General Information

Registration Information, Dates & Deadlines

Registration in CSU, Chico Special Session courses, as well as in non-credit classes and workshops, is open to everyone and does not require or constitute admission to CSU, Chico. If you are interested in formal admission to the University, contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-542-4426 or 530-898-4428. University admission requirements are outlined in the University Catalog and available online at www.csuchico.edu/catalog.

How to Register
Registering for courses and workshops is easy! Simply choose one of these convenient methods and submit payment.

Register Online

Use the Continuing Education online registration request process accessed from the Course Schedule if you are paying with a Visa or MasterCard.

• Select the course(s) you want from the course schedule (Special Session, Extension Workshop)
• Proceed to Checkout.
• From checkout, select Enroll Now.
• Complete the registration form.
• Submit credit card information via our secure registration system.

Register by Phone

If you are paying with a Visa or MasterCard, you can call us at 530-898-6105 to complete your registration.

Register in Person

Visit the Continuing Education Office between 8am-5pm Monday-Friday to register and pay by credit card, check, money order, or cash.

Register by Mail

Download and complete a registration form and mail it with your payment to:

CSU, Chico
Center for Regional & Continuing Education
Chico, CA 95929-0250

Open University

• What is Open University?
  Offered on a space-available basis, Open University provides an opportunity for the residents of CSU, Chico's service area to access regularly scheduled University classes on a limited basis with permission of the instructor. Open University is open to anyone who is not formally admitted to the University, including high school graduates, adults seeking degree credit but who have not yet been admitted, do not plan to enroll at CSU, Chico, or are disqualified/denied students.

• How to Register for Open University
  To register for Open University, select your classes from the online schedule available at www.csuchico.edu. Then download the Open University registration instructions and forms at rce.csuchico.edu/openu and attend the first day of class to secure the permission of the instructor to enroll. If you are enrolling in courses offered by the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management, your forms require the department chair's signature. Once approved, return your completed registration forms to Continuing Education to pay your fees and complete your registration.

• Open University Fees
  Open University fees are $280/unit. Activity and laboratory courses require additional fees. Special material fees and/or other costs associated with specific courses may apply. A $10 late fee is assessed for any Open University classes added after the fourth Friday of the semester (census date), even if the classes begin after that date.

• Disqualification
  If you have been disqualified from regular attendance during fall or spring semesters, you may still enroll in Extension and/or Special Session courses. Open University is available with some exceptions. To register for Open University courses, you will have to obtain signatures on the Add/Drop form from the department chair of the course you are enrolling in as well as an adviser from Academic Advising if you are an undergraduate or if you are a graduate student at the Graduate School. For your registration to be processed, this Add/Drop form must be completed with the proper signatures.

• Open University Withdrawal & Refund Policies
  
  • Instructor permission on an Add/Drop form is required to withdraw from Open University courses after the second week of the semester.
  • Adding or dropping a class after the fourth week of the semester (census date) will be approved only for a serious and compelling reason, and requires the signatures of the instructor, department chair, and college dean on an Add/Drop form. Failure to do so constitutes an unofficial withdrawal and can result in a failing grade for the course.
  • A 65% refund less a $5 processing fee will be granted if you request a refund from the Center for Regional & Continuing Education by the fourth week of the semester (census date). No refunds are granted after this date, regardless of the class start date.

CSU, Chico Special Session

• Special Session Credit Courses Fees
  The current Special Session fees are $230/unit. Non-resident fees do not apply to Special Session courses. Additional course fees may apply. Please check the course description for specific fees.
  
  For semester long courses with "TBA" listed, fees need to be paid by the following days to avoid the late fee. A $10 late fee will be required after these dates.

All other Special Session courses must have fees paid on or before the first day of class to avoid the late fee.

Note: January Intersession is a separate term, and not considered part of Spring semester.

How Do Waiting Lists Work?
Due to heavy demand, some classes will fill. You may place your name on a waiting list without any obligation. If a class is full, you may add your name to the waitlist. Waitlists are cleared as space becomes available in order of first come, first served. You must be eligible to enroll in the course to be moved from the waitlist to enrolled status.

When space becomes available, the waitlist will automatically add the first eligible student on the waitlist to the class and send an email notification. If you are enrolled from a waitlist, you must pay fees to avoid being dis-enrolled for non-payment of fees. Add a payment to your account via the Portal or contact Continuing Education to make a payment as soon as you are notified that you have been added to a waitlisted class.

Each instructor will be given the waiting list prior to the first class meeting, but he/she is under no obligation to add students in the order of the list. If we haven't called and you still want to register, consider attending the first class meeting and request written permission directly from the instructor. Click on the link to obtain an Add/Drop form or stop by the Continuing Education office on campus.

Special Session Residence Credit
Units earned through Special Session count toward the residence credit requirement for academic degrees and may be applied toward credential requirements if the course number is less than 800.

Special Session Grade Policy
All policies regarding grading for Special Session are the same as for regular University courses. Please see the University Catalog for specific information on grading symbols, policies, and procedures. With the professor's permission, elective courses may be taken for credit/no credit. Some courses may only be offered credit/no credit. Prior to enrolling, please ensure that the grading method established for any course meets your needs.

Special Session Refund Policy
Refund calculations are based on the completion of all appropiate signatures/paperwork, the date the request and paperwork are submitted to Continuing Education, and the start date of the class. Each week of class ends on Friday, regardless of the number of class meetings held during that week.

 

Special Session Add/Drop Information
TBA Courses have until the deadline date (see Registration Information) for that specific term to add or drop with no late fees or penalty; however, there is a $15 processing fee for drops. After this date, there will be no refund, and all three approvals are required on an Add/Drop form.

If you wish to drop or withdraw from a Special Session class, contact us prior to the beginning of the class or come by Continuing Education immediately to complete an Add/Drop form and a refund request, if applicable. Failure to withdraw officially may result in a grade of 'WU' in each course. Once classes begin, you must drop a course officially or you will remain liable for all course fees. If you are taking evening courses and are not able to come into Continuing Education, call 530-898-6105. You may leave a message at this number outside of working hours. Adds or drops with a serious and compelling reason as defined by the University Catalog require the Instructor, Department Chair, and college Dean's signatures as follows:

Payment & Fees

• Payment of Fees
  Payment of fees is due in full upon registration. Partial payments will not be accepted. Cash, check, money order, and VISA/MasterCard will be accepted as method of payment of fees. Please make your check or money order payable to CSU, Chico. Registration is complete only after fees have been paid.

• Late Fee & Service Charges
  Payment of fees received or postmarked after the date of the first class meeting will be subject to a late fee of $10 per course. A $20 service charge and an enrollment reservation fee of $10 per course are applicable for each dishonored check. If there is an unpaid balance on your account, you may be assessed a past due receivable fee of $20. All fees are subject to change based on Trustee or Legislative action.

• Extension Withdrawal Policies
  If you find it impossible to attend an Extension workshop after registering, contact Continuing Education immediately to withdraw from the class. Refunds for Extension workshops are calculated based on the length of the course and the time of withdrawal. The time of withdrawal is determined by the date of written or phone notification of your withdrawal or by the postmark date on a mailed notification, whichever comes first.

• Non-Credit Refund Schedule
  For classes with 3+ meetings:
  Course cancels: all fees returned
  Withdrawal after paying fees but before the first day of class: all fees returned less $15 processing fee
  Withdrawal on or after the first day of class: no refund
  
  For classes with 4+ meetings:
  Course cancels: all fees returned
  Withdrawal after paying fees but before the first day of class: all fees returned less $15 processing fee
  Withdrawal on or after the first workshop meeting: 65% refund
  Withdrawal after 25% of the workshop has elapsed: no refund      
  
  Gatlin Online Career Training Programs are non-refundable.

• Discontinued Classes
  CSU, Chico reserves the right to discontinue, postpone, or combine classes, and to change instructors. If a class is discontinued by the University, all fees are refunded. Announcement of cancellations is made by the second class meeting.

Transcripts & Grades

• Official Transcripts
  Information and the official transcript request form are available online at http://em.csuchico.edu/sro/Forms/TranscriptReqForm.pdf . For questions regarding other services offered by Student Records and Registration please visit www.csuchico.edu/sro or call (530) 898-5142.   
  
  Note: Teachers requesting transcripts for salary increment mark the appropriate teacher box on the form and review processing outline to ensure timely receipt of transcripts. 
  
  Your transcript shows CSU, Chico work for courses numbered 001-899. Courses numbered 800-899 do not apply towards a degree unless approved by the appropriate department.  Successful completion of an 800 level course will appear on the transcript with a CR grade and a value in the attempted field that may not be reflected in the earned field or the summary totals.

• Grade Reports
  If you are admitted to a degree program at CSU, Chico or have enrolled in any courses at CSU, Chico after Summer 2004, grades are available through the Chico State Portal Connection. To see your grade, follow these procedures:
  
  1. Go to http://portal.csuchico.edu and log on to Portal.
  2. Select the “Records, Registration, & Finance” tab in the upper section of the page.
  3. Enter the “Student Center .”
  4. Select “Grades” under Academic History.
  5. Select the term for which you wish to view grades.
  
  To create your portal account, visit: http://portal.csuchico.edu/cp/home/loginf. If you are unsure about your login ID or password, please contact Student Computing at 530-898-4357.
  
  Information regarding grades prior to summer 2004 will require a transcript request form available to download at www.csuchico.edu/sro
  
  

Campus Services

Library Privileges
As an Open University or Special Session student enrolled in a credit class, you are entitled to full privileges of the CSU, Chico library. An ID card that gives you circulation privileges may be obtained at the Wildcat ID Card Office in the Student Services Center, room 180.

Health Services
If you are enrolled in 6 or more units in a term, you are eligible for Student Health Center services. Starting Fall 2012 the fee of $129 is payable to Continuing Education or the Cashiering Office in the Student Services Center, room 230 before the fourth week of the semester. Health services in summer are available on a per-visit fee basis.

Students with Disabilities
CSU, Chico recognizes the unique needs of students with disabilities. In order to ensure program accessibility, timely and appropriate requests for services need to be made to Disability Support Services, Student Services Center, room 170, or by calling 530-898-5959 V/TDD.

Parking
Parking permits are required to park automobiles, motorcycles, and motorized bicycles on campus. Disabled guests will also need to display a DMV parking placard and a CSU, Chico parking permit or hourly/daily permit to park in designated stalls on campus. CSU, Chico semester parking permits are on a first-come-first-served basis until sold out at the University Cashiering Office, Student Services Center, Room 230. Individual hourly/daily parking permits may be purchased from dispensing machines located in the various parking lots. See University parking rules at http://www.csuchico.edu/up/html/parking_rules.html.

Textbooks
Textbooks, as required, are available through the Associated Students Bookstore. Visit the bookstore online at www.asbookstore.com.

Veterans' Benefits
If you are eligible to receive VA educational benefits and are considering enrolling for Special Session courses at CSU, Chico, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at 530-898-5911, email at va@csuchico.edu, or view information at www.csuchico.edu/va. If attending another school, contact that institution about certification of veterans' educational benefits.

Out of Town Students
If traveling a long distance to attend a course, you are encouraged to call Continuing Education, 530-898-6105, to confirm your class schedule.

Course Numbering System

001-099: Pre-baccalaureate. These courses are generally developmental or preparatory and carry no baccalaureate credit.

100-199: Freshman or first year, lower-division. These courses are designed for freshmen, but may be taken by others. Many community college courses may be comparable.

200-299: Sophomore or second year, lower-division. These courses are designed for sophomores, but may be taken by others. Some community college courses may be comparable.

300-399: Junior or third year, upper-division. These courses are designed for juniors, but may be taken by others. This course designation is appropriate for GE Upper-Division Themes. None of these courses are comparable to community college courses. Since community college courses cannot qualify for upper-division credit, it is presumed that upper-division courses at CSU, Chico should not be equivalent to similar courses at any community college.

400-499: Senior or fourth year, upper-division or graduate. These courses are designed for seniors, but may be taken by others. This course designation is appropriate for senior seminars and courses that require a high degree of disciplinary sophistication or a high degree of specificity in content. It assumes considerable prerequisite knowledge and experience. None of these courses are comparable to community college courses. Students receiving graduate credit for these courses generally are required to complete additional course work compared to students receiving baccalaureate credit.

500-599: Advanced senior or graduate. These courses reflect advanced study, which is appropriate for both seniors and graduate students. Students receiving graduate credit for these courses generally are required to complete additional course work compared to students receiving baccalaureate credit. These courses can include post-baccalaureate courses, such as those in credential programs, which are not permitted to be included in course work for graduate degrees.

600-699: Graduate only. Graduate courses are open to post-baccalaureate students only, except undergraduates with permission from the Dean of the Graduate School . They require an identification and investigation of a theory or principle; application of theory to new ideas, problems, and materials; extensive use of bibliographic and other resource materials; or competence in the scholarly presentation of independent study research.

800-899: These courses focus on issues and challenges encountered in professional service and aim to meet the needs of individuals seeking vocational improvement and career advancement. They are designed to meet objectives not served by established graduate and undergraduate courses. Credit for these courses does not apply to degrees and credentials. However, in exceptional cases and with the approval of the appropriate department chair and the dean of your school, they may be applied toward degree and credential programs for which such courses are deemed acceptable. Determination of the acceptability of these courses for degree and credential credit will depend primarily upon course content and approach. If you are considering using these courses for credential or degree purposes, consult with the appropriate department before registering.

900-999: Extension workshops offered for professional development or personal enrichment that do not provide academic credit and do not appear on a transcript.

Tax Deductions for Educational Expenses

Treasury regulations may permit an income tax deduction for educational expenses; e.g., registration fees and costs of travel, meals, and lodging. Consult with your local tax advisor or Internal Revenue Service office for more information

Chico State Connection - The Portal

We recommend that all students enrolling in Special Session courses establish a portal account. The Chico State Connection (CSC) portal provides access to many important student services, including: library resources, grades, unofficial transcripts, and course materials. In addition, students enrolled in courses using Vista will access materials and technical support through the portal. To establish your portal account, you will need your nine-digit ID number and your date of birth.

To create your portal account, visit: http://portal.csuchico.edu/cp/home/loginf. If you have difficulty creating your portal account or accessing your WebCT/Vista online course, contact technical support at 800-780-4837.

Course Resources and Vista Courses
Many courses require the use of Vista, the campus online course management system. From the Chico State Connection home page, click on the “My Course Resources” tab. Select the appropriate course from those listed. You'll also be able to access online resources, technical support, and any supplemental materials for the course. Links to the library can also be found on the Chico State home page.