Orientation and Advising
- What orientation programs are offered at Cal State East Bay?
- What academic advising is available to me?
- How do I receive course requirement information?
- What honors programs does the university offer?
What orientation programs are offered at Cal State East Bay?
Cal State East Bay offers orientation and advisement programs prior to each quarter to introduce new students to the university and to prepare students for registration. Through special programs planned for freshmen, transfer, and graduate students, Orientation provides essential information about degree requirements, campus resources, and registration. During Orientation, new students receive academic advising and learn about the campus from current students. Tours of the campus are also available.
Both the Hayward Hills and Concord campuses offer orientation programs. Detailed information about Orientation is mailed to all individuals who have been admitted. Students awaiting final notice of admission may attend Orientation, although attendance does not constitute admission by the university.
In addition to the information mailed directly to applicants, the Class Schedule published each quarter provides specific information regarding the dates and locations of orientation programs. For additional information, contact Student Life and Leadership Programs at 510-885-3657. The Class Schedule may be viewed online at: www.csueastbay.edu/schedule/.
What academic advising is available to me?
Consulting with an Advisor
Every student who enters Cal State East Bay is entitled to receive academic advising from a faculty member in the department or committee housing his or her major. Undeclared students, as well as most undergraduate students, are advised by Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE). (See the "Academic Assistance" section of the Student Services chapter for information on Academic Advising and Career Education.) All new students must see their advisors (major advisor and one of the AACE academic counselors) at least once each quarter during their first year at Cal State East Bay.
First-time freshmen, during their first quarter at Cal State East Bay, should develop a program with their advisor which will satisfy all requirements (general education, major, and minor or option if required) for the degree. Undergraduate transfer students are encouraged to attend orientation for their first advising session or contact Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE) at (510) 885-3621. Once the university's evaluation of previous college credit has been received, students should develop with their advisor a complete program of courses leading to the baccalaureate degree. This program should serve as a guide to the student throughout his or her university career, and changes in program should not be made without the approval of the advisor.
For information on the catalog requirements under which a student may graduate, see the Baccalaureate Degree Information chapter.
Faculty Office Hours
The faculty of the university is available during regularly scheduled office hours, which are at times other than scheduled classes. The times of the office hours are posted outside each faculty office, at the faculty member's department, on the department website, and on the faculty member's course syllabi. The faculty member informs the department of his/her office hours the first day of classes each quarter.
Full-time faculty members maintain a minimum of three office hours per week and also make provision for meeting with students by appointment at a mutually convenient time beyond the stated office hours. The full-time faculty member's office hours hall be held over at least two days and at least in half-hour blocks. Part-time faculty will maintain the equivalent of one office hour per week for each course of their teaching load.
Faculty teaching online must also hold office hours and may make alternative arrangements with the Department Chair to be available online or by telephone. Online faculty's office hours must include at least one hour of availability by telephone per week.
If for any reason a faculty member cannot meet the posted office hours, the faculty member will inform the Department Chair. If possible, the department will note the absence on the faculty office door.
Normal office hours are maintained during the Final Examination period. If a final examination conflicts with a posted office hour, an alternative hour is to be posted for that week alone.
How do I receive course requirement information?
Faculty shall provide you with a written statement containing the following information:
- office number, office hours, and office telephone number;
- required texts and any other required and/or recommended material;
- specific course requirements, such as exams, quizzes, papers, field trips, labs, and so on;
- grading policy (the relative weight of examinations, quizzes, papers, class participation, and other factors);
- approximate due dates for assignments and exams;
- attendance requirements (if any);
- policy on makeup work.
The faculty is also encouraged to include items such as:
- daily and/or weekly assignments,
- type of quizzes and exams (subjective, objective, etc.), and
- description of the course (format, objectives, etc.).
Furthermore, faculty should advise you of their expectations for you in the course no later than the end of the second class. Any changes in course requirements should be communicated to you in a timely manner. It is your responsibility to read the course statement and to request any clarification of course policies. If you add the course after the first week of class, you must seek course information in a timely manner.
This policy is to be implemented by each department.
What honors programs does the university offer?
There is a University Honors Program open to any student who meets the criteria for admission. See the University Honors Program section of the Student Services chapter of this catalog. Individual departments may also develop honors programs. Departmental Honors Programs are upper division programs designed to provide special courses and advanced, independent reading and research for superior students in the individual majors. Contact the chair of the department for additional information.
