For Fall 2013, CSULB will implement changes to admissions practices to emphasize major-specific criteria.
This change follows a long process of discussion and consultation. Last fall the campus Enrollment Advisory Committee met on a double schedule to discuss admissions practices and issues. At the end of the semester, the committee unanimously approved forwarding a change proposal for wider discussion.
The proposal was presented and discussed in every academic college chairs’ group and in the Academic Senate. Heads of two of our closest educational partners, President Oakley of Long Beach City College and Superintendent Steinhauser of Long Beach Unified School District, were consulted and both approved of the plan. Three public hearings were conducted at Orange Coast Community College, Long Beach City College, and at CSULB and joined by leaders from several community colleges and school districts. Discussions were covered in the local media.
This spring, the proposal was approved by the Chancellor’s Office without modifications. In fact, the Chancellor’s Office has asked CSULB representatives to present the plan to several other campuses as a model.
The values of CSULB informed thinking about admissions changes from the start. CSULB remains strongly committed to “Graduating students with highly valued degrees.” CSULB also remains strongly committed to access, diversity, quality, and the local community.
CSULB’s growing reputation for academic quality and positive student experience has generated tremendous interest among highly qualified students. This reputation, combined with demography and changes in the admission marketplace, prompted an unprecedented 76,600 undergraduate applications for Fall 2012. At the same time, severe budget reductions have threatened academic programs and services. Reductions have affected K-12 and community college feeder institutions, impacting preparation of applicants. CSULB has focused attention on factors affecting degree completion as part of a national emphasis.
High school and community college counselors told us that past CSULB admissions practices have not sent clear messages to students that appropriate preparation for majors is important. Lack of preparation reduced retention and degree completion and increased time to degree (especially in science, engineering). Past practices have not provided tools to well-manage the numbers of students per major for efficient resource use. Given budget constraints, CSULB is now pressed to resolve these issues.
With major-specific criteria, CSULB will be able to:
CSULB will emphasize major-specific criteria for admission. Major-specific criteria have been established in consultation with academic departments and colleges.
CSULB will continue its strong commitment the local community. CSULB will slightly increase the minimum requirement for local freshmen to be admitted. Past students admitted below the new minimum have not been very successful in completing degrees. CSULB will work with Long Beach City College to provide a safety net for these underprepared local students.
CSULB will require that all transfers, including local applicants, complete needed preparation courses. This will speed time to degree.
With these changes, CSULB will continue to admit all local freshmen and transfer applicants who have a reasonable likelihood of degree completion in their chosen major, consistent with our value of local access and the Long Beach College Promise. Our definition of “local” will change for transfers and be based on high school of origin, just like freshmen. This better reflects the needs of place-bound students and eliminates competition among community colleges to be local to CSULB.
CSULB will continue its strong commitment to diversity by expanding outreach to targeted communities based on low socioeconomic status and historically low rates of college going. We expect to preserve and enhance diversity of the student body. Students will be encouraged to submit applications and materials for a holistic admissions review. A limited number will be admitted based on potential for degree completion, community involvement/leadership, overcoming significant hardship (and CSU and CSULB minimum criteria).
CSULB will begin accepting applications for Fall 2013 on October 1, 2012. Enrollment Services has posted detailed information about changes online:
In revising admissions practices, CSULB expects to:
CSULB’s Fall 2013 admissions plan is the result of a tremendous amount of effort to craft a thoughtful, student-success-driven approach that reflects CSULB’s values, that will be workable in our budget circumstances, and that will best use our resources to fulfill our mission. The Enrollment Advisory Committee worked hard last fall to develop the conceptual framework. College associate deans worked hard this spring with departments to craft major specific criteria. Enrollment Services has worked hard and will continue to work very hard to implement changes. In the best spirit of CSULB, a community of hard working collaborators has crafted our new approach that will better serve students.
CSULB will begin accepting applications for Fall 2013 on October 1, 2012. Enrollment Services has posted detailed information about eligibility and admissions online:
