Open University Frequently Asked Questions

Open University is available for Fall and Spring regular session courses. Academic year dates can be found at csumb.edu/academic-calendar. Non-CSUMB Open University students must register on the first day of class.

Community members may also enroll in courses during the Extended Education Winter Session. For Winter Session, community members may register alongside all other students on the first day of the registration period.

Courses are offered online and/or on-campus. Some courses offered on-campus may be offered online during another term. There are also courses offered as hybrid, which meet both on-campus and online.

All CSUMB undergraduate courses offered during the Fall and Spring terms are available through Open University, with instructor approval.

Open University students may register for Fall and Spring courses beginning on the first day of classes. For registration details for Winter and Summer terms, please visit the Winter and Summer session websites.

Courses taken through Open University may be transferable to other institutions; however, the acceptance and application of credit are determined by the receiving institution’s transfer credit policies. We recommend confirming transfer eligibility directly with the institution you plan to attend.

No. Admission to the University is not required. The Open University program is designed to expand access to CSUMB courses for individuals who are not formally admitted, degree-seeking students at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Yes. Courses completed through Open University at CSUMB are included on your official CSUMB academic record. Up to 24 units earned through Open University may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree at CSUMB, subject to University policies.

Open University students may enroll only in courses with available space on the first day of instruction. If a course is full, students may request permission from the instructor to attend during the first two weeks of the term, in case a seat becomes available due to a student dropping the course.

No. However, in some cases, you may be required to provide the instructor with documentation demonstrating that you have met the prerequisites for the course.

The Credit/No Credit grading option is determined by the instructor and, if offered, will be noted in the course schedule. Auditing a course is not permitted for Open University students.

Financial aid does not automatically apply to Open University enrollment. However, students who have remaining financial aid funds available in their personal accounts may use those funds toward Open University tuition. We recommend meeting with a financial aid counselor to discuss your individual options.

Yes. Open University allows you to enroll in CSUMB courses even if you were not admitted. Taking Open University classes can be a great way to raise your GPA or complete missing admission requirements for CSUMB.

No. However, you may be able to transfer up to 24 units of Open University coursework, which could be applied toward graduation requirements depending on the policies of the institution from which you plan to graduate. For specific questions about admissions or graduation requirements, please contact the appropriate department at your intended institution.

No. Open University students may enroll in courses at their own pace, based on availability and personal schedules.

Yes. Open University students have access to most campus resources and facilities, similar to admitted, degree-seeking students. This includes the library, Student Center, dining facilities, and the recreation center (with a gym membership). Open University students may also participate in intramural sports but are not eligible to compete in NCAA Division II athletics.

Yes. Open University students are assigned a CSUMB email address, which is the primary method of communication with instructors and the University. Please check your CSUMB email regularly. Your CSUMB email account will remain active only while you are enrolled in a course at CSUMB.

After the add/drop period has ended, any request to drop one or more classes is considered a withdrawal and is approved only for serious and compelling reasons. Students must provide supporting documentation for the request. An approved withdrawal does not result in an “F” on the academic record.

To request a withdrawal, review the University’s withdrawal procedures and submit the required forms to University College and Graduate Studies. Withdrawal requests must be approved by the Dean and the Provost.

Medical and military withdrawals should be submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar and do not require a Dean’s signature. All other withdrawal requests require review and approval by the Dean of the student’s College.

Note: Students are responsible for requesting any applicable tuition refunds separately.