NSM Student Success Center Advising

Hours

NSM Success Team Advisors are available Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-5:00PM by appointment only. We are located in MH 129.

Current NSM majors can make an appointment through TitanNet or by using the Find My SST Advisor tool above. Students may also request an appointment by calling 657-278-7082 or at the NSM SSC front desk in MH 488 Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm and Friday 10am-2pm during Fall and Spring semesters.

Faculty/Department Advising

Most NSM Majors are required to complete mandatory advising every Fall and Spring semester with their major department. Students who do not attend will have a hold preventing registration for classes. Details are emailed in October and March each year. 

Find contact information for your faculty advisor at the following links:

• • Biology
  • Chemistry/Biochemistry
  • Geology/Earth Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

New Students

We are so excited to welcome you to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM)! Following is an overview of the advising and registration process for new transfer students in NSM.

Fall 2025 First-Year Students

New first-year NSM majors will receive academic advising and enroll in classes on the afternoon of their New Student Orientation session. Look out for a questionnaire asking about pending AP scores and transfer credit around early May. We will use this information to help recommend classes on the date of your Orientation..

Fall 2025 Transfer Students

New NSM transfer students will receive instructions from their major department about academic advising and course planning during the week of May 5. Make sure you are regularly checking your CSUF student email. Most advising will take place over Zoom. Fall 2025 course registration for incoming transfer students will open on June 16.

FAQs for Newly Admitted First-Year Students

What is ALEKS?

The ALEKS Mathematics Assessment is an online program that assesses First Year students’ math proficiency and provides personalized review in preparation for calculus. A passing score on the fourth and final assessment allows for placement into calculus.

Why should I take ALEKS?

The personalized math review provided will help set you up to be successful in your first college-level mathematics class. Students who complete ALEKS are more likely to pass math in their first semester than students who don’t. Additionally, placement into calculus could save you one semester of math and help you graduate more quickly.

How long does ALEKS take?

Plan to spend a minimum of four days and total of 20 hours on ALEKS. You cannot complete the entire program in less than four days.

Do I need to complete ALEKS before my Orientation date?

It is strongly recommended that you complete ALEKS before your Orientation session in order so that you may enroll in the appropriate class on your registration date. However, if you finish ALEKS after Orientation, you may adjust your schedule to swap into your new math course if needed. Once summer ends, ALEKS is no longer available.

What is CNSM 101?

CNSM 101 is a course for first-semester NSM majors to help transition to the university, gain an introduction to majors in the sciences and mathematics, and build a community with other NSM majors. This course also satisfies the Critical Thinking GE, which is a required GE area to be completed during the first year at CSUF. Many NSM majors will be automatically enrolled in this class.

Why am I already enrolled in classes if I haven’t registered yet?

First Year NSM majors may be pre-enrolled in certain courses for their major. This is to ensure that you get the most important classes you need for the right start in your degree.

Who do I contact if I still have questions?

First Year students should submit the SSC Team Request Form. Transfer students should contact Tanya Kim, Assistant Director of Advising at takim@mypersonalfriends.net.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do classes start? Most Spring 2025 classes will start on Tuesday, January 21 (Saturday classes begin January 18). The Academic Calendar lists the holidays, campus closures, and final exam days.

2. When do I have to sign up for classes? The  Student Registration Calendar lists the dates and deadlines for class registration. The earlier you sign up the better, as you are more likely to get the classes you need.

3. What are my fees and when do I have to pay them? Fee and payment deadlines are posted on the Student Business Services website. Your payment deadline may vary depending on when you enrolled in classes. Payments can be made from your student homepage.

4. Will my Financial Aid cover my tuition? Check your financial aid award and compare this to your fees charged. If you are expected to receive enough aid to cover your fees, you will have an informational hold on your account preventing you from being dropped for non-payment. Receiving financial aid is contingent on maintaining eligibility including minimum units and Satisfactory Academic Progress .

5. When will my Financial Aid be disbursed? Financial Aid disbursement typically occurs around 10 days before the start of classes.  Learn more about financial aid .

6. How do I get my Financial Aid refund after disbursement? You can sign up for Direct Deposit in your Student Homepage. Otherwise, financial aid refunds will be sent by mail.

7. How do I know if CSUF received my transcripts or AP scores? Transcripts and test scores can take several weeks to process. Once that information is updated, it will populate on your Titan Degree Audit (TDA).

8. Why do I have a Written Comm Placement and Math/QR Hold? These are  informational holds and will not prevent you from registering for classes. All students will need to complete their GE Area A.1 (Oral Communication), A.2 (Written communication) and B.4 (Math) courses by spring of their first year.

9. Who do I contact if I have questions about living on-campus?  You can email housing at  housing@mypersonalfriends.net . You can also visit the  CSUF Housing Contact Us page .

10. Is there someone I can speak to about enrolling in classes or if I have other questions?  Submit an SSC Team Request form and someone from our office will respond to you.