Registration
- What general policies affect a student's enrollment at Cal State East Bay?
- What information do students need to enroll in classes?
- What determines a student's classification?
- How do students enroll for classes?
- What changes can students make in their enrollment status?
- Which undergraduate placement examinations do I need to take?
- How may I obtain credit by examination as an undergraduate student?
What general policies affect a student's enrollment at Cal State East Bay?
- To enroll at Cal State East Bay, students must be admitted to the university.
- Enrollment is complete only when all enrollment requests have been properly recorded and students have paid all fees, deposits, and charges. Instructions and dates for enrolling in MyCSUEB, the Cal State East Bay enrollment system, are published quarterly in the online Class Schedule (http://www.csueastbay.edu/schedule).
- Students are given credit only for those courses in which they are officially enrolled in at the conclusion of the Late Add period, except for any course which they have officially filed a Withdrawal form(s) and received an approved withdrawal.
- Students will be held responsible for completing all courses for which they are enrolled, except for those courses from which they withdrew.
- If students enrolled in a course and do not attend initial class meetings, they may be dropped from the class if demand for the course exceeds capacity. Departments following this practice will make reasonable efforts to inform students of this action. Students should not assume, however, that non-attendance will result in them being automatically dropped.
- The university does not guarantee the availability of particular courses or sections because admission to classes is authorized only until the maximum number of students allowable in any section has been reached.
- Approved by the University Academic Senate, the priority for enrollment is as follows:
- Students authorized to receive priority enrollment
- Graduating undergraduate seniors and graduating graduate students (who have filed for graduation and have completed 150 or more units at the time registration appointments are set in the case of an undergraduate or in the case of a graduate or doctoral student, have filed for graduation and/or been advanced to candidacy by the faculty of the graduate program)
- Freshmen
- Post-baccalaureate credential and doctoral students, and conditionally classified/classified graduate students in masters programs
- Seniors
- Juniors
- Sophomores
- Second baccalaureate, post-baccalaureate certificate program, and unclassified post-baccalaureate students
- The priority for enrollment for students enrolling in 6000-level and 8000-level courses is as follows:
- All graduate students
- Undergraduate students majoring in the department concerned
- All other students
- If a student or former student fails to pay a debt owed to Cal State East Bay, the university may "withhold permission to enroll, 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 Sections 42380 and 42381 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations). For example, Cal State East Bay may withhold production of official transcripts of grades to any person owing a debt. If you believe that you do not owe all or part of an unpaid obligation, contact the Accounting Office. They will review the pertinent information, including information you may wish to present, and will advise you of their conclusions with respect to the debt. Check MyCSUEB (http://my.csueastbay.edu) on the university website to verify whether any holds exist that will block your registration for the next or subsequent term.
- Health Requirements
Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.- Measles and Rubella Immunization. All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles and rubella prior to enrollment. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on your registration.
- Tuberculin Skin Test or Chest X-Ray. International students must provide written proof of a Tuberculin Skin Test or chest x-ray performed in the U.S.A. within the past 12 months. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on your registration.
- Hepatitis B. All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult with Student Health and Counseling Services. Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. These are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a hold being placed on your registration. Hepatitis B immunization is available at Student Health and Counseling Services for no, or low cost. Call Student Health and Counseling Services at (510) 885-3735 for more information or to make an appointment. For your convenience, a form is available online for you to download and complete. See the Student Health and Counseling Services website for this form or for additional information at: www.csueastbay.edu/shs
- Meningococcal Disease. Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection known to occur more frequently among students living in residence halls. It is recommended that all incoming residential students consider the Meningococcal Vaccine as a way to reduce their risk for this potentially fatal disease. Each incoming freshman who is residing in on-campus housing is required to return a form indicating that he/she has received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contraction of the disease, and to indicate on the form whether or not he/she has chosen to receive the vaccination. The vaccine is available at Student Health and Counseling Services
Student Health and Counseling Services at Cal State East Bay provides immunizations, tuberculin skin tests, laboratory and chest x-ray exams for students at low cost by appointment. For more information, call Student Health and Counseling Services at (510) 885-3735 or visit the Student Health and Counseling Services website at: http://wwwsa.csueastbay.edu/~shsweb. (Note: To remove a registration hold for measles/rubella, tuberculin tests, or Hepatitis B, bring written proof to the Reception Desk at the Student Health Center.)
What information do students need to enroll in classes?
To begin, view the Class Schedule online (www.csueastbay.edu/schedule). Consult with a faculty advisor to decide what courses you need and read the following information.
Class Schedule
A Class Schedule, prepared each quarter, lists general information, courses offered, hours, rooms, instructor names, and final examination times. The online Class Schedule is available before enrollment begins in MyCSUEB each quarter. Important information such as the quarterly calendar, orientation, important dates, registration, fees, course selection, and student services contact information may be viewed at: www20.csueastbay.edu/students/.
Enrollment Appointment Times
Students enroll during two enrollment times. This process is designed to allow students the opportunity to enroll in their first choice classes during their first enrollment block and attaining full-time status. Existing enrollment priorities will be kept based on class levels, with graduating seniors having highest priority.
Approximately one week before enrollment begins, continuing students are e-mailed notification to their CSUEB Horizon accounts to check MyCSUEB for their enrollment appointment. The appointment times include your date and time to begin enrolling for classes. New students will be able to view their enrollment appointments on MyCSUEB.
Units
All college courses at Cal State East Bay have unit values based on the number of 50-minute hours they meet each week. In most lecture, lecture-discussion, and seminar courses, each hour/week is a unit, but in laboratories, activities, and performances, you may put in two or more hours per week for each unit of credit. Because each classroom hour normally requires two hours of outside study per week, working students should carefully balance the time required for academic preparation with outside commitments. Courses meeting for more hours per week than their units have the amount of weekly class time noted in their course descriptions.
Academic Load
- Undergraduate Students. The normal academic load for full-time undergraduate students is 15-16 units of coursework (12 units is the minimum for full-time status) per quarter.
- Graduate Students. A graduate student who wishes to receive a 45-unit master's degree in one year needs to enroll in 15 units for three quarters or 11-12 units for four quarters. (Eight units a quarter is the minimum for full-time status.) A graduate student who wishes to receive a 90-unit doctoral degree in Education should check the Educational Leadership chapter in this catalog, as well as consult the Doctoral Handbook (available from the Department office) for academic load information.
Prerequisites
A prerequisite may be another course or group of courses containing necessary background material for full understanding of the course content or a non-course requisite. Prerequisites, if any, are noted in course descriptions.
Auditing Courses
An auditor pays the same fees and enjoys the same instructional privileges as a student enrolled for credit, but is not held responsible for examinations or term papers. Regular class attendance is expected, and enrollment as an auditor may be deleted if the expected attendance is not observed. If students wish to enroll in a course as an auditor, they must obtain permission from the instructor of the course. Enrollment as an auditor is permitted only after students otherwise eligible to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so. Once enrolled in a course as an auditor, students may not change their enrollment to a credit basis unless such a change is requested no later than the last day to add classes. Students who are enrolled in a course for credit, may not change to an audit basis after the Late Add period has ended.
Maximum Units for Enrollment
In MyCSUEB, students may enroll for a maximum of 16 units during the first enrollment period. During the second enrollment period and scheduled open enrollment times, they will then be permitted to enroll in up to the maximum of 22 units.
To enroll in more units exceeding the maximum allowable, approval must be secured by the student's major department advisor. The student's major department will notify Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs; and the student will then be permitted to add the additional units during the Add period.
The normal academic load for full-time undergraduate students who expect to graduate by enrolling for three quarters per year for four years is 15-16 units per quarter. Because each classroom hour normally requires two hours of outside study per week, working students should carefully balance the time required for academic preparation with outside commitments.
Course Numbers
The course numbering system indicates the level at which courses are offered. Generally, 1000 courses are freshman level, 2000 courses are sophomore level, 3000 courses are junior level, and 4000 courses are senior level. If students have completed the prerequisites, they may enroll for undergraduate courses irrespective of numbers.
English 1001 and Math Requirements
If students have earned 90 or more baccalaureate-level quarter units without having passed English 1001, Expository Writing, or an equivalent course, they will not be permitted to register for additional coursework at Cal State East Bay. In addition, if they have earned 90 or more baccalaureate-level quarter units without having passed a course satisfying the General Education, Area B4 requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, they will not be permitted to register for additional coursework at Cal State East Bay.
Additional Credit Request
If students wish credit for work taken at another institution while in continuing student status at Cal State East Bay, they must, upon completing the work, have an official transcript sent to Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs.
Individual Study Courses
An Individual Study course is a course which is listed in the Cal State East Bay Catalog, but is not being offered during the term in which a student must gain course credit to complete a specified objective. Permission to take such a course may be granted only in cases of necessity, and arrangements must be made to determine how the faculty teaching overload (if any) will be made up. Students may obtain applications for Individual Study (Special Registration Petition) in departmental offices. They then return the application, with signatures of approval, to the departmental office during the enrollment period for that term.
Independent Study Courses
An Independent Study course is a program of study which is above and beyond the regular offerings of a department. The number of such a course is 4900, 5900, 6900 or 8900 depending on the level and content of the work. Such a course is considered as elective credit in the program of a student working for a specified objective. Students may apply no more than 12 units of independent study in the major department and 8 units in other departments to a baccalaureate degree.
The privilege of Independent Study is limited to undergraduate students who have at least a 2.0 (C) grade point average and graduate students with at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average in all courses in the field or department in which the Independent Study is to be taken, both at this institution and in any work attempted at other institutions. If you are on academic probation, you are ineligible for Independent Study. Independent Study is restricted to students who are able to work with minimal supervision. No faculty member is required to teach an Independent Study course, and arrangements must be made to determine how the faculty teaching overload (if any) will be made up.
Students may obtain applications for Independent Study (Special Registration Petition) in departmental offices. The application, with signatures of approval, is to be returned to the department office during the enrollment period for that term.
A course offered by Independent (or Individual) Study shall be taught only by a professor in the department offering the credit or by a professor the department judges to be competent to teach the particular course.
Non-catalog Courses
Each quarter, Cal State East Bay offers a variety of new courses whose descriptions are not yet in the catalog. Such courses carry full credit and fulfill the same requirements as regular courses in the curriculum. Students, therefore, should not hesitate to take them. (Remedial courses, whose numbers begin with "0," are not applicable to the baccalaureate degree, but are applicable to the student's class load for that term.)
Descriptions of new, non-catalog courses appear in the Class Schedule each quarter. A new course may be passed by examination or challenged only after it has been listed in the Class Schedule and has been or is being taught.
Dual Matriculation for High School Students
Information pertaining to dual matriculation is available in the Student Enrollment Information Center on the first floor of the Student Services and Administration Building. Under these programs, eligible high school students may enroll for university credit if they satisfy the requirements for admission to this status.
Late Add Period
You may enroll in classes during the Late Registration period. You may also enroll during the Late Add period with consent of the instructor and department offering the course. If students complete the enrollment process during the Late Registration or Late Add period, you are assessed a nonrefundable Late Registration fee.
Drop Period
You may drop a course during the Drop period without it appearing on your permanent record. Courses dropped on or after the first day of the term may result in prorated charges.
Cancellation of Enrollment
Students who fail to fulfill enrollment or matriculation requirements, or otherwise fail to adhere to academic or Cal State East Bay regulations, they are subject to immediate administrative action which may result in the student being placed on Administrative Probation, or having enrollment for that term cancelled. Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment for three consecutive terms are subject to cancellation of enrollment.
What determines a student's classification?
In general, students are classified as a full- or as a part-time student, and are classified by grade level.
Classification of Students as Full- or Part-Time
The following classifications apply to students enrolled in the fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters (not Continuing Education and summer sessions):
- Full-time undergraduate students (including students seeking a second baccalaureate) are those enrolled in 12 or more units in a regular quarter. Part-time undergraduate students are those enrolled in fewer than 12 units. (Note that in order to graduate in 4 years or 12 quarters, students must complete 15-16 units per quarter.)
- Full-time enrollment for "Unclassified Post-baccalaureate" students not enrolled in a graduate degree program is 12 or more units in a regular quarter.
- Full-time enrollment for "Graduate" students and "Classified Post-baccalaureate" students is 8 or more units.
- Full-time enrollment for veterans (or dependents of disabled or deceased veterans), or reservists under Chapter 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, or 106 is 12 or more units, according to V.A. regulations. Each quarter, veterans and eligible dependents should come to Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs before the first day of classes and submit their forms requesting certification of enrollment for V.A. benefits.
Note: Undergraduate and graduate students who apply for Veterans' Benefits (or for benefits as dependents of disabled or deceased veterans), international students wishing INS certification, student athletes wishing to compete in intercollegiate sports, and students on most types of financial aid must be enrolled in courses that apply to a definite program (baccalaureate or master's degree and/or credential).
Classification of Undergraduates by Grade Level
Undergraduates are assigned a class level according to the following plan:
| Quarter Units Earned Toward the Degree | |
|---|---|
| 1. Lower Division | |
| Freshmen | Fewer than 45 |
| Sophomores | 45 but fewer than 90 |
| 2. Upper Division | |
| Juniors | 90 but fewer than 135 |
| Seniors | 135 or more |
| Graduating Seniors | 150 or more, filed, and paid fee |
International Student Enrollment Policies
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires students on non-immigrant F-1 and J-1 visas to pursue a full course of study in a specific program. Therefore undergraduate students are expected to complete a minimum of 12 units per quarter for three consecutive quarters. Graduate and second baccalaureate students must complete a minimum of 8 units per quarter for three consecutive quarters.
How do students enroll for classes?
Students enroll for classes in the preceding quarter using MyCSUEB, an automated online enrollment system. Approximately one week before enrollment begins, continuing students are e-mailed notification to their CSUEB Horizon accounts to check MyCSUEB for their enrollment appointment. New students may review their enrollment appointments on MyCSUEB.
The Class Schedule is generally available online around the same time as students receive their "Enrollment Appointment." Read the Class Schedule, and then meet with their academic advisor to plan your program of classes. Enrollment times are determined by the student's class level. Students will be able to enroll or make adjustments to their class schedule any time after their assigned enrollment time. See the Class Schedule for MyCSUEB's operating hours and for enrollment procedures. If students have any difficulties enrolling, call Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs at 510-885-2784.
Cooperative Education, Independent Study, Individual Study, Project, Thesis Courses
To enroll for a Cooperative Education course, students must complete a "Cooperative Education Agreement" form available from the Academic Advising and Career Education/Cooperative Education office, on the second floor of the Student Services and Administration Building. After obtaining the necessary approvals, the student may then enroll through MyCSUEB. [Note: International students on F-1 visas should contact the Center for International Education (tel. 510-885-2880) to discuss employment authorization for a Cooperative Education course before enrolling for the course.]
Students will not be able to enroll for Independent Study, Individual Study, Project, Departmental Thesis, University Thesis or Dissertation courses in MyCSUEB. A "Special Registration Petition" available from the department which offers the course, is required for enrollment.
Schedule Changes
Students may add, swap and waitlist courses using MyCSUEB during your enrollment appointment, open enrollment, and the Late Registration period. Students may also add courses during the Late Add period with the consent of the instructor and academic department offering the course. Dropping courses may be done online through MyCSUEB during the first two weeks of the term, and students may change their grade type until the end of the Late Add period. If you are on a Wait List and wish to add a class, it is important that you attend the first class meeting. See "Registering for Classes" on the university's website for specific instructions. Although departments may drop students from a class for failure to attend the first meeting, they do not have to do so. Therefore, if a student wishes to drop a class, they should be sure to do so in MyCSUEB during the first two weeks of the quarter during the Drop period.
Fee Refunds
If students are eligible for a fee refund, see "Paying Your Fees" on the university's website for information. The refund policies are also available in the Fees and Expenses chapter of this catalog under the section "What are Cal State East Bay's refund policies."
What changes can students make in their enrollment status?
You may add other classes, drop or withdraw from classes, and make a few other changes as discussed below.
Adding Courses
You may add courses during your enrollment appointment, open enrollment and the Late Registration period either by (a) using MyCSUEB, or (b) coordinating your enrollment with the appropriate academic department office for Independent Study, Individual Study, Project, and/or Thesis courses. You have the right to add classes during these enrollment periods, subject to your having successfully completed the prerequisites (coursework and/or consent of instructor as stated in the Catalog) and to the availability of sufficient capacity in the class to accommodate you. You may also add courses during the Late Add period with the consent of the instructor and academic department offering the course.
Dropping Courses
The word "drop" refers to official deletion of a course from your record. If you cannot continue enrollment in a course for which you enrolled in for that particular quarter, you must officially drop the course using MyCSUEB. You may drop courses through the end of the Drop period without the course appearing on your permanent record. After the Drop period, students may only withdraw from courses. See the next section "Withdrawing from the University" if you plan to withdraw from all courses for which you enrolled in for the term.
Departments offering a class may drop you if you do not attend the first class meeting or if you have not met the course prerequisites that are published in the University Catalog. Some departments may call or email you as a matter of courtesy when they are dropping you, but other departments may not. There is no university policy and this will vary by department. Do not assume that you will be dropped automatically if you do not attend class.
Withdrawing from Course(s)
You can not "drop" after the end of the Drop period, but you can "withdraw." The word "withdrawal" refers to official termination of enrollment in a class after the Drop period. You can withdraw from a class only for serious health or personal problems beyond your control. If you withdraw from a class, the class will appear on your record with a grade of "W." The administrative symbol "W" indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw from a course after the Drop period with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point average. Beginning the third week of classes, you will be permitted to withdraw from courses by printing the downloadable "Withdrawal" form from the Enrollment Management website. On the form, state the reason, obtain approvals of the instructor and department chair and return the completed form to the Student Information Lobby or the Academic Services Office. The Concord Campus Academic Services may approve Withdrawals for courses offered at Concord.
Undergraduate students may withdraw from no more than 28 quarter units of coursework in their undergraduate career, including any courses taken in CSUEB Open University. When serious illness or accidents are documented and used as a basis for approval of withdrawal from all classes in the term, the units will not count against the 28 unit maximum allowed. Students who will exceed the maximum units allowed may petition for a waiver of the requirement to allow for additional withdrawals.
Withdrawals from individual courses are normally not permitted after the seventh week of the quarter. Students who have completed work up to that point and cannot continue should normally be assigned an "I" (Incomplete) grade. If you have serious and compelling non-academic reasons for withdrawal from a class after the seventh week you must obtain written documentation of the circumstances from an impartial third party such as a doctor or lawyer. It should be an original document (not a copy) on letterhead; then complete the procedures outlined above. You must submit the form and documentation to the Student Enrollment and Information Center, 1st Floor, Student Services and Administration Building, or the Concord Campus Academic Services Office for approval of the Registrar. Approval of the withdrawal is not automatic. Withdrawal from any class in which the final examination was taken is not permitted, regardless of circumstances or documentation. Withdrawals will not be processed if students have taken the final examination for the course or have satisfied all the requirements for the course.
If you enroll for a course and fail to attend, but do not officially drop or withdraw, you will receive an appropriate administrative grade indicating failure ("WU" or "NC" depending on the grading pattern in which you enrolled). Refer to the Grading and Academic Standards chapter of this catalog.
Withdrawing from the University
If you find it necessary to cancel your enrollment or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term, you are required to follow the university's official withdrawal procedures described above. 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. You may also need to apply for readmission if you have not enrolled for three consecutive terms before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Additional information on canceling enrollment and withdrawal procedures is available from Enrollment Management, including the Student Information Lobby.
Undergraduate students may withdraw from no more than 28 quarter units of coursework in their undergraduate career, including any courses taken in CSUEB Open University. When serious illness or accidents are documented and used as a basis for approval of withdrawal from all classes in the term, the units will not count against the 28 unit maximum allowed. Students who will exceed the maximum units allowed may petition for a waiver of the requirement to allow for additional withdrawals.
If you receive financial aid funds, you must consult with a financial aid counselor in Enrollment Management 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. If a recipient of student financial aid funds withdraws from the institution during an academic term or a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance received may be subject to return and/or repayment provisions.
Submitting a "Withdrawal" form is not required if you find it necessary to drop all courses in which you enrolled in using MyCSUEB during during the Add period. For refund information, refer to the Refund of Fees section in the Fees and Expenses chapter.
If you find it necessary to withdraw from the university after the Drop period has ended (during the third through the seventh week of instruction), you must complete a "Withdrawal" form, obtain approval signatures from each instructor and department chair, and return it to the Student Information Lobby. Withdrawal at this time can be only for serious health or personal problems beyond your control. Normally withdrawal is not permitted beyond the seventh week of the quarter. If you have attended classes up to that time, you should discuss with the instructor the possibility of receiving an "I" (Incomplete) grade if circumstances prevent completion at the time. Withdrawals after the seventh week of instruction must have the reason substantiated in writing by an impartial third party and require the approval signature of an associate director in Enrollment Management, in addition to the signatures stated above. A quarter from which you withdraw is not counted as an interruption of enrollment for continuing student status.
A Withdrawal (W) will be recorded for each course in the term on your permanent record if you withdraw from the university after the Drop period. The administrative symbol "W" indicates that a student was permitted to withdraw with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point average. If you withdraw from the university, but do not file an official "Withdrawal" form, you will receive appropriate administrative grade(s) indicating failure ("WU" or "NC" depending on the grading pattern in which you are enrolled).
Change of Major, Degree, Minor, or Credential Objective
Undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students who wish to change their baccalaureate major or degree objective or declare a minor, and graduate students who wish to change to unclassified or second baccalaureate status, must obtain the required form in the Student Enrollment and Information Center on the first floor of the Student Services and Administration Building. A change is not official until the form has been signed and returned to Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs. You should be aware that you will be responsible for the major or minor requirements in the Catalog in effect at the time you file the form.
Change of Address
Students may change their address online in MyCSUEB (https://my.csueastbay.edu). Students must officially notify the university of an address change in order to ensure that all official correspondence is sent to the correct address. The university is not responsible for mailing correspondence to the incorrect address unless the student has formally made an address change.
Change of Name
Students may download the Personal Data Change form (for name changes) found on the University website under "current students," complete and submit the form with copies of required government issued documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, driver's license, or passport) to the Student Enrollment Information Center in the Student Services and Administration Building. Forms may also be mailed to the Office of the Records and Registration at Cal State East Bay.
Planned Educational Leave
Students may petition for a Planned Educational Leave to pursue educationally related activities which will enhance the prospect of successful completion of your academic program, but which do not require enrollment at Cal State East Bay or any other institution of higher education. Students who are unable to enroll due to compulsory military service or because of a documented disability or because of pregnancy may apply for a leave of absence. Students should be in good academic standing in a program leading to a degree.
A Planned Educational Leave may be for a period of up to a total of two years (eight consecutive terms) if you are enrolled in a program leading to a degree. The leave must be approved by your faculty advisor or department chair and the Office of the Records and Registration. If approved, you will retain graduation catalog rights and may enroll as a continuing student, provided you return and enroll in the same major for the quarter indicated. Failure to return from a planned educational leave by the quarter indicated means loss of catalog rights and you will be required to apply for readmission and pay an application fee. The Planned Educational Leave form is available online; visit the University website under "Current Students" to download the form.
Which undergraduate placement examinations do I need to take?
Placement examinations are given in Chemistry, English, Mathematics, and Music. These are not admission tests, but a way to determine what courses best match your level of preparation. We strongly recommend completion of these tests before your first quarter of registration.
Systemwide Placement Test Requirements
The California State University requires that each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment. These placement tests are not a condition for admission to the CSU, but they are a condition of enrollment. These examinations are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring College entry-level English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level courses. Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills in both English and mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the first term of their enrollment. Students placed in remedial programs in either English or mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment. Failure to complete remediation by the end of the first year may result in denial of enrollment for future terms.
Students may register for the EPT and/or ELM at their local CSU campus, or at any CSU. For test dates and registration materials, as well as other information, please visit the Testing Office in Library, Room LI 3165A or call (510) 885-3661.
English Placement Test (EPT)
The English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of students entering the California State University. The CSU EPT must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 147 or above on the EPT will be placed in college-level composition classes.
Exemptions from the EPT are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:
- A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
- A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test
- A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program
- Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
- A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level English courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California Standard Test in grade 11
If special circumstances make it impossible for you to take the test at the first available administration following admission, you must plan to meet the requirement at the next scheduled opportunity. Failure to take the English Placement Test as required, at the earliest opportunity after admission and before initial enrollment, will lead to a hold on the student's registration. Each test administration requires a separate registration form. If your religious convictions prevent you from taking the EPT on the scheduled test dates, you must request special arrangements by including a letter, from an appropriate religious authority, when you send your registration forms to the campus Testing Office. Persons with verified disabilities should consult the Accessibility Services about possible alternative arrangements for meeting the EPT requirement.
Information bulletins and registration materials for the EPT will be mailed to all students subject to the requirements. The materials may also be obtained from the Testing Office.
Appropriate Coursework Based on EPT Results
Students should consult the Office of the Director of the General Education Program, Dr. Sally Murphy, 1st Floor, Student Services and Administration Building, for placement advising if their EPT score is below 147. Students who score 147 or above on the EPT are eligible to enroll in English 1001.
Students who are required to enroll in remedial English coursework must enroll in such coursework in their first quarter and every quarter thereafter, including summer, until remediation is completed. A student who fails the same remedial course twice or does not complete remediation in six consecutive quarters (including summer) has a hold placed on future registration (and is disenrolled if already registered). The hold can only be removed by 1) completing the remedial course which was failed, or 2) completing all remedial courses (if six quarters have expired), or 3) completing the baccalaureate level English course satisfying G.E. Area A2, Written Communication, (if 90 quarter units have been completed). Students who have completed more than 90 quarter units must complete the G.E. course before reentry. A student who wishes to transfer any baccalaureate-level units must reapply and pay the $55 application fee.
Remedial courses are not applicable to the baccalaureate degree requirements. However, they do count towards full-time enrollment for financial aid.
You may take the EPT only once. Students whose EPT scores require them to complete remedial English coursework can gain admission to freshman English composition (ENGL 1001) only upon recommendation of the instructor of their last remedial course (ENGL 0735, 0803, or 0910).
Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Exam
The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in college-level mathematics classes.
Exemptions from the ELM are granted only to those who present proof of one of the following:
- A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
- A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2)
- A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test
- A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam
- A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination
- Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better
- A score of “Exempt” or “Ready for college-level Mathematics courses” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II
- A score of “Conditionally ready for college-level Mathematics courses” or “Conditional” on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite
Students required to take this examination must do so as soon as possible after admission and before their first enrollment. (The results of this examination do not affect admission.)
Prepare for the test seriously. Review your high school math or take a math refresher course. A performance that is less than your best will make you take more math than necessary. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions from three areas: algebra; geometry; and numbers and data.
The CSU has several websites where you can learn more about the ELM and take practice exams.
- CSU Math Success website: http://www.csumathsuccess.org/elm_requirement
- CSU Focus on Mathematics booklet: http://www.calstate.edu/sas/documents/FocusonMath.pdf
Students who cannot demonstrate basic competence at the level of intermediate algebra on the examination must take steps to overcome deficiencies in their first quarter of enrollment. Depending on the ELM test score, students will be required to enroll in MATH 0801 and 0802 (Elementary Algebra A and B), MATH 0900 (Elementary Algebra) and MATH 0950 (Intermediate Algebra). Courses beginning with zero are not applicable to the baccalaureate degree, but do count toward full-time status. Students should consult the Office of General Education, 1st floor, SSAB for placement information.
Students who are required to enroll in remedial math coursework must enroll in such coursework in their first quarter and every quarter thereafter, including summer, until remediation is completed. A student who fails the same remedial course twice or does not complete remediation in six consecutive quarters (including summer) has a hold placed on future registration (and is disenrolled if already registered). The hold can only be removed by (1) completing the remedial course failed, or (2) completing all remedial courses (if six quarters have expired), or (3) completing a baccalaureate level mathematics course satisfying G.E. Area B4, Quantitative Reasoning, (if 90 quarter units have been completed). Students who have completed more than 90 quarter units must complete the G.E. course before reentry. A student who wishes to transfer any baccalaureate-level units must reapply and pay the $55 application fee.
Information bulletins and registration materials for the ELM examination will be mailed to all students who may be subject to the requirements. The materials may be obtained from the Testing Office. There is a fee for the ELM.
Implementation of the EPT and ELM Exams
After admission, each undergraduate student is sent a packet which indicates that taking the EPT and ELM exams are requirements which should be fulfilled at the next offering of the test. If you fail to take the EPT and/or the ELM tests before your first term of enrollment, a hold will be placed on your registration until you do take the test(s).
Other Placement Examinations
Placement examinations are given to place students at appropriate levels of achievement as follows. Check the Class Schedule each quarter for specific details.
Modern Languages and Literatures
Placement exams in French and Spanish languages are offered on a continuing basis through the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. If you have prior language experience but are uncertain of your level of ability (elementary, intermediate, or advanced), you are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor before enrolling in a French or Spanish language course. Placement exams are given only on the recommendation of faculty.
Music Auditions and Proficiency Examinations
Students who declare a major in music must complete examinations and auditions to determine: (1) theory placement, (2) level of applied study, (3) piano proficiency, and (4) major performance ensemble. These examinations are not a substitute for the Advanced Placement Test in Music and should not be confused with the Advanced Placement Program. Auditions and examinations are scheduled prior to the first week of each quarter. For additional information and specific appointment times, contact the Department of Music, MB 2571, or telephone 885-3135.
How may I obtain credit by examination as an undergraduate student?
Cal State East Bay grants credit to those students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include the Advanced Placement Examinations and some CLEP examinations.
Also see "Challenging Courses" in this section.
Credit by Examination Policy
The award of credit for successfully passing any approved examination is subject to the following conditions:
- Credit shall not be awarded for successful passage of any examination if the student previously took that examination during the past quarter.Credit shall not be awarded for successful passage of any examination if the student previously took that examination during the past quarter.
- Credit shall not be awarded when equivalent degree credit has been granted for regular coursework, credit-by evaluation, or other instructional processes such as correspondence.
- Credit shall not be awarded when credit has been granted at a level represented by the examination in question.
- Duplicate credit shall not be awarded where there are overlapping tests, university level work, or both. Where there is partial overlap, the amount of examination credit shall be reduced accordingly.
- The total amount of credit earned on the basis of externally developed tests which may be applied to a baccalaureate degree shall not exceed 45 quarter units. Advanced Placement credit is excluded from this limit.
Challenging Courses
Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at Cal State East Bay. Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully. No instructor is obliged to offer credit-by-examination for a course.
The university recognizes that exceptional students, by reason of special studies or experiences, may already have achieved the objectives of certain courses in the basic program; therefore, students with this background may petition to receive credit in selected courses by special examination. Such an examination is normally from three to six hours in length and may be oral as well as written. Each course may be challenged only once.
Students who wish credit under this plan must enroll for the course during the enrollment period for the units to be earned by the examination. The class being challenged for credit must be listed in the Class Schedule for the particular quarter. Obtain a petition for credit by examination from the office of the department offering the course, and get the permission of both the instructor and department chair. The examination must be administered during the first two weeks of the quarter and the results, in grade form, must be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration by the end of the third week. The instructor is responsible for notifying you of the results of the examination.
If the exam is passed with a grade of "C-" or higher, the letter grade and credit by examination will be indicated on your permanent record. If students receive a grade of "D+," "D," or "F" on the examination, they must either continue taking the course formally or officially withdraw from it within one week after completing the examination. (Note: The instructor need not inform the Office of the Records and Registration of the grades "D+," "D" or "F.") Some departments (e.g., Modern Languages and Literatures) only allow their courses to be challenged for a "CR" grade.
No more than 36 quarter units of credit obtained by challenging courses may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree. No credit earned by examination may be used to satisfy the requirement of 45 quarter units in residence at Cal State East Bay.
Advanced Placement
Cal State East Bay grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of The College Board. Students who present scores of 3 or better will be granted 4-12 quarter units of transfer college credit.
The Advanced Placement Examinations referred to below are prepared and offered by the College Board. Unit credit will be granted to those passing the exams, but no letter grade will be assigned or computed in a student's grade point average.
If you have Advanced Placement credit, request the College Board to send your test score(s) to Planning, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs at Cal State East Bay.
Normally, if Advanced Placement course credits satisfy G.E. Area B, C, and/or D requirements, they will apply to sophomore year general education requirements and not to freshmen clusters because all freshmen benefit from participating in these learning communities. Only if the amount of Advanced Placement credit exceeds what can be applied to the second year will it be applied to freshmen clusters.
Please see the list of Advanced Placement Examinations and credit awarded.
International Baccalaureate Program
Cal State East Bay recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a challenging college-preparatory program. Four (4) to fifteen (15) units of college credit will be awarded for each IB Higher Level Examination passed with a score of 4, 5, 6, or 7. (No credit will be awarded for IB Subsidiary Level passes.) A copy of the official IB transcript must be supplied to the university when credit is requested. All credit is granted in terms of existing Cal State East Bay courses with equivalent subject matter determined by the department.
Please see the list of IB Higher Level Examinations and the Cal State East Bay credit awarded.
College Level Examination Program
Please see the list of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests and the Cal State East Bay credit awarded.
Science Equivalency Test Program
Students who pass the American Chemistry Society Cooperative Examination in General Chemistry at or above the 50th percentile will receive 5 units of credit.
Credit for Non-Collegiate Instruction
Cal State East Bay grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction (either military or civilian) appropriate to the baccalaureate degree that has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. Military courses and schools must be documented by forms DD214 or DD295. Such credit shall be clearly identified on the permanent record.
Credit for the following types of courses may be granted:
- Lower division baccalaureate/associate degree credit courses which are comparable to courses offered on most CSU campuses. (Credit is not allowed for occupationally oriented courses designed to enable a student to function only as a technician.)
- Upper division baccalaureate degree credit courses.
- Graduate degree credit courses.
The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.
Cal State East Bay shall determine which units shall be applied as general education, major, or elective credit.
