Information for Freshmen

Introduction

The Bachelor of Arts Degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills requires 120 semester units. The Bachelor of Science degree may require up to 132 semester units. There are two semesters per year, Fall and Spring, plus two Summer Sessions. The Fall semester runs late August to mid-December and the Spring semester runs late January through May.

Most “full-time” freshmen enroll in 12 to 15 units, four to five courses, each semester. Generally, two hours of homework are required for each unit! Therefore, full time students average 24 to 30 hours of homework per week. Keep this in mind if you plan to work part time.

Degree requirements are divided among General Education (G. E.), a major, and electives. Students may choose to “double major” or complete a minor. The General Education curriculum requires 54 to 59 units (almost 50% of the total 120 units needed for graduation). In their first two years, freshmen students focus on General Education courses and any lower division major requirements. It is very important for students to approach their college education in a systematic fashion.

Lower division courses are numbered 100 to 299, upper division courses are numbered 300 to 499, and non-degree courses are numbered 001 - 099.

The CSU system requires all freshmen to demonstrate Entry Level Skills in two areas: English composition and mathematics. The first step is to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Math Test (ELM). Take the test(s) as soon as you can. Although we do not use the tests for admission to the university, non-exempt students must take both tests before class registration. Lack of test scores will impede proper class placement for the first year and may require additional coursework. Some students may be exempt from these tests based on SAT, ACT, or AP test scores. Check your letter of admission for information.

Students must pass all Entry Level Skills English and math courses in the first year of enrollment. Based on test scores, the University places students in appropriate English and math courses. Students must begin these courses their first semester.

New Student Orientation

New freshmen students should plan to attend a New Student Orientation to learn about the University, meet with an advisor, plan a class schedule, and register for classes. There are several New Student Orientations before each semester. The University notifies students by mail of the dates and times.

Advising

In order to register for classes you must meet with an advisor to plan a class schedule and clear computer records. For new freshmen, advising takes place at the New Student Orientation. Academic advisors are usually faculty or staff members from major departments and the University Advisement Center. Initially, the University assigns students an advisor based upon their declared major. Later, students may choose another advisor.

The University Advisement Center (UAC) provides academic advising for students without declared majors and most freshmen. The UAC also provides extensive advice about General Education and all University academic policies.

The University Advisement Center’s academic advisors provide guidance on the following topics:

  • EPT/ELM test information and interpretation of scores
  • English and math class placement
  • Class schedules
  • General Education classes
  • Academic policies
  • Major/minor information

Class Selection

The University Advisement Center strongly recommends that freshmen enroll in the following schedule (four courses) for their first semester:

  • English (based on EPT score or exemption)
  • Math (based on ELM score or exemption)
  • UNV 101 Personal, Social and Intellectual Development
  • Cohort Class UNV 101 Cohort class, usually a General Education course

This schedule, especially UNV101, helps new students acclimate to the university by encouraging student engagement and academic success. Students will learn about note taking styles, test taking strategies, time management, and university resources.

The Class Schedule, both on-line and for sale in the bookstore, lists class days and times. Unlike a high school schedule, most classes meet only two or three days per week. Sometimes science and math courses meet three or four days per week. Typically, freshmen enroll in 12 units, four classes, taking two classes on Monday and Wednesday, or Monday-Wednesday-Friday, and two classes on Tuesday and Thursday. It is possible to take four classes on two days, but keep in mind the extra pressures of attending four back-to-back classes, taking exams, and submitting papers. Morning classes usually fill up first, but there are also afternoon and evening sections for most required classes.

Finally, new Freshmen should ask questions! Unlike high school, a college education is the responsibility of the student. Meet and interact with fellow students, advisors, and faculty. University life requires students to set priorities: attend class, write papers, take tests, read extensively, manage time, set academic goals, and at the same time, satisfy family, work, and social obligations. Maintain a calendar that includes the above goals and refer to it daily. Above all, make your university experience fun!

The information presented is intended only as a guide. Consult the University Catalog and/or an academic advisor for complete information. For questions about your major, consult an advisor in the academic department.

The UAC is located in Welch Hall 220 and we can be reached by telephone at (310) 243-3538 or by email at uac@csudh.edu.  The UAC fax number is (310) 243-2415. 

University Advisement Center
California State University, Dominguez Hills