Mar 19, 2024  
2009-2010 Academic Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Undergraduate Admission and Registration


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General Admission Requirements and Procedures


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.cdu is expected unless electronic submission is impossible, and admissions decisions are usually expedited when on-line applications have been submitted.  Application in “hard copy” form may be obtained online at http://www.csumentor.edu or from the Office of Admission at any of the campuses of the California State University.

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, residence 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


Application periods for California State University, Stanislaus may change. For the most current information, see the Filing Status Report on the web, www.csumentor.edu.

Term
 

Priority Application Filing Periods

Student Notification Begins
Summer 2009   February 1-28, 2009 March
Fall 2009   October 1 - November 30, 2008 October
Winter 2010   June 1 - June 30, 2009 July
Spring 2010   August 1 - August 31, 2009 September

 

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.

Students will receive an automatic confirmation if they submit their application electronically. Paper applications will be acknowledged within two to four weeks from receipt. Notification that space has been reserved may also include a request to submit additional records necessary for the campus to evaluate academic qualifications. If the application was filed during the priority filing period (see section above), students may be assured admission to the University provided the evaluation of academic records indicates completion of all admission requirements. Unless specific written approval states, this admission notice is not transferable to another term or campus.

Steps in the Application Process

1. Send a complete, accurate, and timely application

Apply online at www.csumentor.edu. A paper version of the application may be downloaded at www.csustan.edu. A paper application will be mailed if students call (209) 667-3070.

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.

Each CSU campus accepts applications until capacity is reached. Many campuses limit admission in an enrollment category because of overall enrollment limits. See Impacted Programs in the Appendix .

2. Await an acknowledgment of the application

Students will receive an automatic confirmation if they submit their application electronically. Paper applications will be acknowledged within two to four weeks from receipt. Notification that space has been reserved may also include a request to submit additional records necessary for the campus to evaluate academic qualifications. If the application was filed during the priority filing period (see section above), students may be assured admission to the University provided the evaluation of academic records indicates completion of all admission requirements. Unless specific written approval states, this admission notice is not transferable to another term or 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. 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.

No determination of admission eligibility will be made until all transcripts are received. Official transcripts must include a complete record of all previous high school and college 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 graduation or any 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 official transcripts. Subsequent admission to the University’s degree, credential, or certificate programs will require completion of regular admission procedures. For more information call (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, New Student Orientation, advising, answers to frequently asked questions, registration, 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 for the senior year. The campus will monitor the senior year of study to ensure that admitted students complete their senior year 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, 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 Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Readmission 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. All other former students seeking enrollment must submit an application for readmission and pay a $55 application fee. Late Application filing period will be assessed a $15 late fee in addition to the $55 application fee.

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements


First-Time Freshman Applicants

A first-time freshman 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 Education Development (GED), or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination;
  • 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.) Courses must be completed prior to the first enrollment in the California State University.

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. (See Honors Courses in the section that follows.)

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. 

For admission to terms during the 2009-2010 college year, the University has no plans to include the writing scores from either of the admissions tests in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index.

A California high school graduate (or a resident of California for tuition purposes) needs a minimum index of 2900 using the SAT I, or 694 using the ACT; the Eligibility Index Table (see the Appendix ) illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages.

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.

Honors Courses- Up to eight semesters of designated honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the 10th grade can be accepted. Each unit of A in honors courses will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; C, 3 points.

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, below), from either the American College Test (ACT) or the SAT I Reasoning Test of the College Board.

Test scores are also used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT I or ACT are available from high school or college counselors, from the campus testing office at 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

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

Verification of English Proficiency

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 CBT: 173 or above with part scores of 17 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: 24 or higher

SAT Verbal score: 550 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.

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
    • College preparatory - 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
    • 1 year biological science with laboratory
    • 1 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.

Language other than English

The language subject requirement may be satisfied by applicants who demonstrate competence in a language other than English equivalent to, or higher than, expected of students who complete two years of foreign language study in the same language. Consult with your school counselor, or any CSU campus admissions or outreach and recruitment office.

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. For further information and substitution forms, call the director of Disabilities Resources Services. Also refer to the Appendix.)

Making Up Missing College Preparatory Subject Requirements

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 or four quarter units will be considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
  3. Earn acceptable scores on specified examinations.

Please consult with any CSU Admission Office for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

Due to enrollment pressures, many CSU campuses do not admit or enroll lower division transfer students.

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 Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Records, who is responsible for approving these applications.

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 Applicants

Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students.  Students who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students.  Students who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet those admission requirements.  Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, an applicant will qualify for admission as a lower division transfer student if he or she has a grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) or better (nonresidents, 2.4 or better) in all transferable units attempted, is in good standing at the last college or university attended, and meets the following standards:

  1. Has completed fewer than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) and:
    1. Meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term of application. (See “Admission as a First-Time Freshman” section.); or
    2. Was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for the subject requirements, has made up the missing subjects, and has been in continuous attendance at an accredited college since high school graduation.

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

Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses. Please consult with any CSU admissions office for further information about alternative ways to satisfy the subject requirements.

California residents who are military service personnel or veterans may be considered under special admission requirements. See the section subtitled “Military Service Credit” further on in this chapter. Undergraduate transfers over 25 years of age should refer to the “Adult Students” section.

Upper Division Transfer Requirements

Students who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) at the time of entrance are considered upper division transfer students. Generally, applicants qualify for admission as upper division transfer students if they meet the following requirements:

  1. Have a grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted. Nonresidents must have a 2.4 grade point average or better.
  2. Are in good standing at the last college or university attended and have completed at least 60 transferable semester units of college course work with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade of C or better in each course used to meet CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics. The 60 units must include all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language consisting of one course in written communication, one course in oral communication, and one course in critical thinking; and one course 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.      

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:

  1. 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
  2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years; and
  3. 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.

CSU Visitors Program

Any student entitled to continued enrollment at one of the other 23 campuses of The California State University system may enroll at CSU Stanislaus as a visiting student for a term by following a simplified application procedure. Concurrent enrollment at two CSU campuses may similarly be approved. Students at CSU Stanislaus also may apply for visitor status at another CSU campus. CSU Visitor Status and CSU Concurrent Enrollment application forms are available from the CSU Stanislaus Enrollment Services Office and must be filed during the regular application filing period.

Visitor enrollment will be considered for students currently matriculated at other baccalaureate degree-granting colleges.

Senior Scholar Program

Enrollment in this program is limited to academically qualified California residents 60 years of age or older. See preceding Adult Students section. Those admitted to this program will register after regular students have registered for classes. A fee waiver will be granted if funding is available. Priority will be given to applicants not currently enrolled at CSU Stanislaus who intend to enroll in a full-time program with a degree or credential objective. Further information and applications are available from the Coordinator of Reentry Programs, (209) 667-3304.

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, 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.

Priority in admission is given to residents of California. There is little likelihood of nonresident applicants, including international students, being admitted either to impacted majors or to those majors or programs with limited openings.

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.

Steps in the Enrollment Process


  1. Evaluation of Transfer Credit
  2. Systemwide Placement Tests (EPT, ELM)
  3. New Student Orientation
  4. Health Screening
  5. Registration

1. Evaluation of Transfer Credit

The Enrollment Services Office will evaluate previous college work as it relates to the requirements of CSU Stanislaus. Each student seeking a degree will be issued an Evaluation of Transfer Credit which will serve as a basis for determining the remaining requirements for the student’s specific objective. The evaluation remains valid as long as the student matriculates for the term specified, pursues the objective declared, and remains in continuous enrollment. The student will not be obligated to meet additional graduation requirements unless such requirements become mandatory as a result of changes in the California Code of Regulations. (See Catalog Year for Graduation Requirements.)

Because of these regulations, a student should notify the Enrollment Services Office of any change in degree objective specified on a transfer credit evaluation. (See Declaration or Change of Degree Objectives.) While students may follow the specific catalog year academic requirements on which their transfer credit evaluation is based, they will be held responsible for complying with all changes in other regulations, policies, and procedures which may appear in subsequent catalogs and Schedule of Classes.

CSU Stanislaus grants credit to students who pass examinations approved for credit systemwide. These include Advanced Placement Examinations (no maximum unit limitation), International Baccalaureate Examinations (no maximum unit limitation), DANTES courses (24-unit maximum) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations (30-unit maximum). Unit credit may be allowed for CLEP examinations. Credit is also given for passing examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. See the Appendix  for detailed information.

International Baccalaureate Credit

  1. International Baccalaureate examination results must be sent directly to the Enrollment Services Office for credit consideration.
  2. Higher level International Baccalaureate courses on the UC “A-G” college preparatory lists are considered Honors courses and for admission purposes carry an extra grade point in admission eligibility calculation for A, B, or C grades. Additional honor grade points cannot be included if they raise the grade point average above a 5.00. Honors points are calculated for 11th and 12th grades, including up to two 11th grade International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or honors courses with 11th or 12th grade course content in 10th grade, and are limited to a maximum of eight semester courses.
  3. A student who has earned the International Baccalaureate diploma (not the certificate) will be eligible for admission as a first-time freshman regardless of other qualifications.
  4. Six units of ungraded advanced standing credit including General Education credit will be allowed for any Higher Level Examination passed with a score of 4 or higher.
  5. Entering freshmen may be eligible for sophomore standing by completing the full IB diploma.
  6. A lesser amount of additional credit will be considered in some subjects for Standard (subsidiary) Level examinations (e.g., Language other than English).
  7. Higher Level Examinations to be considered for meeting CSU Stanislaus General Education subject requirements include:
    Area A English Composition
    Area B Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
    Area C Art, Foreign Language, Music, Philosophy, Theatre Arts, World Literature
    Area D Anthropology, Economics, Geography, U. S. History, Psychology
    Area E Computer Science

When applying to CSU Stanislaus, students who have completed IB examinations should arrange to have the International Baccalaureate Office forward an official report of their scores to the Enrollment Services Office in order to receive credit. Questions about IB college credits or about the admissions process should be directed to the Outreach and Recruitment Department at (209) 667-3070 or toll-free at 1-800-300-7420.

Challenge Examinations

Students may challenge courses by passing examinations developed at the campus. Contact the Enrollment Services Office at (209) 667-3264 for current credit-by-examination information.

Course credit earned through the University’s on-campus Advanced Placement Program for High School Students or from early entrance programs at other colleges will be recognized by CSU Stanislaus as regular credit. (See Admission Requirements.)

Transfer of Credit from a Community College

Transferable courses are defined as those officially certified as baccalaureate level by the regionally accredited college at which the courses were taken. No upper-division credit may be allowed from a two-year college, nor may credit be allowed for professional courses in education. Transfer credit is limited to 6 units for introduction to education courses. The University accepts a maximum of 70 semester units of credit from two-year colleges. Additional lower-division courses may be taken at the University for full credit even after 70 units have been earned. Admission as an upper-division student may be allowed even if all General Education requirements have not been completed.

Credit for Noncollegiate Instruction

CSU Stanislaus grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of noncollegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate, that has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education.

The number of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. Such credit is designated as provisional. Regular credit may be granted upon adviser recommendation, departmental endorsement, and completion of 24 semester units at CSU Stanislaus with a 2.0 (C) grade point average or better.

Distance Learning Courses

Credit is granted for all transferable credit-bearing distance learning courses (whether electronic, television-based, or print and mail-based) completed at regionally accredited postsecondary colleges and universities in the United States with the exception being the 70 semester unit limit on community college credit. Students must have official transcripts forwarded to the Enrollment Services Office. The appropriate academic departments shall determine the nature of the subject credit for degree requirements at CSU Stanislaus. Students may be required to provide additional information to assure the work offered for credit is of sufficient quality compared with the curricula and standards to meet degree requirements at CSU Stanislaus.

Extension and Correspondence Courses

The maximum credit for correspondence and extension courses which may be allowed toward the bachelor’s degree is 24 semester units.

Military Service Credit

Veterans who desire to have their military records evaluated for credit should submit a copy of their DD Form 214 (separation papers), or DD Form 295 (Application For The Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service), and transcripts of courses taken at military service schools to the Enrollment Services Office. A maximum of six semester units may be granted, fulfilling the requirement for General Education Areas E.1 and E.2 . (See Credit for Noncollegiate Instruction.)

Prior Coursework

Coursework completed ten years before enrollment at CSU Stanislaus is designated provisional credit primarily to alert the student and academic adviser that course scheduling adjustments may be warranted. Regular credit for this coursework will be allowed based on adviser recommendation after satisfactory completion of 24 units at the University.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans who are planning to use veterans’ educational benefits must file a copy of their DD Form 214 (separation papers) or DD Form 295 (Application For The Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service) at the Veterans Services Office located in MSR 120. Prompt submission of these records are required if Veterans educational benefits are being requested.

Veterans, dependents of veterans, reservists, and active duty military personnel planning to use veterans educational benefits, or any student with questions concerning veterans educational benefits can obtain information at www.csustan.edu/EnrollmentServices/VeteransAffairs or by contacting a Veterans Services representative in the Enrollment Services Office, (209) 667-3081.

Workshop Credit

Workshop credit does not substitute for course credit in a credential sequence and will not be applied toward the General Education, major, or minor degree requirements of the University. Such credit may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree only as elective units. Workshops (formerly numbered 4920 to 4929) at CSU Stanislaus are open to both undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students.

2. 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 and/or ELM at the campus testing office.  Students may access information on test dates and registration materials online at www.csustan.edu/testing.

Failure to take the English Placement Test (EPT) or Entry Level Mathematics Test (ELM) when required may lead to administrative probation, which according to Section 41300.1 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and CSU Executive Order 665, may lead to disqualification from future attendance.

Early Assessment Program

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is an academic preparation program to help high school students determine if their English and math skills are on target to succeed at a California State University.

The optional EAP college-readiness exams are given in the spring semester of the 11th grade as part of the required California Standards Tests (CSTs). Before the start of the senior year of high school, students and their high school will receive a report indicating their readiness for college-level English and mathematics. Based on the test results, students may be exempt from the required CSU English and/or math placement tests, or they may learn of the need to adjust their senior-year coursework to prepare for the CSU. Those who have earned exemptions from the placement tests can enroll in college-level coursework without having to take remedial classes that do not count toward a bachelor’s degree.

For more information, students can talk to their high school counselor and explore the Web sites below:
www.calstate.edu/eap
www.csumathsuccess.org
www.csuenglishsuccess.org

CSU English Placement Test (EPT)

The CSU English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of entering lower-division students so they can be placed in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses. Those students who do not demonstrate college-level skills will be directed to remedial courses or programs until they remove identified deficiencies.  The EPT must be completed by all entering undergraduates, with the exception of those who present proof of one of one of the following:

  1. A score of “Exempt” on the augmented English CST, i.e., the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 as part of the California Standards Test; or
  2. A score of 3, 4, or 5 on either the Language and Composition or the Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Advanced Placement Program; or
  3. A score of 24 or above on the enhanced ACT English Test taken October 1989 or later; or
  4. A score of 660 or above on the writing section of the College Board SAT I Reasoning Test; or
  5. A score of 680 or above on the re-centered and adjusted College Board SAT II Writing Test taken May 1998 or later; or
  6. Completion and transfer of a course that satisfies the General Education Breadth requirement Area A2, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) written communication requirement, provided that in each case the course was completed with a grade of C or better.

Information bulletins and registration materials for the EPT will be mailed to all students subject to the requirement. The materials may also be obtained from the University Testing Office. Inquiries regarding the application of these policies should be directed to the Advising Resource Center at MSR 180, (209) 667-3304.

Learning disability inquiries should be directed to the staff in the Disabilities Resource Center, MSR 210, (209) 667-3159.

Unless a student qualifies for one of the EPT exemptions listed above, it is necessary that the student take the EPT before attending a New Student Orientation or registering for any courses at CSU Stanislaus. Registration for General Education ENGL 1001 Freshman Composition is permitted only if the EPT score is at least 148, or an approved CSU Stanislaus prebaccalaureate composition course has been satisfactorily completed, or an exemption from the EPT is approved.  If the score on the EPT is not at least 148, the student must, in the term of enrollment, enroll in an appropriate course of remedial study. Then upon completion, the student may enroll in a required General Education English Composition course. (See course placement requirements section.)

Required remedial courses must be taken the first and each subsequent term at the University until the prerequisites to General Education courses have been satisfied.  Full remediation of all English entrance deficiencies must be completed within one year of initial University registration to avoid academic-administrative disqualification from enrollment.

EPT Course Placement Requirements

Scores on the EPT determine which entry-level composition class students may take. Eligibility is determined according to the table below:

EPT Score   EPT Placement
0-147   ENGL 1000
148 and above   ENGL 1001/1002 First-Year Composition

CSU Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination and Mathematics Competency for Graduation

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM Placement Examination is designed to assess the skill levels of entering CSU students in the areas of mathematics typically covered in three years of rigorous college preparatory courses in high school (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry).  The CSU ELM must be completed by all entering undergraduates with the exception of those who present proof of one of the following:

  1. A score of “Exempt” on the augmented mathematics California Standards Test (CST), i.e., the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11; or
  2. A score of “Conditionally Exempt” on the augmented CST, i.e., the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 and the completion of an appropriate senior year experience with a grade of C- or better; or
  3. A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus examination (AB or BC) or Statistics examination;
  4. A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Subject Tests-Mathematics Test Level I, IC (Calculator), II, or IIC (Calculator); or
  5. A score of 23 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test; or
  6. Completion and transfer of a course that satisfies the General Education Breadth requirement, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum requirement in quantitative reasoning and provided in each case the course was completed with a grade of C– or better before attending courses at CSU Stanislaus.

Information bulletins and registration materials for the ELM will be mailed to all students subject to the requirement. The materials may also be obtained from the University Testing Office. An Entry-Level Mathematics Workbook is available from University Bookstore or Vasché Library to assist students in preparing for the ELM test. All undergraduate students must take the test or be exempted from it prior to placement in appropriate university mathematics coursework.

Unless a student qualifies for one of the approved ELM test exemptions listed above, the student is required to take the ELM test before attending a New Student Orientation or registering for any courses at CSU Stanislaus. A student may not enroll in any required General Education or other baccalaureate-level mathematics course unless the student has passed the ELM test or earned an exemption from taking it. (See ELM placement scores, below.)

If the student takes but does not pass the ELM test (and does not have an exemption from it), the student will be required to enroll in an appropriate course of remedial study in the first term of enrollment culminating in the passing of MATH 0106 or 0110, Intermediate Algebra, at CSU Stanislaus or retake and pass the ELM test. After passing MATH 0106 or 0110 at CSU Stanislaus the student will be eligible to take a General Education mathematics course and will not have to take the ELM again.

A student may satisfy the mathematics competency requirement for graduation by passing the ELM test or by passing MATH 0106 or 0110 as specified above, or by passing, with a C– grade or better, a mathematics course that satisfies the General Education-Breadth Requirement in Quantitative Reasoning.

Note: Students with learning disabilities related to mathematics should refer to the Appendix  of this catalog for the Learning Disabled Student General Education Breadth Requirement waiver policy

ELM Course Placement Requirements

Interpretation of ELM Scores for those who took the ELM Test after March 2002.

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

Enroll in the following courses based on the student’s academic major:

34-48   Math, Science, or Computer Science Major
MATH 0110, Intermediate Algebra for Math/Science
50-80   Other Major
MATH 0106, Intermediate Algebra for Non-Math/Science
ELM pass; enroll in G.E. Mathematics

3. New Student Orientation

As a newly admitted student, you will be provided a transfer credit evaluation at the New Student Orientation, which are held throughout the year. You are required to attend the orientation, which is the only way to register for classes prior to the start of the semester. Orientation is designed to smooth your transition to college. You will receive an opportunity to be advised by knowledgeable University faculty, meet friendly upperclassmen, tour the campus, and become acquainted with the many services, activities, and special programs available to students. For more information, visit the Advising Resource Center at Mary Stuart Rogers Building, Room 180, or call (209) 664-6757. A packet to register for orientation will be mailed to you.

4. Health Screening

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations before beginning their first term of enrollment. All incoming freshmen who will reside on campus are required to return a form indicating they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of preventive vaccine, and whether they chose to be vaccinated. These are not admission requirements, but are required as conditions of enrollment in CSU Stanislaus.

Immunization

Measles/Rubella All new and readmitted students born on or after January 1, 1957 must provide proof of two immunizations for measles (rubeola) and rubella prior to their first enrollment. Proof of such immunization (or immunity) is also required for certain students, regardless of age, who have increased exposure to these diseases. These include: students who live on campus, or who attended primary and secondary schools outside the United States, or who are enrolled in any practicum, student teaching, or field work involving pre-school age children or taking place at a hospital or health care setting.

Hepatitis B All new enrollees 18 years old and younger must provide proof of having completed a three-dose series of immunizations against Hepatitis B prior to their first enrollment. This series is generally given over a 4- to 6-month period.

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. These 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 may 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

5. Registration

Students may register, add or drop courses, or withdraw from the University via the Web Registration System. This system is the only way to register for classes during the Priority Registration Appointment Period. After the Priority Registration period ends, students may also register in person at the Enrollment Services Office.

For the most current and complete instructions for the use of the Web Registration System and registration dates and deadlines, refer to the current “Schedule Informational Guide” at http://www.csustan.edu/classschedule.

At the start of each term, students should verify the completeness and accuracy of all of their intended enrollment transactions through the Web Registration System. Students who register late may find themselves handicapped in arranging their programs. Those who register after a term begins must pay a $25 late registration fee. A student who unofficially drops a course, or leaves CSU Stanislaus without officially dropping courses or withdrawing from the University through the Enrollment Services Office, may receive grades of WU, F, or NC. A student who attends a course without officially adding it through the Enrollment Services Office by the last day to add a course will not receive credit for the course.

Students who do not attend the first class meeting after registering for a course may be dropped from the course by the instructor. However, a student will be held personally responsible for officially dropping unwanted courses through the Enrollment Services Office by the deadline to drop courses. (Refer to the section on “Instructor Withdrawal” in the Academic Policies and Procedures section.) Registration appointments are determined by units completed within class level in the following order: seniors, students in master’s and credential programs, freshmen, juniors, sophomores, and unclassified postbaccalaureate students.