Open University Enrollment in Online Classes

CSU, Chico’s Open University (OU) program 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 on a space-available basis with instructor permission...and earn university credit. OU is also a great way to for incoming distance and online education students to complete prerequisite courses before beginning their degree program.

• There is no formal application or admission process
• Courses are available on campus or online
• Earn transferable credits - up to 24 units for bachelor’s degree and 9 units for master’s degree

Fall 2019 classes and Open University registration begins August 26. The last day to register is Friday, September 20.

Follow the steps below to enroll in an online class. For on-campus classes, please follow the steps here [1].

Step 1. Talk to an Advisor

If you plan to use your course(s) toward a CSU, Chico online degree, it is strongly recommended that you talk to an advisor [2] before attempting to register for any classes.

Step 2. Select a Class

Search the main CSU, Chico class schedule [3] for classes with "Location" listed as "WWW ONLINE" and "Entirely Internet Based" below the course listing, or the classes listed on this page that are pre-approved for a limited number of Open University students.

Step 3. Request the Online Add/Drop Form

Complete the online Open University Class Request Form [4]. The confirmation email you will receive includes a copy of your entry, which serves as your Add/Drop form.

Step 4. Obtain Permission to Enroll

On or after Friday, August 23, forward your Add/Drop email to the instructor requesting permission to enroll in the class through Open University. Contact information for all instructors is available in the faculty-staff directory [5]. Once you have received permission via email from the instructor, forward your approval email(s) to Regional & Continuing Education [6].

Please note: (1) Completing the form does not guarantee space will be available on the first day of class when we begin enrollment. (2) Online Sociology classes are not available to Open University students.

Step 5: Enrollment & Fee Payment

Beginning the first day of the semester, call the Continuing Education office to pay Open University fees and be enrolled in the class for which you obtained the instructor's permission. Payment must be received in full 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.

The Open University fees are $302 per unit. Any debts to the University or registration holds must be resolved before registration can be completed. Financial aid is not available to Open University students. You may, however, be eligible for other options, such as loans [7].

Step 6: Access Your Online Class

After you are enrolled, Continuing Education staff will send you an orientation email. It will provide instructions for setting up a CSU, Chico Portal Account, accessing your courses, receiving technical help, ordering books, and other information to get you started.

Step 7: Prepare for Class

If a syllabus is posted, review the course outline and the book list. Books may be purchased online through the CSU, Chico Wildcat Store [8].

Disqualified Students and/or Students Who Have Been Denied Admission

Academically-disqualified students must attend an academic advising workshop [9] and meet with an academic advisor for a signature before requesting permission to enroll. Signatures are needed from both the instructor and department chair. Additional information can be found on the Academic Advising website [10].

Those who have been denied admission to CSU, Chico must obtain a signature from an admissions advisor, in addition to the instructor and department chair.

Refund and Drop Policy

A 65% refund will be granted to those students who drop their course(s) starting the first day of classes (August 26, 2019) through the fourth Friday of the semester (September 20, 2019). No refund will be issued for drops after September 20.

Students may drop courses without the instructor's permission through Friday, September 6. From September 7–20, students must request the instructor's permission to drop via email and then forward the instructor's approval to Regional & Continuing Education [6]. Drops after September 20 require additional approvals of the department chair and college dean, as well as a "serious and compelling reason."

Maximum Units Through Open University Toward a Degree

The maximum amount of Open University credit which may be applied toward a CSU, Chico 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 nine units. By that point, you are expected to be admitted to CSU, Chico 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.

Student Health Services

If you are an Open University student taking six or more units you may have access to Student Health Services for $240 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.