Timely Graduation
CSULB’s Timely Graduation for Undergraduate Students policy (PDF) was established to provide access to the University’s undergraduate major and minor programs for as many qualified students as possible and to ensure timely graduation for current students. Under this policy, students may earn up to 120% of the number of units (which means the 120% limit equates to 144 Timely Graduation units) required for the degree in their declared primary major in order to complete the degree. The policy does not entitle students to add or change degree objectives (e.g. majors, minors, certificates) simply because the objectives can be completed within 120% of the number of units required for the degree.
In addition, the policy requires that a student must apply to graduate online by the time the student has completed 100% of the units required for the declared primary major.
The majority of undergraduate programs at CSULB require 120 units, which means the 120% limit equates to 144 Timely Graduation units.
For the benefit of transfer students, a maximum of 60 transfer units will be counted when determining Timely Graduation status. Up to 70 community college units will still count toward the unit requirement for the degree, and additional transfer course work may be used to fulfill subject credit requirements, assuming the course work is articulated.
The following types of earned units are excluded when determining Timely Graduation status:
- Pre-baccalaureate credit
- Advanced Placement credit
- International Baccalaureate (IB) credit
- Other external exams
- Military credit
- Credit by examination
| Units | Timely Graduation Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Student has earned 90 or more Timely Graduation units | Senior | The student should develop a plan to graduate with his/her academic advisor and apply to graduate online via the MyCSULB Student Center. Changes to academic objectives (e.g. major, minor) may not be allowed. Once a graduation date is established, extension is by appeal only and enrollment may be restricted to courses required for the degree |
| Student has earned 100% or more of the allowed number of Timely Graduation units | Senior Plus* | The student must have already applied for graduation and must stay on track. Changes to academic objectives (e.g. major, minor) are not allowed unless they reduce the time to graduation. Once a graduation date is established, extension is by appeal only and enrollment may be restricted to courses required for the degree. *Students who have not applied to graduate online by the time they have earned 100% of the units required for their degree will have an Enrollment - Timely Graduation hold placed on their record which will restrict registration activities. |
| Student has earned 120% or more of the allowed number of Timely Graduation units | Super Senior* | The student must have applied to graduate and must stay on track for completion of the degree. Changes to academic objectives (e.g. major, minor) are not allowed unless they will reduce the time to graduation. Extension of the graduation date is by appeal only and may be restricted to courses required for the degree. If the student has completed any degree, regardless of whether they have declared that major, a degree may be conferred in that major. If the student has not completed a degree, enrollment will be restricted to courses required to graduate in the major requiring the least amount of time. |
- Login to MyCSULB Student Center to use the Degree Planner to map your enrollment in remaining course requirements. Features of the Degree Planner are explored in these video tutorials.
- Next, choose Academic Requirements from the pull-down menu in your Student Center. The Academic Requirements Report (ARR) will provide a detailed summary of your degree requirements, both completed and still unmet. You will also see an ALERT notation indicating your Timely Graduation status.
- Ensure that all unmet requirements noted on the ARR are addressed in your Degree Planner.
- Consult with your academic advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
If you find it necessary to extend your graduation date in order to complete your degree, a Timely Graduation Appeal will be required.
To appeal the Timely Graduation policy:
- Discuss your plan to complete your remaining degree requirements with your major advisor and request the link to access the Timely Graduation Appeal (DocuSign).
- Complete your Timely Graduation Appeal, which will include:
- Your personal statement explaining why you are requesting additional time or a change to your degree objectives.
- An Application for Graduation (if you have not yet applied for graduation) or a Request to Change Graduation Term (if you previously applied for graduation). The Application for Graduation or Request to Change Graduation Term will automatically be included in your link to the Timely Graduation Appeal based on your circumstances.
- Your Degree Planner, mapping out your term-by-term enrollment in remaining course requirements.
- Your completed appeal will be sent to your major advisor to review and indicate support.
- After your advisor reviews your appeal, your completed appeal will be sent to Enrollment Services. Once received, Enrollment Services will review your appeal and send you an email approving or denying your appeal. Your record will be updated as applicable.
