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Intercollegiate Athletics

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS OFFICE
Physical Education 104
Telephone: (323) 343-3080

ATHLETICS SPORTS INFORMATION, MARKETING, PROMOTIONS OFFICE
Physical Education 212
Telephone: (323) 343-5308
Results Hotline: (323) 343-3198
FAX: (323) 343-3199
E-mail: dbridges@calstatela.edu
Website: www.calstatela.edu/univ/athletic

Mission of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

The fundamental purpose of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at Cal State L.A. is to provide an outstanding athletics program as an integral part of the University’s mission, holding as its greatest priority the educational experience of student-athletes. The Division is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, of professionalism, and of competitive excellence.

About the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

Cal State L.A. is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Intercollegiate Athletics program fields teams in men’s baseball, basketball, soccer, and outdoor track and field. Women’s teams compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball. Athletically related grants-in-aid (scholarships) may be available to those student-athletes who demonstrate superior academic and athletic performance.

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics program is based on sound educational principles and practices and is a part of the educational mission of the University and is well-integrated into the educational environment of the University. Student-athletes must maintain normal academic progress toward completion of their degree in accordance with a formal policy approved by the Intercollegiate Athletics Board (IAB), academic senate and the President.

In addition, Cal State L.A. student-athletes spend many hours annually with area youth as part of the Golden Eagle community service programs, including spreading holiday cheer at local hospitals, reading at local elementary schools and hosting approximately 250 youngsters as part of National Student-Athlete Day.

The student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is made up of student-athletes from each Golden Eagle intercollegiate athletics squad and is assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and polices that affect the lives of student-athletes. Each Golden Eagle team has at least one representative on the SAAC undergraduate programs.

Normal Progress for Student Athletes

In order to be eligible for competition in intercollegiate athletics, student-athletes must earn units in courses acceptable toward a specific degree program at a minimum rate of 36 units between seasons of competition. As prescribed by NCAA regulations, 75 percent of these units (27) must be earned in fall, winter and spring quarters.

Effective fall 2005, student-athletes must earn at least six (6) normal progress units in the immediately preceding term to be eligible for competition.

For students who have not declared a major, no more than one-third (12) of the yearly minimum number of units may be electives. At least two-thirds (24) of the units must be in general education or major courses. For students who have declared a major, at least two-thirds (24) of the units must be in general education or major courses, and elective courses up to 12 units annually are permitted only to the extent that the particular degree program accommodates them. Repeated courses may be counted only once for normal progress, unless repetition of the course for credit has been authorized in the University Catalog.

In the calculation of the required 24 units in major and general education courses, only courses in the primary major and in general education will be included. Courses taken in a minor, a second major and/or professional education courses will be considered electives. In the freshman year only, students may count up to 18 units of satisfactorily completed precollegiate courses that are prerequisite to specific courses acceptable for any degree program.

Student-athletes must formally declare a major by the beginning of their seventh quarter of collegiate enrollment. Seventh quarter student-athletes will be declared eligible by the Faculty Athletics Representative only after receipt of the following:

1. Evidence of the student-athlete’s formally declared major.
2. A copy of the student athlete’s department advisement form signed by the department adviser.

Student-athletes who change a major shall be required to supply an updated advisement form to the Faculty Athletics Representative. After a change of major, a student-athlete may meet the normal academic progress requirements if the units earned prior to the change are acceptable toward the degree previously sought, and the units earned from the time of the change are acceptable toward the new desired degree. This means that changing a major is not a valid reason for failing to meet normal progress.

Other Factors Affecting Eligibility

Student-athletes must maintain a minimum C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point average at all times in both their overall collegiate record and their Cal State L.A. work in order to remain eligible for intercollegiate athletics competition. A necessary condition for practice and competition shall be enrollment in no fewer than 12 units of coursework unless an official “Application for Graduation” indicates the student-athlete needs less than 12 units to graduate.

Student-athletes must attend a mandatory annual meeting conducted by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics prior to participation. One purpose of this meeting is to disseminate information concerning NCAA, CCAA and Division rules pertaining to amateurism, eligibility, academics, ethics and grievance procedures. In addition, student-athletes will be asked to sign required NCAA and CCAA forms as well as complete health and insurance forms.

Competition in intercollegiate athletics at Cal State L.A. must be completed within the first 15 quarters of full-time attendance* at this or prior institutions. An additional limit of four seasons of competition applies separately to each sport. For student-athletes who transfer from other collegiate institutions, the Faculty Athletics Representative shall determine the number of full-time quarters of attendance prior to transfer as well as the number of competition seasons used. Such student-athletes shall be subject to all of the above requirements effective their first quarter of attendance at Cal State L.A.

* Full-time attendance is defined by the NCAA as any quarter or semester (exclusive of summer terms) in which a student is enrolled in 12 or more units at any time in the term.

Honors Programs

CSULA Honors College

Honors College to open and admit its first Freshman class in Fall 2010.

The Honors College at California State University, Los Angeles creates opportunities for intellectual challenge and provides an environment of scholarly engagement and academic excellence. Located in the heart of a vibrant, cosmopolitan center and at a major intersection for the diverse peoples of the world, the Honors College at CSULA offers an ideal location for students to discover knowledge, build skills, and develop attitudes essential to effective leadership in the twenty-first century. Together, exceptional undergraduate students, faculty, and staff create a community committed to intellectual curiosity, life-long learning, and individual and social transformation. The Honors College serves as a springboard from which student-scholars can experience the world, learn from the world, and embark on lifelong careers that will transform the world. Whatever career or profession they choose to pursue, Honors College graduates will forever carry with them the distinctive, transformative educational experiences of the Honors College community at California State University, Los Angeles. For further information contact Dr. Alfredo Gonzalez, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at (323) 343-3830.

General Education Honors Program

Cal State L.A.’s General Education Honors Program provides highly qualified students with diverse, enriched intellectual activities through a separate curriculum that includes honors classes, seminars, and research. Honors courses promote intellectual curiosity, critical reading, and logical thought and writing. These courses have a lower student enrollment than other general education courses and are taught by the University’s finest professors, many of whom are nationally recognized authorities in their field of study. Honors students encounter challenging and rewarding educational experiences.

The Program:

• Facilitates student participation in the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) and the Western Regional Honors Council (WRHC).
• Provides high-potential students an opportunity to participate in intellectually demanding and academically challenging general education courses.
• Offers opportunities for greater interaction with peers and involvement in interdisciplinary learning.
• Identifies Cal State L.A. resources through which high-potential students can receive academic, personal, and career counseling to help them better define and reach their goals.
• Creates opportunities for high-potential students and faculty members to establish closer educational relationships.
• Prepares students for participation in upper division departmental honors programs.

General Education Honors Program Students are offered the following special opportunities:

• Special sections of general education courses. Participation in courses appropriately modified in content, methodology, and level of enrichment for the high potential student.
• Honor societies. Coordination of membership with other honors organizations.
• Priority registration privileges. Students are allowed priority registration privileges.
• Waiver of prerequisites. With department or division approval, students with appropriate background may be allowed to enroll in upper division courses without having met the usual lower division prerequisites.
• Club membership. All program students are invited to hold membership in the General Education Honors Club.

Honors classes that meet general education requirements are available each quarter. These classes are designated as General Education Honors Program courses and enrollment is restricted to honors program students. All courses seek to explore more advanced and sophisticated areas of knowledge than regular general education offerings, although they meet general education requirements. A higher level of achievement is expected. Honors Program students are required to complete at least 24 units of these courses with a minimum B (3.0) grade point average to earn a General Education Honors Program certificate. For further information, contact the Program Director, Honors Program office, in the Library, Palmer Wing, phone (323) 343-4960.

Special Major for the Bachelor’s Degree

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a Special Major allows selected students an opportunity to pursue individualized programs of study if their academic and professional goals cannot be met through existing degree programs, or combinations of programs (i.e., majors, minors, etc.), at CSULA or other CSU campuses. The Special Major consists of a program of study in two or more disciplines developed in consultation with faculty members from the respective departments.

The Special Major is not a means of bypassing normal graduation requirements nor does it provide an alternative means of graduating for students who have failed to complete requirements in a previously designated major. Students must apply for the Special Major when they have at least one full year (45) units of academic work remaining to complete minimum requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Special Major programs are considered on a case-by-case basis; approval is determined on the basis of academic merit of the proposed program, rationale, and the student’s potential for successful completion of the proposed program.

Requirements

• A minimum 2.50 grade point average is required.
• Applicants must have no more than 140 units earned that are applicable toward another degree program by the end of the quarter in which the application for the Special Major is submitted.
• A total of 180 units are required for the BA/BS degree with a Special Major. A minimum of 70 quarter units, of which at least 60 must be upper division, must be included in the Special Major program.
• Neither lower nor upper division courses taken to satisfy general education requirements may be counted toward fulfillment of minimum requirements for the Special Major.
• All programs must include an upper division writing requirement, selected with adviser’s approval, from one of the approved upper division writing courses from one of the disciplines in the Special Major program.
• A principal adviser must be selected from one of the disciplines proposed for the Special Major program.

Procedures

• Prepare a Special Major Preliminary Application obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
• Prepare a concise statement of the academic and professional goals you seek through a Special Major, indicating why these goals cannot be met through related existing degree programs and prepare a preliminary list of courses in the two or three departments that represent the kind of program appropriate to your goals.
• Submit the Preliminary Application to the Office of Undergraduate Studies for review and approval for development of the Special Major. Upon approval, an Application for Special Major for Bachelor’s Degree will be provided to you. A faculty committee composed of a faculty member from each department on the proposed program may be recommended by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies to guide you in the development of your Special Major program.
• Discuss your statement and proposed list of courses with advisers in each of the specific departments that comprise your Special Major. With the assistance of your departmental advisers, determine the courses that will become part of your final program. Obtain the signatures of departmental advisers and department chair for each area of study. Their signatures indicate that they have reviewed and approved the proposed course of study. A principal adviser must be selected from one of the disciplines proposed for the Special Major Program.
• Obtain the signature of the college associate dean for each of the departmental course areas listed on your program and submit the completed application to the Office of Undergraduate Studies for university-level approval.
• Upon University approval, the application will be sent to you and to each department listed on your program. A Change of Major Form will also be sent to you with instructions to change your major to the official title listed on your approved program. Be advised that pending final approval of your Special Major program, you proceed with projected course work at your risk.

Further information is available from the Office of Undergraduate Studies, Administration 725.

Credit for Prior Experiential Learning (CPEL)*

Through the CPEL program, Cal State L.A. grants undergraduate academic credit for prior learning, knowledge, or skills-based experience that has been documented and evaluated according to campus policy. Students should be aware, however, that policies for earning credit for prior learning vary among CSU campuses.

Cal State L.A. grants up to 4 units of resident credit for UNIV 295 , a course in which the student enrolls and, in collaboration with a faculty sponsor, prepares a portfolio documenting the prior learning. In addition, a student may earn up to 8 units of nonresident credit, applicable to a bachelor’s degree, for learning, knowledge, or skills-based experience that has been documented and evaluated according to campus policy. To qualify, students must have  completed 45 quarter units in residence at Cal State L.A. and not more than 165 quarter units overall, and must demonstrate how the prior learning articulates with their present educational objectives. Credit is awarded for UNIV 295  and for the prior learning based on faculty evaluation of the learning experience in terms of academic standards both within the discipline and university-wide. Applications for CPEL are available in the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Administration 725.

Cooperative Education*

Cal State L.A. offers a range of Cooperative Education courses carrying different unit values.

The following courses are offered through the Cooperative Education program.

• 298 Preparation for Cooperative Education (2 units)
• 398 Cooperative Education (1–4 units)
• 399 Cooperative Education Honors (1–4 units)
• 498 Advanced Cooperative Education (1–4 units)

UNIV 298  is open to all students without restriction. Admission to UNIV 398 , 399 , and 498  is arranged through the coordinator for the student’s major department, division or school. Admission to UNIV 399 requires UNIV 298 as prerequisite, as well as eligibility for a University or academic department or division honors program.

A minimum 2.35 overall grade point average is required and students must have completed 45 quarter units of course work before requesting permission of their major department, division or school to enroll. Approved employment, periodic conferences, and written reports are required.

Full descriptions of cooperative education courses (UNIV 298, 398, 399, and 498) are found in the University (UNIV) Courses section of this chapter.

Internship in Public Service*

The Internship in Public Service program combines individual instruction with practical experience in government agencies and quasi-public enterprises. Although enrollment usually is restricted to Political Science majors, non-majors with appropriate background and preparation may apply. The program operates similarly to the Cooperative Education program, except that the maximum 6 units earned may apply only to upper division free elective credit rather than toward the major. A qualifying civil service examination is required for admission to some internship programs. Information about opportunities and qualifications may be obtained from the coordinator in the Political Science Department.

* NOTE: Students should note that a limited amount of unit credit is allowed toward the baccalaureate for each of these programs. Policies and regulations differ among various departments, divisions, schools and colleges. Each student should consult the appropriate major department, division, school or college for specific procedures and instructions.

Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Degree

The interdisciplinary studies major for the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree is a highly restricted interdisciplinary program designed for students whose professional/academic objectives are unique and cannot be met by existing master’s degree offerings. It is a program that comprises course offerings from at least two departments in related disciplines and must provide sharp focus and appropriate coherence. As a rule, no more than 13 quarter units of previously completed acceptable course work may be included on an approved master’s degree program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting minimum University requirements for admission to classified graduate standing, applicants must possess a baccalaureate in an area cognate to the areas of the proposed degree, must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average (A=4.0) in the last 90 quarter units attempted, and must meet all college requirements and such department, division or school requirements as course prerequisites, test scores, and grade point average for the master’s degrees of the colleges and departments/divisions/schools in which course work for the Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s is proposed. Approval for an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s is based upon individual justification.

Students must make formal written application to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. All applications must include:

• Clear and concisely stated rationale for pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s and an indication of the professional/academic objectives to be achieved. This rationale must include evidence clearly indicating that the Interdisciplinary Studies program could not be accommodated within any existing approved master’s degree program on this campus.
• A proposed list of available courses chosen from two or more departments/divisions/schools totaling a minimum of 45 units, of which at least 23 units must be 500 level.
• An indication of whether a comprehensive examination or thesis or project will be used to complete the graduate program. If a thesis or project is proposed, a preliminary description of the thesis topic or research project is to be included. If a comprehensive examination is proposed, an indication of the areas in which the student will be examined is to be included.
• Names and areas of specialization of at least two faculty members representative of those who might consent to serve on the advisory committee for such a degree program.

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Research must approve all programs that will include course work from more than one college. The student’s study plan is subject to University graduate procedures and regulations that govern all graduate degree offerings.

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