Former Student FAQs

1. Am I considered a former student if I was admitted but never attended CSUSM?

   No.  You must have attended CSUSM during the semester in which you applied and were admitted.

2. I withdrew from my courses first semester and received "W" grades(s) on my transcripts.  Am I a former student?

   Yes. If you enrolled in your first semester, petitioned for withdrawal, were approved to withdraw from your courses after the add/drop period of that term and received "W" (withdrawal) grade(s), you are considered a former student.

3. Am I eligible to reapply for admission?

   Applicants who have previously attended CSUSM will need to meet all current admission requirements for an upper division transfer student.  These requirements include a minimum of 60 transferable units (30 of which are lower division GE), overall 2.00 GPA, and all four basic skills courses successfully completed (oral communicatin, written communication, critical thinking and mathematics).

4. I did not complete more than 60 units before I left CSUSM, can I apply as a first year student?

   No.  Former students will only be considered for admission if the current admission requirements for an upper division transfer student have been met.  These requirements include a minimum of 60 transferable units (30 of which are lower division GE), overall 2.00 GPA, and all four basic skills courses successfully completed (oral communicatin, written communication, critical thinking and mathematics).

5. Can I be readmitted to CSUSM if I have a financial hold?
   

   Financial holds will not prevent a former student from reapplying or being admitted to the University, but will prevent a former student from registering for classes.  Any financial obligations to the university must be satisfied prior to course enrollment.

6. Am I eligible to reapply to CSUSM if I left CSUSM on academic probation?

   If you left CSUSM on academic probation, you are still eligible to reapply as an upper division transfer student. 

7. Am I eligible to reapply to CSUSM if I was academically disqualified?

   If you were academically disqualified from CSUSM, you will need to petition for reinstatement and reapply for admission as an upper division transfer student.

8. Am I considered a former student if I already completed a degree at CSUSM?

   No.  After earning your degree, you are considered an alumna/alumnus. If you wish to return to complete an additional degree, credential, or certificate, you will need to follow the appropriate admissions cycle.

9. When can I meet with my academic advisor?

   Once you are readmitted to CSUSM, you will be eligible to meet with an academic advisor.

10. How can I find out what requirements I have left to complete my degree?

    CSUSM is unable to evaluate your remaining requirements until after you have been readmitted.  Once you are readmitted to CSUSM, you will be able to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to view your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in your Student Center in MyCSUSM. The ARR will display your completed and remaining requirements. 

11. What are "catalog rights"?
    

    "Catalog rights" is a term used to define a set of requirements as established in the University catalog for a specific year, in which a student must satisfy to qualify for a degree.  As long as a student maintains continuous attendance at CSUSM, or a combination of CSU campuses and California Community College, his/her catalog rights are protected, and thus his/her catalog term(s) for the graduation requirements listed above, are protected.  "Continuous attendance" is defined as attendance at CSUSM in at least one semester (spring or fall) per calendar year.

12. I walked in commencement, but never received my diploma. Did I graduate?

    The commencement ceremony is an important tradition but it does not determine the awarding of your degree and issuance of a diploma. In order to earn your degree, all requirements must be complete. Any outstanding requirement will result in the cancellation of your graduation application.

13. What if I took courses through Open University?

    Courses taken through Open University will be considered residence credit, meaning that those units will apply toward graduation. If you have not been academically disqualified or denied admission, you are welcome to attend classes through Open University while you wait to reapply or wait to be readmitted.