myCSUSM
Enrollment FAQ
Add/Drop
- How do I enroll with a permission number?
- Log in to MyCSUSM
- Click on the Student Center (in the mobile app: click on Student Self Service, then Student Center)
- Under Academics, click on Enroll (in the mobile app: click on the top left menu, select My Classes & Enrollment, then Enrollment: Add Classes)
- Select the term in which you wish to enroll and click Continue
- In the Enter Class Nbr, enter the 5 digit CRN or Class Number and click Enter
- Enter the 6 digit code in Permission Nbr
- Click Next (this will add the course to your shopping cart)
- Click Proceed to Step 2 of 3
- Click Finish Enrolling
- What if there is no instructor assigned to the class and I would like to request a
permission number (also known as crash)?Please see the Permission Number Contact List page to connect with the Department Chair or Administrative Coordinator for the department.
- How do I drop a class?
- What is the difference between a drop and a withdrawal?When you drop a class, there is no academic penalty (i.e., the class will not appear on your transcript). Students are eligible to drop classes through the day before census, directly in MyCSUSM. As of census, student must petition to officially withdraw from a class and receive a grade of W.
Enrolling with a Class Number
- How do I enroll with a class number?
1. Log in to MyCSUSM
2. Click on the Student Center (in the mobile app: click on Student Self Service, then Student Center)
3. Under Academics, click on Enroll (in the mobile app: click on the top left menu, select My Classes & Enrollment, then Enrollment: Add Classes)
4. Select the term in which you wish to enroll and click Continue
5. In Enter Class Nbr, enter the 5 digit CRN or Class Number and click Enter
6. If a permission number is required, enter the 6 digit code in Permission Nbr (only required if the class has already begun for summer or beyond the first week of the semester for fall/spring)
7. Click Next (this will add the course to your shopping cart)
8. If no additional classes to add, click Proceed to Step 2 of 3
9. Click Finish Enrolling
Advising
- How many units do I need to take each semester to graduate in four years?If you are on a four-year plan starting as a first-year, first-time-in-college student, you need to complete 30 units per academic year or 15 units each during fall and spring semesters. Please note that changing your major and/or adding a major and/or minor, may affect your graduation date.
- I want to complete 30 units/year, but can only take 12 units/semester. What do I do?If you can only take 12 units during fall and spring semesters, take summer and/or winter session classes to increase your unit load to 30 units per academic year.
- How do I know what requirements I need to fulfill in order to graduate?
There are several different resources that can help you determine what requirements you need to graduate, including:
- Degree Planner, an interactive online tool that shows requirements for your major, minor (if applicable), and general education in a recommended sequence using information from your student record. It even recognizes the courses you've already taken at CSUSM, test credit, transfer credit, course substitutions, and prerequisites to recommend an education plan designed just for you!
- Academic Requirement Report, a report and evaluation tool, tracks the completion of all degree requirements in one document. Students can access notes and reminders from their academic advisor and graduation auditors. Found in your online student center at MyCSUSM.
- Major and Minor worksheets – these documents are meant to be used for reference only and to assist you in determining what courses you need to take to graduate in a particular major or minor.
- GE worksheets – these documents are meant to be used for reference only and to assist you in determining what general education courses you need.
- Your Academic Advisor
- What is the difference between an Academic Advisor and a Faculty Advisor?
An academic advisor is a professional staff member who is trained in the complex details of CSUSM's academic, general education and University requirements and can provide accurate and specific advice about academic requirements.
A faculty advisor is a faculty member from your major or minor department who can provide in-depth advice about that program’s curriculum as well as advice about course choices, career paths, and preparation for graduate or professional study.
- Will my graduation be delayed if I change my major and/or add a double major?If you decide to change your major and/or add a double major, it is important for you to know that your graduation date will likely be delayed. It is recommended that you meet with your academic advisor or go to the "What If Plan" in your online student center.
- How can I make an appointment to meet with my advisor?
Visit our Academic Advising website to view the many ways to connect with an Academic Advisor.
- How do I find out what community college classes are transferable to CSUSM?ASSIST.org is an online student-transfer information system website that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities and provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California.
- If I fail a class, can I repeat it?Yes you can repeat a failed class, but there are limits. Please see the Undergraduate Course Repeat Policy.
- If I fail a class, can I still graduate in four years?If you fail a class, it may still be possible to graduate in four years, depending on several factors. Connect with your academic advisor to create an updated academic degree plan.
- Can I take 15 units a semester even if I work a full-time job?
It is possible to take 15 units a semester if you work full-time; however, we expect that for every unit that you are registered, you commit two to three hours of time per week, including class time to your studies. Therefore, a 15-unit load implies a 45 to 60-hour-a-week commitment to class and study.
Personalized Academic Success Services (PASS) works with students to assess each student’s situation holistically to provide appropriate support and resources (on-campus or in the community) to help students achieve academic and personal success.
Note, if you are in any of the following programs, please see your program counselor/advisor instead of PASS for individual assistance. However, workshops offered through PASS are available for all CSUSM students:
Class Availability
- How do I make sure the courses I need are available when I need them?When you use Degree Planner, CSUSM is able to better allocate resources to the courses students need. Please use it early and often.
- I can’t get the major requirement I need. What do I do?Please contact your faculty advisor or department chair to discuss potential options. In addition, you may want to make an appointment to see your academic advisor and/or specialty program advisor if you are in any of the following programs: Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), TRiO Student Support Services, Pathways to Academic Success and Opportunities (PASO), College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), ACE Scholars.
Summer/Winter
- Why are summer and winter classes more expensive?Classes offered during the summer and winter terms are offered by Extended Learning, which has a different fee structure. For more information, visit: http://www.csusm.edu/el/admissions/index.html
- How many units should I take in the summer to graduate in 4 years?Students need to average 30 units a year to graduate in four years. How many units you need to take during the summer depends on your average academic year unit-load.
- Can I take a summer class at a community college?Students who would like to enroll in a summer class may consider going to a California Community College. Consult ASSIST.org for information on transferable courses.
Veterans Affairs
- What is the minimum requirement I need to receive my full Federal VA benefit?You need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester to receive your full Federal VA Benefit. Please contact the Epstein Family Veterans Center for more information regarding your VA benefit.
- What happens if I am a veteran but I’m not enrolled full-time?
Financial Aid
- How many units do I need to take to receive financial aid?It depends on the type of award you will be receiving. See the CSUSM financial aid website titled “Financial Aid Programs” for more information.
- Will I lose financial aid if I stay in school too long?Yes, there is a limit to the length of time you may receive financial aid. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for more information.
- Does financial aid cover summer and/or winter classes?It depends on the financial aid you have been awarded. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
- Will I receive a higher financial aid amount if my unit-load is higher than 15 units?No.
- If I fail a class, can I receive financial aid to retake it?