Open University

Open University is a registration policy whereby students who have not been formally admitted to Sonoma State may enroll in academic credit courses offered by the University during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. 

For dates and information about registering for a Winter Intersession class, see the Winter Intersession page.

The Open University registration process is available only to non-matriculated students. If a student who has applied and been admitted to Sonoma State as a resident student enrolls through Open University in the semester of his or her admission, they will lose their status as admitted students and must reapply for admission.

Current or former SSU students who have been academically disqualified for academic or administrative reasons may be allowed to take classes at SSU through Open University if approved by an Advisor. The focus should be on raising the GPA by retaking courses for which a C- or below was received.

You will need to set up an appointment with your Advisor to create a reinstatement plan. Please see below for additional information about the Open University registration process.
 

International students may apply to take a full course of study through Open University via the Semester at Sonoma program. Otherwise, Open University registration is open to permanent residents and those maintaining valid non-immigrant visa status, including, but not limited to F-1/F-2 student visa and J-1/Au Pair visa holders. Sonoma State University will not issue immigration documents for attendance through Open University registration.

Students must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by one of the following options:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 61 for undergraduate courses or 80 for graduate courses is required. Sonoma State's ETS code is 4723.
• IELTS (International English Language Test System): A band score of 6.0 will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL for undergraduate students.
• TOEFL/IELTS is not required of those who have studied full-time for three or more years at the secondary level or above at an institution where English is the principal language of instruction. Official transcripts are required.

International students must also obtain written approval from the International Student Advisor, located in the Center for International Education in International Hall, prior to enrolling through Open University.
 

Please note that some courses are closed to non-majors, and that students enrolling through Open University must have fulfilled test score and/or other prerequisites. If pre-requisites have not been fulfilled, the University reserves the right to withdraw you from the course(s) with no refund. An instructor's signature on your registration form does not guarantee that any pre-requisites have been waived.

Open University registration is available through the normal add/drop period for each term, usually the first two weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters and the first three days of each 4-week summer session.

Detailed registration information and current fees can be found at How to Register for Open University.

For information about registering for a Winter Intersession class, see the Winter Intersession page.

You are not officially registered in a class until fees are paid and your registration form has been received by Extended Education. Current fees per unit:

• Undergraduate Lecture/Discussion: $385 per unit
• Graduate Lecture/Discussion: $470 per unit
• College of Science, Technology, and Business Laboratory courses: $470 per unit
  • This fee applies to all Science and Technology courses with a laboratory component

To drop a class, students must submit a Class Drop and Refund Request form to the Registrar's Office.

Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. Students must withdraw from a class by the date specified in the Academic Calendar for dropping with a grade of "W", generally four weeks into the semester.

After this time, students may withdraw for reasons clearly beyond their control by securing the approval and signature of the instructor on a Class Drop and Refund Request form. No refund will be given.
 

Refunds are calculated on the following scale:

• A total refund of fees is granted through the end of Add/Drop.
• After that time, no refunds are given.

The effective date of a refund application is the day it is received by the office.
 

Many courses have an option for students to receive a letter grade or Cr/NC; otherwise, the course description in the SSU Catalog will specify. Students may change their grade mode up to the end of the 4th week of instruction. Please contact the Registrar's Office for the appropriate form. Please note that courses graded Cr/NC may not count for major purposes should you pursue a degree in the future. See an Advisor in that department if you are unsure.

Open University participants receive Special Sessions academic credit for courses numbered 100--599. Up to 24 units of academic credit may be applied toward a Baccalaureate degree. Up to 9 units may be applied toward a Master's degree (subject to departmental approval). Units earned in Open University courses do not meet degree residence requirements.

All regular University rules and regulations pertaining to grades and transcripts apply to Open University students; see University grading policies.

Students may request official transcripts using the transcript request form supplied by the Office of the Registrar.