Academic Advising Questions
I want to major in Liberal Studies. What should I do?
To declare your major as Liberal Studies, you must first complete a Liberal Studies Workshop on-line by visiting http://www.csun.edu/liberalstudies/workshops.html. There are two different workshops available: 1) The Teacher Preparation Workshop is designed for future elementary or special education teachers; 2) The General Studies Option Workshop is designed for students interested in a broad liberal arts education.
After completing the appropriate workshop, your previous course work will be evaluated by a Liberal Studies Advisor and an evaluation will be mailed to you in 10 to 15 business days. Once you have received your evaluation, you may make an individual appointment with a Liberal Studies Advisor. At your appointment, the Advisor can help you file the necessary form to declare your major as Liberal Studies.
I want to map out my next few years at CSUN so that I may graduate by my target date. Where should I go for help?
You can visit the Liberal Studies website at http://www.csun.edu/liberalstudies/4_5_yearplan.html. These plans will serve as a guide in creating your "MAP" (My Academic Planner) at www.csun.edu/anr/soc/solar/text/map.txt. You may make an appointment with a Liberal Studies Advisor to discuss the MAP you have created. To make an appointment with a Liberal Studies Advisor, please call (818) 677-3300.
What is the grade forgiveness policy? Do I need to petition for it?
Students may repeat a maximum of 15 units at CSUN for grade replacement. Courses with a “C” or higher may not be repeated for forgiveness purposes. Once a course is repeated, grade changes are processed by Admissions & Records automatically. For more detailed information, please visit www.csun.edu/liberalstudies/pdf/probation_dq_handout.pdf.
What does it mean to be placed on academic probation or disqualification?
If a student’s CSUN or overall GPA falls below a 2.0, he/she will be placed on academic probation. Students who do not make academic progress while on probation may be disqualified from the University. For detailed information on University’s academic probation and disqualification policies, please visit http://www.csun.edu/liberalstudies/forms.html. Students who are experiencing academic difficulties should make an appointment with a Liberal Studies Advisor immediately by calling (818) 677-3300.
I am a Career Ladder student. Where do I go for advisement?
Career Ladder participants are immediately eligible for advisement without having to complete a Workshop (although it is highly recommended). Career Ladder students must call the Liberal Studies Office at 818-677-3300 and identify themselves as "Career Ladder" and provide their Employee I.D. number in order to make an appointment.
I think I want to change my major from Liberal Studies to something else. Who should I contact?
If you know which new major you would like to pursue, please contact that department directly and speak with one of their advisors. If you need career counseling before declaring your new major, please contact the Career Center at (818) 677-2878 and meet with a career counselor who may be able to help you make a decision using various career exploration techniques.
