Add/Drop Period

Timeline

During the first two weeks of the semester, you are able to:

• • Add classes
  • Drop with no academic record (i.e., no W grade)

Through the day before census, you may

• • Continue to drop classes with no academic record (i.e., no W grade)

Below are links to resources that will answer your questions and help you navigate these processes. For a complete list of important dates, please see the Spring 2024 enrollment calendar.

How does it work? 

During the first week of classes

You may enroll in open classes without a permission number (a 6-digit code you can use when enrolling). You can tell if a class is open in the schedule when there is a green circle for the status in the Class Schedule. 

• If the class notes indicate ‘instructor consent required’ or the status is closed or waitlist, you must request a permission number to enroll. This means that students on waitlists are not automatically enrolled once the semester begins, and if the class is in a waitlist status, a permission number is required to enroll.

During the second week

A permission number is required to enroll in all classes, even if the status is open. 

Responses from faculty members for requests for permission numbers may be delayed during the first week of the semester due to strike activity.

During these first two weeks, as well as through the day before census, you may drop classes with no academic record (i.e., no W grade). This may be completed directly in MyCSUSM under the Enroll tab. 

Can I be dropped for non-attendance?

Yes. Even in an asynchronous online class, if you do not meet attendance/assignment deadline requirements set by the instructor, you may be administratively dropped. Be sure to log into Cougar Courses the first day of class (or the first day of the semester) to review the syllabus and any materials posted by your instructor to ensure that you meet attendance requirements.

How do I request a permission number (also known as “crash”)?

Some classes may require a permission number to enroll. A permission number may be requested from your instructor and then entered in the Permission Nbr box when enrolling in the class.

To request a permission number from a faculty member, send an email to indicate that you would like to enroll in the class and request a permission number. Be sure to include the name of the class, as well as the section and any other relevant information that you would like the faculty member to know about your interest in the class. Below is a sample email. 

Hello,

I would like to enroll in your GEW 101B General Education Writing class this semester. The specific class information is below. I am a new student and would very much like to complete my writing requirement this semester.

GEW 101B, section 04, Class Number 45000, Asynchronous

Locating Faculty Email Address

You can find the faculty member’s name in the class schedule. Click on the hyperlink where the instructor's name is listed for their email address.

 

When the results appear, you will see results under ‘Directory’  - locate your faculty member’s name and the email address.

If a faculty member has not yet been assigned to the class (e.g. the class schedule shows “STAFF”, or you sent an email and have not received a response within 48 hours, you may refer to the Department Contact List for additional assistance. 

How do I enroll with a permission number? 

Please see the question “How do I enroll with a permission number” on the Enrollment FAQ page. 

How do I drop a class? 

Please see “Dropping courses” on the Enrollment Tips page.