Mar 28, 2024  
2020/2021 University Catalog 
    
2020/2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Division of Student Affairs



OFFICE: Student Services West 2640
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5211 / FAX: 619-594-7089

Administration

Vice President for Student Affairs: Christy Samarkos (Interim)
Associate Vice Presidents for Student Affairs: Andrea Dooley, Antionette Jones Marbray, Rashmi C. Praba
Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students: Randall W.M. Timm

General Information

The Division of Student Affairs is a student-centered partner in the SDSU learning community. Education is enhanced, both inside and outside of the classroom, through high-impact programs, and services that advance student learning, development, and success.

The division facilitates the academic success, personal growth, and well-being of all students. Student Affairs transitions and connects students to the university and to their future, building communities that foster progress toward degree completion, and lifelong Aztec affinity.

The Division of Student Affairs consists of:

  • Assessment and Research
  • Career Services
  • Compact for Success and Collaborative Programs
  • Counseling & Psychological Services
  • Dean of Students
  • Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs (EOP)
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • International Student Center/SDSU Study Abroad
  • New Student and Parent Programs
  • Office of the Student Ombudsman
  • Residential Education
  • Student Ability Success Center
  • Student Health Services
  • Student Life & Leadership
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Testing Services
  • Well-being and Health Promotion

Career Services

Student Services East, Room 1200
619-594-6851
http://career.sdsu.edu

Career Services supports student success by serving as the central campus resource for career development, planning, and advising. The center works with on-campus and community partners to ensure that SDSU students build the relevant skills, experiences, and effective connections they need to achieve their career goals.

Career Development and Guidance

Career counselors, career peers, and employers support students with essentials for success that include choosing a major, locating and applying for internships, connecting to mentors, finding summer jobs, and securing full-time employment. The career center’s partners participate in programming and services that help students with decision-making, resume development writing, networking at career fairs, researching careers, employment job interviewing, effectiveness on social media, participating in faculty-led research, and preparing for graduate school.

Aztec Career Connection

Career Services provides SDSU students with Aztec Career Connection, the SDSU online portal for internships, research opportunities, and full-time employment. Aztec Career Connection can be found by visiting the Career Services homepage at http://career.sdsu.edu. This resource provides students with event information and advance registration for workshops and events. Aztec Career Connection also provides free access to the following resources:

  • TypeFocus - career assessment and planning;
  • BigInterview - mock interviewing;
  • Going Global - a resource for working abroad;
  • On-Campus Interviews - interview with employers via semester-based program.

Students have access via their SDSUid credentials to Aztec Career Connection as soon as they register for classes. Visit http://career.sdsu.edu for instructions on accessing Aztec Career Connection.

Internships, Mentorships, Experiential, Service Learning, and Employment Opportunities

Career Services serves as the central campus resource for internships and mentorships. The center partners with academic departments, employers, and alumni to provide information about for-credit and other internship opportunities. Each semester, Career Services also offers a series of internship workshops and partners with the Office of Alumni Engagement to provide mentorship opportunities via the Aztec Mentor Program (AMP). AMP matches students with alumni and other professionals to strengthen career exploration, job readiness, and professional networking. The career center also works with campus and community partners to provide resources to support student engagement with experiential learning and information about student-to-student mentoring opportunities. Additionally, Career Services manages a centralized resource to apply and interview for full-time jobs, and internships via on-campus interviewing. The center hosts employer information sessions, networking events, and professional workshops where students can learn about an array of industries and occupations while interacting directly with recruiters. The center also offers signature programming for current topics such as the annual Diversity Career Conference, security clearance symposium, industry mock interviews, excursions to San Diego and other regions of the state, and emerging industry panels.

Career Fairs and On-Campus Interviews

Career Services provides all-major, two-day career fairs in September and February. The center also works with colleges to provide industry-focused career fairs that include business, education, engineering/STEM, government, and non-profit disciplines. Consult Aztec Career Connection for a schedule of events and to research participating employers. Employers who participate in career fairs often interview students after the fair for full-time jobs and internships.

On-campus interviews provide SDSU students the competitive advantage to participate in first interviews with employees in Career Services. These on-campus interviews focus on fulltime employment and summer internship programs. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to review on-campus interviewing in the fall semester since this is when employers recruit most actively.

Students who receive offers to interview via telephone and require a quiet space for conducting these interviews should contact Career Services for access to interview rooms. The center will require a RedID to make space available for students.

Career Resource Room

Career Services offers students a space in which to explore career options, meet with career peers and student assistants, and study. In the Career Resource Room, computer stations provide access to assessments, Aztec Career Connection, and software for professional activities, such as developing resumes. This room also holds numerous print publications on career topics such as what jobs are available to students with a variety of majors, how to develop a resume, how to prepare for and seek employment in any number of specific industries, and what options exist for graduate and professional schools.

Campus Connections

Career Services leverages campus contacts to empower students and strengthen the SDSU community. Career Services partners with on-campus areas, such as academic internship coordinators, college faculty, Residential Education Office, the Student Ability Success Center, Student Life and Leadership, Academic Advising, Associated Students, and the Alumni Association. WorkAbility IV is an award-winning partnership with the Student Ability Success Center and the State Department of Rehabilitation. This service provides career-focused support to qualified students. Visit Career Services or the Student Ability Success Center to learn more.

Career Placement

Career Services may furnish, upon request, information about the employment of students who graduate from programs or courses of study preparing students for a particular career field. Any such data provided must be in a form that does not allow for the identification of any individual student. This information includes data concerning the average starting salary and the percentage of previously enrolled students who obtained employment. The information may include data collected from either graduates of the campus or graduates of all campuses in the California State University.

Visit the Career Center

Career Services, Student Services East, Room 1200, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students can call or stop by to schedule individual appointments with career counselors. Quick Career one-on-one consultations and Fast-15 walk-in appointments occur daily and require no appointment: Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. Visit the center’s website at http://career.sdsu.edu for current schedule information. SDSU alumni are invited to attend career fairs, but other services to alumni may be fee-based. For more information, contact Career Services.

Compact for Success and Collaborative Programs

Student Services East, Room 2109
619-594-3685
http://compactforsuccess.sdsu.edu

The Compact for Success and Collaborative Programs department within the division of Student Affairs collaborates with various schools, districts, and community partners to impact the outreach, recruitment, and retention goals of the university. The department is composed of two main programs: Compact for Success and Price Community Scholars.

The Compact for Success, established in 2000, is an agreement between SDSU and the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) that guarantees admission to SUHSD students (up to the class of 2024) who meet the Compact for Success admissions requirements. The Compact for Success department collaborates with school and district personnel to provide outreach and education to students and parents in the district through mentoring, workshops, assemblies, and campus visits. Our department employs work-study students (Compact Mentors) who serve as mentors and role models to middle and high school students in the SUHSD.

The Price Community Scholars Program assists in the recruitment and support of fifteen (per cohort) high-achieving San Diego State University (SDSU) students from City Heights (primarily from Hoover and Crawford High Schools) with a scholarship of up to $7,500. The Price Community Merit-Service Scholarship Committee selects prospective high achieving SDSU students to each mentor three City Heights middle school students for a period of four years. This initiative provides programs for both mentor and mentee that assists in building a community that enhances the path to higher education through academic success, self-awareness, cross-cultural exchange, and civic participation.

Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS)

Calpulli Center, Room 4401
619-594-5220
http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/cps/

Counseling & Psychological Services (C&PS) provides a variety of services to enrolled SDSU students. Students interested in services should call to consult with a therapist for recommendations. These confidential services are covered by the student health fee.

The Center for Well-Being offers resources designed to help students help themselves. Several stations are set up to include hands-on activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. The center has a small library of self-help books and can be a relaxing place to spend time. The alpha chamber egg chairs and massage chair provide environments where students experience deep relaxation.

C&PS groups and workshops address issues common to many university students. As appropriate, students are encouraged to participate in these interactive and dynamic forums:

  • C.O.P.E. (Cultivating Optimal Personal Experiences);
  • Everyday Mindfulness and Meditation;
  • Healthy Emotional Living;
  • Living with Loss;
  • Rise (group for sexual assault survivors);
  • Students in the Helping Professions;
  • Various Single Servings (one-time workshops).

Crisis intervention services are available at C&PS for students who are in need of immediate assistance because of a severe emotional crisis that may be life threatening or otherwise require immediate attention. Examples of urgent situations may include: being a recent victim of assault, grieving the recent death of a friend or family member, or thinking about suicide. After hours and weekend emergency assistance can be obtained through the San Diego Access & Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 (administered by the County of San Diego).

Other services available at C&PS include:

  • ASPIRE - individualized program designed for students to address their substance use;
  • Biofeedback computer/technology-based, four-session intervention for anxiety reduction;
  • Bounce Back - one unit, semester-long course designed to help students on academic probation;
  • Individual, couple, and family counseling;
  • Successful Community Living - workshop designed around themes of community and civility;
  • Web resources - anxiety, assessment tools and intervention for alcohol and other substance use, depression, disordered eating, music to assist with regulated, diaphragmatic breathing. relationships, stress, and trauma.

Educational Opportunity Program and Ethnic Affairs (EOP)

Student Services East, Room 2109
619-594-6298
eopappt@sdsu.edu
http://eop.sdsu.edu

The Office of Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs (EOP) provides innovative programs and services that facilitate the successful recruitment, retention, and development of scholars and leaders as they persist toward a university degree. Eligible students are low-income California residents who may only be admitted prior to their first semester of attendance at SDSU. Students who meet AB 540 criteria also qualify.

EOP offers the following ongoing services:

  • Outreach, recruitment, and admission;
  • One-on-one counseling (academic and personal);
  • Financial aid counseling; 
  • Learning Support (a space for studying, tutoring, and workshops);
  • Support and space for our undocumented and mixed status students;
  • An intimate graduation ceremony for our students and their loved ones.
  • EOP students at SDSU are also provided with summer transitional programming to include:
  • First Contact Orientation;
  • BEST Summer Bridge Program;
  • Transfer Bridge Program.

EOP students have the opportunity to apply for peer-to-peer mentoring through the SOAR Mentoring Program and support from our Guardian Scholars Program, which serves students who identify as current or former foster youth, dependents and wards of the court, students under legal guardianship, and unaccompanied homeless youth. EOP students may also qualify for an EOP grant (depending on individual financial aid award and need).

Additional services for EOP students include wellness coaching, study abroad advising, career services advising, and Cal- Fresh assistance. EOP students gain leadership experience through department supported student organizations, to include the EOP Student Advisory Board, Guardian Scholars Student Advisory Board, and Education Without Borders.

EOP advocates for multi- and cross-cultural activities to enhance the campus climate and increase the awareness of diversity on campus. EOP houses the Undocumented Resources Area to support undocumented students at SDSU. This resource is available to all students, including those who are not involved in EOP programming.

Housing Administration and Residential Education

6001 Lindo Paseo
619-594-5742
http://housing.sdsu.edu

The Office of Housing Administration (OHA) and the Residential Education Office (REO) at SDSU are committed to fulfilling the university’s mission of “educating the whole person” by offering students a living environment conducive to academic and personal success. According to research findings of the American Council on Student Services and research at SDSU, students who live on campus enjoy an increased sense of community and campus connectedness, are better prepared academically, and graduate at faster rates than those who do not.

All first-time freshmen from outside SDSU’s local admission area are required to live on campus for their freshman and sophomore years. Additionally, all local students in the Weber Honors College are required to live on campus during their freshman year. SDSU’s residency requirement is in alignment with the California State University (CSU) Graduation Initiative of 2025 to improve student academic success, retention, and graduation rates.

To suit the varying needs of a diverse and dynamic student population, a variety of living environments are offered convenient to campus facilities. The housing license agreement includes a meal plan, which is optional beyond the first year. An active residential student government, the Residence Hall Association (RHA), provides students with leadership experience and opportunities to make an impact in their on-campus community.

Freshman Communities

As freshmen, students have the option to apply to live in an academically focused Residential Learning Community (RLC). RLCs provide students with a unique opportunity to connect and learn, both inside and outside the classroom. In RLCs, students live alongside other students with shared academic or co-curricular interests and are enrolled in a connected set of academic courses to help produce smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success.

Current RLCs include:

  • Adventures in Surfing and Sustainability;
  • Business;
  • Discover San Diego State;
  • Emerging Leaders Program;
  • Future Education Professionals;
  • Health and Healing Professions;
  • Journalism and Media Studies;
  • Journey to Entrepreneurship;
  • METS (Men Engaging in Technology and Science);
  • Nursing;
  • Physical Fitness;
  • Pre-Law Community;
  • Pride House (LGBTQIA+);
  • Toltec House (for undeclared majors);
  • Visual and Performing Arts;
  • WAGE (Women’s and Gender Equality House);
  • Weber Honors College;
  • WISE (Women in Science and Engineering).

Freshmen can indicate their interest in RLCs, room type, and roommate, as well as whether they would like to live in a facility that is open during the academic break periods. Freshmen communities offer traditional residence hall and suite-style living with triple or double occupancy accommodations. Single and quad occupancy rooms are very limited.

Sophomore Communities

Sophomore students will enjoy more independence along with special programs, services, and amenities designed to promote academic and personal success. Sophomore housing provides more flexible guest, meal plan, and roommate policies along with specialized Sophomore QUEST programming, to include study abroad preparation, academic advising, career planning, and other programs known to contribute to student success. Sophomores can select their room type, roommates, and whether they would like a 9- or 11.5-month license agreement. Sophomore communities offer apartment- and suite-style living with single or double occupancy accommodations.

Application For Housing

Incoming freshmen can apply for on-campus housing in early March via the housing portal. To access the housing portal, students must have accepted their offer of admission by submitting their intent to enroll on the SDSU WebPortal.

Students looking for housing options while attending SDSU may find information and assistance at the Office of Housing Administration (OHA). Visit http://housing.sdsu.edu for a description of the various housing options and more information on the housing application process.

Graduate Housing

6001 Lindo Paseo
619-594-5742
http://housing.sdsu.edu

SDSU’s graduate student housing options offer the comfort and privacy of suite and apartment living, while providing a community conducive to student success.

Unlike living off-campus, our residential communities provide residents with support and programming designed specifically for graduate students. We offer live-in faculty and student staff, who act as valuable resources for students in our communities. These communities also offer the opportunity to better connect with the campus and to meet people from across California, the United States, and the world.

Fully furnished single and double rooms in two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments are offered, as well as double and triple rooms in our brand new residence hall (South Campus Plaza) featuring private bathrooms. Each apartment has a complete kitchen and bath which are private to the residents of that unit. South Campus Plaza offers community kitchens, study rooms, and lounge areas throughout the building with Trader Joe’s and other retail offerings on the street level.

Every on-campus option offers all-in-one billing to include garbage, high speed Internet, meals (if applicable), rent, television service, and water in one convenient bill. Residents do not need to provide furniture, set up Wi-Fi, or utilities, and can spend time focusing on studies, enjoying the campus, and all the community has to offer, such as access to the library, dining options, and campus events only steps away.

To begin completing a license agreement, log into the SDSU WebPortal. For more information about options and rates, visit http://housing.sdsu.edu, call 619-594-5742, or e-mail oha@sdsu.edu.

International Student Center (ISC)

International Student Center
619-594-1982
http://isc.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/isc/

The International Student Center (ISC) advances San Diego State University as a global university by serving as the crossroads for international students seeking educational opportunities at SDSU, and for SDSU students seeking educational opportunities in other countries. The ISC offers a full range of programs and services
to a variety of communities on and off campus in an effort to foster student success, global perspectives, intercultural awareness, and international goodwill.

International Students

Working closely with more than 2,200 international students from more than 90 countries spanning the globe, the ISC provides support services that meet the logistical, regulatory, cultural, academic, and personal development needs unique to SDSU’s most diverse student community.

The International Student Center coordinates a variety of activities designed to foster intercultural goodwill, understanding, and friendship. One such activity is provided by the Intercultural Ambassadors Program through which selected international students make home-country presentations in San Diego schools. In addition, the ISC invites faculty, staff, and the community to participate in the many events listed in the ISC calendar of intercultural activities. These include the Global Aztec Alliance, International Coffee Hours, international film festivals, International Peace Village, International Student Association, and intercultural workshops.

Study Abroad Programs

The International Student Center (ISC) provides services to all students who want to study abroad as part of their educational experience at SDSU. The SDSU Study Abroad office in the ISC serves as a study abroad resource center and acts as a window to the world for students beginning the study abroad journey. When students have questions about how to study abroad, what opportunities are available, or how to prepare for their time abroad, the ISC becomes their one-stop shop. In addition, the ISC:

  • Administers SDSU’s reciprocal student exchange programs, providing various support services for participants in more than 110 agreements SDSU has signed with institutions around the world;
  • Serves as SDSU’s liaison with the CSU International Programs Office (see the CSU International Programs listing) that offers CSU students the traditional year of study abroad experience and coordinates all promotion, recruitment, selection, processing, and orientation for the participants from SDSU;
  • Assists, in coordination with SDSU’s Risk Management Program, with ensuring all SDSU students who study or travel in other countries are adequately insured and prepared for maintaining optimal health and safety abroad, and for planning how to respond to a wide range of possible emergencies;
  • Plays a central role in SDSU’s efforts to dramatically increase study abroad enrollment. The number of SDSU students studying abroad has increased more than 900 percent (from 167 to more than 3,000 students), ranking the university as 8th in the national overall for the number of students studying abroad (source: IIE 2015).

For more information about SDSU Study Abroad programs, contact the SDSU Study Abroad office at 619-594-2475.

The California State University International Programs (CSU IP)

Developing intercultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of The California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs (CSU IP) has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year.

More than 20,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their CSU campuses while they pursue full-time study at a host university or study center abroad. CSU IP serves the needs of students in more than 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with more than 50 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSU IP also offers a wide selection of study abroad destinations and learning environments.

Australia. Griffith University, Macquarie University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University
Canada. Concordia University
Chile. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
China. Peking University (Beijing)
Denmark. Danish Institute for Study Abroad
France. Institut Catholique de Paris, Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris, Université d’Aix-Marseille (Aix-en- Provence), Université de Cergy-Pontoise, Universités de Paris I, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée, Université d’Evry Val d’Essonne, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Germany. University of Tübingen and a number of institutions of higher education in the Federal state of Baden-Württemberg
Ghana. University of Ghana
Israel. University of Haifa
Italy. CSU Florence Study Center, Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze
Japan. Waseda University, University of Tsukuba
Mexico. Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro
South Africa. Nelson Mandela University
South Korea. Yonsei University
Spain. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Granada, Universidad de Jaén
Sweden. Uppsala University
Taiwan. National Taiwan University
United Kingdom. University of Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Hull, Kingston University, Swansea University

Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals, and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students to maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California Community College transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. Additional program information and application instructions can be found on our website at https://www.calstate.edu/ip.

New Student and Parent Programs

Student Services West, Room 1602
619-594-1509
Parent Hotline: 619-594-1653
http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/nspp

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs provides undergraduate students and parents with the preparation, information, and support necessary for student success as they enter the university community. As a department within the Division of Student Affairs, our programs and services assist students and parents in understanding the goals and expectations of them in this dynamic university community. The academic and personal growth of SDSU students is enhanced through a partnership between parents and the university. We believe that parents are valuable partners in the education of their students.

Research has shown that students who make a connection early in their college career, who are given proper tools to navigate the university, and who have involved parents, are more likely to be academically successful, and have a better all-around college experience.

We support new SDSU students in the achievement of their academic goals and enrich their university experience through quality programs in preparation for their academic journey. We provide programs and services to parents of SDSU students through our Aztec Parent Programs. Our new student and parent programs and services include: New Student Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation, Welcome Week, Campus Tours, the SDSU Ambassadors, the Aztec Parents Association, News for Aztec Parents magazine, a parent liaison, and Family Weekend.

New Student Orientation

The office coordinates all orientation programs for newly admitted undergraduate students and their parents. All incoming freshmen and transfer students are expected to attend New Student Orientation. At orientation, students receive academic advising and assistance in selecting their courses. They learn what it means to be a member of the SDSU community and how to get involved. The separate but concurrent Parent Orientation helps parents of new students understand policies, graduation requirements, and issues facing college students today.

Imperial Valley

The orientation is held prior to the start of each semester to provide information and survival skills to new students in order that they have a successful academic experience. The orientation consists of presentations providing campus and program information and various workshops. All transfer applicants are invited to attend. For more information, call 760-768-5502.

New Student and Family Convocation

Convocation is a ceremony to honor a new beginning. Held shortly before classes begin each fall, it is a time to officially welcome all new students and their families to our university community. Each year, thousands of new students and their families mark the important transition of attending SDSU by attending this ceremonial event.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is a special tradition at SDSU. It is filled with fun and informative events for all students - new freshmen and transfer students; commuter students and those living on campus; and returning students. Welcome Week is considered a “must” for students who want to really know SDSU and its resources. Welcome Week features interactive activities, entertainment, college tips and special events for students to enjoy, and is held at the beginning of each fall semester.

The SDSU Ambassadors

The SDSU Ambassadors are the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders of San Diego State University. The Ambassadors are carefully selected and trained in order to represent SDSU at new student orientation programs and at campus and community events. To find out how to become an Ambassador please contact the Ambassadors at 619-594-6868 or via e-mail at ambassad@sdsu.edu.

The Aztec Parents Association

SDSU values parents as partners. The better informed parents are about SDSU, the better resource and coach they can be for their students. The Aztec Parents Association encourages parents to stay involved in their student’s education and support programs and services for SDSU students. The Aztec Parents Association is the parent’s personal connection to SDSU. The following programs and services are provided to the parents of SDSU students:

  • On-campus liaison, giving parents a direct connection to the university when they have a question or need assistance.
  • News for Aztec Parents magazine for parents and families of SDSU students, mailed directly to their homes twice a year.
  • E-mail communication regarding important university information.
  • Parent Orientation - Parent Orientation runs concurrently with New Student Orientation in the summer. Parent Orientation will educate parents on SDSU’s programs and services and how to contribute to the personal development and academic success of students.
  • Family Weekend - Each fall, the Aztec Parents Association sponsors Family Weekend. Family Weekend is a time to celebrate family, friends, and SDSU! Invite your parents to join you and other students and parents to experience college life, Aztec football, and more!
  • Aztec Parents Fund - The goal of Aztec Parents Fund is to enhance programs and services that directly benefit students, such as safety, wellness, leadership, and much more.
  • Special campus and travel discounts.

Office of the Student Ombudsman

Student Services East, Room 1105
619-594-6578
http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/ombudsman/

Becoming a student at SDSU also means becoming a member of a special community that includes students, faculty, staff, and administrators. As a member of this community, students are responsible for knowing and complying with established rules and regulations.

The student ombudsman is an independent and impartial agent who helps individuals and groups seeking the resolution and correction of complaints. The student ombudsman acts as a liaison between students and the university, assisting students through formal grievance procedures and functioning to mediate and reinforce other means of redress when possible. This office does not supplant existing avenues of redress. It exists to encourage appropriate and timely access to those existing processes that may best resolve the problem.

Examples of student complaints that have been resolved through this process include disputes over grades, faculty or staff conduct, academic disputes, appeals or waivers, administrative policies, and institutional compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Should a complaint not be resolved at the referral level, the student ombudsman may act as a mediator and suggest compromise solutions between parties. If the problem is still unresolved, the student may file a grievance with the student grievance committee. No student grievance can be filed with this commitee later than the last day of the semester (excluding summer term) after the semester during which the student was allegedly aggrieved.

The Office of the Ombudsman is located on the San Diego campus in Student Services East, Room 1105; telephone: 619- 594-6578; http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/ombuds. The director of student affairs represents the ombudsman’s office at SDSU-IV; telephone 760-768-5502.

Student Ability Success Center

Calpulli Center, Room 3101
619-594-6473
http://www.sdsu.edu/sasc

The Student Ability Success Center is dedicated to the following: empowering students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to appropriate support and services, and minimizing academic and physical barriers in order to promote retention and graduation. The center is responsible for providing academic accommodations for students with disabilities including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder, deaf and hard-of-hearing, learning disabilities, physical and chronic disabilities, psychological disabilities, and visual impairments.

Services and accommodations may include housing, note-taking, real-time captioning, sign language interpreters, testing, and textbooks in accessible formats. At SDSU, students initiate contact with the center by providing appropriate documentation in order to determine eligibility.

In addition, the center has the high tech center, which offers computer workstations with assistive technology, hardware, and software. For students who may need additional support through peer mentoring, tutoring, and writing support, the center offers the TRIO-SSS Program, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Internship and pre-employment services are available through Workability IV program for students who are Department of Rehabilitation students. Students with temporary disabilities may request assistance with cart service, note taking, or test taking.

Student Health Services

Calpulli Center
619-594-4325
http://shs.sdsu.edu

Student Health Services provides basic medical care through board certified physicians, certified primary care nurse practitioners, licensed nurses, and other qualified personnel to enrolled SDSU students. All enrolled SDSU students who have paid a health fee can utilize services. Questions about eligibility should be directed to Medical Records at 619-594-4325, option 8. The health fee provides students with basic medical care and therefore does not waive requirements under the Affordable Care Act.

Student Health Services is located at Calpulli Center and is open 12 months of the year between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with the exception of campus closures.

Appointments and After Hours Care

Students are encouraged to visit HealtheConnect at https://healtheconnect.sdsu.edu to request advance appointments for non-urgent matters. Same day and advance appointments can be scheduled by calling Student Health Services at 619-594-4325. When Student Health Services is closed, a telephone advice line staffed with a registered nurse is available by calling 858-225-3105. Students experiencing a medical emergency should immediately call 911.

First Aid

First aid is defined as one-time treatment that typically does not require a laboratory, pharmacy services, physician, or x-rays. Accidents requiring treatment and/or transportation to Student Health Services or a local hospital should be reported immediately to the University Police Department, 619-594-1991. Student Health Services provides first aid during normal operating hours to all persons injured while on the campus.

Services

Students typically gain access to most services by registering to use HealtheConnect at https://healtheconnect.sdsu.edu. Through this secure website students can request appointments, upload immunization documents, and view health records. No one, on or off campus, other than Student Health Services staff, has access to medical record information without written permission from the student.

Some Student Health Services other than basic care may include additional fees. Charges associated with services are usually significantly lower than those found elsewhere. Student Health Services accepts California’s Family PACT program designed to help low-income individuals access family planning services.

Student Health Services does not accept any other forms of insurance. Students are responsible for the cost of their healthcare whether received at Student Health Services or at an outside facility. A community resource specialist is available in the Well-being and Health Promotion department to provide information and assistance to students when needed. Questions regarding insurance coverage for specific campus programs, institutional safety regulations, and potential risks inherent in academic programs and student activities should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Immunizations and Required Tuberculosis Screening

If students do not have a required immunization, they can obtain it through their primary care provider using their health insurance or through Student Health Services. For more information about immunizations at Student Health Services, call 619-594-4325.

Immunization Records and Requirements

Students may fulfill immunization requirements by submitting medical documentation as proof of immunization online through the secure HealtheConnect at https://healtheconnect.sdsu.edu. Positive laboratory evidence of immunity may also be used to prove immunization status; for more information, call 619-594-4325. Students who have not complied with immunization requirements by the schedule adjustment deadline (add/drop deadline - the 10th day of classes each semester) will have a registration hold for their second semester. Registration for the spring semester will begin in November 2019. To clear the registration hold, students must provide proof of immunity, receive the required immunization, or begin the required immunization series.

The following immunizations and screenings/risk assessments are required:

  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after first birthday OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease).
  • Varicella (Chickenpox): Two (2) doses with first dose on or after first birthday OR positive titer. History of contracting the disease does not meet compliance.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap): One (1) dose after age 7.
  • Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): at least one dose at age 16 or beyond for students up to age 23.
  • Meningococcal B (Meningitis B): Students age 16 - 23. Complete series, may be 2 or 3 doses.
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B): Students age 18 and younger should complete series. Based on type of vaccine the series is either 2 or 3 doses (CA Health & Safety Code, Sec. 120390.5).
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Screening/Risk Assessment: All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. This questionnaire can be found at http://shs.sdsu.edu/immunizations.asp or on the Forms tab in HealtheConnect. Incoming students who are at higher risk for TB infection as determined by the screening questions, should undergo testing for TB infection within 1 year of SDSU entry.

The following immunizations are strongly recommended:

  • Hepatitis A (Hep A): All students regardless of age.
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B): Students age 19 and older.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV): For women and men through age 45.
  • Influenza (Flu): Annually; all students regardless of age.
  • Pneumococcal: For all students older than 65 and for students with certain medical conditions (e.g., severe asthma, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease).
  • Poliovirus (Polio): Regardless of age, if the series was not completed as a child.

Additional Requirements

Some students may be further required to present documentation to other campus officials. Students subject to this additional screening include students enrolled in dietetics, medical technology, nursing, physical therapy, student teaching, or fieldwork involving preschool-age children and/or school-age children or taking place in a hospital or health care setting. Programs involving international travel may require or recommend further immunizations in accordance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Questions should be directed to the responsible faculty or staff member in charge of the activity.

Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC)

Students can offer important feedback about the scope of services and other critical issues relating to campus health services through membership on the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). Members act as liaisons between the SDSU student body and Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, and Well-being and Health Promotion. SHAC helps to keep Student Health Services staff focused and current on major student health issues. Membership from all academic majors is encouraged. For information about becoming a member contact Student Health Services at 619-594-4325.

Medical Excuse Policy

Student Health Services does not provide medical excuses for short-term absences due to illness or injury. In circumstances when the illness or injury is prolonged (an absence of more than five days) and requires medical attention or hospitalization, Student Health Services will work with students to provide appropriate documentation. When a student is hospitalized or has a serious, ongoing illness or injury, Student Health Services will, at the student’s request and with the student’s consent, communicate with the student’s instructors via the Vice President for Student Affairs and may communicate with the student’s assistant dean and/or the Student Ability Success Center.

Students are instructed to contact their professor/instructor/ coach in the event that they need to miss class, etc. due to an illness, injury, or an emergency. All decisions about the impact of an absence, as well as any arrangements for making up work, rest with the instructors. Assistant deans may provide assistance to students or faculty members who have concerns about attendance issues.

Student Life & Leadership

Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Room 210
619-594-5221
http://sll.sdsu.edu

  • Commuter Life - encourages students who do not live on campus to take steps to develop a sense of belonging to the SDSU community. Students driving to and from campus can find resources and support programs through the Commuter Resource Center, located on the second floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, and through commuter student learning communities. http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/sll/commuterlife.aspx.
  • Fraternity and Sorority Life - consists of approximately 50 social fraternities and sororities, including both general and culturally based organizations, represented by four governing councils. Greek-letter social organizations create smallercommunities within the larger university environment for the purposes of facilitating academic support, leadership development, and personal growth. Fraternities and sororities also offer students opportunities for alumni networking, campus involvement, community service, friendship, participation in social and recreational activities, and small group living. Membership recruitment occurs at the beginning of each semester for most organizations, while others have ongoing intake processes. http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/sll/greeklife.aspx.
  • Jeffrey W. Glazer Center for Leadership and Service - offers programs and resources to SDSU students, faculty, staff, and community members interested in participating in community service and leadership development. The center offers certificate programs in both leadership and community service while providing workshops and seminars focused on leadership development, personal growth, and community service engagement. http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/sll/leadership-home.aspx.
  • Student Organizations and Activities - facilitates on-campus recognition for student organizations, implements policies and procedures with regard to student activities, and approves all on-campus activities, including fundraising events. For more information, visit http://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/sll/student-orgs.aspx.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Services West, Room 1604
619-594-3069
http://csrr.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/srr/

The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities is responsible for acting on behalf of the university president regarding all aspects of student discipline. The center receives reports of alleged student misconduct relative to Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and investigates complaints in order to determine whether university disciplinary action is to be pursued. University disciplinary action may run concurrently with civil or criminal action and/or the residence hall eviction process, which is initiated by the court system. One type of judicial action does not necessarily affect the other. In addition, sections of the Code of Conduct may be adjudicated regardless of location of incident.

Alleged campus-related violations include both academic and non-academic misconduct, specific misconduct in the surrounding community, specific misconduct regardless of location, off-campus community-sponsored or university events, and online sites.

To review information regarding the Standards for Student Conduct, the discipline process, privacy rights, and complaints procedures, visit http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/srr.

Testing Services

Student Services West, Room 2549
619-594-5216 / FAX: 619-594-5036
http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/STAAR/

Testing Services, within the Division of Student Affairs, supports and enhances student success by providing secure, high-quality test administration while maintaining academic integrity for SDSU students and the greater San Diego community. Testing Services is an important resource for the entire university community,  supporting the academic and professional goals of students and faculty by administering and analyzing paper- and computer-based tests for the purposes of admission, class placement, credentials, and graduation requirements. Proctoring services are also available for distance learning, make-up examinations, and online certification.

SDSU campus placement examinations include:

  • California Government Examination;
  • Chemistry Department Placement Examination;
  • Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation test;
  • Japanese Language Proficiency Examination;
  • Liberal Studies Mathematics Proficiency Assessment;
  • SDSU Mathematics Placement Assessment;
  • Spanish Language Proficiency Examination;
  • Writing Placement Assessment.

Community examinations include the GRE, LSAT, TEAS, and TOEFL, among other national examinations. Most reservations for national examinations are made through the testing agencies’ websites.

Testing Services adheres to the professional standards and guidelines of the National College Testing Association (NCTA) and is NCTA-certified.

Well-being and Health Promotion

Calpulli Center, Room 3201
619-594-4133
http://healthpromotion.sdsu.edu

Staffed with professionals and experts to students through education, skill building, and case management, the department’s goal is to assist students with all aspects of their health and well-being, including nutrition, sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, sleep, accessing resources on campus, healthcare coverage, medication assistance, and basic needs support (economic, food, and housing insecurity). Students receive health-related education, referrals and training, one-on-one education sessions led by professionals and peer educators, and topic-specific workshops.

Well-being and Health Promotion provides health education and skill-building opportunities to students through classes, engagement centers, and student organizations. Health educators and subject experts offer students free nutrition education, reproductive health education sessions, as well as many presentations, workshops, and outreach events covering a variety of health and wellness topics. Students receive health-related education, referrals and training, one-on-one education sessions led by professionals and peer educators, and topic-specific workshops.

The staff includes a community resource specialist, health educators, and subject experts who offer education and information on alcohol and other drugs, consent and sexual violence prevention and intervention, helping others, nutrition, sexual health, sleep strategies, and understanding campus resources. The community resource specialist can also assist with off-campus referrals for medical care, understanding health policies, utilization of health care services, and referrals to county, state, and federal aid programs. The Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT) coordinator assists students who are experiencing unforeseen financial crises or who are experiencing housing or food insecurity. There are enrollment specialists available to help students apply for Cal- Fresh food assistance and health insurance.

Services and programs include:

  • Alcohol and other drug prevention education;
  • Case management for students in crisis;
  • Community resources and referrals;
  • Cooking classes;
  • Gynecological orientation - includes information on pelvic examinations and birth control options;
  • Health insurance assistance;
  • Health outreach events and campaigns around campus;
  • Individual and small group health education workshops;
  • Peer Health Education (PHE) programs.