Printed on recycled paper containing 30% post-consumer fiber.
Dear Student:
am pleased to welcome you to California State University Channel Islands
and delighted by your decision to attend our University.
We want you to know that you are welcomed by an entire University community
which is here to provide you with guidance, advice, and assistance.
At CI, we strive to provide numerous learning opportunities that will start you on the path toward
graduation, and stay with you as you enter future phases of your life. Our faculty and staff take a
personal interest in your success.
We encourage you to establish mentoring relationships with a faculty advisor and the supportive advisors
in our Advising Center. e advisor/student relationship is an important part of your college experience
and success.
I welcome you to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available here on campus and
wish you the best as you pursue your educational goals at CI.
Sincerely yours,
Richard R. Rush
President
Welcome from the Advising Center Staff!
T
he Island Compass is your guide to exploring the academic opportunities
at California State University Channel Islands. This guide is designed
to provide the information you need to chart your course and begin
your academic journey. With the information and tools provided in this guide,
we hope you will have a better understanding of what will be needed to
complete your degree requirements and to achieve your personal and academic goals.
I
Our advisors are committed to providing you with high quality academic advising. Academic advising
is a continuous process that will support you throughout your time at the University. In order to ensure
academic success and to remain on course, you are encouraged to maintain regular contact with program
faculty advisors as well as the professional academic advisors in the Advising Center.
Our advisors are looking forward to assisting you with your academic journey. We hope you will use the
information in this guide to key into advising and unlock your potential.
Sincerely,
Sue Saunders
Director of Academic Advising and Learning Support Services
Table of Contents
Advising Information ...........................................2-4
•AcademicAdvisingSyllabus
•APartnershipforAcademicExcellence
Understanding CI’s Major and Graduation Requirements ..............5
•ComponentsofaBachelor’sDegree
Educational Planning and Staying on Track .........................6-10
•STARReview....CreatetheFoundationforYourPersonalEducationalPlan!
•HowtoViewYourDegreeProgressReport
•ChartYourProgress:KnowHowtoCalculateYourGPA
•CollegeSurvivalAssessment:BalancingYourLifeandSchoolCommitments
•FourYearEducationPlanner
Student Success Tips ...........................................11-17
•FourYearPathwaytoSuccess!
•DiscoverYourCatalog....TheUltimateGuide
•TenSurvivalTipstoKeepyouAfloat
2
Academic Advising Syllabus
California State University Channel Islands
Advising Center: BellTower(FirstFloor-Room1595)
Phone: (805)437-8571
E-Mail: advisement@csuci.edu
Advising Office Hours: 8:30a.m.to6:00p.m.Monday–ursday
8:00a.mto5:00p.m.Friday
Required Materials: UniversityCatalog
IslandCompass
MyCI–DegreeProgressReport(DPR)
Advisingformsformajor/minordegreeprograms
GeneralEducationAdvisingForm
Academic Advising Description/Definition
InformedAcademicAdvisingisanessentialcomponenttothesuccessofyoureducationalexperienceatCalifornia
StateUniversityChannelIslands(CI).Acooperativestudent/advisorrelationshipallowsyoutoselectan
academicprogramandtheappropriatecurriculumtobestserveyourindividualneedsandtalents.
AtCI,academicadvisorswillassistyouindevelopinganeducationalplan.Asastudent,youareanactive
participantintheadvisingprocess.Advisorswillprovideguidanceandacademictoolsthatwillhelpyouto
achieveyourpersonal,academicandcareergoals.Youractiveparticipationwillensuretheadvisingpartnershipis
successful.
Advisor Responsibilities – What You Can Expect
Asyouradvisor,youcanexpectmeto:
P Beaccessibletoyoueitherbyemail,phoneoranindividualappointmentduringoperationalhoursofthe
AdvisingCenter
P Understandandeectivelycommunicatethecurriculum,graduationrequirements,andUniversity
policiesandprocedures
P Beagoodresourceforreferralstovariousindividualsanddepartmentsaroundcampus(studyabroad,
tutoring,careerandpersonalcounseling,etc.)
P Assistwitheducationalacademicplanningandclarifygraduationrequirements
P Listenandsuggestvariousoptionstoyourquestionsandconcerns
P Encourageyoutoreachandmeetyouracademicpotential
Advisee Responsibilities – What You Are Expected to Do
Youradvisorexpectsyouto:
P Meetwithanadvisorasoftenasnecessarytoacquiretheinformationyouneedtotakeadvantageofthe
educationalopportunitiesavailableatCI
P MakeappointmentsattheAdvisingCenterinpersonorbyphoneat805-437-8571andifnecessarycall
tochangeorcancelanappointment
P Cometoadvisingsessionsprepared,withplanningdoneandquestionsinmind
P Bringallacademicrecordssuchasanunocialtranscriptand/orDegreeProgressReport(DPR)to
advisingsessions
ADVISING INFORMATION
3
ADVISING INFORMATION
P Makeyourowndecisionsregardingacademic,careerandpersonalgoals
P Askandtakeadvantageofresourcesandassistanceavailable
P Beopenconcerningschoolwork,studyhabits,academicprograms,etc.
P Keepprofessionalandfacultyadvisorsinformedofyouracademicprogress
P ReadandreviewtheUniversityCatalogasnecessarytounderstandUniversitypoliciesandprogram
requirements–askquestionsforclarication
P Acceptresponsibilityfordecisionsregardingyoureducationalplan
Expected Student Learning Outcomes for the Academic Advising Experience
roughtheacademicadvisingexperienceatCI,studentswill:
• Knowtheadvisingmodelandwheretobeadvisedinfuturesemesters
• Understandgeneraleducationandinstitutionalrequirementsbothinandoutoftheirmajor
• Developaneducationalplanreectingvalues,interestsandabilities;selectcourseseachtermtoprogress
towardcompletingthateducationalplan
• Demonstratethecharacteristicsofapreparedadviseebymaintainingtheadvisingportfolioincluding
materialssuchasIslandCompassandDegreeProgressReport(DPR);cometoadvisingsessionswith
questionsinmind
• BeawareofandutilizetheDPR,availablethroughMyCI,intheireducationalplanning
• Gatherinformationandassessalternativeswiththeguidanceofanadvisortomakeeectivedecisions
concerningdegreeandcareergoals
• Utilizeadvisorreferralstoresourcesandservicesoncampus
Demonstrating Your Achievement of Learning Outcomes
Indevelopingaportfolioofyouradvisingwork,youandyouradvisor,willbeabletoaccuratelymeasureand
documentthatyouhaveachievedthelearningoutcomesforacademicadvising.isportfoliowillconsistofa
varietyofdocumentsincludingyoureducationalplan,yoursemesterschedules,yourDPRandvariousdocuments
suchasmajor/minorandgeneraleducationadvisingforms.
eprofessionaladvisorsintheCIAdvisingCenterwillprovideacademicguidanceandwillsuggestresourcesto
helpyoureachyouracademicgoals.Keepinmindthatyouareultimatelyresponsibleforcompletingalldegree
requirements.
Student:_____________________________________Date:______________________
Advisor:_______________________________
California State University Channel Islands
A Partnership for Academic Excellence
eDivisionofAcademicAairswelcomesyoutoCaliforniaStateUniversityChannelIslands.Itis
ourmissiontocreateanddeliverexcellentacademicprograms.Ourmissionactivelysupportsinstructional,
scholarlyandcreativeactivities,engagesandmentorsstudents,andfostersintellectual,ethicalandcreative
development.WeinviteyoutocommittoapartnershipwiththeDivisionofAcademicAairsthatwillfoster
youracademicsuccess.eUniversitywillassistyouinachievingyouracademicgoals.Yourresponsibilityisto
striveforacademicexcellenceinyourstudies.
WehopethatyouwillembracethecharacteristicsofCIgraduates.OurexpectationisthatCI
graduatesare:
Informed aboutpast,present,andfutureissuesaectinghumansocietyandnaturalworld,andthe
inter-relatednessofsocietyandthenaturalworld.
Empowered withthedisciplinaryandinterdisciplinaryknowledgenecessarytoevaluateproblems,theabilityto
translateknowledgeintojudgmentandaction,andexcellentcommunicationskillsforconveyingtheir
interpretationsandopinionstoadiverseaudience.
Creative indevelopingimaginativeself-expressionandindependentthinking,withjoyandpassionforlearning.
Dedicated tomaintainingtheprinciplesofintellectualhonesty,democracy,andsocialjustice,andto
participatinginhumansocietyandthenaturalworldassociallyresponsibleindividualcitizens.
CI’s commitment to this partnershipistoassistyouinacquiringtheinformationyouneedtotake
advantageoftheeducationalopportunitiesavailabletoyou.Weinviteyoutodeneanddevelopaneducational
planthatisconsistentwithyourgoals,interests,andabilities.
Your Role:
•Gettoknowyourprofessors.Visittheiroces.Takeadvantageoftheirloveofteachingandtheir
intellectualexcitementabouttheirdiscipline.
•Stayincontactwithyourprogramfacultyadvisoraswellastheprofessionalacademicadvisorsinthe
AdvisingCenter.
•Attendallofyourclasses.
•Completeallofyourassignmentsontime.
•Allowsucienttimeforoutofclasslearning.Takeadvantageoftheresourcesavailableoncampussuchas
CareerCounseling,CommunityServiceProjects,TutoringServices,StudyAbroad,AcademicAdvising,
TechnologySupportandtheLibrary.
•EnjoytheintellectualchallengesandopportunitiesthatCIbringstoyou.
ispartnershipforAcademicExcellenceisacooperativeapproachbetweenyouandtheDivisionofAcademic
Aairs.Eachunderstandsandagreestotherolesandresponsibilitiesstated.isisneitherabindingcontractnora
legaldocument;ratheritisasincereexpressionofapartnershiptoassistyouinachievingyouracademicgoals.
_______________________________ ________
StudentSignature Date
4
ADVISING INFORMATION
click to sign
signature
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5
Components of a Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum units required
for graduation 120
A-E General Education Requirements (48)
9ofthe48GeneralEducationunitsneedtobe
upperdivisioninterdisciplinary(330-349or
430-449)6 of the required 9 upper division
interdisciplinary units may be completed within
the major
AmericanInstitutionsRequirement
+
LowerandUpperDivisionMajorRequirements
+
ForeignLanguage
+
MulticulturalRequirement
+
GraduationWritingAssessmentRequirement
+
ElectivesasNeeded
=
BachelorofArtsorBachelorofScienceDegree
120minimumunits
Residency Requirement
Atleast30ofthetotalunitsmustbe
takenatCI(excludingOpenUniversity
andExtensionunits)
• Atleast24oftheseunitsmustbe
upperdivision
Atleast12ofthe30unitsmustbe
inthemajor
• Atleast9unitsofupperdivision
InterdisciplinaryGEcoursesmust
becompletedinresidency
atCI
Upper Division Units
Required for Graduation
Atleast40ofthetotalrequiredunits
forgraduationmustbeincourses
numbered300-499
48 General Education (GE) unitsarerequiredfortheBaccalaureateDegree.Acourse
maymeetthecontentrequirementsfortwoormoreprogramareas(majors,minors,and
othersub-programs)withpermissionoftheprogram,howevertheunitsforthecourse
arecountedonlyoncetowardthetotalunitsforgraduation.Doublecountingbetween
aprogramandGeneralEducationrequirementsisallowed;however,only six of the nine
units of upper division,InterdisciplinaryGeneralEducationcoursesmaybedouble
countedbetweenamajorandGeneralEducation.
Courses in more than one GE category:AcoursemaybefoundinmorethanoneGE
category.Thestudentmaychoosewhichcategoryrequirementsthecoursewillfill,buta
singlecoursecannotfulfillrequirementsfortwo-categoriesorsub-categories.
Courses taken to meet U.S.History,U.S.ConstitutionandCaliforniaStateandLocal
Governmentare not countedtowardtherequired48GeneralEducationunits.
*Somemajorsmayrequireadditionalunits(seekassistancewithanacademicadvisor)
UNDERSTANDING CI’S MAJOR AND
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
6
STAR Review….Create the Foundation for Your
Personal Educational Plan!
Taketheinitiativetogettoknowyouradvisors.Professionalacademicadvisorsareexcitedtodiscussyour
academicprogressandeducationalplanning.Thisappointmentwillsetthefoundationforyourpersonal
educationalplan.Duringthissessionyouwillgettoknowyouradvisorandwilllearnabouttheadvising
servicesavailablethroughtheAdvisingCenter.Youwilldiscussindetailallacademicrequirementsneededto
completeyourdegree.
YourIslandCompassisatoolthatwillassistwithyoureducationplan.Evenafterreadingtheguidecarefully,
youwillundoubtedlystillhavequestions.Inthespacebelow,writedownquestions,issuesortopicsyou
wouldliketodiscusswithyouradvisor.Beingpreparedforadvisingsessions,willhelpyougetthemostout
ofyouradvisingexperience.
QuestionsandtopicsIwouldliketodiscusswithmyacademicadvisor:
1.____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Youareencouragedtosetsomeacademicgoalsforyourfirstsemester.Someexamplesofgoalsmightinclude
thefollowing;developingatimemanagementplan,makinguseofstudentsupportservices,regularatten-
danceintheUniversityWritingCenterandtheLearningResourceCenter;developingstudyskillstrategies,
careercounselingintheCareerDevelopmentCenterandsoforth.Remember,youshouldbedeveloping
goalsthatmeetyourpersonal,socialandacademicneeds.
Goalsformyfirstsemester:
1.______________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________
4.______________________________________________________________________
5.______________________________________________________________________
After I have completed my STAR appointment, how often should I meet with an academic advisor?
GoalsettingandeducationplanningatCIisacontinuousandongoingprocess.Youareencouragedtomain-
tainregularcontactwithCIacademicadvisorsandtoseekoutassistancewheneverneeded.Althoughadvi-
sorsareheretoassistyoualongyourjourney,itisimportanttoknow,youcontrolyourdestinyandneedto
beinchargeofyouracademiccareer.RefertotheAdvisingCenterBrochurethatdescribesthemanyservices
available.Wheneverpossible,requestadvisingservicesbyname.
Onceyouhaveaclearunderstandingofallgraduationrequirements,youwillbeabletomapoutyourmajor,
generaleducationandelectivecoursesinsemesterblocks.Inconjunctionwithacademicadvisors,usethe
EducationalPlanneronpage10ofthisguide,tochartoutarealisticdegreeplan.Remember,theplannerwill
makeiteasiertomapoutcoursesintherightsequence.Theplanneristentativeandmayneedmodification,
butitdoeshelpyoubettervisualizeyourprogresstowarddegreecompletion.
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
STAYING ON TRACK
7
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
STAYING ON TRACK
How to View Your Degree Progress Report
A Degree Progress Report outlines your graduation, general education and major requirements
using internal and external course work.
1. Open your browser and go to https://myci.csuci.edu or
connect through www.csuci.edu and click on the myCI
icon.
2. On the sign-in page, enter your User ID and password to
log in. Both are case sensitive.
3. Once you are logged into myCI, click on CI Records in
the My Account section.
4. To view your Degree Progress Report, click on the
“Degree Progress” link under the Academic History
Section
5. In the “Report Type” field, click on the drop down icon to
see the drop-down of Degree Progress Report.
6. Click on the "Go" button. This will direct you to your
Degree Progress Report, List of Courses Taken at CI
and Transfer Credit page.
7. By selecting the Degree Audit tab, you will have the
ability to view your Degree Progress information.
8. By selecting the Course History tab, you will have the
ability to view the history of the courses you have taken
at CI. This section contains the same information as is
listed on the Unofficial Transcript.
9. By selecting the External Credit Tab you are selecting to
view the unofficial record of which courses have
transferred from other institutions.
For assistance with understanding your Degree Progress Report,
please visit the Academic Advising Center in the Bell Tower, Room 1595
or email records.registration@csuci.edu
8
Chart Your Progress: Know How to Calculate Your GPA
TocomputeyourGPA,multiplythenumberofattemptedunitsbythegradepointvaluefor
eachcourse,addthegradepoints,anddividebythetotalnumberofattemptedunits.
Usingthechartbelow,estimateyourownGPAforthissemester.
Listthecoursenumberandtitleofeachclassyouretakinginthefirstcolumn.
Listtheestimatedgradeforeachclassinthesecondcolumn.
FindthepointvalueforeachgradeintheGradingPolicyChartbelowandwritethevalue
inthethirdcolumn.
Listthenumberofunitsforeachclassinthefourthcolumn.
Multiplythepointvaluebythenumberofunitsandentertheresultinthelastcolumn.
DonotlistcourseswithCR,NC,IorW.
Totalthenumberofgradepointsandunitsandenterthosesumsintheircorrespondingbox.
CourseNumberandTitle Grade PointValue x Units = GPApoints
x =
x =
x =
x =
x =
x =
x =
Totals
(totalGradepoints) (totalunits)= (SemesterGPA)
Grading Policy Chart
LetterGrade GradePoints LetterGrade GradePoints
A 4.0 C 2.0
A- 3.7 C- 1.7
B+ 3.3 D+ 1.3
B 3.0 D 1.0
B- 2.7 D- 0.7
C+ 2.3 F 0.00
Thefollowinglettersorabbreviationsontranscriptshavenopointvalue:
I(Incomplete),CR(credit)NC(nocreditearned)W(withdrawal)
Use the same method of calculating your cumulative GPA
once youve completed more than one semester.
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
STAYING ON TRACK
9
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
STAYING ON TRACK
College Survival Assessment:
Balancing Your Life and School Commitments
Handlingthemultipledemandsandopportunitiesofcollegelifeischallengingformoststudents.Manyfactorswill
needtobetakenintoconsideration.Thereisnoonestandingoveryoutomakesurethatyoudoeverythingontime.
However,thatisalsowhatmakesthecollegeexperiencesuchawonderfulopportunity.Youcontroltherealitiesof
studentlife!Theplannersinthisguidearedesignedtoassistyouwithmakingarealisticassessmentoftimespenton
campus,aswellastimespentoutsidetheclassroom.Considerabletimewillbespentstudying.Asageneralrule,for
eachhourinclass,twohoursshouldbedevotedtostudying.
College Survival Assessment
(Routine Activities) Weekdays Weekends Total hours per week
Howmanyhoursdoyousleeppernight? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouworkperweek? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspendonmeals?
(includepreparation) ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspend
onexercise? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspend
onsocializing?(friends,family) ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspendon
hobbiesorsportsactivities? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspend
watchingTV? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspendon
housekeepingactivities?(laundry,cleaning) ______x5 + _______x2 =
Howmanyhoursdoyouspendgetting
toandfromsocialactivitiesandwork? ______x5 + _______x2 =
Total hours per week of Routine Activities = Hours per week
(College Commitment)
Howmanyunitsdoyouplanto ___________x1hour =__________Hoursperweek
takethissemester? (ClassroomTime)
Howmanyhoursofstudytime ______unitsx2hours =__________Hoursperweek
willyouneedforeachcourse? (StudyTime)
Howmanyhourswillyouspend ____hoursx_____days =__________Hoursperweek
gettingtoandfromclasses? (TravelTime)
(Hours per week)
TotalhoursofRoutine Activities(fromchartabove)
TotalhoursperweekofClassroom Time
TotalHoursperweekStudy Time
TotalHoursTravel Timetoandfromschool
TOTALS
Strive to achieve a balance of classes consistent with the demands on your time and your personal life.
There are 168 hours in a week. How realistic is your plan? Do you need to make any adjustments?
10
Four Year Education Planner
FallSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SpringSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SummerSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
FallSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SpringSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SummerSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
FallSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SpringSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SummerSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
FallSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SpringSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
SummerSemesterYear
Dept/Course Units GenEd MajorElective
TotalUnits
EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND
STAYING ON TRACK
11
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
Four-Year Pathway to Success!
isguideisintendedtogetyoustartedonyourjourneytosuccess.Itprovidessuggestionstoassistyou
withcampuslife.Eachstudentisuniquesothepathyoufollowisuptoyou.Bydevelopingaplan,you
willbeabletobalanceacademicrequirementswithcampusactivitiesandasociallife.
Freshman Year
Familiarizeyourselfwiththeuniversityandwhatithastooer.Exploreacademicmajors,resources
availabletoyouatCI,yourinterests,andtheskillsyouhaveandthoseyouwanttodevelop.
Academics
• VisittheAdvisingCenterandschedulea“STAR”appointmentduringyourrstsemester.Besureyou
bringyourIslandCompassandhavemanyquestionsprepared(Refertopage6STARREVIEW).
• EnrollinUniversity100orUniversity150.
• Participateinthe"MajorFair"eventtolearnaboutmajorsandminorsatCI.
• AttendlearningassistanceworkshopsoeredbyAcademicAdvisingandtheLearningResourceCenter.
• Evaluatethelevelofeortyouaregivinginclasses,yourtimemanagement,andthequalityofyour
studytechniques.
• Ifyouareundeclared,takeelectivesthatareavailabletoyou;considerstudyingsomethingyouhavehad
noexposuretoorsomethingthatinterestsyou.
• Learntheacademicsystem:familiarizeyourselfwiththeCIcatalog,registrationprocedures,thedeadline
foradding/dropping,andcourserequirements.
• SeekassistancefromtheUniversityWritingCenterandtheLearningResourceCenter.
• AttendlecturesandspecialpresentationssponsoredbyAcademicsandArtsandLectures.
• ParticipateintheUniversityReadingProgram.
Career
• FindoutwhereCareerDevelopmentServicesisoncampustobegintheprocessofexploringcareerpaths
andselectingamajor.
• Seekcareercounselingandtakeselfassessmentstoexploreandclarifyyourinterests,skills,valuesand
personalitytype.Checkoutwww.eureka.organdwww.careercruising.com(getusernameandpassword
throughCareerDevelopmentServices).
• Readnewspapers,magazinesandbooksandnotewhatjobspeopledoandwhatthestoriestellyouabout
thejobs.
• Talkaboutyourcareerinterestsorinquirieswithparents,friends,professorsandotheremployed
professionals.
• AttendworkshopsoeredbyCareerDevelopmentServices.
• Volunteerorjoinanorganizationrelatedtoyourinterests.
• Researchpart-timeandsummerjobopportunitiestogainworkexperienceandlearnaboutyour
workpreferences.
Personal/Social
• Getsettledinandenjoyyourfreshmanyear!
• Adjusttocollegelifeandconnecttoresources,people,andactivitiesatCI.
• Buildyoursocialskillsinordertocommunicatewithpeopleeasilyandreceivevaluableinformation
fromthem.
• Attend“BeaPartfromtheStart”eventsandactivities.
• Learnaboutandjoinorganizations/clubsoncampus.
• AttendstudenteventsoeredthroughStudentLife,OceofStudentLeadership,Development,and
HousingandResidentialEducation.
Keep in mind that you do not need to make a career choice by the end of your freshman year. Your freshman year
is the time to learn about different resources at CI and to explore ways to prepare for your future during your
time here at CI!
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
12
Sophomore Year
Nowthatyouareaccustomedtobeingacollegestudent,youcandothefollowing:buildrelationshipswith
CIfaculty,administrators,andfellowstudents;declareyourmajorbasedonstrengthsandinterests;
consideraninternshiporresearchexperienceintheupcomingyear;andexplorecareersatCareerDevelop-
mentServices.
Academics
• Ifyouhavenotchosenamajor,makethisahighpriority.Findupperclassstudentswhoaremajoringin
thesubjectsyouareconsidering,theycantellyoutherealitiesofthecourseofstudy.
• Evenifyourmindismadeupregardingyourmajorchoice,considerthecoursesequencesforadierent
major.Also,consideraminor.Minorsarefrequentlyoverlookedandcanbeasourceofgreatinterest.
• Participateinthe“MajorFair”eventanddeclareyourmajorand/orminor/emphasis.
• Ifyouhavedeclaredyourmajor,meetwithafacultyadvisortoacquiretheirexpertiseandassistance
inthemajor.Ifyouhavenotdeclaredamajor,meetwithfacultyadvisorsfromprospectivemajorsto
receiveinformationaboutexpectationsoftheprograms.
• VisittheAdvisingCenterandscheduleanappointmenttomakesureyouareontrackortoobtain
informationonmajorandgraduationrequirements..
• Registerforasmanycoursesaspossibleinyourmajorforthefall.Bytakingmajorcoursesearly,youwill
beabletodeterminewhetheryouhavemadetherightchoice.
• KeepyourGPAup!SeekassistancefromtheUniversityWritingCenterandtheLearningResourceCenter.
• ConsiderStudyAbroad;attendastudyabroadinformationmeeting.
• AttendlecturesandspecialpresentationssponsoredbyAcademicsandArtsandLectures.
• ParticipateintheUniversityReadingProgram.
Career
• MeetwithaCareerCounselortoevaluateyourcareergoals,options,andobjectives.
• Learntowritearesumeandcoverletter.
• Attendcareerfairsandothercareer-relatedprogramstoincreaseyourknowledgeofthefullrangeof
workthatpeopleperform.
• Conductinformationalinterviewswithpeoplewhoworkincareereldsofinteresttoyou.By
interviewingpeopleinpositionsyouareinterestedin,yougaininsightandofteninternships.
• LearnmoreaboutthejobmarketbybrowsingthroughtheOccupationalOutlookHandbookand
researchothermaterialsattheCareerDevelopmentServices’libraryandtheInternet.
• Pursueinternshipsorvolunteeropportunitiesinyoureldofinterestthatwillprovidetrainingand
opportunitiestodevelopessentialskillsandexperience.
• Ifyouareconsideringgraduateschool,useEureka(accessiblethroughCareerDevelopmentServices)to
beginresearchingtheschoolsthatoergraduateprograms.Visitthewebsitesoftheseuniversitiesfor
theiradmissionrequirements.
Personal/Social
• Joinanotherclubororganization.
• ConsiderapplyingforaResidentAssistantposition.
• Participateinvolunteeractivities.Beinginvolveddemonstratestoemployersthatyouhavewell-devel-
opedsocialskillsandcanworkcollaborativelyandcooperatively.
• Makeaneorttomeetstudentswithdierentbackgroundsthanyou.
• Attendsophomore-focusedevents(i.e.MajorFair).
• AttendstudenteventsoeredthroughStudentLife,OceofStudentLeadership&Development,and
HousingandResidentialEducation.
Now is the time to explore different careers. One of the best ways to explore different options is through
internships, which give you the chance to experience various work cultures, network with professionals in
your areas of interest, and gain valuable skills while integrating classroom learning. Check out internship
opportunities at Career Development Services.
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
13
Junior Year
isisatimetonarrowdownyouroptionsandforfurtherevaluationandassessment.Seekopportunities
toimproveyourskillsandknowledge.MeetwithprofessionalacademicadvisorsintheAdvisingCenter
andfacultyadvisors.MeetwithaCareerCounselortonarrowdownyourcareeroptionsanddevelopan
actionplan.
Academics
• VisittheAdvisingCenterandschedulea“STAR”appointmentifyouareanewtransferstudentorhave
notmetwithanacademicadvisortodetermineremainingGErequirements,transferablecourses,possible
coursesubstitutionsandmajorrequirements.
• Familiarizeyourselfwiththeacademicsystem:catalog,registrationprocedures,anddeadlinefor
adding/dropping(thirdweekofthesemester).
• EnrollintheUniversity300class(UniversityLifeandCollegeSuccessforNewTransferStudents).
• inkaboutaddinganothermajor,minororemphasistoexpandyourcareeroptions.
• Workhardinyourcoursessothatyouearnahighgradepointaverageinyourmajor.Employerssome-
timesaskpotentialemployeesabouttheiroverallgradepointaverageintheirmajor.
• Gettoknowtheprofessorsinyourmajorbystoppinginduringocehoursandaskingthemquestions.
emainpurposeistwofold:togaininformationandtohavetheprofessorrememberyouwhenit
comestimetowritelettersofrecommendationforjobsorgraduateschool.Professorshaveextensive
informationabouttheirelds,andmostarewillingtoshare,ifstudentsshowaninterest.Inquireabout
researchprojectstheyareworkingonthatyoucouldbecomeinvolvedwith.
• SeekassistancefromtheUniversityWritingCenterortheLearningResourceCenter.
• AttendlecturesandspecialpresentationssponsoredbyAcademicsandArtsandLectures.
• ParticipateintheUniversityReadingProgram.
Career
• MeetwithaCareerCounselortoidentifyyourvalues,interestsandgoalsrelatedtopost-graduate
options.
• AttendworkshopsoeredbyCareerDevelopmentServicesandresearchemploymentorinternship
opportunities.
• Gaincareer-relatedworkandleadershipexperiencethroughinternships,jobsandvolunteeractivities.
• Researchcompanies,non-prots,governmentagencies,schools,colleges,etc.toseewhereyourpassion
isandwhattypeofenvironmentisyourbestt.
• Gotojobfairstogetanideaofwhatisbeingoered.
• Ifyourcareerchoicerequiresanadvanceddegree,startresearchingandapplyingnow;use
www.eureka.org(accessiblethroughCareerDevelopmentServices).Findoutwhatadmissionstestsare
necessaryandstartstudyingwellinadvance.Beawareofapplicationdeadlinesandstartcollecting
applicationmaterialssuchaslettersofrecommendationandtranscripts.
Personal/Social
• AdjusttoCIlifeandconnecttoresources,peopleandactivities.
• Learnaboutandjoinorganizations/clubsoncampus.
• Seekleadershipopportunitiesbyrunningforanelectedoceorbecomingaleaderinyourclub.
• ConsiderapplyingforaResidentAssistantposition(aftercompletingrstsemester).
• Shareyourknowledgewithyoungerstudentsbytutoring,counselingoradvising.
• Explorecommunityserviceactivities.
• ConsiderattendingtheGraduateSchoolFair.
14
Senior Year
Youshouldknowwhereyouaregoingandwhatyouwant.Itistimetodothefollowing:learnmoreabout
theworldofwork;improveyourjobsearchskillsbysecuringanotherinternship;continuetoutilizeCI
resources;developanactionplantomeetyourgraduationdaygoal(whetheritincludesemployment,
graduate/professionalschool,orashort-termtransitionalprogram).
Academics
• AfterreceivingyourDegreeCheckfromtheRecordsOcecontactyourdegreeevaluatorforclarication.
• Sendoutgraduateschoolapplicationsandcompleteappropriatenancialaidformsontime,
ifapplicable.
• Masterwriting,oralcommunicationandcomputerskills.
• AttendlecturesandspecialpresentationssponsoredbyAcademicsandArtsandLectures.
• ParticipateintheUniversityReadingProgram.
Career
• MakeanappointmentearlyintheyearwithacounselorinCareerDevelopmentServicestoget
assistanceongoalsrelatedtopost-graduateoptions,jobleads,resumeandcoverletterwritingor
critiquing,andassistanceininterviewing.
• AttendworkshopsoeredbyCareerDevelopmentServicesforsuccessfuljobsearchtactics.
• Getanotherinternship!Buildingyourresumewhileyouareinschoolwillgiveyouexperiencetogo
alongwithyourdegree,makingyoumoremarketableupongraduation.
• Continueconductinginformationalinterviewswithpeopleinyoureldofchoice,ortalkwithalumni
abouttheirrstyearonthejobandsomeofthechallengesyoucanexpect.
• Obtainlettersofrecommendationfromprofessors,employers,advisors,counselors,andothersnow
whiletheystillrememberyou.Askfortheirpermissiontoincludethemasareferenceonjob
applicationsorforgraduateschools.
• Gotojobfairstodistributeyourresumeandfamiliarizeyourselfwithopportunitiesthatareavailable.
• Networkwithyourcontactsfrominformationalinterviewsorinternshipstoidentifyjobopportunities
andreceivereferrals.
• Contactprofessionalorganizationsinyourcareereld.eyhavethelatestinformationabout
trendsintheeld;askaboutupcomingseminarstheymaybesponsoringnearby-anothergreatway
tonetwork.
Personal/Social
• Evaluateyourinterestsandvaluestodetermineyourpost-graduationplans.
• Periodicallyreviewyourcareerandlifegoals.
• Developabudgetandevaluatenancialresponsibilities.
• Developalistofprofessionalandacademicreferences.
• Attendsenior-focusedevents(i.e.GradFair,GradFest).
Remember that life is a journey. You can use the skills you have learned during your college years as you
continue on your lifelong journey.
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
15
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
Discover Your Catalog…. The Ultimate Guide
Answer the questions listed below and the page number where you found the answer.
1. What does “Catalog Rights” mean? Do you have catalog rights if you change major(s)
or minor(s)? Page #(s) _____
2. How many CSU campuses currently exist? Who is the Chancellor of the CSU System?
Who is the President of CI? Page #(s) _____
3. List two characteristics of a CI graduate. Page #(s) _____
4. What does FERPA stand for? e campus may release certain kinds of information.
List at least two types of information that can be released as directory information.
Page #(s) _____
5. Summarize the 5 steps of course grade appeals. Page #(s) _____
6. What grade point average(s) (GPA) do you need to graduate with honors?
Page #(s) _____
7. What is the purpose of the SAFE on campus program? Page #(s) _____
8. List three examples that are included in the first statement regarding Academic
Dishonesty? Page #(s) ____
16
9. What GPA(s) will place you on academic probation? How will you be informed that
you have been placed on probation? Page #(s) _____
10. What are the minimum units needed to graduate? How many of those units must be
upper division? Page #(s) _____
11. What is the graduation writing assessment requirement, and what classes fulfill that
requirement? Page#(s) _____
12. Name two courses that fulfill the American Institutions requirement. Page #(s) _____
13. What department generates the degree progress report (DPR) and verifies degree
requirements? Page #(s) _____
14. What is the repeat policy on campus, and what are the conditions in which you can
repeat a class? Page #(s) _____
15. Describe the role of a faculty advisor. Page #(s) _____
16. Under what conditions would students be academically disqualified, suspended or
expelled from school? Page #(s) ____
17. What graduation requirements require a letter grade of “C” or better?
Page #(s) ____
18. A student may take ___________ semester leave of absence from CI and still be
considered a continuing student without taking any action prior to registration.
Academic Leave forms are available at what Office? Page #(s) ____
19. Where can you find the application for degree deadline? Page#(s)_____
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
17
Ten General Survival Tips to Keep You Afloat
1) If you havent already registered, try not to schedule back-to-back classes. You’ll wear
yourself out, besides missing the best times to study—right before and right after class.
2) Begin the first day of class. Know whats expected of you. Read your syllabus and take notes
on the first day, even if it’s routine stuff you already know.
3) Establish a routine time to study for each class. For every hour you spend in class, you
will probably need to study two hours outside class. Study for each subject at the same time
and in the same place if possible. Studying includes more than just doing your homework.
You will need to go over your notes from class (for example: outlining, editing and reviewing)
to make sure you understand the notes you took. Study your syllabus daily to see where you
are going and where you have been. Be sure to do reading assignments. (dont put them off just
because theres no written assignment.) Read ahead whenever possible. Prepare for each class as
if there will be a pop quiz that day.
4) Establish a place to study. Your place should have a desk, a comfortable chair, good lighting,
all the supplies you need, and it should be as free of distractions as possible. It should not be a
place where you routinely do other things. It should be your study place.
5) Do as much of your studying in the daytime as you can. What takes you an hour to do
during the day may take you an hour and a half at night.
6) Schedule breaks. Take a ten-minute break after every hour of study. If possible, avoid long
blocks of time for studying. Spread out several short study sessions during the day.
7) Make use of study resources on campus. Find out about and use labs, tutors, computer
programs and alternative texts. Sign up for an orientation session in the campus library and
computer lab. Get to know your professors and advisors. Ask questions. "I didnt know” or
"I didnt understand” is never an excuse.
8) Find at least one or two students in each class to study with. Research shows that students
who study with someone routinely make better grades. You will probably find yourself more
motivated if you know someone else cares about what you are doing in the class. Teaching a
concept or new idea to someone else is a sure way for you to understand it. Don't let studying
in a group or with a partner become too social, it is important to stay focused.
9) Study the hardest subject first. Work on your hardest subjects when you are alert. Putting
them off until youre tired compounds the problem.
10) Be good to yourself. Studying on four hours of sleep and an empty stomach or a junk-food
diet is a waste of time. Avoid food and drink containing caffeine just before of just after studying.
Hopper, Carolyn, (2004), Practicing College Learning Strategies, (3
rd
ed.), Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company
STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS