Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions by Freshmen

What do I do first?
The first step is to apply for admission to Cal State Fullerton. If you would like to apply online go to the Cal State University home page. This site also has helpful hints, frequently asked questions, campus tours, and general information about all 22 Cal State University campuses.

To apply online go to: www.csumentor.edu

After you apply, check on your admission status. You can check your status by contacting the Admissions and Records Office at (714) 278-7601. Or by accessing TITAN online: titanonline.fullerton.edu (you will need your campus wide ID (CWID) and your PIN).

Once you have been admitted, make plans to attend New Student Orientation. New Student Orientation (NSO) is mandatory for all incoming first time freshmen.

For more information about NSO please go to: www.fullerton.edu/nso

What about the placement tests in English and mathematics?
If you are required to take any placement tests you must take them and receive your scores BEFORE you can register for classes. Take any required placement tests early so that you can register for classes on schedule.

Contact Testing Services if you have questions about your placement test status, or logon to their web site to register to take the ELM and/or EPT placement tests. This web site also has the dates and registration deadlines for these and other placement tests.

Testing Services Web Site: http://www.fullerton.edu/testing

How do I know what classes to take?
We have built an academic advising component into New Student Orientation (NSO). At NSO you will learn the information you need to succeed, plus you will be able to register for fall classes.

When are the New Student Orientations?
New Student Orientation provides incoming students and their families with an introduction to the opportunities for learning at Cal State Fullerton both in and out of the classroom. A strong emphasis is placed on reviewing graduation requirements and registering for classes. The program also provides a place to meet other new students, get an overview of the campus, and discover the traditions of Cal State Fullerton.

Studies show that students who attend New Student Orientation feel more prepared to attend Cal State Fullerton and are more likely to succeed. Make plans to attend one of the many orientations scheduled during the summer months. Freshmen programs are offered in June and July. The brochure for summer Orientation Programs are mailed in May. Students who are admitted for Spring will have an opportunity to attend NSO during January.

If you have questions about New Student Orientation, call (714) 278-2501.
If you have questions about New Student Programs, please visit: http://www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/nsp/

What about housing?
Housing for students is available on campus. However, on-campus housing is limited. Approximately 396 students are accommodated in 66 residence hall suites. Each 3 bedroom, 2 bath suite accommodates 6 residents. The suites are air conditioned, carpeted, and fully furnished.

If you would like more information on housing, please contact the Housing Services and Residential Life Office at (714) 278-2168.

Housing and Residential Life Web Site: http://www.fullerton.edu/housing

How about financial aid?
The Office of Financial Aid administers a wide variety of funding sources designed to assist you in meeting the cost of attendance at Cal State Fullerton. These programs include federal and state grants, student loans, student employment, and scholarships.

If you would like more information about financial aid, please contract the Office of Financial Aid at: (714) 278-3125. The Financial Aid Office is located in UH-146.

Financial Aid Web Site: http://www.fullerton.edu/financialaid

Frequently Asked Questions About General Education

What are the goals of the General Education Program?
The General Education program is designed to introduce you to a breadth of knowledge that will prepare you to understand and participate actively in a diverse and complex world. The programs will help you develop lifelong skills and competencies such as critical thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and problem solving. The General Education program is divided into four categories. You must take at least one three-unit course identified with a star (*) to meet the fifth category, Cultural Diversity.

The specific learning goals for each category can be found in the University Catalog.

What are the General Education categories?
The 51 units of the General Education Program are divided into the following five categories:

1. Core Competencies
   1. Oral Communication
   2. Written Communication
   3. Critical Thinking
      
      
2. Historical and Cultural Foundations
   1. The Development of World Civilization
   2. American History, Institutions and Values
      
      
3. Disciplinary Learning
   1. Mathematics and Natural Science
   2. Arts and Humanities
   3. Social Sciences
      
      
4. Lifelong Learning
   
   
5. Cultural Diversity

Can I take General Education courses at the community college?
Yes. Cal State Fullerton students may complete lower division General Education requirements at a community college. A maximum of 70 units of transferable course work from the community college may be applied to a CSUF degree. In choosing equivalent courses, you must follow the CSUF plan and check that there is an articulation agreement for any course you take at the community college. The advisors in the Academic Advisement Center can assist you or you can log on to the state’s articulation website.

State of California Articulation Web Site: www.assist.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grading Standards

What is an "I"?
An "I" is an authorized incomplete. This signifies that a portion of course work has not been completed before the end of the given semester. The student must work in coordination with the instructor to reach an agreement as to how the remaining requirements will be met. An "I" must be made up during the semester immediately following the semester in which the "I" was assigned. If not completed, the "I" will be changed to an "IC" which is equivalent to an "F" in GPA calculation.

Does a “W” count negatively toward my GPA?
No, it does not. However, a “W” does appear on your transcript. A "W" could have a negative effect on your Financial Aid.

What does a “WU” mean?
The symbol “WU” indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course properly or failed to complete the course requirements. This happens when the assignments or course activities were insufficient to make a normal evaluation of academic performance possible. For purposes of GPA calculations, a “WU” is equivalent to an “F."

How far into the semester can I still drop a class without a “W”?
You should check the calendar printed in the front cover of the Class Schedule. It has the cutoff date for withdrawing from a class without a grade of “W.” The deadline is usually approximately two weeks into the semester.

Can I drop a class after the Census Date?
After the Census Date, authorization to withdraw from a class shall be granted for only the most serious reasons. Your professor may ask you to show proof of the compelling nature of your situation. You will need the instructor’s and department chair’s signatures on the Request for Withdrawal form. For courses in the College of Business and Economics and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, you must also have the signature from the Associate Dean in order to drop a class after the Census Date. Once signed, the forms must be filed at Admissions and Records (LH-114).

Frequently Asked Questions About Probation

What does it mean to be on academic probation?
Undergraduates are placed on academic probation if in any semester their cumulative (overall) grade-point averages (GPA) OR their grade-point averages (GPA) at Cal State Fullerton falls below 2.0 (a "C" average).

Can I be disqualified if I am on academic probation?
Undergraduates on academic probation are subject to academic disqualification if their grade-point averages (GPA) reach the level of disqualification.

How do I get off academic probation?
Undergraduates will be removed from academic probation and restored to good standing upon achieving a 2.0 grade-point average in both their Cal State Fullerton and cumulative grade-point averages.

Can I register for classes when I’m on academic probation?
Many academic departments place holds on the records of students on probation. You should determine if you have any holds on your registration by checking TITAN Online. A hold on your record will prevent you from accessing TITAN Registration. You must see an academic advisor in the appropriate department to release any advising holds before you can register.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Repetition of Course Policy

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How many classes can I repeat for better grades?
Under the Repetition of Course Policy (ROCP), a student may repeat up to a maximum 16 units of C-'s, D’s, F’s, or WU’s for better grades. Courses taken at other institutions are counted in the total. The grades for any courses repeated beyond 16 units will not replace previous D's, F's, or WU's—they will only be averaged in calculating your GPA.

If I received a C- or worse a course taken at CSUF, do I have to repeat it at CSUF or can I repeat it at another college?
Any course taken at CSUF must be re-taken at CSUF in order to replace the previous C- or worse. Any course repeated at another college will be averaged in when calculating your GPA.
Note: If you repeat a course in which a "C-" or "D" was received, the units are earned only once.

Must I repeat a class the very next semester or with the same instructor to use the Repetition of Course Policy (ROCP)?
No. You do not have to take the class during the next semester or with the same instructor. However, the class must have the same course name and number (e.g.,. ENGL 101) in order to apply the ROCP.

I’ve repeated a class for a better grade to improve my GPA. Is the change made automatically?
To have your GPA recalculated before your Graduation Check is processed, you must fill out the appropriate form to apply for the "Repetition of Course Policy", after you repeat the course. The form can be found in the Admissions and Records Service Center (LH-114) or in the Academic Advisement Center (UH 123). If you do not submit the form, your GPA will be recalculated when your Grad Check is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disqualification

What determines my risk of being disqualified?
At the end of Spring semester, if your GPA is lower than the average indicated on the chart below, you will be disqualified.

What does it mean to be academically disqualified?
A disqualified student is no longer allowed to register for courses at CSUF as an admitted student. All disqualified students should see an advisor in Academic Advisement Center.

What do I do if I am disqualified?
A disqualified student should immediately seek an appointment with the disqualification advisor in the Academic Advisement Center.

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