Registration Processes and Policies

Stay Informed and On Track

Registration policies guide students through adding, dropping, and withdrawing from classes. Special approvals may be needed after deadlines. Options are available for returning students and for summer or winter terms. Planning ahead is key.

Students may add or drop classes using OASIS during the designated registration period. If a class is open and enrollment requirements are met, it can be added online through the Student Center. Those registering for the first time on or after the first day of the semester may be subject to a late registration fee.

If a class is full or requires instructor or department consent, the instructor should be contacted via the campus directory or department contact list. Upon approval, a permission number (add code) will be provided for enrollment through OASIS.

Classes may be dropped online through the end of the add/drop period. To receive a full refund of mandatory fees, all courses must be dropped before the term begins. After the start of the term, tuition and fees are prorated based on the drop date. New students who drop all classes before the add/drop deadline must reapply for admission before enrolling in a future term. Some students may also require approval before dropping below a minimum unit threshold.

During the official add/drop period, students may adjust schedules in OASIS. In addition to adding and dropping classes, OASIS provides swap and edit functions that let you replace one class with another or modify existing enrollment details (such as section or grading options) without first dropping a class. These features help you efficiently manage your term schedule while staying within unit and registration policies.

View Instructions on How to Add, Drop, Swap, and Edit Classes

In rare cases, you may need to enroll in two classes scheduled at the same or overlapping times.

To request approval, you must:

  • Obtain permission from both instructors
  • Submit a Class Time Conflict form by the add/drop deadline

Requests submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

You may be dropped from a class for a variety of academic or administrative reasons. Understanding these situations can help you stay enrolled and on track.

Common reasons include:

  • Not meeting course prerequisite requirements
  • Not attending or participating at the start of the term
  • Enrolling in a course where you already have an Incomplete (I) or Report in Progress (RP)
  • Re-enrolling in a course you have already completed with a grade of C or better
  • Non-payment of tuition and fees

Stay Enrolled

To avoid being dropped from your classes:

  • Check your schedule regularly in OASIS
  • Confirm you meet all enrollment requirements
  • Resolve any holds or outstanding balances
  • Communicate with your instructor if you are unable to attend

Once the add/drop deadline passes, changes to your schedule require special approval. To add or swap a course, you must submit a Late Add Petition through OASIS. Approval is not guaranteed. Petitions require an explanation of the extenuating circumstances and approval from the instructor and department chair. After the census date, college dean approval is also required and requests are rarely approved.

Late-add petitions must be submitted no later than the last day of classes for the term. All requests are routed electronically through OASIS; paper forms are not accepted. You will be notified of the outcome by email, and you can track the petition status in your Student Center.

Before submitting, contact the instructor, confirm your class schedule to avoid overlaps and resolve any registration holds. Petitions may be denied if you have outstanding balances, and financial aid will not be adjusted for courses added after the deadline.

View Instructions for Submitting a Late Add Petition

If you no longer plan to complete a class, you must officially drop or withdraw. You are responsible for managing your enrollment — do not assume you will be dropped for non-attendance or non-payment.

Deadlines are listed on the Dates and Deadlines page. Required forms are listed on the Forms page.

Before the Add/Drop Deadline

You can drop classes in OASIS without approval.

  • No “W” grade will be assigned
  • Full tuition and fee refunds are available only if all classes are dropped before the term begins
  • After the term starts, refunds are prorated based on your drop date

If you drop all classes, follow up with:

  • Student Financial Services (Bursar)
  • Financial Aid
  • Housing and Residential Life (if applicable)
  • International Programs (for F-1/J-1 students)
  • Admissions (for new students)

After the Add/Drop Deadline

You may request to withdraw for serious and compelling reasons.

  • Approved withdrawals receive a “W” grade
  • Failure to follow the official process may result in failing grades
  • Undergraduate students may withdraw from up to 18 units during their time at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, not including withdrawals for medical or military reasons

Examples of Serious and Compelling Reasons

  • Extended illness, injury, or personal emergency
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Loss of care for dependents
  • Documented medical or psychological circumstances
  • Employment changes that prevent attendance
  • Military service
  • Other significant, documented circumstances

Examples That are Not Considered Valid

  • Poor academic performance
  • Not attending class or completing assignments
  • Course difficulty or dissatisfaction
  • Taking too many units
  • Lack of motivation or time management
  • Changing your major

After the Withdrawal Deadline

Withdrawals are only approved for extenuating circumstances beyond your control (such as serious illness or accident) and require documentation.

Approved requests will receive a “W” grade.

Understand the Impact of Withdrawing

Withdrawing can affect your finances, academic progress and student status. Review these impacts before submitting a request.

Tuition and Fees

  • You may still be responsible for partial or full charges
  • Charges are prorated based on your last date of attendance
  • Later withdrawals may result in higher costs and reduced refunds

Financial Aid

  • Aid may be adjusted based on your last date of attendance
  • You may need to repay a portion of your aid
  • Future eligibility may be affected

Academic Progress

  • A “W” does not affect your GPA but counts toward degree progress
  • Withdrawals may impact Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Undergraduate students are limited to 18 units of “W” grades

Additional Considerations

  • Housing: Withdrawing from all classes may require you to vacate campus housing
  • International students: Must consult International Programs before withdrawing
  • Graduate students: Must notify their program coordinator
  • Veterans: Must contact Veteran Services regarding benefits
  • Student athletes: Should consult Athletics Compliance regarding eligibility

Get Support Before You Decide

We encourage you to speak with an academic advisor and contact relevant offices before submitting a withdrawal request to understand how it may affect you. Visit the withdrawal request page to learn more. 

Cal State Monterey Bay supports student athletes in balancing academic progress with athletic participation. To remain eligible, you must meet minimum enrollment requirements each term.

Full-Time Enrollment Requirements

To be eligible for practice, competition and financial aid:

  • Undergraduate student-athletes: Enroll in at least 12 units during fall and spring
  • Graduate student-athletes: Enroll in at least 9 units

If you need fewer than 12 units to graduate, you may enroll only in your remaining required units and maintain eligibility.

Maintaining Your Enrollment

After the semester begins, you must maintain the minimum required units (unless approved otherwise).

  • Student athletes are assigned a 12-unit minimum enrollment limit
  • You may adjust your schedule, but must remain at or above the required unit total after all changes are complete

If you need to adjust your schedule while maintaining full-time status, use the appropriate tools in OASIS to ensure your total units remain unchanged.

  • To switch one course for another with the same number of units, use the swap function. This allows you to drop and add classes in a single step without affecting your total enrollment.
  • To change a lab or activity section, use the edit function to update course components within the same class.

If you are no longer a student-athlete, you may request removal of the minimum unit requirement by emailing records@csumb.edu. The Office of the Registrar will verify your status with Athletics and update your record once confirmed.

Enrollment in Grad 699 is reserved for degree seeking Graduate students who have completed all coursework and must maintain continuous enrollment while completing their thesis. If your program does not require ongoing enrollment in a research or thesis course, you must register for Grad 699 through Extended ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Students seeking a teaching credential or a certificate through the University are not eligible for enrollment in this course. 

To qualify for enrollment in Grad 699:

  1. You must be eligible to register for the term: If you have previously applied to graduate, you
    must change your graduation date to a future term.
  2. Please check for holds on your student account prior to submitting this registration form.
    Forms cannot be processed if you have holds preventing registration.
  3. There is a $200.00 fee required to enroll in this course. Fee payment is required prior to
    registration. This form will not be processed without payment. Payment can be made online through your Oasis account.
  4. This Grad 699 form should be submitted during the add/drop period, but can be submitted
    through the 4th week of classes. Forms submitted after that time may not be processed.

Grad 699 is a zero-unit course that allows you to stay actively enrolled in your program. While it does not carry academic credit, it fulfills the continuous enrollment requirement.

For accelerated or short-term sessions, deadlines to add or drop vary. Please confirm specific dates for the term you are wishing to make changes to.

Continuing Cal State Monterey Bay students may enroll online through OASIS if space is available and requirements are met. Some courses — particularly those in winter — are offered through the College of Extended ÐÔÊӽ紫ý & International Programs (EEIP). Visit the EEIP website for specific rules, deadlines and fees.