Sonoma State University is currently experiencing a series of late-breaking budget cuts that will force it to reduce the number of classes offered to students in Spring 2009.
In addition, enrollment in Fall 2008 exceeded projections by nearly 500 FTES due to unexpected increases in average unit load, increased retention, and higher numbers of transfer students.
In order to mitigate the combined impact of these factors and provide a more equitable distribution of classes to SSU students, the University will modify the normal unit load enrollment policy for Spring 2009 only.
Outlined below is
(1) the normal, permanent unit load policy and
(2) the temporary Spring 2009 policy.
NORMAL, PERMANENT UNIT LOAD POLICY (suspended for Spring 2009)
- Students may only enroll for up to 16 units during the 1st registration period;
- Students may enroll for up to 20 units without special permission during the 2nd Registration period and the Add/Drop period;
- Students may petition the Registrar to enroll for additional units beyond 20, up to a limit of 23 during the 2nd Registration period, Open Registration, and the Add/Drop period. Successful petitions require a GPA of 3.0 and special circumstances which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
TEMPORARY SPRING 2009 UNIT LOAD POLICY
- As before, students may only enroll for up to 16 units during the 1st registration period;
- For Spring 2009, students may only enroll for up to 16 units without special permission during the 2nd registration period;
For Spring 2009, students may petition the Registrar during the 2nd registration period to enroll for additional units beyond 16, up to a limit of 23. Petitions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and will require a GPA and special circumstances as specified below under Exceptions Criteria.
- As before, students may enroll for up to 20 units without special permission during the Open Registration and the Add/Drop periods;
- As before, students may petition the Registrar to enroll for additional units beyond 20, up to a limit of 23 during the Open Registration and the Add/Drop periods. Successful petitions require a GPA of 3.0 and special circumstances which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
EXCEPTIONS CRITERIA (during 2nd registration and add/drop periods):
1) Seniors who have applied to graduate in Spring or Summer 2009 and have attained a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be allowed to take 17-20 units; those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may take 17-23 units. The existing absolute maximum of 23 units remains for all students.
2) Other extenuating circumstances (reviewed by the Registrar and staff)
(Examples: evidence of financial hardship, such as EOP status; need for an additional supplemental unit in order to pass gateway math and science courses; need to take PE conditioning classes for athletics; need to complete internships).
SPECIAL POPULATIONS WITH AUTOMATIC EXCEPTIONS TO THE 16-UNIT LIMIT:
1) Hutchins Blended students
2) Post-baccalaureate Credential students
PETITION
The current petition will be adapted for the 16+ unit requests. Procedure questions may be directed to the Admissions & Records Office, Salazar Hall, second floor, or by calling (707) 664-2778.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why am I being limited to only 16 units in the spring when I know I can easily take more and then graduate sooner?
We are experiencing a series of late-breaking budget cuts that will force us to reduce the number of classes offered, so we have to limit the number of units so that we can equitably distribute classes to all students. While you may be able to manage a higher unit load, we are asking that you limit yourself to 16 units so that all students may be better served.
What if I really need more than 16 units in spring semester in order to graduate this spring or summer?
If you have applied to graduate in Spring or Summer 2009, you should file a petition with A&R prior to Reg 2 so that you can be allowed to register for the units you need in order to graduate. Make sure you submit your petition far enough in advance of Reg 2 to guarantee that A&R will have time to review your petition, make a decision, and permit you to register for more units.
Where can I get a petition?
You can get a petition online at http://www.sonoma.edu/ar/records/forms.shtml. Petitions should be completely filled out and then submitted to Admissions and Records (2nd Floor of Salazar).
I’m not a graduating senior, but I really want to take more units in the Spring of 2009. How can I do that?
You will not be allowed to take more than 16 units unless you have extenuating circumstances. You may file a petition explaining those circumstances, and the petition will be evaluated by A&R. Keep in mind that this is a temporary policy based on difficult budget issues that the university and the state of California are facing at this time. There are other ways that you can take extra units (e.g., intersession, summer, or community college). It is hoped that this crisis will not be a permanent one.
How can I get a special waiver and who can give it to me?
There are no special waivers, and no one is authorized to grant them. The only way to be allowed to enroll for more than 16 units is through the petition process, and you must either be a graduating senior, in one of the categories listed in the memo that went out to students, or have extenuating circumstances. These must be written out in a petition and submitted to A&R.
Who do I complain to about this policy?
This temporary policy has been put into place in order to equitably distribute classes to all SSU students. Limits have to be set in order to make sure that everyone is able to enroll for a typical full load of classes, which is 15-16 units per semester. This policy was necessitated by the budget crisis in the state of California. The decision was made after careful consultation with students, faculty, and administrators. If you wish to be advised about classes to take meet the 16 unit limit, please contact your academic advisor, either in your department or in the Advising Center. If you wish to petition, then follow the procedures outlined above.
I’ve heard that during Open Reg and Add/Drop I can I add more units without petition? Can I really do that?
Yes, you can. During Open Reg and Add/Drop, you can add up to 20 units without petition. As always, for more than 20 units, you would have to petition.
What classes will be available for me to take during Open Reg and Add/Drop?
The only classes that will be available are those that did not fill up during Reg 1 or Reg 2. Check the searchable schedule of classes online for open sections. Closed classes will remain closed; enrollment limits will not be raised in Spring 2009 during Open Reg and Add/Drop.
Should I contact professors whose classes are full but that I really want to get into? Should I "crash" those classes the first day of the semester?
No, you should not be contacting professors or "crashing" closed classes. You should try to add in to only those classes that are "open" and have space available. Because of the budget constraints, seats will not open in already closed classes, and new sections will not be mounted.
