FAQ
- Who is my advisor?
A student must visit his or her major advisor for academic planning related to their major. Students may check with their major department to find out who their advisor is and to make advising appointments.
Undeclared students receive advising at the Advising Resource Center located in MSR 180 (see map). Please print a copy of the Undeclared Advisee Expectations(pdf). Review the document and take note of the important suggestions recommended by our academic advising team. Also, the Lower Division(pdf) and Upper Division(pdf) General Education (GE) Requirement planning guides are helpful in tracking your GE progress.
- What should I bring with me to advising?
Students are encouraged to bring the following materials to advising appointments: A tentative schedule for the next semester, lower and/or upper division GE planning guide(s), unofficial transcript copies, and a copy of his or her transfer evaluation (transfer students only).
- When should I declare a major?
It is recommended that all students declare a major no later than attaining junior standing (60 completed units). However, it is very important to select a major as early as possible. Careful planning and organization is needed to complete your degree in your desired timeline. The academic advisors at the Advising Resource Center are available on a walk in basis to discuss your academic goals and to assist you in declaring a major.
- When should I change majors or declare minor(s)?
Once you have determined your academic program complete the Declaration or Change of Degree Objective form. Turn the completed form in to the Enrollment Services Office. The latest to declare a new major and/or additional minor(s) is when applying for graduation. (See: When should I apply for graduation?)
- How do I change my major?
Students who would like to change or declare a major must complete the Declaration or Change of Degree Objective form. Turn the completed form in to the Enrollment Services Office. Click here to view CSU Stanislaus Majors and Minors
- When should I apply for graduation?
Students are recommended to submit an application for graduation to the Enrollment Services Office when two semesters remain to complete requirements for the degree, or when a minimum of 90 units has been earned toward completion of the degree.
- When can I start taking Upper Division courses?
For Upper Division General Education credit, courses may be taken no earlier than the term in which upper-division status (completion of 60 semester units) is attained. If a student takes Upper Division General Education courses before completing 60 units, credits will count as elective units.
For upper division courses in a major, first seek advising from your major department. For most upper division major courses students need only meet prerequisites, or obtain instructor approval.
- What is the credit/no credit grading option, how many of these can I take?
You may elect to be graded on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) basis in any general education course approved with a Credit/No Credit grading option. A grade of CR or NC has no effect on your GPA. No more than 24 CSU Stanislaus CR semester units, including winter and summer term courses, may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree.
- How do I change my grading option?
Students may choose the grading option for the course at any time through census date (20th day of instruction). If the student wants to change their grading option after the census date they may do so only by permission of the instructor. To submit the change of grading option, the student must obtain a Registration Options Form and fill out the Grading Option box. After the instructor signs the form, it must be turned in to Enrollment Services for processing.
- How do I register for more than 15 units?
The following exceptions to the 15 unit cap may be allowed by petition on a case-by-case basis:
- If your program of study requires mathematics, science or foreign language or other required courses that are valued at more than 3 units, you may enroll in these required courses up to a maximum of 17 units.
- If you have a completed Graduation Approval Form, you may be permitted to exceed the 15-unit limit in order to take only the courses required to complete your degree program.
The Registration Exception Form needed to petition the cap is only available in the Enrollment Services Office and the completed form must be returned to that office.