Advising
A Few Thoughts
Semester vs. Quarter

If you are new to the university and this is your first quarter, we strongly encourage you to come see the advisors at the UAC to help you understand your transfer evaluation form. Continuing transfer students who have questions about their GE or need a GE evaluation update may also come to the UAC.

A Few Thoughts

With some college experience "under your belt," you are in the fortunate position of being able to use your past experiences to make your transition to a new campus a smooth and successful one. Transfer students can evaluate their experiences to identify what has - and has not - worked for them in the past and avoid the same mistakes "the second time around."

• Recognize that CSUEB operates differently than your previous institution. Not only are procedures and policies different, but if you are accustomed to a semester system, remember that the quarter system moves at a very fast pace.
• Take time to speak with your instructors outside of class. You may find someone who can become a mentor or advisor for you.
• Learn what is available to you at CSUEB and utilize the services when you need them. A host of dedicated, caring people are here to work with you!
• Learn from your peers and establish a support system. Introduce yourself to your classmates. They can really be of help when you miss class for some reason or when you need a study group.
• Take a good look at your study skills and actively seek ways to improve them. The Learning Resource Center has a wide-range of workshops to help you strengthen your study skills.

Semester vs. Quarter

Classes at CSUEB are offered on the quarter system which consists of 10 weeks of instruction and one week for finals. Students in a quarter system must learn the same amount of class material in a shorter period of time than students studying at a semester campus. Students familiar with the semester system need to adjust to the quarter system. Time management is critical. Keep your first quarter fairly light and seek advice from a professional academic advisor.

In terms of the amount of coursework required for the degree, the Quarter System and the Semester System are essentially the same. Students in both systems will take the same number of course hours in order to graduate - only one is measured in Quarter units and one in Semester units. One (1) semester unit is equivalent to one and one-half (1 ½) quarter units of credit. One (1) quarter unit is equivalent to two-thirds (2/3) of a semester unit. To convert semester units to quarter, multiply semester units by 1.5 to get the quarter equivalent. Semester units are already converted to quarter units on all CSUEB documents.

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