* Explain features of the Liberal Studies Program

* Show you how to select courses for upcoming quarters

*Review your PAWS Report or Graduation Check

* Go to the following address: https://mycoyote.cms.csusb.edu

* Provide course checklists for each of the Tracks

Liberal Studies offers three Tracks from which to choose:
1. Liberal Studies - General Track
2. Liberal Studies - Spanish Studies
3. Liberal Studies - Integrated Track

* (these are online at http://liberalstudies.csusb.edu)

*Provide forms and information sheets

* Remind you of dates and deadlines

* Tell you what classes taken at area Community Colleges are equivalent to CSUSB courses

P.A.L.S ADVISOR POSITIONS!

Positions as peer advisors are available to qualified Liberal Studies majors, including Work-study positions; you can even earn units toward your degree. Inquire at the P.A.L.S office about these positions (or email cboucher@csusb.edu, or jpritcha@csusb.edu.)

P.A.L.S. YEAR-ROUND HOURS: (will vary each quarter)

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pfau Library 241
Phone: 909-537-5482

H E L P!!!!!

Where do I begin?

• You need to apply on-line to Cal State and get admitted by using the following link called the CSU Mentor system http://www.csumentor.edu which allows students to browse through general information, view multimedia campus presentations, send and receive electronic responses to specific questions, and apply for admission and financial aid to the campus.
  
  

• Next visit http://advising.csusb.edu/ to answer any general questions you may have about attending CSUSB.

• Visit the Liberal Studies Advising Center (P.A.L.S.) in the Pfau Library, second floor, room 241 to obtain a list of classes required to earn your Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies. Regular quarterly advising in the Center is encouraged.
  
  
• The Office of Records, Registration and Evaluations will evaluate your previous college work, if any, to determine its applicability to the requirements of the university. All undergraduate Liberal Studies degree candidates will be issued a credit summary called PAWS (Program Advising Worksheet for Students) report, indicating requirements which remain unfilled. Once issued to a student, the credit summary (PAWS) report remains valid as long as the student matriculates (enrolls) for the term specified, pursues the degree, and remains in continuous attendance.

Enrollment in Courses at Other Colleges or Universities

• Once a Liberal Studies student has matriculated at CSUSB, approval is needed for courses subsequently taken elsewhere in order for any additional transfer coursework to be accepted for credit. Liberal Studies students wishing to complete courses at another institution must submit a Concurrent Enrollment form contract with the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluation 2-3 weeks prior to the start of the term. Credit may not be awarded for course work completed without this prior approval. Approval will only be granted for local California community colleges, or other local institutions with which articulation agreements are in place. Upon completion of the courses, the student must request an official transcript to be sent to the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluation at CSUSB.

  Other Resources and Special Services Available

• Cross enrollment and simultaneous enrollment with other CSU campuses: Liberal Studies students enrolled at any CSU campus will have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis for one term. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and sometimes without paying additional fees. Liberal Studies students must consult their home campus Coordinator of the Liberal Studies Program, jpritcha@csusb.edu to determine how such courses may apply to their degree program before enrolling at the host campus. Liberal Studies students needing additional information about the two programs for enrollment within the CSU and on program for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California community colleges, check with the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluations for more details and application forms http://rre.csusb.edu/.
  
  
• The Student Health Center assists students in maintaining good health of the campus by providing, on an outpatient basis, medical care typically provided by a primary care physician. See http://healthcenter.csusb.edu or call (909) 537-5241.
  
  
• Services to Students with Disabilities offers a comprehensive system of educational support services to students who have documented permanent or temporary disabilities. Some of the support services available include: alternate media, sign language interpreting and real-time captioning services for the hearing impaired, test-taking accommodations, priority registration, mobility assistance, and temporary medical parking permits. Also, if you need assistance or special accommodations for your disability, be sure to notify the instructors of your classes. See http://enrollment.csusb.edu/~ssd or call (909) 537-5238, TTY (909) 537-7230.
  
  
• The Psychological Counseling Center works with students who have questions on relationships, lifestyles, parenting skills, anxiety or depression. Anything that keeps a student from achieving educational potential or life success may be addressed. Couples may be seen as long as one member of the couple is a student. There is no charge to currently enrolled students for the Center's services. See http://www.csusb.edu/pcc or call (909) 537-5040.
  
  
• Child Care is available at CSUSB. The Children's Center's mission is to enable parents of young children to attend CSUSB by providing child care in a nurturing environment which supports the developing child. The Center is open during the academic year for children from three years to 12 years for a nominal fee. Contact the Children's Center at (909) 537-5928 and about the program at http://ccampis.csusb.edu/.
  
  
• Housing Information - Living on campus is one of the best and easiest ways to become involved at Cal State, San Bernardino. The "Villages at CSUSB" offers on-campus housing for student in three residential environments: Serrano Village, Arrowhead Village and University Village. Living on campus is a significant part of the CSUSB experience. See http://www.housing.csusb.edu or call at (909) 537-7800.

Student Organizations & Activities

• Associated Students, Inc (ASI) is the united group of all regularly matriculated students at CSUSB. The Mission of ASI is "To Serve Students." ASI funds many projects, events and activities enriching campus life. Be an active participant in your association. Go to http://asi.csusb.edu or call at (909) 537-5932.
  
  
• The Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) is a focal point of the campus where students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and guests develop an enduring connection to the university. As the campus center, the SMSU assists in the retention and development of students, while encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural pluralism, gender equity and ethnic diversity by providing a variety of cultural, social, educational and recreational activities which create an environment conducive to personal growth and development. As the meeting place on campus for students and their organizations, the physical facilities provide a comfortable and relaxing environment which includes lounge areas, study lounges, the Coyote Café, the Pub, game room and a spacious enclosed courtyard. Services provided in the Student Union include an Automatic Teller Machine, locker rentals, free notary services to students, graphics services, and college ring sales. Under the auspices of the Santos Manuel Student Union, you will also find:
  
  
• The Adult Re-Entry Center (ARC) which supports the non-traditional student by providing a variety of programming that address both the academic and social needs of mature students.
  
  
• The Cross-Cultural Center (CCC) focuses on issues of race and ethnicity in its mission to provide a space for students from all racial and ethnic groups to create a place for students to explore issues of identity, develop political and social consciousness that will benefit the entire campus.
  
  
• The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center (LGBTC) provides a safe, friendly environment as well as programs and services to aid in students' personal, educational, cultural, social, political, and professional growth and to foster a sense of community.
  
  
• The Programming Board promotes a sense of community at Cal State, San Bernardino through exciting, entertainment-oriented events such as movie showings, bands, karaoke and contests held in the Student Union.
  
  
• The Women's Resource Center (WRC) provides support for student by offering a variety of programming which focus in issues that affect the lives of women. WRC also provides a place for women to gather, to gain support and learn tools for social change.
  
  
• The new Student Recreation and Fitness Center is proud to offer an exciting array of creative programs in the areas of fitness, wellness, intramural sports, aquatics, outdoor adventure and informal recreation. See http://campusrec.csusb.edu or call (909) 537-BFIT.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office administers a variety of programs to assist qualified students. Sources of aid include the Federal Pell and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, Perkins Loans and Work-Study Program and most scholarships. See http://finaid.csusb.edu or call (909) 537-7800.

Courses

Bulletin of Courses at http://catalog.csusb.edu represents the university's course descriptions and requirements at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You will also find important information on university policies and procedures, deadlines, faculty, and academic departments and programs. It is updated annually to reflect changes in curricula and policies.

The Class Schedule, issued prior to each quarter, lists courses to be offered during that term or future terms, see http://info001.csusb.edu/. You may also pick up a printed copy in the Coyote Bookstore on-campus.

In order to declare or change a major or your concentration, you will need to process a Change of Major form through the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluation. You should also contact an advisor in your new major for advising. Should your choice be the Liberal Studies degree, go to the Liberal Studies Advising Center located in the Pfau Library, Room 241 or call (909) 537-5482.

Registration Procedures

During the Open Enrollment and Schedule Adjustment period (see the Class Schedule for specific dates) students may add classes by following the Registration Instructions detailed in the Class Schedule. Beginning with the first day of classes, students may add classes if space is available through the first week of the quarter via My Coyote. During the second week of the quarter, classes may be added with the permission of the instructor. During the third week of the quarter, students will need the permission of the instructor and the department chair in order to add a class. Students may not add classes after the end of the third week of the quarter except for serious and compelling reasons and only with the approval of the instructor, the Department Chair and Dean of the College in which the course resides. Contact the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluation at (909) 537-5200, for any further questions.

Deadlines for Adding and Dropping classes

The policy on dropping classes refers to the Census Date. The Census Date is the last day classes can be dropped without a record on the student's transcript. The specific dates are printed in the current Class Schedule. There are three drops that are initiated by a student:

1. Dropping a single class (or classes),

You can drop a single class or all classes during the first three weeks of the quarter and the course will not appear on your permanent record.

2. Withdrawal (dropping after census date),

You can petition for Withdrawal after census or the third week of the term only for serious and compelling reasons. These may include cases involving a serious accident or illness, serious personal or family problems, military transfer, or substantial change in employment during the quarter. You will be required to submit documentation to support the request to drop the course. Poor performance or attendance in the course will not be allowed as an acceptable reason to drop a course during this period. You may receive your Petition to drop after Census Date form from the office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters in University Hall Room 237. Courses dropped after Census will show a grade of "W" on your transcript and you will be responsible for the fees for the courses. Students who do not officially withdraw will receive a grade of "WU" (unauthorized withdrawal) in the course which for purposes of grade point averages and progress point computation is equivalent to an "F". You will also be responsible for the fees for the courses.

3. Retroactive Withdrawal (after end of term).

You can also request Retroactive Withdrawal from courses following the close of the term by providing documentation that would reflect an accident or illness, serious personal or family problems, or military transfer. Employment related reasons are not acceptable. Partial withdrawal of classes is not permissible. Requests must be made in writing to the Director of Advising and Academic Services in UH-380.

Grade Discounting of Repeated Courses

The discounting of a grade in a repeated course is by petition only available in Records, Registration and Evaluation. You may repeat a course only once in order to have the first grade discounted. Repetitions subsequent to the second attempt will be averaged when determining cumulative grade point average. No more than five different courses may be discounted by repeating them. A course may not be repeated for the purpose of removing an Incomplete. Incompletes that have changed to a letter grade or are now being counted as an "F", may be discounted on a repeat. A course taken at CSUSB is repeated elsewhere, the grades will be averaged in determining a student G.P.A. Grades for courses taken at one institution (other than CSUSB) and repeated at another institution will be averaged. You may repeat courses transferred from another institution at CSUSB and the transfer grade will be discounted, if the class is an exact match. Grades earned as an undergraduate may not be repeated for discount as a post baccalaureate student.

Leave of Absence

Matriculated Liberal Studies students who plan to be absent from the university for more than two consecutive quarters must file a Leave of Absence request to preserve your catalog rights. The maximum duration for any leave is two calendar years. If you do not return at the conclusion of your planned leave and/or you enrolled elsewhere without permission from Records, Registration and Evaluation, you will be considered to have withdrawn from the university at the end of your last quarter of enrollment. A petition, available through the Office of Advising and Academic Services in University Hall Room 380, must be filed and approved. When you return from your leave, a readmission form, available through the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluations must be submitted within the filing period for the quarter of return. No application fee will be assessed for leaves of absence that meet the terms of the leave agreement.

There are three types of leaves:

1. Medical Leave of Absence - requests must be accompanied by a statement from a medical doctor explaining why you must interrupt enrollment.

2. Military Leave of Absence - requests must be accompanied by a copy of military orders indicating the induction date.

3. Personal and Planned Educational Leaves of Absence - you must plan to return to CSU, San Bernardino at the end of the leave. Such leaves my be for the purpose of clarifying or enriching educational goals or to allow time to address personal matters. If you plan on taking classes at another institution to be transferred back to CSUSB, you must receive prior approval from the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluation.

If you return to the university without submitting a Leave of Absence, you will be held to any new degree or course requirements in place at that time.

Average Credit Unit Load

Liberal Studies students who plan to finish their undergraduate degree requirements in four years by attending three quarters each year must complete a minimum of 15-16 units per quarter. Students may carry up to 19.5 quarter units per term (Note: to be considered full-time for veteran's benefits and financial aid purposes, you must enroll in a minimum of 12 units; however, taking only 12 units a quarter will delay graduation by a year).

Course Overload

Liberal Studies students may carry 20 or more units only if you file a petition to the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, University Hall, Room 237. Petitions will be approved only if both the grade point average for the previous term and the overall grade point average are both 3.0 ("B") or better for an overload.

Graduation

Liberal Studies students must request a Graduation Requirement Check at the Office of Records, Registration and Evaluations three quarters prior to the end of the term of their expected graduation. Liberal Studies students should not request the grad check until they have accumulated 135 quarter units toward their degree, which may include work in progress. We recommend that you file this form when you have approximately 10 courses or three quarters remaining. Participation in commencement activities is voluntary. CSUSB has two commencement exercises, one in December and one in June of each year. You are eligible to participate in the December commencement ceremony if you plan to graduate in the previous summer, fall, and projected winter quarter of the next year. The deadline to file a grad check and be included in the commencement program is the last working day in October. You are eligible to participate in the June commencement ceremony if you plan to graduate in the previous fall, winter and prospective spring and summer quarters. The deadline to file a grad check and be included in the June commencement program is the last working day in April. If you did not file a grad check within the specified time period you may still participate in commencement but will not have your name included in the commencement program. You will also need to register to participate in the commencement ceremony. For further information see: http://commencement.csusb.edu/.