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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

REGISTRATION

General

How will I be notified regarding my registration appointment?

New students will be sent an Invitation to Register Postcard giving them registration information before registration begins. Continuing Sacramento State students will be sent a message via My Sac State telling them to look up their registration appointments on their student webpage.


How do I register for classes?

CLICK HERE and go to the My Sac State tutorial


How is the registration date assigned?

Registration dates are based on university policy. Continuing students register first. Current class level including courses in progress determines which day and time you are assigned to register in the following order:

Veterans, Disabled students, Retention Programs, Graduating Seniors, Seniors, Classified and Credential Graduate students, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, Second Bachelor’s and unclassified graduates.

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Where can I find my registration appointment?

You can access your registration appointment date on your My Sac State. The appointment date will appear in the Enrollment Appointment box on the Student Center webpage. This box will appear after registration dates are assigned.


What if it is not there?

Please contact the Registration helpline at (916) 278-8088.


For how many units can I register?

There is a 17 unit limit on all students except graduating seniors for Registration. Students may enroll up to 21 units during Late Registration.


Can I register for more than 21 units during Late Registration?

Yes. You must file an Excess of 21 Units Petition available at the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall.

What do I do if I forgot my username/password?

Please contact Sac Link helpdesk at (916) 278-7337.

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Payments

When are my fees due?

Your fee due date is based on the day you register. Please visit the Student Financial Services Center,
CLICK HERE for the webpage.

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How can I pay my tuition fees?

There are three ways to pay your tuition fees:

  1. Mail-In: You can mail your checks payable to CSUS to the address below:

    Student Financial Services Center
    6000J Street
    Sacramento, CA 95819

  2. In Person: Pay by cashier's check, money order, cash, or personal check at the Student Financial Services Center located in Lassen 1001. NOTICE: YOU CANNOT PAY TUITION FEES AT THE STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTER VIA CREDIT CARDS/DEBIT CARDS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY USING CREDIT/DEBIT, PLEASE USE THE ONLINE METHOD. Credit/Debit is accepted for other fees such as parking tickets, parking permits, and lab fees.
  3. Online: Visit your My Sac State Student Services Center and click on Account Inquiry.

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How can I pay in installments?

Installment plans are available through My Sac State. Please log in to My Sac State, navigate to the Student Center, click on the Account Inquiry link, and check the Payment Plan tab. You may also set up an installment plan at the Student Financial Services Center located in Lassen 1001.

 

What if I am receiving financial aid?

Your fees will be deferred until your financial aid is disbursed. For further questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at (916) 278-6554, located in Lassen 1006.

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Problems


What do these error messages mean when I try to register for classes:

Class is full: This course section is full. Please register for another section or if there is a wait list option, you may add your name to the waitlist. (The waitlist expires on the first day of instruction)
Time Conflict: Two or more of the courses you have chosen to enroll in overlap in time.
Pre-requisites not met: See enrollment requirements under class section for certain pre-requisites the course requires.
Co-requisite course needed:  The co-requisite course for the course you want to register for must be in your enrollment basket in order to enroll in that course.
Learning Committees: First-time freshmen (first semester only) may enroll in this course.
Instructor permission required: Contact the department for the course you are trying to register for.

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Registration Wait List


How does the wait list work?

The wait list is run for the final time the week before instruction begins. Having a spot on the wait list does not guarantee a seat in the course. Wait listed courses are not counted in your overall enrollment unit total.


How do I wait-list a course?

Please see the My Sac State tutorial.


Can I register for a course and be wait-listed for a different section in that course?

No, the system will not allow you to wait list a different section of the same course for which you have already registered.

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How do I view my wait-listed courses?

Wait listed courses are viewable ONLY through the registration link.

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Holds

WPE: Please contact the WPE Office at (916) 278-6409.
Major Advising: Please contact your major department.
Academic Advising: Please contact Academic Advising at (916) 278-6351, located in Lassen 1012.
MMR: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella shot records needed by Student Health Center, (916) 278-6461.
Registration and Transcript: Visit your My Sac State Student Services Center, and check all appropriate holds with corresponding departments.
High school Transcript: Please contact the Financial Aid Office at (916)278-6554, located in Lassen 1006.
Remediation Blocks: ELM/EPT or high school Math and/or English courses not met. If you believe you have an exception or an error exists, please contact the University Registrar at (916) 278-8088.
Registrar Disqualification: Academic contract restrictions. Please contact the University Registrar at (916) 278-8088.
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Withdrawal


How can I withdraw from classes?

Withdrawal instructions are available online: CLICK HERE for Withdrawal Instructions. Read all instructions carefully. Please note that withdrawing refers to dropping all courses from this semester, not dropping one/several courses. To drop a course, contact the course's department for policies and forms. If you are a CCE student, please contact the CCE Office at (916) 278-4433 to withdraw/drop courses.


Will I receive a full refund?

Refunds depend on the day you drop courses or withdraw. Please visit the Student Financial Services Center refund policy website.


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RECORDS

Major/Minor


How can I change my major/minor?

Please fill out the Change of Major form.
The following impacted departments have a different Change of Major form available through the department. Impacted departments include Child Development, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, and Nursing, any major in the College of Computer Science and Engineering, as well as any concentration in the College of Business. Please fill out all necessary information on the form and obtain the necessary signatures.


How long will it take to update my record?

If all information on the Change of Major form is correct, the form will be processed within 3 business days after it is submitted to the Student Service Counter, Lassen Hall, first floor.
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WU Deletion

How can I get my first WU removed?

Fill out the First Semester "WU" Grade Deletion Petition, CLICK HERE to downlad PDF of petition.
Make sure your form is signed off by Academic Advising before turning it the Student Services Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall lobby.
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How long will it take to update my record?

If all information on the First Semester "WU" Grade Deletion Petition is correct,If all information on the Change of Major form is correct, the form will be processed within 3 business days after it is submitted to the student services counter, Lassen Hall, first floor, main lobby.
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Repeat

How can I update my repeated courses?

Repeats are processed automatically at the end of each semester if the course name and number are the same and all attempted units were taken at Sac State. It is not necessary to file a repeat form. However, if the course was taken at another college/university or the course is substituting a course with a different number, the department chair must sign the Repeat Petition. CLICK HERE for a PDF of the form.
Please ensure that the transcripts from the other college/university have been submitted.

How long will it take to update my record?

Repeat Petitions are processed after all semester grades are posted or during the following semester if other college transcripts have been received and reviewed.

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Grades


The grade deadline passed. Why hasn't my grade been posted?

The professor missed the deadline to turn in grades for the course. Please contact the department for more information.


What does an RD mean?

Report delayed. Professor missed the deadline to turn in grades for the course.


What do I do if the grade is incorrect?

Contact the professor. (S)he will need to fill out a grade change form.


How can I request an Incomplete?

Please discuss this option with your professor before the grade deadline.


How can I petition for classes/grades to be taken off my record?

The Academic Standards Committee Petition is available at the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall. Normally, the Academic Standards Committee meets once every month. Your case will be reviewed, a decision will be made, and you will receive a letter in the mail informing you of the Committee’s decision. It may take up to two months to receive a response.

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Academic Standing

What types of academic standings are there?

Good Standing: Your cumulative as well as your overall CSUS GPA is above a 2.0.
Probation: Your cumulative or overall CSUS GPA is below a 2.0. You are still eligible to enroll for the following semester.
Continued Probation: Your cumulative or overall CSUS GPA is still below a 2.0 and you’ve earned a 2.0 for the current semester. You are limited to register for 14 units for the following semester.
Academic Disqualification: You have been on continued probation the previous semester and your current CSUS GPA is below a 1.5 if you are a freshman, 1.7 if you are a sophomore, 1.85 if you are a junior, and 1.95 if you are a senior. You may not register for courses unless you submit a Reinstatement Petition.
Academic Dismissal: Your previous academic standing was Academic Disqualification and you have failed to earn a semester gpa above 2.00 or failed to meet the conditions of your reinstatement contract.
Subject to Review/Administrative Review: Your unique standing is being reviewed.
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If I repeated a course, will he academic standing change?

Repeating a course can either hurt or help your academic standing, depending on the grade you receive in the course.

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Transcripts


What information does the transcript contain?

Transfer credit/degrees/units/GPA/academic standing
A transcript contains all of the units that you completed at Sacramento State.  It includes the grades you received and the GPA.  It will list the units of transfer credit you may have taken, any degrees completed, and your academic standing (does not state good standing).


How do I order transcripts?

You may order transcripts either in person, through the mail, or online (for an additional fee).
CLICK HERE for online forms.


What is the processing time for transcripts?

Our current processing time for a transcript is 3 business days for a RUSH order and 7 business days for a REGULAR order. Please keep in mind this does NOT include mailing time.


Is there a limit for ordering transcripts?

Yes, you may only order 15 regular transcripts or 10 rush transcripts at a time. Online orders are limited to 5 copies at at time.

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What if I do not receive my transcripts?

Allow a minimum of 10 business days after your transcript is mailed to reach its destination. If the transcripts are still not received after 10 business days, please contact the Outgoing Transcripts Office at (916) 278-5507.


Can I have request forms to be completed/attached to the transcripts?

Yes. Please make sure you indicate on the form exactly what you need us to do. These types of requests may not be rushed.


How can I expedite a transcript?

Fed-ex/UPS delivery
We do accept requests that are express delivered to us. We will only send out expedited transcripts if you provide a pre-paid express envelope or order online.


Is there a same day service?

No


How can I check to see if the transcripts were processed/sent out?

If it has been longer than 3 weeks since you sent in your order, please contact the Outgoing Transcripts Office at (916) 278-5507.


How are the transcripts stamped on the inside?

Any transcript going to a student or ordered for pick up will be stamped: "TRANSCRIPT ISSUED TO STUDENT” and the seal of the envelope will be stamped:"OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT ISSUED TO STUDENT-UNOFFICIAL IF OPENED."


How can I tell if a repeat has been processed?

There will be a note under the repeated class stating: "Course Repeated - Excluded from GPA."


How can I tell if a WU deletion has been processed?

There will be a note under the class stating: "Grade Deleted by Petition."

What if there is GPA error?

If you believe there is an error on your transcript please contact the Outgoing Transcripts Office at (916) 278-5507 as soon as possible.

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EVALUATIONS

Diplomas


Timing

When will I receive my diploma?

You will receive your diploma 4 to 6 months after graduation.
Replacement diplomas are processed through an out of state agency. If you requested a Replacement Diploma, they are ordered on the last business day of each month. It takes approximately 10 to 14 days for the diploma to be mailed to your address.


How can I get confirmation of my degree?

A degree verification letter is available at the Student Service Counter located in Lassen Hall. Employers may also access degree information at the National Student Clearing House.


What if I did not receive my diploma?

If it has been more than 6 months after you graduated and still have not received your diploma, please contact Customer Service: (916) 278-3625.

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Mailing

Where will my diploma be sent?

Sacramento State will use the current address on record at My Sac State.

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Can my diploma be picked up at Sac State?

Yes. Please turn in a letter to the Student Service Counter, located in Lassen Hall, including your name, student ID or SSN, current phone number, and a statement requesting personal pick up. Please sign the letter and turn it in before the end of your semester of graduation.


I am moving shortly after graduation. How can I make sure I get my diploma?

Before your final semester is over, log on to My Sac State and update your current address.
Note: once your degree is awarded, you will NOT be able to log into My Sac State to update any information, please call Customer Service (916) 278-3625 or download the Data Change (PDF) form.


How do I get a replacement for my damaged or lost diploma?

Please submit the Diploma Replacement form to the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall or mail the form with the applicable fee to Student Financial Services.


Can I send my diploma overseas?

Yes. Please make sure you update your current address on My Sac State with the appropriate address or turn in a letter to the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall, including your name, student ID or SSN, current phone number, and a statement requesting international mailing of the diploma. Please sign the letter and turn it in before the end of your graduating semester.

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Name

 

What name will be used for my diploma?

Your legal name is the one on file at My Sac State and will be used on your diploma.


I’ve changed my name after graduation. Can I get a diploma with my new name?

You will need to legally change your name and submit official documentation to the Office of the University Registrar and submit a Diploma Replacement form.


How can I spell out/include/exclude my middle name?

Your legal name is the one on file at My Sac State and will be used on your diploma.

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Information

What information will appear on my diploma?

The following information appears on your diploma:
Legal Name
Degree Type (BA or BS)
Major
Concentration
Honors

 

Will my diploma reflect university or departmental honors, if earned?

University honors will appear on the diploma. For example: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude.


I am a double major. Will I receive one or two diplomas?

If you are completing multiple majors that are identified as BA and BS programs, you will receive two seperate diplomas. If the multiple majors are all BS or BA, you will receive one diploma with the multiple majors listed.

Will my minor be reflected on the diploma?

No however it does appear on your official transcript.

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Transfer Credit


General

 

When will my transfer credit be posted online on My Sac State?

Transfer credit will be posted by the end of your first term of enrollment.


What if there are discrepancies on my transfer credit report?

Please alert the Student Service Counter, located in Lassen Hall, and they will forward your request to the Evaluations Office for review.


Can my transcripts from other institutions be sent electronically to Sacramento State?

Currently, Los Rios Community Colleges transcripts are received electronically. For information on other instituions, please contact them directly.


How many units are accepted from community colleges?

There is a limit of 70 transferrable units from accredited community colleges.


How can I find out if a course at a college will transfer over?

Please check with the Academic Advising Office prior to enrolling in a course. If you are a graduating senior, please check with a Degree Evaluator, (916) 278-3625.

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Degree Audit

What if the degree progress reports incorrect?

Please alert the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall, and they will forward your request to the Evaluations Office for review.


Do I have to pay for commencement?

The commencement fee is included in your graduation application fee.


What if I did not graduate?

Please see a Degree Evaluator. Drop-in counseling is available at the Student Service Counter, located in Lassen Hall. Degree Evaluators are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00AM to 1:00PM.


What if I completed my last requirement at a community college?

Please see a Degree Evaluator. Drop-in counseling is available at the Student Service Counter, first floor, Lassen Hall. Degree Evaluators are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00AM to 1:00PM.


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