Cal State Fullerton offers affordable, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that reflect the best of current practice, theory and research, and are designed to meet the needs of its diverse students, as well as the region and the state of California. The key mission of the university is to make learning preeminent on campus as Titans reach higher. By combining the best qualities of teaching and research universities, actively engaged Cal State Fullerton students, faculty and staff work in close collaboration to expand knowledge. The mark of a Cal State Fullerton graduate is a person who has developed the habit of intellectual inquiry, is prepared for a challenging profession, seeks strengthened relationships with the community and contributes productively to society. CSUF strives for excellence by offering rigorous and intellectually stimulating academic programs that undergo periodic formal review by the university and by external academic accreditation agencies.
The General Education program is designed to provide a strong foundational understanding of disciplines and subject areas, as well as to ensure well-educated students upon graduation. This is achieved by integrating into the degree programs foundational courses in the physical sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts. Articulation agreements with the local community colleges clarify the courses that will be accepted for credit in both general education and degree programs. Currently, the academic programs available at the university include 55 bachelor’s degrees, 55 master’s degrees, the Ed.D. program, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, over 70 minors, nearly 20 certificate programs, and a variety of initial and advanced credentials for teaching and preschool-12 school settings.
Among our applied master’s degrees are public administration (M.P.A.), public health (M.P.H.), social work (M.S.W.), fine arts (M.F.A.) and business administration (MBA). Other graduate programs include the M.A. and M.S. degrees in arts, humanities, communications, social sciences, applied health, accounting, biology, computer science, counseling, engineering, English, history, kinesiology, athletic training, mathematics, modern languages, music and psychology. Many graduate-level classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working students. Online programs include the M.S. in environmental engineering, M.S. in instructional design and technology, M.S. in information technology, M.S. in software engineering and M.S. in statistics. Nearly all concentrations in the M.S. in education are offered online.
Cal State Fullerton offers two doctoral degrees. The Ed.D. in educational leadership is available in two concentrations. The community college leadership concentration prepares community college professionals for leadership roles in higher education. The preschool-12 leadership concentration prepares mid-career educators for careers as administrators, principals and superintendents in school systems throughout California. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses for increasingly complex practice, and for faculty and leadership roles in nursing.
The provost and vice president for academic affairs is the chief academic officer for the campus and provides leadership for the planning and management of all academic and instructional resources that support the teaching, scholarship and research mission of the university. Working with the president, college deans, academic administrators, Academic Senate, students and campus community, the provost and vice president for academic affairs provides leadership for all academic planning, resources and operational matters.
Each college and academic program publishes information that is available on the university’s website at fullerton.edu.
The Academic Advisement Center provides academic advising to matriculated undergraduate students with respect to general education and graduation requirements, major exploration, university policies and procedures, and referral to other campus resources. Above that, its mission is to work in a collaborative partnership with students, a shared responsibility, where the adviser and student are equally invested in the educational process and holistic development of the student.
The Academic Advisement Center is the academic home department for undeclared students, providing services normally offered through the declared student’s major department. Additionally, the department provides information, programs and referrals to support students in their academic careers and progress to timely graduation.
Students needing information about the implications of academic probation are required to complete the Probation Tutorial, housed on the AAC website, prior to visiting Academic Advisement for in-depth advisement. First-time freshmen on academic probation are contacted each January by their Student Success Teams in order to prepare them to fulfill their mandatory probation advising workshop, as well as the components of the semester-long Academic Success Institute.
Advising is provided on a walk-in/virtual pop-in and appointment basis and students must bring their current Titan Degree Audit to meet with an academic adviser. Arrangements also can be made to support nontraditional student populations such as night-only students with limited appointments, if deemed necessary, outside regular advising hours. Visit fullerton.edu/aac for hours of operation and contact information for special requests. Find the hours, location and contact information for the AAC, as well as Student Success Team resources, at success.fullerton.edu.
College Park 950
657-278-3602
In consultation with college deans, the Academic Senate, appropriate faculty committees and campus divisions, the Office of Academic Programs and Enrollment has responsibility for planning, directing and implementing academic curriculum, programs, and policies for undergraduate and graduate education, general education, registration and records and various other university and system-wide programmatic initiatives. The associate vice president for academic programs provides leadership and oversight for the Office of Academic Programs, and works in consultation and collaboration with Academic Program assistant vice presidents (Graduate Studies and Undergraduate Studies and General Education) and the University Registrar to assist in implementing university and system policies and in ensuring the quality of the curriculum, academic programs, degree services and academic records.
Graduate Studies focuses on graduate programs and curriculum, as well as providing student support services for the success of graduate students, including outreach, onboarding and advising; Undergraduate Studies and General Education focuses on undergraduate programs and curriculum — including general education — and oversees the Scheduling Office; and Registration and Records provides quality service that facilitate enrollment, retention and degree completion, while maintaining accurate academic records for the university.
The Academic Senate is an integral part of university governance and collegial decision-making. The Academic Senate, governed by a constitution and bylaws, develops, formulates and reviews educational and professional policy that becomes university policy if approved by the president. Examples of educational and professional policy include curricula; academic standards; criteria and standards for the selection, retention and promotion of faculty members; academic and administrative issues concerning students; and allocation of resources.
The Academic Senate consists of: 1) ex officio members, including the president of the university, vice president for academic affairs, immediate past chair of the Academic Senate (except in the case when the incumbent chair is re-elected), ASCSU Senators and president of the exclusive bargaining representative for Unit 3; 2) 38 full-time faculty members, of which six shall be at-large and 32 shall represent specific constituencies, all of which shall be elected by the Academic Senate electorate according to the procedures set forth in the bylaws; 3) two part-time faculty members elected by the part-time faculty according to the procedures set forth in the bylaws; 4) two students appointed by Associated Students Inc.; 5) two staff members elected by the staff according to the procedures set forth in the bylaws; and 6) a member appointed by the emeritus professors of Cal State Fullerton.
Shared governance at CSUF involves senators on the Academic Senate and other faculty members through membership on boards, ad hoc committees and general committees, in addition to the standing committees. Representing the faculty, the Academic Senate includes administrators, staff and students exemplifying “The Fullerton Way” of collegial governance.
There are 21 standing committees of the Academic Senate: 1) Academic Standards Committee, 2) Assessment and Educational Effectiveness, 3) Campus Facilities and Beautification Committee, 4) Elections Committee, 5) Extended Education Committee, 6) Faculty Affairs Committee, 7) Faculty Development Center Board, 8) General Education Committee, 9) Graduate Education Committee, 10) Information Technology Committee, 11) International Education Committee, 12) Internships and Service Learning Committee, 13) Library Committee, 14) Planning, Resource and Budget Committee, 15) Student Academic Life Committee, 16) University Advancement Committee, 17) University Committee on Writing Proficiency, 18) University Curriculum Committee, 19) Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 20) Faculty Research Policy Committee and 21) Honors Program Advisory Board.
There are three general committees of the faculty: 1) Faculty Personnel Committee, 2) Professional Leaves Committee and 3) Faculty Research Committee.
The Office of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness leads systematic and integrated efforts to explore the impact of university programs, curricula, services and operations; provides meaningful data to support strategic planning and decision-making at all levels of the university; plays a critical role in demonstrating accountability to accreditation, external entities and the general public; fosters a campuswide culture of data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and teaching and learning innovations. Accreditation, analytical studies, assessment, data governance, institutional research and quality assurance comprise the six core functional areas within OAIE.
Extension and International Programs is a rich and varied component of Cal State Fullerton. EIP works with academic units to create and administer programs that extend the university’s resources out into the community. For additional information, see the section of this catalog titled “Extension and International Programs .”
International Programs facilitates the university’s commitment to being a comprehensive regional university with a global outlook. The office initiates and administers contacts with partner institutions around the world to foster the exchange of faculty and students and coordinate international programming. Areas include Study Abroad and Exchange, University Semester Abroad, and International Student Services. For additional information, see the section of this catalog titled “Extension and International Programs .”
EIP administers a variety of CSUF academic credit programs that are self-supporting and do not receive support from state tax revenue. These include: Summer Session, Winter Session, Open University enrollment, certificate programs and classes, online bachelor’s degree completion programs (B.A. in sociology, B.A. in business administration, B.A. in humanities and social sciences), postbaccalaureate programs (Pre-Health Professions) and master’s degree programs (M.S. in counseling, master of social work, fully employed MBA, accelerated M.S. in software engineering, M.S. in financial engineering and risk management).
Continuing education fills a critical need in a challenging job market. Certificate programs, workshops and classes provide innovative learning experiences to help professionals stay current on the latest technologies and best practices, or to develop the skills and knowledge to explore a whole new career. Continuing education units may be awarded for professional development classes.
Programs taught for local companies and tailored to meet specific training needs yield proven results: development of real-world knowledge; improved team performance and productivity; increased employee satisfaction and retention; and an enhanced, shared knowledge base.
A wide variety of programs are offered for pre-K-12 educators. These include professional development in the areas of teacher induction, various credential prerequisites, postsecondary literacy and learning, game-based learning, and other classes and workshops.
EIP offers programs and classes for children and teens. Course offerings may include:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Cal State Fullerton is part of a nationally recognized network of organizations for retirees, semi-retirees and those approaching retirement. OLLI-CSUF is self-supported and offers a wide range of classes and activities for an active, healthy life and continued learning.
EIP administers the Fullerton Arboretum, which was dedicated in the fall of 1979 in a joint venture with the city of Fullerton. The 26-acre botanical garden is a living museum of rare plants from around the world. The ecologically arranged botanical collection depicts habitats from the desert to the tropics and offers a tranquil retreat from urban life. Arboretum facilities include the Visitor Center and the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, the campus’s first “green” building. The arboretum also is home to Heritage House, a restored 19th-century dwelling, and serves as a cultural museum for north Orange County.
The Office of Faculty Affairs and Records oversees the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and applicable campus policies for faculty (Unit 3). FAR is housed within Faculty Support Services and works in collaboration with the Faculty Development Center, Academic Technology Center, and the Division of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion to provide faculty with support for successful academic careers.
FAR coordinates the following processes for academic employees: retention, tenure and promotion; temporary faculty (lecturer) evaluations; post-tenure review; range elevation; student opinion questionnaires; sabbatical leaves; and difference-in-pay leaves.
FAR is the official repository for documents and correspondence concerning full-time faculty and has the responsibility for retaining documentation pertaining to employment, reappointment, tenure, promotion and the evaluation of faculty performance. The FAR office is open throughout the year, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Established in 1998, the Faculty Development Center is charged with promoting faculty development, vitality and enrichment. The center is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive program of support for all instructional faculty across a broad spectrum of professional activities, including but not limited to, teaching and learning; pedagogical considerations for instructional technologies; assessment; scholarly research and creative activities; professional and service activities; and other campuswide intellectual, recognition and community-building events.
The guiding principles of the FDC are to:
The FDC is under the direction of the assistant vice president for faculty support services and works in collaboration with the directors of online education and training, academic technology, and faculty affairs and records. The center includes: a faculty director; a graphic artist; support staff; a team of faculty coordinators and liaisons; and a Senate-convened advisory board with faculty, administrator and student representation.
Specifically, the Faculty Development Center: fosters faculty professional development in teaching, research and service; coordinates funding programs supporting teaching; assists new and tenure-track faculty with orientation and retention/tenure/promotion workshops; works with part-time faculty and lecturers; arranges events, conferences, seminars, workshops and colloquia that support teaching and learning; and assists faculty with the production of graphics for use in presentations, scholarly publications and posters for display at conferences. With the goal of enhancing teaching and learning, the FDC also provides instruction, support and consultation on a spectrum of academic technologies useful to faculty members who teach in person, online or in a blended environment. Faculty coordinators provide additional services based on their areas of expertise. In addition, the FDC enlists the expertise of faculty across campus to provide professional development on topics of interest.
For more information on specific activities, workshops, programs and events, contact the Faculty Development Center at 657-278-4722 or visit fdc.fullerton.edu.
College Park 950
Cal State Fullerton’s graduate programs provide high-quality educational experiences for students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. They offer certificates, credentials, master’s and doctoral programs in a wide variety of disciplines, leading to upward mobility through meaningful employment or continued education. The university supports students’ needs by providing a nurturing environment that is sensitive to the demands of work and home life. The Office of Graduate Studies is the central resource for graduate education on our campus. It provides leadership and support for graduate program curriculum development, offers guidance for state regulations and university policy, administers scholarship and fellowship programs for graduate students, provides academic support and services through the Graduate Student Success Center in the Pollak Library, hosts graduate student events, provides graduate advisor support and leads graduate student success initiatives. Working closely with campus partners, the office oversee admissions, enrollment, degree progress and graduation to provide comprehensive support for all graduate students.
The Department of Online Education and Training was established by the Division of Academic Affairs to create, promote, and support effective and accessible online education at Cal State Fullerton. OET serves the entire university by providing a comprehensive array of services related to the use of instructional technologies in face-to-face, blended or hybrid, and fully online courses.
OET’s team of instructional designers and academic technology consultants support faculty in the use of CSUF’s Learning Management System (Canvas) and technology products integrated with Canvas; advise and consult in the use of instructional technologies, curating and making available examples of best practice; develop resources to assist faculty in the design and delivery of online education; train and consult in implementing online instructional activities, course redesign using technology, and creating new online courses and programs; and assist in producing instructional media components, including coordinating and maintaining a media studio.
OET is located in the Faculty Commons area of the Pollak Library (PLS 237). Individual appointments may be scheduled with OET’s instructional design team and walk-ins are welcome from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To set up an appointment or for more information, email OET at oet@fullerton.edu or call OET at 657-278-4528. The OET website offers information on its services and online professional development certificate programs, as well as resources on teaching online, online readiness, accessibility and open educational resources. Additionally, OET created and maintains the Canvas Resource Center, which provides 24/7 self-help guides on a wide range of topics regarding teaching and learning using Canvas.
Chief among campus learning resources is the Pollak Library, named in 1998 after CSUF Professor Emeritus of English Paulina June Pollak and her husband, George. Located at the center of the campus and offering robust physical and electronic collections, the library consists of a six-story south wing and a newer four-story north wing.
The library provides access to over 200 online databases, over 140,000 electronic journals and online collections of streaming audio, video and digitized primary source materials. In addition to physical and electronic book collections of almost two million volumes, the library also contains a wide array of other materials, including print and online government publications (federal, state, local and international), audiovisual collections, archival and rare items, maps and microforms. Library collection materials are selected to support the learning mission of the university.
As part of the university’s learning mission, the Pollak Library offers a variety of instructional programs and services. Library faculty conduct instructional sessions for CSUF classes in all disciplines, in both in-person and distance learning sections. Patrons can obtain instruction in the library’s resources, get reference and research assistance and make appointments for longer research conferences both at the reference desk on the first floor north or virtually from the library’s website. The library also houses the five Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers, the Academic Support Centers, the Center for Scholars and University Honors Program, and the Graduate Student Success Center. The first floor of the library provides access to over 200 computers, smart group study rooms, tutoring services and more.
For the convenience of users, photocopiers, printers and a microform reader are available in locations throughout the library. These are operated with funds from a user’s TitanCard. Other specialized facilities include media listening and viewing rooms and group study rooms. Wireless internet access is available on all floors of the library.
The TitanCard issued by the university serves as a library card for checking out books and other materials. Library users are responsible for the on-time return of all materials charged out on their cards.
The Library’s participation in the Unified Library Management System gives users seamless access to print materials both in Pollak Library and at the 22 other CSU campus libraries. Students, faculty and staff can check out materials from these other libraries and also can obtain materials not available in the CSUs through the Interlibrary Loan system which provides access to libraries across the country.
The Pollak Library’s homepage serves as the gateway to library resources and offers a wealth of information about the library’s collections and services. Remote access to licensed library resources is provided to students, faculty and staff via portal authentication through the library homepage gateway.
Langsdorf Hall 114
657-278-2300
The Office of Registration and Records provides services to undergraduate and graduate students in the regular sessions of Cal State Fullerton. Units within these offices register students in class and programs of study, maintain academic records, administer academic probation and disqualification policies, and provide enrollment certifications on students requests. Additionally, this office will certify the completion of degree requirements and receive petitions for exceptions to academic regulations.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects includes:
ASC Building, Titan Hall 213
657-278-7679
The Office of Grants and Contracts assists with proposal preparation, review and timely submission of proposals to external funding agencies, and appropriate training related to these functions; assures proposal compliance with funding sponsor and regulatory agency requirements; serves as the lead in review of grant awards and in the issuance, review and negotiation of contracts, subcontracts and related agreements. This office provides oversight of the university’s proposal review and approval process, maintains data, and prepares all necessary reports on proposal submissions.
ASC Building, Titan Hall 226
657-278-2134
The Office of Research Development assists faculty in identifying funding sources for their research and creative activities; promotes institutional and collaborative grant development; provides guidance, training and assistance in preparing high-quality, competitive proposals.
ASC Building, Titan Hall 228
657-278-7719
The Office of Research Compliance assures universitywide compliance with federal, state and local agency policies and regulations that involve research and creative activities, including use of human and animal subjects and policies regarding conflict of interest, export control, responsible conduct of research and research misconduct.
