Undergraduate Programs, Policies, and Procedures

Academic Advisement

Academic advising helps students connect their needs, values, abilities and goals to CSUN’s educational program. It helps students realize their academic and professional goals and facilitates timely graduation. Regular contact with an academic advisor is the best way to assure that all required classes are taken at the proper time, in the proper order. Academic advisors can answer questions about policies, procedures, resources, and information posted on a student’s portal.

Academic Standing

Academic standing is defined by the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). The GPA is calculated by dividing the number of grade points earned in courses that assign letter grades by the number of units attempted. Courses in which grades of CR, NC, I and W are assigned are not used in GPA calculation.

A student’s academic status takes into account both the (1) Cumulative Total GPA, which includes coursework transferred from other institutions as well as coursework taken at CSUN, and (2) the CSUN GPA, which only includes coursework taken at CSUN.

The four categories of undergraduate academic status and the regulations pertaining to each are listed below:

1. Good Standing: Students are in good standing at the conclusion of any matriculated term in which they have both a Cumulative Total GPA and a CSUN GPA of 2.00 or higher. Students in good standing are eligible to enroll in the University through the regular enrollment process. Students can enroll in the maximum number of units determined by the University for the coming semester. To request enrollment in more than the maximum units, students must complete the Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain the appropriate approvals by the posted timeline: Visit the Admissions and Records Website to Obtain the Extra Unit Authorization form.

2. Probation: Students are placed on probation if either their Cumulative Total GPA or CSUN GPA falls below 2.00 at the conclusion of any term. Students remain on probation until they either regain good standing or are placed in disqualified status. Students on probation are eligible to enroll in the University through the regular enrollment process. However, they receive registration holds and are not able to register for classes until they have received advisement, to review progress toward improving academic status. Declared majors on probation will typically receive advisement from the Student Service Center (SSC/EOP) Satellite office in their College. Undecided students will receive advisement in the Advising Resource Center/EOP. Students on probation can enroll in a maximum of 13 units in a semester or summer term. To request more than 13 units, students must complete the Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain the signatures of the Director of their College SSC/EOP Satellite and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Students on probation will be disqualified if either their Cumulative Total GPA or CSUN GPA falls below the GPA listed for each class level in the chart below under “disqualified status.”

3. Disqualified Status:~~Students~~Undergraduate students and second baccalaureate degree candidates who were on probation the previous semester are placed in disqualified status if, at the end of the next semester, either their Cumulative Total or CSUN GPA falls below the GPA listed for each class level in the table below.

Class Level	GPA at the Time of Disqualification
Freshman (1-29 units earned)	1.50
Sophomore (30-59 units earned)	1.70
Junior (60-89 units earned)	1.85
Senior (90 + units earned)	1.95

Units of developmental coursework are included in determining class level. Students in disqualified status are not eligible to enroll in the University through the regular enrollment process. They can enroll in CSUN courses only through Open University in the Tseng College. Students seeking to enroll in courses should refer to the Tseng College website: Visit the TSENG Website. Only 24 units of course credit earned in the Tseng College can be counted toward a CSUN degree.

Before ~~Students~~Undergraduate students and second baccalaureate degree candidates in disqualified status can be readmitted under an Academic Performance Agreement (APA), they must demonstrate acquired skills or achievements that support a successful return to the University. Such evidence may include successful completion of courses in the student’s degree program at another institution or through the Tseng College with grades that demonstrate the student can achieve good standing in a reasonable time frame if readmitted to CSUN. Students are strongly urged to meet with their CSUN academic advisor to discuss the requirements that must be completed in order to be readmitted to the University. When all requirements have been met, students may apply to the University for readmission.

4. Readmitted under Academic Performance Agreement (APA): Students who have been academically disqualified, but who are readmitted to the University under terms of a special type of probation, are classified as readmitted under an APA. Students who are readmitted under an APA have registration holds and are not able to register for classes until they have received advisement. During advisement, the student and advisor examine the student’s progress toward improving academic status and set goals for the next semester. Declared majors typically receive advisement from the SSC/EOP satellite in their College. Undecided students receive advisement in the Advising Resource Center/EOP.

Students who are readmitted under APA can enroll in a maximum of 13 units in a semester or summer term. To request additional units, students must complete the Extra Unit Authorization form and obtain the signatures of the Director of their College SSC/EOP satellite and the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Students in this status, whether they have one or two disqualifications must fulfill all of the following requirements until they reach good standing: 1) earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA, 2) enroll in classes each semester and 3) have in place a signed APA that details the academic progress that must be achieved to move the student toward completion of the baccalaureate degree within a designated time period.

~~Students~~Undergraduate students and second baccalaureate degree candidates who are readmitted under an APA, but who fail to maintain continuous enrollment in classes each semester, revert back to disqualified status. They must reapply and be readmitted to the University as a previously disqualified student in order to be eligible to enroll in classes through the regular enrollment process. See section below entitled Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students.

Academic disqualification is a permanent notation in a student’s academic record and has serious consequences that can impact attainment of a baccalaureate degree. The consequences of academic disqualification depend upon whether it is the first, second or third disqualification that the student receives.

Categories of Disqualification

First Disqualification: Any student whose cumulative GPA is below a 1.0 will be disqualified immediately without first being placed on probation. In addition, students who were on probation the previous semester are placed in disqualified status if, at the end of the next semester, either their Cumulative Total or CSUN GPA falls below the GPA listed for each class level (See Table under Academic Standing item 3. “Disqualified status.”) Students who receive a first disqualification will not be eligible to enroll at CSUN through the regular enrollment process for at least one semester. They will need to apply for readmission as a previously disqualified student by posted deadlines. Disqualified students can enroll in Open University through CSUN’s Tseng College for up to 24 units, or can take courses at other institutions that can be transferred. In order to gain readmission students will be expected to demonstrate ability to succeed in university-level classes. For admission deadlines, Visit the Admissions Website.

Second Disqualification: Students who receive a second disqualification are not permitted to continue to enroll in CSUN courses through the regular enrollment process for at least one semester. They must reapply to the University and be readmitted under an APA in order to be eligible to enroll in classes through the regular enrollment process. Readmitted students are subject to all of the regulations described above in the section entitled readmitted under APA. Students who fail to earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a third disqualification. For admission deadlines, Visit the Admissions Website.

Third Disqualification: Students who receive a third disqualification are not eligible to seek readmission to the University for a minimum of five years after the final day of the semester during which they received the third disqualification. Students who have been disqualified three times may not retake classes or finish an Incomplete contract for the purpose of raising grades to avoid a third disqualification.

Readmission of Previously Disqualified Students

~~Students~~Undergraduate students and second baccalaureate degree candidates in disqualified status who are interested in returning to the University for a subsequent semester must reapply to the University.

Students in disqualified status seeking readmission must submit:

a formal application for readmission through CSU Mentor (Visit the CSU Mentor Website),
official transcripts of course(s) completed at another college or university during the period in which the student has been in disqualified status and
a Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire.

These documents must be filed in the Office of Admissions and Records by the published deadline before campus review can begin. For admission deadlines, Visit the Admissions Website

Academic Reinstatement to the University after a Third Disqualification

Five years from the final day of the semester during which the student received a third disqualification, the student may reapply to the University during the appropriate application filing period. The student must provide evidence that demonstrates acquired skills or achievements that support a successful return to the University. Reinstated students are readmitted under an APA and are subject to all of the regulations that apply to students in this status. Students who fail to earn a minimum 2.00 semester GPA will receive a final disqualification and will be given no further opportunities for readmission. For admission deadlines, see Visit the Admissions Website.

Schedule Adjustments

Students are permitted to change their initial enrollment by following the University’s Adjustment of Schedule procedure. Ordinarily during the first three weeks of a semester, a student may add, drop or change the basis of grading in SOLAR, sometimes using permission numbers, or later by filing a Late Change in Academic Schedule for Undergraduate Students form. For additional details concerning approvals required, time deadlines and fees, consult the current Schedule of Classes Registration Guide. Forms may be obtained on the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

Adding: The last day to add a class is the end of the third week of instruction. Students may add with the approval of the course instructor using a permission number.

Dropping: Students are responsible for attending all courses in which they are registered. During the first two weeks of instruction, students may withdraw without academic penalty and without the course instructor’s approval by accessing SOLAR. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal and will result in a failing grade.

Changing the Basis of Grading: Changing the basis of grading from regular letter grading to Credit/No Credit or conversely may be accomplished through SOLAR only during the first three weeks of instruction.

Late Requests for Change in Academic Schedule: To withdraw from classes after the third week of instruction, students must complete a Late Change in Academic Schedule for Undergraduate Students form. Forms may be obtained on the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

All late requests for Changes in Academic Schedule must be filled during the semester in which classes are taken. Late changes in academic schedule that have been previously denied will not be reconsider as retroactive requests after the semester is over.

Simultaneous Enrollment In Classes

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 independent study or internship that permits independent lab work. Students who meet the acceptable criteria must submit a completed Time Conflict Petition form to Admissions and Records no later than Friday of the third week of classes. Petitions will not be considered after the deadline.

Withdrawals

Withdrawal (W): The symbol “W” indicates that the student was permitted to drop the course after the twentieth day of instruction with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in the calculation of grade point average.

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 assignment of failing grades in all courses. Students who withdraw without permission need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available in the Schedule of Classes Registration Guide or from Admissions and Records.

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department 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.

Withdrawals During the First 20 Days of Instruction: Students wishing to completely withdraw from the University prior to or during the first 20 days of instruction may do so on SOLAR by accessing System Registration. University Cash Services will automatically process (and mail) checks based on withdrawal information. New and returning students who completely withdraw from the University prior to the 20th day of instruction are not considered continuing students and must reapply to attend any subsequent semester. Those students who are continuing from the previous semester will automatically be placed on a Leave of Absence if they meet the criteria. (See Leave of Absence under Categories of Enrollment for further information.)

Withdrawals After the 20th day of Instruction: Students who must withdraw after the twentieth day of instruction and prior to the last three weeks of instruction for reasons clearly beyond their control, and who can justify serious and compelling circumstances, may withdraw without academic penalty by securing the approval of the instructor and the appropriate campus officials. For further information, Visit the Admissions and Records Website. If approved, the grade of “W” will be assigned for withdrawals after the twentieth day of instruction. Students completely withdrawing after the 20th day of instruction will be considered continuing students for the next semester. Under no circumstances does nonattendance nor the stopping of payment of a check constitute a withdrawal from the University.

Withdrawals During the Last Three Weeks of the Semester: Withdrawals are not permitted during the final three weeks of instruction or thereafter except in cases such as accident or serious illness where the cause of the withdrawal is clearly beyond the student’s control and the assignment of an Incomplete grade is not practical. Ordinarily it is expected that withdrawals during this period will be complete withdrawals from the University except in circumstances where sufficient work has been completed in one or more of the courses to permit an evaluation of coursework and an assignment of a grade. Students may obtain forms and procedural information at the Office of Admissions and Records.

Medical Withdrawal: Students seeking complete medical withdrawals may complete the necessary forms at the Student Health Center. Upon receipt of verifying information from a student’s personal physician, the Director of the Health Center will evaluate the case. A medical withdrawal usually constitutes complete withdrawal from the University for the academic period in question.

In cases where medical evidence and the specific physical demands and environment of the classes overwhelmingly support withdrawal from only a portion of a student’s program of study, partial withdrawals will be permitted prior to the final three weeks of the instruction, except in cases of accident or serious illness. A request for a partial medical withdrawal for undergraduate students and a partial medical withdrawal Health Provider Report must be completed and submitted to the office of Undergraduate Studies. These forms are available at 2 http://www.csun.edu/anr/forms/. Partial medical withdrawals will be granted solely for established medical purposes prior to a student taking final exams.

Withdrawals due to illness in the family will be granted only if the attending physician stipulates that the student is the primary caregiver for the family member. Withdrawals due to illness in the family should be requested on late change in academic schedule for undergraduate students at www.csun.edu/anr/forms and submitted according to directions on the form.

Additional Withdrawal Rules

1. Undergraduate students may withdraw from no more than 18 semester units of CSU Northridge courses. This 18 semester unit limit does not apply to the first 20 days of each semester when withdrawals from courses are permitted without restriction or penalty.
2. Medical withdrawals, whether partial or complete, do not count toward the maximum 18.
3. The maximum of 18 semester units applies only to units completed at CSU Northridge. The limits apply to all courses taken at CSUN, whether a student is matriculated or enrolled through selfsupport such as Extended Learning.
4. This policy applies only to baccalaureate units, i.e., those that count toward the degree.
5. All other CSU Northridge current policies related to withdrawals remain the same, except as stated in items 14, above.

Withdrawals After the Semester is Over (Retroactive Withdrawals): After the conclusion of the semester from which you are requesting a withdrawal, any changes in academic schedules are rarely approved. Requests for Retroactive Withdrawals will be considered only in cases where the student can provide written proof of extraordinary circumstances that have arisen from events beyond his or her control. The form can be found at http://www.csun.edu/anr/forms/. Petitions requesting retroactive withdrawals beyond one year after the conclusion of the semester for which the withdrawal is requested will not be considered.

Complete Medical Withdrawals

Students seeking complete medical withdrawals from the University may complete the necessary forms at the Student Health Center. Upon receipt of verifying information from a student’s personal physician, the Director of the Student Health Center will evaluate the case. A medical withdrawal usually constitutes complete withdrawal from the university for the academic period in question. Requests for complete medical withdrawals should be submitted as soon as possible after the medical condition impairs the students’ ability to complete the coursework for which the student is registered. Requests may also be submitted by an authorized representative of the student.

Partial Medical Withdrawals

In cases where medical evidence and the physical demands of a class overwhelmingly support withdrawal form only a portion of a student’s program of study, partial medical withdrawals will be permitted when there is a clear link between the class and the medical condition. Requests solely seeking a reduced course load without specific and focused medical justification do not demonstrate the required link. Two forms, a Request for a Partial Medical Withdrawal for undergraduate students and a Health Provider Report, must be completed and submitted to the office of Undergraduate Studies. Forms may be obtained on the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

Requests for conditions or circumstances that arise during the final three weeks of instruction or thereafter, will only be considered in cases of severe illness or injury. For less serious conditions or circumstances, students should investigate the possibility of an Incomplete with the course instructor. Partial medical withdrawals will not be granted if students have taken final exams. In cases of severe illness, students are advised to provide written permission for a representative or, if mentally incapacitated, a student’s legal representative to request a withdrawal on their behalf, Petitions requesting retroactive withdrawals beyond one year of the conclusion of the semester for which the withdrawal is requested will not be considered.

Withdrawals Due to Illness in the Family

Withdrawals due to illness in the family will be granted only if the attending physician stipulates that the student is the primary caregiver for the family member. Withdrawals due to illness in the family should be requested on Late Change in Academic Schedule for Undergraduate Students and submitted according to directions on the form. Forms may be obtained on the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

Academic Leave (Leave of Absence)

Undergraduate students in good standing may take a two-semester leave of absence. Though no formal approval is required, it is suggested that students seek academic advisement. For more information, see section A-3 in Appendices.

Enrolling in Courses with Prerequisites

Students must fulfill a course’s prerequisite(s) prior to enrollment in the course. For the most updated information regarding prerequisite enforcement see the Schedule of Class Registration Guide at the Admissions and Records Website.

Administrative Action on Prerequisites

Although it is the student’s responsibility to drop classes, the University may withdraw a student, within the first three weeks, from a course if he or she fails to meet the prerequisite(s) or other requirements as indicated in the catalog. These prerequisites may include:

Completion of prior coursework.
Passing of qualifying examinations.
Class year standing.
Admission to, or special requirements of, special programs such as Honors or Credential.
Completion of prior coursework with a required minimum credit.
Consent of instructor.

Such an Administrative Withdrawal may be initiated only by the Associate Dean of the College, upon recommendation from the instructor or the department chair.

Syllabi for all Undergraduate Courses

To better inform students about the requirements, content and methodology of the University’s undergraduate curricula, all faculty teaching undergraduate courses will distribute a written syllabus to each student in the course and/or post it online no later than the second week of classes. The syllabus should contain the following information:

Course objective(s).
A brief list or summary of topics or projects covered.
Course requirements and methods of evaluation.
Grading criteria including whether or not the plus/minus system will be used.
Contact information (instructor’s name, office hours, office location, and campus phone number).
For a General Education course, the syllabus should describe how it meets the currently approved goals of the General Education section in which it resides.
For an upper-division General Education course, the syllabus should include a statement that informs students that the course is an upper-division General Education course and that it requires completion of writing assignments totaling a minimum of 2,500 words.

Attendance (Class Attendance)

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Students who are absent from the first two meetings of a class that meets more than once a week, or from the first meeting of a class that meets once a week, lose the right to remain on the class roll and must formally withdraw from the class, following University procedures and deadlines. Failure to formally withdraw from a class will result in the instructor assigning to the student a grade of “WU” (Unauthorized Withdrawal), which, in computing a student’s GPA, counts as a grade of “F.”

In a compressed term or session of fewer than 15 weeks, the rule applies if the first class meeting is missed. An instructor may allow a student to continue in the class if the student notified the instructor that the absence would be temporary. If no instructor was assigned to the course in advance, students must notify the department chair that their absence from the class will be temporary.

Missed Classes While Representing the University in Official Curriculum Related, University Approved Activities

When representing the University in official curriculum-related, University-approved activities requires a student to miss classes, faculty are expected to provide, within reason, opportunity to make up any work or exams that are missed.

To be eligible for such accommodation, the student is obligated to provide the instructor of the class with written documentation signed by the faculty, staff member or administrator supervising the activity, giving specific information concerning the activity, its location, and the dates and times when class attendance is not possible. This documentation must be submitted to the instructor during the first week of the semester or as soon as the information becomes known. Instructors may set limits on the number of classes that may be missed for which special accommodation to make up missed work will be allowed. The process for making up missed class work is the prerogative of the instructor and shall be communicated to the affected students during the first week of classes or as soon as the need for accommodation becomes known.

For the purposes of this policy, if a question arises as to which events meet the definition of official, curriculum-related, University-approved activities the determination shall be made by the Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies.

Absence from class for official curriculum-related, University-approved activities does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence.

University sponsors of these activities have an obligation to respect the importance of regular class attendance for successful academic performance and to minimize the number of such absences. Instructional faculty have an obligation to respect the importance of such student participation, and to assist student participants in meeting their academic obligations.

Grading Systems and Policies

The University uses a combination of the following grading options: A-F Letter-grading: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F. Grades A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- indicate passing grades; F indicates failure. Faculty define the grading criteria for all courses. Any changes in grading policies should be provided in writing to students before such changes are implemented.

Grading Symbols:

Grade	Definition	Points	Date
A	Outstanding	4.0	1958 -
A-		3.7	1987 -
B+		3.3	1987 -
B	Very Good	3.0	1958 -
B-		2.7	1987 -
C+		2.3	1987 -
C	Average	2.0	1958 -
C-		1.7	1987 -
D+		1.3	1987 -
D	Barely Passing	1.0	1958 -
D-		0.7	1987 -
F	Failure	0.0	1958 -
CR	Credit	0.0	1967 -
NC	No Credit	0.0	1973 -
U	Unauthorized Incomplete	0.0	1977 - 02
AU	Audit	0.0	1958 -87
RP	Report in Progress	0.0	2008-
SP	Satisfactory Progress	0.0	1973-2008
I	Incomplete	0.0	1958 -
IC	Incomplete Charged	0.0	2008-
W	Withdrawal	0.0	1958 -
WU	Unauthorized Withdrawal	0.0	1958 -73, 2002-

Credit/No Credit Grading

A grade of CR, indicating passed with credit, is given for work equivalent to C or better for undergraduate students and for work equivalent to B or better for postbaccalaureate and graduate students. NC, indicating no credit, is given for work equivalent to C-, D+, D, D-, or F for undergraduate students and for work equivalent to B-, C+, C, C, D+, D, D-, or F for postbaccalaureate and graduate students.

Restrictions concerning the nontraditional grading option given undergraduate students can be found under the Credit/No Credit Policy that follows. Postbaccalaureate and graduate students should refer to the Grading System discussion under the Graduate Programs section for further information regarding grading options.

Credit/No Credit Policy: Undergraduate students who are not on probation may elect the Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) option for one or more courses each term, up to a maximum of 18 units applicable to the bachelor’s degree. If 18 or more semester credit-graded units are accepted on transfer from other institutions, no additional credit-graded CSUN courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements. The CR or NC grade will not be considered in the computation of the student’s grade point average. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis cannot be applied toward the satisfaction of ANY of the following degree requirements:

General Education
Title 5
The Major, except those courses offered on a CR/NC basis only, subject to departmental approval. (Note: Additional courses in the discipline of the major beyond those used to satisfy major requirements may not be taken for CR/NC.).
The Minor, except those courses offered on a CR/NC basis only, subject to departmental approval.

Grading Symbols, Policies and Assistance

Administrative Grading Symbols

Incomplete (I): The symbol “I” indicates that a portion of required coursework has not been completed and evaluated in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen, but fully justified reasons, but that a substantial portion of the course requirement has been completed with a passing grade and that there is still a possibility of earning credit. The work that is incomplete normally should be of such a nature that it can be completed independently by the student for later evaluation by the instructor. An Incomplete shall not be assigned when a student would be required to attend a major portion of the class when it is next offered.

It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the attention of the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements which must be satisfied to remove the Incomplete. A final grade is assigned when the agreed-upon work has been completed and evaluated. An “I” must normally be made up within one calendar year immediately following the end of the term during which it was assigned. This limitation prevails whether or not the student maintains continuous enrollment.

Students who believe they meet the necessary conditions to be assigned an Incomplete should secure a Request for a Grade of Incomplete form. Forms may be obtained on the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

Students should complete the form and submit it in person to the course instructor on or before the day of the Final Exam. The instructor should check all appropriate boxes in the Instructor Information section of the form and complete the information that describes the assignment(s) to be completed and the due date. If students fail to submit the Request by this deadline, they should receive the grade that they have earned for the entire course, including work completed and penalties for work not completed. No retroactive Incomplete grades are permitted. If the request for an Incomplete is granted, the instructor will assign a grade of Incomplete on the SOLAR class grade roster and add an Incomplete contract.

When the required work is completed, the instructor will fill out a Correction of Grade or Removal of Incomplete form and turn it in to the Department office.

Incomplete Charged (IC): If the Correction of Grade or Removal of Incomplete form is not submitted by the due date, Admissions and Records will automatically change the Incomplete (I) to an Incomplete Charged, (IC) which is equivalent to an F. The IC replaces the I and is counted as a failing grade for grade point average and progress point computation.

Report in Progress (RP): This grade replaces the SP. The RP symbol shall be used in connection with thesis, project, and similar courses in which assigned work frequently extends beyond a single academic term and may include enrollment in more than one term. The RP symbol shall be replaced with the appropriate final grade within one year of its assignment except for master’ thesis enrollment, in which case the time limit shall be established by the appropriate campus authority. The president or designee may authorize extension of established time limits.

Satisfactory Progress (SP): The symbol SP is used in connection with thesis, project, developmental and similar courses where assigned work frequently extends beyond a single academic term. It indicates that work is in progress and has been evaluated and found to be satisfactory to date, but that the assignment of a precise grade must await completion of additional work. Enrollment for more units of credit than the total number of units which can be applied to the fulfillment of the student’s educational objective is expressly prohibited. Work is to be completed within a stipulated time period.

Withdrawal (W): The symbol W indicates that the student was permitted to drop the course after the twentieth day of instruction with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in the calculation of grade point average. (See Change of Program under Changes of Official Enrollment section for further information.) Change of Schedule Petition Forms are available online at the Admissions and Enrollment Forms Website.

Withdrawal Unauthorized (WU): For purposes of grade point computation, the WU grade is equivalent to an F. The symbol WU indicates that an enrolled student did not officially withdraw from the course and failed to complete course requirements. If a student has stopped attending class without formally withdrawing, an F or WU should be given. For a Credit/No Credit class the appropriate grade is NC.

Credit (CR) is assigned for work equivalent to A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C for undergraduate courses; and to A, A-, B+, B for postbaccalaureate and graduate courses. CR grades are not included in the calculation of grade point average. (GE and Title 5 courses may not be taken for CR/NC. They must be taken for a grade.)

No Credit (NC) is assigned for work equivalent to C-, D+, D, D-, or F for undergraduate courses; and to B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or F for postbaccalaureate and graduate courses. NC grades are not included in the calculation of grade point average. (GE and Title 5 courses may not be taken for CR/NC. They must be taken for a grade.)

Repeating Courses (Grade Forgiveness)

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 policy and will use the forgiven grades in recalculating grade point averages. The following rules apply:

A maximum of 16 semester units of CSU Northridge coursework in which a student earned less than a C grade may be repeated for the purpose of excluding grades (grade forgiveness) from the computation of the student’s overall GPA. Only the first 16 semester units are eligible for grade forgiveness.
An additional 12 semester units of coursework may be repeated for grade averaging, i.e. both the original grade and the repeat(s) shall be calculated into the student’s total GPA.
Students cannot improve grades of courses taken at CSUN by repeating them at another institution. Students cannot improve grades of courses taken at another institution by repeating them at CSUN.
The stated limits (16 units for grade forgiveness and 12 units for grade averaging) apply only to units completed at CSU Northridge. The limits apply to all courses taken at CSUN, whether a student is matriculated or enrolled through self-support such as Extended Learning.
Registration in repeated courses may be limited to certain registration periods. Check Admissions and Records for permissive dates: Visit the Admissions and Records Website
Undergraduate students may take an individual course no more than three times. Only one repeat per course is permitted for improving the grade, with the higher of the two grades counted in the student’s GPA. If a student enrolls in a course for a third time, the units attempted and any grade points earned will be averaged with all other grades earned for the course (except ones that were awarded grade forgiveness). On the third enrollment in a course, permission of the Associate Dean of the college of the student’s major (or the Director of Undergraduate Studies if the student is Undecided) is necessary.
Subsequent enrollment must be on the same basis of grading as the first.
Grade forgiveness is not permitted for courses for which the original grade was the result of a finding of academic dishonesty.
This policy does not pertain to repeats in courses such as Music Ensembles and Independent Study where the curriculum allows, permits or requires repeats.
This policy applies only to baccalaureate units, i.e., those that count toward the degree.

Majors and Minors

Maximum Number of Majors and Minors

A maximum of up to two majors and up to two minors is permitted, provided all work can be completed within 140 units. A major and an honors major in the same program are considered to be a single major. Exceptions to the 140-unit completion rule can be made for CSUN bachelor’s degrees that require more than 120 units to complete. Students who receive an exception must be able to complete the second major and any additional minors within 20 units beyond the number of units required for the bachelor’s degree in their first major.See table below for procedures related to majors, minors, and options.

Declaring a Major

Students who start at CSUN must declare a major by the completion of 60 units. Students who are currently Undecided or Undeclared and wish to declare a major must have the major approved by the department chair of the new major. Transfer students must declare a major in their transfer application. Students who have earned 60 units and have not declared a major will have a registration hold placed on their ability to register for the following semester’s courses. These students will not be able to register for courses until they declare a major. Note: Courses numbered below the 100 level do not count toward the 60 units. Advanced Placement (high school) units do count toward the 60 units.

Adding a Second Major

Students can add a second major (double major) only if they can complete both majors within 140 units. Students may not add a second major after completing the requirements for their first major. Student requests to add a second major must be approved by the Department chairs of the existing major and the second major. If the student seeking to add a major has 90 or more earned units, the request also must be approved by the associate dean of the new major. All requests to add a second major must be accompanied by a plan demonstrating that the additional major can be completed within 140 units. When a student completes two majors, both majors will be recorded on the diploma. Courses taken to satisfy the requirements for one major may be double counted if they satisfy requirements in the second major.

Changing Major or Option

Students seeking to change majors /options must be able to complete the new major/option within 140 units. Student requests to change a major/option must be approved by the Department chair of the new major/option. If the student has 90 or more earned units, the request also must be approved by the associate dean of the new major/option. Requests to change majors or options must be accompanied by a plan demonstrating that the new major/option can be completed within 140 units.

Adding a Minor

Students can add a minor only if they can complete both their major and the minor within 140 units. Student requests to add a minor must be approved by the Department chair of the new minor. If the student has 90 or more earned units, the request also must be approved by the associate dean of the new minor. Requests to add a minor must be accompanied by a plan demonstrating that the minor can be completed within 140 units.

Changing a Minor

Students may drop their current minor at any time. They may add a new minor as long as they satisfy the policies and procedures for adding a new minor.

Transfer Units

When computing the earned unit limits on adding majors and minors, a maximum of 70 community college transfer earned units or a maximum of 90 four-year college/community college combination transfer earned units will be counted.

Appeals Process

Students who wish to appeal this policy or a related decision can apply to a Majors/Minors Appeals Board composed of an associate dean, a representative of Undergraduate Studies, the AS President or designee, and two faculty members selected by the Faculty President. For example, students who cannot complete their current major because of an inability to complete/pass a requirement may file a request with the Majors/Minors Appeals Board to change majors even though they may need to exceed the 140-unit limit to complete their new major.

Earning a Major and Minor or More than One Minor from the Same Department

Students may earn a major and a minor from the same department, or more than one minor if the major and minor(s) are associated with different academic degree programs. Note that different options in the same degree program are not considered different academic degree programs for this policy.

Procedures for Adding or Changing Majors, Minors and Options
	Student has < 90 earned Units	Student has > 90 earned units
Add second major	Approval by dept chairs of both majors. Must complete within 140 units.	Approval by dept chairs of both majors and associate dean of second major. Must complete within 140 units.
Changing major/option	Approval by dept chair of new major/option. Must complete within 140 units.	Approval by dept chair of new major/option and associate dean of new major/option. Must complete within 140 units.
Dropping second major	Approval by dept chair of second major.	Approval by dept chair of second major.
Adding a first or second minor	Approval by dept chair of new minor. Must complete within 140 units.	Approval by dept chair of new minor. Must complete within 140 units.
Changing a minor	Approval by dept chair of new minor. Must complete within 140 units.	Approval by dept chair of new minor. Must complete within 140 units.
Dropping a minor	No approval required.	No approval required.

Final Examination Policy

In lecture courses, no final examination may be scheduled by an instructor prior to the regularly scheduled time. Any student who finds it impossible to take a final examination on the date scheduled must make arrangements in advance with the instructor either to take the examination at another time prior to the deadline for reporting grades, or request that a grade of Incomplete be assigned, and must then follow the regulations concerning the removal of the Incomplete. No exceptions will be made to these regulations without the written approval of the instructor, the department chair, and the dean of the college in which the course is offered.

Dean’s List

Students who carry a minimum of 12 graded semester units (CR/NC courses do not apply), and who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better, are awarded Dean’s List standing for that semester.

Students whose minimum unit load includes courses from the Tseng College may apply for Dean’s List standing if the Extension courses are required for the student’s major and if the Tseng College courses are taught by members of CSUN’s faculty. If a grade change brings a student’s grade point average up to 3.5, the student may apply at Admissions and Records to have the honor awarded retroactively.

Students working on second undergraduate degrees or graduate degrees are not eligible for Dean’s List awards.

Honors at Graduation

To receive honors at graduation, a student must:

Complete a minimum of 45 units of work in letter-graded courses in this University;
Earn a grade point average of 3.50 or above in all work taken in this University;
Earn the following grade point average in all undergraduate courses, including transfer work:

Summa Cum Laude	GPA of 3.90 or above
Magna Cum Laude	GPA of 3.75 to 3.89
Cum Laude	GPA of 3.50 to 3.74

For questions about Honors at Graduation, visit the Office of Admissions and Records Graduation Evaluations department in BH 150 or call (818) 677-3781.

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