Open University

The Open University Program provides an opportunity for students who have not been admitted to the University, or who have been denied admission or disqualified, to enroll in online state-support courses, based on faculty permission. This program is not intended for degree-seeking students and does not meet financial aid requirements. Open University is not available if you are eligible to enroll as a state-support student, or if you are a non-resident of California who was enrolled for the previous term as a regular matriculated student. If you are enrolled as an Open University student and decide to apply for admission to the University, you must meet all regular admissions requirements.

Space availability and permission of the professor is required to register as an Open University student. For off-campus students, Continuing Education will check space availability and request the faculty permission for you. Other criteria may be established by the department or college. If more information is needed, Continuing Education will contact you. Adding courses after the registration deadline requires the permissions of the instructor, department chair, and college dean. Any debts to the University or registration holds must be resolved before registration can take place. Student ID cards will be mailed to you once your registration is complete. For more details concerning refund policy, unit load, and student health services, please read below.

Step 1. Talk to an Advisor

It is strongly recommended that you talk to an advisor before attempting to register for any classes.

Step 2. Request your Course(s) to begin the Registration Process.

Registration will open for online courses through Open University for the fall 2013 semester on August 5, 2013.  Starting on that date, a link will be available on this page that will take you to registration details and to a list of online classes that are available for enrollment by Open University students. The dates of the semester are August 26, 2013 through December 20, 2013. The deadline to register is September 20, 2013.

Step 3: Space Availability and Faculty Permission

Continuing Education will check if there is space available, and if so, will seek faculty permission for you. If there is space, and the faculty allows your enrollment, and you do not have any University holds, you will be notified by email that you are eligible to take the course. Your payment will be requested at that time by Visa, MasterCard, or check. Payment must be received before your registration can be processed. If you choose to pay by check, we cannot process your registration until your check arrives at the Continuing Education Office.

Step 4: Registration/Fee Payment

Fees for the spring 2013 semester were $280 per unit.  We do not yet know if they will remain the same for fall 2013.  As soon as the fall 2013 fee is set we will post it here. Any debts to the University or registration holds must be resolved before registration can be completed.

Step 5: Student Identification (ID) Card:

You will receive an off-campus student ID card within three weeks of registering for your online course, if you haven’t already been issued one during a past semester. This ID entitles you to a number of services on the CSU, Chico campus, such as library privileges and WildcatMail (e-mail account).

Step 6: How do I Access my Online Class?

Go to the Portal Account Tools web page. You will set up your Portal account using your nine-digit student ID number (which will be on your enrollment verification letter) and your date of birth. Once you have established your Portal account, the Portal will automatically provide you with access to the courses in which you are enrolled. If you have any problems using the portal, just use the toll-free number for IT Support Services, 1-800-780-4837, and the technical staff there will help you. Many instructors should have instructional materials available starting one week prior to the start of the semester.

Step 7: Be Prepared for Class:

If a syllabus is posted, review the course outline and book list. Approximately two weeks before classes start, you can purchase your books online through the CSU, Chico Associated Students Bookstore.

Disqualified Students and/or Students Who Have Been Denied Admission

If you have been disqualified and/or denied admission at CSU, Chico you will need the permission of the instructor, the department chair, and the undergraduate advising office in order to enroll. This permission is obtained by on-campus students via signatures on a Change of Program (COP) form. However, as a courtesy to online distance students, Continuing Education staff will request the permissions required via email.

Refund and Drop Policy

A 65% refund (minus $5) will be granted to those students who have faculty permission to drop by the fourth Friday of the semester. No refund will be granted after that date. At your request, Continuing Education staff will request faculty approval for you to drop, complete a change of program (COP) form, and complete a refund form (if the faculty approves the drop). You will be mailed a copy of the COP approving the drop or contacted if the faculty does not approve the drop. After the fourth Friday of the semester additional approvals of the department chair and college dean are required to drop a class, as well as “a serious and compelling reason.” Continuing Education will request these additional approvals, mail you a copy of the COP if approved, or contact you if your request is not approved.

Maximum Units Toward a Degree

The maximum amount of Open University units which may be applied toward an undergraduate (B.A. or B.S.) degree is 24 units. The maximum number of units which may be applied toward a masters degree is nine units. If you are planning to pursue a master’s degree, please refer to the department office of the appropriate major for the unit limit. Note: Master’s Study (699) courses cannot be taken through Open University.

Student Health Services

If you are an Open University student taking 6 or more units you may have access to Student Health Services for $129 per semester. You may pay by calling Continuing Education at (530) 898-6105. The deadline for payment of the Student Health Fee is the fourth Friday of each semester.