First-Year (Freshman) Advising

CSULB requires all first-year students to receive academic advising in their first year (Fall and Spring semesters). If you do not receive academic advising during the Fall and Spring terms, your registration hold will not be lifted. More information about the university policy on First-Time, First Year advising can be found on the Undergraduate Advising Resources page.

 

First-Year Mandatory Advising will take place during the months of September and October. The date of your advising workshop will vary based on major.

Before completing your First-Year (Freshman) Mandatory Advising, please complete the following steps:

  1. Verify your major.
    • Advising workshops are major-specific. If you are planning to change your major, please do so before attending an advising workshop. If you change your major after your advising workshop, you will be required to attend another workshop for your new major.
    • If you are unsure of your major, log in to Single Sign On and click on MyCSULB student center
    • Click on "My Academics"
    • Your major/pre-major will be listed under "Current Academic Objective" on the right side of the page.
  2. Verify that all test and/or transfer credit is posted.
    • To ensure we are advising you accurately, please make sure all AP/IB and/or college credit is posted to your record before attending your advising session.
    • To verify your credit, log in to Single Sign On and click on MyCSULB student center.
    • Under your Academics section, click on "My Academics"
    • Click on "View My Transfer Credit Report" to view what credit is currently in your account.
    • If any credit is missing from your transfer credit report, please submit your records to Enrollment Services immediately. Please visit the First-Time, First-Year Student Test and Transfer Credit webpage for more information on how to transfer your credit.

  • All CHHS first-year students will be required to complete the following components to satisfy their advising requirement:
  1. Register for a mandatory advising workshop
  2. Participate in your mandatory advising workshop
  3. Submit a tentative Spring 2025 class plan 
  • You will be emailed information to register for an advising workshop for your specific major to your CSULB student email account, so please check your CSULB email!
  • Please bring a laptop or tablet to your advising session. If you do not have a device, one will be provided. 
  • In your advising session, your advisors will go over:
    • Important major specific information
    • How to enroll in Spring classes
    • How to declare into your major
    • Important tips and tools for your future success 
  • During the workshop, you will use the tools learned to submit a proposed Spring 2025 class plan via an online module. An advisor will review your schedule/plan to ensure you have selected the appropriate courses.
  • If you have any questions for your advisor, please be sure to ask them during your advising session.

  • Major Specific Requirements (MSR): A set of required courses and GPAs that must be met to officially declare into the major.
  • Pre-Major: A student who is not officially in the major but is planning to pursue the major. Students must meet MSR to officially declare into the major.
  • Declared Major: A student who is officially declared in the major, either from the admissions process or by meeting the MSR for their major.
  • Lower Division: Any course numbered 100 to 299 level.
    • Example: ENGL 100B
  • Upper Division: Any course numbered 300 to 499 level.
    • Example: CLSC 300
  • Enrollment Appointment: The assigned date and time you can enroll in courses for an upcoming semester. Your enrollment appointment is sent to you via email and is posted to your MyCSULB student center each term.
  • Prerequisite: A course that must be completed before enrolling in another course.
    • Example: MATH 112A must be completed before MATH 112B.
  • Corequisite: A course that must be completed before or at the same time as another course.

We always recommend meeting with an advisor to discuss university policies and how they may affect your individual record. Visit us during Drop-In Advising if you are considering using one of the following policies or want more information.

  • Educational Leave: An educational leave allows you to take time off from CSULB without having to reapply to the school. You may visit the Educational Leave Website for more information, which includes other eligibility criteria, helpful workshops and how to request a leave. Check with your CHHS advisor to discuss the impact of an educational leave and plans for when you return. Keep in mind that you are not eligible for an educational leave until you have earned CSULB credit.
  • Repeating Courses: If you earn a "D","F", or “WU” in a course, you have the option to repeat the class.  In order to be eligible for grade forgiveness, you must retake the course at CSULB and pass the second attempt with a C or better. You cannot repeat courses that you earn a "C" or better in. If you are not passing courses that you are currently enrolled in, it may be in your best interest to repeat those courses in the following semester. Speak with your CHHS advisor if you are not passing your courses to go over options!
  • Withdrawing: Withdrawals allow you to get out of a course after the drop period ends on MyCSULB Student Center. These require multiple levels of approval and can affect your financial aid and graduation. Always consult with your CHHS advisor before withdrawing from courses.

 

It is important to ensure you are enrolling in the correct GE courses. Please review this video to learn how to search for classes using the Schedule of Classes website and your MyCSULB Student Center.