Fall 2021


Plans and Related FAQs


Note: Information on this page is subject to change due to CSULB's evolving response to COVID-19. We will update this page regularly so that you have the latest information. 

Spring 2021 Instruction

The Schedule of Classes now includes information about the class formats for Fall 2020. Pay careful attention to each class's schedule, location, and class notes. Each class will have one of the following formats: 

  • Online only and synchronous: Your class will have scheduled meeting times, and you will need to participate in class at those times. Of course, you will still have your own outside work to complete, like homework and papers.   
  • Online only and asynchronous: Your class will not use scheduled meeting times; instead, class materials are made available for you to complete on a more flexible schedule. For example, lectures may be recorded, so you can watch them any time of day. Note that you will still have important deadlines and due dates! 
  • Face-to-Face: The only CHHS courses that are classified as face-to-face are off-campus internships and clinical courses that cannot be delivered remotely. 
  • Hybrid:  Some CHHS courses will be taught partly on campus to support students' educational experience. In these courses, students will meet on campus at least four times a semester. It’s important to note that these classes are uncommon. We are also reducing class sizes and will comply with public health guidelines for student safety.

The Spring 2021 semester will rely primarily on remote instruction with limited in-person and hybrid classes on campus.

In spring of 2020 we switched to remote courses with very little warning. You may have experienced issues with technology, communication, or simply completing your work. For this spring semester, you and your professors have more time to prepare. We are working hard to give our faculty the training and resources they need to offer the highest level of teaching using alternative modes of instruction. 

The university has an Academic Continuity plan that has provided a framework for offering primarily remote instruction during the pandemic. 

For Spring, we will offer in-person instruction only for a small number of classes where meeting in-person is essential. All in-person classes follow current public health recommendations and we will update safety measures and in-class meeting details if recommendations change.

UPDATE (December 8, 2020) Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases all across Southern California, the university has temporarily suspended all hybrid and face-to-face courses. In a letter from the provost, the he states that "spring semester is still scheduled to begin on January 19, 2021, as planned. However, although all classes will begin on January 19, all class meetings and activities, including those that are approved as hybrid or face-to-face classes, will take place virtually until early February, or perhaps even later, depending on how circumstances evolve." 

We are investigating prospective clinical and field experiences that meet our requirements and safety measures.

For questions about CHHS internship options and alternatives, find the correct contact for your program. 

The Center for International Education (CPIE) provides assistance with applications, orientation, and other issues.

 Registration Guidance for NEW Fall 2020 International Students 

Any questions regarding visas, I-20s, travel, and insurance should be directed to cie-student@csulb.edu 

Registration Guide for new International students

 

Not in the U.S.

In the U.S.

Planning to travel to the U.S.

Location of study

Not currently in the U.S. Will remain outside the U.S. in Spring 2020.

Will remain physically present in the U.S. Will not travel outside the U.S. before Spring 2020

Not currently in the U.S. but want to travel to the U.S. for Spring 2020.

May enroll in online units?

Yes, as many as desired.

Yes, as many as desired.

All online is OK for Spring 2021.

Yes, BUT students must also be enrolled in at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

May enroll in hybrid units?

No. The student must be in the U.S.

Yes, as many as desired.

Students must be enrolled in at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

Minimum number of units required

None, except what is required to retain matriculated status.

12 unit minimum in any combination of modes.

12 unit minimum with at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

Immigration requirements

None for Spring 2020. CIE will reach out to this group with Spring 2021 guidance as it is available.

Students must follow all F-1 immigration requirements. CIE will do orientation and advising.

Students must follow all F-1 immigration requirements. CIE will do orientation and advising.

Level: Graduate & Credential

Registration Guide for

NEW Intl Grad Fall 2020

Not in the U.S.

In the U.S.

Planning to travel to the U.S.

(this is the current “in limbo” group)

Location of study

Not currently in the U.S. Will remain outside the U.S. in Spring 2020.

Will remain physically present in the U.S. Will not travel outside the U.S. before Spring 2020

Not currently in the U.S. but want to travel to the U.S. for Spring 2020.

May enroll in online units?

Yes, as many as desired.

Yes, as many as desired.

All online is OK for Spring 2020.

Yes, BUT students must also be enrolled in at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

May enroll in hybrid units?

No. The student must be in the U.S.

Yes, as many as desired.

Students must be enrolled in at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

Minimum # of units required

None, except what is required to retain matriculated status.

8 unit minimum in any combination of modes. Credential students = 12 unit minimum.

8 unit minimum; credential students = 12 unit minimum. Both with at least 1 hybrid/in-person unit or course.

Immigration requirements

None for Spring 2020. CIE will reach out to this group with Spring 2021 guidance as it is available.

Students must follow all F-1 immigration requirements. CIE will do orientation and advising.

Students must follow all F-1 immigration requirements. CIE will do orientation and advising.

Whether you're thinking about coming to California and applying to CSULB, or you want to see the world while earning academic credits toward your CSULB degree studying outside the United States, we have the program for you!

Visit the CSULB Study Abroad webpage for more information. 

Some students may need to decide whether to move to Long Beach while taking remote classes. If you are making this decision, consider: 

  • Most students will rarely, or never, need to visit campus during spring. However, a small number of courses will be hybrid or face-to-face. Verify that all your classes are online if you decide to live far away. 
  • If your home is in another time zone, remember that you still need to be available during scheduled course times. 
  • Along with classes, consider any other opportunities and obligations you will have: a campus job, student group involvement, or using CSULB resources. 

Please see Academic Integrity @ The Beach (PDF) and below on academic integrity from Patience Bryant and the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. 

Academic Integrity Scenarios

Scenario #1: 

You’re taking a POSC 100 course and you have a paper due tomorrow. You found out weeks ago that your good friend also took POSC 100 the semester prior, with the same professor. Your friend received an A on the paper so they gave you the paper because they knew you were under a lot of stress. You make changes to the paper and submit it. Is this a violation of Academic Integrity? 

  • Yes it’s a violation. Utilizing someone else’s work and making changes is plagiarism. Using exact words and even paraphrasing is considered plagiarism.
  • Even when under an immense amount of stress, does not give a pass on the actions.

Scenario #2:

You have to write a term paper for your sociology course. You realize that a paper you wrote last semester in your psychology course has a similar writing prompt. You pull up the paper you wrote from your psychology course, and you’re contemplating whether to use it or not. What should you do?

  • Write a new paper with new ideas using your old paper as a source. Make sure to cite your old paper.
  • Speak to your professor about your ideas about using your old paper as a source.

Scenario #3:

You’re working on a homework assignment for your math course, and you come to a point where you don’t know how to answer the question. You ask some classmates to see if they got anywhere with the same question. Your friends send you a link that takes you to a website where it lists the homework assignment as well as the questions and answers to your homework assignment. What should you do?

  • Ask the professor for help, set up officer hours (virtual).
  • Use your lecture notes and textbook to try and figure out how to answer the question.
  • Contact campus tutoring resource (LAC, academic college, etc).

Policies regarding grading are available on the Enrollment Services website

The Learning Center has created a series of modules and videos to help students transition to remote and online learning. 

Module 1: Starting your semester off right

First Week Success Strategies

How to prepare for a successful semester.

Time Management

Approaches to foster discipline and prevent burnout. 

Studying with Peers Online

Working with peers and faculty online.

Module 2: Learning in an online platform

Motivation and Online Learning

Learn well and stay motivated. 

Strategies for Online Exams

Strategies to succeed in online exams. 

Beyond Memorization

Learning to apply knowledge. 

  • Zoom is a reliable cloud platform for video, voice, content sharing, and chat runs across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems many CSULB courses use for distance learning. Make sure you are set up correctly on Zoom for an easier transition to online learning. Here are some tips:  
  • Check your technology in advance: Log in a couple of minutes early to avoid unexpected issues 
  • For security, make sure you’re logged into your own Zoom account and not a parent’s or friend’s account 
  • Find a quiet space. Background noise makes it difficult to hear each other.   
  • Once you join the Zoom session, double-check that your display name is accurate and appropriate. To change your display name, click Participants, hover over your name, and click “More.” 
  • If you are required or choose to use your camera, be mindful of your appearance and background. Dress like you would for a normal class and remember that first impressions are important!

Course-specific information: Contact your course instructor. 

Academic and Career Advising

Coming to Campus

While we plan to have a minimal number of people on campus this fall, CSULB is preparing for the safe return of those students who have in-person classes, need to pick something up, or need access to on-campus wifi or technology. 

  • Health questionnaire: Students must complete a health questionnaire each day they plan to come to campus (before they arrive). The questionnaire can be found on the Single Sign-On page
  • Building Disinfection: Beach Building Services has created a process to disinfect buildings intended for use in the fall. Each building will be closed, cleaned, vacated, and flushed with outside air over the course of three to four days depending on the size of the building. 
  • Face Coverings: Students should wear a mask and practice good social distancing, maintaining at least six feet from other people. Those returning to campus will be provided a washable, reusable face covering. Visit the university's Face Covering Policy for more information
  • Training Course: A training course that will cover new procedures on campus is being developed by Environmental Health and Safety.

In the event that a member of the community who has been on campus later tests positive for COVID-19, the affected areas will be isolated, flushed with outside air for the remainder of the day and disinfection crews dispatched to perform cleaning. In the event that several people in one area test positive, the building will be closed for 4-5 days and the HVAC system flushed for up to three days. Air filters will be vacuumed and the building will receive enhanced cleaning.

As a reminder, you should report any COVID-like symptoms – or a positive test result – to your manager or dean (for staff and faculty) or Student Health Services (for students) if you've been on campus at any time in the preceding two weeks. Also, please remember that keeping our campus population density low is the best way to keep our community safe. Please do not come to campus unless your work or studies absolutely require it. 

For more detailed information on CSULB COVID-19 response, visit the Reuniting the Beach page, or send any questions to covidsafety@csulb.edu

Students who cannot safely travel to campus due to COVID-19 concerns should contact the  Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC), which continues to serve students virtually. Students who are not currently served by BMAC but who are eligible for accommodations due to a previously undisclosed disability (i.e., a medical condition) will receive temporary accommodations for the full semester, and as they work to obtain documentation to fully establish their disability-related accommodation. For students who do not meet the requirements for a disability-related accommodation but need an exemption because they are unable to come to campus due to COVID-related concerns (e.g., living with a family member who is immunocompromised), BMAC will provide a letter acknowledging the student has contacted their office, but will not require documentation nor register the student with BMAC. In both cases of students who are unable to safely travel to campus due to COVID-19 concerns and those who require accommodations, students will receive a letter outlining their exemption from coming to campus to provide to their instructors. Should CSULB not be able to accommodate a student with a course in a fully virtual modality, the student will be instructed to work with their academic advisor and/or Assistant Dean to determine how best to adjust their course schedule. 

Many buildings on campus have been closed in light of our primarily virtual environment. This online map shows which buildings are closed.  

For those buildings that are open, posted signage regarding entry, movement direction, occupancy limits, waiting in lines, and elevator use should be followed to ensure appropriate physical distancing. 

Students may access campus Wi-Fi in public spaces on campus as long as social distancing is observed.

Outdoor Wi-Fi: DOIT plans to expand outdoor Wi-Fi on campus at these locations: South and west patios at the USU, Nugget Patio, Maxson Plaza (seating area only), and the first floor of Parking Structure 2.

The on-campus bookstore and Beach on 2nd Street have been open as of early July 2020. The CSULB bookstore will be open with limited hours. Books, supplies, and Beach gear may be purchased in person or may be ordered online for pick-up or shipping.​

Now available for the Fall 2020 semester, the University Open Lab at the USU is a new resource for students who need access to a campus workstation.

Parking is enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you choose to park on campus, some form of paid parking is required. 

Parking Permits

  • Student Semester/Academic Year parking can be purchased online via the online parking portal.;
  • Daily or Short-Term parking is available at the parking pay stations located within each parking lot. You may also purchase Short-Term parking via the ParkMobile App and receive updates on your remaining time and the option to add more time to your purchase remotely via your mobile device. 
  • The latest information on the different types of permits and costs can be found on the Permit Information page

Where to Park

  • To keep our campus safe, certain buildings and parking lots have been closed. Parking in these closed lots is prohibited. 
  • Information regarding parking on campus during virtual instruction is provided on the Parking Information page.  
  • Students permits and Daily Permits may park in all General (G) Lots including campus parking structures. Please review the campus parking regulations for additional student permit-valid locations and information. The campus map provides detailed information about the different parking lot types and their location on campus. 

Beginning fall 2020, LBT will offer a 150-day discounted bus pass to qualified students for $100, which is a 50% discount off the regularly priced LBT student pass. The pass is good for five consecutive months and is activated when first used. To provide additional options and flexibility, a 30-day monthly pass will also be offered for $40.

The Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) will continue to support virtual and on-campus accommodations based upon individual student accommodations needs, including those that are related to disability and COVID-19. BMAC can be contacted for support at bmac@csulb.edu or 562-985-5401. 

Student Services and Support

Students can find resources such as Academic Advising, Tutoring, Academic Coaching, and more. Appointments can be scheduled online for a variety of services. 

How can Beach Connect help you?

  • Schedule appointments for a wide variety of support and services.
  • Appointment notifications and reminders via email and text.
  • Communication with important information.
  • Easy to read class schedule.

Finding Support: Log-in to Single Sign-On and click the Beach Connect Icon.  

Reference Guides and VideosQuick Reference Guide for Students

Student Health Services continues to support students via telehealth and in-person services.

  • The SHS remains open for telehealth services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • In-person visits are available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

While it is likely that the library building will remain closed during fall 2020, services are still being provided remotely.

Contact specific Librarians directly 

A pickup service is offered for physical media. Users should email their list of items with name, campus ID, and a contact phone number. Circulation staff will contact patrons with pick up instructions when items are ready. Due dates will be extended until the building is open. The two book bins in front of the library and the one in front of the McIntosh Building are open for book returns.  All others are locked. Borrowing of physical materials is temporarily suspended for books and media using CSU+, LINK+ and BeachReach. 

Use OneSearch and/or Databases to access articles. BeachReach interlibrary loan of electronic articles is available. Information about other digital eMaterials is available on the library website

Laptop Computers and Internet Hotspots Available to Students in Need

The Division of Student Affairs is partnering with the Division of Information Technology to provide laptop computers and Internet hotspots to students in need. 

  • CSULB will spend $2.65 million to establish the laptop/hotspot loan program, which currently is forecasted to provide an estimated 3,000 Dell laptop computers (Windows) and 3,000 AT&T internet hotspots with one year of service. 
  • The invitation to apply for these computers and hotspots was sent to 21,000 students who had the greatest need for technology assistance. 
  • So far, 1,000 students have registered for the laptop computers and 1,700 students for the Internet hotspots. 

Requesting a Laptop and Hotspot

There are a limited number of computers and hotspots left.  This technology assistance program is now open to all CSULB students who need a laptop computer or an Internet hotspot, or both, for taking classes online, but can’t afford them. 

  • Students in need will need to complete the CSULB Laptop/Hotspot Loans Request Form. 
  • Students may also check availability by calling 562-985-5587 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or visit Brotman Hall 377 (Monday-Friday, 10 am-3 pm). 

The Basic Needs Program is offering virtual case management. It’s comprised of the following programs: 

  • ASI Beach Pantry: The pantry has perishable and non-perishable food items, toiletries, and school supplies available to all CSULB students. 
  • CalFresh Outreach Program: California's name for the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CalFresh benefits are funds on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which can be used to buy food. The CalFresh Outreach Program at CSULB provides application and verification assistance to students who meet CalFresh eligibility requirements. Assistance can be found during drop-in hours or through an appointment. 
  • Student Emergency Intervention and Wellness Program: This program serves students experiencing an unforeseen emergency crisis who have exhausted all sources of assistance including financial aid grants and loans. The services include an emergency grant up to $500, emergency meal assistance, and short-term emergency housing.
  • Beach Bites: Mobile food app that is available for CSULB students who are iOS or Android users. The app alerts students to available food from on-campus catered events and meetings. Download the app on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Project Rebound, a newly launched initiative at CSULB aims to plug students into campus programs and organizations that will help them move forward toward graduation. Already at nine other CSU campuses, the state- and grant-funded network of programs give these students the confidence to change their lives and career goals. 

  • Beach Buddy Program: The Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB), College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is partnering with CSULB Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to launch the Beach Buddy Program in fall 2020. Beach Buddy is a peer mentoring program that offers students a new way to connect with other students for emotional support and mental health resources. Beach Buddies are peer mentors for other students on the CSULB campus who experience difficulties with school, relationships, stress management, or other concerns 
  • CAPSCounseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is supporting students remotely. CAPS counselors are available over the phone for crises and emergencies. CAPS current hours are Monday through, from Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During those hours, you can call 562-985-4001 and ask to speak to a counselor. After hours and on weekends, you can call that same number and follow the instructions to connect to a counselor 24/7. 

  • CHHS students may schedule an individual appointment with Amy Gleason, the CHHS Career Coordinator, through SSC. Meet with Amy to ask any questions you have about your personal career development. Visit the CHHS Workshops & Appointments page for instructions on how to schedule an appointment and information on upcoming workshops. 
  • The CSULB Career Development Center is providing virtual student and employer services, such as appointments, workshops, on-campus interviews, and information sessions through Zoom and phone. Please continue to access, schedule, and RSVP to events through CareerLINK and we will be in contact with further instructions and details.

Student Life and Development will continue to support all student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, Leadership Academy, and club sports through virtual formats. Training will be offered to clubs and organizations regarding how to offer virtual facilitation of meetings and programs.

Attend our town hall meetings in the fall. We started the town halls to support and connect students, faculty, and staff during this stressful and uncertain time. Our panel of experts includes health, wellness, and safety experts. Join CHHS on BeachSync to get notified about our next townhall

Student Affairs has created a comprehensive guide to campus and community resources available to you during this time. The guide includes links and phone numbers for food resources, financial resources, housing options, health and well-being resources, and more. Use the table of contents to navigate the 50+ pages of resources available around Southern California.

They have also posted information on COVID-19-related resources as well as a reference sheet of Student Affairs programs and services