FYE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1. What is the EOP FYE?

EOP FYE, or the Educational Opportunity Program First Year Experience, is a year-long orientation program designed to familiarize students with the policies, procedures, and environment at CSU, Chico and within EOP. FYE also works to expose students to the greater Chico community. FYE program is comprised of many different components, including specialized advising services, a course link program, educational workshops, and social programs.

1a. Why do I have to take the course link?

The Course Link Program is designed to assist freshmen with a smooth entry into university life. The program is designed to enhance students' first-year academic lives through integrated academic and social activities. The program also provides a better sense of community and belonging as the students build relationships with one another. The EOP FYE course link may include:

•  Freshman Composition - ENGL 130; Area A2; 3 units

•  Small Group Communication - CMST 132; Area A1; 3 units

•  Introduction to Multicultural & Gender Studies - MCGS 155; Area D3; 3 units

•  EOP Freshman Orientation - UNIV 102; 2 units; UNIV 198; 1 unit

1b. Why do I have to enroll in EOP Freshman Orientation?

All EOP FYE students must enroll in the EOP Orientation classes, UNIV 102 and 198, which are designed to assist students in their transition to college life. The class is an extension of the support offered by EOP and helps to create a foundation for a successful college experience.

1c. Why do I have to attend SI workshops and what happens if I don't attend?

All EOP FYE students must attend the SIs, or Supplemental Instruction workshops, that accompany their Small Group Communication and Introduction to Multicultural & Gender Studies courses. SI workshops help students understand the course material better and improve their academic skills. If you don't attend SI, you will miss out on the opportunity to improve your grades in those classes. Furthermore, attendance at SI is a requirement of the UNIV 102 and 198 courses, so not attending will affect your grade in those courses.

2. What is a remedial class and why do I have to take remedials?

Remedial classes are developmental courses that are designed to strengthen students' skills in English and math. Whether or not a student must take a remedial depends on the student's scores on the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics test (ELM). A student who is required to enroll in remedial English and/or math is given two semesters to complete the remedial requirement before the University will take action to disqualify the student. This is a CSU regulation.

4. Is it difficult to maintain at least a 3.00 GPA?

College is much different from high school. Classes are often more intense, covering more material in more depth than high school classes. Keeping up with readings, taking good notes, establishing regular study habits, completing all assigned work, and meeting with your instructors and advisors on a regular basis will assist you in achieving above average grades. The Student Learning Center (SLC) offers study skills workshops, tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction (for course link and other classes), all of which can help you achieve above average grades.

5. Can I really be kicked out of the University for failing classes?

If you fail to complete your remedial class(es) within your first two semesters, you can be administratively disqualified from the University. This means you will not be able to enroll in classes at CSU, Chico until you have completed the remedial requirement elsewhere and your petition for reinstatement has been accepted.

You can also be academically disqualified from the University. Please see the following Academic Advising Services Web site for more information on academic disqualification.

6. How can I learn more about studying abroad?

To learn about study abroad programs, visit the Office of Graduate and International Programs in Tehama Hall 209. To learn about the National Student Exchange, visit the office of Advising and Orientation in Meriam Library 190.

6a. Does financial aid help with study abroad and exchange programs?

Financial aid can help with study abroad and exchange programs, however, it is important to meet with a financial aid advisor and the study abroad or exchange program advisor to determine what the actual costs of the program will be.

7. How difficult is it to balance school and work?

The difficulty involved in balancing school and work will vary depending on the student. Some students do well when they have no time to spare, while others need extra time to focus on school. The main thing to think about when asking yourself this question is how well you have been able to manage your time in the past. Another important thing to do is prioritize. While you are a student, your first priority is to be successful as a student. If working will interfere with that, you should consider taking on fewer hours at work or not working at all.

7a. What is Work Study and how do I get it?

Work Study is a type of financial aid that involves earning money as payment for work. You can apply for work study when you apply for financial aid. Many on-campus jobs are work study jobs. These positions tend to be filled quickly, so it's important to apply for them early in the semester. You can find these jobs by visiting the Student Employment Office in the University Center, room 109 (next to Selvester's-Café-by-the-Creek).

8. How do I declare or change my major?

You can declare or change your major by filling out the Declaration or Change of Major form, which is available online at https://em.csuchico.edu/sro/forms/PlanChangeForm/. The form requires a signature from your new major advisor, so you will have to visit the department office of the major you are declaring.

9. Does being an EOP student make me different from the rest of the student population?

Once you are admitted to the University, you are a student just like the non-EOP students except for the fact that you have access to several types of support offered by EOP, such as academic advising and registration assistance, personal counseling, financial counseling, assistance with graduate and professional school applications, access to the EOP computer lab, and financial assistance (for those who qualify). Being an EOP student is a benefit of which you should take full advantage.