Here are the most frequently asked questions in our office. We have attempted to provide answers that are simple and easy to understand. However, if you need further clarification, please consult your CSUEB catalog or an academic advisor.

Who is my advisor?
Am I ready to Graduate?
Can I use a course in my major for GE?
What is the difference between lower division and upper division courses?
So,when I finish my major requirements and GE, am I done?
How do I register?
What do I do if all my classes are full?
How do I calculate my GPA?
What is academic probation?
Can I repeat courses?
What is CR/NC?
How do I deal with the university bureaucracy?

Who is my advisor?
If you have a declared major, go to the academic department office of your major. If you are an EOP student, see your EOP counselor in ST 160, 885-3751. If you are undeclared, go to the University Advisement Center, SSH Room 1131. If you take classes at the Contra Costa campus, advisors are available in the Academic Services office, (925) 602-6770.

Am I ready to Graduate?
Please link to this web site.

Can I use a course in my major for GE?
It Depends! No course in your major department (as designated by course prefix) may be used to satisfy GE requirements except in Areas A1, A2, B4, and, in the case of Modern Language majors, in C1-2-3-4 if the courses are in a language other than your major language. However, if you are under the 1998-2002 GE cluster package, you can use one course designated with your major prefix for GE areas B, C, or D only. There is no major prefix for Business Administration students, but ACCT, CIS, FIN, MGMT, MKTG, and TC courses cannot be used for GE. HOWEVER, courses required for your major but offered by other departments may be used for GE.

What is the difference between lower division and upper division courses?
Lower division courses (numbered 1000-2999) are introductory courses designed for students in their first two years of college. Upper division courses (numbered 3000-4999) are meant for students who have completed a significant portion of college (approximately 90 units) and met the required prerequisites.

So, when I finish my major requirements and GE, am I done?
Don't forget the units! All students must complete a specific number of units in various categories for their bachelor's degree. Everyone must complete at least 186 units while some degree programs may require even more. It is not uncommon for students to complete all their general education requirements and all their major requirements, and still need elective units to total 186! Also, you must complete the American Institutions Code Requirement with an appropriate two-course sequence of History or Political Science. See the catalog or an advisor for more information.

How do I register?
See the current Class Schedule for detailed information on using our SAILOR telephone registration system or e-SAILOR web registration system.

Here are some points to remember:

• Check your invitation for holds. Have them released BEFORE your registration time.
• Registration is by class level. Use the Class Schedule to determine your call-in time and the fees you owe.
• Your fee payment deadline is determined by your method of payment. Please see the Class Schedule for details.
• Financial Aid can be used to defer payment. An Installment Payment Plan is also available. See the Class Schedule for information.
• The maximum number of units you may register for through SAILOR is 22.
• Parking permits are sold separately. See the Class Schedule for dates, times, and locations for purchasing your permit.
• You can use SAILOR (510) 885-2255 or e-SAILOR to add and drop classes, select the CR/NC grading option, and to hear a listing of your schedule until the last day of the SAILOR add/drop period.
• Verify your enrollment by calling the SAILOR listline at (510) 885-2099 or by checking your personal information at "MYINFO".
• For help using SAILOR, call the Registration Assistance Corner at (510) 885-2200.

What do I do if all my classes are full?
Were you one of the last to register and didn't get any of the classes you hoped for? Did you somehow miss your registration date altogether and now have to find classes during Late Registration? In either case, trying to add additional classes can be discouraging, especially when you are trying to graduate or are new to campus. However, adding classes can be made simpler if you keep the following tips in mind:

• List several choices. Make sure you have plenty of alternatives. Pick out several different courses. See an advisor for other courses which may fulfill the same requirements and to check the availability in the courses you have identified.
• Check for additional sections. If there is a particular requirement you are trying to complete, contact that department for a list of open sections. Sometimes departments will even add additional sections to meet student demands.
• Start with your major. To save some time, contact your major department to find out which courses in your major are still available.
• Sign up on the wait list. Although classes may be closed, you may still be able to place yourself on a waiting list. Contact the department offering the course to find out your status on the wait list or check with an advisor.
• Don't forget your "free electives". Remember, in addition to completing your GE and major requirements, all students need at least 186 units. See your advisor to find out how many elective courses you might need. This will give you a few additional courses to try to add.

How do I calculate my GPA?
In computing a grade point average use only grades of A - F (a grade of U should be treated as an F). Although unit credit is given for grades of CR, the units earned for these grades are not used in calculating your GPA. Administrative grades of I, NC, and W are also not used in GPA calculations. In order to compute your GPA you must:

add all of your units of A and multiply by 4 = grade points earned
add all units of A- and multiply by 3.7 = grade points earned
add all units of B+ and multiply by 3.3 = grade points earned
add all units of B and multiply by 3.0 = grade points earned
add all units of C+ and multiply by 2.7 = grade points earned
add all units of C and multiply by 2.0 = grade points earned
add all units of C- and multiply by 1.7 = grade points earned
add all units of D+ and multiply by 1.3 = grade points earned
add all units of D and multiply by 1.0 = grade points earned
add all units of F or U and multiply by 0 = grade points earned
divide the total grade points earned by total units attempted
GPA Calculator

What is academic probation?
A student is placed on academic probation when either their CAUH or overall GPA falls below a 2.0. You should see an advisor immediately to correct any possible administrative errors or to discuss ways to improve your academic performance.

• If you have a Declared Major, go to the Academic Enhancement Office, 885-4707, ST 160.
• If you are Undeclared, see your advisor in the UAC, 885-4682, SSH Room 1131.
• EOP students should see their EOP counselors, 885-3751, ST 160.

Can I repeat courses?
Usually, but not always. The best way to raise your GPA is to repeat courses. This process is called Academic Renewal. With the help of your advisor, you should review your academic record to determine which courses should be repeated. Prior to repeating the course, check with your advisor to find out which form to file for academic renewal. By filing the appropriate form, the old grade will be removed from the calculation of your GPA, thereby improving your academic standing. Some courses cannot be repeated via academic renewal or you may need special permission. Refer to the section on Academic Renewal in the catalog or see an advisor for more information.

What is CR/NC?
Credit/No Credit is a grading option that allows you to complete a course requirement without receiving a letter grade. You may take any course CR/NC except those used to satisfy requirements in your undergraduate major department. Some classes are automatically designated as CR/NC. The catalog description will include this notation if CR/NC grading applies.

A few important points to remember:

• You must receive at least a C- in the course to obtain credit for the course.
• Credit is NOT earned for D work on the CR/NC format. You can apply a maximum of 60 units of CR/NC towards your baccalaureate degree.
• At the graduate level, you must receive at least a B- for credit (CR). Only if the course is offered exclusively on a CR/NC format may a CR grade be applied to a Master's Degree. No more than 15 units of CR/NC may be applied to the Master's Degree. See your graduate advisor for more information.
• The CR/NC option can be selected through our SAILOR registration system. See the current Class Schedule for procedures and deadlines.

How do I deal with the university bureaucracy?
One of the most frustrating aspects of college can be learning how to deal with the "system" or how to navigate through bureaucracy. However, graduating from college does not have to mean battling with "red tape" or getting lost in a maze of policies and procedures. The key to being effective in a university setting, not unlike most corporate environments, is simply understanding what is expected of you and knowing how to communicate your needs.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Stay unemotional and don't try to place blame! The bottom line is that people will be more eager to help you if you are calm, cool and collected. Remember the university DOES want you to be successful!
• Be persistent, polite and patient. With a community of over 12,000 students it is the nature of the situation that on occasion you will have to wait in line, speak in a loud, clear voice and sometimes be asked to repeat yourself.
• Go through proper channels. Just like you would not go to the optometrist for a foot problem or your dentist for a back ache, you need to see different departments at CSUEB for specific concerns.
• Keep accurate records. Example "THEY told me to fill out a special FORM". WHO told you and what kind of FORM? Make sure you write down specifics regarding the names of people you talk to and what they request. Keep records and documents of anything that comes from CSUEB regarding your academic plans. Bring letters with you to the department that sent them for clarification. Finally, be sure to get copies of your own transcripts from other colleges you have attended and bring them with you when seeing an advisor at CSUEB.
• If all else fails... consult an advisor about what to do next!

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