Ask the Expert: University Registrar Dr. Jennifer McCune

Dr. McCune provides tips and advice for students looking to apply for admission to CSUB

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 19^th, 2023

Do you want to become a `Runner? Do you know someone who wants to apply for admission to California State University, Bakersfield?

Applying to the university can feel overwhelming, whether you’ve done it before or whether you’re a first-generation student, navigating it for the first time.

“I don’t think that students realize that the Department of Enrollment Services really serves students from admission all the way through graduation and beyond,” said University Registrar and Director of Enrollment Services Dr. Jennifer McCune.

The Office of the Registrar oversees everything pertaining to student records, including:

Registration — enrollment appointments, add/drop requests and term withdrawals
Records — grades, transcripts, diplomas, enrollment verification, personal data changes, course forgiveness, change of major/minor, course substitutions and waivers
Transfer credit and articulation — transfer credit evaluation, test score credit, articulation of courses with community colleges
Graduation — Graduation application evaluation and conferral of degrees

If you are applying to CSUB for the first time, start the application process by visiting Cal State Apply. The priority filling period was Aug. 1- Aug. 31 for the Spring 2024 semester. Don’t worry though — prospective `Runners who haven’t applied yet can submit their paperwork for the Fall 2024 semester between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2023.

On the website students will input all coursework taken and grades earned at previous institutions.

“Fill this out carefully as this information will be used by the campus to determine your admissions eligibility,” Dr. McCune said. “It is always a good idea to have someone you trust review your application before submitting it. High school or college counselors often offer this service to their students. Take advantage of it!”

Prospective students can visit the CSUB Admissions page to view the frequently asked questions about the application process.

Students applying to a master’s or doctoral program will fill out the graduate application the same way, via Cal State Apply. However, those students should also consult with the department directly as the individual departments often have additional admissions requirements and supplemental applications that must be completed.

Most importantly, Dr. McCune said, the Office of Admissions and Office of the Registrar is “here to serve our students! If we don’t know the answer, we will help guide you to someone who can. Much of what we do is driven by important dates and deadlines.”

The Office of the Registrar is always looking for ways to improve their processes and remove administrative barriers for students. Office staff have simplified many steps in the application process, including the use of online forms at csub.edu/registrar and are available for questions via email at registrar@csub.edu if students are unable to find what they’re looking for at first glance.

Application tips

1. Know that there is help available! Follow the Office of Admissions on Instagram @csubadmissions for information on drop-in application workshops where you can get one-on-one assistance with your application. Transfer students also have the transfer resource center as a support service. Visit their webpage at csub.edu/transfer for more information. You can always contact the office at 661-654-3036, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.

2. Research the campuses and majors that you are interested in beforehand. You will have to select which campuses you want to apply to and then identify which major you would like to apply to at that campus. Doing this research beforehand will save you time and stress!

3. Have the following items on hand when you start your application:

Unofficial transcripts from all institutions you’ve attended (high school transcript for first time freshmen, college transcripts for upper division transfers, and high school and college transcripts for lower division transfer students). This will be helpful when you enter all coursework completed into the application.
Personal information including social security number, residency/citizenship information and personal email address. You will also be asked for your income or your parents’ income if you are a dependent. This is used solely for the purpose of evaluation of your eligibility for application fee waivers.

MORE INFORMATION

Want more information? Contact the Office of Admissions or Office of the Registrar, directly through one of the routes below:

Follow @csubregistrar and @csubadmissions on Instagram for the latest information and deadlines.
Call (661) 654-3036, where students can be connected to the correct resources.
Students can also locate the advising center for their major by visiting csub.edu/advising or reach out to the transfer resource center by visiting csub.edu/transfer.