GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


OBSERVANCE OF BULLETIN REQUIREMENTS

REGISTRATION POLICIES

USE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the university to file information returns that include the student's social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes. The SSN is also required by the Franchise Tax Board for collection of returned checks.

SFSU Identification Number

For other records and services, the university uses an assigned identification number (SFSU ID). Students are required to write their SFSU ID on university petitions and forms as well as personal checks submitted for any payment to the university. Payment by personal check is consent by the student for the university to write the student's SFSU ID on the check if it is not referenced. See the SFSU ID Policy on the web at www.sfsu.edu/~reg.

Students who have forgotten or do not know their SFSU ID can look on the web at www.sfsu.edu/student.

CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS FOR REGISTRATION

Newly Admitted

Students who have never enrolled at San Francisco State University in a fall or spring semester and who have been admitted to the university for a specific semester, or students who have previously attended San Francisco State University and are returning to begin a new degree objective (e.g., a new graduate student who received a B.A. from SFSU) are considered newly admitted.

Continuing

Students who were previously enrolled in this university in a regular semester and who have not been absent from the university for more than one complete semester, excluding summer semester, and who have not attended another college or university during their absence from San Francisco State University are considered continuing students.

Per immigration regulations, foreign students are required to be continuously enrolled every semester. Undergraduates must carry a minimum of twelve units and graduate students must carry a minimum of eight units.

In order to be considered in attendance for any semester, the student must be reported as enrolled in at least one class on the 20th day of instruction in the fall and spring semesters and the 10th day of instruction in each session of summer semester.

Readmitted

Students who have been absent from San Francisco State University for two full semesters (excluding Summer and Winter Sessions), or who have attended another college or university during their absence, must have applied and been readmitted to the university by the undergraduate or graduate Admissions Office.

CLASS LEVEL OF STUDENTS

The class level of students is determined according to units completed (earned units) as follows:

Class Level Units Completed
Lower Division:
Freshmen 0-29
Sophomore 30-59
Upper Division:
Junior 60-89
Senior 90 or more
Graduate:
Holding a baccalaureate or master's degree from an accredited university or college.

ENROLLMENT LIMITATIONS

This university and the State of California are very supportive of individuals completing course work for degrees, credentials, and certificates offered by the university, as well as for professional growth, and for personal enrichment within reasonable limits. With the limitation of physical and personnel resources available, the university reserves the right to limit, or terminate, the enrollment of any individual it feels has been fairly served by educational opportunities at this institution or elsewhere, and where the enrollment needs of other individuals must be given higher priority in the context of the resources available.

LIMITATION OF TOTAL UNITS

The associate vice president of enrollment planning and management reviews the records of students who have earned sufficient units of credit to graduate, but have not applied for graduation. When the student has met all requirements for graduation, the associate vice president, after conference with the student, may take the necessary action to have the student graduated. In those cases where the requirements for graduation can be completed in one additional semester, the associate vice president, after conference with the student, the appropriate department chair, and either the dean of Undergraduate Studies or the dean of Graduate Studies, may notify the student that he has only one additional semester in which to complete the graduation requirements. If graduation requirements are not completed in the time designated, future registration in the university may not be permitted or may be subject to conditions mutually agreed upon by the student and the associate vice president of enrollment planning and management.

REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES

Registration for all students is on Gator Reg over the web:  www.sfsu.edu/student or by telephone (415) 338-7000. Notices are sent via e-mail to all eligible students to view assigned Gator Reg appointment day and time and to check for any holds. Please refer to the Registrar’s Office web site www.sfsu.edu/~reg for specific dates and details. Gator Reg at San Francisco State is divided into distinct time periods as outlined below:

Early Priority Registration (Continuing Students only): Early Registration is available in Fall and Spring semesters but not Summer. Continuing eligible students are assigned a priority day and time and may register in up to 8 units during Early Registration without paying fees. All holds must be cleared before access is granted. Students may add their name to a Waiting List during this period if all seats in a class are taken. After Early Registration ends, changes are not allowed until Final Priority Registration begins. Students are not officially enrolled in classes until all fees have been paid. Students must pay for Early Registration classes two weeks before Final Priority Registration begins. Students who do not pay their fees by the published deadline are automatically dropped from all classes.

Orientation (New Students only): Newly admitted First time Freshmen and undergraduate transfer students register for their classes on the day they attend Orientation. All holds must be cleared and all fees paid in order to add classes. Transfer students may enroll in up to 8 units at Orientation and can add additional units during Final Priority Registration.

Final Priority Registration (New and Continuing Students): All eligible continuing students and newly admitted students are assigned a priority registration day and time to enroll in classes. Fees must be paid and all holds cleared before students are allowed to add classes. Eligible undergraduate students, excluding students on Academic Probation, may add up to 19 units; graduate students may add up to 16 units. Student may also add their name to a Waiting List if a class is full and space is available on the Wait List. If space becomes available, students on a Waiting List may be automatically added to a class.

Open Registration: After Priority Registration ends, Open Registration begins for adding and dropping of classes on Gator Reg until the first day of instruction.

Adding Courses after Instruction Begins: If the student has paid sufficient fees and has instructor approval, he/she may add courses via Gator Reg with instructor assigned permit numbers during the first two weeks of the semester.

Dropping Courses after Instruction Begins: The student must use the Gator Reg system to drop individual classes until the published drop deadline. After that point, he/she may withdraw from a course or courses only for serious and compelling reasons. Petitions for withdrawal are available at the One Stop Student Services Center and must be signed by the instructor and department chair. (College dean approval is required if withdrawal is in the last three weeks of the semester.)

Enrollment Verification: A student may verify his/her enrollment via Gator Reg on the web at www.sfsu.edu/student or by phone , 415-338-7000. A notice to check enrollment is sent via e-mail at the end of the second week of the semester.

AUDITING COURSES

A student who wishes to audit a course instead of enrolling for credit must apply to and be admitted by the university. Enrollment as an auditor is subject to permission of the instructor provided that enrollment in a course as an auditor shall be permitted only after students otherwise eligible to enroll on a credit basis have had an opportunity to do so. Auditors are subject to the same fee structure as credit students and regular class attendance is expected. Once enrolled as an auditor, a student may not change to credit status unless such a change is requested no later than the last day to add classes. A student who is enrolled for credit may not change to audit after the second week of instruction.

Any student admitted to a class as an auditor will not be permitted to obtain credit by examination for that class. A student registered as an auditor may be required to participate in any or all classroom activities at the discretion of the instructor.

ACADEMIC LOAD

The normal academic load for undergraduates is fifteen units per semester. For graduates, the normal load is from nine to twelve units per semester. Two hours of preparation for each hour of regular class work should be expected. For international students, immigration regulations require a minimum academic load of twelve units for undergraduates and eight units for graduates.

Verification for enrollment is calculated as follows:

Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters are calculated as follows:

Undergraduates
Full Time 12 - 19 units
Half Time 6 - 11 units
Less than Half Time 1 - 5 units
Graduates
Full Time 12 units or 8 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)
Half Time 6 units or 4 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)
Less than Half Time 1 - 5 units or 1 - 3 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)

Financial Aid: All students requesting and accepting financial aid through San Francisco State University must register for and complete twelve or more semester units as an undergraduate and eight or more upper division or graduate-level semester units as a graduate. Some financial aid programs allow a reduced unit requirement. Additional information may be obtained from Financial Aid.

Students who wish to enroll in extension work with this university and/or to enroll in courses at other institutions at the same time as they are registered for courses at this university, should plan the combined program with their major adviser. Under no circumstances is the total unit load for all course registrations in all institutions being attended to exceed the maximum unit load restrictions for this institution without written approval in advance from either the dean of Undergraduate Studies or the dean of Graduate Studies. Failure to obtain such approval in advance will subject the student to possible loss of units taken here and/or a restriction of units for transfer from the other institutions.

Academic Load for Veterans and Dependents of Veterans is calculated as follows:

Fall and Spring Semesters – Veterans Academic Load

Undergraduates
Full Time 12 or more
Three-quarter Time 9 – 11 units
Half Time 6 - 8 units
Less than Half Time 1 - 5 units
Graduates
Full Time 9 units or 8 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)
Three-quarter Time 7 units or 6 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)
Half Time 5 units or 4 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)
Less than Half Time 1 - 4 units or 1 – 3 units of all upper division or graduate level courses (300 level or above)

NOTE: For purposes of Veterans and Dependents of Veterans Educational Benefits for graduate students, each upper division and graduate level course (courses numbered 300 and above) is worth 1.5 units. Each lower division course (courses numbered 100-299) is worth 1 unit.

Summer Semester – Veterans Academic Load

Undergraduates and Graduates – R1 AND R3 SESSIONS (Five week sessions)
Full Time 4 units
Three-quarter Time 3 units
Half Time 2 units
Less than Half Time 1 unit
Undergraduates and Graduates – R2 SESSION (Eight week session)
Full Time 6 units
Three-quarter Time 4 - 5 units
Half Time 3 units
Less than Half Time 1 - 2 units

Note: For purposes of Veterans and Dependents of Veterans Educational Benefits for graduate students, each upper division and graduate level course (courses numbered 300 and above) is worth 1.5 units. Each lower division course (courses numbered 100-299) is worth 1 unit.

Veterans and Dependents of Veterans: In planning programs, students should observe Veterans Administration regulations concerning minimum academic loads. For certification under the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-358), undergraduates must register for and complete twelve or more semester units of credit to receive maximum benefits. Graduate students must register for and complete eight or more upper division or graduate-level semester units of credit each term to receive maximum benefits. If graduate students register for any lower division courses, they must register for and complete nine or more semester units to receive maximum benefits. Additional information may be obtained from the Registrar's Office.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend classes regularly because classroom work is one of the necessary and important means of learning and of attaining the educational objectives of the institution.

Students should not miss classes except for valid reasons, such as illness, accidents, or participation in officially approved university activities. When a student is absent from classes, it is his/her responsibility to inform his/her instructors of the reason for the absence and to arrange to make up missed assignments and class work insofar as this is possible.

Instructors make reasonable accommodation for students to observe religious holidays when such observances require students to be absent from class activities. The policy is available at www.sfsu.edu/~senate/policies/F00-212.html. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor, in writing, about such holidays during the first two weeks of the class each semester. If such holidays occur during the first two weeks of the semester, the student must notify the instructor, in writing, at least three days before the date that he/she will be absent.

The instructor may consider regular attendance when assigning grades. In that case, the requirement for regular attendance must be stated in writing as part of the course requirements and distributed to students at the beginning of the semester.

PLANNED EDUCATIONAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Continuing students who have been officially admitted to, and who are actively pursuing, a degree and/or credential program may qualify to absent themselves from enrollment in the institution for periods up to two academic years and still maintain the option of continuing student status. As a consequence of a leave of absence, it is expected that a student will improve his/her ability to complete the degree program. A petition for the leave must clearly demonstrate that during the absence from the university the student will be doing something significantly relevant to his/her program. Requests for health, financial, or other personal reasons, or matriculation at another institution are not recognized for the purpose of granting a leave of absence. In the latter instances, students would need to reapply for admission when they are ready to resume their studies in the university. Undergraduate students should contact the One Stop Student Services Center for more information.

To be eligible for an educational leave of absence, a graduate student must: (a) be a U.S. citizen or resident alien (foreign students ineligible); (b) have been officially admitted to a master's and/or credential program offered by the university; (c) have a Graduate Approved Program (GAP) on file in the Division of Graduate Studies office or Credential Approved Program (CAP) on file in the Credentials Office in the College of Education; (d) be in good academic standing; and (e) have completed acceptable course work (at least nine units) toward the identified objective prior to the effective date of the leave. Such a planned academic leave does not change the beginning or ending dates of the seven-year completion of degree requirements for master's degree candidates. For further information contact the Division of Graduate Studies office.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWALS

Students who find it necessary to cancel their registration or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the university's official withdrawal procedures. Failure to follow formal university procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees as well as the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Students who withdraw during the first four weeks of instruction are not considered enrolled for the current semester. Students who do not enroll for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) must apply for readmission to the university. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available from the registrar, One Stop Student Services Center, 415-338-2350.

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to withdrawing from the university regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period. If a recipient of student financial aid funds withdraws from the institution during an academic term or a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance received may be subject to return and/or repayment provisions.

WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSE OR COURSES

First Four Weeks of Semester: Students may add or drop courses through Touch Tone or over the web. Courses will not show on permanent record, future class lists, or grade report.

Fifth Week through Twelfth Week of Semester: From the beginning of the fifth week through the twelfth week of instruction, withdrawal from a course or courses is permissible for serious and compelling reasons by consulting the faculty member who teaches the course. The withdrawal form is delivered by the student to the instructor for a decision. The form must be accompanied by a copy of the student's unofficial SFSU transcript. The instructor has the prerogative to:

Last Three Weeks of Semester: During the last three weeks of the semester, withdrawals are not permitted except in cases of verified accident or serious illness where circumstances are beyond the control of the student and where the assignment of an incomplete grade is not practical. Instructor's, department chair's, and college dean's signatures are required for withdrawal from individual courses during this period.

Fifth Week through Last Day of Instruction: From the beginning of the fifth week through the last day of the semester, an instructor may initiate the withdrawal of a student for compelling reasons, normally that the student stopped attending the course. The instructor submits the withdrawal form, with the department chair's signature, to the Registrar's Office.

Appeal: The student may appeal the instructor's or department chair's denial of a withdrawal through the Board of Appeals and Review (BOAR). Withdrawals approved by BOAR or related administrative action shall be assigned a grade of "W."

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY

A student may withdraw completely from the university for serious and compelling reasons or in verified cases of accident or serious illness. All requests for withdrawal or retroactive withdrawl from the university must be submitted and justified in writing to the registrar.

TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts of courses taken at the university are issued only with the written permission of the student concerned. Partial transcripts are not issued. A fee of $4.00 for a single transcript must be received before the request can be processed. Additional transcripts prepared at the same time up to ten (10) transcripts are $2.00 each. Additional transcripts prepared at the same time which exceed the first ten (10) transcripts cost $1.00 each.

Transcripts show all San Francisco State University work completed as of the date of application for the transcript. Work in progress accompanies the transcript only if specifically requested by the student on the application for transcript form. Requests for transcripts to show end of current semester's work are held until all grades are recorded.

Transcript requests are processed in accordance with the date of filing.

Transcripts from other institutions, which have been presented for admission or evaluation, become a part of the student's permanent academic file and are not returned or copied for distribution. Students desiring transcripts covering work attempted elsewhere should request them from the appropriate institutions.