Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Students for Fall 2013 (posted June 14, 2013)
These FAQs will be updated as more information becomes available this summer, prior to the start of the semester. Updates will be denoted by an asterisk (*).
Registering for Classes
Q: Has the budget affected course availability?
California continues to experience significant financial challenges. As a result, the California State University system has experienced sizable and repeated budget reductions. Over the past several years, Cal State Northridge has managed these fiscal challenges by taking a variety of measures to balance budget constraints with the needs of students. In previous semesters, we have made it a priority to maintain course offerings to the maximum extent possible.
In Fall 2013 and Spring 2014, we have committed to offering the classes students most need within our available resources. We will use the wait list demand to anticipate these needs throughout the expanded registration period. We will continue to use the waitlist through the first week of the Fall 2013 semester. We hope this will allow more students access to high demand classes.
We remain committed to offering students the opportunity to enroll in a full course load. As you prepare to register, please consult with your advisor and review the classes that you need to take to make progress toward the attainment of your degree.
You need to be thoughtful and targeted in what you register for and then plan to keep the courses you get. We’re expecting a record number of new and continuing students in 2013-2014, so changing your schedule after priority registration may be difficult.
During the first phase of Fall 2013 registration (registration by appointment), students are limited to a maximum of 13 units. However, during the nonrestrictive and late registration periods (from July 15, 2013 through the third week of Fall classes) students in good academic standing will be able to add units up to a total of 16. (Note: Graduating seniors and students enrolled in certain cohort programs are exempt from these restrictions.) For more information about unit limits, individual course waiting lists, permission numbers and other related issues please visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies Policies at http://blogs.csun.edu/ugs/policy-updates/ to access important information about these policy changes.
Q: What has CSUN done to increase student access to classes?
Effective Fall 2012, CSUN implemented a new course wait list feature. The new wait list option in SOLAR self-service allows students to secure a position on a waiting list for closed classes during nonrestrictive registration. Students who are wait listed for a class section will automatically be enrolled in the class when a seat becomes available and all requirements are met. Students may place themselves on wait lists for up to ten units provided they meet course pre-requisites. We will continue to use the waitlist through the first week of the Fall 2013 semester. We hope this will allow more students access to high demand classes. Additional information and instructions on wait listing for closed classes can be found by visiting http://www.csun.edu/anr/soc/guides/waitlist.html.
Academic Policies
Q: Has the current budget environment affected academic policies?
No. However, changes were previously made in a number of policies such as registration unit limits, eligibility to repeat a class, academic probation and disqualification, adding or changing majors and/or minors and disenrollment. These policies remain in effect for Spring 2013. Please familiarize yourself with these changes and others related to academic progress by reviewing information listed in the online CSUN Catalog and the Office of Undergraduate Studies website.