

50-80   ELM pass; enroll in G.E. Mathematics

 

Other Requirements

Early Start Program

Entering resident freshmen who are not proficient in Math or English will need to start the remediation process before their first regular term.

The goals of Early Start Program are to:

  • Better prepare students in math and English, before the fall semester of freshman year;
  • Add an important and timely assessment tool in preparing students for college; and
  • Improve students’ chances of successful completion of a college degree.

Newly admitted freshman students who are required to complete Early Start will be notified of the requirement and options for completing the program as part of campus communications to newly admitted students.

Immunization Requirements

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations before beginning their first term of enrollment.

Measles and Rubella: All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles (rubeola) and rubella prior to their first enrollment.

Hepatitis B: All new enrollees 18 years old and younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling.  Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three doses of vaccine over a minimum 4-6 month period.  For further details or if you have special circumstances, please consult the Student Health Center at (209 667-3396.

Meningococcal Disease Information: Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination.

The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.

Note: Proof of these requirements must be submitted by mail, fax or drop box to the Student Health Center. Fax: (209) 667-3195. Phone: (209) 667-3396 If you fail to provide this proof during the first semester, a HOLD will be placed on your records, thereby preventing registration for classes the next semester. For more information, see the Web site at www.healthcenter.csustan.edu