Academic Advising & Counseling

Several sources for advising services exist on campus.  The Class Schedule (available online at MyCSUEB) also includes information regarding advisement services.  See also Student Services  chapter for additional student services information.

Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE)

AACE provides a full range of excellent academic advising to undergraduate students and career counseling services to all students and new graduates. Advising services include guidance and official updates on students’ progress toward completing their general education and graduation requirements (other than major requirements); assistance in developing realistic educational goals and a plan to achieve those goals; explanations of academic policies and procedures; and group advising for new students.

Career services at AACE help students navigate through their career development needs including career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, networking and negotiating skills, understanding the job market, and graduate school preparation. AACE hosts several career events throughout the year including general and specialized career fairs and group workshops. ACCE partners with global, national, and regional employers to connect with students through the Handshake job board and campus events. 

AACE is the academic advising home for undergraduate students who have not yet declared a major at Cal State East Bay. They offer academic counseling and specialized assistance in exploring, researching and selecting a major based on individual, educational, and career goals. Undeclared students who are placed on academic probation are required to see an AACE academic counselor and/or attend the workshop “Understanding Academic Probation” each semester until good standing is achieved.

In addition, AACE provides academic counseling and support services for all undergraduates who are experiencing academic difficulties such as those on academic probation or those who have been recently disqualified. Students (non-EOP) on academic probation are encouraged to meet with an AACE counselor to discuss strategies for improving their grades and academic standing.

Change of Academic Objective

Changing a Major or Objective

Undergraduate students who wish to change their baccalaureate major, change/declare a minor or concentration must complete the required Change of Major/Minor/Concentration form on the University website under Student Records Forms, and obtain approval from the department.  Students with 105 or more units will need permission from the Dean of Academic Programs and Services to change their majors or minors or add a new major or minor.

Note: A change is not official until the form has been processed by the Office of the Registrar. Students are responsible for the major or minor requirements in the Catalog in effect at the time they file the form.

Consulting with an academic advisor

Every student who enters Cal State East Bay is entitled to receive major advising from a faculty member in the department, a designated college advisor, or, if taking an Interdisciplinary Studies major, a committee member in their major. Undergraduate students who do not have an academic advisor listed on Bay Advisor should contact whoismyadvisor@csueastbay.edu to be put in touch with an appropriate advisor.  Students considering changing majors or minors should contact a career counselor in the Academic Advising and Career Education (AACE) Center.

Cal State East Bay has the Frosh and Sophomore Success Team (FASST), which provides academic advising for lower division undergraduates.  Frosh and sophomores develop a program with their advisors that will satisfy all requirements (breadth/General Education, major, and minor or concentration if required) for the degree.

The primary academic advisors for upper division students (juniors and seniors) are typically advisors in the advising center for their major’s college. Once transfer students receive the evaluation of their previous college credit, they should develop with their primary academic advisor a complete program of courses leading to the baccalaureate degree.

All students should see their academic advisors at least once each semester. In addition, students accepted to East Bay as EOP students should see their EOP counselor at least once each semester.  Students should consult with their academic advisors before making changes to their program.

Credentialing Student Services Center

The Credential Student Service Center (CSSC), in the College of Education and Allied Studies, provides a one-stop center for all students inquiring about credential program application requirements, procedures and information about applying for or renewing teaching credentials. The CSSC informs and assists students in fulfilling Early Field Experience, meeting program requirements, and maintaining student records. The Credential Student Service Center is located in the Art Education Building Room 235, (510) 885-2272.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) & Summer Bridge

Established in 1969, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission and retention support services to low-income and educationally disadvantaged California residents who demonstrate the motivation and potential to succeed in college. EOP identifies and admits students who have the potential to succeed at California State University campuses, but who have not achieved their educational goals because of economic and/or educational background. EOP provides students with the resources, tools and skills to ensure academic and personal success through a variety of academic support services. These services provided by EOP include recruitment, preadmission counseling, special admissions, a Summer Bridge program (for entering EOP freshmen), specialized orientation sessions, academic advisement, personal counseling, skill-enhancement workshops, career guidance, peer advising, support groups, social/cultural activities, referral services, and EOP grants for eligible students.

Summer Bridge is a transition program for a select group of newly admitted Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) freshmen students to prepare them for their first year at Cal State East Bay. This intensive college readiness program is designed to provide incoming EOP exception admit freshmen with the following academic, social, and multicultural experiences to smooth their transition from high school to the University’s environment:

• Provide classes in English and Mathematics to enhance academic skills
• Acquaint students to the University and its many resources
• Provide workshops in the foundations of college success
• Make new friends
• Meet college professors
• Work with their counselors and peer advisors
• Select Fall semester classes
• Provide cultural and social activities

EOP accepts students who qualify for regular admission, as well as a limited number of students who do not meet regular admission criteria. Only low-income and educationally disadvantaged undergraduate students who need admission assistance and/or support services to succeed at Cal State East Bay are admitted to EOP. Additionally, students must be first generation college students, meet the income eligibility criteria, and either be California residents or AB 540.  They must also demonstrate academic potential and motivation to succeed.

To apply for admission to the program, prospective students must complete the online CALSTATE Apply Application for Undergraduate Admission and check the appropriate box for EOP services. Once the Cal State East Bay application is submitted (online), EOP applicants will receive an online EOP link and have access to complete the EOP Applicant Information Form and two EOP recommendation forms. Students must have all three documents submitted in order for their EOP application to be complete.

EOP is a high-demand program which only accepts applications for Fall term from applicants new to the CSU system. Currently enrolled and/or previously enrolled students (not formerly in an EOP CSU program) are not eligible to apply. Applicants who submit all required documents will be reviewed and if selected, will be admitted to EOP. All EOP freshmen receiving exception admission are required to attend the EOP Summer Bridge program as a condition of their admission for Fall term.

For assistance or for further information about EOP and the Summer Bridge program, please visit the EOP Office at Student and Faculty Support (SF) Building 224, or online at www.csueastbay.edu/eop. Prospective applicants can also email eopadmissions@csueastbay.edu or call (510) 885-4683 for more information.

EXCEL Program

The EXCEL Program (a TRiO Student Support Services program) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The program provides a variety of educational services for Cal State East Bay undergraduates who have a demonstrated academic need and who are either low-income or first-generation college or have a disability. The EXCEL Program aims to increase the retention and graduation rates of program participants and to create a supportive environment that encourages academic success.

EXCEL’s Academic Life Planning Counselors assist students in developing academic plans to complete their undergraduate degrees and solve academic related problems. They also provide advising in career and goal planning, scholarship assistance, graduate school advising, guidance on balancing academic and personal life, and personal counseling.

The Learning Skills Coordinator offers help in different ways of improving students’ learning skills. Assistance includes offering tutoring in basic subjects, diagnosing academic weaknesses in learning and providing tips in test-taking, taking lecture notes, and study skills. During the academic year, EXCEL offers workshops with topics ranging from study skills to graduate schools to internship/jobs to enhance students’ knowledge.

To apply to the EXCEL Program or to find out more about its services, call (510) 885-3722 or visit the main office located in the Student and Faculty Support Building (SF) Suite 202. Additional information can also be found on the website at www.csueastbay.edu/excel.

Faculty Office Hours Policy

The faculty of the University are available during regularly scheduled office hours, which are at times other than scheduled classes. The times of the office hours are posted outside each faculty office, at the faculty member’s department, on the department website, and on the faculty member’s course syllabi. The faculty member informs the department of their office hours the first day of classes each semester. 

Full-time faculty who are teaching are expected to hold a minimum of two (2) regularly scheduled office hours per week. The way in which office hours are held should be congruent with the mode(s) of instruction. For example, faculty teaching online courses may hold office hours online. In addition to regularly scheduled office hours, faculty are expected encouraged to meet with students by appointment (in-person or electronically) at mutually convenient times to a reasonable extent. For faculty members who are teaching less than a full load, the minimum number of scheduled office hours may be prorated, but the number of scheduled hours may not be less than one hour per week.

If for any reason a faculty member cannot meet the posted office hours, the faculty member will inform the Department Chair. If possible, the department will note the absence on the faculty office door.

The normal schedule of availability is to be maintained during the Final Examination period, but may be rearranged to facilitate meeting students before exams. If a final examination conflicts with a posted time of availability, an alternative hour is to be posted for that week alone.

GANAS: Gaining Access ‘N Academic Success

GANAS is an innovative access and retention program at Cal State East Bay that targets and serves newly arrived community college transfer students. The GANAS model offers integrated academic and cultural approaches that welcome and socialize new transfer students while increasing their confidence, engagement, resiliency, academic success, persistence, and, ultimately, baccalaureate degree attainment rates.  GANAS is open to all students. It provides a supportive environment that focuses on Latina/o and multicultural content.

Phone: (510) 885-2960

Email: ganas@csueastbay.edu

Website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/ganas/

Sankofa Scholars

The Sankofa Scholars Program is a learning community developed to support the retention and graduation of our African American students at Cal State East Bay. The Sankofa Scholars program will assist students who are seeking a cultural connection at Cal State East Bay through academic advising, academic enrichment activities, and connecting participants to faculty, staff, and peers, as these are essential components to achieving academic success. Sankofa is open to all students and provides a supportive learning environment that focuses on African Diaspora Studies.

Phone: (510) 885-3616

Email: sankofascholars@csueastbay.edu

Website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/sankofa/

Student Center for Academic Achievement

The Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) provides tutoring and academic support services that are as diverse as Cal State East Bay’s students - from peer tutoring, to group supplemental instruction sessions, to online assistance and tutoring. Its FREE services are available to fully matriculated Cal State East Bay students.  SCAA programs include:

Peer Tutoring

• One-on-one assistance in Math, Writing, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science with a trained peer tutor.  The tutor’s role is to not do the work for students, but to guide them in the process of learning the concepts in their courses.

Online Writing Lab

• The SCAA Online Writing Lab (OWL) allows Cal State East Bay students to submit papers online and receive writing tutor feedback via email. The SCAA OWL makes every effort to return papers within 72 hours after submission.

eTutoring

• If student need assistance in subjects currently not tutored at the SCAA or cannot come to the SCAA during its regular operating hours, they can log in to the eTutoring platform on the SCAA website to get near-24/7 assistance in courses such as Accounting, Spanish, and Biology. 

Writing Associates Program

• Trained student tutors are paired with an undergraduate course for one semester to assist students in writing assignments that engage undergraduate students in the entire writing process, including feedback and revision.

Supplemental Instruction

• Provides peer-assisted, collaborate, and active study sessions that improve understanding of subject content, fosters critical thinking, and encourages life-long learning to classes that are considered “at risk” (i.e. large lecture classes).  These student sessions are typically led by a student who did well in the course.

WST Prep Programs

• The SCAA offers one-time in-person workshops, an online workshop, and an intensive, invite-only WST Boot Camp.

Cal State East Bay students are encouraged to use the Center regularly to improve their academic performance no matter what their skill level or class standing. Students are also encouraged to attend events sponsored by the Center, such as our semester late-night extended hours tutoring event and contests.

The Student Center for Academic Achievement is located in the Upper Mall of the Library. Call (510) 885-3674 or visit its website for information regarding hours, specific tutoring times, workshop dates, event information, or to schedule a one-time appointment.

Pacific Islander Asian American (PIAA) Program

The Pacific Islander Asian American (PIAA) Program aims to validate and develop students while cultivating a space that provides them a sense of belonging to further navigate their personal, academic, and professional journeys. Rooted in culture, community, and bridge-building, the PIAA Program provides an academic support environment that recognizes and celebrates Pacific Islander and Asian American identities and experiences in an inclusive context.

Email: piaa@csueastbay.edu

Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE)

Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE) is an innovative program which enables working adult students to make accelerated progress toward a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in either Human Development and Women’s Studies or Liberal Studies. PACE classes are the same as those taken by students pursuing their degrees through the traditional university format.  The only difference is the carefully structured course sequence which includes courses only in the evening, weekend and/or online, as well as the dedicated academic advising for PACE students. More detailed information is available at www.csueastbay.edu/pace.

The PACE program is available at both the Hayward and Concord campuses.

Project IMPACT

Project IMPACT is a federally funded TRiO Student Support Services program designed to help eligible students with disabilities succeed in their academic program. The services provided by Project IMPACT are beyond the legally mandated services afforded to students with disabilities by Accessibility Services. By fostering a closely knit community of learners, students are encouraged to become self-directed learners who persist to become academic achievers. Project IMPACT offers selected students individualized services such as:

• Academic Advising
• Subject-Specific Tutoring
• Skill-Building Workshops and Learning Strategies Support
• Individualized Support Plans
• Wellness Counseling
• Support with the Financial Aid Process and Scholarship Information
• Major and Career Exploration
• Access to the Project IMPACT Private Learning Lab 

To be eligible for this program students must be:

1. A matriculating student at Cal State East Bay
2. An individual with a permanent, documented disability
3. A U.S. Citizen, national or permanent resident
4. Working toward their first baccalaureate degree
5. In need of academic support

For more information, or to apply, contact Project IMPACT at (510) 885-2484 or visit: http://www.csueastbay.edu/project-impact/

Renaissance Scholars Program

Jointly funded by the University, private foundations, non-profit organizations, and individual donations, the Renaissance Scholars Program provides a variety of educational and support services for current or former foster youth attending Cal State East Bay. The major goals of the program are to enhance the retention and graduation rates of program participants and to create a supportive environment that encourages academic success.

Renaissance Scholars assists students in developing life and leadership skills while providing a wide variety of services including academic, career, and psychological counseling, scholarship opportunities, emergency assistance, priority registration, priority placement in on-campus housing, recognition events, workshops, and field trips.

To qualify for Renaissance Scholars, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or former foster youth attending Cal State East Bay between the ages of 17-23
• Qualify for “Independent Student Status” under federal financial aid guidelines
• Be a California resident
• Be a graduating high school senior or incoming community college transfer student
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0
• Transfer students must have earned a 2.0 GPA in all transferable coursework
• Demonstrate high motivation and potential

To find out more about the Renaissance Scholars Program browse the website at www.csueastbay.edu/renaissance, email us at renaissance@csueastbay.edu, call (510) 885-4426, or visit the office in the Student and Faculty Support (SF) building, suite 202.

Transfer Asian Pacific American Student Success (Transfer APASS)

The Transfer Asian Pacific American Student Success (APASS) program is designed to promote the academic, cultural and personal successes of Asian Pacific American students who transfer from community colleges to Cal State East Bay. Transfer APASS is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Services of the program include academic support to increase successful outcomes, foster personal development, enhance social networking, and to create paths for students to reach graduation and realize their career goals. Transfer APASS is open to all students and provides a supportive learning environment that focuses on Asian Pacific American identities and experiences in an inclusive context.

Phone: (510) 885-7767

Email: apass@csueastbay.edu

Website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/apass/