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

Special Programs and Services


SDSU Imperial Valley


Academic Computing

SDSU provides access to a large number of software packages including large research-oriented databases, Microsoft Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations), programming languages, relational databases, and statistical software. E-mail accounts are provided to students and server accounts are available for those who want to create websites.

The university has more than 2,000 desktop computers located in 80 departmental/college computer laboratories. The largest laboratories, which are open to all students, are the Student Computing Hub located in Love Library, Room 200 (PCs, Macs, and printing) and the College of Arts and Letters Laboratory, located in Professional Studies and Fine Arts, Room 136 (PCs and printing). Outside of the laboratories, students may connect to the wireless network, which covers the entire campus. Many SDSU instructors use the Blackboard learning management system to communicate with students, post grades, distribute materials, and facilitate learning activities beyond the classroom. Student accounts in Blackboard are automatically created upon enrollment and use the SDSUid to login. Access to courses in Blackboard occurs when instructors make their courses available to students. The Blackboard website is http://blackboard.sdsu.edu.

Alumni Association

The SDSU Alumni Association is dedicated to connecting SDSU alumni to the university and each other. Membership in the San Diego State University Alumni Association is open to those individuals who have an abiding interest in and commitment to the growth and future of SDSU and the community it serves.

The Alumni Association is a dynamic, exciting organization whose purpose is to serve and support the university and its graduates. It offers a number of programs and services designed to meet the variety of needs and interests of its alumni, including library privileges, reduced admission to many cultural activities and sporting events, discounts on purchases at the Aztec Store, access to SDSU’s Career Services for a nominal fee, and a subscription to SDSU Magazine, a monthly electronic newsletter,  and Aztec update: publications for alumni and friends of the university.

In addition, the Alumni Association sponsors an annual awards event honoring alumni of the university, provides scholarships for students, organizes Homecoming, provides input regarding university programs and policies, and provides excellent networking opportunities through a myriad of events.

For further information call the Alumni Office at 619-594-2586 or visit http://www.sdsualumni.org.

Associated Students of San Diego State University

Associated Students (A.S.) is a student-directed auxiliary of SDSU and is one of the largest student governance organizations in the CSU system. The auxiliary operates eight facilities, in addition to offering a multitude of programs and services that serve students, faculty, staff, and the SDSU community. Associated Students can be reached by calling 619-594-6555 or visiting http://www.as.sdsu.edu.

Student Government. There are many leadership opportunities through the Associated Students. Government Affairs is the representative voice for all SDSU students. Student government leaders ensure that the interests of SDSU students are heard, served, and met. The A.S. student leaders also serve as the board of directors for the A.S. Students who want to get involved are encouraged to visit the A.S. office in person or online to learn about available opportunities. For more information, call 619-594-6555 or visit http://www.as.sdsu.edu/govt. The A.S. office is located on the third floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.

Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Double Platinum certified student union in the CSU and features numerous sustainable “green” building elements. The student union provides a vibrant and welcoming space for students through a variety of programs and services. Amenities include ARC Express (fitness center), Aztec Lanes (bowling and games center), the Backdoor Media Studio, Cal Coast Credit Union, Center for Intercultural  Relations, dining options, free events for SDSU students, information center, Jeffrey W. Glazer Center for Leadership and Service, meeting spaces, student lounge, Student Organization Center, a 300-seat theatre, 11,500-square-foot multipurpose Montezuma Hall, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. To learn more about the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union or to get involved with the Aztec Student Union Board (ASUB), visit http://aztecstudentunion.com. To inquire about meeting space, call Union Programs and Services at 619-594-5278 or e-mail asmtgsvs@sdsu.edu. For general information, call 619-594-6551.

SDSU Children’s Center. The SDSU Children’s Center, a quality service of Associated Students, provides an educational childcare program for children between six months and pre-kindergarten to five years of age. Priority for enrollment starts with SDSU students, followed by children and grandchildren of faculty and staff, and then children of SDSU alumni and the larger community as space is available. The center serves as the laboratory school for the Department of Child and Family Development in the College of Education. In  addition, the center collaborates with campus departments to support academic research, observational learning and opportunities to link academic coursework with hands-on learning by working directly with children and families at the center. For more information, call 619-594-7941, e-mail ccc_info@sdsu.edu, or visit https://childcare.sdsu.edu.

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Located amidst the original landscaping of San Diego State University, this historic venue is ideal for watching your favorite musical group while sitting under the stars. Built in 1934, this 4,800-seat amphitheatre has played host to sold out concerts, lectures, symphonic performances, and university events. Generations of guests have enjoyed this theatre’s natural acoustics which complement the sound of all music genres. For event information, call 619-594-0234 or visit http://calcoastopenairtheatre.com.

Viejas Arena. Home to SDSU men’s and women’s basketball, Viejas Arena is San Diego’s premier venue for everything from concerts to sporting events, family shows, conventions, conferences, and corporate and university events. This state-of-the-art, 12,000-seat facility is complete with award-winning acoustics and a distinctive outdoor concourse area. Viejas Arena features a full-service ticket office and TicketMaster location for events throughout California. Viejas Arena is adjacent to the Aztec Recreation Center in the heart of the SDSU campus with nearby parking. Call 619-594-0234 or visit http://www.viejasarena.com for more information.

Aztec Recreation. Aztec Recreation, a department of Associated Students, provides high quality programs, services and facilities that inspire active, healthy living and enhance the SDSU experience. Aztec Recreation manages seven on-campus facilities: Aztec Recreation Center (ARC), ARC Express, Aztec Aquaplex, ENS 700 Field, SDSU Recreation Field, tennis, and racquetball as well as the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC), an off campus water sports facility. Aztec Recreation membership provides access to a wide range of services and facilities, including the ARC, ARC Express, Aztec Aquaplex, Aztec Lanes bowling, group fitness classes, intramural sports programs, indoor climbing, racquetball, and tennis (https://arc.sdsu.edu).

Aztec Recreation Center (ARC). The ARC is a fitness and recreation facility with a climbing wall, gymnasiums for basketball, and volleyball, as well as spaces for cardio, group exercise, and weight training (https://arc.sdsu.edu/arc/).

Aztec Adventures. Aztec Adventures offers leadership development, education and adventure experiences through outings, team building, ENS credit classes, and climbing programs (https://aztecadventures.sdsu.edu/).

Aztec Aquaplex. The Aquaplex is an outdoor aquatics and tennis facility located on the west side of campus with two large pools, a spa and 12 tennis courts. The facility is available for open recreational play and is home to numerous Sport Club and Aztec Athletics teams (https://arc.sdsu.edu/aquaplex/).

ARC Express. The ARC Express is a 6,000-square-foot fitness center located on the third floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union (https://arc.sdsu.edu/arcexpress/).

Aztec Lanes. Aztec Lanes is the SDSU bowling and games center located on the first floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. Featuring 12 bowling lanes, the facility also offers participants a lounge with billiards, table tennis and big-screen TVs (https://arc.sdsu.edu/azteclanes/).

ENS Credit Classes. Aztec Recreation partners with the SDSU Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences to provide one unit courses that promote lifelong fitness, wellness and recreational pursuits. Classes are available in dance, fitness, martial arts, mind/body, outdoor skills, sports, and water sports (https://arc.sdsu.edu/creditclasses/).

Group Fitness. Group fitness classes are drop-in classes led by motivating instructors who engage participants in effective, fun, and safe fitness training in cardio, dance, mind/body, and strength-based formats (https://arc.sdsu.edu/groupfitness/).

Intramural Sports. Intramural sports has opportunities to compete in a variety of team and individual sports through league, tournament and special event formats throughout the year (https://arc.sdsu.edu/intramurals/).

Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC). The world-renowned Mission Bay Aquatic Center is Aztec Recreation’s beachside instructional facility offering rentals, special events, and water sports classes. Every semester, hundreds of students earn university credit while learning to kayak, row, sail, stand up paddle, surf, wakeboard, wakesurf, or windsurf (http://www.mbaquaticcenter.com).

Recreational and ENS Fields. The Recreation and ENS fields feature state-of-the-art turf and lighting systems. The fields host recreational sports activities including daily open recreational play as well as credit classes, fitness, intramural sports and sport club games and practices (https://arc.sdsu.edu/).

Recreational Sports. Recreational sports offers an Olympic lifting facility, racquetball courts, and a small mat room for martial arts classes.

Sport Clubs. The SDSU Sport Club program consists of 21 diverse and competitive collegiate teams with over 800 athletes. Sport Club teams represent SDSU in intercollegiate competitions at regional, state, and national levels and recruit both new and experienced student athletes (https://arc.sdsu.edu/sportclubs/).

Associated Students Imperial Valley

Associated Students at SDSU-IV can be reached by calling 760-768-5621, or on the website at http://www.as.sdsu.edu.

Student Government. Elections held each year allow for the selection of individuals to fill one-year terms on the council. Meetings of the A.S. council are weekly, open sessions. Other student government activities include working with student clubs; monitoring academic policies, programs, and services; appointments to educational or campus-related committees; lobbying to provide student input to city, county, state, and federal governments; and working to do what is best for SDSU students. For more details about student government programs visit http://www.as.sdsu.edu/govt.

Athletics

San Diego State University sponsors a broad array of varsity intercollegiate athletics for women and men. SDSU’s commitment to gender equity in athletics includes 13 sports for women (basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor/ outdoor track and field, volleyball, and water polo) and six for men (baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, and tennis). As a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I program, Aztec athletic teams compete at the highest level of intercollegiate competition. All of the teams except lacrosse, men’s soccer, rowing, and water polo compete in the 11-member Mountain West Conference. Lacrosse is a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF); men’s soccer is a member of the Pac12 Conference; rowing is a member of the American Athletic Conference; and water polo is a member of the Golden Coast Conference.

Athletics serves a number of important roles on campus and within the larger San Diego community. In addition to encouraging student athletes to expand their competitive capabilities to the fullest, San Diego State teams provide a catalyst which helps generate pride and a shared esprit de corps among students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This also helps link these groups from generation to generation. Similarly, with nearly a 100,000 alumni and former students and tens of thousands of supporters in the county with no other direct connection to the university, Aztec teams frequently carry the aspirations of San Diego in the forum of NCAA Division I Athletics. On-campus athletic events attract both students and members of the community to campus and this reinforces many mutually beneficial town-gown relationships. For more information, please call 619-594-3019 or visit http://www.goaztecs.com.

Student Athlete Support Services

Aztec Athletics Center, Room 3029
619-594‑3395

Involvement with intercollegiate athletics on campus presents many challenges for students. This office provides guidance and assistance for these student-athletes in the areas of admission, registration, new student orientation, counseling, study hall, mentoring, tutoring, and academic advising. The office also serves as a liaison between faculty and the Athletic Department. This individualized program is designed to create an academic support network to ensure all student-athletes comply with university requirements while working toward completion of a degree.

Audiology Clinic and Speech-Language Clinic

Administered by the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the clinics provide assessment and remediation services for SDSU students, staff, faculty, and the community. In addition, the clinics offer opportunities for research, consultation, supervised field internships, continuing education, and other service activities.

In the Speech-Language clinic, comprehensive diagnostic and treatment programs are available for children and adults in the areas of aphasia, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, delayed speech/language development, fluency or articulation disorders, hearing loss, loss of communication function, and voice. Services are also provided for bilingual/multicultural clients and speakers of English as a second language.

The Assistive Device Assessment Program provides language, cognitive, and technical assessments related to augmentative/assistive devices and systems for individuals who have communication disabilities.

In the Audiology Clinic, audiologic services for children and adults include hearing assessment, hearing aid evaluation and selection, assistive listening device evaluations, earmolds, hearing protection devices, hearing conservation services, and aural rehabilitation therapy.

The clinics are located at 5245 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1518 and can be reached at 619-594-7747.

Aztec Shops, Ltd.

(Campus Stores, Dining)
http://www.aztecshops.com

Aztec Shops, Ltd., founded in 1931, is a not-for-profit corporation that functions primarily as an auxiliary of San Diego State University. The corporation provides a diverse portfolio of commercial services including operation of the bookstore and dining on campus. Aztec Shops also operates selected other enterprises at SDSU. The corporation employs close to 150 full-time professionals and up to 825 part-time employees - mainly students - during the busiest times.

Campus Stores

SDSU Bookstore. The flagship of Aztec Shops’ retail operations, the SDSU Bookstore is one of the largest campus bookstores in the country. The 25,000 square-foot-facility - located in the heart of campus - carries required and optional textbooks used in courses taught at SDSU. Textbooks are available to purchase or rent and many titles are available digitally. The bookstore’s aztecnology department offers academic discounts on Apple and PC products. Aztecnology offers a wide array of  services including hardware financing, a hardware trade-in program, and a free gaming center.

The SDSU Bookstore features an extensive selection of SDSU-licensed clothing and gifts, greeting cards, fiction and non-fiction books, gifts for the home, clothing in the latest trends, school supplies, and is the official stop for regalia needs. For more information, call 619-594-7525 or visit http://www.shopaztecs.com.

The Aztec Store. Aztec Shops operates The Campus Store, the bookstore at the SDSU branch campus in Calexico, CA.

Montezuma Publishing. As part of its commitment to providing course materials for SDSU and other colleges and universities, Montezuma Publishing prepares customized course materials and readers, securing copyright permissions when necessary, in printed or digital formats.

Dining Services

SDSU Dining. SDSU Dining has been providing quality food service for the SDSU campus since 1959. Dining proudly features over 48 restaurants and food service outlets on campus, including Faculty-Staff Club, Farmers’ Market, Garden at Cuicacalli Suites, Juice It Up, Salad Bistro, SoCal Chicken, University Towers Kitchen (UTK), Vinnie’s, eight Aztec Market convenience stores, and three Starbucks locations campuswide. For more information on SDSU Dining, call 619-594-7640 or visit http://www.eatatsdsu.com.

Concessions. Aztec Shops operates the concession stands at Aztrack, Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, Peterson Gymnasium, Tony Gwynn Stadium, and Viejas Arena.

SDSU Catering. SDSU Catering is the recognized caterer for all events on the SDSU campus.

Other Aztec Shops Operations

Conference Services. Aztec Shops manages Conference Services, which offers athletics facilities, food and beverage, housing, and meeting spaces to groups interested in hosting their athletic camps, conferences, events, or meetings at SDSU for groups of all sizes and age ranges.

University Towers. In November 2000, Aztec Shops purchased the well-known El Conquistador residence hall near the SDSU campus. Renamed University Towers, the facility is home to more than 500 students during the academic year.

California State University Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB)

Susan Baxter, Executive Director

Created in 1987 as a system-wide program, the California State University Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB) funds student scholarships, partners with the life science industry, and supports collaborative CSU student and faculty bio-entrepreneurship projects and research. CSUPERB also organizes the annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium and hosts the NSF-funded CSU I-Corps entrepreneurship education program, where students can meet and talk with alumni and professionals in the biotechnology industry.

The CSUPERB program office is hosted at San Diego State University but serves and supports faculty and students at all 23 CSU campuses. The program involves more than 700 students and faculty from agriculture, business and computer science departments, clinical sciences, engineering, life sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences annually.

CSUPERB knows that successful biotechnology students have opportunities to integrate coursework, hands-on practice, and participation in interdisciplinary entrepreneurship or team-based research projects. CSUPERB’s competitive award, scholarship, and seed grant programs include Crellin Pauling Student Teaching Awards, CSU I-Corps program, Don Eden Graduate Student Research Award, Glenn Nagel Undergraduate Research Award, Howell-CSUPERB Research Scholars Awards, Presidents Commission Scholar Awards, and student travel grant programs. In total, CSUPERB programs award over $800,000 to CSU faculty and students annually.

Visit the program websites at http://www.calstate.edu/csuperb and http://www.csuperb.org/csuicorps for more information.

Center for Supplemental Instruction

Emily A. Bates, Coordinator

Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides students in high-challenge courses with additional voluntary and non-remedial study sessions focused on active learning strategies. Since SI’s implementation at SDSU in 2015, SI-participating students have typically averaged a half to full letter grade higher examination performance compared to non-SI-participating students. SI sessions are facilitated by undergraduate students who successfully completed the course and trained as SI leaders. Since SI focuses on high-challenge courses rather than at-risk students, SI participants range from those excelling in the course to students who may be struggling. SI sessions are offered throughout the week to maximize student access.

Information about Supplemental Instruction, courses, and session schedules may be found at https://its.sdsu.edu/supplemental-instruction or by contacting the SI coordinator at 619-594-2205.

Honors Council

The Honors Council was formed in 1989. It comprises representatives of the Weber Honors College and of Phi Eta Sigma, Tau Sigma, Phi Beta Delta (formerly Scholars Without Borders), Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, and Phi Beta Kappa interdisciplinary honor societies.

The purposes of the Honors Council are:

  • To act as an advisory and coordinating resource center for the interdisciplinary honor societies on campus;
  • To promote the specific interests of the above listed honor societies;
  • To promote the common concerns of all honor societies and honors college at San Diego State University;
  • To cooperate with the faculty and administrative officers in developing and maintaining high academic standards;
  • To recognize students and faculty for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service;
  • To recognize graduating seniors who are active members of all five university-wide honor societies.

For meetings and events and to house honors insignia and regalia, the Honors Council has the Henry L. Janssen Honors Council Room in Library and Information Access, Love Library, Room 428D.

Honor Societies

An academic honor society is a campus organization that values and reinforces the high academic standards of the university and selects its members, at least in part, on the basis of superior academic performance.

Multidisciplinary Academic Honor Societies

Golden Key is a national and worldwide undergraduate honor society whose purpose is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement, and excellence in all undergraduate fields of study, to unite with collegiate faculties and administrators in developing and maintaining high standards of education, to provide economic assistance to outstanding members by means of annual scholarships, and to promote scholastic achievement and altruistic conduct through voluntary service. Golden Key International Honour Society has over 300 active chapters. It also publishes an annual magazine and a regular newsletter. San Diego State University’s chapter was chartered in 1984.

Each year, the chapter invites to membership sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the upper 15 percent of their class (roughly a 3.49 GPA) and graduate students (roughly a 3.95 GPA) whose last 24 units have been earned at SDSU. Elected student officers set all agendas and direct activities. The faculty adviser is Dr. Norah P. Shultz, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Achievement, nshultz@sdsu.edu. For more information, visit their website at http://sdsu.goldenkey.org.

Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors, was founded in 1918. The society recognizes in its membership the qualities of superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the university community. The SDSU chapter of Mortar Board had its beginning in 1932 as Cap and Gown. In 1965 the local honorary was recognized as a member of the national organization. Nationwide there are over 230 active chapters with a membership in excess of 240,000. In 2009, the chapter was renamed the Jane K. Smith Cap and Gown Chapter, in recognition of the pivotal role Dr. Smith has played in the development of the SDSU chapter. At the 2003 and 2012 National Conferences, the SDSU chapter received the Ruth Weimer Mount Award as the most outstanding chapter  in the nation. Each year, the chapter receives the Golden Torch award for its excellence in supporting the ideals of Mortar Board.

Mortar Board membership means active involvement to benefit the campus and community. Current projects include an annual faculty/staff appreciation dinner, awarding of scholarships, sale of the Mortar Board Daily Planner and Calendar of Events, support of activities and projects of the San Diego Alumni Chapter, and support of philanthropy projects related to literacy. To be considered for election to membership, students must have senior standing for the fall semester with an overall GPA of 3.2 or better and must have participated and excelled in the areas of scholarship, service, and leadership. All prospective members must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree. Admission to Mortar Board is highly competitive and is restricted to no more than 45 students per year.

Advisers for the honor society are Dr. Jane K. Smith, Assistant Vice President Emerita for Academic Services; Cassandra Conboy Neel, Department of Linguistics and Asian/Middle Eastern Languages; and Randi E. McKenzie, Assistant Dean Emerita for Student Affairs, College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.

Information is available at http://mortarboard.sdsu.edu.

Phi Beta Delta (formerly Scholars without Borders) officially launched during the 2019-2020 academic year. Phi Beta Delta was the first honor society to recognize the scholarly achievements in international education, giving scholarships to deserving students, and enhancing knowledge about various cultures around the world. Their motto is “Scientia Mutua Mundi,” which means “World’s Shared Knowledge.” The goal is to promote international exchange and service and to recognize the scholarly achievements of SDSU students, faculty, and staff. As a fellowship of international scholars, the honor society supports programs with an international focus and builds campus awareness of international issues and opportunities. Students interested in an international perspective who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement are invited to join.

The adviser is Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan, Director of the Liberal Studies program, vloh-hagan@sdsu.edu.

Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest academic honor society in America. Its 286 chapters recognize academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. In 1974, Nu of California Chapter was established at SDSU, the first CSU campus to be so honored.

Students do not apply for membership in Phi Beta Kappa; rather, seniors and juniors are “elected” each spring by resident faculty. This invitation to membership is extended only once and must be accepted in the semester of election and initiation. Candidates for Members in Course shall have completed a balanced range of coursework in the liberal arts and sciences, 90 percent of which shall be letter graded; for juniors this means at least 75 units and for seniors 90 units. These units shall include 45 units at San Diego State University, one semester of advanced mathematics, and proficiency in a language other than English corresponding to a third-semester university course. Juniors shall have attained at least a 3.75 grade point average both overall and in the liberal arts and sciences. Seniors shall have a 3.60 grade point average both overall and in the liberal arts and sciences and shall have completed the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement. All candidates shall show depth and breadth of scholarly interests by the number, variety, and rigor of upper division courses taken outside the major.

Chapter activities include the annual initiation, at which several scholarships are awarded; the annual Phi Beta Kappa Faculty Lecture honoring a worthy SDSU professor; lectures by visiting scholars; participation on the University Honors Council; and supportive interaction with local schools. Chapter president is Dr. Kathy S. Williams, Professor Emerita of Biology, kathy.williams@sdsu.edu. Corresponding secretary is Dr. Carey G. Wall, Professor Emerita of English, wall@sdsu.edu. For general information consult http://www.pbk.org.

Phi Eta Sigma is a national freshman honor society. The national chapter was formed in 1923; the local chapter was formed in 1955.

Phi Eta Sigma was established to encourage and reward high scholastic achievement among freshmen in institutions of higher education. There are over 350 chapters throughout the United States and more than 500,000 members.

All freshmen, both men and women, who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale with at least 12 units at the close of either semester during their freshman year at SDSU are eligible to join. Students who were eligible but missed induction after their freshman year may join retroactively only during the designated invitation period in the month of September.

Among its activities are induction ceremonies, community service involvement, social events, and national conventions.

Adviser for the honor society is Dr. Charles E. Goehring, Assistant Professor of Communication, cgoehring@sdsu.edu.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 to promote the pursuit of excellence in all fields of higher education and to recognize outstanding achievement by students, faculty, and others through election to membership and through various awards for distinguished achievement. Activities of the organization include the awarding of two scholarships annually for graduate education of outstanding students, the recognition of outstanding faculty and students through nominations for national awards and scholarships, and spring initiation. Additionally, the local chapter co-sponsors lectures, symposia, and workshops across the campus, most notably the Common Experience and the annual Student Research Symposium.

The national organization publishes a newsletter and a scholarly journal and sponsors the National Scholar and National Artist awards and the Graduate Fellowship program. The society offers literacy grants, study abroad grants, emerging scholar awards, and love of learning awards. Many of these awards are open to all students at campuses with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter, including the Study Abroad Grants.

Nationally there are almost 300 active chapters. San Diego State University’s chapter was chartered in 1965. Membership is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Juniors must have completed a minimum of 75 units and be in the top 7-1/2 percent of their class at SDSU; seniors must have completed a minimum of 90 units and be in the top 10 percent of their class at SDSU; graduate students must have completed a minimum of 15 units of graduate work at SDSU and be in the top 10 percent of their class. All prospective members must have made satisfactory progress toward the degree.

The adviser is Michelle Lopez, Assistant Dean, Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement, vloh-hagan@sdsu.edu. For more information, contact sdsupkp@sdsu.edu.

Tau Sigma is a national honor society designed exclusively for SDSU transfer students. Their mission is to recognize and promote the academic excellence of SDSU transfer students. Transfer students in the top 20 percent across campus and who complete one full-time SDSU semester (12 or more units) will be invited to join. Tau Sigma replaces Phi Eta Sigma for consideration for the Dr. Henry L. Janssen Honors Council Award.

The adviser is Michelle Lopez, Assistant Dean, Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement, mlopez@sdsu.edu.

Discipline-Based Honor Societies

The national honor societies at San Diego State University which accord recognition to students who demonstrate superior scholarship and leadership in specific academic fields include:

Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology)
Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice)
Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting)
Beta Gamma Sigma (Business)
Chi Epsilon (Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering)
Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Eta Sigma Phi (Classics)
Kappa Delta Pi (Education)
Lambda Pi Eta (Communication)
Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics)
Phi Alpha Theta (History)
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Music)
Pi Alpha Alpha (Public Affairs and Administration)
Pi Kappa Lambda (Music)
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science)
Psi Chi (Psychology)
Sigma Tau Delta (English)
Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing)
Tau Beta Pi (Engineering)

Instructional Technology Services

Located on the first floor of Adams Humanities, Instructional Technology Services (ITS) provides support and leadership to the university in the effective uses of technologies for enhancing learning, facilitating research, and supporting strategic initiatives. ITS fulfills its mission by fostering collaboration and innovation with faculty and university stakeholders in the design, development, and effective use of learning environments and educational media.

ITS supports the following resources and training, available to all faculty, year-round:

  • Academic integrity software, technologies, and assessment strategies (e.g., Respondus LockDown Browser, Turnitin, Par-Score scanners);
  • Academic Media Services (e.g., instruction-based video production, photography, graphic design);
  • Blackboard Learning Management System support;
  • Course capture technologies (classroom-based, online, and/or mobile);
  • Instructional Design (individual consultation, small group, or workshop settings);
  • Instructional equipment loans (e.g., laptops, video/data projectors, 360 degree cameras, Google Cardboard, and VR headsets);
  • Student response system hardware, strategies, and training (e.g., iClicker, Reef);
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) accessibility consultation, software, and support;
  • Virtual, immersive, and augmented reality training and technologies;
  • Web-based conference system support for virtual instruction, office hours, and meetings.

ITS supports the Faculty Instructional Facility (FIT) Center, located in Adams Humanities, Room 1109. The FIT Center provides an informal environment for faculty consultations, collaboration, and development of instructional, professional, and research materials. There are five ITS Learning Research Studios, each offering different functionality and educational technology support.

The Learning Glass Studio, located in Student Services West, Room 2667, allows instructors to write lecture notes while maintaining face-to-face contact with students; the images are flipped so students can view notes as they are written, through a monitor.

The Virtual Immersive Teaching and Learning (VITaL) Space, located in Adams Humanities, Room 1120, offers a variety of augmented and virtual reality tools in a flexible learning environment. Promoting experimentation with curriculum design and the scholarship of teaching and learning, VITaL serves as an incubator to enable experiences that would be impossible or out of reach in a traditional learning environment.

Multi-Display Studios, located in Adams Humanities, Room 1112, Education and Business Administration, Room 410, and Student Services West, Room 2649, offer 8 to 10 video displays for faculty to share overhead camera feeds and/or web-based content from the SMART Board or computer. Similarly, students can plug in from each of the learning hubs throughout the rooms to broadcast their content at the local hub or to the entire classroom.

For more information about ITS services and support, call 619- 594-4357 (4-HELP) or go to http://its.sdsu.edu.

Instructional Services on the Calexico campus can be accessed by calling 760-768-5545 or going to East Faculty, Room 124C. On the Brawley campus, faculty members need to check with the coordinator who can be reached by calling 760-768-5787 or by going to the Administrative Office, Room 122.

Smart Classrooms

For instruction using technologies, smart classrooms provide user-friendly, technology-rich equipment, and presentation systems. Each classroom system includes a fixed podium, enabling faculty to instruct using the following:

  • DVD or Blu-ray disc players;
  • Mac and/or Windows computers;
  • Laptop or tablet computers;
  • Visual presenters/document cameras for projection of print and three-dimensional materials.

Projection is achieved via LCD video/data projector or largescreen, high-definition televisions. In larger lecture halls, a public address system with wireless microphone unit and assistive listening device are included.

Today, approximately 98 percent of the teaching spaces on campus are considered smart classrooms. Requests for smart classrooms should be made through your department or school administrative coordinator.

Office of International Programs

The Office of International Programs has responsibility for coordinating and facilitating the development of the diverse international programs and activities of the university. The Office of International Programs is the primary contact for international programs and represents the university on international matters to external agencies and institutions. The office coordinates all international faculty and student programs and serves as an information clearinghouse regarding international projects, funding opportunities, and academic programs and services that have an international component.

International Faculty Exchanges

In order to enhance the international character of instruction and research and to support efforts to become a global university, SDSU has a continuing program of faculty exchanges with partner universities worldwide. Over 150 international scholars visit the San Diego State University campus each year to pursue scholarly research, participate in academic or professional programs, and share their international perspectives with the university community.

Lavin Entrepreneur Program

The Lavin Entrepreneur Program is a two year, progressive, co-curricular program offered through the Fowler College of Business with the Department of Management and the Lavin Entrepreneurship Center. The program offers students the opportunity to explore entrepreneurial issues in local, regional, and global environments. Students enroll in a one-unit seminar each semester. The seminars are a blend of academic material and experiential activities designed to prepare students for entrepreneurially oriented career paths. Students participate in activities to promote academic and personal growth and in networking and social events designed to build confidence in entrepreneurial competencies and enhance social and professional networks. Students are accepted into the Lavin Entrepreneur Program before their junior year. The program is open to all majors at SDSU.

Marine Officer Programs

The Marine Officer Selection Office in San Diego is looking for qualified students interested in a career as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Positions are available in aviation, ground, and law; aviation and law programs may be guaranteed prior to commissioning. Contact the officer selection officer at 619-294-2174 or visit http://marineofficer.com for more information.

Platoon Leaders Class. The Platoon Leaders Class is the most popular route to becoming an officer. For college freshmen and sophomores, the program consists of two six-week training sessions between school years at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. For college juniors, it is one 10-week training session during the summer prior to the senior year. Students are paid and travel costs to and from Quantico, meals, textbooks, materials, and clothing are furnished. During the school year, students will not be called to active duty and are not required to wear a uniform. Upon graduation, the student will be commissioned as a Marine Second Lieutenant and advance directly to The Basic School.

Officer Candidates Course. College graduates who want to be officers in the Marine Corps go through one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School. Upon completion, students will move immediately to The Basic School. There are three sessions during the year: fall, winter, and summer. Whatever session is selected, students will be paid and travel costs to and from Quantico will be covered. Meals, textbooks, materials, and clothing for training are also furnished.

Officer Candidates Course-Reserve. Officer Candidates Course-Reserve is similar to Officer Candidates Course, except candidates pursue a reserve commission. College graduates attend the 10-week session at Officer Candidates School, attend The Basic School, and after completing military occupational school, report into their reserve unit. Applicants  competing for these positions select their military job and reserve unit prior to attending Officer Candidates School.

Students are encouraged to seek information and plan ahead if they are interested in pursuing a commission in the United States Marine Corps.

Navy Officer Programs and Scholarships

San Diego State University maintains a liaison with the Navy Officer Programs Office in San Diego. This liaison provides students with access to the many opportunities available to college students throughout the Navy, including scholarships for up to $42,000. Call 1‑800‑USA-NAVY for additional information.

Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who qualify can earn up to $1,800 each month while they finish their last one, two or three years of college - no uniforms or drill required. Scholarships are available to sophomores, juniors and seniors in all majors who have a 2.7 grade point average or above. Positions in aviation, surface warfare, business management, personnel management, and information systems are guaranteed after college graduation.

Navy Engineering Programs. Scholarships are available to students in technical majors who have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Those who are interested and qualified receive more than $1,700 each month plus benefits while they finish their last one or two years of undergraduate study. The scholarship leads to a position as an instructor, research or operating engineer for the Navy, and a commission as a naval officer.

Medical School and Dental School Scholarships. For students applying to medical or dental school, a scholarship is available which will cover the cost of tuition and books and provide a monthly payment while in medical school. Initial requirements are application to an accredited medical school and competitive GPA and MCAT/DAT scores.

Allied Health Profession Opportunities. The Navy Medical Service Corps offers commissions to clinical, scientific and administrative professionals in the health care field. It is comprised of several specialties that require either a baccalaureate, masters or doctorate degree.

Nurse Corps. Limited scholarships are available for junior and senior nursing students with top scholastic performance.

Students are encouraged to seek information and plan ahead if they are interested in adding any of these programs to their career options. More information on all programs is available by calling or writing to the Officer Programs Office, NRD San Diego, ASW Base, Bldg. 2, 33055 Nixie Way, San Diego, CA 92147-5192, 619-524-6760.

Parking and Transportation

When possible, carpooling or use of alternate modes of transportation is recommended for the commute to campus.

Metropolitan Transit System’s Green Line trolley and seven bus routes (11, 14, 115, 215, 856, 936, 955) conveniently connect the San Diego metropolitan area with service to the San Diego State University Trolley Station and Transit Center. Monthly and semester student trolley and bus passes can be purchased at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office.

Further information concerning Metropolitan Transit trolley and bus routes, fares, and services can be found at https://www.sdmts.com. SDSU partners with Zipcar and Zimride for car sharing and carpool services in addition to the city’s iCommute and Waze Carpool programs. For more information, visit http://www.zipcar.com/universities/san-diego-state-university, http://www.zimride.com/sdsu, http://www.icommutesd.com, and http://waze.com/carpool.

On-campus parking is by payment only and overnight parking requires a day/night use payment. Purchase of parking does not guarantee parking. Parking is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis and is located on the perimeter of the campus. Major events at Viejas Arena may require parking location adjustment.

Visitors are directed to the Parking Information Booth at the College Avenue entrance to the campus for directions to several available pay parking lots. Look for PayByPhone signage at select locations to use this phone app in lieu of a pay station. Permits may be purchased ahead of time at https://aztecs.t2hosted.com arrival. For further information on parking at the San Diego campus, contact Parking and Transportation Services, 619-594-6671. For visitor parking at SDSU Imperial Valley, call 760-768-5500.

San Diego State University Research Foundation

Incorporated in 1943, San Diego State University Research Foundation is an auxiliary organization authorized by the Education Code of the State of California. It is a nonprofit corporation chartered to augment the educational, research, and community services objectives of the university. SDSU Research Foundation serves the university in the following major areas:

  • Assisting faculty and staff in developing and administering federal, state, and privately funded projects.
  • Seeking funding sources, offering grant-related workshops, assisting with proposal development and submission, and interpreting agency guidelines and policies.
  • Developing project budgets, obtaining university approvals, and negotiating sponsored grant and contract awards.
  • Assisting with staff recruitment, and purchasing support for funded projects.
  • Providing technology transfer services, protecting intellectual property, commercializing technology developed at the university, and assisting spin-out companies based on SDSU inventions.
  • Identifying, acquiring, and managing real property in support of sponsored programs not housed in university facilities.
  • Accounting and financial reporting support for research and project funds, scholarships, institutes, and The Campanile Foundation.

SDSU Research Foundation is located in the Gateway Center at 5250 Campanile Drive. More information is available at http://www.foundation.sdsu.edu or by calling 619-594-1900.

San Diego State University Press

As an independent scholarly press housed in San Diego State University’s College of Arts and Letters, San Diego State University Press publishes works of original research, as well as other dynamic academic and creative works that further the intellectual mission of the university. Founded in the late 1950s, San Diego State University Press is the oldest university press in the California State University system. Today, SDSU Press is guided by an internal editorial board made up of seven scholars drawn from faculty within SDSU’s College of Arts and Letters and an external editorial board of eight scholars from leading universities across the country. San Diego State University Press’s various publication programs and imprints include: Amatl Comix, Baja California Literature in Translation, Binational Press/Editorial binacional, Code[x] Books, Hyperbole Books, The Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias, Psychoanalysis on the Couch, and SurText. The current focus of the press is avant-garde aesthetics, art history, contemporary intellectual history, critical theory, cultural studies, ethnic studies, graphic narrative, Latin America and the United States-Mexico border, post-modernism, post-structuralism, and regional studies of the Pacific Rim and the Pacific Southwest. In addition to books, the press also has a journals division that oversees pacificREVIEW: A West Coast Arts Review Annual and Poetry International. San Diego State University Press policy is controlled by its internal editorial board and its director, appointed by the SDSU senate. Financial accounting and coordination are provided by the San Diego State University Research Foundation.

San Diego State University Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center

The SDSU Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center promotes student success by providing drop-in tutoring for lower- division mathematics and statistics courses. The atmosphere at the center is welcoming and encourages discussions about mathematics among friends, classmates, teaching assistants, and tutors. The center employs undergraduate and graduate student tutors with backgrounds in a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Teaching assistants from many of the lower-division mathematics and statistics courses hold office hours in the center. Students are encouraged to drop by to work with a knowledgeable tutor, find other classmates who are working on similar assignments, or work in groups in a study room.

Student support is provided through the following:

  • Drop in tutoring for help with a variety of mathematics questions;
  • Small meeting rooms where students can meet one-on-one with their teaching assistants;
  • Weekly workshops that target specific classes such as precalculus, calculus I, and calculus II.

The center is open when classes are in session. Hours and dates of operation, tutor schedules, and instructional video resources are available at http://mlc.sdsu.edu. The center is located in Love Library, Room 328, and can be reached at 619-594-0487.

San Diego State University Writing Center

The SDSU Writing Center promotes student success with writing across the university. The center works with undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to develop and extend knowledge and performance of academic literacies; through coaching from tutors who engage in conversation about writing and broaden understanding of audience, genre, language, and context. The center also works with faculty to promote success in writing instruction, support teaching of writing across the university, conduct research into writing, tutoring, and understanding of the teaching of writing on campus.

Student support is provided through the following:

  • One-to-one sessions with tutors to discuss any type of academic writing;
  • Workshops to familiarize students with different aspects of writing;
  • Classroom visits to explain how students can best make use of the center;
  • Reference materials about academic writing.

Faculty support is available through the following:

  • Consultation regarding designing writing assignments to help students achieve course learning outcomes;
  • Professional development workshops for faculty and graduate teaching assistants.

The center is open when classes are in session. Hours and dates of operation are available at http://writingcenter.sdsu.edu. Information about appointments, workshops, and other services can also be found at the website. The center is located in Love Library, Room 1103, and can be reached at 619-594-3543.

Study Abroad Programs

San Diego State University offers more than 350 study abroad programs in over 70 countries around the world. These programs range in length and type of program, increasing the possibilities for all students to be able to study abroad. For a complete listing of available study abroad programs, explore Aztecs Abroad at http://www.sdsu.edu/aztecsabroad.

Military and Veterans Program

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The Military and Veterans Program, located in the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center (JABVC) in Student Services West, Room 1661, is the first veteran’s resource center in the California State University system. The center operates as the primary and initial resource for most military-connected services at San Diego State University. Keeping to our motto of “serving those who served,” the primary mission of the staff is to assist all military connected students - veteran, active duty, reserve, guard, and military spouses and children - with the following applicable federal and/or state Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits:

  • California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) College Fee Waiver for Veterans’ Dependents (Cal-Vet Fee Waiver);
  • Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty);
  • Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment [VR&E]);
  • Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®);
  • Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance);
  • Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve);
  • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.

Federal VA Education Benefits

In order to utilize federal VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, 1607, and Fry Scholarship), students must be matriculated at SDSU (admitted into a program of study), applied for admission to a program of study (some restrictions apply), or be a “guest student” from another institution of higher learning (courses from SDSU must be transferrable to the parent school). Additionally, students must ensure the following actions are taken in order to utilize federal VA education benefits:

Chapter 30

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Chapter 31

  • Ensure the VR&E counselor provides the JABVC with an up-to-date VA Form 28-1905 indicating the program of study and any specific guidelines.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.
  • Obtain the necessary documentation from the JABVC for books, parking pass, and other approved items after notification from the VA that the term has been certified.

Chapter 33

  • Provide the JABVC with a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility in order to have tuition and fees deferred. Without this document, students may be required to pay tuition and fees before registering for classes.
  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance)

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-5495 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.
  • Additionally, the VA Claim Number (with assigned suffix) must be indicated on the Student Responsibility Agreement.

Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve)

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

  • Provide the JABVC with a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility in order to have tuition and fees deferred. Without this document, students may be required to pay tuition and fees before registering for classes.
  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Additionally, the following conditions to the usage of federal VA education benefits apply:

  • All classes must be required for the degree objective and must not have previously been successfully completed. Refer to your degree evaluation, graduate program of study, graduate student worksheet, SDSU Academic Advising Center, and/or your department adviser to ensure all classes are applicable towards your degree objective. Deviations from the required classes must be approved by an individual authorized to make substitutions (i.e. department adviser, department chair, dean, etc.).
  • Federal law requires any changes in enrollment status that may affect VA education benefits be reported. Any changes to your class schedule (i.e. adds/drops) may have an impact on your VA education benefits. If you change your schedule, notify the JABVC as soon as possible to avoid possible retroactive loss of benefits. Unauthorized withdrawal from courses may result in retroactive loss of benefits and a potential debt to the VA and/or university.
  • Students placed on academic probation may continue to utilize VA education benefits for not more than two semesters. If the academic probation is carried into a third semester, the student will not be certified for VA benefits. Students that are on or facing academic probation should contact the JABVC for possible resources to improve their academic progress.
  • If you change your major, you must provide the JABVC with a signed copy of VA Form 22-1995 (VA Form 22-5495 for Ch. 35). If you add a second major or more than one minor, you will need to provide the JABVC with a copy of your degree evaluation from the Office of Advising and Evaluations. Request this early as it can take several weeks to a few months for it to be generated.
  • If you are not rated at 100% under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), your portion of tuition and fees must be paid by the schedule adjustment deadline each semester. If you pay tuition and fees that are covered by the GI Bill®, your refund will be processed in accordance with SDSU policy and will be refunded after payment is received by the university from the VA.
  • To avoid possible overpayment by the VA and additional unexpected costs to the student, all VA benefit users (especially Post 9/11 GI Bill® [Ch. 33]) are encouraged to keep track of their remaining entitlement. This information is sent each semester to the student by the VA and can be obtained from http://www.ebenefits.va.gov or by calling 888-442-4551.
  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay in-state tuition (up to the percentage at which the student is rated), provide a book stipend of approximately $42/unit (capped at $1,000 per academic year), and provide a housing stipend based on the SDSU zip code and calculated at the E-5 with dependents rate established by the Department of Defense.
  • Federal law requires the VA to be the last payer for tuition and fees. Chapter 33 and Fry Scholarship benefit users will have financial aid (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) specifically awarded for tuition and fees applied first towards their tuition and fee balance with the university. The VA will pay the difference up to the percentage at which the student is rated. The JABVC will report tuition to the VA at the beginning of the semester as $0.00 in order to allow applicable housing and book stipends to be paid without delay due to factoring out applicable financial aid. The final tuition amount will be reported to the VA later in the semester for payment to SDSU. Students may receive occasional notifications from the university that their tuition has not been paid. These can generally be disregarded provided the student has been certified to the VA and rated at 100% under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. For questions, students should contact the JABVC staff.

Return of Tuition Assistance Requirements

Student Account Services will perform a Return of Tuition Assistance (TA) calculation when a TA recipient withdraws from his or her course. When a student who has received TA funds withdraws or otherwise fails to complete a period of enrollment for which he or she was charged, the university is required to determine if unearned TA funds must be returned to the appropriate branch of service. Calculations will be based on the withdrawal date and the percentage of the period of enrollment completed.

Return of TA funds process may result in the student owing the university for unpaid tuition and fees. After the drop/add deadline of the semester, schedule adjustments are only permitted for serious and compelling reasons.

A student earns 100 percent of the Tuition Assistance funding once he or she has completed more than 60 percent of the course. For example, if a student withdraws from a 16-week course prior to the last day to receive a refund (see Spring 2019 Prorated Refund Schedule), then the return to Tuition Assistance would be calculated and refunded accordingly.

Out-of-State Residency and Military Exemption

Subject to pending or new legislation, non-resident students may have an additional fee per unit which is not covered by the GI Bill®. For further clarification, please contact the Office of Admissions. Students utilizing Chapter 30 or 33 may qualify for an exemption of the non-resident fees provided.

Students eligible for the benefit (the veteran or dependent who was transferred the benefit [Chapter 33 only]) separated from active duty within 36 months of the first day the veteran or dependent starts classes must provide the following documentation:

  • Veteran’s copy of form DD-214;
  • Verification of student’s physical address (California state ID or driver’s license, rental/lease agreement, or utilities statement).

Students eligible for Chapter 33 benefits transferred to them may be eligible for an out-of-state military exemption while the service member is still on active duty and must provide the following documentation:

  • Copy of service member’s most current orders;
  • Memorandum from service member’s commanding officer;
  • Copy of student’s Certificate of Eligiblity;
  • Verification of student’s physical address (California state ID or driver’s license, rental/lease agreement, or utilities statement).

If a student is a dependent (spouse or child) of an active duty service member and stationed in California, they may be eligible for military exemption if they provide the following documents:

  • Copy of service member’s most current orders;
  • Memorandum from service member’s commanding officer.

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) College Fee Waiver for Veterans’ Dependents (Cal-Vet Fee Waiver)

The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver benefit waives the mandatory systemwide (California State University, University of California, and California Community College systems) tuition and fees, but the student is still responsible for the campus mandatory fees every semester. Students utilizing the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver Plan A, cannot receive concurrent benefits under Chapter 35, Dependents Education Assistance. Additionally, the waiver does not cover the expense of books, parking, room and board, and may not be applied towards tuition and fees paid through the College of Extended Studies. To qualify, students must meet residency requirements as determined by SDSU, in addition to other qualifying criteria. For additional information on establishing residency, students should contact the Office of the Registrar. Students using the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver must provide a copy of the approval letter to the JABVC every academic year (the letter will cover summer, fall, and spring terms). Applications for the waiver must be submitted to the nearest county veterans service office. For more information about applying for the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver, visit http://www.calvet.ca.gov.

Non-College Degree Programs and External Degrees

Non-college degree (NCD) programs (i.e., certificates and credentials) can be certified for federal VA education benefits if the program has been approved and is listed on the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS). Programs not listed cannot be certified for federal VA benefits. All NCD programs listed in the SDSU General Catalog or Graduate Bulletin and which are approved on WEAMS may be certified for federal VA education benefits through the JABVC following the same procedures listed above. External degree programs may also be certified for federal VA benefits through the JABVC. Students should contact the JABVC staff to ensure their requested NCD program or external degree program is approved for certification before entering into the program. The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver will not waive tuition for programs offered through the College of Extended Studies.

College of Extended Studies

Some programs offered specifically through the College of Extended Studies may be certified for VA benefits. Students are encouraged to contact JABVC staff for additional information about policy, program applicability, and certification procedures through the College of Extended Studies.

SDSU Imperial Valley

Students attending SDSU Imperial Valley in Calexico, California should contact the SDSU-IV assistant dean for student affairs at 760-768-5502 for the latest information on certification procedures for federal/state VA education benefits.

Additional Resources and Information

In addition to assistance with educational benefits, several other programs and resources are available for eligible students. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Priority registration for eligible military students beginning the second semester of attendance (for more information, contact the Office of the Registrar);
  • A one-unit transition class (not eligible for VA benefit certification) for newly enrolled military affiliated students to provide key information about student support services at SDSU;
  • Access to The Jack McGrory Bunker - a student lounge within the JABVC in which all military affiliated students can rest, relax, study, and interact with other students before, between, or after classes;
  • Access to the SDSU VetSuccess on campus counselor who provides full-time assistance on all VA related issues;
  • Participation in the VA work-study program allowing eligible students to work part-time while attending school (dependent upon staffing needs);
  • Assistance with the VA tutorial assistance program;
  • Use of the first on-campus student veterans house in the nation, affording all military affiliated students a place to study, relax, and interact with other students with similar backgrounds;
  • Priority access to designated veterans living spaces on campus through the fraternity row property management office;
  • Partnership with the Student Veterans Organization at SDSU which represents the cultural niche of the military student body;
  • Partnership with the Veterans Alumni Organization at SDSU which provides mentorship, advice, and guidance from former military students to those currently attending;
  • Access to veteran and military affiliated scholarships;
  • Access to military specific career transition programs to assist with internships, job openings, and career opportunities.

Active duty military, veterans, and military spouses who are upper division transfers may receive additional consideration for admission. For more information, contact the military liaison officer at 619-594-0834.

Points of Contact

Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center
Student Services West, Room 1661
http://www.sdsu.edu/veterans
veterans@sdsu.edu
619-594-5813

California Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.calvet.ca.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.ebenefits.va.gov
888-442-4551

Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS)
http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

Federal VA Education Benefits

In order to utilize federal VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, 1607, and Fry Scholarship), students must be matriculated at SDSU (admitted into a program of study), applied for admission to a program of study (some restrictions apply), or be a “guest student” from another institution of higher learning (courses from SDSU must be transferrable to the parent school). Additionally, students must ensure the following actions are taken in order to utilize federal VA education benefits:

Chapter 30

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Chapter 31

  • Ensure the VR&E counselor provides the JABVC with an up-todate VA Form 28-1905 indicating the program of study and any specific guidelines.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.
  • Obtain the necessary documentation from the JABVC for books, parking pass, and other approved items after notification from the VA that the term has been certified.

Chapter 33

  • Provide the JABVC with a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility in order to have tuition and fees deferred. Without this document, students may be required to pay tuition and fees before registering for classes.
  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance)

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-5495 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.
  • Additionally, the VA Claim Number (with assigned suffix) must be indicated on the Student Responsibility Agreement.

Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve)

  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

  • Provide the JABVC with a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility in order to have tuition and fees deferred. Without this document, students may be required to pay tuition and fees before registering for classes.
  • Provide the JABVC with a signed VA Form 22-1995 the first semester attending SDSU and/or if changing a major.
  • Provide the JABVC with a Student Responsibility Agreement every semester after registering for classes. Without this agreement, the VA will not be notified that the student wishes to use benefits.

Additionally, the following conditions to the usage of federal VA education benefits apply:

  • All classes must be required for the degree objective and must not have previously been successfully completed. Refer to your degree evaluation, graduate program of study, graduate student worksheet, SDSU Academic Advising Center, and/or your department adviser to ensure all classes are applicable towards your degree objective. Deviations from the required classes must be approved by an individual authorized to make substitutions (i.e. department adviser, department chair, dean, etc.).
  • Federal law requires any changes in enrollment status that may affect VA education benefits be reported. Any changes to your class schedule (i.e. adds/drops) may have an impact on your VA education benefits. If you change your schedule, notify the JABVC as soon as possible to avoid possible retroactive loss of benefits. Unauthorized withdrawal from courses may result in retroactive loss of benefits and a potential debt to the VA and/ or university.
  • Students placed on academic probation may continue to utilize VA education benefits for not more than two semesters. If the academic probation is carried into a third semester, the student will not be certified for VA benefits. Students that are on or facing academic probation should contact the JABVC for possible resources to improve their academic progress.
  • If you change your major, you must provide the JABVC with a signed copy of VA Form 22-1995 (VA Form 22-5495 for Ch. 35). If you add a second major or more than one minor, you will need to provide the JABVC with a copy of your degree evaluation from the Office of Advising and Evaluations. Request this early as it can take several weeks to a few months for it to be generated.
  • If you are not rated at 100% under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), your portion of tuition and fees must be paid by the schedule adjustment deadline each semester. If you pay tuition and fees that are covered by the GI Bill®, your refund will be processed in accordance with SDSU policy and will be refunded after payment is received by the university from the VA.
  • To avoid possible overpayment by the VA and additional unexpected costs to the student, all VA benefit users (especially Post 9/11 GI Bill® [Ch. 33]) are encouraged to keep track of their remaining entitlement. This information is sent each semester to the student by the VA and can be obtained from http://www.ebenefits.va.gov or by calling 888-442-4551.
  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay in-state tuition (up to the percentage at which the student is rated), provide a book stipend of approximately $42/unit (capped at $1,000 per academic year), and provide a housing stipend based on the SDSU zip code and calculated at the E-5 with dependents rate established by the Department of Defense.
  • Federal law requires the VA to be the last payer for tuition and fees. Chapter 33 and Fry Scholarship benefit users will have financial aid (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) specifically awarded for tuition and fees applied first towards their tuition and fee balance with the university. The VA will pay the difference up to the percentage at which the student is rated. The JABVC will report tuition to the VA at the beginning of the semester as $0.00 in order to allow applicable housing and book stipends to be paid without delay due to factoring out applicable financial aid. The final tuition amount will be reported to the VA later in the semester for payment to SDSU. Students may receive occasional notifications from the university that their tuition has not been paid. These can generally be disregarded provided the student has been certified to the VA and rated at 100% under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. For questions, students should contact the JABVC staff.

Return of Tuition Assistance Requirements

Student Account Services will perform a Return of Tuition Assistance (TA) calculation when a TA recipient withdraws from his or her course. When a student who has received TA funds withdraws or otherwise fails to complete a period of enrollment for which he or she was charged, the university is required to determine if unearned TA funds must be returned to the appropriate branch of service. Calculations will be based on the withdrawal date and the percentage of the period of enrollment completed.

Return of TA funds process may result in the student owing the university for unpaid tuition and fees. After the drop/add deadline of the semester, schedule adjustments are only permitted for serious and compelling reasons.

A student earns 100 percent of the Tuition Assistance funding once he or she has completed more than 60 percent of the course. For example, if a student withdraws from a 16-week course prior to the last day to receive a refund (see Spring 2019 Prorated Refund Schedule), then the return to Tuition Assistance would be calculated and refunded accordingly.

Out-of-State Residency and Military Exemption

Subject to pending or new legislation, non-resident students may have an additional fee per unit which is not covered by the GI Bill®. For further clarification, please contact the Office of Admissions. Students utilizing Chapter 30 or 33 may qualify for an exemption of the non-resident fees provided.

Students eligible for the benefit (the veteran or dependent who was transferred the benefit [Chapter 33 only]) separated from active duty within 36 months of the first day the veteran or dependent starts classes must provide the following documentation:

  • Veteran’s copy of form DD-214;
  • Verification of student’s physical address (California state ID or driver’s license, rental/lease agreement, or utilities statement).

Students eligible for Chapter 33 benefits transferred to them may be eligible for an out-of-state military exemption while the service member is still on active duty and must provide the following documentation:

  • Copy of service member’s most current orders;
  • Memorandum from service member’s commanding officer;
  • Copy of student’s Certificate of Eligiblity;
  • Verification of student’s physical address (California state ID or driver’s license, rental/lease agreement, or utilities statement).

If a student is a dependent (spouse or child) of an active duty service member and stationed in California, they may be eligible for military exemption if they provide the following documents:

  • Copy of service member’s most current orders;
  • Memorandum from service member’s commanding officer.

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) College Fee Waiver for Veterans’ Dependents (Cal-Vet Fee Waiver)

The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver benefit waives the mandatory systemwide (California State University, University of California, and California Community College systems) tuition and fees, but the student is still responsible for the campus mandatory fees every semester. Students utilizing the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver Plan A, cannot receive concurrent benefits under Chapter 35, Dependents Education Assistance. Additionally, the waiver does not cover the expense of books, parking, room and board, and may not be applied towards tuition and fees paid through SDSU Global Campus. To qualify, students must meet residency requirements as determined by SDSU, in addition to other qualifying criteria. For additional information on establishing residency, students should contact the Office of the Registrar. Students using the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver must provide a copy of the approval letter to the JABVC every academic year (the letter will cover summer, fall, and spring terms). Applications for the waiver must be submitted to the nearest county veterans service office. For more information about applying for the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver, visit http://www.calvet.ca.gov.

Non-College Degree Programs and External Degrees

Non-college degree (NCD) programs (i.e. certificates and credentials) can be certified for federal VA education benefits if the program has been approved and is listed on the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS). Programs not listed cannot be certified for federal VA benefits. All NCD programs listed in the SDSU General Catalog or Graduate Bulletin and which are approved on WEAMS may be certified for federal VA education benefits through the JABVC following the same procedures listed above. External degree programs may also be certified for federal VA benefits through the JABVC. Students should contact the JABVC staff to ensure their requested NCD program or external degree program is approved for certification before entering into the program. The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver will not waive tuition for programs offered through tSDSU Global Campus.

SDSU Global Campus

Some programs offered specifically through SDSU Global Campus may be certified for VA benefits. Students are encouraged to contact JABVC staff for additional information about policy, program applicability, and certification procedures through SDSU Global Campus.

SDSU Imperial Valley

Students attending SDSU Imperial Valley in Calexico, California should contact the SDSU-IV assistant dean for student affairs at 760-768-5502 for the latest information on certification procedures for federal/state VA education benefits.

Additional Resources and Information

In addition to assistance with educational benefits, several other programs and resources are available for eligible students. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Priority registration for eligible military students beginning the second semester of attendance (for more information, contact the Office of the Registrar);
  • A one-unit transition class (not eligible for VA benefit certification) for newly enrolled military affiliated students to provide key information about student support services at SDSU;
  • Access to The Jack McGrory Bunker - a student lounge within the JABVC in which all military affiliated students can rest, relax, study, and interact with other students before, between, or after classes;
  • Access to the SDSU VetSuccess on campus counselor who provides full-time assistance on all VA related issues;
  • Participation in the VA work-study program allowing eligible students to work part-time while attending school (dependent upon staffing needs);
  • Assistance with the VA tutorial assistance program;
  • Use of the on-campus Student Veterans House, the first of its kind in the nation, affording all military affiliated students a place to study, relax, and interact with other students with similar backgrounds;
  • Priority access to designated veterans living spaces on campus through the fraternity row property management office;
  • Partnership with the Student Veterans Organization at SDSU which represents the cultural niche of the military student body;
  • Partnership with the Veterans Alumni Organization at SDSU which provides mentorship, advice, and guidance from former military students to those currently attending;
  • Access to veteran and military affiliated scholarships;
  • Access to military specific career transition programs to assist with internships, job openings, and career opportunities.

Active duty military, veterans, and military spouses who are upper division transfers may receive additional consideration for admission. For more information, contact the military liaison officer at 619-594-0834.

Points of Contact

Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center
Student Services West, Room 1661
San Diego campus
http://www.sdsu.edu/veterans
veterans@sdsu.edu
619-594-5813

California Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.calvet.ca.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.ebenefits.va.gov
888-442-4551

Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS)
http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do

 


SDSU Imperial Valley

Student Union

The Student Union is operated and maintained by the Associated Students (A.S.) from a portion of the Student Activity Fee. It provides a place where students can relax, watch TV, enjoy refreshments from the vending machines or enjoy the perennial pot of A.S. coffee. The grounds of the Student Union are used for social functions. The A.S. Council office and conference room is located here. For more information, call 760-768-5621.

Research Center, Institute, and Partnership

Center for Individual and Professional Skills Development

Suzanna Fuentes, Director

The Center for Individual and Professional Skills Development at SDSU Imperial Valley offers community programs to the Imperial and Mexicali valleys. The center offers English as a second language (ESL) courses in the local community and a teacher training program in Mexico. Additionally, the Center for Individual and Professional Skills Development presents annual conferences including the Bi-national Conference on Education and the Bi-national Youth Leadership Conference.

San Diego State University, Imperial Valley Borderlands Institute

Carlos R. Herrera, Director

The SDSU-IV Borderlands Institute was founded in August 2013 to promote border-related scholarship and activities relevant to the Imperial, Mexicali, and Yuma valleys. The institute coordinates cultural exchange programs with Mexican institutions, fosters the university’s role as an active participant in the trans-border community, hosts visiting scholars, and sponsors academic conferences and public lectures.

USDA-HSI and SDSU-Imperial Valley Campus Partnership

Roberto González, Jr., Regional Director for Southern California and ArizonaThe USDA-HSI national program promotes partnerships and collaborations between U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The partnership cultivates knowledge and develops leaders by linking USDA and higher education. For more information, stop by the Library Annex, Room 12B at SDSU Imperial Valley.

Faculty-Student Mentoring Program (F-SMP)

The Faculty-Student Mentoring Program helps students in all academic disciplines deal with a wide range of academic and personal difficulties encountered in the course of their education at SDSU. The program seeks to strengthen and sustain students in their educational and career goals and help make college a rewarding experience. For more information, call 760-768-5535.

Imperial Valley University Partnership

Imperial Valley University Partnership (Freshman Program) is an innovative educational partnership between SDSU Imperial Valley, Imperial Valley College, and the Imperial County Office of Education.

IVUP accepts students every fall. It is an accessible, affordable, high quality educational program with a clear path to a bachelor’s degree in four years. The program is designed to provide students an enriched academic experience. It employs features proven to increase student success, including a cohort structure, guaranteed access to classes, student and parent orientations, and a powerful emphasis on student advising and mentoring. IVUP offers majors in history, liberal studies, psychology, public administration, and Spanish and will include additional majors in the future. The Imperial Valley University Partnership accepts admission applications for fall from October 1 to November 30 of the previous year. For additional information, visit http://www.ivup.org.

Exchange Programs and Study Abroad

Graduate and undergraduate students at SDSU Imperial Valley can enhance their education and cultural awareness by taking part in several of the many opportunities available to study abroad.

SDSU offers over 350 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries. In addition to SDSU’s own study abroad programs, students may participate in the California State University International Programs; the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) Consortia; and other independent programs.

Alumni Chapter

The purpose of the SDSU-IV Campus Alumni Association Chapter is to advance and establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the university, alumni, and friends. It also provides an avenue for alumni to continue their connection with the university through the SDSU Alumni Association. The SDSU-IV Campus Alumni Chapter engages their members in sharing and participating in the intellectual and cultural life, as well as social and networking opportunities to enhance professional development. The SDSUAA provides not only the guidance and support to help recognized chapters reach their goals and objectives but also the link for alumni to stay connected to the university.

All graduates, friends, and faculty of the university are eligible for membership. For further information, visit the website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu/alumni/ or call 760-768-5540.

California Mini-Corps, Region 6

SDSU Imperial Valley is one of several campuses that participate in the statewide California Mini-Corps Program. This program is a unique effort to provide direct instructional services to children of migratory farm workers and to increase the number of bilingual professionals who are specially trained, experienced, and committed to provide services to migrant children.

Undergraduate college students with bilingual ability and a migrant background who desire to become teachers serve as instructional assistants from September through May at school sites throughout the county. The Mini-Corps participants are assigned to migrant impacted classrooms promoting the attainment of the California content and performance standards and serve as role models for migrant students.

Mini-Corps participants receive pre-teaching experience, in-service training, and a salary. For more information, contact Livier Pérez, California Mini-Corps Program Coordinator at 760-768-5671.