Changes in Rules and Policies

Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this catalog, students and others who use this catalog should note that laws, rules, and policies change from time to time and that these changes might alter the information contained in this publication. Changes may come in the form of statutes enacted by the Legislature, rules and policies adopted by The Board of Trustees of the California State University, by the Chancellor or designee of the California State University, or by the President or designee of the campus. It is not possible in a publication of this size to include all of the rules, policies and other information that pertain to students, the institution, and the California State University. More current or complete information may be obtained from the appropriate department, school, or administrative office.

Nothing in this catalog shall be construed as, operate as or have the effect of an abridgment or a limitation of any rights, powers, or privileges of The Board of Trustees of the California State University, the Chancellor of the California State University, or the President of the campus. The Trustees, the Chancellor, and the President are authorized by law to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and policies that apply to students. This catalog does not constitute a contract or the terms and conditions of a contract between the student and the campus or the California State University. The relationship of students to the campus and the California State University is one governed by statute, rules, and policy adopted by the Legislature, the Trustees, the Chancellor, the Presidents and their duly authorized designees.

Academic Honesty

Vice President for Student Affairs
(916) 278-6060

Honesty is essential to the integrity of any institution of higher education. Accordingly, Sacramento State expects all faculty, staff, and students to protect the integrity of the curriculum and fair grading. Sacramento State is a publicly-assisted institution legislatively empowered to certify competence and accomplishment in general and discrete categories of knowledge. Because academic dishonesty defrauds all those who depend upon the integrity of the University, Sacramento State must diligently defend the integrity of all academic programs.

The Sacramento State Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures can be accessed at:http://www.csus.edu/umanual/student/stu-0100.htm.

Grading System

Lower division courses (numbered 1-99), upper division courses (100-199), graduate level courses (200-299 and 500 and above) and some postbaccalaureate Education courses (300-499) are graded:

Grading System

Grade	Grade Points
A	4.0
A-	3.7
B+	3.3
B	3.0
B-	2.7
C+	2.3
C	2.0
C-	1.7
D+	1.3
D	1.0
D-	0.7
F	0.0

Certain designated courses, e.g., co-curricular courses, fieldwork, field tours, workshops, theses, supervised teaching and similar courses are graded Credit (“CR”) or No Credit (“NC”). The Credit (“CR”) grade will equate to “A”, “B” or “C” level competence for undergraduate courses and “A” or “B” level competence for graduate courses. The University uses a plus/ minus grading system for letter grades. The grade of “C-” equates to a Credit for undergraduate courses and the “B-” equates to a Credit for graduate courses.

A student’s academic standing is determined by grade point average (GPA). Grade point average is computed by dividing quality points (the total number of grade points earned) by the number of quality hours (total attempted hours excluding courses graded “CR” or “NC”). A grade point average of 2.0 indicates a “C” average, a 3.0 indicates a “B” average, etc. The University does not award a grade of "A+".

Definition of Grade Symbols

Definition of Grade Symbols

Grade	Definition
A	Exemplary achievement of the course objectives. In addition to being clearly and significantly above the requirements, work exhibited is of an independent, creative, contributory nature.
B	Superior achievement of the course objectives. The performance is clearly and significantly above the satisfactory fulfillment of course requirements.
C	Satisfactory achievement of the course objectives. The student is now prepared for advanced work or study. Note: The letter grade “C” does not imply satisfactory achievement at the graduate level.
D	Unsatisfactory achievement of course objectives, yet achievement of a sufficient proportion of the objectives so that it is not necessary to repeat the course unless required to do so by the academic department.
F	Unsatisfactory achievement of course objectives to an extent that the student must repeat the course to receive credit.
WU	Withdrawal Unauthorized indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course and also failed to complete course requirements. It is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities, or both, were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. For purposes of grade point average, this symbol is equivalent to an “F”. (See Deletion Policy)
CR	Satisfactory achievement of course objectives. (Not used in Sacramento State grade point calculation.)
NC	Unsatisfactory achievement of course objectives. (Not used in Sacramento State grade point calculation, but is calculated as “F” by many graduate and professional schools.)
I	Incomplete Authorized. A portion of the requirements usually completed during one term remains to be completed and evaluated. (Not used in grade point calculation.) See Incomplete Grade policy, which follows.
RP	Report in progress. Work is in progress on thesis, project or similar course extending beyond one term. (Not used in grade point calculation.) See “RP” Grade Policy, which follows.
W	The symbol "W" indicates that the student was permitted to withdraw from the course after the ______ (day/week) of instruction with the approval of the instructor and appropriate campus officials. It carries no connotation of quality of student performance and is not used in calculating grade point average or progress points. In addition to this statement, the campus catalog shall include a description of the procedures to be followed in withdrawing from a class or from the campus. Such procedures shall be consistent with all applicable provisions of this executive order.
RD	Report Delayed because a grade has not been reported to the registrar due to circumstances beyond control of student. (Not used in grade point calculation.)
AU	Audit symbol indicates student’s status as auditor and does not earn degree credit. (See Admission of Auditors.)

Audit Grade Symbol

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 in that term. A student who is enrolled for credit may not change to audit after the fourth week of instruction.

An auditor is a student who enrolls in a course for informational purposes only. Regular attendance is customary and expected, but an auditor does not participate in the class, does not take examinations, and does not receive academic credit for the course. Auditors are not permitted to enroll in activity, curricular, or participatory courses.

Incomplete Grades

The symbol “I” (Incomplete Authorized) indicates that a portion of required coursework has not been completed and evaluated during the course due to unforeseen but fully justified reasons and that there is still a possibility of earning credit.¹ It is the responsibility of the student to bring pertinent information to the attention of the instructor and to determine from the instructor the remaining course requirements that must be satisfied to remove the Incomplete. A final grade is assigned when the work agreed upon has been completed and evaluated. An “I” (Incomplete Authorized) should not be assigned when it is necessary for the student to attend additional class meetings to complete the course requirements. When assigning an "I" grade faculty will complete an online contract visible to student indicating assignments needing to be completed to meet the terms of the contract. An Incomplete must be made up within the time limit specified by the instructor when the completed "I" grade is assigned. The time limit may not extend beyond 12 months. If the instructor does not specify a time limit, then the student must meet the conditions specified by the instructor within 12 months from the day grades are due on the Academic Calendar (the last day of the term) the same term in which the "I" grade was assigned. This limitation prevails whether or not the student maintains continuous enrollment.

Failure to complete the assigned work will result in an Incomplete being converted to an “F” or “NC” on the academic transcript.

¹

Students in the military reserve whose units go on active duty during or around the final examinations period are eligible to receive an “I” provided they meet the conditions above.

Graduating Seniors

If a graduating senior has an incomplete "I" grade in a course in which

1. the student has not completed the course requirements, and
2. the time limit has not yet expired on the student's graduation date, and the course is not required for the degree,

then the "I" grade remains on the official transcript as "I/Not Completed".

RP Grade Policy

The “RP” symbol is used in connection with courses that extend beyond one semester. It indicates that work is in progress, but assignment of a final grade must await completion of additional work. The “RP” symbol shall be replaced with the appropriate final grade within one year of its assignment (within two years for master’s culminating requirement). If no final grade is reported by the instructor within the time limit, the “RP” will be converted to “F” or “NC” on the academic transcript.

C- Grades for Prerequisite Courses

A grade of "C-" or better is required for prerequisite courses.  If a department requires a “C” or better in a prerequisite course and will not accept a “C-“ grade, then the department must specify so in the catalog course description. This policy applies to all undergraduate-level courses.

Credit/No Credit Grading Option

With the exception of certain designated courses, e.g., co-curricular courses, fieldwork, field tours, workshops, theses, supervised teaching, and similar courses, academic achievement is evaluated on a letter grade basis (“A”-“F”). Sacramento State students may choose to substitute Credit/No Credit (“CR”/ “NC”) grading for a maximum of 15 letter-graded Sacramento State credit hours/units subject to the following conditions:

Undergraduate Students

1. No more than 15 units taken under the Sacramento State “CR”/“NC” option may apply toward a baccalaureate degree (this does not include credits obtained from challenge or Advanced Placement examinations).
2. Any course which is graded “CR”/“NC” cannot be used to satisfy requirements in the major, the minor, or general education unless the course is identified in the catalog as graded “CR”/“NC”. This applies to all University graduation requirements.
3. Students must submit the appropriate form requesting “CR”/“NC” grading to Office of the University Registrar before the census date of the semester.
4. The instructor will assign a letter grade on the grade roll. If the grade earned by the student who elected the “CR”/ “NC” option is “C-” or higher, “CR” will be posted to the student’s transcript. If the assigned grade is lower than “C-”, “NC” will be posted.

Graduate Students

1. Classified or conditionally classified graduate students, with the consent of their advisor and department, may elect “CR”/“NC” grading in courses normally letter graded. Units earned in this manner may not count toward graduate degree requirements.
2. Unclassified graduate students and postbaccalaureate credential students also may elect “CR”/“NC” grading in courses normally letter graded. Units earned in this manner may not be used to meet course requirements for admission to classified status or be applied to meeting second bachelor’s, certificate or credential requirements (unless department policy specifies otherwise).
3. Graduate students must submit the appropriate form requesting “CR”/“NC” grading, including approved signatures if required, to the Registrar's Office before the census date of the semester.
4. The instructor will assign a letter grade on the grade roster. If the grade earned by the student who elected the “CR”/“NC” option is “B-” or higher, “CR” will be posted to the student’s transcript. If the assigned grade is lower than “B-”, it will be posted as “NC”.

Co-Curricular Courses

Co-curricular courses are designed to enhance student development, enrich the student’s educational experience and/or facilitate involvement in University life. Co-curricular courses are graded “CR”/“NC”. No more than 15 units of co-curricular coursework may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree.

Co-curricular courses include the following categories of courses (fieldwork and internships required in a major or minor program are not subsumed in this category):

1. elective courses that provide students opportunities to practice in a field related to their major, e.g., cooperative education, field tours, workshops, tutoring, fieldwork and internships;
2. courses that allow students to apply an individual talent or skill as a participant in intercollegiate competition or other extracurricular activities and events organized by the University;
3. orientation courses, e.g., introduction to college studies, academic strategies and study skills, career orientation; and
4. courses that promote student involvement in University governance and service, e.g., participation in student government, peer advising, residence hall advisor training.

Grade Corrections, Deletions, and Appeals

Grade Correction Policy

A grade correction is possible only in the case of a declared administrative error. A correction in letter grade must be approved by the instructor of record and the department chairperson by the last day of the semester, either spring or fall, after the grade is posted to the student’s record. The definition of administrative error is an error made by the instructor or assistant in grade determination or posting.

A grade Change may not be made as a result of work completed or presented following the close of a grade period, except for completion of work when an Incomplete grade was issued. Grades cannot be changed to “W” nor can they be changed from a letter grade to Credit/No Credit.

A grade correction after the semester following grade award will be allowed only if the course instructor and chair of the department where the course was offered submit the grade change and an explanation for the late grade correction to the Registrar. In the case where the course instructor and/or department chair is unavailable, the department faculty or a committee of department faculty must approve the grade correction. In such a case, a statement of the nature of the exception, the department’s method of approval, and the date of approval, must be forwarded with the grade correction.

Deletion Policy

A petition to delete grades may be submitted for consideration by the Academic Standards Committee for the following reasons only:

1. to remove penalty grades assigned due to failure to complete a course for causes related to illness. Medical verification is required;
2. to correct errors by academic departments. Department verification is required;
3. to correct errors made in registration (e.g., use of wrong class code). The Registrar’s Office must confirm this error.

Petitions to delete grades must be submitted within one academic year from the end of the semester in which the grade was received. After a degree has been awarded, no petitions will be considered to delete grades posted prior to that award.

Grade Appeal Procedures

The campus has a single grade appeal procedure available to students in all academic disciplines. Copies of the procedure are available in each academic department office, in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Information in its entirety about the grade appeal process can be accessed on the Sacramento State Web site at https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/internal/_internal/_documents/grade-appeal-policy-jun-2017-revised.pdf

Unauthorized Withdrawal Policy - WU (Withdrawal Unauthorized)

The University requires that students process an official drop or withdrawal online or by petition within published deadlines. Failure to withdraw properly from a course may result in assignment of a “WU”, "F", or "NC" grade in the course.

The “WU” may be assigned in the case where the student has not completed sufficient course assignments or participated in sufficient course activity to make it possible, in the opinion of the instructor, to report satisfactory or unsatisfactory completion of the class by use of a letter grade (A - F).

For purposes of grade point average, a "WU" grade is equivalent to an "F". However, in courses which are graded Credit/No Credit, the use of the "NC" grade should be assigned and not the "WU" grade.

Petition to Discount First WU Grade. In the first term that a student receives one or more "WU" grades, the student may petition to have the "WU" grades dropped from their GPA calculation. To do so the student must obtain a "Petition to Discount First WU Grade" from the University Registrar's Office or the Academic Advising Center.

The student may submit a petition at any time prior to conferral of degree. While the petition will result in the "WU" grades being excluded from the GPA calculation, the "WU" grade remains on the student's transcript. The "Petition to Discount First WU Grade" only applies to the first term in which the student receives one or more "WU" grades. This "Discount" policy does not apply to "WU" grades earned in subsequent terms or "WU" grades received at institutions other than Sacramento State.

A student re-enrolling in a course in which the student previously received a discounted first WU grade, will not be considered to be officially repeating the course. These units will not be considered "repeat units" as specified in the University's Repeat Policy.

Student Complaint Hearing Policy

Vice President for Student Affairs
(916) 278-6060

The Student Complaint Hearing Policy addresses grievances that result from alleged inequitable treatment by a University employee, enforcement of an unfair policy, or failure to adhere to a University policy that does not fall into the categories of grades, student discipline, or harassment/discrimination issues. This policy reflects the University’s desire to resolve disputes within each program center at an informal level. If such a resolution is not possible, this complaint procedure provides a fair and collegial hearing process.

For a copy of the policy, contact the offices of the Vice President for Student Affairs, any Program Center administrators, or see the online policy library.

Student Complaint Procedure (Complaints Regarding the CSU)

The California State University takes complaints and concerns regarding the institution very seriously. If you have a complaint regarding the CSU, you may present your complaint as follows:

1. If your complaint concerns CSU's compliance with academic program quality and accrediting standards, you may present your complaint on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) website. WASC is the agency that accredits the CSU's academic program. If you believe that your complaint warrants further attention after you have exhausted all the steps outlined by WASC, you may file an appeal with the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs at the CSU Chancellor's Office
2. If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by CSU of any law that prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on a protected status (such as age, disability, gender (or sex), gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity (including color or ancestry), religion or veteran or military status), you may present your complaint as described in Section XVI (Nondiscrimination Policy).
3. If your complaint concerns an alleged violation by CSU of other state law, including laws prohibiting fraud and false advertising, you may present your complaint to the campus president or designee at luke.wood@csus.edu. See Procedure for Student Complaints—Executive Order No. 1063 for details regarding the complaint requirements and complaint process.  The president or designee will provide guidance on the appropriate campus process for addressing your particular issue.
4. Other complaints regarding the CSU may be presented to the campus dean of students, who will provide guidance on the appropriate campus process for addressing your particular issue.

This procedure should not be construed to limit any right that you may have to take action to resolve your complaint.

Repeating Courses

The policy governing course repeats at California State University, Sacramento follows Executive Order 1037- Grading Symbols, Minimum Standards Governing the Assignment of Grades, Policies on the Repetition of Courses, Polices on Academic Renewal, and Grade Appeals.¹

1. Undergraduate students may repeat courses only if they earned grades lower than a C (C-, D+, D, D-, F, WU, NC).
2. Course repeats with "Grade Forgiveness" (Grade Forgiveness is the circumstances in which the new grade replaces the former grade in terms of the calculation of GPA, etc.):
   1. Undergraduate students may repeat up to 16 semester-units with grade forgiveness.²
   2. Undergraduate students may repeat an individual course for grade forgiveness no more than one time. A course may be repeated no more than two times without petition.
   3. Grade forgiveness shall not be applicable to course for which the original grade was the result of a finding of academic dishonesty.
3. Course Repeats with "Grades Averaged":
   Undergraduate students may repeat an additional 12 semester-units, i.e., units in addition to the 16 semester-units for which grade "replacement" is permitted. In such instances the repeat grades shall not re-place the original grade; instead all grades (except any forgiveness grades) shall be calculated into the student's overall grade-point average.²
4. Departments and Colleges may not have a repeat policy that differs from the campus policy. (Note: restrictions on repeats for enrolled and declared majors, pre-majors, minors, and certification students within specific programs, represent substantive program changes and not exceptions to the repeat policy.)
5. The limits apply only to units completed at the campus (i.e., While courses taken elsewhere may be repeated here or used to replace grades previously earned here (if the original grade was below a C), only the courses taken here will be counted towards the repeat caps).

¹

California State University, Executive Order 1037 - Grading Symbols, Minimum Standards Governing the Assignment of Grades, Policies on the Repetition of Courses, Polices on Academic Renewal, and Grade Appeals, eff. August 1, 2009, https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9438931/latest

²

The default sequence for applying forgiven and averaged grades is to forgive grades for repeated courses that are eligible (that have not already been repeated once) until the forgiveness cap has been reached, whereupon they will be averaged until the repeat cap is reached. Grades for a course that has already been forgiven once will be averaged. Any residual units from the forgiveness cap that are not used for forgiveness may be used for averaging, within the 28 unit total repeat cap.

Any exception to the Repeat Policy may be granted through petition to the student's major department and the Registrar's Office.

Addendum - Transfer Credit

The existing repeat policy above will apply to transfer credit unless otherwise noted (see Number 5 above). Undergraduate students may repeat courses at California State University, Sacramento OR another college or university only if they earned grades lower than a C (C-, D+, D, D-, F, WU, NC). This policy applies to students who are repeating a course first taken at California State University, Sacramento and repeated at other college or university. This policy also applies to students who are repeating a course first taken at another college or university and repeated at California State University, Sacramento.

If a student has repeated a course in which that student has earned a grade of C or higher, neither the course credit nor grade will be recognized as a valid repeat and will not be forgiven or averaged. In these instances, the original grade will remain on the student’s record.

Academic Renewal

When all the policy conditions are met, Sacramento State may disregard previous unsatisfactory academic coursework, taken at any college, from all considerations associated with requirements for the baccalaureate degree. The request is limited to two semesters or three quarters of coursework. The policy action removes the earned hours, quality hours, and quality points (grade points) for the entire semester(s) or quarter(s) under consideration. The Academic Renewal policy does not allow for partial deletion of coursework within any semester or quarter. (See Grade Deletion Policy.) Sacramento State does not consider requests to delete any course completed and applied toward a baccalaureate degree after the degree has been awarded.

Requirements and Procedure

1. Using the Academic Renewal Petition, the student must present evidence that:
   1. the level of performance was due to extenuating circumstances;
   2. one or more additional terms of enrollment would be required to complete baccalaureate requirements if the request was not approved, i.e., all degree requirements would be met except the required minimum Sacramento State and overall GPA (2.000);
   3. five years have elapsed since the most recent coursework to be disregarded was completed (e.g., Fall 2001 semester will be considered after the Fall 2006 semester);
   4. the student has completed additional academic coursework at Sacramento State subsequent to the work to be disregarded;
   5. the additional academic coursework completed conforms with the following sliding scale: 15 semester units with at least a 3.0 GPA, 30 semester units with at least a 2.500 GPA, or 45 semester units with at least a 2.000 GPA (work completed at another college/university cannot be used to satisfy this requirement); and
   6. the petitioner is currently attending Sacramento State, has filed to graduate from Sacramento State and has met with a degree evaluator from the Evaluations Office to determine if additional coursework is needed.
2. If another accredited college has acted to remove previous work from degree consideration, such action will be honored in terms of its policy. However, elimination of any work in a term by any other institution will reduce by one term the two-semester maximum that may be disregarded by Sacramento State.
3. When such action is taken, the student’s permanent academic record will be annotated so that it is readily evident that no work taken during the disregarded term(s), even if satisfactory, may apply toward baccalaureate requirements. However, all work must remain legible on the record ensuring a true and complete academic history.
4. Final determination that one or more terms will be disregarded will be based on careful review of evidence by a committee, which will include the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the College Dean of the major, the University Registrar, the Associate Registrar for Graduation and Evaluation, and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Scholastic Standards

The University recognizes superior academic achievement at the time of admission, at the end of each semester and at the time of graduation. In addition, academic standards have been set for continuation of enrollment privileges based on minimum achievement required for completion of degree requirements.

Recognition of Academic Achievement

Honors List

Semester honors are awarded and the notation “Dean’s Honor List” is posted to the permanent academic record for freshmen earning a 3.000 grade point average and other undergraduates earning a 3.250 grade point average. To be eligible in either category, students must complete a minimum of 12 letter-graded units with no Incomplete grades and no grade lower than “C-”.

Graduation with Honors

Honors at Graduation are awarded to Sacramento State bachelor’s degree graduates who complete a minimum of 30 graded units in residence with a qualifying grade point average.

Honors are awarded based on the following grade point average ranges:

Graduation with Honors

Award	GPA
Cum Laude	3.50-3.749
Magna Cum Laude	3.75-3.899
Summa Cum Laude	3.90-4.000

For posting of honors on the transcript, the GPA calculation will include all Sacramento State coursework, including the final semester. Second bachelor’s degree graduates are not eligible for Honors at Graduation.

Academic Honors Societies

University Level

• Golden Key

• Phi Beta Delta

• Phi Kappa Phi

• Sigma Xi

College Level

Arts and Letters

• Delta Phi Alpha (Foreign Languages – German)

• Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies)

• Phi Alpha Theta (History)

• Pi Kappa Lambda (Music)

• Sigma Delta Pi (Foreign Languages – Spanish)

• Sigma Tau Delta (English)

Business

• Beta Alpha Psi (Accountancy)

• Beta Gamma Sigma (Business – General)

Education

• Chi Sigma Iota (Counselor Education)

• Phi Delta Kappa (Education – General)

Engineering and Computer Science

• American Society of Civil Engineers (Civil Engineers)

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Mechanical Engineers)

• Association for Computing Machinery

• Chicano Latino Association of Computer Scientists and Engineers

• Competitive Robotics

• Construction Management Student Association (Construction Management)

• ECS Joint Council of Student Organizations

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

• National Society of Black Engineers

• Society of Automotive Engineers

• Society of Women Engineers

• Tau Beta Pi (Engineers – General)

• Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computer Science)

Health & Human Services

• Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)

• Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)

• Phi Alpha (Social Work)

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

• Biological Sciences Honors Programs (Biological Sciences)

• Gamma Theta Upsilon (Geography)

• Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics)

• Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics)

Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

• Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)

• Lambda Alpha (Anthropology)

• Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics)

• Pi Sigma Alpha (Government)

• Psi Chi (Psychology)

Scholastic Standards for Continuation of Enrollment

Undergraduate Students

The grade point average in all courses attempted at Sacramento State plus the overall GPA in courses attempted at all accredited colleges are used in determining whether a student is demonstrating satisfactory progress toward degree completion. Students must maintain a 2.000 (“C”) average each semester, at Sacramento State, and overall. Failure to do so will subject the student to the loss of enrollment privileges as indicated in the following rules.

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree, a student must earn a grade point average of 2.000 in the overall college record, in the cumulative Sacramento State record, in all upper division courses used to complete the major, in all courses used to complete the minor, and in all courses used to complete General Education.

Graduate Students¹

¹

See Graduate Degree Requirements/Scholarship.

Undergraduate Academic Action Categories

Good Standing

Undergraduate students whose Sacramento State and cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.0 or above are considered in good academic standing.

Academic Probation

Students whose cumulative Sacramento State grade point average or overall grade point average falls below 2.000 will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation are eligible to enroll in the subsequent semester.

Continued Probation

Students on probation will be placed on Continued Probation if they:

• earn a 2.000 in the current semester, but have a Sacramento State GPA or overall GPA below 2.000.

Students placed on Continued Probation will be limited to a maximum course load of 14 units per semester until they return to academic good standing.

Academic Disqualification

If a student is on academic probation and the Sacramento State or cumulative grade point average is below the following levels, the student will be academically disqualified if their Sacramento State or cumulative GPA is below a:

• Freshman (30 units) will be academically disqualified if their Sacramento State GPA is below a 1.50;
• Sophomores (30-59.9 units) will be academically disqualified if their Sacramento State GPA is below 1.70;
• Juniors (60-89.9 units) will be academically disqualified if their Sacramento State GPA is below a 1.85;
• Seniors (90 or more units) will be academically disqualified if their Sacramento State GPA is below a 1.95.

Students not on probation will be disqualified if the cumulative GPA is 1.00 or less. Disqualified students will not be allowed to register unless they are formally reinstated and/or readmitted to the University.

Academic Dismissal

A student reinstated after disqualification who earns a semester GPA below 2.000 or fails to meet other requirements specified in the reinstatement contract will be dismissed. Academic Dismissal means that enrollment privileges have been withdrawn. Dismissed students are not eligible to use the immediate reinstatement procedure. Academically dismissed students are not eligible for readmission without at least one semester of absence from Sacramento State. Students who have been dismissed twice must sit out two years before petitioning to return.

Administrative Probation and Administrative Disqualification

Undergraduate students are subject to Administrative Probation for the following reasons:

1. Withdrawal from all or a substantial portion of their courses in two successive terms or in any three terms.
2. Repeated failure to progress toward a degree or other program objective, when such failure is due to circumstances within the control of the student.
3. Failure to comply, after due notice, with an academic requirement or regulation.

Students who do not meet the conditions for removal of administrative probation may be subject to further administrative actions, including Administrative Disqualification.

Notification

Student Service Center
Office of the University Registrar
Lassen Hall 1000
(916) 278-1000

Students will be notified of their academic status (academic probation, continued probation, academic disqualification or academic dismissal) by letter, and/or My Sacramento State message and/or email at the end of each semester. Students on Probation or Continued Probation are required to meet with an advisor in their major department. Departments may block registration of students who fail to meet advising appointments. Students receiving veterans’ educational benefits may be ruled ineligible for continued benefits if, after one semester of unsatisfactory achievement (probation or disqualification), they do not return to academic Good Standing at the completion of the next semester.

Reinstatement of Disqualified Students

Students who have been academically disqualified may petition for reinstatement. The Petition for Reinstatement may be obtained from the reinstatement website (https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/student-services-center/reinstatement.html).  Reinstatement petitions are reviewed by a committee of faculty and professional advisors, who make recommendations for a student's future academic standing. If reinstated, students will be placed on an academic contract that may stipulate maximum units, specific courses, and achievement levels. Failure to meet the conditions of the reinstatement contract and/or failure to achieve a subsequent semester GPA of 2.000 or higher will result in academic dismissal.

Students not recommended by their academic department for continuation in the first choice major may be considered for University reinstatement into a different major when approved by the department offering that major. Students reinstated as undeclared will not be allowed to enroll in upper division major courses during the period of the contract without the permission of the department chair or designee for that major.

Deadlines to petition for immediate reinstatement are as follows:

Spring Semester: Third week of January
Fall Semester: End of June

Note: Deadlines are strictly enforced.

Students whose petitions are approved are subject to review each semester until the Sacramento State GPA and overall cumulative GPA reach the minimum standard of 2.00 for academic Good Standing.

Readmission of Academically Dismissed Students

Students who are academically dismissed will not be considered for continued enrollment at the University for at least one semester depending on semester of dismissal. Academically dismissed students need to meet with an advisor for advice on developing a plan to remedy the conditions that led to dismissal.

After the mandatory interruption in enrollment, students who were academically dismissed must submit a petition for “Readmission after Dismissal” which is available on the Reinstatement website (https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/centers-programs/student-services-center/reinstatement.html). Petitions for Readmission after Dismissal are available during the month of August in order to be reviewed for possible Spring term admission. The appeal must include a recommendation from the student’s major department. A student whose appeal is granted is subject to academic review each semester until the Sacramento State GPA and overall grade point average reach the minimum standard of 2.00 for academic Good Standing. Readmitted students who fail to meet conditions specified for readmission will be academically dismissed. A second dismissal will result in a mandatory interruption of at least two years.

Note: Deadlines are strictly enforced.

Reinstatement Procedure for College of Business Undergraduate Students

Business students who have been disqualified or dismissed from the University for academic reasons are no longer considered business students. This means that disqualified or dismissed students will not be allowed to enroll in 100-level business courses until they have been reinstated into the business major.

Undergraduate students who did not enroll in the University the semester(s) immediately following their disqualification must obtain a Petition for Reinstatement or Petition for Readmission Following Dismissal from the Academic Advising and Career Center or the Student Services Counter, Lassen Hall. If enrolled in the University for non-business classes the semester(s) immediately following disqualification, the student must obtain a Change of Major - Reinstatement Petition from the Undergraduate Business Advising Center (UBAC), indicating the request for reinstatement into the major. All petitions, along with supporting documentation of explanation and a complete set of transcripts of all college-level courses taken, must be submitted to the UBAC, Tahoe Hall 1030, no later than the first Friday of any given month. Petitions are evaluated each month and recommendations are made for the subsequent semester.

All students must check with the Academic Advising and Career Center to assure they comply with the University’s reinstatement policy and procedures.

Official Transcripts

Student Service Center

Office of University Registrar

Lassen Hall 1000

(916) 278-1000

Sacramento State issues official transcripts only. There is a charge per transcript. Transcripts may be ordered in person, by mail (student's signature required), or online (for an additional fee). Orders are not accepted by telephone, fax, or email. When ordering transcripts in person, please be sure to bring a government issued photo ID. Transcript requests will be returned if you owe any financial or administrative obligation to the University. Please refer to the Office of the University Registrar's Web site at: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/records-transcripts/transcripts/.

Information to Include with a Request

Full name and any other names you may have attended under; student identification number, if known; complete social security number; date of birth; dates of attendance/graduation from Sacramento State. Please print legibly the address(es) where you would like the transcript(s) mailed. Provide any special instructions such as "Hold for current semester grades" or "Hold for the degree posting" or "Hold for grade change". If someone other than yourself will be picking up the transcript, you need to provide a signed release authorizing the third party to pick up your transcript. And, your signature is required on each transcript request.

To avoid delays in processing, include your full name, student identification number, date of birth, and previously used names. Submit the correct fee payment with written requests and specify any special handling instructions.¹ Currently enrolled students may obtain unofficial transcripts from My Sacramento State. For current information on how to order transcripts and fees, please refer to the Office of the University Registrar's Web site.

¹

See Fees and Refunds/Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution.

Schedule of Final Examinations

Final examinations, including major section exams offered in lieu of a final exam, may not be scheduled during the last week of classes. However, quizzes, lab exams, and other academic assignments may be scheduled for the last week of classes provided they are specified on the course syllabus. No unscheduled (i.e., not included in the course syllabus) or additional requirements may be imposed on students during the last week of classes. Any exceptions that necessitate giving a final prior to final exam week must be stated on the course syllabus and require prior approval of the Dean.

Credit Hour

On July 1, 2020, the United States Department of Education changed its definition of the student credit hour. Fundamentally, the change now shifts responsibility for credit hour compliance to the accreditation agency and/or to the state.

As such, the CSU’s accreditor, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), has published its own updated definition of student credit hour and related accreditation processes. The new regulations no longer require an accrediting agency to review an institution’s credit hour policy and procedures. It does require the WSCUC to review the institution’s definition of credit hour and (as a newly introduced practice) an institutions’ processes and policies for ensuring the credit hour policy is followed.

The CSU credit hour definition is consistent with federal law (600.2 and 600.4 revised July 1, 2020) and the requirements of the WSCUC. The CSU defines a credit hour as an amount of work represented in stated learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement. Such evidence is an institutionally established equivalency that:

1. Approximates no less than:
   1. One hour of direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
   2. At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph 1.a. of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours; and
2. Permits an institution, in determining the amount of work associated with a credit hour, to take into account a variety of delivery methods, measurements of student work, academic calendars, disciplines and degree levels. Institutions have the flexibility to award a greater number of credits for courses that require more student work. A credit hour is assumed to be a 50-minute period. In courses in which “seat time” does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.

As in the past, a credit hour is assumed to be a 50-minute (not 60-minute) period. In some courses, such as those offered online asynchronously, in which "seat time" does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement. 

For purposes of accreditation, all CSU campuses are required to develop, communicate and implement procedures for regular, periodic review of this credit hour policy to ensure that credit hour assignments are accurate, reliable and consistently applied. WSCUC published new draft guidelines that will take effect in June 2021. Campuses will be responsible (effective summer 2021) for publishing a clearly stated practice or process that ensures they are in compliance with the student credit hour definition.

Credit by Examination

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at Sacramento State. Credit shall be awarded to those who pass them successfully.

Systemwide Credit by Examination

Sacramento State grants credit to those students who pass examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include the Advanced Placement (AP) Examination, the CSU English Equivalency Examination, and some College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations. The following examinations (chart below) are accepted for the amount of credit indicated, subject to the achievement scores noted.

Systemwide Credit by Examination

Examination	Passing Score	Credit
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)	50 - 63	Semester hours vary according to exam
International Baccalaureate Examination (IB)	4 - 7 higher level	Semester hours vary according to exam
CEEB Advanced Placement Program Examinations (AP)	3, 4, 5	Up to 6 semester hours (As recommended by the College Board)
American Chemical Society Cooperative Examination	50th percentile or above	3 semester hours
CSU English Equivalency Examination	Established annually by faculty scoring the examination	6 semester hours

Note: A minimum score of 5 is required on some Higher Level IB exams in order to receive credit. Please see the International Baccalaureate Examination section below for specific information regarding exams.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP

CLEP Exam	GE Area	GE Units	Elective Units	Course Equivalencies
American Government	D-Government	3	0	None
American Literature	C-Humanities	3	0	None
Analysing and Interpreting Literature	C-Humanities	3	0	None
Biology	B2	3	0	None
Calculus	B4	3	0	None
Chemistry	B1	3	0	None
College Algebra	B4	3	0	None
College Algebra-Trigonometry	B4	3	0	None
College Mathematics	None	0	0	None
College Composition	None	0	0	None
College Composition-Modular	None	0	0	None
English Composition (no essay)	None	0	0	None
English Composition with Essay	None	0	0	None
English Literature	C-Humanities	3	0	None
Financial Accounting	None	0	3	None
French Level I1	None	0	6	None
French Level II1	C-Humanities	3	6	None
Freshman College Composition	None	0	0	None
German Level I1	None	0	6	None
German Level II1	C-Humanities	3	6	None
History, US I	D-History+US1	3	0	None
History US II	D-History+US1	3	0	None
Human Growth and Development	E	3	0	None
Humanities	C-Humanities	3	0	None
Informational Systems and Computer Applications	None	0	3	None
Introduction to Educational Psychology	None	0	3	None
Intro Business Law	None	0	3	None
Intro Psychology	D-Psychology	3	0	None
Intro Sociology	D-Sociology	3	0	None
Natural Science	B1 or B2	3	0	None
Pre-Calculus	B4	3	0	None
Principles of Accounting	None	0	3	None
Principles of Macroeconomics	D-Economics	3	0	ECON 1A
Principles of Management	None	0	3	None
Principles of Marketing	None	0	3	None
Principles of Microeconomics	D-Economics	3	0	ECON 1B
Social Science and History	None	0	0	None
Spanish Level I[1}	None	0	6	None
Spanish Level II1	C-Humanities	3	6	None
Trigonometry	B4	3	0	None
Western Civilization I	C-Humanities or D-History	3	0	None
Western Civilization II	D-History	3	0	None

A score of 50 is required for all exams except for Languages other than English Level II:

CLEP Language

Language	Score
French Level II	59
German Level II	60
Spanish Level II	63

¹

Credit is awarded for a maximum of one CLEP test in the same foreign language.

Official Transfer Evaluations

Office of the University Registrar
Lassen Hall 2000
(916) 278-1000

The Office of the University Registrar will prepare an official transfer credit evaluation summarizing prior college credit and indicating Sacramento State General Education requirements met. Students may access their Transfer Credit Evaluation through their MySacState account.

Questions about the evaluation can be discussed with the Student Services Center, Lassen 1000 or by calling the Help Line at (916) 278-1000.

Use of Advanced Placement Credit

AP Credit

AP Exam	GE Area	GE Units	Elective Units	Course Equivalencies
Art History	C-Arts or C-Humanities	3	3	None
Art Studio and Drawing	None	0	6	None
Art Studio-2D Design	None	0	6	None
Art Studio-3D Design	None	0	6	None
Biology: Score of 3	B2 & B3	4	2	None
Biology: Score of 4 or 5	B2, B3	6	0	BIO 10
Calculus AB1: Score of 3	B4	4	2	None
Calculus AB1: Score of 4 or 5	B4	4	2	MATH 30
Calculus BC1	B4	6	0	MATH 30 & 31
Chemistry	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Chinese Language & Culture	C-Humanities	3	3	Foreign Language Requirement
Computer Science A1	None	0	6	CSC 15
Computer Science AB1	None	0	6	CSC 15 & CSC 20
Computer Science Principles	B4 (May 2018 exam or later)	3	3	None
Economics – Macroeconomics	D-Economics	3	3	ECON 1A
Economics – Microeconomics	D-Economics	3	3	ECON 1B
English Language	A2	3	3	ENGL 5
English Literature	A2 & C-Humanities	6	0	ENGL 5
Environmental Science	B1 & B3	4	2	None
French Language & Culture: Score of 3	C-Humanities	4	2	FREN 2A & Foreign Language reqmt.
French Language & Culture: Score of 4 or 5	C-Humanities	4	2	FREN 2B & Foreign Language reqmt.
French Literature	C-Humanities	3	3	None
Geography – Human	D-Geography	3	3	GEOG 2
German Language & Culture: Score of 3	C-Humanities	4	2	GERM 2A & Foreign Language reqmt.
German Language & Culture: Score of 4 or 5	C-Humanities	4	2	GERM 2B & Foreign Language reqmt.
Government – Comparative	D-Government	3	3	None
Government - U.S. Gov and Politics	D-Government	3	3	None - meets US Constitution2
History – U.S.3	D-History +US1	6	0	HIST 17A & HIST 17B
History – European	C-Humanities	6	0	HIST 4 & HIST 5
History – World (May 2019 exam or later)	C-Humanities	3	3	HIST 51
Italian Language & Culture	C-Humanities	3	3	Foreign Language reqmt.
Japanese Language & Culture: Score of 3 (May 2017 exam or later)	C - Humanities	5	1	Japanese 1B & Foreign Language reqmt.
Japanese Language & Culture: Score of 4 (May 2017 exam or later)	C - Humanities	4	2	Japanese 2A & Foreign Language reqmt.
Japanese Language & Culture: Score of 5 (May 2017 exam or later)	C - Humanities	4	2	Japanese 2B & Foreign Language reqmt.
Latin: Vergil	C-Humanities	3	3	Foreign Language reqmt.
Latin: Literature	C-Humanities	3	3	Foreign Language reqmt.
Music: Listening & Literature	C-Arts	3	3	None
Music: Theory	C-Arts	3	3	None
Physics 14	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Physics 24	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Physics 1 + Physics 2: Score of 34	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Physics 1 + Physics 2: Score of 4 or 54	B1 & B3	4	2	PHYS 5A & PHYS 5B
Physics C Mechanics: Score of 34	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Physics C Mechanics: Score of 4 or 54	B1 & B3	4	2	PHYS 11A
Physics C Electricity/Magnetism: Score of 34	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Physics C Electricity/Magnetism: Score of 4 or 54	B1 & B3	4	2	PHYS 11C
Precalculus	B4	4	2	MATH 29
Psychology	D-Psychology	3	3	PSYC 2
Research	None	0	6	None
Seminar	None	0	6	None
Spanish Language & Culture: With score of 3	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 2A & Foreign Language reqmt.
Spanish Language & Culture: With score of 4	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 2B & Foreign Language reqmt.
Spanish Language & Culture: With score of 5	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 42, 47 & Foreign Language reqmt.
Spanish Literature & Culture	C-Humanities	3	3	Foreign Language reqmt.
Statistics	B4	3	3	STAT 1

¹

If student passes more than one AP calculus or computer science, only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. A score of 3 or above is required.

²

AP exam in Government does not fulfill CA Government requirement.

³

AP exam in US History does not fulfill Race & Ethnicity requirement.

⁴

If a student passes more than one AP Physics exam, only 6 units of credit may be applied to the Baccalaureate degree and only 4 units applied to GE certification.

Amount and Use of Examination Credit for General Education

Students who present scores of three or better on the Advanced Placement Examinations may earn up to 6 units of college credit and meet applicable General Education Area Requirements. Advanced Placement credit is excluded from the credit by examination limit of 30 units.

Students passing the English Equivalency Examination administered after 1972-73 may earn up to 6 units of credit to be applied in general education in lieu of English 1A.

Students taking the CLEP Subject Examination, General Chemistry and who earn a score of 48 or above, earn 3 units of Natural Science credit.

Campus Credit by Examination

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at the campus. Results of the examination (“CR” or “NC”) will be noted on the student’s transcript. Only courses listed in this catalog may be challenged. Departments may exclude performance or other courses from challenge. Campus challenge procedure is open only to matriculated students enrolled during summer, fall, and spring semesters. A course may be challenged only once.

Individual departments may require students to enroll in courses they wish to challenge. The deadline for returning forms showing challenge results to the Office of the University Registrar, Student Services Counter, Lassen Hall.

Other Conditions Governing Award of Credit by Examination

1. A student may not challenge a course if the course (or its equivalent) appears on the student’s transcript with any grade other than “W”.
2. Credit will not be awarded for successful passage of any systemwide examination if the student has taken that examination previously within the past term. Campus examinations may only be attempted one time.
3. Credit will not be awarded when equivalent degree credit has been granted for regular coursework, credit by evaluation or other instructional process, such as correspondence, at any institution.
4. Credit will not be awarded when credit has been granted at a level more advanced than that represented by the examination in question.
5. Where there is partial overlap with prior credit granted, the amount of examination credit will be reduced accordingly.
6. The total amount of credit earned on the basis of externally or internally developed tests that may be applied to a baccalaureate degree will not exceed 30 semester units. Advanced Placement credit is excluded from the limit. Total examination credit earned toward a master’s or doctoral degree may not exceed 6 units.
7. Credit earned by examination will be so identified on the student’s permanent record. The name of the examination is included for systemwide examinations; the course number and title will be shown for campus examinations. An unsuccessful challenge will result in a grade of “NC”, also noted as “by examination”.
8. Neither systemwide nor campus examination nor advanced placement examination credits count toward the degree residence requirement.
9. Additional conditions affecting campus examinations only:
   1. Individual departments may require a specific grade point average for credit.
   2. Departments or divisions may have established limits on the number of credits within the area. A maximum of 12 units in any one foreign language may be earned by exam; the total of foreign language units earned by examination may not exceed 16.
   3. Credit awarded for campus examinations is for elective purposes unless approved by appropriate department chairs for use in meeting major or minor requirements. Credit by examination may not be used for General Education requirements except as noted.

International Baccalaureate Examination

Sacramento State Equivalencies for International Baccalaureate (IB Exams)

Sacramento State will accept credit for admissions and advanced standing credit for students completing the International Baccalaureate (IB), a college preparatory program. Advanced standing credit may be earned for scores of 4, 5, 6 or 7 for the “Higher Level”¹ examination. Students will be obliged to submit a copy of their official lB transcript. See table for Sacramento State Equivalencies.

¹

A minimum score of 5 is required on some Higher Level IB exams in order to receive credit. Please see the table below for specific information regarding exams; exams requiring a minimum score of 5 will be marked with an asterisk (*).

Use of IB Credit

International Baccalaureate

IB Exam	GE Area	GE Units	Elective Units	Course Equivalents
Biology*	B2 & B3	3	3	BIO 10 & Lab
Chemistry*	B1 & B3	3	3	None
Design Technology	None	0	6	None
Economics*	D-Economics	6	0	ECON 1A & ECON 1B
Film	C-Arts	3	3	None
Geography*	D-Geography	3	3	None
Global Politics	None	0	6	None
History - Africa and Middle East*	C-Humanities & D-History	6	0	HIST 7 & HIST 8
History - Americas*	C-Humanities & D-History	6	0	HIST 51 & HIST 17B
History - Europe/ME*	C-Humanities & D-History	6	0	None
Information Technology in a Global Society	None	0	6	None
Language A Literature (including English)	C-Humanities	3	3	None
Language A Lang & Literature (including English)	C-Humanities	3	3	None
Language B (English)	None	0	6	None
Language B (French): Score of 4	C-Humanities	4	2	FREN 2A & Foreign Language Req
Language B (French): Score of 5-7	C-Humanities	4	2	FREN 2B & Foreign Language Req
Language B (Spanish): Score of 4	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 2A & Foreign Language Req
Language B (Spanish): Score of 5	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 2B & Foreign Language Req
Language B (Spanish): Score of 6 or 7	C-Humanities	4	2	SPAN 42, SPAN 47 & Foreign Language Req
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches	B4	3	3	None
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation	B4	3	3	None
Mathematics (2020 exam or prior)	B4 & B5	6	0	MATH 24 & STAT 1
Music	None	0	6	None
Philosophy	None	0	6	None
Physics*	B1 & B3	4	2	None
Psychology*	D-Psychology	3	0	PSYC 2
Theatre	C-Arts	3	3	None
Visual Arts	None	0	6	None

*The following IB "Higher Level" exams require a minimum score of 5 in order to receive credit:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Geography
• History - Africa and Middle East
• History - Americas
• History - Europe/ME
• Physics
• Psychology

Waiver of Regulations

Rules and regulations in this catalog have been adopted by the faculty and administration to maintain appropriate academic standards and to facilitate the administration of the programs of the University. A student who finds that extenuating circumstances might justify the waiver of a particular regulation may file a petition with the Office of the University Registrar, Student Services Counter, Lassen Hall.