Procedures and Regulations

Information about University procedures and regulations contained in this section is applicable to all undergraduate students. Some general information also applies to postbaccalaureate and graduate students. Additional procedures and regulations applicable only to postbaccalaureate and graduate students are included in the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Study section.

Undergraduate Class Levels

Undergraduate students are classified according to the number of semester units of baccalaureate-level coursework they have completed, calculated as follows:

Semester Unit/Semester System

Cal State L.A. credits are expressed in semester units; one semester unit normally represents no less than one hour of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one semester. One semester unit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter units, and one quarter unit is equivalent to 0.67 semester units.

Campus Identification Number (CIN)

California State University, Los Angeles randomly assigns a nine-digit Campus Identification Number (CIN) to all students in the University. This number is used as a means of identifying records and offering services pertaining to students. The students’ Social Security Number will continue to be retained for purposes of financial aid eligibility and other debts payable to the institution.

Undergraduate Student Orientation

All freshmen students enrolling for the first time at Cal State L.A. are required to attend an orientation to the University prior to registering for classes for their first semester of attendance. The orientation will provide information to help students gain a better understanding of the various aspects of University life and learn about policies and procedures as well as, skills and knowledge for success. Student will also learn about appropriate courses for their individual program and register for their first semester. More information is available at the Golden Eagle Orientation Website

Registration

Continuing students at California State University, Los Angeles receive information regarding their registration appointment dates by logging into GET (Golden Eagle Territory). Additional information about registration procedures is provided in the Schedule of Classes, available online each semester before the registration period Web registration (GET) is available to all eligible continuing students.
Students maintain their continuing student status for registration purposes only by attending at least one of the two semesters immediately preceding the semester in which they plan to enroll (excluding the summer term). Students who were admitted and enrolled in one of the last two semesters preceding the semester in which they plan to enroll will also maintain their continuing student status for registration purposes. Absence for more than one of any two consecutive semesters without an approved leave of absence will cancel continuing registration eligibility. See Leaves of Absence later in this chapter.

Attendance in University extension courses does not constitute continuous attendance. Students who attended another college or university during an absence from Cal State L.A., except for a summer session or extension program or approved visitor enrollment at another CSU campus, are required to file an application for admission as a returning student and have official transcripts of work taken sent to the Admissions Office. A nonrefundable application fee is charged. Such students will, if eligible, receive forms to register as returning students.

Students who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State L.A. and wish to continue in graduate standing are required to file a new application for graduate admission and will, if eligible, receive forms to register as new students.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement shall be required for all new students prior to or during their first term in attendance. After the first advisement session, each student shall be advised annually or more often as necessary to enhance academic success. Prior to the completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units students must meet with an academic advisor to select a major and develop an approved degree plan.

All transfer students who are admitted with fewer than 20 semester units shall declare a major by the time they complete three semesters in residence. All transfer students admitted with 20 semester units or more shall declare a major by the end of their second semester in residence. Upon declaring a major, students shall meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan.

After reaching 90 quarter units or 60 semester units and before completing 135 quarter units or 90 semester units, all students shall meet with an academic advisor to review their progress toward graduation based on the results of an on-line degree audit. Upon the completion of 135 degree eligible quarter units or 90 degree eligible semester units, students must meet with an advisor to determine when they should apply for graduation.

Students who reach 180 quarter units or 120 semester units and have not filed a graduation application shall meet with an academic advisor to review their progress toward graduation based on the results of an on-line degree audit and develop a plan to help ensure timely and efficient progress toward graduation. The plan shall include remaining requirements and dates of future progress checks.

Undeclared Majors

Upon admission, undergraduate students are encouraged to declare a major. Those who have not selected a specific major shall be designated undeclared majors. Before registering for their first semester at Cal State L.A., undeclared majors shall consult an advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center, Library, Palmer Wing 1040A, to plan a preliminary program of study.

All first time freshmen and transfer students who are admitted with less than 20-semester units shall declare a major by the time they complete 30 semester units in residence or three semesters in residence, whichever comes first.

All transfer students must declare and be accepted into a degree program upon matriculation.

Upon declaring a major, students shall meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan.

Final Examinations

Final examinations or final class meetings are required in all courses at the time and place shown in the final examination schedule in the Schedule of Classes. Any exception in time or place must have written approval of the instructor, department/division/school chair or director, and college dean. Students who find it impossible to take a final examination at the scheduled time may, with the written approval of the instructor, department/division/school chair or director, and college dean, have a special final examination administered.

Repeating Courses

Undergraduate students may repeat a course no more than two times (a maximum of 3 times taking the same course). Undergraduate students who wish to repeat an individual course a second time must create an action plan with the appropriate academic advisor and receive approval from the college associate dean or designee of their major course of study. These limits apply to courses completed at Cal State LA, whether as a matriculated student or through the College of Professional and Global Education or Open University. Repeating courses under this policy does not result in the removal of the original record and grade from the transcript.

Individual colleges and departments/divisions/schools/programs may have additional restrictions on repeating courses. Unless otherwise indicated, undergraduate students may not repeat for credit any course already completed with a grade of C (2.00 grade-points) or better, and post-baccalaureate or graduate students may not repeat for credit any course already completed with a grade of B (3.00 grade-points) or better.

Repeating Courses for Grade Replacement

• Grade replacement is the circumstance under which the new grade replaces the former grade in terms of the calculation of GPA. Grade replacement shall not be applicable to courses for which the original grade was a result of a finding of academic dishonesty (see the Student Conduct section in this chapter).
• Students may replace up to a maximum of 16 semester-units of repeated coursework and this policy is limited to courses taken at Cal State LA, whether taken in a matriculated status or as coursework, completed through the College of Professional and Global Education or Open University. Grade replacement shall occur only when the same or equivalent course is taken a second or third time at Cal State LA. For purposes of grade replacement, a repeated course is considered equivalent to the original course if the only alteration to the course is its name and/or course number. In the case of different courses with similar content, students must petition the chair of the department offering the original course to verify that the course is an appropriate replacement. In cases where the original course carries a different number of units than the course that will be replacing it, the number of units earned and calculated will be based on the new course.
• In computing grade point averages for graduation with a baccalaureate from this institution, units attempted, units earned (if any), and grade points (if any) for up to two previous attempts of the same or equivalent course shall be excluded when conditions specified in this policy are met.

Repeating Courses with “Grades Averaged”

• In addition to the 16 semester-units for which grade replacement is permitted, undergraduate students may repeat 12 semester-units with the grade earned in the repeated course calculated into the student’s overall grade-point average. The original grade is not replaced by the repeated grade; both grades are used for the calculation of the grade point average and remain on the student’s records.

Academic Renewal

Under certain circumstances, up to two semesters or three quarters of previous undergraduate coursework taken at any college may be disregarded from all considerations associated with requirements for the baccalaureate. Detailed eligibility and procedural information are provided in the Schedule of Classes.

The basic criteria are listed below:

• Five years must have elapsed since the completion of the most recent work to be disregarded;
• Any previous removal of work from degree consideration must be included in applying the limits on work that may be disregarded;
• Since completion of the work to be disregarded, students must have maintained the following grade point averages at Cal State L.A. at the time of petition: 3.0 for students with 15-29 semester units completed; 2.5 with 30-44 semester units completed; and 2.0 with 45 or more semester units completed; and
• There must be evidence that the student would find it necessary to complete additional units and enroll for one or more additional semesters to qualify for the baccalaureate if the request was not approved.

Students are advised that they may file a petition to disregard undergraduate course work as described above if their grade point average is lower than C (2.0) in general education, the major, or overall college units attempted (a condition preventing them from qualifying for the degree) and they meet all of the above criteria and conditions.

Honorable Dismissal

Honorable dismissal is granted to all students who are not under financial obligation to the University and who are not under disciplinary notice, suspension, or expulsion. Academic disqualification does not constitute dishonorable dismissal.

Petitions for Waiver of Regulations

Rules and regulations in this catalog have been adopted by the faculty and administration to maintain appropriate academic standards and facilitate the administration of the university’s programs. Students who believe that extenuating circumstances might justify the waiver of a particular regulation or requirement may file a petition at their major department/division/school office, according to established procedures, for consideration by a faculty committee. However, provisions of Title 5, California Code of Regulations, or other state or federal laws and regulations, are not subject to waiver by petition. Detailed information about procedures and regulations governing petitions are found in the Schedule of Classes.

Schedule of Tuition and Fees

2022-23 Schedule of Tuition and Fees

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 through 66028.6 of the California Education Code).( Sections 66028 through 66028.6 of the California Education Code ).

The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter universities.These rates are subject to change.

All Students

Application fee (nonrefundable), payable online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal: $70

2022-23 Basic Tuition

2022-23 Doctorate Tuition *

* Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the university. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.

2022-23 Graduate Business Professional Fee

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to basic tuition and campus fees for specific graduate business programs authorized to assess the fee. A list of academic programs authorized to assess the fee can be found on the CSU Tuition website.

Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

Nonresident tuition (in addition to basic tuition and other systemwide fees charged all students) for all CSUs:

2022-23 Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

• The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.
• Mandatory systemwide tuition is waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see section on fee waivers).
• Students are charged campus fees in addition to tuition and systemwide fees. Information on campus fees can be found by contacting the individual CSUs.

Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

2023-24 Schedule of Tuition and Fees

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act( Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code ).

The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter universities. These rates are subject to change.

All Students

Application fee (nonrefundable), payable online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal: $70

2023-24 Basic Tuition

2023-24 Doctorate Tuition *

*Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the campus. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.

2023-24 Graduate Business Professional Fee

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to basic tuition and campus fees for specific campus graduate business programs authorized to assess the fee. A list of academic programs authorized to assess the fee can be found on the CSU Tuition website.

Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

Nonresident tuition (in addition to basic tuition and other systemwide fees charged all students) for all CSUs:

2023-24 Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

• The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.
• Mandatory systemwide tuition is waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see section on fee waivers).
• Students are charged campus fees in addition to tuition and systemwide fees. Information on campus fees can be found by contacting the individual CSUs.

Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

Refund of Tuition and Mandatory Fees, Including Nonresident Tuition

• Regulations governing the refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, for students enrolling at the California State University (CSU) are included in Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. For purposes of the refund policy, mandatory fees are defined as those systemwide and campus fees that are required to be paid in order to enroll in state-supported academic programs at the CSU. Refunds of fees and tuition charges for self-support, special session and Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) programs or courses at the CSU are governed by a separate policy established by the university, available at: Main Campus - One-Stop Financial Services - Forms; DTLA campus - DTLA - Refund Policy
• In order to receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, less an administrative charge established by the university, a student must cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction for the term. Information on procedures and deadlines for canceling registration and dropping classes is available: University Registar - Dates and Deadline
• For state-supported semesters, quarters and non-standard terms or courses of four weeks or more, a student who withdraws during the term in accordance with the university’s established procedures or drops all courses prior to the university-designated drop period will receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, based on the portion of the term during which the student was enrolled. No student withdrawing after the 60 percent point in the term will be entitled to a refund of any mandatory fees or nonresident tuition.
• A student who, within the university designated drop period and in accordance with university procedures, drops units resulting in a lower tuition and/or mandatory fee obligation shall be entitled to a refund of applicable tuition and mandatory fees less an administrative charge established by the university.
• For state-supported non-standard terms or courses of less than four weeks, no refunds of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, will be made unless a student cancels registration or drops all classes, in accordance with the university’s established procedures and deadlines, prior to the first day of instruction for state-supported non-standard terms or courses or prior to the first meeting for courses of less than four weeks.
• Students will also receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, under the following circumstances:
  • The tuition and fees were assessed or collected in error;
  • The course for which the tuition and fees were assessed or collected was canceled by the university;
  • The university makes a delayed decision that the student was not eligible to enroll in the term for which tuition and mandatory fees were assessed and collected and the delayed decision was not due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the student; or
  • The student was activated for compulsory military service.

  Students who are not entitled to a refund as described above may petition the university for a refund demonstrating exceptional circumstances and the chief financial officer of the university or designee may authorize a refund if they determine that the fees and tuition were not earned by the university.

  Information concerning any aspect of the refund of fees may be obtained from One-Stop Financial Services

  Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution

  Should a student or former student fail to pay a fee or a debt owed to the institution, including tuition and student charges, the institution may “withhold permission to register, to use facilities for which a fee is authorized to be charged, to receive services, materials, food or merchandise or any combination of the above from any person owing a debt” until the debt is paid (see Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Sections 42380 and 42381 ).

  Prospective students who register for courses offered by the university are obligated for the payment of charges and fees associated with registration for those courses. Failure to cancel registration in any course for an academic term prior to the first day of the academic term gives rise to an obligation to pay student charges and fees including any tuition for the reservation of space in the course.

  The institution may withhold permission to register or other services offered by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution. The institution may also report the debt to a credit bureau, offset the amount due against any future state tax refunds due the student, refer the debt to an outside collection agency and/or charge the student actual and reasonable collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees if litigation is necessary, in collecting any amount not paid when due.

  The institution may not withhold an official transcript of grades by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution (see Title 1.6C.7 (commencing with Section 1788.90) Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code).

  The institution can still charge a fee for the issuance of the transcript pursuant to their published transcript processing fees.

  If a person believes they do not owe all or part of an asserted unpaid obligation, that person may contact the One-Stop Financial Services, to which the business office may refer the person, will review all pertinent information provided by the person and available to the university and will advise the person of its conclusions.

  Fee Waivers and Exemptions

  The California Education Code provides for the waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition fees as summarized below:

  Section 66025.3(a)

  Dependent eligible to receive assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code; child of any veteran of the United States military who has a service- connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of a service-connected disability, and meets specified income provisions; dependent, or surviving spouse who has not remarried of any member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty, and while in the active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability resulting from an event that occurred while in the active service of the state, or is permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the active service of the state; and any undergraduate student who is a recipient of a Medal of Honor, or undergraduate student who is a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor who is no more than 27 years old, who meets the income restriction and California residency requirement.

  Section 66025.3(b)

  Current or former foster youth who are 25 years of age or younger; has been in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months after reaching 10 years of age; meet any of the following:

  1. Is under a current foster care placement order by the juvenile court;
  2. Was under a foster care placement order by the juvenile court upon reaching 18 years of age;
  3. Was adopted, or entered guardianship, from foster care;
  4. Completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
  5. Maintains a minimum grade point average and meets other conditions necessary to be in good standing at the university; and
  6. Meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards under Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 69430) of Part 42 .

  The waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees under this section applies only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41 of the California Education Code.

  Section 66602

  A qualifying student from the California State University (CSU) who is appointed by the Governor to serve as Trustee of the California State University (CSU) for the duration of the student member’s term of office.

  Section 68120

  Surviving spouse or child of a deceased California resident who was employed by a public agency or was a contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency, or was a firefighter employed by the federal government whose duty assignment involved the performance of firefighting services in this state. The deceased person’s principal duties consisted of active law enforcement service or active fire suppression and prevention, and was killed in the performance of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties (referred to as Alan Pattee Scholarships). Additionally, a person who qualifies for the waiver under this section as a surviving child of a contractor, or of an employee of a contractor, who performed services for a public agency, must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the California State University and meet the applicable income restriction requirement with supporting documentation (i.e. student’s income, including the value of parent support, does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant B award).

  Section 68120.3

  Surviving spouse (until January 1, 2033) or surviving child (until attaining the age of 30) of a deceased California resident who was a licensed physician or licensed nurse employed by or under contract with a health facility regulated and licensed by the State Department of Public Health to provide medical services, or a first responder employed to provide emergency services as described in Section 8562 of the Government Code . The deceased person’s principal duties consisted of providing medical services or emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency (started March 4, 2020, until the Governor lifts the state of emergency), and the deceased person died of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency. The person who qualifies for this waiver must enroll as an undergraduate student at a CSU, was a resident of California during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency, and the annual income (including the value of parent’s support) does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant A award, as set forth in Section 69432.7.

  Section 68121

  A qualifying undergraduate student (until attaining the age of 30) who is the surviving dependent of any individual killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in southwestern Pennsylvania, if the student meets the financial need requirements set forth in Government Code Section 69432.7 for the Cal Grant A Program and either the surviving dependent or the individual killed in the attacks was a resident of California on September 11, 2001.

  Section 69000

  A California resident who has been exonerated, as that term is defined in Section 3007.05 of the Penal Cod e; completes and submits the FAFSA; and meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards. The student’s mandatory systemwide tuition and fees waived pursuant to this subdivision shall not have in excess of the equivalent of six years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.

  Students who may qualify for the above benefits should contact the Admissions/Registrar’s Office for further information and/or an eligibility determination.

  The California Education Code provides for the following nonresident tuition exemptions as summarized below:

  Section 68075

  A student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education, is entitled to resident classification only for the purpose of determining the amount of tuition and fees. If that member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is in attendance at an institution is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside this state where the member continues to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, the member shall not lose the member’s resident classification so long as the member remains continuously enrolled at that institution.

  Section 68075.7

  A nonresident student is exempt from paying nonresident tuition or any other fee that is exclusively applicable to nonresident students if the student:

  1. Resides in California;
  2. Meets the definition of “covered individual” as defined in Section 3679(c)(2) of Title 38 of the United States Code ; or
  3. Is eligible for education benefits under the federal Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (Chapter 30 (commencing with Section 3001) of Title 38 of the United States Code) , the Veterans Readiness and Employment program (Chapter 31 (commencing with Section 3100) of Title 38 of the United States Code) , the Post-9/11 GI Bill program (Chapter 33 (commencing with Section 3301) of Title 38 of the United States Code) , or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35 (commencing with Section 3500) of Title 38 of the United States Code) , as each read on January 5, 2022.

  Section 68122

  A student who is a victim of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who has been granted a status under Section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) or (ii), or Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) or (ii), of Title 8 of the United States Code shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition to the same extent as individuals who are admitted to the United States as refugees under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code .

  Section 68130.5

  A nonresident student, other than a person excluded from the term “immigrant” for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101), pursuant to paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United States Code , shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition if the student meets the requirements of (1) through (4), below.

  1. Satisfaction of the requirements of either subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B).

  a. A total attendance of, or attainment of credits earned while in California equivalent to, three or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:

  1. California high schools;
  2. California high schools established by the State Board of Education;
  3. California adult schools established by a county office of education, a unified school district or high school district, or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (subject to the class hours’ requirement);
  4. Campuses of the California Community Colleges (subject to the credit requirements); or
  5. A combination of those schools set forth in clauses (i) to (iv), inclusive.

  b. Three or more years of full-time high school coursework in California, and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of both.

  2. Satisfaction of any of the following:

  a. Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the equivalent thereof; b. Attainment of an associate degree from a campus of the California Community Colleges; or

  c. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the California State University for students transferring from a campus of the California Community College.

  3. Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the fall semester or quarter of the 2001-02 academic year.

  4. In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student’s immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so.

  Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

  University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a

  University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, 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 qualifies to pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. 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 are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120- 68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University Office of General Counsel website.

  Each CSUs Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that university’s new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student’s Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified a nonresident.

  Residency Requirements

  Initial Determination: Eligible Immigration Status, Physical Presence and Intent

  A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency (see Immigration Information), meet physical presence by the Residence Determination Date, and demonstrate intent to indefinitely remain in the State of California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date. If the student is under the age of 19 (with limited exceptions), the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or from that of the legal guardian.

  Requirements for Residency for Tuition Purposes

  Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2023 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2023, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2022.

  Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the RDD.

  Documents must include the student’s name, the student’s California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

  Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually 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 a residence 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.

  Immigration Information

  A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (see list). If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions.

  Nonimmigrant Statuses and Other Categories that are Eligible to Establish California Residency for Tuition Purposes

  The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals in certain nonimmigrant statuses to establish permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, they are entitled to establish California residency for tuition purposes. For a complete list of eligible visas and other eligible categories, review the Nonimmigrant list Students must hold an eligible visa status at least one year before the Residence Determination Date to be eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes.

  Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.

  Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the campus Admissions Office.

  Exceptions

  Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the university nor the Chancellor’s Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

  _{(Tuition Fees are based on Semester)}

  Semester:	Quarter Term CSUs	Semester Term CSUs	CalState TEACH
  Fall	September 20	September 20	September 20
  Winter	January 5	January 5
  Spring	April 1	January 25	January 5
  Summer	July 1	June 1	June 1

  Reclassification - Financial Independence (only applies to continuing students)

  A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5. To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the university admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.

  41905.5. Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement

  • Any nonresident student requesting reclassification to resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate financial independence.
  • Student has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
  • Student has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from their parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
  • Student has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of their parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application.
  • Note: Students who receive a government scholarship and/or financial assistance should be viewed the same as state and federal financial aid, and athletics grants-is-aid; and should not be counted as parental support.
  • Effective Fall 2020 academic term, if the student meets at least one of the following criteria, the student does not have to meet the financial independence requirement. Student must provide the university admissions office supporting documents (e.g. state income tax returns, court documents, marriage certificate, military order form) that demonstrate they meet the criteria.
    • Dependent on a parent who has California residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date;
    • Enrolled in a graduate or postbaccalaureate program, regardless of age;
    • Turned 24 years of age by the residence determination date;
    • Married or registered domestic partner as of the residence determination date;
    • Active duty members serving in the U.S Armed Forces;
    • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
    • Legal dependent other than spouse or registered domestic partner;
    • Former ward of the court, foster youth or both parents are deceased;
    • Declared by a court to be an emancipated minor; or
    • Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

    Residency Appeals

    A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final campus decision within 30 days of notification by the campus. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:

    The decisions was based on:

    1. A significant error of fact by the university;
    2. A significant procedural error by the university; or
    3. An incorrect application of the law which, if corrected would require that the student be reclassified as a California resident; and/or
    4. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, became available after the date of the university decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

    Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes Website.

    Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the California State University (CSU) website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at residencyappeals@calstate.edu.

    The office of the Chancellor will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the university for further review.

    A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations . A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.

    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.

    Average Support Cost Per Full-Time Equivalent Student and Sources of Funds

    The total support cost per full-time equivalent student (FTES) includes the expenditures for current operations, including payments made to students in the form of financial aid, and all fully reimbursed programs contained in state appropriations. The average support cost is determined by dividing the total cost by the number of FTES. The total CSU 2022-23 budget amounts were $4,589,590,000 from state General Fund (GF) appropriations, before a $(68.5) million CalPERS retirement adjustment, $2,446,491,000 from gross tuition revenue, and $672,655,000 from other fee revenues for a total of $7,708,736,000. The 2022-23 resident FTES target is 383,680 and the nonresident FTES based on past-year actual is 19,953 for a total of 403,633 FTES. The GF appropriation is applicable to resident students only whereas fee revenues are collected from resident and nonresident students. FTES is derived by dividing the total student credit units attempted by a fixed amount depending on academic level (e.g., 30 for a semester university and 45 for a quarter university, the figures that define a full-time undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student’s academic load).

    2022-23	Amount	Average Cost per FTES	Percentage
    State Appropriation (GF) 1	$ 4,589,590,000	$ 11,962	59.6%
    Gross Tuition Revenue 2	$ 2,446,491,000	$ 6,061	31.7%
    Other Fees Revenue 2	$ 672,655,000	$ 1,667	8.7%
    Total Support Cost	$ 7,708,736,000	$ 19,690	100%

    Notes: 1. Represents state GF appropriation in the Budget Act of 2022-23; GF is divisible by resident students only (383,680 FTES). 2. Represents CSU Operating Fund, gross tuition and other fees revenue amounts submitted in university September 2022-23 final budgets. Revenues are divisible by resident and nonresident students (403,633 FTES).

    The 2022-23 average support cost per FTES based on GF appropriation and tuition fee revenue only is $18,023 and is $19,960, which includes all fee revenue (e.g., tuition fees, application fees, and campus mandatory fees) in the CSU Operating Fund. Of this amount, the average tuition and other fee revenue per FTES is $7,728.

    The average CSU 2022-23 academic year, resident, undergraduate student basic tuition and other mandatory fees required to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university is $7,520 ($5,742 tuition fee plus $1,778 average campus-based fees). However, the costs paid by individual students will vary depending on the university, program, and whether a student is part-time, full-time, resident, or nonresident.

    Disenrollment

    Students who have a tuition and fees obligation to the University will be billed. Payment must be made by the due date printed on the billing statement. Failure to pay by the established deadline is cause for disenrollment because of incomplete payment of tuition and fees. Disenrollment means the permanent loss of credit for classes taken for the semester involved. There is no refund of any fees already paid for the semester involved.

    Students who fail to complete all required subcollegiate (“remedial”) courses during their first year at Cal State L.A. will be disenrolled from the University in compliance with the CSU Chancellor’s Office Executive Order 665.

    State University Installment Plan

    The CSU is now authorized to collect State University Fee and Nonresident Tuition in installment payments. For additional information about this plan, please visit Financial Services.

    Categories of Enrollment

    Credit by External Examinations

    Please refer to the CSU Systemwide Credit for External Examinations and the Evaluation of Optional Undergraduate Tests and Examinations sections in the Admissions chapter for detailed information.

    Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

    College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

    International Baccalaureate (IB)

    Credit by Examination

    Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at Cal State L.A. Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully.

    Undergraduate students in good standing and officially enrolled in one or more residence courses may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at the campus. Examinations are interpreted broadly to include whatever activity, test, or demonstration an instructor deems appropriate to evaluate comprehension, skills, or knowledge required by the course objectives. Credit shall be granted to students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include the Advanced Placement Examinations, the CSU English Equivalency Examination, and some CLEP examinations.

    Approval of the chair of the department/division/school that offers the course and an instructor for the course is required. Forms for approval are available in the AR Center (SSB 1 st floor), and must be filed with the Registrar’s Office by the eighth week of the semester in which the examination is taken. Additional fees must be paid if the added units alter the total fees due for the semester.

    Credit by examination is restricted to undergraduate and graduate courses listed in this catalog. It is without unit limit, but does not count as residence credit. Such credit is not treated as part of the student’s workload during a regular quarter and therefore does not require approval for excess study load. Grades received by examination are recorded as final grades on the permanent academic record and are designated as earned through credit by examination.

    Credit earned by examination at another accredited institution is accepted upon transfer, if the units have been accepted by the previous institution as equivalent to specific courses and are not in violation of any other regulations.

    Visitors within California State University (CSU)

    Students who are enrolled at any CSU campus may transfer temporarily to another CSU campus in visitor status if they have completed 12 units with a minimum C (2.0) grade point average at the home campus, are in good standing, and are eligible to register in continuing status. Visitors are approved for one term only, subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus. Enrollment as a visitor may be repeated after re-enrollment at the home campus. This opportunity may be particularly valuable to students whose educational progress can be enhanced or expedited by attending a summer term at Cal State L.A. Concurrent enrollment (see below) is not permitted during visitor status. Visitor applications may be obtained at Student Affairs 101.

    Concurrent Enrollment within CSU

    Students who are enrolled at any CSU campus may enroll concurrently at another CSU campus if they have completed 12 units at the home campus with a C (2.0) grade point average and are in good standing. Concurrent enrollment is approved for a specific term, subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus. Because of overlap in academic terms of campuses on semester and quarter calendars, concurrent enrollment is subject to combinations and conditions described in the concurrent enrollment application forms available at Student Affairs 101.

    Open University

    Enrollment through Open University, administered by the College of Professional and Global Education, permits nonmatriculated students to enroll in certain University classes on a space available basis; however, matriculated students in the University who are in continuing status (i.e., students who have registered for at least one of the previous two semesters) may not enroll in degree credit-granting classes offered under state support and made available to students by the College of Professional and Global Education through Open University.

    Audit Registration

    Regularly enrolled students may register for classes in audit status through add/drop (program change) procedures only as indicated in the Schedule of Classes for audit registration. Such registrations are subject to the same fee regulations as registration for credit, and fees must be paid at the time of registration. Registration for a course in audit status is subject to approval of the instructor and is permitted only after students who desire to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so.

    Regular class attendance is expected, but audit registrants are not required to complete assignments or take examinations. An audit registration may not be changed to a credit registration after the last day to add classes. No entry about audit registration is made on student grade reports or transcripts.

    Dual Registration

    Undergraduate students who wish to take classes at another accredited college or university, not within The California State University, while enrolled at Cal State L.A. must file a Notification of Dual Registration at Student Affairs 101 by the end of the fifth week of the semester involved. This notification must be endorsed by the student’s Cal State L.A. major department/division/school academic adviser and the department/division/school chair or director for the course(s) involved. Students are advised, also, to consult official evaluators and advisers at the non-CSU campuses where the work is taken to ensure the transferability of course work. Courses so taken are subject to all regulations and limitations governing transfer credit. To receive bachelor’s degree credit for such course work, students must have official transcripts forwarded to the Admissions Office upon completion of the course work.

    Change of Program

    Students are strongly advised to select classes carefully and to avoid the undesirable necessity of changing their program of study. Adding and dropping classes, including changing sections in the same course, may be done only in accordance with policies, procedures, and time limits stated in the Schedule of Classes. Students who fail to follow these procedures incur the risk of a grade of F or WU.

    Missed Class Time and Makeup Policy

    Students are responsible for adhering to the attendance policy set by the instructor. It is the students’ responsibility to make themselves aware of each faculty member’s guidelines by carefully reading the syllabus.

    Not attending a course does not constitute an official drop or withdrawal. It is each student’s responsibility to drop or withdraw officially from the class, meeting all University deadlines. Faculty members may drop students who fail to attend class during the first class meeting of the semester (see Policy on Exclusion from Class). However, students should not presume that they will be dropped by the faculty member. Students who have registered for a class, but never attended, should verify whether or not they are officially enrolled.

    Excused Absences

    Students may have a valid reason to miss a class. When any of the following reasons directly conflict with class meeting times, faculty shall consider an excused absence and no penalty shall be accrued. Students are responsible for informing faculty members of the reason for the absence and for arranging to make up missed assignments, tests, quizzes, and class work insofar as this is possible. Excused absences include, but are not limited to:

    • Death, injury, or serious illness of a close relation
    • Religious reasons (California Education Code section 89320)
    • Jury duty or government obligation
    • University sanctioned or approved activities (examples include: artistic performances, forensics presentations,
    • participation in research conferences, intercollegiate athletic activities, student government, required class field trips, etc.)

    Faculty members may consider other grounds for excused absences. Faculty members may require students to provide documentation for excused absences.

    Extended Absences

    There are numerous classes offered on campus where attendance is crucial since student participation is essential. Absence from these courses may impact the work and participation of other students. Students who anticipate extended or multiple absences during a particular semester should consult with their advisor and the faculty member before enrolling in any class to determine whether it will be possible to complete the requirements for the course. Students who realize after enrollment that they will have extended or multiple absences should consult with the faculty member to see whether it will be possible to complete the course requirements.

    Notification

    The earliest possible notification is preferred. In some circumstances, it may be possible for the student to notify the faculty member of anticipated absences (e.g. for religious reasons or for scheduled athletic events) during the first week of enrollment. Advance notification (minimally one week in advance) is required for the following absences:

    • Jury duty and other government obligation
    • Religious reasons
    • University sanctioned or approved activities

    A student who expects to be absent from the University for any valid reason, and who has found it difficult to inform the instructor, should notify the academic department office. The department office shall notify the student’s instructors of the nature and duration of the absence. This notice is for the instructor’s information only and does not relieve the student of contacting instructors as soon as possible. It also remains the responsibility of the student to arrange with instructors to make up any academic work missed.

    Withdrawals and Leaves

    Add and Drop Deadlines and Limit on Number of Withdrawals

    (Senate: 7/31/73, 10/13/81, 10/19/10, 6/22/16; President: 8/9/73, 10/15/81, 11/18/10, 8/16/16)

    Students may add and drop classes without restriction or record through the first 15% of an instructional period.

    Drops occurring after the first 15% of an instructional period and prior to the last 20% of an instruction period are considered withdrawals and shall be recorded with a grade of “W” on the student’s permanent record transcript. Withdrawals are permitted only for serious and compelling reasons. The student must complete a drop request form, state the reason for withdrawal, and obtain the signatures of the course instructor and the department/division chair or school director. Records of such approvals shall be maintained in accordance with campus record retention policy. Undergraduate students may withdraw from no more than 18 semester-units (27 quarter-units) attempted at Cal State Los Angeles.

    Withdrawals shall not be permitted during the final 20% of the instructional period except where the cause of withdrawal is due to circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control (e.g. serious illness, accident, job transfer, military deployment, etc.) and the assignment of an Incomplete is not practicable. Withdrawals of this sort may involve total withdrawal from the University or may involve only one course, except that course grade and credit or an incomplete may be assigned for courses in which sufficient work has been completed to permit an evaluation to be made. Requests for permission to withdraw under these circumstances shall be handled and filed as indicated in the preceding paragraph, except that such requests must also be approved by the appropriate college dean. Such withdrawals shall not count against the 18 semester-unit maximum.

    The department/division chair or school director may approve a withdrawal for a student without first obtaining the instructor’s signature when the student and the chair and/or director have been unable to contact the instructor after a reasonable good faith effort. In these cases, the chair or director shall notify the instructor of the action and its justification.

    Add and drop activity occurring on or after the first day of instruction may incur late payment fees and refund limitations as specified by the office of student financial services and the center for student financial aid and scholarships.

    Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution

    Students who find it necessary to cancel their registration or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the university’s official withdrawal procedures. Failure to follow formal university procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees as well as the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available at the University Registrar’s webpage: Registration & Enrollment (office hours).

    Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with an adviosr at the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office prior to withdrawing from the university regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period. Students who have received financial aid and withdraw from the institution during the academic term or payment period may need to return or repay some or all of the funds received, which may result in a debt owed to the institution.

    Returning Students: Return from Educational Leaves

    A petition to return from an educational leave is only available to students in good standing who have lost continuing sudent status due only to absence not exceeding the allowance indicated below. Students not eligible to return from educational leave must re-apply for admission through the formal CSU application process.

    Students may petition to return from an educational leave for such reasons as professional or academic opportunities, like travel or study abroad; employment related to educational goals and major fields of study or participation in field study or research projects; medical reasons, including pregnancy, major surgery, and other health-­related circumstances; financial reasons, such as the necessity to work for a specified period to resume study with adequate resources; or other extenuating life circumstances.

    Undergraduate students may request a return from an educational leave following absence for two, three, or four consecutive semesters, and are allowed a maximum of four semesters of leave in their undergraduate career.

    Graduate students may request a return from an educational leave following absence for up to two consecutive semesters, subject to renewal. Graduate petitions to return require the approval of the college graduate dean.

    For both undergraduate and graduate students, if a student has already been absent for one semester, that semester will be counted as part of the educational leave.

    Students must submit the digital Return from Educational Leave Form from the Records Office website no later than the add/drop deadline for the term the student plans to return to Cal State LA.. Petitions submitted after the published deadline will incur a $25 late fee and will only be accepted through Census. Students must drop their classes if enrolled for the term(s) of their proposed leave. Students will be responsible for any grades and tuition charges incurred as a result of their classes not being dropped prior to the start of the term. Continuing students who return from a leave are entitled to priority registration privileges and are not required to file an application for readmission.

    Undergraduate students retain current catalog requirements for graduation; classified postbaccalaureate and graduate students retain classified standing. Unclassified postbaccalaureate and conditionally classified graduate students who have an approved program on file in their college graduate studies office are subject to the conditions of those programs. All others are subject to the requirements in effect when they return.

    Credit Hour

    On July 1, 2020, the United States Department of Education changed its definition of student credit hour. Fundamentally, the change shifted responsibility for credit hour compliance to the accreditation agency and/or to the state.

    As such, the CSU’s accreditor, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), has published its own updated definition of student credit hour and related accreditation processes. The new regulations no longer require an accrediting agency to review an institution’s credit hour policy and procedures. It does require the WSCUC to review the institution’s definition of credit hour and an institution’s processes and policies for ensuring the credit hour policy is followed.

    The CSU credit-hour definition is consistent with federal law ( 600.2 and 600.4 revised July 1, 2020 ) and the requirements of the WSCUC. The CSU defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in stated learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Such evidence is an institutionally established equivalency that:

    1. Approximates not less than:

    a. One hour of direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

    b. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph 1.a. of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practical studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours; and

    2. Permits an institution, in determining the amount of work associated with a credit hour, to take into account a variety of delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels. Institutions have the flexibility to award a greater number of credits for courses that require more student work.

    As in the past, a credit hour is assumed to be a 50-minute (not 60-minute) period. In some courses, such as those offered online, in which “seat time” does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.

    For purposes of accreditation, all CSU campuses are required to develop, communicate and implement procedures for regular, periodic review of this credit hour policy to ensure that credit hour assignments are accurate, reliable and consistently applied. WSCUC published new draft guidelines that will took effect in June 2021. Campuses are responsible for publishing a clearly stated practice or process that ensures they are in compliance with the student credit hour definition.

    Transcript of Academic Record

    A transcript of Cal State L.A. coursework is issued upon request by the student. For the three options for ordering an official transcript and the accompanying charges, see University Registrar - Transcripts & Verifications
    Copies normally are mailed one week after receipt of the request. However, requests that specify the inclusion of grades just earned or verification of a degree just awarded cannot be filled until two to three weeks after the end of the semester.

    Course

    Course Numbering System

    Course Numbers (Course Codes)

    A four-digit number is used to identify the course. The numbering of courses, and especially the assignment of level, is primarily a matter of tradition and faculty judgment. Some departments may choose to utilize the second and third digits of the course number to indicate categories of related courses within a program.

    Sub-collegiate, undergraduate, graduate, and noncredit courses are numbered as shown below.

    _{(Course Numbers & their Description Table)}

    0000-0999	Subcollegiate level (no credit allowed toward requirements for academic degrees).
    1000-2999	Lower-division courses (freshman and sophomore level).
    3000-3999	Upper-division courses (junior and senior level) that do not earn graduate credit.
    4000-4999	Upper-division courses (junior and senior level) that may earn graduate credit for graduate students.
    5000-5999	Graduate courses (graduate level).
    6000-6999	Specialized graduate courses for postgraduate students matriculated in the joint Ph.D. program in Special Education or in any other approved doctoral program.
    7000-7999*	Courses intended primarily for undergraduate students.
    8000-8999*	Highly specialized courses intended primarily for graduate students.
    9000-9999	Noncredit courses open to graduate students only.

    * Courses for Extension Credit. Extension credit courses, which bear 7000 and 8000 series numbers, are highly specialized and have general acceptability for professional advancement. One extension credit unit is equivalent to the same number of contact hours and the same number of non-contact hours required for one unit of degree credit. An academic department may allow up to a maximum of 24 semester units of extension credit to be applied toward degree requirements. Courses in the 7000 and 8000 series are not listed in this catalog. Their descriptions can be obtained from the College of Professional and Global Education.

    Restricted Course Numbers (Restricted Course Codes)

    2950, 3950 Service Learning and/or Community Engagement - Departments that wish their students working in volunteer capacities with local agencies in community, educational, social service, and recreational activities to receive academic credit may request that these courses be added to the curriculum. The agencies and specific placements in them must have prior approval from the Department Chair and the Faculty Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement.

    3980, 4980 Cooperative Education - These courses give credit for approved paid work experience that articulates with the student’s major as on-the-job experience. The restrictions are provided in the University policy. The department faculty cooperative education director should be contacted before this course is initiated.

    X540, X541, 4900, 4910 - Special Topic course shells

    4990 Undergraduate Directed Study - This course is already available in all departments. It has variable units and is properly used for faculty-sponsored independent study, usually resulting in some written assignment or other production. Departmental permission to enroll is usually required.

    4995 Undergraduate Research

    5960 Comprehensive Examination - These examinations are given to master’s degree candidates and cover all aspects of courses taken in their program. Some departments require comprehensive examinations for undergraduate honors students.

    5970 Graduate Research - Independent research under guidance of the faculty.

    5980 Graduate Directed Study - Similar to 4990, but at a more advanced level.

    5990 Thesis, 5995 Project - Used by departments whose graduate requirements include a thesis or project. This course has restricted use; the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies should be consulted for current regulation.

    Course Suffixes

    Some course numbers may have letter suffixes and some are standard throughout the University. These suffixes may be used to indicate special uses of the course within a particular department. However, to the extent possible, departments are encouraged to rely upon the four digit course number and the catalog description to convey the purpose and any special criteria or circumstances related to the offering of a specific course.

    A, B, C, D, E, ….. A sequence of courses in which A must be taken before B, B before C, etc., unless description indicates otherwise.

    H Specifically designed for Honors College students

    Course Abbreviations (Prefixes)

    Each academic discipline has an official course abbreviation that is used to identify the discipline in this catalog; on grade reports, transcripts, major program sheets, and many other documents; and in the Schedule of Classes.

    Academic Discipline Asian & Asian American Studies Accounting American Indian Studies Arts and Letters Anthropology Intercollegiate Athletics Bioinformatics Biological Sciences Interdisciplinary Business Interdisciplianry Education Cultural Diversity Civil Engineering Child Development Computer Information Systems Information Systems Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies Communication Disorders Communication Communication Studies Counseling Criminal Justice Criminalistics Computer Science Cal State Teach Educational Administration Curriculum and Instruction Elementary Education Educational Foundation Instructional Technology Secondary Education Special Education General Education Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering Environmental Science Ethnic Studies Early Start Composition Early Start Math Engineering Technology Finance and Law Fire Protect Administration & Technology Food Science and Technology Geological Sciences General Health and Human Services Honors College Courses Hospitality Management Journalism Kinesiology Latin American Studies Liberal Studies Library Science Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Management Microbiology Modern Languages Materials Science and Engineering Music, Theatre and Dance Natural Science Interdisciplinary Natural & Social Sciences Nutritional Science Pan-African Studies Public Health Philosophy Political Science Portuguese Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Theatre Arts and Dance Computer Integrated Design Electronics and Internetworking Manufacturing Process and Automation Power, Energy, and Transportation STEM Education Technology Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Television, Film, and Media Studies Television, Film, and Theatre Urban Learning University Courses Urban Analysis Vietnamese Women’s, Genders, and Sexualities Studies Youth Agency Administration

    _{List by Discipline}

    Academic Discipline Accounting American Indian Studies Anthropology Arts and Letters Asian & Asian American Studies Bioinformatics Biological Sciences Cal State Teach Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies Child Development Civil Engineering Communication Communication Disorders Communication Studies Computer Information Systems Computer Integrated Design Computer Science Counseling Criminal Justice Criminalistics Cultural Diversity Curriculum and Instruction Early Start Composition Early Start Math Educational Administration Educational Foundation Electrical and Computer Engineering Electronics and Internetworking Elementary Education Engineering Technology Environmental Science Ethnic Studies Finance and Law Fire Protect Administration & Technology Food Science and Technology General Education General Engineering General Health and Human Services Geological Sciences Honors College Courses Hospitality Management Information Systems Instructional Technology Intercollegiate Athletics Interdisciplianry Education Interdisciplinary Business Interdisciplinary Natural & Social Sciences Journalism Kinesiology Latin American Studies Liberal Studies Library Science Management Manufacturing Process and Automation Materials Science and Engineering Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Microbiology Modern Languages Music, Theatre, and Dance Natural Science Nutritional Science Pan-African Studies Philosophy Political Science Portuguese Power, Energy, and Transportation Psychology Public Health Religious Studies Secondary Education Social Work Special Education STEM Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Technology Television, Film, and Media Studies Television, Film, and Theatre Theatre Arts and Dance University Courses Urban Analysis Urban Learning Vietnamese Women’s, Genders, and Sexualities Studies Youth Agency Administration

    Course Prerequisites and Corequisites

    Students are responsible for fulfilling prerequisites and corequisites. The instructor and department/division/school have the authority to waive specific prerequisites and/or corequisites for students who have completed equivalent courses at another institution, who have had equivalent experience (such as work experience), or who possess the requisite skills to proceed with the work of the course. Students should consult the instructor before registering to determine whether the course(s) or experience they present will justify the waiver of the stated prerequisite(s) and/or corequisite(s).

    Grading System

    Undergraduate Grades

    Letters A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and D- indicate passing grades; F indicates failure. A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C- and CR indicate passing grades.

    CR indicating passed with credit, is given for work equivalent to C- or better for undergraduate students.

    NC indicating no credit, is given for work equivalent to D+, D, D- or F for undergraduate students.

    Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Grades*

    Letters A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+ , and C indicate passing grades; letters C-, D+, D, D- , and F indicate failure.

    CR indicating passed with credit, is given for work taken by graduate and postbaccalaureate students, including 4000-level courses, that is equivalent to B or better.

    NC indicating no credit, is given for work equivalent to B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or F, for postbaccalaureate and graduate students.

    A course in which a postbaccalaureate or graduate student earns a grade below B- must be repeated; grades from both the original course and the repeated course are used in computing the grade point average.

    Notes:
    Effective Fall Quarter 1996, the campus implemented a plus/minus grading policy. Thus, for all continuing students and all students admitted or readmitted to the University, Fall Quarter 1996 or later, plus/minus grades are calculated in both undergraduate and graduate grade point calculations.
    * Graduate students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing. Thus, grades of B- or lower will accrue deficiency points because they are below a 3.0 GPA. Grades of C- and below are failing grades for a graduate student, and no credit is given.
    Students who accrue deficiency points with grades of B- and below, including failing grades, will be required to compensate for those deficiencies by attaining grades higher than B in a comparable number of units. Courses with failing grades of C- and below must be repeated for credit; courses with grades of B-, C+, and C receive credit and may not be repeated.

    Explanation of Undergraduate Course Grades*

    _{(Explanation of Undergraduate Course Grades)}

    Grade Symbol	Explanation	Grade Points
    A	Superior Attainment of Course Objectives	4.0
    A-	Outstanding Attainment of Course Objectives	3.7
    B+	Very Good Attainment of Course Objectives	3.3
    B	Good Attainment of Course Objectives	3.0
    B-	Better than Average Attainment of Course Objectives	2.7
    C+	Above Average Attainment of Course Objectives	2.3
    C	Average Attainment of Course Objectives	2.0
    C-	Below Average Attainment of Course Objectives	1.7
    D+	Weak Attainment of Course Objectives	1.3
    D	Poor Attainment of Course Objectives	1.0
    D-	Barely Passing of Course Objectives	0.7
    F	Nonattainment of Course Objectives	0.0
    CR	Credit	not applicable
    NC	No Credit	not applicable
    I	Incomplete Authorized	not applicable
    IC	Incomplete Charged	0
    WU	Withdrawal Unauthorized	0
    RP	Report in Progress	not applicable
    W	Withdrawal	not applicable
    RD	Report Delayed	not applicable

    Note: A grade of C- or better is needed to satisfy the GE requirement for basic subject courses. This does not apply to meeting the prerequisite for courses that require them to be completed with a grade C or better.
    *These explanations do not apply to graduate courses. Graduate students are advised to read carefully the previous table (Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Grades).

    Definitions of Administrative Grading Symbols

    Marks other than letter grades used to indicate status in courses undertaken have the following meanings:

    CR is used to denote “passed with credit” when no traditional letter grade is given, is assigned to undergraduate grades of C (grade point 2.0 or higher) or better and to graduate grades of B (grade point 3.0 or higher) or better. CR grades are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

    NC is used to denote “no credit” when no traditional letter grade is given, is assigned to undergraduate grades lower than C (grade point lower than 2.0) and to graduate grades lower than B (grade point lower than 3.0). NC grades are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

    RP (Report in Progress) is used for thesis, project, dissertation, and similar approved courses in which assigned work frequently extends beyond one academic term-and may include enrollment in more than one term. The RP indicates that the student’s performance has been evaluated and found to be satisfactory but that further work must be completed before a final grade (or grades) can properly be assigned for any part of the course. Enrollment for more units of credit than the total number of units that can be applied toward the fulfillment of the student’s educational objective is prohibited. The RP symbol shall be replaced with the appropriate final grade within one year of its assignment except for courses associated with the master’s degree thesis (courses numbered 5970, 5990, 5995, and 9000) and with the doctoral dissertation (courses numbered 6980 and 6990) in which case the time limit shall be five years. An RP does not add earned units and does not affect grade point average calculations.
    An RP that has not been replaced by a final grade within the prescribed time limit for the course shall be changed to NC. Extensions of time to remove RP grades may be granted by the Curriculum Subcommittee (for undergraduate courses) or the appropriate College Graduate Dean (for graduate courses) for contingencies such as-but not limited to-military service and health problems of an incapacitating nature verified by a physician’s statement.

    W (Withdrawal) indicates that a student was permitted to drop a course after the “no-record drop” deadline with the approval of the instructor and the department/division/school chair or director. The W carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point averages.

    RD (Report Delayed) this symbol is used exclusively by the Registrar when a delay in the reporting of a grade is caused by circumstances that are beyond the student’s control. The symbol does not imply any academic evaluation. Any “RD” grade must be cleared before the degree can be awarded. Once the degree has been posted, no grade changes can be made to the record.

    I (Incomplete) is an interim grade designed for students who are passing but who through extenuating circumstances have not been able to complete a portion of the work required for the course. An Incomplete grade shall be assigned at the discretion of the faculty member only when the faculty member concludes that a clearly identifiable portion of course requirements cannot be met within the academic term for unforeseen reasons. An Incomplete shall not be assigned when it is necessary for the student to attend a major portion of the class when it is next offered. An Incomplete is also prohibited where the normal practice requires extension of course requirements beyond the close of the term, e.g., thesis or project type courses. In such cases, the use of the “RP” symbol is required.

    A student may not re-enroll in a course for which he or she has received an “I” until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I”; e.g., A-F, IC.
    It is the responsibility of the student to request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements that must be satisfied to remove the Incomplete.

    The conditions for removal of the Incomplete including due date shall be specified in writing by the instructor and given to the student with a copy placed on file with the appropriate campus officer until the Incomplete is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. This “Incomplete Grade Agreement” must specify the outstanding course requirements and the final grade to be given based on the evaluation of the outstanding work. This time limitation applies whether or not the student maintains continuous attendance.

    An Incomplete grade may be removed by completing the outstanding work by the date specified on the Incomplete Grade Agreement which shall be within one calendar year after the end of the quarter in which the Incomplete grade was assigned. An Incomplete that is made up within the time period allowed will be replaced on the student’s permanent academic record by the letter grade earned followed by an indication that the original grade was an Incomplete and the date that the Incomplete was removed.

    Where department policy requires assignment of final grades on the basis of multiple demonstrations of competency by the student, it may be appropriate for a faculty member to submit a letter grade to be assigned in the event the Incomplete is not made up within one year. If the Incomplete is not converted to a credit-bearing grade within the prescribed time limit, or any extension thereof, it shall be counted as a failing grade in calculating grade point average and progress points unless the faculty member has assigned another grade in accordance with campus policy. An Incomplete shall be converted to the appropriate grade or symbol within one year following the end of the term during which it was assigned. However an extension of the one-year time limit may be granted by petition for contingencies such as intervening military service or serious health or personal problems. Any petition for extension of time to remove an Incomplete must be filed within one calendar year immediately after the end of the term in which it was assigned. A petition must include documentation establishing the reasons the course could not be completed prior to the expiration of the initial one year period. Petitions must be signed by the course instructor with an indication whether the instructor recommends the petition be approved or denied. The final decision regarding the extension of Incomplete grades rests with the Deans of Graduate or Undergraduate Studies, as appropriate.

    An Incomplete that is not removed within the time period allowed will appear on the student’s permanent academic record as an “Incomplete Charged” (see next).

    IC (Incomplete Charged) indicates that an Incomplete has not been removed within the time period allowed and the grade for that course will appear on the student’s permanent academic record as an “Incomplete Charged” and will be counted as an F in grade point average calculations unless the student was enrolled on a credit/no credit basis, in which case the default grade will be a grade of No Credit (NC). An Incomplete that is not removed before the degree is awarded will be charged as an F in the grade point average calculations. Upon expiration of an Incomplete grade, unless the instructor has submitted a letter grade to be assigned upon expiration of the Incomplete, the student’s permanent academic record will be modified to reflect the number of units attempted and zero units earned.

    WU (Unauthorized Withdrawal) indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course but failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. For purposes of grade point average this symbol is equivalent to an F.

    Nontraditional Grading Options

    Undergraduates may choose to receive grades on a nontraditional basis, either A, B, C, NC, or CR/NC, under specified conditions. Some courses are graded only nontraditionally, as shown in course descriptions. In addition, students in good standing who have completed at least 9 semester units at Cal State L.A. and students admitted with upper division standing may elect to have some courses graded on either the traditional or the nontraditional basis. CR and NC grades are not included in grade point average computations.

    CR/NC Option. Courses for which a student may not elect to be graded on a CR/NC basis are those courses required in the student’s major, minor, or credential program and other courses selected to meet general education requirements. A maximum of 30 semester units may be graded CR/NC, whether elected or designated. A maximum of 6 semester units elected CR/NC may be taken in any single semester.

    A, B, C/NC Option . Courses for which a student may not elect to be graded A, B, C/NC are those required in the student’s major, minor, or credential program; however, any general education or elective course may be taken with A, B, C/NC grading. A maximum of 30 semester units within the total degree program may be graded A, B, C, NC, whether elected or designated.

    Students may elect to register for a course with a nontraditional grading option up to the last date in the semester to add classes. The decision to elect an option is irrevocable. Academic standards are identical for all students who are enrolled in a course, irrespective of the grading option. Instructors are not notified that students have elected nontraditional grading options in their courses; traditional grades are reported and are converted as needed to CR or NC by the Registrar.

    Scholastic Status of Undergraduate Students

    Study Load

    Undergraduate students must carry a study load of 12 semester units for full-time enrollment certification by the University. The recommended full-time study load for undergraduates is 15 semester units. Students on academic notice must limit their study load to 12 semester units or fewer. A student on academic notice may petition the university for a greater study load with the approval of an academic advisor and department/division chair or school director.

    Grades Required for Credit

    Students are advised that they receive no credit for any course in which they do not earn a grade of D- or higher.

    Grade Point Average Requirements

    Undergraduate students are expected to maintain a C (2.0) average in all courses attempted at Cal State L.A. and any other college or university attended and to make satisfactory progress toward their academic objectives. Students who receive financial aid should inform themselves of additional criteria defining satisfactory progress by consulting the Center for Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

    Grade Point Average

    The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted. Grade points are assigned for each unit of course work undertaken, as indicated in the Explanation of Undergraduate Course Grades table above. CR and NC grades are not included in grade point average computations.

    Academic Notice, Disqualification, Extended Academic Notice, and Readmission Policy for Undergraduate Students

    (Senate: 7/15/03, 3/8/11, 10/11/22; President: 8/10/03, 3/29/11, 11/16/22; Editorial Amendment: 1/21/15, 5/27/15)

    Academic Notice

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

    Academic Disqualification

    Students already on academic notice whose Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average drops below the following levels are disqualified:

    Class Level Grade Point Average Freshman (0-29 units completed) Sophomores (30-59 units completed) Juniors (60-89 units completed) Seniors (90+ units completed)

    Disqualified students are required to arrange a disqualification interview with their academic advisor to review the reasons for disqualification, to explore the option of requesting extended academic notice or readmission, and to establish the terms and conditions for recommending extended academic notice or readmission. Undeclared majors will hold this interview with their advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center.

    Extended Academic Notice

    Continuing students who have been disqualified may petition to remain as matriculated students on extended academic notice. To be eligible for extended academic notice, disqualified students must complete the disqualification interview with their academic advisor and obtain the advisor’s approval. The advisor must specify on the extended academic notice petition the terms and conditions under which the student will be eligible to be returned to and to remain in matriculated status, such as courses to be repeated, courses to be completed, GPA requirements, and any required workshops and/or tutoring.

    A student’s initial petition for extended academic notice must be approved by the appropriate department chair, division chair, school director or the director of the Academic Advisement Center. Subsequent petitions for extended academic notice must be approved as well by the appropriate college or university dean for that student. Students’ approved extended academic notice petitions must be received in enrollment services by the specified deadline.

    All disqualified students who are placed on extended academic notice are required to earn better than a C (2.0) grade point average each semester until their grade point average is increased to a level that is higher than that which would normally cause them to be disqualified according to their class level, at which time they would be switched from extended academic notice to academic notice.

    Readmission of Disqualified Students

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