Welcome to SSU's Online Early Start Program (ESP)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Early Start?
- Participating in Early Start
- Fast facts about Early Start
- Important dates for Fall 2013 Early Start Program
- Who is required to participate in the Early Start Program?
- What if I did not complete the EPT/ELM testing requirement by May 4?
- What ways can I complete the Early Start Program?
- How to Select an Early Start Campus?
- How to Enroll for an Early Start Course
- Which Early Start class do I need to take?
- What if I miss the June 14th deadline to register for Early Start?
- If I plan to go to SSU but will take the Early Start class at another CSU, how will SSU get my grades?
- How much will the Early Start Program cost?
- Are students enrolled in the Early Start Program eligible for a Financial Aid waiver?
- How do I pay for the class?
- What is the refund policy?
- I've been told I have to do Early Start, but I think I should be exempt. What should I do?
- What if I am not able to take the Early Start class in the summer?
- What if I do not participate in the Early Start Program?
- What are the deadlines for the Early Start courses offered?
- I've registered for the online Early Start English/Math class. How do I access it?
- What services are available for students with disabilities?
- How can I get more information about the Early Start Program?
- Which dates are available from Testing Services at SSU?
- Additional questions?
*If your question is not listed above, then please feel free to contact Magali.Telles@sonoma.edu
What is Early Start?
The California State University (CSU) system recently created "Early Start." The goals of Early Start are to better prepare students in mathematics and English composition before their first term at the CSU, thereby improving their chances of completing a college degree. Incoming students who do not demonstrate readiness for college-level mathematics and/or English composition will be required to begin remediation during the summer before coming to the CSU.
Participating in Early Start
Students may complete their Early Start Requirement at any CSU, however, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers a completely online program.
Fast facts about Early Start
- Early Start is required for incoming freshmen who did not demonstrate readiness for college-level math and/or English on the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) and/or the English Placement Test (EPT), or other assessment methods.
- The program takes place the summer before the freshmen year.
- SSU will inform students who must participate in Early Start, how and where to sign up after they submit their Enrollment Deposit.
- Early Start math and English courses will be available at every CSU campus and online.
- Financial aid will be available for those who demonstrate need via the FAFSA.
- SSU's Early Start Program Courses are completely online.
Important dates for Fall 2013 Early Start Program
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Last day to submit SSU Enrollment Deposit | May 1 |
| After submitting the Enrollment Deposit, eligible students may begin to log on to access the Early Start Smart Page and declare where Early Start will be completed. | May 9 |
| Last day to take EPT/ELM tests for Fall 2013 enrollment | May 4 |
| Deadline to declare where Early Start will be completed on the Early Start Smart Page | June 14 |
| Registration begins for SSU Early Start courses | May 9 |
| First SSU Early Start English Composition online courses begin | June 26 |
| First SSU Early Start Mathematics courses begin | July 5 |
| Deadline for final official high school transcript and test scores to SSU | July 10 |
Who is required to participate in the Early Start Program?
Mathematics:
All students who have an ELM score less than 50. Please note that students who were deemed conditionally exempt in mathematics based on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) do not have to participate.
English Composition:
All students who have an EPT score less than 138. Please note that students who are participating in the EAP English Conditionally Exempt/ERWC do not have to participate.
Exemptions:
- International students and residents of other states.
- Students exempt from the ELM and or EPT testing requirement based on their EAP, SAT, ACT, or AP test scores.
- Students who earn a EAP Conditional Math or EAP Conditional English score are exempt from Early Start, regardless of senior course outcome.
What if I did not complete the EPT/ELM testing requirement by May 4?
If you missed the EPT/ELM testing deadline, and are not exempt from the requirement using other methods, you must sign up and take the next available EPT/ELM. Not taking the required EPT/ELM may make you ineligible to enroll at SSU for Fall 2013..
What ways can I complete the Early Start Program?
You may complete the CSU Early Start Program by:
- Completing specified Early Start courses at SSU;
- Completing Early Start courses at another CSU campus; or
- To view specific courses, please visit the Early Start Program schedule at http://earlystart.csusuccess.org/csu_campus
How to Select an Early Start Campus?
Click here for instructions and snapshots of "How to Select an Early Start Campus"
How to Enroll in ESP at Sonoma
Click here for instructions and snapshots of "How to Enroll for an Early Start Program"
Which Early Start class do I need to take?
Based on your ELM and EPT scores you will need to sign up for the appropriate level remedial course in mathematics and/or English composition:
EPT (English Placement Test) Scores
0-137 = ESE 10 Early Start Composition Workshop
138+ = Exempt from Early Start English composition requirement
ELM (Entry Level Math) Scores
0-49 = ESM 10 Early Start Math
50+ = Exempt from Early Start Mathematics requirement
What are the deadlines for the Early Start courses offered?
Early Start English (ESE) classes are online, and are offered:
| Course | Start Date | End Date | Last Day to Enroll | Last Pay Date | Drop Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESE 10 | June 26 | July 2 | June 23 | June 24 | June 25 |
| ESE 10 | July 10 | July 16 | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 |
| ESE 10 | July 17 | July 23 | July 14 | July 15 | July 16 |
| ESE10 | July 31 | August 6 | July 28 | July 29 | July 30 |
Early Start Math, (ESM) classes are online, and are offered:
| Course | Start Date | End Date | Last Day to Enroll | Last Pay Date Drop Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESM 10 | July 5 | August 5 | July 1 | July 2 |
| ESM 10 | July 10 | August 5 | July 7 | July 9 |
| ESM 10 | July 18 | August 5 | July 15 | July 16 |
What if I miss the June 14th deadline to register for Early Start?
The priority registration deadline for SSU's Early Start classes is June 14, 2013. After June 14th, students may still enroll in SSU's Early Start classes on a space available basis. If you are unable to register for classes due to class unavailability, and it is prior to the start of the Early Start Program summer classes, you may contact the Extended and International Education office at 707-664-2394. If you have missed the opportunity to participate in Early Start and all SSU Early Start classes have already started, see "What if I do not participate in the Early Start Program?"
If I plan to go to SSU but will take the Early Start class at another CSU, how will SSU get my grades?
All of the CSU campuses are coordinating with each other to ensure Early Start participation and class grades are provided to the student's final destination campus. You do not need to obtain a copy of your grades to provide to SSU. The CSU where you take your Early Start class will send them to SSU automatically.
How much will the Early Start Program cost?
Enrollment fees for the Early Start classes are $182.00 each, plus a fee of $1 for Health Facilities and $1 for the Student Union at each campus The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees, without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by The Board of Trustees.
Are students enrolled in the Early Start Program eligible for a Financial Aid waiver?
Yes. Students who have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $5000 or less will be eligible for an Early Start Financial Aid Waiver.
*EOP students who don’t have a fee waiver are required to pay for Early Start classes.
How do I pay for the class?
To ensure your seat in your course(s), we request you pay all fees within 24 hours after enrolling. If your fees are not paid by the Friday before the start of your course(s), you will be dropped.
Online via MySSU:
After enrolling in the appropriate Early Start classes online, you may pay your fees via MySSU.
Via Check:
If you wish to pay by check, please mail it to Judy Vincenti, C/O Extended Education 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Stevenson Hall 1012, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. Please include your student name and SSU ID number on the front of the check.
In-person:
In-person payments may only be paid by credit card or check in the School of Extended & International Education Monday through Thursday 8am-4:30pm.
By Phone:
Credit card payments will be accepted via phone in Customer Service, School of Extended & International Education, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4:30pm at 707-664-2394.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds will be granted if you drop your course prior to the first day of class. On the first day of class or after, no refunds will be granted.
I've been told I have to do Early Start, but I think I should be exempt. What should I do?
Your Early Start required participation is based on your EPT and ELM test scores. If you are exempt from the EPT and/or ELM based on your EAP, SAT, ACT, or AP test scores, then you are likely also exempt from Early Start. If SSU is your destination campus please contact the Admissions Office at 707-664-2778 to verify your exemption.
What if I am not able to take the Early Start class in the summer?
All students are expected to participate in Early Start. Exemptions would be granted only for serious and compelling circumstances. Because you can choose from all of the Early Start programs throughout the CSU, you should be able to find one that fits your needs and circumstances. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you must submit a letter outlining your reasons and attach documentation. (e.g. doctor's statement, death certificate, disability issues, etc.).
This must be submitted to:
SSU Admissions and Records
Attention: Natalie Kalogiannis
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
What if I do not participate in the Early Start Program?
If you do not complete your Early Start Program requirements during the summer, you will be unable to register for Fall classes.
I've registered for the online Early Start English/Math class(es). How do I access it?
Those students attending SSU in Fall will have your Seawolf username and password. For those students attending another CSU in Fall, you will need to create your username and password 24 hours after you select your campus location, logon to MySSU.
Early Start English:
The English Early Start course is taught via Moodle. On the first day of class, you will be able to login and access your Moodle course. Your instructor will contact you 1-2 days prior to class with instructions on how to begin the course. For Moodle instructions, go to the Moodle Instructions Page
Early Start Math:
The math course will be completed online via ALEKS. Your instructor will contact you 1-2 days prior to class with your assigned access code to log into ALEKS. You do not use Moodle.
What services are available for students with disabilities?
Students requiring reasonable accommodations to take part in the Early Start Program need to contact the office providing services to students with disabilities at the CSU campus they will attend in fall 2013. Students will be required to establish their eligibility for reasonable accommodations by providing appropriate disability documentation from a qualified treatment provider. Disability documentation must clearly describe the student's present functional limitations. Reasonable accommodations for the Early Start Program will be prescribed from the CSU campus from which the student will be attending.
How can I get more information about the Early Start Program?
Which dates are available from Testing Services at SSU?
Examinees for the following EPT-ELM test meet at Darwin Lobby area, ground floor. Parking permit is required during the weekend. See Location Link off the Main Menu for detail/location & map directions. (Campus Map)
*Students must have a hard-copy/printout of their Admissions Ticket. Students will not be admitted without it.
Test: on JAN 12, 2013
Test on FEB 09, 2013
Test on MAR 16, 2013
Test on APR 20, 2013
Test on MAY 04, 2013
Register for the test here. Deadline to reg: DEC 31.
The EPT/ELM tests are CSU system-wide exams that can be taken at any available CSU Campus near you. See ETS Bulletin or individual campus testing website for dates, times and registration details.
Additional Questions?
For REGISTRATION and COURSE information, please contact Marcia Harrigan at marcia.harrigan@sonoma.edu
For GENERAL QUESTIONS about the Early Start Program, please contact Magali Telles at telles@sonoma.edu