Nov 06, 2024  
University Catalog 2009-2011 
    
University Catalog 2009-2011 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Support Programs


 

Center for Environmental Analysis-Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CEA-CREST)

CEA-CREST aims to conduct innovative environmental research and to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds entering careers in the environmental sciences. The program fosters superb educational experiences by employing graduates and undergraduates in multi-disciplinary research teams tackling significant environmental problems and led by outstanding faculty researchers. Teams work on campus and at sites across the globe. CEA-CREST provides generous financial stipends for students, plus funds for travel to and research. For further information, contact the CEA-CREST office at (323) 343-5799, e-mail ceacrest@calstatela.edu, or Website http://cea-crest.calstatela.edu.

Health Careers Advisement Office (HCAO)

In general, students planning to enter a school of dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, or veterinary medicine should elect a major related to their own interests and include appropriate science courses as part of their major, general education, or electives. Medical schools expect students to show proficiency in English, mathematical reasoning, and fundamentals of physical and biological sciences. Some medical schools also require work in the social sciences, humanities, and a foreign language. Most expect completion of a baccalaureate program. The advisory staff serving preprofessional students in medical and related health fields includes two appointed health science advisers and a supporting group of faculty members in the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology. Medical sciences advisement and recommendations are coordinated through the Health Careers Advisement Office (HCAO) in Lib. PW 1040A, (323) 343-3150, fax 323-343-6311. Students planning careers in these areas should visit the office for guidance about programs and application procedures, irrespective of their declared major. The staff has prepared a number of brochures that answer most of the students’ initial questions about the various health science careers. The center also contains current catalogs for every health science professional school in the United States as well as information about foreign schools, financial aid, and alternative careers.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

LSAMP is a comprehensive, statewide program dedicated to increasing the number of students from underrepresented minority groups (URM) graduating from campuses of the California State University with baccalaureate degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) disciplines. It is funded by the National Science Foundation. Initiated in 1994, the CSU-LSAMP Alliance currently consists of 19 campuses of the California State University (CSU), each of which is partnered with at least one California Community College (CCC). In Phase III, a new emphasis has been placed on activities designed to enhance graduate school preparedness of upper division students.

CSU, Los Angeles is partnered with East Los Angeles College and Pasadena City College and currently has the largest LSAMP program with over 700 students participating each year. Eligible majors are biochemistry, biology, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, geology, mathematics, mechanical engineering, microbiology, other engineering, and physics. Activities include summer and academic year (AY) workshop to enhance performance in specific math and science courses; AY or summer SEM research experiences; AY or summer internships; GRE preparation workshops; participation in scientific and professional conferences; graduation application assistance; graduate school application assistance; and participation in the CSU-LSAMP Scholars Program.

For further information about the LSAMP program and application forms, contact Dr. Margaret Jefferson, LSAMP Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences, (323) 343- 2059 or lsamp@calstatela.edu.

Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC)

The MARC Honors Undergraduate Research Training Program trains up to 10 academically accomplished (B or higher grade point average) natural and behavioral science juniors and seniors who can compete successfully for entry into graduate programs leading to the Ph.D. in the biomedical  sciences or an M.D.– Ph.D. degree.

Student fellows perform research under the direction of faculty who are engaged in biomedical research. A stipend is provided for each student fellow. In addition, the program provides payment of student registration fees, funds for research supplies, and a travel allowance for fellows to attend scientific meetings to present research papers. A participant’s tenure in the program is two years for trainees entering as juniors and one year for those entering as seniors.

For further information about the MARC program and applications forms, write or phone Dr. Carlos G. Gutiérrez, Director, MARC Program, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, (323) 343-2300.

Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS)

Designed to increase the pool of underrepresented minority biomedical scientists, the MBRS provides annual salaries for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in original research projects in collaboration with experienced faculty mentors.

Students are also given excellent opportunities to obtain experience in contemporary and sophisticated biomedical research, a seminar series presented by distinguished scientists, and travel to national and regional scientific meetings. For further information, contact the MBRS office at (323) 343-2395.

MESA Engineering Program (MEP)

MEP’s goal is to increase the number of engineering and computer science majors. MEP provides support by building its students into a high-achieving academic community. MEP services include scholarships, counseling, advising, an orientation course, a study center, study groups, employment assistance, and pre-professional career development through student organizations. MEP students learn to work cooperatively in a supportive environment. For further information, contact the MEP office, E&T A409, or call (323) 343-4527.

Students Learning in Communities (SLC)

Students Learning in Communities (SLC) is a learning community program that offers exciting academic courses and social activities, to cohorted groups of students, and is designed to enhance the academic and social experiences of CSULA students. Developmental learning communities are available to first-time freshman who need to complete a sequence of developmental math and English courses in preparation for college-level study. Thematic General Education learning communities link two or more GE courses in the same quarter and are open to students fulfilling General Education requirements. For further information, contact the SLC Office, Library, Palmer Wing 1040A, (323) 343-3184.

Computing Facilities

Cal State L.A. provides the latest information technology resources to students, faculty and staff, and houses more than 35 electronic classrooms with networked computers, six large student open access computer labs, three training labs, and many other “smart” classrooms. Students have access to a variety of state-of-the-art computers, with more than 200 software packages, applications, and plug-ins including the latest Web browsers, on every workstation on campus. Access from off-campus - including e-mail, electronic Library resources, learning management system, and student system (GET) - is easily accessible via the Internet. For those without an Internet connection, a modem pool is available. Our sophisticated computers, specialized labs, and variety of software applications reflect the University’s pursuit of academic excellence and the high standards demanded by our students.

A walk-up help desk is available six days a week to assist students, faculty and staff with computer and network related problems, phone support is available after hours.

Open Access Laboratories

Open Access labs are available to students during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. The labs are staffed by qualified student technology assistants who answer questions and provide assistance.

Further information about the Open Access Computer Labs can be obtained by visiting the computer lab website at http://www.calstatela.edu/oal