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Academic Scheduling

Block Scheduling & Enrollment

As a freshman student, you may be pre-enrolled into classes that meet graduation requirements, such as A2, A3, and/or B4. These are foundational courses that will increase success in future coursework and are best taken in the first year at CSUSM. Pre-enrollment helps ensure that seats in these courses are available and it is encouraged that students stay enrolled. These courses include supportive curriculum and tutoring services.

If you have questions, please contact:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • What is A3?

    A3 is a General Education requirement in Critical Thinking that can be satisfied by taking GEW 101A and GEW 100. These courses may be required prior to enrolling in A2 (GEW 101B). Critical Thinking courses like GEW 101A help students develop skills in logic, reasoning, and argumentation, which are key to developing knowledge in any academic discipline. An A3 course is required for graduation. You can read more about the Critical Thinking requirement in the Catalog. 

  • What is A2?

    A2 is a General Education requirement in Written Communication that will be satisfied by taking GEW 101B. All CSUSM students regardless of major will need to express ideas through writing in every course, so A2 should be completed in the first year at CSUSM.  A2, and thus the GEW 101B course, is required for graduation, and is a prerequisite for many courses at the University. You can read more about the Written Communication requirement in the Catalog. 

  • What is B4?

    B4 is a General Education requirement in Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning that can be satisfied by taking MATH 105 & MATH 5. It is very important for students in all majors to have a strong foundation in mathematical language and reasoning, so B4 should be completed in the first year at CSUSM. A B4 course is required for graduation and is a prerequisite for many courses at the University. You can read more about the Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning requirement in the Catalog. 

  • Why am I pre-enrolled in other courses than A2 &/or B4?

    Some students may be enrolled in GEL 101, our First-Year Seminar, and a major-related course because they are a part of a major-related learning community or because they are a part of a specialized student-population. Learn more on the First-Year Learning Communities webpage. 

  • Can I make changes to my pre-enrolled courses?
    Students are not encouraged to make changes to their pre-enrolled courses as they are foundational experiences designed to support first-year students in completing their A2 and B4 requirements at CSUSM. They are also high-demand courses and you will not be guaranteed a seat if you change your enrollment. 
  • Can I make changes to my schedule if I have a work or schedule conflict?
    If the pre-enrolled courses do not work with your work schedule, please contact Success Coaching: success@csusm.edu 
  • Do these courses count toward my graduation requirements?
    Yes, these courses satisfy A2 (Written Communication), A3 (Critical Thinking), and B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning), which are General Education requirements necessary for all degrees. You can read more about these requirements in the Catalog. 
  • What could have prevented a student from being pre-enrolled?
    A student may not have been pre-enrolled due to: seat limits, holds preventing enrollment, in Athletics, in Nursing, in ACE, or who were pre-enrolled via another program.