Academic Planning and Advising

CSU, Chico utilizes a Dual Advising System, where undergraduate students are provided support through both the undergraduate advising office as well as their academic major department.

Advisors in the office of Academic Advising Programs, serve as “general practitioners,” providing students with assistance in understanding graduation requirements, general education, major exploration, course selection and registration, University policies and procedures. Academic Advising is also the advising home for undeclared students and the first stop for students with general advising questions.

Once a student declares a major, the student will be assigned a major advisor within the academic department. (Please note: the method for assigning advisors varies by department. Contact the department for details.) The major advisor is a “specialist”, providing specific advice on program planning and course selection within the major, advice on internships, and other opportunities in the major.
 
Understanding CSU, Chico’s nine graduation requirements is essential for selecting appropriate courses.

Advisors in the office of Academic Advising Programs can help students understand the requirements and monitor their academic progress. Here is a brief explanation of each requirement and a few specific tips about how to pick classes (particularly for a student’s first semester).

Note: See page 118 in the 2009-2011 University Catalog for more details.

Graduation Requirements

1. Total Units

• 120–124 (BA)
• 120–128 (BS)
• 132 (BS Engr or BFA)

Trying to graduate in four years?

• BA/BS = 15-16 units each semester
• Engr/BFA = 16-17 units per semester.
• Ask Yourself: How many units is a
• realistic load?
• Generally, (units) x (3) + (number hours working, etc.) should total no more than 60 hours.

2. Upper Division Units

• 40 units

Which courses are upper division?

• Upper division courses are ≥ 300.

Tip: Courses numbered ≥300 are more advanced. Freshmen should focus on courses numbered 100–200.

3. Residence Requirement

• 30 units must be completed at CSU,

Chico, including:

• 24 upper division units
• 12 major units
• 9 units of general education

Keep in mind: Non-transfer students attending CSU, Chico will automatically complete the Residence Requirement within their program. However, transfer students need to be aware of this requirement.

Tip: Transfer students can complete their 9 GE units at CSU, Chico by taking their Theme courses.

4. General Education

• 48 units.

Three components of General Education:

• Core = 4 classes (speech, composition, critical thinking, mathematics)
• Breadth = 9 classes (science, humanities, social sciences, lifelong learning)
• Theme = 3 classes (an upper-division requirement taken junior/senior years)

Tip: Freshmen should complete the four Core classes during their first two semesters. Transfers from community colleges may have completed the entire Core and Breadth requirement, but will need to complete the Upper- Division Theme at CSU, Chico.

5. Diversity Requirement

• 6 units

US Diversity (USD) = 1 class (study of an
ethnic subculture within the United States)
Global Cultures (GC) = 1 class
(study of a culture outside of Western Heritage)

Tip: Students can complete both diversity courses within general education.

6. American Institutions Requirement

6 units
U.S. History (HIST 130, 130H) = 1 class
U.S. Constitution and State/Local
Government (POLS 155, 155H, 355) = 1 class

Tip: Freshmen may want to include one, but not both of these courses in their first semester. Transfer students from a California community college may have taken classes for this requirement that also count for general education.

7. Skills Requirement

A grade of C- or better is required for the following GE requirements (Core):

• Oral Communication = 1 class
• Written Communication = 1 class
• Critical Thinking = 1 class
• Mathematics = 1 class

Students must be placed into the
appropriate levels of math and English
by taking the Entry Level Math Exam
(ELM) and English Placement Test
(EPT). Students must take (or be exempt from) these exams prior to registration.

Tip: Tell your students to take these tests seriously because their scores determine if they need remedial classes

8. Major

Remember that most students change their major at least once during their first year in college - that can be a sign that they are actively exploring their intellectual interests.

Tip: Declaring a major is an important decision your student will need to make. There are many ways that students can explore majors. Advisors in the office of Academic Advising Programs can help.

9. Grade Point Average (GPA)

Minimum 2.0, or a “C” average

Tip: Attending college is a big transition for most students; 16-18 percent of new students earn a GPA less than 2.0 in their first semester in college. Academic probation is not something to be taken lightly. Advisors in the Office of Academic Advising Programs can help.