Admissions

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in Sonoma State University. You are probably attracted to Sonoma because of our success in academic programs, the intellectual accomplishments of our students and faculty, our exciting curricula, or perhaps the location and beauty of the campus. Whatever spurred your interest, we are delighted you’ve taken the time to glance through our catalog. Here you will learn how to apply, what documents are needed, and the admission requirements.

Application Filing Periods, 2020-2021
(Not all campuses/programs are open for admission to every term.)

Each non-impacted campus accepts applications until capacities are reached. Many campuses limit undergraduate admission in an enrollment category due to overall enrollment limits. If applying after the initial filing period, consult the campus admission office for current information. Similar information is conveniently available at: Cal State Apply.

Admission Procedures and Policies

Requirements for admission to Sonoma State University are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available at Cal State Apply.

All CSU applications must be submitted online at Cal State Apply. An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

Sonoma State University advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee must be paid online at the time of application via credit card, e-check, or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be indicated on the application. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted campus may be re-routed to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet all of the campus’ specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or campus.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on campus and program impaction will be available at the following websites:

• Impaction at the CSU
• Impaction Campus Info

Campuses will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published at the CSU campus individual website and made available online at CSU.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered in impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each campus with impacted programs or admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank–ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of AA-T or AS-T degree, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted campuses or programs are required to submit scores on either the SAT or the ACT. For fall admission, applicants should take tests as early as possible, but no later than November or December of the preceding year.

The supplementary admission criteria used by the individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program. Details regarding the supplemental admission criteria are published at Impaction at the CSU.

Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the university to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.

Programs Leading To Licensure And Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. 

Graduate and Post-baccalaureate Application Procedures

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (e.g., Ed.D., joint Ph.D. applicants, master’s degree applicants, those seeking educational credentials or certificates, and where permitted, holders of baccalaureate degrees interested in taking courses for personal or professional growth) must file a complete graduate application as described in the graduate and post-baccalaureate admission materials at Cal State Apply. Applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree should submit the undergraduate application for admission unless specifically requested to do otherwise. Applicants who completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduated the preceding term are also required to complete and submit an application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee. Since applicants for post-baccalaureate programs may be limited to the choice of a single campus on each application, re-routing to alternate campuses or later changes of campus choice are not guaranteed. To be assured of initial consideration by more than one campus, it is necessary to submit separate applications (including fees) to each. Applications submitted by way of Cal State Apply are expected unless submission of an electronic application is impossible. An electronic version of the CSU graduate application is available at Cal State Apply

Reapplication for Subsequent Semesters

If you apply and are admitted to the University for a given semester, but do not register, you will forfeit your admission. Should you later wish to enroll in courses at the University, you must file a new application, pay a new application fee, and meet all of the current requirements for admission. Materials supporting an application for admission, such as transcripts and entrance examination scores, will be held for one year only and may be used during this time to meet the requirements for admission. After one year these materials will be destroyed.

Application Acknowledgment

On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.

Hardship Petitions

The campus has established procedures for consideration of qualified applicants who would be faced with extreme hardship if not admitted. Petitioners should write the campus Admission Offices regarding specific policies governing hardship admission, Admissions Appeal Process

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Freshman Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshmen if they:

1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
2. Have a qualifiable minimum eligibility index (see section on Eligibility Index); and
3. Have completed with grades of C- or better each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”).

Eligibility Index

The eligibility index is the combination of the high school grade point average and scores on either the ACT or the SAT. Grade point averages (GPA) are based on grades earned in courses taken during the final three years of high school. Included in calculation of GPA are grades earned in all college preparatory “a-g” subject requirements, and bonus points for approved honors courses. Up to eight semesters of honors courses taken in the last three years of high school, including up to two approved courses taken in the tenth grade, can be accepted. Each unit of A in an honors course will receive a total of 5 points; B, 4 points; and C, 3 points.

A CSU Eligibility Index (EI) can be calculated by multiplying a grade point average by 800 and adding your total score on the SAT exam (mathematics and critical reading on the old SAT, or mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing on the new SAT). For students who took the ACT, multiply the grade point average by 200 and add ten times the ACT composite score. Persons who are California high school graduates (or residents of California for tuition purposes) need a minimum index of 2950 using the SAT or 694 using the ACT. The Eligibility Index Table illustrates several combinations of required test scores and averages. The university has no current plans to include the writing scores from either of the admissions tests in the computation of the CSU Eligibility Index.

Persons who neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes, need a minimum index of 3502 (SAT) or 842 (ACT). Note: The minimum Eligibility Index requirement for admission to the Fall 2018 term will increase to 3950 using the SAT. Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section. An applicant with a grade point average of 3.00 or above (3.61 for nonresidents) is not required to submit test scores. However, all applicants for admission are urged to take the SAT or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to each CSU to which they seek admission. Campuses use these test results for advising and placement purposes and may require them for admission to impacted majors or programs. Impacted CSU campuses require SAT or ACT scores of all applicants for freshman admission.

SAT Table - CA High School Graduates or Residents of CA

SAT Table - Non-Resident or Non-Graduates of CA

ACT Table - CA High School Graduates or Residents of CA

ACT Table - Non-Resident or Non-Graduates of CA

Note: The minimum Eligibility Index requirement for admission to the Fall 2018 term will increase to 2950 using the SAT.

Persons who neither graduated from a California high school nor are a resident of California for tuition purposes, need a minimum index of 3570 (SAT or 842 (ACT). Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section. an applicant with a grade point average of 3.00 or above (3.61 for nonresidents) is not required to submit test scores. However, all applicants for admission are urged to take the SAT or ACT and provide the scores of such tests to each CSU to which they seek admission. Campuses use these test results for advising and placement purposes and may require them for admission to impacted majors or programs. Impacted CSU campuses require SAT or ACT scores of all applicants for freshman admission.

Provisional Admission

Sonoma State may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The campus will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A campus may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have earned a qualifiable minimum eligibility index, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.
The CSU uses only the ACT composite score, the mathematics and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores on the new SAT in its admission eligibility equation. The SAT or ACT writing scores are not currently used by CSU campuses.

Subject Requirements

The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government;
• 4 years of English;
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra; four years recommended);
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 year biological and 1 year physical, both must have laboratory instruction);
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence);
• 1 year of visual and performing arts within the same discipline (art, dance, drama/ theater, or music); and
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU “a-g” list.

The California Promise

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSU campuses to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4 years. All campuses have also established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the 4-year or 2-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan, and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating campuses may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact campus offices or visit The California Promise Program

High School Students

High school students may be considered for enrollment on a space available basis in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.

Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE-Breadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed at Assist.

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses and any or all of the California community colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on Assist. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90 semester (135-quarter) units may be transferred into the university from all sources.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower-division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper-division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshmen admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.

Lower-Division Transfer Admission Requirements

Due to increased enrollment demands, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfer applicants. Please visit our website to find out if Sonoma State is taking applications from lower division transfer students: Application Deadlines.

An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower-division transfer student. Due to enrollment pressures, most CSU campuses do not admit lower-division transfers so that more upper-division transfers can be accommodated.

Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration priority at CSU campuses and may affect the student’s financial aid status.

California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:

• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
• Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
• Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
• Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.

Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria

The applicant meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR -

Transfer based on High School Eligibility

The applicant was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR -

Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects

The applicant had a qualifiable eligibility index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation.

One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
Note: Some campuses may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria.

Upper-Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements

1. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted;
2. In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
3. Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses, which meet CSU general education requirement including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

Due to enrollment constraints, priority is given to “local service area” applicants. The local service area for SSU is comprised of six counties: Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, and Solano.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) / Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student a clear transfer preparation and admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.

California Community College students who earn an associate degree (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus, or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given priority consideration to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-S/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.

Provisional Admission

Sonoma State may provisionally or conditionally admit transfer applicants based on their academic preparation and courses planned for completion. The campus will monitor the final terms to ensure that those admitted complete all required courses satisfactorily. All accepted applicants are required to submit an official transcript of all college-level work completed. Campuses may rescind admission for any student who is found to be ineligible after
the final transcript has been evaluated. In no case may such documents be received and validated by the university any later than a student’s registration for their second term of CSU enrollment.

Test Requirements

Freshman and transfer applicants who have fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable college credit are strongly encouraged to submit scores, unless exempt (see “Eligibility Index”), from either the ACT or the SAT of the College Board. Persons who apply to an impacted program may be required to submit test scores and should take the test no later than November or December. Test scores also are used for advising and placement purposes. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office.

Students may contact:

English Language Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools in the United States at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a score of 61 iBT or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL.) Some majors and some campuses may require a score higher than 61. A few campuses may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Each campus will post the tests it accepts on its website and will notify students after they apply about the tests it accepts and when to submit scores.

CSU minimum TOEFL standards are:

Assessment of Academic Preparation and Placement

The CSU requires that all entering freshmen students be evaluated in terms of their preparation to complete first-year courses in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning. This evaluation will utilize the broadest set of multiple measures including high school grades as well as performance scores on standardized exams such as the ACT or SAT. This evaluation of academic readiness is not a condition for admission to the CSU, but it is an important step for determining the best course placement for entering students.

Successful completion of general education (GE) written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses in the first year of CSU enrollment establishes a foundation for continuous learning. Unless the requirements have been completed, freshmen shall enroll in GE written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses appropriate to each student’s major and skill level, as demonstrated by applicable system wide standards utilized in the review of academic preparation.

Students whose skill assessments indicate academic support will be needed for successful completion of GE in written communication or mathematics/quantitative courses shall enroll in appropriate college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing courses that strengthen skills development to facilitate achieving the appropriate general education student learning outcomes. Supportive course models may include, among others, co-requisite approaches, supplemental instruction or “stretch” formats that extend a course beyond one academic term. In these approaches, instructional content considered pre-baccalaureate may carry a maximum of one unit and shall be offered concurrently with a college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing course.

First Time Freshman: Placement Requirements

Placement Measures for First-Year GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses

Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on system wide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA.

Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment.

These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.

First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Early Start Program.

The Early Start Program gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in written communication and mathematics/ quantitative reasoning the summer before their first term.

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communications Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea A2 English Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

• 3 or above: AP Language and Composition
• 3 or above: AP Composition and Literature

College Transfer Coursework

• Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better

Placement in a GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

English CAASPP/EAP Test:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

*English New SAT Test:

• 550 or above
• 510 – 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better English

ACT Test:

• 22 or higher
• 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English)
• GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
• GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

*English New SAT Test:

• 510 – 540 and 4 or more years of high school English ACT Test:
• 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school English

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English
• *SAT score conversion for scores prior to March 2016 (old SAT):
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-scoring-beforemarch-2016

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start Page to learn about the Early Start Program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors) Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• 3 or above: Calculus AB
• 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
• 3 or above on AP Statistics
• 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond
• Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

*New SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
• 520 – 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• *SAT score conversion for scores prior to March 2016 (old SAT): https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-scoring-beforemarch-2016

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

High School GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
• Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start page to learn about the Early Start Program.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre- STEM/STEM and Other Math- Intensive Majors

Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

• 3 or above on AP Calculus AB
• 3 or above on AP Calculus BC
• 3 or above on AP Statistics
• 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

• 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

• 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

• Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

• Standard Exceeded
• Standard Met and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

*New SAT Math Test:

• 570 or above
• 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
• 520 – 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

• 23 or above
• 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
• Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
• Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
• *SAT score conversion for scores prior to March 2016 (old SAT):

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-scoring-beforemarch-2016

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:
High School Math GPA:

• Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Requirement and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start page to learn about the Early Start Program.

The goal of Early Start Program (ESP) is to:

• Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
• If required to participate in ESP, as determined by multiple measures, students will begin in the summer before the start of the freshman year
• For general information about ESP including fees and course listings, visit csustudentsuccess.org/earlystart. Students are encouraged to visit the campus website for ESP information once admitted.
• Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit ESP fee. For more information on assessments, placements and the Early Start Program, please visit www.csustudentsuccess.org

Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:

1. Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or the California High School Proficiency Examination);
2. Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years; and
3. If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a C average or better in all college work attempted.
    

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.

You must send a formal letter of appeal and all transcripts from high school and colleges. An admissions committee will review each appeal for adult admission. Admission is determined on a case-by-case basis. Recent course work in math and English to demonstrate college-level proficiency is essential for admission.

Graduate and Post-baccalaureate Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:

• General Requirements - The minimum requirements for admission to graduate and post baccalaureate studies at a California State University campus are in accordance with university regulations as well as Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations.
  • Specifically, a student shall at the time of enrollment: (1) have completed a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; (2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; (3) have earned a grade point average of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted; and (4) satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.
• Students who meet the minimum requirements for graduate and post-baccalaureate studies may be considered for admission in one of the four following categories:
  • Graduate Classified - To pursue a graduate degree, applicants are required to fulfill all of the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or
  • Graduate Conditionally Classified - Applicants may be admitted to a graduate degree program in this category if, in the opinion of appropriate campus authority, deficiencies may be remedied by additional preparation; or
  • Post-baccalaureate Classified, e.g. admission to an education credential program - Persons wishing to enroll in a credential or certificate program, will be required to satisfy additional professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards, including qualifying examinations, prescribed by the campus; or
  • Post-baccalaureate Unclassified - To enroll in undergraduate courses as preparation for advanced degree programs or to enroll in graduate courses for professional or personal growth, applicants must be admitted as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. By meeting the general requirements, applicants are eligible for admission as post-baccalaureate unclassified students. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree or credential program (Most CSU campuses do not offer admission to unclassified post-baccalaureate students).

(These and other CSU admission requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the CSU admissions portal are good sources of the most up-to-date information.)

Graduate, Post-baccalaureate English Language Requirement

All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a qualifying minimum score 80 iBT on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Several CSU campuses may use alternative methods for assessing fluency in English including Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP). Minimum score requirements may be found on the website for international student admissions.

Returning Students

If you were previously enrolled as a post baccalaureate student at Sonoma State University, but have not registered for two or more semesters, you must file an application for readmission online at Cal State Apply and submit the application to Sonoma State University. If you missed only one semester, you need not reapply. If coursework was attempted at another college or university, one official transcript reflecting this work must be filed with the Office of Admissions and Records. Previously enrolled students who are reapplying are subject to the same application dates and fees as new applicants. If you attended Sonoma State as a visitor, concurrent enrollee, or exchange student, and you wish to continue your enrollment at Sonoma, you must file a new application for admission at Cal State Apply and submit the application to Sonoma State University.

Information for International Students

Students now entering or enrolled in higher education will be the leaders of industry, commerce, government, education, and the arts in the 21st Century. The global marketplace, affordable air travel, extraordinary levels of human migration, and the rise of transnational communications systems dictate that the valuable university graduates will be those who are prepared to live and work in an international setting in a rapidly changing world.

International students bring to our campus and to its surrounding communities new perspectives and invaluable experiences to share with California students. At the same time, they take home with them, at the end of their studies, a deep understanding of America and its people. Sonoma State University has welcomed students from more than 50 countries, representing virtually every continent and island area in the world. These students come here to experience a traditional American liberal arts education, but in a non-traditional academic setting, where teachers are guides to learning. They want to live in a beautiful and safe environment, and they also want a challenging, intellectually stimulating academic program taught by a distinguished faculty. 

International (Foreign) Student Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors or in other non-immigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language Requirement above for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are all important considerations for admission. Academic records from foreign institutions must be on file by the close of the application period for the semester for which entry is desired and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Sonoma State University welcomes applications from qualified international students. The application and admissions process for international students is distinct from the process for domestic students. Please read the following information carefully.

Sonoma State University International Student Application forms and information are available online at Admissions. The application for university admission can be found at Cal State Apply. A printable application is available upon request. If you are unable to access this information, please contact us:

Email Erica Longin at erica.longin@sonoma.edu Or contact us by mail at:

Sonoma State University
Office of Admissions
Salazar hall 2030
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
United States of America

SSU admits international students twice a year for entry into either the fall or spring semesters. Application periods are as follows:

For fall semester entry
October 1 through April 30

For spring semester entry
August 1 through September 30

Academic Qualification

Undergraduate applicants must provide evidence of graduation from an appropriate secondary educational institution or successful study at a recognized institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale or the equivalent. Admissions to some fields of study may be competitive.

Graduate applicants must meet the standards applicable to the University and to the SSU graduate program as indicated elsewhere in this catalog.

Housing

International students who file complete applications (including transcripts and financial affidavits) prior to the end dates of the respective application periods should be able to obtain on-campus housing.

International Student Services and Activities at SSU

The Center for International Education (CIE) provides essential support for international students to ensure that they make a quick and successful adaptation to university studies and to the student community at SSU. CIE provides administrative support, cultural adjustment support, academic advising, personal counseling, and assistance with all issues relating to university life. In addition, CIE is the home base for the International Education Exchange Council, one of the largest and most active student clubs on the campus, which offers on-campus and off-campus activities, trips, and community volunteer opportunities.

International Student Fees and Expenses (Academic Year)

To receive an F-1 or J-1 visa, applicant must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to cover their first year of study in the U.S. Sonoma State University offers international students an outstanding education at a very attractive price; however, it does not, in general, offer them financial assistance. For this reason, applicants must describe their plans for financing their studies in some detail. Instructions on financial certifications are in the application packet. Part-time employment on campus is permitted, but work opportunities are very limited. Having a good financial plan is, therefore, extremely important. Fees and tuition amounts are subject to change.

Estimates of Annual Undergraduate and Graduate Costs at Sonoma State University

These amounts are estimates and are subject to change without notice. Actual expenses may vary.

Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Trustees of the CSU without prior notice and are usually increased each academic year.

* The California State University makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees.

** Health Insurance typically increases annually so this estimate is possibly a little low

*** For M.B.A. only - $254 per unit professional fee (additional $4,448 per year)

Please note that international travel and extraordinary personal expenses are not included in the cost estimates above.

Family members: Students who will be accompanied by a spouse and/or children will need to submit additional documentation of financial support ($5,000 for spouse and $4,000 for each child).

If you will be a graduate student in either the EMBA, MSCES, Modern Languages Program, Organizational Development, or Psychology you will pay through our Extended and International Education Division and the tuition/fee structure is different. Housing, food, personal expense, and health insurance estimates remain the same.

Other Applicants

Intrasystem and Intersystem Enrollment Programs

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Registrar’s Office.

CSU Fully Online Courses – Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host campus. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated pre-requisites. Credit earned at the host campus is electronically reported to the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

CSU Visitor Enrollment– Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment– matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves as a primary vehicle for the CSU in increasing the access, academic excellence and retention of California’s educationally and economically disadvantaged students, thus working in the spirit and abiding by the legislative intent that originally established the program in 1969.

Applying to EOP

The Educational Opportunity Program at Sonoma State requires completion of the CSU application, including the completion of the supplemental EOP application, the submission of two electronic recommendation forms and completing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA DREAM Act by the March 2 deadline.

The application is available at Cal State Apply

The EOP application is included in the Cal State application. When filling out personal information an applicant will need to select “Yes” in response to the question “Do you wish to apply through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?” This will generate the EOP application questions. Each question must be answered. The application also requires two electronic letters of recommendation. An applicant can send the electronic recommendation request form to a recommender by selecting the Supporting Information tile on
Cal State Apply and filling out the requested information.

EOP Application Checklist:

• Start the CSU application at Cal State Apply.
• On the CSU application, check “yes” to the question, “Do you wish to apply through the
• Educational Opportunity Program?”
• Complete and submit the CSU Application online
• Follow up to confirm your electronic EOP recommendation letters have been submitted.
• SSU’s EOP Application Deadlines:
  • Priority deadline for First Time Freshmen is December 15. The applicationincluding recommendation forms must be completed by then.
  • Regular deadline for First Time Freshmen is January 15 and EOP letters of recommendation are due January 30.
  • Remember to complete separately the financial aid application either Free Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA DREAM Act by March 2, available at www.fafsa.ed.gov or https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.

For additional information about the Educational Opportunity Program, please contact our EOP Office at (707) 664-2427 or applyeop@sonoma.edu.

Veterans

If you are a veteran of the United States military service and a California resident, you may possibly be granted admission even if you do not meet the University’s regular admissions requirements. If you wish to request consideration under this provision, follow regular application procedures, and send a letter of appeal to the Office of Admissions.

Applicants Not Regularly Eligible

Applicants not admissible under one of the above provisions may enroll in extension courses, at a community college, or at another appropriate institution to meet eligibility requirements. Denied applicants may choose to petition for special admission consideration. Only under the most unusual circumstances and only by special action will such applicants be admitted to Sonoma State University.

CSU Immunization Requirements

See Required Immunizations for details of these pre-enrollment requirements.

Entering Students are required to present documentation showing that they have received the following immunizations well in advance of the start of their first semester of classes at SSU:

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (labratory evidence of immunity to disease).

Hepatitis B (Hep B): All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months’ period. If you need further details please consult [NAME OF OFFICE OR CAMPUS PERSONNEL].

Varicella (Chickenpox): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease) prior to enrollment.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): One (1) dose after age 7.

Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): One (1) dose on or after 16 for all students and age 21 or younger.

Tuberculosis Screening/Risk Assessment: All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. Incoming students who are at higher risk* for TB infection, as indicated by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions, should undergo either skin of blood testing for TB infection within one year of CSU entry.

*Higher risk include travel or living in South or Central America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East; prior positive TB test; or exposure to someone with active TB disease.

The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.

Those unable to locate proof of previous immunization may send the results of blood tests confirming that they are immune to the diseases prevented by the required vaccines.

While prospective students can be accepted for admission to SSU before they have sent the required proof of immunization, once they have been accepted, students who wish to attend SSU must send SSU this proof at least 5-6 weeks before school starts. Those who don’t meet compliance deadlines will incur late penalties and will be prohibited from registering for future classes until the necessary documentation has been received.

The SSU Student Health Center can provide MMR and Hepatitis B immunizations or blood tests to check for immunity for a nominal fee once an entering student has paid his/her Enrollment Reservation Deposit to SSU.

Individual immunization records or copies of blood tests documenting immunity, labeled with the entering student’s full name and birth date should be sent to:

Sonoma State University
Office of Admissions and Records
ATTN: Immunization Requirements
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA, 94928

Reservation

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs as the University, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the University.

General Information About Admission and Evaluation of Academic Records

Advanced Placement

Sonoma State University grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. Students who present scores of three or better will be granted up to six semester units (nine quarter units) of college credit.

Credit by Examination

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at Sonoma State University.

Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully.

Credit by Challenge Examinations

SSU grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, which has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended  in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

You may earn unit credit for an SSU course that you successfully challenge by examination. The University, in the interest of accelerating the academic progress of capable students with special interests and experience, encourages the earning of such credit. The following regulations govern the challenging of courses:

1. Students may challenge only those courses that are listed in the SSU catalog and for which the challenger has not otherwise received credit. A course may be challenged only during the semester in which it is regularly offered;
2. Only students in resident study may challenge a course;
3. Examinations are set and administered by the instructor of the course challenged or by a faculty designee of the appropriate department chair. Completed examinations are filed in the department offices;
4. Application for Unit Credit by Challenge Examination must be approved by the appropriate department chair;
5. For summer sessions only, challenge examinations must be taken within the first two weeks of the Six Week Summer Session; and
6. When students pass the examination for credit, a CR will be recorded on their permanent record but will not be posted to students’ records until 30 units have been earned in residence. No resident credit is earned, and units graded CR do not affect the grade point average. Forms for Application for Unit Credit by Challenge Examination are available in department offices.

Credit for Non collegiate Instruction

Sonoma State University grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, which has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Faculty Evaluated Prior Learning Program

Rachel Carson Hall 53, (707) 664-3977

Coordinator
Beth Warner

Sonoma State University subscribes to the principles recognized by the California State University and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It offers the Faculty-Evaluated Prior Learning (FEPL) Program in order to serve highly motivated students with substantial experiential learning. Sonoma State University may grant up to 30 units of undergraduate credit for skills-based knowledge that has been documented and evaluated according to campus policy.

In defining creditable prior learning, it is perhaps easier to begin with what it is not. It is not giving credit for living. Everyone has lived and has had experience, but not everyone’s life and experience produce learning equivalent to portions of a prescribed college curriculum. Credit is not awarded for raw experience but rather for significant learning experiences that result in a blend of practical and theoretical understanding applicable to other situations. This understanding must be both demonstrable and demonstrated.

The gateway into the program is a Portfolio Workshop, UNIV 310, which is offered through the School of Extended and International Education. This is a three-unit, interdisciplinary upper-division course that is open to anyone who wishes to benefit from a guided self-assessment to focus on academic goals and achievement. This course provides a structure for articulating and organizing prior-learning experiences into a prescribed portfolio format for faculty evaluation. This portfolio is useful for future educational and career planning, and can also be submitted for assessment and award of credit by following the procedures outlined below. These are outlined in more detail in program materials available from the Coordinator.

FEPL Procedures

To submit a portfolio for evaluation, the student must:

1. Have successfully completed the UNIV 310 Portfolio Workshop;
2. Have been admitted to an undergraduate degree program at Sonoma State University;
3. Be enrolled in coursework at SSU in the semester during which the evaluation of the portfolio takes place; and
4. Follow the established program procedures.

Orientation and Advising

This step is accomplished by enrolling in the UNIV 310 Portfolio Workshop. The seminar instructor will help the student assess the appropriateness of prior learning experiences for pursuit of credit via FEPL, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or challenge exams. The instructor will also guide students in creating a portfolio that can be used as a source of information for these endeavors.

Payment of User Fee

If the student, the seminar instructor, and the FEPL coordinator agree that the portfolio warrants formal application for award of credit, the next step is payment of a one-time non-refundable fee, based partly upon the complexity of the portfolio (please see FEPL brochure for details). The fee is assessed to cover the cost of faculty evaluation of the portfolio and does not guarantee the award of credit.

Faculty Evaluation

The final recommendations, including units to be awarded and specific descriptive titles, are forwarded by the FEPL coordinator to Admissions and Records for transcription. The FEPL coordinator forwards the completed portfolio to appropriate faculty evaluators who consider whether the learning demonstrated in the portfolio meets the criteria for college-level learning in their disciplines, whether it is upper- or lower-division level, and whether it is appropriate for credit in general education (GE), electives, or the major. Recommendations for award of credit for GE are reviewed according to standard university procedures. The evaluators also recommend the exact titling of the credit to be awarded and the number of units to be awarded in each category. The evaluators’ recommendations and the portfolio are then returned to the FEPL coordinator. The time line for this process is one semester.

FEPL Policies

1. In accordance with WASC guidelines and University policy, no more than 30 baccalaureate units may be earned through FEPL;
2. FEPL units may not be transferable to another college, even in the CSU, as policies for earning credit for prior learning vary from campus to campus. However, the FEPL Coordinator will, at the request of any institution or agency, furnish full documentation showing how such learning was evaluated and the basis upon which units were awarded;
3. FEPL units cannot be used to fulfill transfer requirements; however, credit earned for UNIV 310 can be counted for unit requirements as part of the 24 units allowed for Extension credit;
4. Students can apply for credit only in areas where SSU has degree programs and faculty expertise;
5. Credit can only be awarded toward an approved degree program; and
6. FEPL credit is not available at the graduate level.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the California State University establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted, and indicate a time estimate for when the campus expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students,and must also be published on the campus website. For more information, please see Admission Appeal Process.