UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2024-2025

Policies and Procedures by Category: Enrollment Regulations

Academic Credit for Prior Learning, Knowledge, and Experience

Students may challenge courses designated by departments to receive credit through extensive professional experience or learning acquired outside formal, higher education. Departments choose appropriate methodologies for experiential learning course credit. These may include, but are not limited to, written examinations, portfolios, personal interviews, demonstrations and/or other means of assessment. Currently, CSUN departments facilitate this process …

Academic Internship Policy

Academic internships and other community-based experiential learning opportunities, including community-based (service) learning, are high impact practices that promote student connections, deep learning and civic engagement. The University recognizes the beneficial educational purpose of student internships and community-based learning, as well as the need to maximize the educational experience while mitigating the risks to participants and …

Academic Leave (Leave of Absence) for Graduate Students

Graduate students are eligible to take a two-semester leave of absence. Though no formal approval is required, it is recommended that students seek academic advisement. Graduate students in degree programs should contact their departments before the second semester of their leave of absence ends. Students who do not enroll by the third semester of their …

Academic Leave (Leave of Absence) for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students in good standing may take a leave of absence. Though no formal approval is required, it is suggested that students seek academic advisement. To encourage continuing students with satisfactory scholastic performance to return to CSUN following an absence, the University will automatically place qualified resident and nonresident students on a leave of absence if they: …

Academic Performance and Study Load (Graduate)

Numerous requirements exist that specify the grading policies at CSUN and the academic standards and progress expected of students. These regulations are dictated by Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, the California State Universities and College System and the President of CSUN.

Catalog Requirements (Catalog Rights)

An undergraduate student remaining in attendance in regular sessions at any California Community College, at any CSU campus or any combination of California Community Colleges and campuses of the CSU system may meet the requirements in effect at the campus from which the student will graduate either (1) at the time the student began such …

Course Types

Academic Internships Many departments and programs offer special undergraduate courses in which students earn academic credit for formally supervised experience outside the traditional university classroom. Students work with faculty and internship hosts to plan, process and evaluate the learning resulting from internship/clinical practica. CSUN recognizes that laws and regulations reserve certain rights for external agencies …

Credit Hour

On July 1, 2020, the United States Department of Education changed its definition of the 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 …

Enrollment of Non-Matriculated Students in CSUN State-Supported and CSUN Self-Supported Special Session Courses

Each CSU is authorized to enroll non-matriculated students in state-supported regular courses and in self-supported special session courses. At CSUN, self-supported special sessions are Winter Term and, when CSUN chooses to offer it via self-support funding, Summer Session. Non-matriculated students earning academic credits by enrolling through one of CSUN’s programs that are designed to serve …

Full-Time Enrollment (Undergraduate and Graduate)

Full-Time Enrollment Full-time enrollment for undergraduate students is considered to be 15 units (12 units for financial aid and certain external legal requirements). Graduate students who need to be considered full time must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 units. SUMMER TERM ONLY: For undergraduate international students enrolled in the Semester at CSUN program through The …

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU have access to courses at other CSUs on a space available basis unless those universities/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host university and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home university academic …

Online Course Designations

Fully Online Class (OF) An online course offering in which all class sessions and exams are presented in an online environment. If a course meets at a specified time online, the course should list the day of the week and time in the Schedule of Classes. Fully online courses have no on campus meetings. Campus …

Recommended Breaks in Classes

Continuous lecture classes that last two or more hours should incorporate a break at a predetermined time based on any number of criteria, such as content of the lecture, length of the class and physical demand placed upon support service personnel for students who are Deaf and students with disabilities. Laboratory classes or classes in …

Registration Unit Limits (Academic Load Regulations)

The University may impose limits on the number of units for which a student can register during each registration period. Students requesting to exceed the maximum unit load after the Registration-by-Appointment period must complete and file an Extra Unit Authorization form with the Office of the Registrar. There also are restrictions for students based on …

Repeat of Courses (Graduate Policy)

A graduate student may repeat up to 6 units in which a grade of “B-” or below has been earned. In these cases, only the most recent grade will count. Students seeking a second master’s degree will be allowed to repeat up to 6 units in which a grade of “B-” or below has been …

Repeating Courses (Grade Forgiveness) Undergraduate

The University recognizes that undergraduate students may need to repeat one or more courses in order to fulfill degree requirements and/or enhance previously acquired skills. However, students should seek academic advisement before deciding to repeat any course. Students should be aware that other institutions (e.g., medical schools, graduate programs, law schools) might not recognize this repeat …

Schedule Adjustments (Undergraduate)

Students are permitted to change their initial enrollment by following the University’s Schedule Adjustment procedure. Ordinarily, during the first four weeks of the Fall or Spring semester, students may add, drop or change the basis of grading online through the CSUN Portal using the self-service registration system, or later by filing a Late Change in …

Simultaneous Enrollment in Classes (Time Conflict)

Students may not enroll simultaneously in two or more classes meeting during the same time period. Exceptions to this policy will be permitted only if one of the classes does not meet on a regular basis, such as an independent study or internship that permits independent lab work. Students who meet the acceptable criteria must submit …

Student ID Card (MataCard)

MataCard, the secure digital CSUN student ID card, replaces the need for a physical student ID card and serves as a convenient form of campus identification accessible via Android phone, iPhone, or Apple Watch. The digital MataCard can be used throughout the University Library, for access to many other campus services and privileges, and as …

Student Responsibility for Catalog Information

The Catalog represents the intention of the University at the time of its publication to present certain academic programs and requirements to its students. With the passing of time, modifications may be made—the addition of some offerings and the deletion of others—in which case some opportunities for students may be eliminated or other opportunities may …

Transcripts of CSUN Courses

Official transcripts of courses taken at CSUN are issued only with the written request of the student concerned. Transcripts of work taken at other institutions will not be issued. For details, see Order Transcripts.

Winter Term Registration Options for Matriculated and Nonmatriculated Students

CSUN generally offers a 3- to 4-week Winter term (Intersession) program in January. Courses are taught in intensive formats with many holding daily class meetings. Winter term courses are open to both matriculated students in self- and state-supported degree programs and nonmatriculated students (those not admitted to a CSUN degree program). Winter term registration is …

Withdrawals (Graduate Policy)

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 …

Withdrawals (Undergraduate Policy)

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 …