Academic Information for Freshmen

UAC Homepage	ELM/EPT Information	Freshmen Information	Transfer Information	General Education Requirements (Fall 2005)
General Education Course Descriptions	Majors and Minors	University Advisement Center Forms	Frequently Asked Questions	General Education Requirements (Fall 2004)
University Catalog	Class Schedule	Community College Links	ASSIST.ORG	General Education Requirements (Summer 2004 and Prior)
C.L.A.S.S. (Tutoring Center)	Financial Aid Office	Testing Office	Admissions and Records	CSUDH Homepage

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, a minor (required for most majors), and electives. The General Education curriculum requires 54 to 61 units (almost 50% of the total 120 units needed for graduation). In their first two years, freshmen students focus on General Education courses and lower division requirements, if any, for their major or minor. It is very important for students to approach their college education in this 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 two semesters of enrollment. Based on test scores, the University places students in appropriate English and math courses. After two semesters, unmet Entry Level Skill courses will prevent future enrollment at the University.

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 in major and minor departments and at 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
One General Education course or lower division major 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 your 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. Make a time plan that includes the above and follow that plan. Above all, make your university experience fun!