Academic Requirements and Progress

The Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in OASIS shows your progress toward your degree, including general education, major, university and state requirements. Advisors use this report to help you plan, and the Office of the Registrar uses it to evaluate your eligibility for graduation.

To access your report, log in to your CSUMB dashboard, open OASIS, and go to Self Service > Student Center. From the dropdown menu, select Academic Requirements and click the arrow to view your report.

The ARR includes completed and in-progress courses. Transfer credits, AP/IB scores and courses with Incomplete grades may appear if minimum requirements are met. For help understanding your report, visit the Center for Advising and Student Success or email graduation@csumb.edu.

Your academic path matters. Whether you’re declaring your first major, exploring a new direction, or adding a second field of study, we’re here to help you make informed decisions that support your goals and keep you on track to graduate.

Declare Your Major

Choosing a major is an important milestone in your academic journey at Cal State Monterey Bay.

• You must receive approval from an academic advisor before declaring a major.
• You may declare at any time, but no later than the completion of 60 units.
• If you reach 60 units without declaring, you will be required to meet with an academic advisor to select a major.

Some programs have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses or a petition process. If these requirements have not been met, you may not be eligible to declare that major.

Not sure where to start? Connect with an academic advisor to explore your options.

Change Your Major

Students may change their major at any time with academic advisor approval. However, changing majors can affect your degree plan and graduation timeline, so careful planning is essential.

Keep in mind:

• Some programs have prerequisites or a petition process.
• You must be able to complete your new major within a maximum of 144 units.
• If you participate in a “degree with a guarantee” program (such as Associate Degree for Transfer or Through in Two/Finish in Four), changing your major may affect your guaranteed timeline and associated benefits, including priority registration.

An academic advisor can help you evaluate how a change may impact your path to graduation.

Declare a Second Major (Double Major)

You may declare a second major if:

• You can complete both majors within 144 units.
• You have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA (unless approved by your primary program advisor).
• Advisors from both majors approve your request.

Students may not declare a second major after completing the requirements for their first major.

Adding a second major is a significant commitment. Meet with advisors from both programs to create a realistic academic plan.

Declare or Change a Concentration or Minor

You may declare or change a concentration or minor at any time prior to filing for graduation, with advisor approval.

Requirements:

• You must be able to complete your major and minor within 144 units.
• Minors must be outside your major discipline.

Minors are designed to broaden your academic experience and deepen your expertise in a complementary field.

How to Declare or Change Your Major, Concentration or Minor

• Contact the academic or faculty advisor for the program you wish to declare or change to.
• If approved, your advisor will submit the request to update your student record.
• The Office of the Registrar will review and process the request.
• Allow seven business days for processing in OASIS.
• Log in to your OASIS Student Center to confirm your update.

If your record has not been updated after seven business days, follow up with the Office of the Registrar.

Need Guidance?

Choosing or changing a major is a big decision — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Connect with Academic Advising to explore your options and create a plan that supports your academic and career goals.

Graduate students may request a change to their academic objective, such as moving between a graduate degree and a post-baccalaureate certificate program.

Examples:

• Degree to certificate (e.g., IST degree to IST certificate)
• Certificate to degree (e.g., IST certificate to IST degree)

Students in certificate or undeclared programs may use this process to request admission into a graduate program.

Note: Post-baccalaureate credential students are not eligible to use this form and must apply through Cal State Apply.

How to Request a Change

Step 1: Contact Your Program

Reach out to your Graduate Program Coordinator to discuss your request.

Step 2: Complete the Form

Your coordinator will provide the Graduate Academic Objective Change Request Form and guidance.

Complete:

• Student information
• New program and requested term
• Signature and date

Step 3: Obtain Approvals (If Applicable)

You may need signatures from:

• Current Graduate Program Coordinator (required)
• Financial Aid
• VA Benefits
• International Programs advisor

Step 4: Submit Your Form

Submit your completed form to your Graduate Program Coordinator at least three weeks before the first day of classes.

What Happens Next

After submission, your request will move through the following review process:

Department Review

• Confirms admission status (full or conditional)
• Confirms effective term

Registrar Review

• Reviews eligibility and student status
• Coordinates with Graduate Admissions to process the program change

Final Processing

• Updates your academic program and enrollment
• Notifies you and relevant campus offices (Financial Aid, Student Finance, VA Benefits)

Additional application or enrollment fees are not required for this process.

Your catalog year — called your “requirement term” in OASIS — determines the specific degree requirements you must complete to graduate from Cal State Monterey Bay.

Think of your catalog year as your academic contract. It outlines the requirements in place at a specific time and governs all degree components, including:

• General Education
• Major requirements
• University requirements
• Graduation criteria

Because requirements can change over time, updating your catalog year may result in additional, reduced, or revised coursework. If a required course is no longer offered or a program has changed, a course substitution may be needed.

Your Catalog Year Options

You may be eligible for one of the following catalog years:

Entrance Catalog

The catalog in effect when you first enroll at Cal State Monterey Bay and maintain continuous enrollment.

Transfer Catalog

The catalog in effect when you began continuous enrollment at a California Community College or another CSU before transferring.

Graduation Catalog

The catalog in effect during the academic year you plan to graduate from Cal State Monterey Bay.

How Your Catalog Year Is Assigned

• New students are assigned the catalog year in effect at the time of admission.
• After you begin classes, you may request a change to your assigned catalog year.
• If you declare or change your major, you will typically be assigned the catalog year in effect at the time of the change, unless you request otherwise and are eligible.

Before requesting a change, meet with your academic advisor to review how it may affect your graduation timeline.

How to Change Your Catalog Year

• Meet with your academic or faculty advisor to discuss whether changing your catalog year is the right choice.
• If appropriate, your advisor will submit a request to update your OASIS student record.
• The Office of the Registrar will review your request.
• Please allow seven business days for processing.
• You will receive an email notification if your request is denied.
• If approved, your catalog year will be updated in OASIS.
• Log in to OASIS Student Center to confirm the change.

If your record has not been updated after seven business days, follow up with the Office of the Registrar.

Need Help Deciding?

Changing your catalog year can impact your academic plan. Connect with your academic advisor to review your options and create a clear path to graduation.

Undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher are recognized with Dean’s List honors, which are posted to the official academic record.

To qualify, students must complete at least 12 letter-graded units in the term and earn no grade lower than a C, with no incompletes.

More details are available in the Academic Standing Policy.

You have the right to appeal a final course grade if you believe it was assigned based on the grounds outlined in the Grade Appeal Policy.

Before You Submit an Appeal

Start by working to resolve the issue informally:

• Contact your instructor to discuss the grade
• If needed, continue the conversation at the department or college level

You should only file a formal appeal after these steps have been attempted.

Appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days from the start of the next fall or spring semester.

For full details, review the Grade Appeal Policy.

Grade Changes

Grade changes are limited and may only be made in specific situations.

• Changes to grades (other than Incomplete (I) or Report in Progress (RP)) are allowed only in cases of clerical or administrative error
• Appeals based on other concerns must follow the Grade Appeal Policy

Grade changes can only be submitted by instructors, department chairs or college deans. Changes are not permitted after a student has graduated.

Undergraduate students are placed on academic probation if their Cal State Monterey Bay or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.

Graduate students are placed on probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 3.0. Some graduate programs may have higher minimum GPA standards. Students in these programs may be placed on probation if they fail to meet the higher minimum GPA standards..

If you are placed on academic probation, the university will notify you with information about the conditions for removal from probation and the consequences of not meeting those conditions.

More details are available in the Academic Standing Policy.

Undergraduate and graduate students may request permission to enroll in units beyond their standard limit.

All requests must be approved and submitted to the Office of the Registrar before the end of the add/drop period.

Undergraduate Students

Your unit limit is based on your major, class level and academic standing.

Standard Unit Caps

• Senior standing or second bachelor’s degree: up to 20 units
• All other undergraduate students: up to 18 units

How to Request Additional Units

• Submit the Additional Unit Authorization form
• Your advisor will review your request
• If approved, your advisor will forward it to the Office of the Registrar

You will receive an email once your request is processed and your enrollment limit is updated in OASIS.

Graduate and Credential Students

Standard Unit Caps

• Graduate students: up to 12 units
• Credential students: up to 20 units

How to Request Additional Units

• Contact your advisor or program coordinator to discuss your request
• Submit the Additional Unit Authorization form via your Cal State Monterey Bay email

If approved, your advisor or program coordinator will forward the form to the Office of the Registrar for processing.

You will receive an email confirmation once your enrollment limit is updated in OASIS.

An Incomplete (I) grade may be assigned when you are unable to finish a portion of your coursework due to unforeseen circumstances, but are otherwise making satisfactory progress.

An incomplete allows you additional time to complete course requirements and earn credit.

When an Incomplete May be Assigned

You may request an incomplete if all of the following apply:

• You have completed at least 75% of the course requirements
• You are in good academic standing in the course
• You experience unforeseen, serious circumstances that prevent completion
• You request the incomplete before the last day of instruction

Incomplete grades are not appropriate if you would need to retake a significant portion of the course when it is offered again.

How to Request an Incomplete

• Contact your instructor before the last day of classes
• If approved, complete an Incomplete Grade Contract with your instructor
• The contract outlines remaining work and a completion deadline

Both you and your instructor should keep a copy of the agreement.

Deadlines and Grade Outcomes

• You have up to one year to complete the remaining coursework
• If the work is completed, your instructor will submit a final grade

If no grade change is submitted within one year (and no extension is approved):

• The grade will convert to IC (Incomplete Charged)
• An IC is equivalent to an F in GPA calculations

Extensions may be approved by the instructor for serious and compelling reasons. An extension form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Important Considerations

• You may not re-enroll in a course with an active incomplete grade
• You cannot graduate with an incomplete on your record
• If you receive an incomplete in your final term, you must update your graduation term

Learn More

For additional details, review the Enrollment and Registration Policy.

You may be able to repeat a course to improve your grade point average (GPA), depending on your original grade and academic level.

Undergraduate Students

You may repeat a course if you earned one of the following grades:

• C-
• D+, D, or D-
• F
• WU
• IC

Important Guidelines

• You may repeat a course one time without special approval
• Courses must be repeated at Cal State Monterey Bay to count toward GPA adjustment
• Courses with a grade of C or higher cannot be repeated without approval
• No GPA adjustments are made after a degree is awarded

Unit Limits

• You may repeat up to 28 total units
• Up to 16 units may qualify for grade forgiveness; remaining units are averaged into your GPA
• You can view your used and remaining repeat units in your OASIS Student Center

When Approval is Required

You must submit an Undergraduate Repeat Petition if you plan to:

• Repeat a course more than once
• Repeat a course with a grade of C or higher
• Exceed the 28-unit repeat limit

Approval from your advisor is required. Additional approvals may include your department chair or the dean of University College. Submit the completed form to the Office of the Registrar.

Graduate and Credential Students

Graduate and credential-seeking students may repeat a course for GPA consideration only if a grade of B- or lower was earned.

• All grades earned will be included in your GPA
• Grade forgiveness is not available

Learn More

For additional details, review the Academic Standing Policy.

Cal State Monterey Bay offers study abroad and U.S. exchange opportunities that allow you to expand your learning while making progress toward your degree.

Programs range from a few weeks to a full academic year. Visit the Education Abroad page to explore your options.

Plan Ahead for Academic Credit

To ensure your coursework transfers and applies to your degree, follow the steps below and work closely with your advisor and the Office of the Registrar throughout the process.

Before You Leave

Complete the Course Approval Form

The Course Approval Form helps you identify courses that will transfer toward your major, minor, or general education requirements.

• Check for existing course equivalencies before meeting with your advisor
• Obtain approval from your major advisor and/or GE representative
• Submit the original form to the Office of the Registrar
• Share copies with the International Programs Office and keep one for your records

Important: Studying abroad may affect your graduation timeline. It can take 2-6 months for transcripts to be received and processed.

Students cannot apply coursework to their degree after their official graduation term. For example, if you graduate in spring, summer study abroad courses cannot be applied to that degree.

Enroll or Request a Leave of Absence

CSUMB-Affiliated Programs

• Enroll in ASE 290 (placeholder course)
• Class numbers are provided by the International Programs Office

Non-Affiliated Programs

• Submit a Leave of Absence (up to two semesters)

A leave of absence allows you to:

• Maintain continuous enrollment
• Keep access to university services
• Avoid reapplying for admission

Financial Aid will be notified when your leave is processed.

Before You Return

Send Your Official Transcripts

Once your final grades are posted, request that your official transcript be sent to:

Office of the Registrar
Cal State Monterey Bay
100 Campus Center
Student Services Building
Seaside, CA 93955

You should also request a personal copy and keep it sealed.

Important:

• Cal State Monterey Bay does not forward transcripts to other institutions
• Order additional copies if you plan to apply to graduate school

Note: CSUIP participants do not need to request transcripts separately.

After You Return

Confirm Your Credit

Transcript processing may take several months. Once processed, your credit will appear as follows:

• CSUIP programs: Courses appear as Cal State Monterey Bay coursework
• CSUMB-affiliated programs: Courses appear as transfer credit with program details noted
• Non-affiliated programs: Courses are evaluated for transfer eligibility before posting

You can review your credits in OASIS under the Transfer Credit section.

Need time away from Cal State Monterey Bay? Here’s how to take a break while maintaining your student status.

Informal Leave (Undergraduate and Credential Students Only)

Undergraduate and credential students may take one academic year off (one fall and one spring semester) without submitting a formal request.

• You must have completed at least one term at CSUMB before taking an informal leave.
  No form is required, but if you do not return after one academic year, your student status will be discontinued.

Graduate students are not eligible for informal leave.

Formal Leave of Absence

All graduate students — and any undergraduate or credential students needing more than one academic year away — must request a formal leave of absence through the Office of the Registrar.

Who is eligible:

• Students who have completed at least one term at CSUMB
• Students who need to be away for up to four semesters total

How to request a leave:

• Submit your request before the semester begins
• Drop all classes before the start of the term to receive a full refund of mandatory fees
• If you drop after the term starts, tuition and fees will be prorated based on your drop date

Additional Guidelines

• Financial aid recipients must consult with the Financial Aid Office before or during the leave request process
• Failure to return by the term specified in your approved leave will result in withdrawal from the university. You will need to reapply and meet the current curriculum requirements.
• To return early or cancel your leave, email the Office of the Registrar using your CSUMB email address

For full details, visit the Enrollment & Registration Policy.

To begin your leave request, complete the Leave of Absence Form.

Students who previously left CSUMB without graduating may still be closer than they think to completing their degree. The university provides support to help returning students explore their options and identify the best path to graduation.

Degree Requirements and Catalog Rights

If you have not maintained continuous enrollment, your degree requirements may have changed. In accordance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, returning students must follow the current catalog for major, minor, and general education requirements.

Two Ways to Move Forward

Reapply to CSUMB

If you're ready to return and complete your degree, follow the steps for returning students. This includes submitting a new application and meeting current admission criteria.

Request a Record Review

If you were close to graduating and want to know where you stand, submit the Returning Student Interest Form. Our team will evaluate your academic record and determine the best next steps.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing. During this time, staff may contact academic departments and request additional information.

For questions, contact the Office of the Registrar.

Academic disqualification occurs when a student does not meet the university’s academic performance standards and is formally separated from Cal State Monterey Bay. This typically happens when a student on academic probation falls below the minimum GPA required for their academic level.

When disqualified:

• Students are no longer eligible to enroll at CSUMB
• A registration hold is placed on their student account
• The university will notify students of the disqualification, usually through CSUMB email, and provide information about the right to appeal

For more information, review the Academic Standing Policy.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students who are academically disqualified may appeal if they experienced extenuating circumstances or if there was an error on the part of the university.

To be considered, appeals must:

• Include documentation of exceptional circumstances, such as medical or personal emergencies
• Clearly explain how those circumstances affected academic performance
• Be submitted by the stated deadline, with instructions provided in the disqualification notice and posted on the Center for Student Success webpage

If the appeal is approved, the student remains eligible to enroll and academic probation continues.

Graduate and Credential Students

Graduate and credential students may appeal their disqualification if they have documented extenuating circumstances or can demonstrate a university error.

Appeal information:

• Notification and procedures will be shared via CSUMB email and are also available on the Office of Graduate Studies webpage
• Appeals deadlines apply even if the student does not plan to return in the following term
• If reinstated but not returning immediately, students must request a leave of absence to avoid needing to reapply

Undergraduate Students

Students who do not appeal (or whose appeal is denied) may petition for reinstatement after meeting certain conditions.

Requirements for reinstatement include:

• A break in enrollment for at least one academic year (two regular semesters)
• Submission of a new admissions application to CSUMB
• Meeting all reinstatement and readmission criteria, which are outlined on the Office of Admissions webpage

Steps to apply for returning students.

Graduate and Credential Students

Graduate and credential students may petition for reinstatement after a one-year separation from the university.

Reinstatement steps and program-specific requirements are available on the Office of Admissions webpage and through individual academic departments.

Steps to apply for returning students.

If you have completed all graduation requirements except the GPA requirement, you may be eligible to petition for academic renewal. This process may allow up to two semesters to be excluded from your GPA calculation.

To qualify, at least five years must have passed since the term or terms you wish to exclude. Additional conditions apply depending on your academic level.

To learn more about eligibility and the petition process, review the Academic Standing Policy and contact the Office of the Registrar.

If you are facing unusual circumstances or serious and compelling reasons — such as an accident, illness or other significant hardship — you may request an exception to certain university academic regulations.

A petition is intended for situations that fall outside standard processes. Before submitting a petition, you should:

• Meet with the faculty or staff member connected to your request.
• Discuss whether a petition is the appropriate solution.
• Explore alternative options for resolving the issue.

Petitions are reviewed carefully and approved only when justified by documented circumstances.

When to Submit a Petition

You may use the Petition for Exception form to request an exception to:

• Degree or graduation requirements
• Prior-term actions (such as add or drop requests)
• Other university academic policies

Please note: Regulations outlined in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations cannot be waived through the petition process.

What to Include in Your Petition

Your request should clearly explain:

• The exception you are requesting
• The specific circumstances that support your request
• How those circumstances affected your academic situation

Be as detailed and specific as possible.

Supporting Documentation Is Required

Documentation is typically required and should come from a third-party professional who can verify your circumstances and explain their impact.

Examples include letters from:

• A physician or medical provider
• A therapist or counselor
• A medical social worker
• An employer
• Another qualified professional familiar with your situation

Please note: Your personal statement alone does not qualify as supporting documentation.

Incomplete petitions or those without appropriate documentation may be delayed or denied.

Important Information About Fees

The Petition for Exception form is used only to update your academic record. It does not determine eligibility for tuition or fee reimbursement.

For questions about tuition adjustments or refunds, contact Student Receivables at
student_receivables@csumb.edu.

Need Guidance?

If you are unsure whether a petition is appropriate, connect with your academic advisor or the appropriate campus office before submitting your request. We are here to help you understand your options and navigate the process.