Fall 2025 Enrollment Tutorial

Your academic advising journey will begin with the following Enrollment Tutorial. This mandatory Tutorial has been designed to ensure you understand the courses/requirements you will need to graduate from CSUSM and explains the tools you will use to self-enroll in your first semester courses.

Be sure to check out the How to Connect with Academic Advising section below for the many opportunities we offer to support you through the enrollment process. We look forward to meeting you soon!

• 1. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
   

   

  There are 3 components to earning a degree at CSUSM:

  1. University Requirements
  2. General Education Requirements
  3. Major and/or Minor Requirements

  Show All

  • Component 1: University Requirements

    Unit Requirement

    The minimum number of overall units required to graduate at CSUSM is 120 units. After you have completed all of your general education and major requirements, you may still need additional electives to reach 120 units. A maximum of 70 community college units may be applied towards the 120 unit requirement.

    Minimum Grade Point Average

    Grades for major and/or minor coursework must be a “C” or higher.
    Students at CSUSM must maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA (“C” average).
    Failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA may result in Academic Notice or disqualification, even after your first semester!

    Diversity & Equity Requirement

    Students must satisfy two Diversity and Equity requirements by taking two courses certified for Diversity and Equity in the United States (DEu) and Diversity and Equity in Global Contexts (DEg). Diversity and Equity certified courses can double-count with other general education, major, minor and/or elective courses.

  • Component 2: General Education Requirements

    General Education (GE) requirements are referred to as Areas 1-6. You must complete all subsections of these areas prior to graduation. You can review your GE Requirements on our GE Worksheet, your Academic Requirements Report (ARR), and your Degree Planner.

    Lower-division GE:

    Area 1: English Communication

    • 1A – English Composition
    • 1B – Critical Thinking
    • 1C – Oral Communication 

    Area 2: Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning

    Area 3: Arts & Humanities

    • 3A – Fine Arts
    • 3B – Humanities

    Area 4: Social & Behavioral Sciences

    • 4H – United States History
    • 4C/4G – U.S. Constitution/California Government

    Area 5: Physical & Biological Sciences

    • 5A – Physical Science
    • 5B – Biological Science
    • 5C – Laboratory

    Area 6: Ethnic Studies

    Upper-division GE:

    • UD25 – Upper-division Mathematics, Physical or Biological Science
    • UD3 – Upper-division Arts or Humanities
    • UD4 – Upper-division Social or Behavioral Sciences

    ---

    Notes about your General Education Requirements:

    • A grade of C- or higher is required for courses used to satisfy GE Areas 1 and 2. If any GE courses are also counting towards your major and/or minor, a grade of C or higher is required. For Liberal Studies – Elementary Subject Matter majors, all GE requirements and major courses must be passed with a C or higher. 
    • There are 3 upper-division GE courses listed above (UD25, UD3, UD4). These requirements are not to be taken until after you have completed GE Areas 1 and 2. First year students should not enroll in UD25, UD3, UD4 courses in their first semester.
  • Component 3: Major and/or Minor Requirements
    Every major and minor possesses their own particular set of requirements. They are listed in the catalog, major/minor worksheets, Academic Requirement Report (ARR) and in your Degree Planner. Your Degree Planner will let you know which classes to take and when.

  
  
• 2. UNIT LOAD

  Setting a Pace That's Right for You

  It's important you consider the other factors of your life when selecting your unit load. Different students require different paces, depending on outside obligations. Be sure to set a pace that works best for you.

  First Year Student

  Graduation Goal (entering as a first-year student)	Units Per Year	Units Per Semester
  4  year pace	30	15
  5 year pace	24	12
  6 year pace	20	10

  Transfer Student

  Graduation Goal  (entering as an upper-division transfer student)	Units Per Year	Units Per Semester
  2 year pace for ADT students	30	15
  2 year pace for non-ADT	30	15

  Graduate in four years (120 units total). 30 units per year, 15 units per semester.

• 3. HOW TO ENROLL IN CLASSES

  The enrollment video is based on the Full Site view in the Student Center. If you are on a mobile device using the modernized view, you will need to select the Full Site view: Visiting the Student Center in Full Site View (PDF)

  Process for enrolling in your first semester classes:

   

  Video Shortcuts:

  • • Start at 00:16 for Finding Your Enrollment Tools (PDF)
    • Start at 1:40 for Using Your Degree Planner (PDF)
    • Start at 5:20 for Using Your Schedule Assistant (PDF)
    • Start at 8:40 for Loading Your Shopping Cart and Finishing Enrollment (PDF, see page 2)

  How to Enroll in Classes without using Schedule Assistant (PDF)

• 4. HOW TO ENROLL FAQs
  Show All

  • Where do I find what classes I need to take?
    Your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) shows you all the requirements needed for graduation. Your Degree Planner lists your remaining requirements in a suggested semester by semester plan. Click on How to Enroll in Classes above to find information for how to use your ARR and Degree Planner.
  • How do I access information about course content, schedules, and prerequisites in the Class Search?
    1.  Click on the class number or class section:
       
       
       
    2. You will then be able to see course content, schedules, prerequisites, if any, and other pertinent class information:
       
       
  • What if classes on my Degree Planner are full?
    1. Find a different class section:
       In Schedule Assistant, click on the course sections to see if there are other open class sections available for the courses that you selected:
       
       
       In Schedule Assistant, regenerate schedules to find a different schedule with open sections of the same class.
       
       You can also use the class search feature on the enrollment screen to find other class sections for a course.  If no open classes show, you can unclick ‘Show open sections only” to find both open and full sections, to allow you to waitlist any full sections. 
       
    2. Select a different course:
       If there are more course choices for the requirement in the Degree Planner options, make a different selection on that same requirement line.  This is common with General Education requirements. 
    3. Rearrange your Degree Planner:
       Look at the next term in Degree Planner and swap a course by using the “Arrange My Plan’ feature. If you swap a course that has a prerequisite requirement that you have not met, you will receive an error message and will need to try a different swap.  You may need to confirm with an advisor if the swap will be ok for your major.
       
    4. Get on the Wait List (see "How do I waitlist a class?" below).
    5. Monitor the Class Schedule:
       The class schedule is a live environment where students are continuously adding and dropping classes. Continue to regularly monitor the class schedule for open seats in classes. You may also refer to this website for a list of new classes that have been added to the schedule: www.csusm.edu/enroll/enrollment/fall_2025/new_fall_25_classes.html
    6. Meet with an Academic Advisor for more options. 
  • How do I waitlist a class?
    1. During the enrollment process or in the Shopping Cart, click on the class to view course details.
    2. Under Class Preferences, check the Waitlist if Class is Full box then Click Next.
       
    3. Click Proceed to Step 2 of 3.
       
       
    4. Click Finish Enrolling.
       
       

    Your waitlist position number is displayed in the message. Check My Class Schedule to monitor waitlist position and enrollment status. More information: See Waitlist FAQ

  • How do I know if I’m enrolled or waitlisted in classes?

    In your Student Center, on your enroll screen, you will see a green check if you are enrolled and a yellow triangle if you are waitlisted.  You can also check ‘My Class Schedule’ to see if you are enrolled or waitlisted as well as your position on the waitlist.
    

  • What important dates do I need to be aware of?
    Important dates for the current semester can be found on the Fall 2025 Enrollment Calendar.
  • How do I know what the class format/mode of instruction means?

    Each class will provide information regarding the mode of instruction or class format. Please visit our page with information on instruction modes and class formats.

    Helpful Hint: Your priority should be to enroll in the courses for the upcoming semester as suggested by your Degree Planner Flexibility is key! Not all courses will be offered in your preferred instruction mode.

  • Where can I find placement test information?
    Placement test information can be found at Testing Services.
  • Why am I having trouble enrolling in CHEM 150/150L?

    To enroll in CHEM 150 and CHEM 150L, you must have completed the following prerequisites:  MATH 105 with a grade of C or higher or be placed in Math Category I or II.
    
    Additionally, to enroll in CHEM 150 and CHEM 150L there must be a seat available in each of the 3 components of the class: Lecture (LEC), Activity (ACT), and Lab (150L).  If one or more of these components are full, you will not be able to enroll. 
    
    IMPORTANT:
    Each of these 3 components must be placed into your shopping cart before finishing the enrollment steps or you will receive an error message!
    
    Please make sure that each component has open seats or you will receive an error message.
    
    There are a few sections open only to specialized groups, so make sure to read the class notes, this could be another reason for receiving an error message.  

  • Why am I having trouble enrolling in MATH 105?

    To enroll in MATH 105, you must also add the support section of the class titled MATH 5. There is no time associated with MATH 5, it is embedded in your MATH 105 course, however you MUST add it manually in order to enroll in MATH 105.

    IMPORTANT:
    You will not see MATH 5 in your Degree Planner. You will need to either add MATH 5 using your Schedule Assistant.
    

    Or, search for MATH 5 on your enrollment screen to add it to your Shopping Cart:
    

    MATH 105 and MATH 5 must BOTH be placed into your Shopping Cart before finishing the enrollment steps or you will receive an error message!
    

  • I am receiving an error message, what should I do?

    Sample Error Messages:

    • "Need a Permission Number": Some classes require that you get permission from the instructor to enroll in that class. Instructions on how to get a permission number
    • "Prerequisite Needed": Some classes require a prerequisite course to be completed before you can enroll. If you have not taken the prerequisite, you will need to take that first. If you receive this error message and believe that you have taken the prerequisite course, request a prerequisite waiver to Please note that approval to override prerequisites does not guarantee enrollment into a course.
    • "Has Reserve Caps": Some classes have seats reserved for students in specific majors.  If you are not in that major, you may not be able to enroll.  You can look at the class description to see if there is a date when the reserved seats are lifted for all students. More information about reserve caps.
    • "Term Maximum Exceeded": Students are allowed to enroll in 16 units during the enrollment period. On August 8 at 3:00pm the unit limit increases to 19.
  • I'm a Transfer Student. I took a class at a different college or university that I believe could satisfy a major requirement. How can I check?

    It is possible that your transfer credit may not yet be posted to your records. Transcripts are entered and posted in priority order based on when you submitted your intent to enroll and when your transcripts were received.  It can take several weeks for transcripts to be processed.  

    On rare occasions, students may have taken coursework outside of the California Community College system that may meet major specific requirements. If your transfer credit is up-to-date and you have taken courses at another institution that you believe satisfies a major requirement, please submit a Course Substitution Form.

  • I'm a Transfer Student. My degree planner is showing GE upper-division and Diversity and Equity requirements. What are these and when should I take them?
    All CSUSM students must complete Upper Division General Education (UDGE) requirements in Areas UD25, UD3 and UD4. Students must also satisfy two Diversity and Equity (DE) requirements by taking one course certified for Diversity and Equity in the United States (DEu) and one course certified for Diversity and Equity in Global Contexts (DEg). Diversity and Equity certified courses can double-count with other general education, major, minor and/or elective courses. These courses can be taken at any time and are good options for transfer students in their first semester at CSUSM.
  • I'm a Transfer Student. How do I know what units transferred in?
    You can view your transfer and test credit units in your Student Center.
  • I'm a Transfer Student. I completed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) or General Education (GE) certifications. Why do I see Lower Division Subject Areas in my Degree Planner?
    Your ADT or GE certificate may still be under review. Until your official transcripts reflect the completion of your ADT or GE certification, your Degree Planner will not update automatically. For now, skip any Lower Division requirements in your planner. Once your records are updated with the official certification, your Degree Planner should reflect the completed requirements correctly.
  • I'm a Transfer Pre-Business Student. How do I apply for business status to select a business option?

    All students applying to the Business Administration program are initially classified as Pre-Business majors by the Office of Admissions. Students who have successfully completed the Pre-Business Core and meet GPA requirements must submit a Business Status Application to the Office of Academic Advising.

    Business Status is required prior to enrolling in upper-division Business courses. 

  • I am a First Year Student. What is the difference between academic advisors and success coaches?
    New First Year students will receive enrollment support services from the Office of Success Coaching (OSC) and the Office of Academic Advising (OAA). 
     
    Success Coaches provide general and basic enrollment support to first time freshmen only. This includes how to use the Academic Requirements Report, Degree Planner, Schedule Assistant, and how to enroll in suggested classes. OSC also offer one-on-one appointments as well as workshops. 
     
    Academic Advisors provide basic enrollment support but also more in-depth advising support to address questions related to graduation requirements, general education requirements, major, fields of study, transfer credit, unit load, and prerequisites. See the Connect with an Advisor section of the tutorial for services offered. 
  • I'm a First Year Student. Why am I already enrolled in classes?

    Some First Year students have been pre-enrolled in classes before their enrollment date. The University is giving you priority access to classes that are important for you to complete in your first semester. You will see the classes already showing in your degree planner as in-progress at the top of the term and in your Schedule Assistant in the Current Schedule section.  
    
    
    

    If you need to change your pre-enrolled classes to different days and times, you would need to find a section that would work for you and use the swap feature to drop the section that you are enrolled in and swap it with your preferred section. 
    
    If you are unable to drop or swap a class due to an error message requiring drop consent, refer to the contact information in the class notes. 

  • I'm a First Year Student. What is the "Additional Elective" in my Degree Planner?

    All CSUSM students must complete a minimum of 120 units to meet graduation requirements. Your Degree Planner will calculate your number of units and if you need additional units to reach the requirement, it will show additional elective lines.

    We recommend you follow any suggestions included on the additional elective lines and if there are no suggestions, you delay taking these additional electives until later semesters when you will have a better understanding of what courses might be a good choice based on your career goals. 

    An additional elective can be any class that does not already meet GE or major requirements, that you have not previously taken, and is not a prerequisite for a course you have already taken.  Please check with your advisor to confirm courses that will count for additional electives.

  • I'm a First Year Student. I took an AP exam. How can I find out what it covers and how to transfer the credits to CSUSM?

    If you have completed an Advanced Placement (AP) exam and earned a passing score, review the AP Equivalency Table to identify what requirements/credit you have received at CSUSM.   

    • Request your AP scores be sent to CSUSM through College Board: Sending AP Scores 
    • There is no maximum number of units that a student may earn for AP credit. 
    • Once your AP scores have been received and processed, you can view your transfer and test credit units in your Student Center.
      
    • If your AP scores are still not posted in your student record, you can manually remove the equivalent course from your Degree Planner. The course will appear at the bottom of your Degree Planner until your AP scores are submitted.
      
  • I am pursuing a Second Bachelor’s Degree, why do I not see a Degree Planner in my Student Center?

    Students completing a Second Bachelors degree do not have a Degree Planner and should use their Academic Requirements Report to determine which courses to complete each term.  For more help with reading your ARR, see Section 1 - Graduation Requirements above.

    Second Baccalaureate Information

  
  
• 5. HOW TO CONNECT WITH ACADEMIC ADVISING

  Beginning June 9, 2025, we will offer the following advising services for new students who have completed the Enrollment Tutorial:

  Show All

  • Front Desk

    Virtual Front Desk

    Message the Office of Academic Advising's Front Desk on Microsoft Teams, a public channel to ask general questions and to receive additional enrollment support throughout the day.

    1. Click on the "Virtual Front Desk" button linked below to access our virtual front desk.
    2. A new window will open and you will be encouraged to either download Microsoft Teams or if you already have it downloaded to your device, a pop up window will prompt you to open your Microsoft Teams App.
    3. Login with you CSUSM Credentials.

    Virtual Front Desk

    Show All

    • How to Access Microsoft Teams:
      1. Download Microsoft Teams:
         • Teams Desktop app
         • Phone app for free on Teams iOS and Teams Android
      2. Sign in with your CSUSM credentials.
      • Example: username001@csusm.edu
      3. In the Pop-up window, sign in with your CSUSM credentials.
      • Example: username001 and your campus password.
      4. Choose an authentication method for DUO multi-factor authentication.

      Mac users need to provide Microsoft Teams with additional permissions:

      • Go to System Preferences
      • Click on Security & Privacy
      • Select Microphone
        • Allow Microsoft Teams to access you microphone
      • Select Screen Recording
        • Allow Microsoft Teams to access you screen (this will allow you to share your screen)
    • Front Desk Office Locations and Phone:

      Office Locations:
      Kellogg Library 4th Floor (temporarily relocated from ADMIN 1300)
      Markstein Hall 126
      University Hall 221

      Phone:
      760-750-4060

    
    
  • Drop-in Advising

    First Year Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Success Coaching first. 

    • Drop-ins are available during enrollment periods only.
    • Drop-ins can be conducted in-person, virtually via MS Teams, or by phone.
    • In order to serve more students during peak enrollment, we do not offer appointments.
    • Drop-ins are first come first serve by major.

    Date	Time
    Monday, June 16:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Tuesday, June 17:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Wednesday, June 18:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Thursday, June 19:	Closed  for Juneteenth
    Friday, June 20:	9-11:30am & 2-3:30pm* *Pre-Business/Business Academic Advising will be unavailable from 2-3:30pm today
    Monday, June 23:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Tuesday, June 24:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Wednesday, June 25	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Thursday, June 26:	9-11:30am & 1:30-3:30pm
    Friday, June 27:	9-11:30am & 2-3:30pm

     

  • Email an Advisor

    eAdvisor

    Submit an eAdvisor to email an Academic Advisor. An Academic Advisor will answer your question as soon as possible.

  • Schedule an Appointment

      Schedule an Advising Appointment

    Schedule an Appointment - Academic Advising Appointments can be conducted virtually via MS Teams, by phone, or in-person. Please be aware that not all appointment types (in-person, virtual, phone call) are offered everyday. If you are unable to find open appointment times, you may want to change the mode of service in your search.

    We do not offer scheduled Academic Advising appointments during enrollment periods. Instead, please visit Drop-in Advising or our Front Desk.

  • Email a Peer Advisor

    Email a Peer Advisor

    Email a Peer Advisor for student to student support on basic questions and help with advising/enrollment tools.

  
  
• 6. COMPLETE THE CHECK-OUT FORM

  Once you have completed the Enrollment Tutorial and reviewed all sections, please complete the following Tutorial Check-out Form:

  Tutorial Check-out Form