Will classes be held in person or virtually for the fall?
How do I know if my class is virtual or hybrid?
Class modality is noted in the course schedule portal.
If local restrictions are lifted, could there be a move back to in-person learning during the fall semester?
No. All classes will remain in the same modality for the duration of the fall semester.
If I sign up for a hybrid course but can’t come to campus because I am immunocompromised or a family member is immunocompromised, do I still have to come to campus for the course?
Please contact your instructor to see if accommodations can be made for you to complete your coursework virtually.
Will tuition be discounted because of the move to virtual instruction?
Tuition and campus mandatory fees for fall 2020 will not be reduced because these funds generally cover fixed and ongoing expenses and costs that the university continues to incur. Examples of these fixed costs include ongoing administrative and overhead expenses such as student government programs (ASI), academic retention and support, employee wages and benefits, expenses for utilities, repair and maintenance, and payment of financing and long-term debt obligations for some facilities.
Students pay campus mandatory fees regardless of whether they are a full-time student, part-time student, online student or a student studying abroad – and even if they do not expect to ever use the programs or facilities they support.
Will student fees be waived for services that aren’t available because of the move to virtual instruction?
Tuition and campus mandatory fees for fall 2020 will not be reduced because these funds generally cover fixed and ongoing expenses and costs that the university continues to incur. Examples of these fixed costs include ongoing administrative and overhead expenses such as student government programs (ASI), academic retention and support, employee wages and benefits, expenses for utilities, repair and maintenance, and payment of financing and long-term debt obligations for some facilities.
Students pay campus mandatory fees regardless of whether they are a full-time student, part-time student, online student or a student studying abroad – and even if they do not expect to ever use the programs or facilities they support.
Will my classes be asynchronous or synchronous?
Class modality is noted in the course schedule portal.
What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous courses?
Courses taught asynchronously are accessible to students any time; there is no set meeting day or time. Courses taught synchronously occur at the same day and time each week. Your class will remain in the same modality for the duration of the fall semester.
Can I defer my enrollment to spring 2021 or fall 2021?
The CSU is allowing students to defer their fall 2020 admission to spring 2021 or fall 2021. This option is available for students who are experiencing personal or financial hardships that will prevent them for attending any college or university in fall 2020. Please see our Defer Fall 2020 Admission webpage for more information.
How do I receive help with academic planning?
Our Office of Academic Advising is available to assist you, offering virtual appointments as well as drop-in advising. Please visit the Office of Academic Advising website for more information or to make an appointment.
What if I need a space to study?
The University Student Union and IITS have partnered to establish a computer lab in the USU Ballroom and Meeting Rooms for students who need access to computers, printing services, power and/or Wi-Fi. The USU computer lab is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students will use the campus app to check into the lab and receive an assigned station. The process is as easy as opening up the app and scanning their digital ID when they arrive. The app also has an “On Campus” button that will show available on-campus services, including the number of computers available in the USU so that students will know if there are open stations before arriving.
Students must adhere to all university safety protocols while on campus and in the computer lab, including wearing a face covering. The ballroom has been configured to ensure proper social distancing and workstations will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
No other USU services or spaces will be available for use at this time.
Students can call the USU at 760-750-7450 during the lab’s operating hours with questions or leave a message after hours.
Will spring 2021 classes be in-person or virtual?
No decisions have been made regarding spring 2021. We will communicate information when any decisions are made.
Free testing is available on campus at the VIASAT Engineering Pavilion seven days a week, 8:30am-5pm. You can walk or drive (Park in Lot F) to the testing site. Campus Map. You can also use the Campus App: Coming to Campus.
Visitors are served on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are available.
Why are we introducing Mandatory Testing for Residents?
Who is conducting the test?
When will I get my results?
If I test positive but don’t have symptoms, do I still have to quarantine?
Do I need to test during winter break?
Do I have to test on my designated day?
Who do I contact with questions?
What if I want an exception for testing?
Will there be any activities for students this fall?
Can I take a campus tour?
In-person campus tours have been canceled through 2020. Virtual tours are available online.
When will commencement be held for the Class of 2020?
A date will be determined once it has been deemed safe to hold a commencement ceremony.
When will I receive my financial aid package?
How come I haven’t heard about my application for Student Relief Funds?
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@csusm.edu with any questions related to your application for Student Relief Funds.
Is on-campus housing available even though most courses will be taught virtually?
Are out-of-area freshman required to live on campus for fall 2020?
No. We are waiving this requirement due to the move to virtual instruction.
Can I move into on-campus housing for spring 2021 if in-person instruction resumes?
If space is available in the QUAD and/or University Village Apartments, you will have that option.
With the move to virtual instruction, I want to stay home rather than live near campus. Should I be concerned that my virtual classes could be switched to in person during the semester?
No. Even if it is deemed safe for in-person classes to resume, you will have the option of continuing to take your classes virtually for the entire fall semester.
Is the University Store open?
Yes, in-store shopping is available. Face coverings must be worn, and all campus regulations followed.
The University Store is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Please note that store hours may change at any time based upon guidance from county health officials.
Items can be purchased on our bookstore website and shipped directly to your home as a contact-free alternative to shopping in person.
Please contact the University Store at 760-750-4730 with additional questions.
How can I order course materials?
Course materials are available on our bookstore website.
Please contact the University Store at 760-750-4730 with any questions.
Do I have to purchase a parking pass if I have in-person labs/courses?
For fall 2020, CSUSM will offer a no-cost parking option. Lots (X)YZ will be available for free parking Sunday to Saturday from 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Please note that there will be no overnight parking; lots (X)YZ will be closed from midnight to 4:59 a.m. daily.
A parking permit will be required in all other parking lots. By logging in to your parking account, you will also be able to purchase general daily, monthly or semester permits to park in general parking lots and structures. If you plan to park on campus more than three times per week consistently, the semester parking permit will be the most cost-effective option.
In addition, hourly permit options will continue to be available via the CSUSM app under the “Parking/Transportation” tile as well as through the parking permit pay stations.
