Registration
How can I register for a course that requires a prerequisite?
You will need to contact the undergraduate advisor for the appropriate department. The undergraduate advisor for the major that you declared on your EAP application will have a copy of the transcripts from your home university and should be able to assist you with registration. To find the appropriate undergraduate advisor, go to the UCSB website (www.ucsb.edu) and search for the departmental home page.
What should I do if a class I want to take is full?
You will need to crash the course by visiting the class on the first day and asking the professor for permission to add it. For some departments, such as Psychology and Economics, you must sign your name on an online waiting list to be considered for the class. You should check with your undergraduate advisor to inquire about the appropriate protocol for crashing in each department.
What is the average course load at UCSB?
The average course load is 16 units per quarter, however students can take anywhere from 12 – 21 units per quarter. In order to remain in good visa status, maintain program requirements, ride buses free, and be eligible for internships EAP students are required to register for a minimum of 12 units per quarter. The 12 units cannot be averaged over the course of the year; they must be taken every quarter.
What is the latest date that I can register for classes?
You generally have until the third week of the quarter to add classes and the fourth week to drop classes. For the specific add and drop deadline dates, refer to pages 2 and 3 of the Schedule of Classes. http://www.registrar.ucsb.edu/soc.htm
My major shows as “undeclared” on GOLD, what can I do to change this?
Nothing. GOLD shows all undergraduate reciprocity students as having an “undeclared” major. If GOLD says that you cannot take a course because you do not meet the prerequisite or because the course is open to majors only, you need to contact the undergraduate advisor for the appropriate department.
Do I have to take classes in my major?
As far as EAP and UCSB are concerned, you can take courses in any department that you wish, provided you meet the pre-requisites. However, we strongly recommend that you work closely with your home university to find courses that will count towards your degree.
What does "R" in the schedule of classes stand for?
The "R" stands for Thursday ("T" is for Tuesday, "W" for Wednesday, etc.). Thus, a class that meets TR meets Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What is the difference between lower and upper division classes?
Lower division classes are geared towards first and second year students (freshmen and sophomores) and are designed to provide an overview of a particular field. Upper division classes are geared towards juniors and seniors who are majoring in that area of study. Because upper division courses provide a more in-depth review of a topic, they usually require one or more lower division courses as a pre-requisite. We recommend that EAP students take upper division classes in their major area of study and lower division courses in fields in which they have little to no background.
What is the difference between P/NP and a letter grade?
The basic difference is that letter grades are used in calculating the university grade-point average (GPA). Unit credit is awarded for any grade of D- or above (A+ through D-), while no credit is awarded for F grades. Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) grades, on the other hand, are not included in the computation of the university grade-point average and a grade of P will be assigned for coursework equivalent to a C or higher on the letter-grade basis. A grade of NP will be assigned for coursework equivalent to a C- or below, and no unit or degree credit will be awarded. Some universities will not accept courses taken on the P/NP grading option, so please check with your home university before making your selection. For more information on the difference between the two grading options, go to: http://www.advising.ltsc.ucsb.edu/grades/available.php.
How do I register for an English as a Second Language (ESL) course?
You cannot pre-register for ESL courses because you MUST take the ESL placement exam to see what level of ESL courses you are qualified to take. The ESL exam will be offered during the international student orientation and once you receive your results, you will be able to register for the appropriate ESL course. Please note that ESL courses are open to any student who wishes to improve their English language skills and are not mandatory. For more information, go to: http://www.esl.ucsb.edu/.
How can I get tutorial assistance in my classes?
You can get assistance with your classes through Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) (http://www.clas.ucsb.edu/). Not only does CLAS offer tutorials, but they also offer workshops on topics such as study skills and stress management.
I am having a difficult time understanding my professor. What should I do?
You should speak with your professors about the difficulty that you are having. Sometimes they can offer suggestions on how to be successful in their class. You may also want to ask each professor for permission to tape the lecture so that you can review it at home and rewind when necessary.
In addition, you may want to sign up for an English as a Second Language course (http://www.esl.ucsb.edu/), attend a CLAS tutorial (http://www.clas.ucsb.edu/), and speak with your EAP Reciprocity Coordinator. The EAP Reciprocity Coordinator may be able to offer additional ideas and connect you with an American student with whom you can practice your English skills.
Health Insurance
When does UCSB health insurance (SHIP) begin?
If you are arriving in the fall, SHIP begins September 1. For those of you arriving in winter quarter, SHIP begins on the first day of the winter quarter. If spring quarter is your last quarter, you will be covered through the duration of the summer and ending in late September.
Can I waive out of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?
Getting private insurance waived is rare because there are many strict requirements. No international insurance plans can be waived. If a student has a US insurance plan, direct them to Student Health to see if they qualify to waive SHIP. They can fill out a waiver form with Student Health.
How do I enroll in USHIP/GSHIP
Enrollment is automatic.
How do I pay?
It will be charged to their BARC account.
Does the UCSB Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) cover 100% of medical fees and prescriptions?
No. SHIP may only cover 60% - 80% of the fees for visiting
a doctor outside of UCSB Student Health Services network.
It is your responsibility to read the terms and conditions
for UCSB Health Insurance and understand what it covers.
For more information on SHIP, go to: http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/insurance.aspx
Do I need additional health coverage?
Many students find SHIP to be sufficient for their needs. However, it is important that you read the terms and conditions of SHIP to determine whether or not additional coverage is necessary for you.
Will UCSB health insurance (SHIP) cover me when I travel outside CA and the U.S.?
Yes, SHIP will provide limited coverage outside of CA and
the United States. For more information about what SHIP
will cover, go to: http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/insurance.aspx
Is it true that I must have a TB clearance and if so, how do I do this?
Yes, all international students are required to have a tuberculosis (TB) clearance from the Student Health Service. This should be done during the first two weeks after arrival at UCSB and costs around $20.00. You may go to the Student Health Service for a TB skin test or chest x-ray OR you may bring a chest x-ray taken within the past year to be read by a radiologist OR you may bring a copy of an English language chest x-ray report completed within the past year.
Miscellaneous
Can I apply to the UC Washington Center : University of California – Washington DC (UCDC) program?
Yes, you may apply to the UCDC program. For program details and eligibility requirements, please review the information found on the UCSB UCDC program site. In addition, please meet with the UCSB Reciprocity Coordinator for further details.
I want to drive while in CA. What are the requirements for this?
It is recommended that all students who plan to drive during their term abroad obtain a California driver’s license. For more information on how to obtain a CA driver’s license, go to: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/.
Where can I find more information about internships?
The best places to find internships related to your field of study are the Career Services office and your academic department office at UCSB. Paid internships and internships that extend beyond your last quarter at UCSB are typically limited to students with J-1 visas only, and require the permission of both the UCSB EAP Office and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Please contact the UCSB Reciprocity Coordinator for further details.
How can I get a Social Security Number if I need one? Why might I need one?
J-1 visa holders who wish to receive a Social Security Number (SSN) should update their local addresses on GOLD, and must wait until 10 days after arrival in the United States to before visiting the Office of International Students and Scholars in order to start the process for applying for a SSN. A student will need a SSN for a California Driver’s License, a California ID (so you do not need to carry your passport), or for employment off-campus.
Is it true that I need to take an on-line alcohol education tutorial? How do I do this?
Yes, all new students are required to complete the on-line alcohol education tutorial. The tutorial can be found at: http://alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu/Students/newstudents.aspx. We want to remind you that the alcohol laws in the United States are probably more strict and enforced more stringently than in your home country. All students are expected to follow state regulations regarding drinking (meaning no alcohol for students under 21 years of age). Even those students who are 21 and older need to be aware of the policies regarding alcohol. Please discuss these policies with a staff administrator or our office if you feel it will be a restriction for you.
