Procedures and Regulations

General Information

Information about University procedures and regulations contained in this section is applicable to all undergraduate students. Some general information also applies to postbaccalaureate and graduate students. Additional procedures and regulations applicable only to postbaccalaureate and graduate students are included in the Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Study section.

Undergraduate Class Levels

Undergraduate students are classified according to the number of semester units of baccalaureate-level course work they have completed, calculated as follows:

Semester Unit/Semester System

Cal State L.A. credits are expressed in semester units; one semester unit normally represents no less than one hour of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one semester. One semester unit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter units, and one quarter unit is equivalent to 0.67 semester units.

Campus Identification Number (CIN)

California State University, Los Angeles randomly assigns a nine-digit Campus Identification Number (CIN) to all students in the University. This number is used as a means of identifying records and offering services pertaining to students. The students’ Social Security Number will continue to be retained for purposes of financial aid eligibility and other debts payable to the institution.

Undergraduate Student Orientation

All freshmen students enrolling for the first time at Cal State L.A. are required to attend an orientation to the University prior to registering for classes for their first semester of attendance. The orientation will provide information to help students gain a better understanding of the various aspects of University life and learn about policies and procedures as well as, skills and knowledge for success. Student will also learn about appropriate courses for their individual program and register for their first semester. More information is available at the Golden Eagle Orientation Website: http://www.calstatela.edu/orientation

Registration

Continuing students at California State University, Los Angeles receive information regarding their registration appointment dates by logging into GET (Golden Eagle Territory). Additional information about registration procedures is provided in the Schedule of Classes, available online each semester before the registration period Web registration (GET) is available to all eligible continuing students.
Students maintain their continuing student status for registration purposes only by attending at least one of the two semesters immediately preceding the semester in which they plan to enroll (excluding the summer term). Students who were admitted and enrolled in one of the last two semesters preceding the semester in which they plan to enroll will also maintain their continuing student status for registration purposes. Absence for more than one of any two consecutive semesters without an approved leave of absence will cancel continuing registration eligibility. See Leaves of Absence later in this chapter.

Attendance in University extension courses does not constitute continuous attendance. Students who attended another college or university during an absence from Cal State L.A., except for a summer session or extension program or approved visitor enrollment at another CSU campus, are required to file an application for admission as a returning student and have official transcripts of work taken sent to the Admissions Office. A nonrefundable application fee is charged. Such students will, if eligible, receive forms to register as returning students.

Students who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Cal State L.A. and wish to continue in graduate standing are required to file a new application for graduate admission and will, if eligible, receive forms to register as new students.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement shall be required for all new students prior to or during their first term in attendance. After the first advisement session, each student shall be advised annually or more often as necessary to enhance academic success. Prior to the completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units students must meet with an academic advisor to select a major and develop an approved degree plan.

All transfer students who are admitted with fewer than 20 semester units shall declare a major by the time they complete three semesters in residence. All transfer students admitted with 20 semester units or more shall declare a major by the end of their second semester in residence. Upon declaring a major, students shall meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan.

After reaching 90 quarter units or 60 semester units and before completing 135 quarter units or 90 semester units, all students shall meet with an academic advisor to review their progress toward graduation based on the results of an on-line degree audit. Upon the completion of 135 degree eligible quarter units or 90 degree eligible semester units, students must meet with an advisor to determine when they should apply for graduation.

Students who reach 180 quarter units or 120 semester units and have not filed a graduation application shall meet with an academic advisor to review their progress toward graduation based on the results of an on-line degree audit and develop a plan to help ensure timely and efficient progress toward graduation.  The plan shall include remaining requirements and dates of future progress checks.

Undeclared Majors

Upon admission, undergraduate students are encouraged to declare a major. Those who have not selected a specific major shall be designated undeclared majors. Before registering for their first semester at Cal State L.A., undeclared majors shall consult an advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center, Library, Palmer Wing 1040A, to plan a preliminary program of study.

All first time freshmen and transfer students who are admitted with less than 20-semester units shall declare a major by the time they complete 30 semester units in residence or three semesters in residence, whichever comes first.

All transfer students must declare and be accepted into a degree program upon matriculation.

Upon declaring a major, students shall meet with an academic advisor to develop a degree plan.

Final Examinations

Final examinations or final class meetings are required in all courses at the time and place shown in the final examination schedule in the Schedule of Classes. Any exception in time or place must have written approval of the instructor, department/division/school chair or director, and college dean. Students who find it impossible to take a final examination at the scheduled time may, with the written approval of the instructor, department/division/school chair or director, and college dean, have a special final examination administered.

Repeating Courses

Undergraduate students may repeat a course no more than two times (a maximum of 3 times taking the same course). Undergraduate students who wish to repeat an individual course a second time must create an action plan with the appropriate academic advisor and receive approval from the college associate dean or designee of their major course of study. These limits apply to courses completed at Cal State LA, whether as a matriculated student or through the College of Professional and Global Education or Open University. Repeating courses under this policy does not result in the removal of the original record and grade from the transcript.

Individual colleges and departments/divisions/schools/programs may have additional restrictions on repeating courses. Unless otherwise indicated, undergraduate students may not repeat for credit any course already completed with a grade of C (2.00 grade-points) or better, and post-baccalaureate or graduate students may not repeat for credit any course already completed with a grade of B (3.00 grade-points) or better.

Repeating Courses for Grade Replacement

• Grade replacement is the circumstance under which the new grade replaces the former grade in terms of the calculation of GPA.  Grade replacement shall not be applicable to courses for which the original grade was a result of a finding of academic dishonesty .  (see the Student Conduct section in this chapter).
• Students may replace up to a maximum of 16 semester-units of repeated coursework and this policy is limited to courses taken at Cal State LA, whether taken in a matriculated status or as coursework, completed through the College of Professional and Global Education or Open University. Grade replacement shall occur only when the same or equivalent course is taken a second or third time at Cal State LA.  For purposes of grade replacement, a repeated course is considered equivalent to the original course if the only alteration to the course is its name and/or course number. In the case of different courses with similar content, students must petition the chair of the department offering the original course to verify that the course is an appropriate replacement. In cases where the original course carries a different number of units than the course that will be replacing it, the number of units earned and calculated will be based on the new course.
• In computing grade point averages for graduation with a baccalaureate from this institution, units attempted, units earned (if any), and grade points (if any) for up to two previous attempts of the same or equivalent course shall be excluded when conditions specified in this policy are met.

Repeating Courses with “Grades Averaged”

• In addition to the 16 semester-units for which grade replacement is permitted, undergraduate students may repeat 12 semester-units with the grade earned in the repeated course calculated into the student’s overall grade-point average.  The original grade is not replaced by the repeated grade; both grades are used for the calculation of the grade point average and remain on the student’s records.

Academic Renewal

Under certain circumstances, up to two semesters or three quarters of previous undergraduate coursework taken at any college may be disregarded from all considerations associated with requirements for the baccalaureate. Detailed eligibility and procedural information are provided in the Schedule of Classes.

The basic criteria are listed below:

• Five years must have elapsed since the completion of the most recent work to be disregarded;
• Any previous removal of work from degree consideration must be included in applying the limits on work that may be disregarded;
• Since completion of the work to be disregarded, students must have maintained the following grade point averages at Cal State L.A. at the time of petition: 3.0 for students with 15-29 semester units completed; 2.5 with 30-44 semester units completed; and 2.0 with 45 or more semester units completed; and
• There must be evidence that the student would find it necessary to complete additional units and enroll for one or more additional semesters to qualify for the baccalaureate if the request was not approved.

Students are advised that they may file a petition to disregard undergraduate course work as described above if their grade point average is lower than C (2.0) in general education, the major, or overall college units attempted (a condition preventing them from qualifying for the degree) and they meet all of the above criteria and conditions.

Honorable Dismissal

Honorable dismissal is granted to all students who are not under financial obligation to the University and who are not under disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. Academic disqualification does not constitute dishonorable dismissal.

Petitions for Waiver of Regulations

Rules and regulations in this catalog have been adopted by the faculty and administration to maintain appropriate academic standards and facilitate the administration of the university’s programs. Students who believe that extenuating circumstances might justify the waiver of a particular regulation or requirement may file a petition at their major department/division/school office, according to established procedures, for consideration by a faculty committee. However, provisions of Title 5, California Code of Regulations, or other state or federal laws and regulations, are not subject to waiver by petition. Detailed information about procedures and regulations governing petitions are found in the Schedule of Classes.

Categories of Enrollment

Credit by External Examinations

Please refer to the CSU Systemwide Credit for External Examinations  section in the Admissions  chapter for detailed information regarding Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Examinations. 

Credit by Examination

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at Cal State L.A. Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully.

Undergraduate students in good standing and officially enrolled in one or more residence courses may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at the campus. Examinations are interpreted broadly to include whatever activity, test, or demonstration an instructor deems appropriate to evaluate comprehension, skills, or knowledge required by the course objectives. Credit shall be granted to students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include the Advanced Placement Examinations, the CSU English Equivalency Examination, and some CLEP examinations.

Approval of the chair of the department/division/school that offers the course and an instructor for the course is required. Forms for approval are available in the AR Center (SSB 1 st floor), and must be filed with the Registrar’s Office by the eighth week of the semester in which the examination is taken. Additional fees must be paid if the added units alter the total fees due for the semester.

Credit by examination is restricted to undergraduate and graduate courses listed in this catalog. It is without unit limit, but does not count as residence credit. Such credit is not treated as part of the student’s workload during a regular quarter and therefore does not require approval for excess study load. Grades received by examination are recorded as final grades on the permanent academic record and are designated as earned through credit by examination.

Credit earned by examination at another accredited institution is accepted upon transfer, if the units have been accepted by the previous institution as equivalent to specific courses and are not in violation of any other regulations.

Visitors within California State University (CSU)

Students who are enrolled at any CSU campus may transfer temporarily to another CSU campus in visitor status if they have completed 12 units with a minimum C (2.0) grade point average at the home campus, are in good standing, and are eligible to register in continuing status. Visitors are approved for one term only, subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus. Enrollment as a visitor may be repeated after re-enrollment at the home campus. This opportunity may be particularly valuable to students whose educational progress can be enhanced or expedited by attending a summer term at Cal State L.A. Concurrent enrollment (see below) is not permitted during visitor status. Visitor applications may be obtained at Student Affairs 101.

Concurrent Enrollment within CSU

Students who are enrolled at any CSU campus may enroll concurrently at another CSU campus if they have completed 12 units at the home campus with a C (2.0) grade point average and are in good standing. Concurrent enrollment is approved for a specific term, subject to space availability and registration priority policies at the host campus. Because of overlap in academic terms of campuses on semester and quarter calendars, concurrent enrollment is subject to combinations and conditions described in the concurrent enrollment application forms available at Student Affairs 101.

Open University

Enrollment through Open University, administered by the College of Professional and Global Education, permits nonmatriculated students to enroll in certain University classes on a space available basis; however, matriculated students in the University who are in continuing status (i.e., students who have registered for at least one of the previous two semesters) may not enroll in degree credit-granting classes offered under state support and made available to students by the College of Professional and Global Education through Open University.

Audit Registration

Regularly enrolled students may register for classes in audit status through add/drop (program change) procedures only as indicated in the Schedule of Classes for audit registration. Such registrations are subject to the same fee regulations as registration for credit, and fees must be paid at the time of registration. Registration for a course in audit status is subject to approval of the instructor and is permitted only after students who desire to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so.

Regular class attendance is expected, but audit registrants are not required to complete assignments or take examinations. An audit registration may not be changed to a credit registration after the last day to add classes. No entry about audit registration is made on student grade reports or transcripts.

Dual Registration

Undergraduate students who wish to take classes at another accredited college or university, not within The California State University, while enrolled at Cal State L.A. must file a Notification of Dual Registration at Student Affairs 101 by the end of the fifth week of the semester involved. This notification must be endorsed by the student’s Cal State L.A. major department/division/school academic adviser and the department/division/school chair or director for the course(s) involved. Students are advised, also, to consult official evaluators and advisers at the non-CSU campuses where the work is taken to ensure the transferability of course work. Courses so taken are subject to all regulations and limitations governing transfer credit. To receive bachelor’s degree credit for such course work, students must have official transcripts forwarded to the Admissions Office upon completion of the course work.

Change of Program

Students are strongly advised to select classes carefully and to avoid the undesirable necessity of changing their program of study. Adding and dropping classes, including changing sections in the same course, may be done only in accordance with policies, procedures, and time limits stated in the Schedule of Classes. Students who fail to follow these procedures incur the risk of a grade of F or WU.

Missed Class Time and Makeup Policy

Students are responsible for adhering to the attendance policy set by the instructor. It is the students’ responsibility to make themselves aware of each faculty member’s guidelines by carefully reading the syllabus.

Not attending a course does not constitute an official drop or withdrawal. It is each student’s responsibility to drop or withdraw officially from the class, meeting all University deadlines. Faculty members may drop students who fail to attend class during the first class meeting of the semester (see Policy on Exclusion from Class). However, students should not presume that they will be dropped by the faculty member. Students who have registered for a class, but never attended, should verify whether or not they are officially enrolled.

Excused Absences

Students may have a valid reason to miss a class. When any of the following reasons directly conflict with class meeting times, faculty shall consider an excused absence and no penalty shall be accrued.  Students are responsible for informing faculty members of the reason for the absence and for arranging to make up missed assignments, tests, quizzes, and class work insofar as this is possible. Excused absences include, but are not limited to:   

• Death, injury, or serious illness of a close relation
• Religious reasons (California Education Code section 89320)
• Jury duty or government obligation
• University sanctioned or approved activities (examples include: artistic performances, forensics presentations,
• participation in research conferences, intercollegiate athletic activities, student government, required class field trips, etc.)

Faculty members may consider other grounds for excused absences. Faculty members may require students to provide documentation for excused absences.

Extended Absences

There are numerous classes offered on campus where attendance is crucial since student participation is essential. Absence from these courses may impact the work and participation of other students. Students who anticipate extended or multiple absences during a particular semester should consult with their advisor and the faculty member before enrolling in any class to determine whether it will be possible to complete the requirements for the course. Students who realize after enrollment that they will have extended or multiple absences should consult with the faculty member to see whether it will be possible to complete the course requirements.

Notification

The earliest possible notification is preferred. In some circumstances, it may be possible for the student to notify the faculty member of anticipated absences (e.g. for religious reasons or for scheduled athletic events) during the first week of enrollment. Advance notification (minimally one week in advance) is required for the following absences:

• Jury duty and other government obligation
• Religious reasons
• University sanctioned or approved activities

A student who expects to be absent from the University for any valid reason, and who has found it difficult to inform the instructor, should notify the academic department office. The department office shall notify the student’s instructors of the nature and duration of the absence. This notice is for the instructor’s information only and does not relieve the student of contacting instructors as soon as possible. It also remains the responsibility of the student to arrange with instructors to make up any academic work missed.

Withdrawals and Leaves

Add and Drop Deadlines and Limit on Number of Withdrawals

(Senate: 7/31/73, 10/13/81, 10/19/10, 6/22/16; President: 8/9/73, 10/15/81, 11/18/10, 8/16/16)

Students may add and drop classes without restriction or record through the first 15% of an instructional period.  

Drops occurring after the first 15% of an instructional period and prior to the last 20% of an instruction period are considered withdrawals and shall be recorded with a grade of “W” on the student’s permanent record transcript.  Withdrawals are permitted only for serious and compelling reasons. The student must complete a drop request form, state the reason for withdrawal, and obtain the signatures of the course instructor and the department/division chair or school director.  Records of such approvals shall be maintained in accordance with campus record retention policy.  Undergraduate students may withdraw from no more than 18 semester-units (27 quarter-units) attempted at Cal State Los Angeles.

Withdrawals shall not be permitted during the final 20% of the instructional period except where the cause of withdrawal is due to circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control (e.g. serious illness, accident, job transfer, military deployment, etc.) and the assignment of an Incomplete is not practicable.  Withdrawals of this sort may involve total withdrawal from the University or may involve only one course, except that course grade and credit or an incomplete may be assigned for courses in which sufficient work has been completed to permit an evaluation to be made.  Requests for permission to withdraw under these circumstances shall be handled and filed as indicated in the preceding paragraph, except that such requests must also be approved by the appropriate college dean.  Such withdrawals shall not count against the 18 semester-unit maximum.

The department/division chair or school director may approve a withdrawal for a student without first obtaining the instructor’s signature when the student and the chair and/or director have been unable to contact the instructor after a reasonable good faith effort.  In these cases, the chair or director shall notify the instructor of the action and its justification.

Add and drop activity occurring on or after the first day of instruction may incur late payment fees and refund limitations as specified by the office of Student Financial Services and the center for student financial aid and scholarships.

Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution

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 and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available at the University Registrar’s webpage: Registration & Enrollment (office hours).

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with an adviosr at the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office 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. Students who have received financial aid and withdraw from the institution during the academic term or payment period may need to return or repay some or all of the funds received, which may result in a debt owed to the institution.

Returning Students: Return from Educational Leaves

A petition to return from an educational leave is only available to students in good standing who have lost continuing student status due only to absence not exceeding the allowance indicated below. Students not eligible to return from educational leave must re-apply for admission through the formal CSU application process.

Students may petition to return from an educational leave for such reasons as professional or academic opportunities, like travel or study abroad; employment related to educational goals and major fields of study or participation in field study or research projects; medical reasons, including pregnancy, major surgery, and other health-­related circumstances; financial reasons, such as the necessity to work for a specified period to resume study with adequate resources; or other extenuating life circumstances.

Undergraduate students may request a return from an educational leave following absence for two, three, or four consecutive semesters, and are allowed a maximum of four semesters of leave in their undergraduate career.

Graduate students may request a  return from an educational leave following absence for up to two consecutive semesters, subject to renewal. Graduate petitions to return require the approval of the college graduate dean.

For both undergraduate and graduate students, if a student has already been absent for one semester, that semester will be counted as part of the educational leave.

Students must submit the digital Return from Educational Leave Form from the Records Office website no later than the add/drop deadline for the term the student plans to return to Cal State LA. Petitions submitted after the published deadline will incur a $25 late fee and will only be accepted through Census. Students must drop their classes if enrolled for the term(s) of their proposed leave. Students will be responsible for any grades and tuition charges incurred as a result of their classes not being dropped prior to the start of the term. Continuing students who return from a leave are entitled to priority registration privileges and are not required to file an application for readmission.

Undergraduate students retain current catalog requirements for graduation; classified postbaccalaureate and graduate students retain classified standing. Unclassified postbaccalaureate and conditionally classified graduate students who have an approved program on file in their college graduate studies office are subject to the conditions of those programs. All others are subject to the requirements in effect when they return.

Credit Hour

On July 1, 2020, the United States Department of Education changed its definition of student credit hour. Fundamentally, the change shifted responsibility for credit hour compliance to the accreditation agency and/or to the state.

As such, the CSU’s accreditor, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), has published its own updated definition of student credit hour and related accreditation processes. The new regulations no longer require an accrediting agency to review an institution’s credit hour policy and procedures. It does require WSCUC to review the institution’s definition of credit hour and an institutions’ processes and policies for ensuring the credit hour policy is followed.

The CSU credit-hour definition is consistent with federal law (600.2 and 600.4 revised July 1, 2020) and the requirements of the WSCUC. The CSU defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in stated learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Such evidence is an institutionally established equivalency that:

1. Approximates not less than:

a. One hour of direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

b. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph 1.a. of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practical studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours; and

2. Permits an institution, in determining the amount of work associated with a credit hour, to take into account a variety of delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines, and degree levels. Institutions have the flexibility to award a greater number of credits for courses that require more student work.

As in the past, a credit hour is assumed to be a 50-minute (not 60-minute) period. In some courses, such as those offered online asynchronously, in which “seat time” does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.

For purposes of accreditation, all CSU campuses are required to develop, communicate and implement procedures for regular, periodic review of this credit hour policy to ensure that credit hour assignments are accurate, reliable and consistently applied. WSCUC published new draft guidelines that will took effect in June 2021. Campuses are responsible for publishing a clearly stated practice or process that ensures they are in compliance with the student credit hour definition.

Transcript of Academic Record

A transcript of Cal State L.A. coursework is issued upon request by the student. For the three options for ordering an official transcript and the accompanying charges, see https://www.calstatela.edu/registrar/transcripts-verifications 
Copies normally are mailed one week after receipt of the request. However, requests that specify the inclusion of grades just earned or verification of a degree just awarded cannot be filled until two to three weeks after the end of the semester.

Course

Course Numbering System

Course Numbers

A four-digit number is used to identify the course. The numbering of courses, and especially the assignment of level, is primarily a matter of tradition and faculty judgment. Some departments may choose to utilize the second and third digits of the course number to indicate categories of related courses within a program.

Sub-collegiate, undergraduate, graduate, and noncredit courses are numbered as shown below.

* Courses for Extension Credit     Extension credit courses, which bear 7000 and 8000 series numbers, are highly specialized and have general acceptability for professional advancement. One extension credit unit is equivalent to the same number of contact hours and the same number of non-contact hours required for one unit of degree credit. An academic department may allow up to a maximum of 24 semester units of extension credit to be applied toward degree requirements. Courses in the 7000 and 8000 series are not listed in this catalog. Their descriptions can be obtained from the College of Professional and Global Education.

Course Suffixes

Some course numbers may have letter suffixes and some are standard throughout the University. These suffixes may be used to indicate special uses of the course within a particular department. However, to the extent possible, departments are encouraged to rely upon the four digit course number and the catalog description to convey the purpose and any special criteria or circumstances related to the offering of a specific course.

A, B, C, D, E A sequence of courses in which A must be taken before B, B before C, etc., unless description indicates otherwise. H Specifically designed for Honors College students

Course Abbreviations (Prefixes)

Each academic discipline has an official course abbreviation that is used to identify the discipline in this catalog; on grade reports, transcripts, major program sheets, and many other documents; and in the Schedule of Classes. These course abbreviations, which are listed below, must be used on all program change forms.

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites

Students are responsible for fulfilling prerequisites and corequisites. The instructor and department/division/school have the authority to waive specific prerequisites and/or corequisites for students who have completed equivalent courses at another institution, who have had equivalent experience (such as work experience), or who possess the requisite skills to proceed with the work of the course. Students should consult the instructor before registering to determine whether the course(s) or experience they present will justify the waiver of the stated prerequisite(s) and/or corequisite(s).

Grading System

Undergraduate Grades

Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Grades*

Explanation of Undergraduate Course Grades*

Definitions of Administrative Grading Symbols

Marks other than letter grades used to indicate status in courses undertaken have the following meanings:

CR is used to denote “passed with credit” when no traditional letter grade is given, is assigned to undergraduate grades of C (grade point 2.0 or higher) or better and to graduate grades of B (grade point 3.0 or higher) or better. CR grades are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

NC is used to denote “no credit” when no traditional letter grade is given, is assigned to undergraduate grades lower than C (grade point lower than 2.0) and to graduate grades lower than B (grade point lower than 3.0). NC grades are not included in the calculation of the grade point average.

RP (Report in Progress) is used for thesis, project, dissertation, and similar approved courses in which assigned work frequently extends beyond one academic term-and may include enrollment in more than one term. The RP indicates that the student’s performance has been evaluated and found to be satisfactory but that further work must be completed before a final grade (or grades) can properly be assigned for any part of the course. Enrollment for more units of credit than the total number of units that can be applied toward the fulfillment of the student’s educational objective is prohibited. The RP symbol shall be replaced with the appropriate final grade within one year of its assignment except for courses associated with the master’s degree thesis (courses numbered 5970, 5990, 5995, and 9000) and with the doctoral dissertation (courses numbered 6980 and 6990) in which case the time limit shall be five years. An RP does not add earned units and does not affect grade point average calculations.
An RP that has not been replaced by a final grade within the prescribed time limit for the course shall be changed to NC. Extensions of time to remove RP grades may be granted by the Curriculum Subcommittee (for undergraduate courses) or the appropriate College Graduate Dean (for graduate courses) for contingencies such as-but not limited to-military service and health problems of an incapacitating nature verified by a physician’s statement.

W (Withdrawal) indicates that a student was permitted to drop a course after the “no-record drop” deadline with the approval of the instructor and the department/division/school chair or director. The W carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point averages.

RD (Report Delayed) this symbol is used exclusively by the Registrar when a delay in the reporting of a grade is caused by circumstances that are beyond the student’s control. The symbol does not imply any academic evaluation. Any “RD” grade must be cleared before the degree can be awarded. Once the degree has been posted, no grade changes can be made to the record.

I (Incomplete) is an interim grade designed for students who are passing but who through extenuating circumstances have not been able to complete a portion of the work required for the course. An Incomplete grade shall be assigned at the discretion of the faculty member only when the faculty member concludes that a clearly identifiable portion of course requirements cannot be met within the academic term for unforeseen reasons. An Incomplete shall not be assigned when it is necessary for the student to attend a major portion of the class when it is next offered. An Incomplete is also prohibited where the normal practice requires extension of course requirements beyond the close of the term, e.g., thesis or project type courses. In such cases, the use of the “RP” symbol is required.

A student may not re-enroll in a course for which he or she has received an “I” until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I”; e.g., A-F, IC.
It is the responsibility of the student to request a grade of Incomplete from the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements that must be satisfied to remove the Incomplete.

The conditions for removal of the Incomplete including due date shall be specified in writing by the instructor and given to the student with a copy placed on file with the appropriate campus officer until the Incomplete is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. This “Incomplete Grade Agreement” must specify the outstanding course requirements and the final grade to be given based on the evaluation of the outstanding work. This time limitation applies whether or not the student maintains continuous attendance.

An Incomplete grade may be removed by completing the outstanding work by the date specified on the Incomplete Grade Agreement which shall be within one calendar year after the end of the quarter in which the Incomplete grade was assigned. An Incomplete that is made up within the time period allowed will be replaced on the student’s permanent academic record by the letter grade earned followed by an indication that the original grade was an Incomplete and the date that the Incomplete was removed.

Where department policy requires assignment of final grades on the basis of multiple demonstrations of competency by the student, it may be appropriate for a faculty member to submit a letter grade to be assigned in the event the Incomplete is not made up within one year. If the Incomplete is not converted to a credit-bearing grade within the prescribed time limit, or any extension thereof, it shall be counted as a failing grade in calculating grade point average and progress points unless the faculty member has assigned another grade in accordance with campus policy. An Incomplete shall be converted to the appropriate grade or symbol within one year following the end of the term during which it was assigned. However an extension of the one-year time limit may be granted by petition for contingencies such as intervening military service or serious health or personal problems. Any petition for extension of time to remove an Incomplete must be filed within one calendar year immediately after the end of the term in which it was assigned. A petition must include documentation establishing the reasons the course could not be completed prior to the expiration of the initial one year period. Petitions must be signed by the course instructor with an indication whether the instructor recommends the petition be approved or denied. The final decision regarding the extension of Incomplete grades rests with the Deans of Graduate or Undergraduate Studies, as appropriate.

An Incomplete that is not removed within the time period allowed will appear on the student’s permanent academic record as an “Incomplete Charged” (see next).

IC (Incomplete Charged) indicates that an Incomplete has not been removed within the time period allowed and the grade for that course will appear on the student’s permanent academic record as an “Incomplete Charged” and will be counted as an F in grade point average calculations unless the student was enrolled on a credit/no credit basis, in which case the default grade will be a grade of No Credit (NC). An Incomplete that is not removed before the degree is awarded will be charged as an F in the grade point average calculations. Upon expiration of an Incomplete grade, unless the instructor has submitted a letter grade to be assigned upon expiration of the Incomplete, the student’s permanent academic record will be modified to reflect the number of units attempted and zero units earned.

WU (Unauthorized Withdrawal) indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course but failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. For purposes of grade point average this symbol is equivalent to an F.

Nontraditional Grading Options

Undergraduates may choose to receive grades on a nontraditional basis, either A, B, C, NC, or CR/NC, under specified conditions. Some courses are graded only nontraditionally, as shown in course descriptions. In addition, students in good standing who have completed at least 9 semester units at Cal State L.A. and students admitted with upper division standing may elect to have some courses graded on either the traditional or the nontraditional basis. CR and NC grades are not included in grade point average computations.

CR/NC Option. Courses for which a student may not elect to be graded on a CR/NC basis are those courses required in the student’s major, minor, or credential program and other courses selected to meet general education requirements. A maximum of 30 semester units may be graded CR/NC, whether elected or designated. A maximum of 6 semester units elected CR/NC may be taken in any single semester.

A, B, C-/NC Option. Courses for which a student may not elect to be graded A, B, C-/NC are those required in the student’s major, minor, or credential program; however, any general education or elective course may be taken with A, B, C-/NC grading. A maximum of 30 semester units within the total degree program may be graded A, B, C-, NC, whether elected or designated.

Students may elect to register for a course with a nontraditional grading option up to the last date in the semester to add classes. The decision to elect an option is irrevocable. Academic standards are identical for all students who are enrolled in a course, irrespective of the grading option. Instructors are not notified that students have elected nontraditional grading options in their courses; traditional grades are reported and are converted as needed to CR or NC by the Registrar.

Scholastic Status of Undergraduate Students

Study Load

Undergraduate students must carry a study load of 12 semester units for full-time enrollment certification by the University. The recommended full-time study load for undergraduates is 15 semester  units. Students on scholastic probation must limit their study load to 12 semester units or fewer.  A student on probation may petition the university for a greater study load with the approval of an academic advisor and department/division chair or school director.

Grades Required for Credit

Students are advised that they receive no credit for any course in which they do not earn a grade of D- or higher.

Grade Point Average Requirements

Undergraduate students are expected to maintain a C (2.0) average in all courses attempted at Cal State L.A. and any other college or university attended and to make satisfactory progress toward their academic objectives. Students who receive financial aid should inform themselves of additional criteria defining satisfactory progress by consulting the Center for Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted. Grade points are assigned for each unit of course work undertaken, as indicated in the Explanation of Undergraduate Course Grades table above. CR and NC grades are not included in grade point average computations.

Academic Notice, Disqualification, Extended Academic Notice, and Readmission Policy for Undergraduate Students

(Senate: 7/15/03, 3/8/11, 10/11/22; President: 8/10/03, 3/29/11, 11/16/22; Editorial Amendment: 1/21/15, 5/27/15)

Academic Notice

Students are placed on academic notice at the end of a semester if either their grade point average at Cal State L.A. or their cumulative grade point average in all college work attempted falls below C (2.0).  They are continued on academic notice until their Cal State L.A. and cumulative grade point average is 2.0 or higher or until they are disqualified in accordance with the regulations for academic disqualification.

Academic Disqualification

Students already on probation or special probation whose Cal State L.A. or cumulative grade point average reaches the following levels are disqualified:

Disqualified students are required to arrange a disqualification interview with their academic advisor to review the reasons for disqualification, to explore the option of requesting special probation or readmission, and to establish the terms and conditions for recommending special probation or readmission.  Undeclared majors will hold this interview with their advisor in the University Academic Advisement Center.

Extended Academic Notice

Continuing students who have been disqualified may petition to remain as matriculated students on extended academic notice.  To be eligible for extended academic notice, disqualified students must complete the disqualification interview with their academic advisor and obtain the advisor’s approval.  The advisor must specify on the extended academic notice petition the terms and conditions under which the student will be eligible to be returned to and to remain in matriculated status, such as courses to be repeated, courses to be completed, GPA requirements, and any required workshops and/or tutoring.

A student’s initial petition for extended academic notice must be approved by the appropriate department chair, division chair, school director or the director of the Academic Advisement Center.  Subsequent petitions for extended academic notice must be approved as well by the appropriate college or university dean for that student.  Students’ approved extended academic notice petitions must be received in enrollment services by the specified deadline.

All disqualified students who are placed on extended academic notice are required to earn better than a C (2.0) grade point average each semester until their grade point average is increased to a level that is higher than that which would normally cause them to be disqualified according to their class level, at which time they would be switched from extended academic notice to academic notice.

Readmission of Disqualified Students

Students who are not eligible for or are denied extended academic notice may petition for readmission. Readmission after disqualification is not automatic.  Disqualified students will not be considered for readmission until at least two semesters have elapsed.  Students will be eligible for readmission when they have satisfied the terms and conditions established during the disqualification interview as documented in the student’s file by the academic advisor, provided that they meet or exceed the following minimum Cal State L.A. and cumulative grade point averages for their class level when they apply:

Units earned at an accredited higher education institution while under disqualification can be used to raise the cumulative grade point average above the minimum required for admission. However, any deficiency in the Cal State L.A. grade point average may only be corrected by completing Cal State L.A. courses through Open University or special sessions offered by the College of Professional and Global Education. Students who have not previously been placed on special probation and whose grade point averages do not meet these minimum criteria may be considered for readmission with special probation with the approval of their college dean.

Students who wish to request readmission must provide evidence to their advisor that they have met the terms and conditions specified in their disqualification interview, including official transcripts of all transfer work attempted since disqualification. Advisors who support the request for readmission must specify on the petition for readmission a plan for attaining good academic standing. Students requesting readmission must obtain approval for readmission from the department, division, or school and the college from which they were disqualified. The University Academic Advisement Center and the Office of Undergraduate Studies will rule on petitions for readmission of disqualified students with undeclared majors. Please visit the Readmission section in the Admissions  Chapter.

Disqualified students must file their application for readmission to the University before the appropriate admissions deadline.

Scholastic Status of Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Students

Grades Required for Credit

Graduate students are advised that they receive no credit for any course in which they do not earn a grade of C or higher. Grades of C- and below are considered failing grades in all graduate programs.

Grade Point Requirements

Graduate students are expected to maintain a B (3.0) average in all courses attempted at Cal State L.A. and any other college or university attended and to make satisfactory progress toward their academic objectives. Students who receive financial aid should inform themselves of additional criteria defining satisfactory progress by consulting the Center for Student Financial Aid.

Postbaccalaureate students are expected to maintain a 2.5 average in all courses attempted at Cal State L.A. and any other college or university attended and to make satisfactory progress toward their academic objectives.

Grade Point Average

The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units taken for GPA. Grade points are assigned for each unit of course work undertaken, as indicated in the Explanation of Grades table below.

Thus, students who earn a grade of C in a 3-unit course have 3 grade points fewer than the number they would have earned with a grade of B and are, therefore, deficient 3 grade points from a B average (-3 grade points). Students who earn an A grade in a 3-unit course have 3 grade points more than they would have earned with a B grade (+3 grade points). The overall grade point deficiency or surplus can be computed by assigning the number of plus or minus grade points for each unit attempted and adding algebraically. CR and NC grades are not included in grade point average computations.
 

Academic Notice and Disqualification Policy for Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Students

(Senate: 7/15/03, 2/14/23; President: 8/10/03, 3/20/23; Editorial Amendment: 11/14)

Graduate students are placed on academic notice at the end of a semester if their grade point average falls below a B (3.0) in course work on their master’s degree program and in all courses completed after admission to the program. Postbaccalaureate students are placed on academic notice at the end of a semester if their grade point average falls below a 2.5 in all course work taken after admission to Cal State L.A. in postbaccalaureate status, whether or not the course work is taken at Cal State L.A.

Postbaccalaureate and graduate students who are on academic notice are subject to disqualification if they do not raise their grade point average over the levels specified above after completion of 12 units or two semesters in residence, whichever comes later.

Students who are disqualified from a master’s degree program may not reenter that program, and they may be admitted to another program only on the recommendation of the new major department/division concerned and with the approval of the appropriate college graduate dean.

Administrative-Academic Notice

The Office of the Chancellor has made provision whereby students may be placed on administrative-academic notice for any of the following reasons:

• Withdrawal from all or a substantial portion of courses for which they registered in two successive semesters or in any three semesters.
• Repeated failure to progress toward a stated degree or program objective when such failure is within their control.
• Failure to comply, after due notice, with a routine academic requirement or regulation.

Notice is given in writing of the conditions for removal from administrative-academic notice, as well as circumstances that would lead to disqualification should notice conditions not be rectified.

Disqualification Regulations for Postbaccalaureate and Graduate Students

Postbaccalaureate and graduate students who are on academic notice and who do not meet the requirements of their notice are subject to disqualification in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Classified and conditionally classified graduate students who are on academic notice are subject to disqualification from pursuing the master’s degree program in which they were classified if after being placed on scholastic notice they do not raise their average to B (3.0) after completion of 12 semester units or two semesters in residence, whichever comes later.
• Classified and conditionally classified graduate students whose grade point average falls more than nine grade points below B (3.0) will be disqualified from pursuing the master’s degree program in which they were classified.
• Students who are disqualified from a master’s degree program may not reenter that program. They may be admitted to another program only on the recommendation of the new major department/division concerned and with the approval of the appropriate college graduate dean.
• Postbaccalaureate classified and postbaccalaureate unclassified students who are on academic notice are subject to disqualification from pursuing course work at Cal State L.A. IF they do not raise their average to 2.5 after completion of 12 semester units or two semesters in residence, whichever comes later.
• All units earned in the semester in which the twelfth unit is completed will be used in computing the grade point average.
• Students disqualified for scholarship deficiency may not enroll in any regular semester at Cal State L.A. without permission from the appropriate college graduate dean and may be denied admission to other educational programs operated or sponsored by the campus.
• Students who are enrolled in graduate degree programs, credential programs, and postbaccalaureate credit certificate programs are not eligible for Academic Renewal.
• Postbaccalaureate students who are pursuing a second or subsequent baccalaureate are subject to the same notice and disqualification standards as seniors. These are outlined in the Procedures and Regulations section near the front of this catalog.

The Office of the Chancellor has made provision whereby postbaccalaureate and graduate students who are on academic-administrative notice may be disqualified for any of the following reasons:

• The conditions for removal of administrative-academic notice are not met within the period specified.
• Students become subject to academic notice while on administrative-academic notice.
• Students become subject to a new administrative-academic notice period for the same or similar reasons of a previous notification period, although not currently in such status.
• Classified and conditionally classified graduate students are expected to maintain a b (3.0) grade point average in course work on their master’s degree program and in all courses completed after admission to the program.
• Postbaccalaureate classified and postbaccalaureate unclassified students are expected to maintain a 2.5 grade point average in all course work taken after admission to Cal State L.A., whether or not the course work is taken at Cal State L.A.

Student Conduct

Standards for Student Conduct

(Title 5, California Code of Regulations, § 41301)

University Community Values

The university is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the university community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the university community and contribute positively to student and university life.

Grounds for Student Discipline

Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences. The following are the grounds upon which student discipline can be based:

• Dishonesty *, including:

1. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty that are intended to gain unfair academic advantage.
2. Furnishing false information to a university official, faculty member, or university office.
3. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a university document, key, or identification instrument.
4. Misrepresenting one’s self to be an authorized agent of the university or one of its auxiliaries.

* Note: please refer to the University Academic Honesty Policy.

• Unauthorized entry into, presence in, use of, or misuse of university property.
• Willful, material and substantial disruption or obstruction of a University-related activity, or any on-campus activity.
• Participating in an activity that substantially and materially disrupts the normal operations of the university, or infringes on the rights of members of the university community.
• Willful, material and substantial obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or other traffic, on or leading to campus property or an off-campus university related activity.
• Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior at a University related activity, or directed toward a member of the university community.
• Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the university community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
• Hazing or conspiracy to haze. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre- initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6), and in addition, any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school sanctioned events. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.
• Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug- related paraphernalia, (except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations) or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
• Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations), or public intoxication while on campus or at a university related activity.
• Theft of property or services from the university community, or misappropriation of university resources.
• Unauthorized destruction or damage to university property or other property in the university community.
• Possession or misuse of firearms or guns, replicas, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals (without the prior authorization of the university president) on campus or at a university related activity.
• Unauthorized recording, dissemination, or publication of academic presentations (including handwritten notes) for a commercial purpose.
• Misuse of computer facilities or resources, including:

1. Unauthorized entry into a file, for any purpose.
2. Unauthorized transfer of a file.
3. Use of another’s identification or password.
4. Use of computing facilities, campus network, or other resources to interfere with the work of another member of the university community.
5. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
6. Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal university operations.
7. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
8. Violation of a university computer use policy.

• Violation of any published university policy, rule, regulation or presidential order.
• Failure to comply with directions or, or interference with, any university official or any public safety officer while acting in the performance of their duties.
• Any act chargeable as a violation of a federal, state, or local law that poses a substantial threat to the safety or well-being of members of the university community, to property within the university community or poses a significant threat of disruption or interference with university operations.
• Violation of the Student Conduct Procedures, including:

1. Falsification distortion, or misrepresentation of information related to a student discipline matter.
2. Disruption or interference with the orderly progress of a student discipline proceeding.
3. Initiation of a student discipline proceeding in bad faith.
4. Attempting to discourage another from participating in the student discipline matter.
5. Attempting to influence the impartiality of any participant in a student discipline matter.
6. Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of any participant in a student discipline matte
7. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under a student discipline proceeding.

• Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to do any act that could subject him or her to discipline.

Procedures for Enforcing This Code

The chancellor shall adopt procedures to ensure students are afforded appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard before the university imposes any sanction for a violation of the Student Conduct Code. [Note: At the time of publication, such procedures are set forth in the California State University Student Conduct Procedures Policy (Revised August 14, 2020).

Application of This Code

Sanctions for the conduct listed above can be imposed on applicants, enrolled students, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending. Conduct that threatens the safety or security of the university community, or substantially disrupts the functions or operation of the university is within the jurisdiction of this Article regardless of whether it occurs on or off campus. Nothing in this Code may conflict with Education Code Section 66301 that prohibits disciplinary action against students based on behavior protected by the First Amendment.

Disposition of Fees: University Emergency; Interim Suspension

(Title 5, California Code of Regulations, § 41302)

The president of the university may place on probation, suspend, or expel a student for one or more of the causes enumerated in Section 41301. No fees or tuition paid by or for such student for the semester, quarter, or summer session in which the student is suspended or expelled shall be refunded. If the student is readmitted before the close of the semester, quarter, or summer session in which the student is suspended, no additional tuition or fees shall be required of the student on account of the suspension.

During periods of emergency, as determined by the president of the individual university, the president may, after consultation with the chancellor, place into immediate effect any emergency regulations, procedures, and other measures deemed necessary or appropriate to meet the emergency, safeguard persons and property, and maintain educational activities.

The president may immediately impose an interim suspension in all cases in which there is reasonable cause to believe that such an immediate suspension is required in order to protect lives or property and to insure the maintenance of order. A student so placed on interim suspension shall be given prompt notice of charges and the opportunity for a hearing within 10 days of the imposition of interim suspension. During the period of interim suspension, the student shall not, without prior written permission of the president or designated representative, enter any of the CSUs other than to attend the hearing. Violation of any condition of interim suspension shall be grounds for expulsion.

Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

• Anyone who is found to be liable for copyright infringement may be liable for either the owner’s actual damages along with any profits of the infringer or statutory damages of up to $30,000 per work infringed.
• In the case of a willful infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. (See 17 U.S.C. §504.)
• Courts also have discretion to award costs and attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party. (See 17 U.S.C. §505.)
• Under certain circumstances, willful copyright infringement may also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. (See 17 U.S.C. §506 and 18 U.S.C.§2319.)

​

Grade Appeals/Academic Grievances

Students wishing to appeal a course grade or other academic decision should refer to the Grade Appeals/Academic Grievance Policy. The purpose of this policy is to establish fair and equitable means by which matriculated students may appeal assigned course grades and other academic decisions.

Please refer to the Grade Appeals/Academic Grievances Policy for complete procedures and details. The Grade Appeal/Academic Grievances Form is available at the website of Office of Undergraduate Studies (https://www.calstatela.edu/undergraduatestudies/grade-appealsacademic-grievances)

Non-Academic Student Grievances

A grievance is a formal complaint by a student arising from an alleged unauthorized or unjustified act or decision by a member of the faculty, staff, and/or management employee which adversely affects the status, rights, or privileges of a student. Student Grievance Procedures have been established to provide safeguards that protect the rights of all concerned parties and insure that grievances are handled fairly. These procedures are one channel for solving problems; however, they should not take the place of negotiating in good faith or open, honest communication.

To that end, students are expected to attempt to resolve the dispute informally before filing a formal grievance. Non-Academic grievances filed by matriculated students should follow the procedures outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures (https://www.calstatela.edu/academicsenate/handbook/apph). The procedures and timelines for informal resolution are outlined in the Student Grievance Procedures. In the event that they are not able to resolve the matter informally, students may file a formal grievance to be considered by the Student Conduct Office (https://www.calstatela.edu/studentconduct/student-resources)

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities​ 

The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities enumerates the rights guaranteed, and the responsibilities of, all Cal State L.A. students. These include, but are not limited to Academic Advisement, Freedom of Expression, Academic Evaluation, Instructional Practice, Writing and Plagiarism, Access to Official Records and Information, Freedom of Information, Freedom of Access to Higher Education and Freedom of Association. 

(Senate: 1/23/68, 11/9/71, 7/15/75, 5/10/77, 11/26/85. 2/18/97; President: 3/26/68, 11/18/71, 12/31/75,* 6/30/77, 12/20/85, 6/6/97; Editorial Amendment: 9/00) *Should any provision of this approved Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities be deemed contrary to procedural regulations under Title IX or any other regulation of the federal government, such provisions will be null and void until properly amended. The voiding of any one section shall not invalidate any other section.

Preamble

Academic institutions exist for the pursuit of knowledge, the search for truth, and the development of students. Free inquiry and free expression are essential to the attainment of these goals. The freedom to learn and the freedom to teach are inseparable aspects of academic freedom that depend on appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community.

The responsibility to secure and to respect general conditions conducive to academic freedom is shared by all members of the academic community. Students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility and critical judgment. The University has a duty to develop policies and procedures with the highest standards to safeguard academic freedom.

Summarized below are the rights, responsibilities, and policies and procedures that are necessary to achieve the desired goals of freedom to teach, freedom to learn, and freedom to search for truth.

I. Academic Advisement

Students have the responsibility to seek advisement throughout their enrollment at this University.  To meet this responsibility, they have the right to reasonable access to faculty and professional advisement relative to all segments of their academic programs and to their career goals related to those academic programs.  From academic major advisors, undergraduate students should expect advisement including the appropriate selection of major and General Education courses related to their goals and interests. From faculty advisors, graduate students should expect advisement on their academic study plan, Advancement to Candidacy, and requirements and expectations for the culminating experience. All students should expect advisement on matters relating to all college and department and most university regulations and procedures. From other appropriate university offices, students should expect advice on matters relating to state and university regulations and procedures.  Students have the responsibility to consult the handbook for rules and regulations concerning their courses.  See Chapter IV of the Faculty Handbook for more detailed policy pertaining to academic advisement.

II. Instruction

When appropriate to the mode of instruction in the classroom as well as in conference and advisement, the instructor should encourage open inquiry and free expression.  Students shall be evaluated solely on the basis of their academic performance, not on their opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic performance.

1. Freedom of Expression.  Students are responsible for mastery of the content of any course in which they enroll, but they are free to take reasoned exception at appropriate times to the interpretation of data or opinions offered.

2. Academic Evaluation.  Students are responsible for meeting standards of academic performance established by the faculty.  Evaluations based on standards other than academic performance in the course being offered shall be considered arbitrary or capricious.  The measurement of a student’s performance is the responsibility of the faculty member teaching the course.  The assignment of a final grade is the responsibility solely of the instructor.  However, students have the right to file an academic grievance should they believe that the instructor’s evaluation to be clerically erroneous, capricious, or prejudicial, or dispute a finding of academic dishonesty. If the student chooses to file an academic grievance, the student should follow the Grade Appeals/Academic Grievance policy as laid out in Appendix H of the Faculty Handbook.

3. Instructional Practice. Students have the right to substantial instruction in the course content at the time scheduled for class meetings except in mitigating circumstances. Chapter V of the Faculty Handbook details students’ rights and responsibilities regarding the university Missed Class Time and Makeup policy, Waiting List policy, exclusion from class, information that should be provided in the class syllabus, and other rights and responsibilities related to instructional practice.  

4. Access to instructional Materials. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), all students have the right to equal access to information resources provided by the course instructor.  Students who are registered with the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) have the right to appropriate accommodations to access these information resources as decided by OSD.

5. Academic Honesty. Students have a responsibility to adhere to the Academic Honesty policy as outlined in Chapter V of the Faculty Handbook. 

III. Student Input in Academic Personnel Processes

Students have the right and responsibility to provide feedback about their instructors and their instructional practice in anonymous student opinion surveys that are conducted at the end of each semester. Students also have a right to submit written, signed statements about their direct experience with faculty performance of job duties. Such statements may be submitted to the faculty person’s department chair or the college dean. Anonymously written or unsigned materials will not be considered.

IV. Student Official Records and Information

Students have a number of rights regarding their records and other information. These rights include specific efforts to separate official university academic records from other records such as those pertaining to discipline, counseling, medical, and activities records. In addition, information fr

mal course of performing the assigned duties of their position.

Student records shall not be available to any extra-institutional person, agency, or organization except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 20, U.S.C. 1232 [g]). Policies related to confidentiality of student records, and especially FERP

om these other records is only available to authorized persons within the University who require such records in the norA, are outlined in Chapter V of this handbook, section IV. Chapter V also refers to information about FERPA and related policy from student records administration at Cal State LA.

IV. Freedom of Is nformation

Studenthave the right to access information related to their degree programs, courses, and procedures and policies related to their enrollment and success more generally. Such information is especially outlined in the University’s General Catalog and Golden Eagle Handbook. The University, including colleges, departments, and various other groups, is responsible for adhering to these established policies at all times.  

Students also have the right to specific information about each course they are enrolled in. This information must be communicated to the student by the first class meeting. The details of this information can be found in Chapter V of this handbook, in the section titled “The Class Syllabus”.

Finally, given that such information is made accessible to students, students are obligated to be aware of it. Students’ lack of awareness of information which has been made available to them is not cause for waiving those policies, procedures, and regulations.

V. Student Affairs

1. Freedom of Access to Higher Education. The University will make clear the characteristics and academic performance of students which it considers relevant to success in the institution’s program. The California State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, genetic information, religion, veteran status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability in its programs and activities, including admissions and access. Thus, within the limits of its facilities, the University shall consider all students who are qualified and offer admission based on its admission plan approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

2. Freedom of Association. Students bring to the campus a variety of interests previously acquired, and develop many new interests as members of the academic community. They shall be free to organize and join associations to promote their common interests.  Cal State L.A. shall not recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society, or other student organization that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identification, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, political affiliation, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, mental condition, pregnancy, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other classification that precludes a person from consideration as an individual except in cases of fraternity and sorority organizations which are exempt by federal law from Title IX regulations concerning discrimination on the basis of sex. Students have the responsibility to comply with University policy as outlined in the Student Organization Handbook.

3. Student Participation in Shared Governance. As members of the academic community, students shall be free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the student body.**  The role and character of student government shall be reviewed and modified only through prescribed University procedures.

4. Student Publications and Media Broadcasting. Student publications and the student press are valuable aids in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and intellectual exploration on the campus. They are a means of bringing student concerns to the attention of the faculty and the institutional authorities, and of formulating student opinion on various issues on the campus and in the world at large. They also represent the institution to the public. To this end, the editorial freedom of student editors and managers entails corollary responsibilities to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism, where libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity, and the techniques of harassment and innuendo are especially inappropriate.

Particular questions with respect to a student’s rights and responsibilities should be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Student Life.

*Title 5, California Administrative Code, section 41503, requires student organization to submit a constitution.

**The student body and its official governing arm, the Associated Students, Inc., have a clearly defined role in the expressing the wishes of the student body and in determining institutional policy (See ASBOD Minutes of October 13, 1966, items 4.11-4.13, and the Faculty Constitution, Appendix C).

Basic University Policies

The Catalog Information and Basic University Policies  chapter in this catalog covers Nondiscrimination Policy and Complaint Procedures, Campus Nonviolence Policy, Consensual Sexual Relations Between Faculty and Students, Privacy Rights of Students in Education Records.(FERPA). 

Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

California State University, Los Angeles, does not permit discrimination on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its instruction, programs, services, or activities, or in its hiring and employment practices. Also, the University does not permit harassment based on a protected disability. In addition, the University does not permit discrimination or harassment based on an applicant’s, employee’s, or student’s relationship with or association with anyone with a known protected disability.

Upon request, the University will consider reasonable accommodation(s) when needed to facilitate the participation of persons with protected disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to permit individuals with protected disabilities to: (a) complete the admission/ employment process; (b) perform essential job functions; (c) participate in instruction, programs, services or activities; and, (d) enjoy other benefits and privileges of similarly-situated individuals without disabilities.

Questions, concerns, complaints, and requests for reasonable accommodation or additional information may be forwarded to the Office for Equity and Diversity, the campus office assigned responsibility for compliance with the ADA. The Office for Equity and Diversity is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (323) 343-3040, or TDD: (323) 343-3670.

Familiarity with the institution’s rules and regulations published in this catalog shall be the responsibility of each student and faculty member, and of those administrators concerned with academic matters.

Rights for Pregnant Graduate Students  

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex - including pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions - in education and in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 809, Cal State LA will reasonably accommodate pregnant graduate students so they may complete their graduate courses. As such, pregnant graduate students will not be required to take a leave of absence, withdraw from the graduate program or limit their graduate studies “solely due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related issues.” Graduate students should contact the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for additional information.

Reasonable Academic Program Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, and Sections 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Executive Order 926, California State University, Los Angeles, has the legal responsibility to provide reasonable academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids to students with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to accommodate students with disabilities when appropriate. The process is outlined in the Procedure for Reasonable Academic Program Accommodations. The process calls for consultation between the student, OSD, program faculty, and University administrators in the approval and implementation of accommodations. While the development of the accommodation(s) is collaborative, the University emphasizes that an OSD-approved academic adjustment or auxiliary aid cannot be unilaterally denied to a student.  

Questions about the ADA, Sections 504 & 508, academic program adjustment procedures or the use of service animals should be directed to OSD (323)343-3140.

ADA Complaint

If you feel you have experienced discrimination or harassment due to your protected disability in connection with your association with the University, please make your concerns known. You may file a complaint with the Office for Equity and Diversity. All complaints of discrimination based on a student’s disability status, including denial of reasonable accommodation are investigated under the guidelines of Executive Order 1045.

Your concerns will be treated carefully and investigated promptly, thoroughly, and objectively. If corrective action is appropriate, it will be taken. No action will be taken against you for filing your complaint, so long as you believe the complaint to be valid. 

Student Use of Human Subjects or Animals

Students, like all others in the University community, must follow established University and federal guidelines when using human subjects or animals either in research or as part of a course activity. Prior approval by either the Institutional Review Board for research involving human subjects or the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for research involving animals must be obtained. The committees meet at regularly scheduled times and it is crucial to give notice of the impending research or course use as far in advance as possible.

For further information, please contact the Office of Research and Development (323) 343-3978 or visit its Website at www.calstatela.edu/academic/aa/orad/.

Immigration Requirements for Licensure

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193), also known as the Welfare Reform Act, includes provisions to eliminate eligibility for federal and state public benefits for certain categories of lawful immigrants as well as benefits for all illegal immigrants.
Students who will require a professional or commercial license provided by a local, state, or federal government agency in order to engage in an occupation for which the CSU may be training them must meet the immigration requirements of the new Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act to achieve licensure. Information concerning the regulation is available from the International Office (323) 343-3170.