Opening Doors to opportunity

Open University allows community members, working professionals, international or visiting students, former Chico State students and alumni to enroll in university courses during fall and spring terms. Open University opens doors so that you can grow professionally, explore personal interests, prepare for a career change, or give university life a try. Students enroll on a space-available basis with instructor permission.

• There is no formal application or admission process.
• Earn transferable credits, up to 24 units toward a bachelor’s degree or 9 units toward a master’s degree.

If you are looking for a University course when the fall and spring semesters are out of session, please check out the Winter Session and Summer Session schedules.  

Take an Open University Class

Open University class requests will open January 2!

• The spring 2025 semester begins January 21.
• Open University fees are $402/unit.*

How to Enroll

Step 1: Complete the Open University Add/Drop Form

Submit the Add Form or Drop Form for each course you wish to take. Once submitted, it will be routed for signatures as needed. 

Select the class(es) you would like to attend from the Chico State schedule of courses available on the Chico State class schedule. The info needed for the Add/Drop form is noted here:

Step 2: Class Enrollment

We'll start enrolling students in their class(es) beginning Monday, January 13. Once enrolled, you'll receive an overnight confirmation email. If you are a first time Chico State student, you will be emailed your student ID number and instructions to claim your account. 

Step 3: Pay Fees Once Enrollment is Complete

After you receive your enrollment confirmation email, log into your Student Centerto pay course fees or call 530-898-6105.

Open University Fees

• Fees are due at the time of enrollment. If fees are not paid within 72 hours of being enrolled, you will be dropped from the class. 
• Open University fees are $402/unit.* A $10 late fee will be charged for any registrations after the 20th day of the term. 
• Financial aid is not available to cover Open University fees.
• Any debt to the University or registration holds must be resolved before registration can take place.

Special Eligibility Requirements & Restrictions

• Admitted Chico State students are not eligible to take classes through Open University.
• Chico State benefitted employees (state and CSE) who work a minimum .40 appointment are eligible for reduced Open University fees of $75/unit. Please email Continuing Education to confirm eligibility.
• If you are an Open University student and decide to apply for admission to the University, you must meet all regular admission requirements. Contact the University Admissions Office for additional information.

Disqualified Students and/or Students Who Have Been Denied Admission

Academically disqualified students must meet with an academic advisor prior to completeing the add form, and permission from the adivsor is required. 

For students denied admission, approval from the Admissions Office (undergraduates) or your department's Graduate Coordinator (graduates) is required. 

Late Adds

All late adds after the 20th day of the term require permission from the instructor, department chair, and college dean. A $10 late fee will be charged for each class added after the 20th day of the term.

Drops

• To drop a class, please submit an online drop form. Failure to do so constitutes an unofficial withdrawal and can result in a failing grade for the course.
• Students can drop classes through the second week of class without permission.
• After the second week, instructor permission is required to drop courses. 
• After the 20th day of the term, permission of the instructor, department chair, and college dean is required.
• Please review our refund policy before submitting your drop request.

Swaps

• To request a swap, please submit an online swap form. 
• Students can request swaps through the second week of the semester, and any fees paid will be transferred to the newly added course.
• After the second week, a 65% refund will be given for the dropped course and the newly added course will be charged at the full rate. The student is responsible for paying any difference in cost. 
• After the 20th day of the term, no refund will be given for the dropped course, and the student must pay full price for the newly added course.

Refunds

• Drop on or before the first day of the term: Full refund. 
• Second day through the 20th day of the term: 65% refund minus $5 processing fee. 
• Drop after the 20th day of the term: No refund.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are obtained from the Students Records Office. For more information, or to request a transcript, visit https://www.csuchico.edu/sro/transcript/index.shtml.

Apply Open University Units Toward a Degree

The maximum amount of Open University credit which may be applied toward a Chico State undergraduate (BA or BS) degree is 24 units. The maximum number of Open University units which may be applied toward a master's degree is 9 units. By that point, you are expected to be admitted to Chico State to continue your degree coursework. If you are planning to pursue a master's degree, please refer to the department office of the appropriate major to check the unit limit. Note: Master's Thesis/Project (699) courses cannot be taken through Open University.

* Open University students are not admitted to Chico State and are therefore not eligible to receive federal loans or financial aid. You may, however, be eligible for other options, such as loans. Per unit cost indicated is for undergraduate courses and does not include any other additional course fees. Actual cost may vary and are subject to change.