First-Gen FAQs
Questions You Should Be Asking
People often think that going to college is about learning the right answers. That may be true. But equally important is learning how to ask the right questions. We have a list for you. Learn about the right questions you should be asking in college in order to be successful.
Student Questions
1. What are general education (GE) requirements?
Students are required to take courses from distinct areas established by CBU to ensure a well-rounded education not just in their major but in other subjects that will contribute to their personal and professional success. The general education areas are broken up into Foundations (Math/English), Biblical & Theological Core, Civic World, Creative World, Cultural World, Natural World, Personal World, Social World.
General Education Requirements
2. Will I need to take courses in each general education (GE) requirement?
Not necessarily. Therefore, it is important that you use your major planning guide and/or degree guide. If your major courses are listed under any of the general education requirements, that area may be partially or fully met with courses for your major. Your major planning guide under the “General Education” tab will point out any areas met by your major as well.
3. How should I be selecting which general education (GE) courses to take for each requirement?
We do have an available resource you may have noticed in your class registration email, which is the recommended GE list. However, we encourage you to consider what courses will complement both your personal and career development. For example, a highly recommended course in your personal world requirement is FIN-101 - Personal Finance. This class will help you prepare to handle your finances responsibly, including debt management, investing, budgeting, and planning for retirement.
1. What is a major?
A major is a specialized area of study that will prepare you for careers related to this subject. In this area, students often have a set of core classes that all students of that major must take. (Unlike general education, major requirements may not offer multiple options). Some majors will also have an additional concentration, meaning a focus area that will likely be directly related to your career field. Finally, your major may also include important electives. For example, you will be given the option to complete 9 units within a set of course options.
2. Can I change my major?
You can change your major. However, we strongly recommend utilizing the Career Center and speaking with your Student Success Coach before doing so.
3. What is a minor, and how can it help my career?
A minor can be an additional specialization to help you gain expertise in another subject area that will complement your major and future career field. Minors are generally 16-30 additional units and are optional. If you still need additional units to meet the total 124 required to graduate, you may want to consider adding a minor. We recommend meeting with your Student Success Coach to discuss if this would be a beneficial option for you.
4. What is a university catalog?
The academic catalog provides information on admissions, financial aid, and academic programs, including academic calendars, general education requirements, course descriptions, and colleges. We recommend referring to the catalog for all university questions.
5. How can a degree guide help me monitor my progress?
A degree guide will guide you through all the requirements needed to complete your degree: general education, major, and unit requirements.
1. How do I find out what textbooks are required?
To find out what books you need for the upcoming semester, please visit the CBU Campus Store webpage. Click “Textbooks,” then “Purchase Textbooks,” to view needed textbooks for your courses. If you need more clarification on your class materials, please reach out to your professors.
2. How many units can I enroll in each semester?
As a rule of thumb, you should enroll in 15-16 units per semester to maximize financial usage and progress to graduation. However, 18 units are the maximum you can enroll in per semester.
3. What resources will I continually use to register each semester?
Most of the resources you will need can be found in InsideCBU under the “traditional students” tab. On this page, you can locate your major planning guide, recommended GE list, block schedule, and degree guide, all of which are useful tools to select courses for each semester, avoid taking courses for requirements already met, and avoid scheduling conflicts. We recommend bookmarking this tab for future use.
4. Can I change the courses I am registered for?
Yes, you can add a new class section or swap a class section for another up until each semester’s add deadline.
5. At what point in the semester can I either drop with a refund or withdraw from a course?
If you know early on the semester that you need to cut back, then you can still potentially get a refund. Just reference the academic calendar for the drop with a refund deadline. If you are struggling with passing a course, you have until the halfway point of the semester to opt to withdraw from a course. At this point, you will no longer be refunded for the costs of the course. However, you will avoid an F or D letter grade on your academic record.
6. Who do I talk to if I have questions regarding my math and English requirements?
Please reach out to your Student Success Coach as they can explain how your required math and English placement were established and clear up any concerns you have about enrolling in these courses. Note that English is required in your first semester, and math is recommended for your first year.
Challenging Your English or Math Placements
7. How can reaching out to my instructors be beneficial?
We strongly encourage you to reach out and introduce yourself to your instructor. Your instructor will be the point person to ask questions regarding course content. Instructors are there to help you navigate the academic challenges you face in their course. Developing relationships with your instructors will also provide you with additional mentors and expand your professional network. When you get to the end of your degree, you will need letters of recommendation to proceed to graduate school and/or to your career. An instructor will be best able to speak on your professional development if you have maintained a relationship with them throughout your educational career.
1. How do I apply for financial aid?
You can apply for financial aid on a yearly basis by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA can be completed here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Before you complete it, you will need to create an FSA ID, which is the username and password used to access the FAFSA. You can create an FSA ID here: https://studentaid.gov/help/create-fsa-id
2. What constitutes "financial need"?
Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change based on the school you attend. The Department of Education assesses financial need as one of the eligibility criteria for federal financial aid.
3. What types of federal aid can I apply for?
- Grants
- Federal Pell Grant: Pell Grants are usually offered only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s graduate, or professional degree. Unlike a loan, Pell Grant does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
- Cal Grant: A Cal Grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California. https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
- Loans
- Direct Subsidized Loans: Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need, and the Department of Education pays the interest on these loans while students are enrolled at least half time, during a grace period, and during deferment.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and students are responsible for all interest.
- PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are based on credit history, and are available to parents or graduate/professional students.
4. How much aid can I take out?
https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/how-much-money-can-i-borrow-federal-student-loans
5. How do I know if I am a dependent or independent student?
To be classified as an independent student, you must be at least one of the following:
- At least 24 years old
- Married
- A graduate/professional student
- A veteran or active member of the US armed forced
- An orphan/ward of the courts/emancipated minor/homeless
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
1. What is the loan origination fee?
Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You’re responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received.
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates#rates
2. When do I have to start paying back my loans?
You will have a 6-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment, in which you do not have to pay back your loans. After this grace period has expired, you will be responsible for entering a repayment plan.
3. What if I cannot afford to pay back my loans?
If you are unable to pay back your loan, you should contact your loan servicer immediately for options on alternate repayment plans.
4. What is my principal balance?
A principal balance is the total unpaid amount of a loan, not including interest or other charges. One of the reasons it is important to keep up with your loan repayment is because unpaid interest can be capitalized, or added to the principal balance of your loan, resulting in an increased overall cost of the loan.
5. How do I see how much I have borrowed in federal loans?
The Department of Education tracks student utilization of federal aid through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). You can log in here: https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans with your FSA ID (the same username/password you use to log into your FAFSA) to view information about your disbursement history and identify your lender and how to contact them to discuss repayment options.
1. How can the Career Center help me decide what majors or careers I should investigate?
There are several different types of assessments used by the career center these help you identify what are your strengths, skills, desired work environment, and personality type. All factors which will be extremely important in helping you decide what major or career to choose.
2. How can I get an on-campus job or look for internships?
You can search and apply for on campus/local jobs and internships online through your Handshake account. This account is tied to your Lancermail and you can set up an account and profile to get contacted by employer and apply to on campus jobs.
1. Where can I access a computer?
Computers with access to library resources and the Internet are located near the entrance of the library. Power outlets are also located throughout the rest of the building near desks and tables for individual laptop usage. The computers all have Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access) and SPSS. Screen reading software is available upon request.
Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access is available throughout the entire library.
Parent Questions (English)
1. How do I know when the school year starts and ends?
The academic calendar includes the dates when classes begin and end. It also includes university holidays.
2. What is a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree?
College degrees go in the following order: Associate degrees, Bachelor of arts or science, master's degrees, and finally, doctorate. At the university level, your students will be earning a bachelor's degree in arts or science. The type (arts or sciences) a student will earn is established by the school in which they complete their major.
3. What are the general education requirements?
Students must take courses in different areas established by CBU to ensure a comprehensive education not only in their career but in other subjects that will contribute to their personal and professional success. The areas of general education are divided into Foundations (Mathematics/English), Biblical and Theological Core, Civic World, Creative World, Cultural World, Natural World, Personal World, and Social World. We encourage students not to simply choose classes that they find interesting but classes that will benefit them in their future. For example, FIN101 Personal Finance that satisfies the area of personal world will prepare students on budgeting, debt management, investing, and retirement planning.
4. What is a Major?
A major is a specialized area of study that will prepare you for careers related to this subject. In this area, students often have a set of core classes that all students of that major must take. (Unlike general education, major requirements may not offer multiple options). Some majors will also have an additional concentration, meaning a focus area that will likely be directly related to your career field. Finally, your major may also include important electives. For example, you will be given the option to complete 9 units within a set of course options.
5. What is a Minor?
A minor may be an additional approach to help students gain expertise in another subject area that will complement their major and future career. Minors are usually 16-30 additional units and are optional. If additional units are needed to meet the total 124 required to graduate, students may want to consider adding a minor. We recommend students meet with their Student Success Coach to discuss whether this would be a beneficial option for them.
6. What is a University Catalog?
The academic catalog provides information on admissions, financial aid, and academic programs. Some useful academic information includes academic calendars, academic programs and general education requirements, course descriptions, and academic information. We recommend consulting the catalog for any university-related questions.
7. How long does my student have to use to study outside of class?
One unit consists of three hours of class time a week. Outside the classroom it is estimated that your student should spend two hours studying or doing homework. We also encourage students to take 15 units per semester (4-5 classes). This requires about 45 hours a week of time focused on your academic career.
8. Where can my student become familiar with the requirements they will face in their job search?
Your student should research what the job outlook looks like, the estimated salary, and whether there are specific requirements for the career they plan to pursue.
1. How much does the school cost per year, including dormitory and meal plan?
The most updated estimated costs can be found here.
2. How do I apply for financial aid?
You can apply for financial aid annually by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA can be completed here: https://studentaid.gov/.
Before completing it, you will need to create an FSA ID, which is the username and password used to access the FAFSA. You can create an FSA ID here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
3. What constitutes "financial need"?
Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) to a school and its Excepted Family Contribution (EFC). While the COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change depending on the school you attend. The Department of Education evaluates financial need as one of the eligibility criteria for federal financial aid.
4. What types of federal aid can I apply for?
- Grants
- Federal Pell Scholarship: Pell Grants are generally offered only to undergraduate students who show exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree. Unlike a loan, Pell Grant does not have to be repaid except under certain circumstances.
- Cal Grant: A Cal Grant is money for the university that you don't have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the financial and eligibility requirements, as well as the minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University, or California Community College, as well as at independent and qualified professional colleges or technical schools in California. https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
- Loans
- Direct Subsidized Loans: Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students in financial need, and the Department of Education pays interest on these loans while students are enrolled at least part-time, during a grace period, and during deferment.
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans: Unsubsidized loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students, and students are responsible for all interest.
- PLUS Loans: PLUS loans are based on credit history and are available to parents or graduate/professional students.
5. How much help can I get?
For more information about how to get financial aid, visit: https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/how-calculated
6. How do I know if I am a dependent or independent student?
To be classified as an independent student, you must be at least one of the following:
- At least 24 years of age
- Married
- A graduate student/professional
- A veteran or active member of the U.S. armed forces
- An orphan/court ward/emancipated/homeless minor
- Having legal dependents other than a spouse
7. What are origination fees for loans?
Most federal student loans have loan fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted proportionally from each loan disbursement you receive while enrolled in school. This means that the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You are responsible for paying the full amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received.
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates
8. When do I have to start paying off my loans?
You will have a 6-month grace period after you graduate or fall below part-time enrollment, in which you don't have to repay your loans. After this grace period has expired, you will be responsible for entering a payment plan.
1. What support could my student receive if he or she is unsure of his or her decision between majors or careers?
There are different types of assessments used by the career center that help students identify their strengths, skills, desired work environment, and personality type are. All factors that will be extremely important in helping students decide which major or career to choose. We strongly encourage students to meet with a Career Counselor to help students navigate this decision.
2. What resources are there to help my student learn from different careers for their major?
Students can make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss the different careers within their major. We also recommend that students talk to professors within their major to learn information about their career.
3. How can my student get a job with the university?
Students can search and apply for jobs and internships on campus or locally online through your Handshake account. It is through this site that students can start their job search.
4. How can students prepare for their career while still attending CBU?
Visit the Career Center throughout their education, to gain resume assistance, interview training, professional networking advice, and more.
1. Is mental health support available for my student?
If your student is stressed or is encountering mental health challenges, they can utilize the counseling center. This is a free service for students that they can use at any time in their academic career. There is no limitation to using this resource.
2. Where can my student access a computer?
Computers with access to library resources and the Internet are located near the library entrance. Power outlets are also located in the rest of the building, near desks and tables for individual laptop use. All computers have Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access) and SPSS. Screen reading software is available upon request.
Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the library.
Preguntas de los Padres (Español)
1. ¿Como puedo saber cuándo empieza y termina el año escolar?
El calendario académico incluye las fechas cuando empiezan y terminan las clases. Incluso distingue los días festivos honrados por la universidad.
2. ¿Qué es licenciatura en artes o ciencias?
Los títulos universitarios van en el siguiente orden: asociado en colegio comunitario, licenciatura en artes o ciencias, maestría y finalmente doctorado. Al nivel universitario sus estudiantes estarán obteniendo una licenciatura en artes o ciencias. Que tipo de licenciatura entre artes o ciencias obtendrá el estudiante es establecida por el colegio en que hará su especialización.
3. ¿Cuáles son las áreas del tronco común?
Los estudiantes deben tomar cursos de distintas áreas establecidas por CBU para garantizar una educación integral no solo en su carrera sino en otras materias que contribuirán a su éxito personal y profesional. Las áreas de educación general se dividen en Fundamentos (matemáticas/inglés), Núcleo Bíblico y Teológico, Mundo Cívico, Mundo Creativo, Mundo Cultural, Mundo Natural, Mundo Personal y Mundo Social. Les recomendamos a los estudiantes que no simplemente escojan clases que les parecen interesantes si no clases que les beneficiaran en su futuro. Por ejemplo, FIN101 Finanzas Personales que satisface el área de mundo personal preparara estudiantes en como establecer un presupuesto, manejar sus deudas, como invertir su dinero, y planear para su retiración.
4. ¿Qué es una especialización?
Un área de estudio especializada que los preparará para carreras relacionadas con esta materia. En esta área, los estudiantes a menudo tienen un conjunto de clases básicas que todos los estudiantes de esa especialización deben tomar. (A diferencia del tronco común, los estudiantes no pueden elegir entre varias opciones). Algunas especializaciones también tendrán una concentración adicional, lo que significa un enfoque en un área que probablemente estará directamente relacionada con su campo profesional. Por último, su especialización también puede incluir asignaturas optativas importantes. Por ejemplo, se le dará la opción de completar 9 unidades dentro de un conjunto de opciones de cursos.
5. ¿Qué es una subespecialización?
Una subespecialización puede ser un enfoque adicional para ayuda a estudiantes a adquirir experiencia en otra área temática que complementará su carrera principal y futura. Los menores son generalmente 16-30 unidades adicionales y son opcionales. Si aún se necesita unidades adicionales para cumplir con el requisito total de 124 para graduarse, puede considerar agregar una subespecialización. Recomendamos reunirse con su asesor para analizar si esta es una opción beneficiosa para su alumno/a.
6. ¿Qué es un catálogo Universitario?
El catálogo académico proporciona información sobre admisiones, ayuda financiera y programas académicos. Parte de la información académica útil incluye calendarios académicos, programas académicos y requisitos de educación general, descripciones de cursos, información académica y universidades. Recomendamos consultar el catálogo para cualquier duda universitaria.
7. ¿Cuánto tiempo tiene usar mi estudiante para estudiar fuera de la clase?
Una unidad consiste en tres horas de clase a la semana. Fuera del salón se estima que su estudiante debería pasar dos horas estudiando o haciendo tareas. Y fomentamos a estudiantes a que tomen 15 unidades por semestre (4-5 clases). Esto requiere mas o menos 45 horas a la semana de tiempo enfocado en su carrera académica.
8. ¿Dónde puede mi estudiante familiarizarse con los requerimientos que tendrá que enfrentar en su búsqueda de trabajo?
Su estudiante debería investigar como se ve la perspectiva laboral, el salario estimado, y si hay requerimientos específicos para la carrera que planea esforzar.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
O*net: https://www.onetonline.org/
1. ¿Cuánto cuesta al año la escuela incluyendo dormitorio y plan de comida?
Los costos estimados más actualizados se pueden encontrar aquí.
2. ¿Cómo solicito ayuda financiera?
Puede solicitar ayuda financiera anualmente completando la FAFSA (Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes). La FAFSA se puede completar aquí: https://studentaid.gov/
è Antes de completarlo, deberá crear un FSA ID, que es el nombre de usuario y la contraseña utilizados para acceder a la FAFSA. Puede crear un ID de FSA aquí: https://studentaid.gov/
3. ¿Qué constituye la "necesidad financiera"?
La necesidad financiera es la diferencia entre el costo de asistencia (COA) a una escuela y su Contribución Familiar Exceptuada (EFC). Si bien el COA varía de una escuela a otra, su EFC no cambia según la escuela a la que asista. El Departamento de Educación evalúa la necesidad financiera como uno de los criterios de elegibilidad para la ayuda financiera federal.
4. ¿Qué tipos de ayuda federal puedo solicitar?
- Subvenciones
- Beca Federal Pell: Las Becas Pell generalmente se ofrecen solo a estudiantes de pregrado que muestran una necesidad financiera excepcional y aún no han obtenido una licenciatura o un título profesional. A diferencia de un préstamo, Pell Grant no tiene que ser reembolsado, excepto bajo ciertas circunstancias.
- Cal Grant: Un Cal Grant es dinero para la universidad que no tiene que devolver. Para calificar, debe solicitar la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA) o la Solicitud de california Dream Act (CADAA) antes de la fecha límite y cumplir con los requisitos financieros y de elegibilidad, así como con los requisitos mínimos de GPA. Cal Grants se puede usar en cualquier Universidad de California, Universidad Estatal de California o California Community College, así como en colegios independientes y profesionales calificados o escuelas técnicas en California. https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
- Préstamos
- Préstamos subsidiados directos: Los préstamos subsidiados están disponibles para estudiantes de pregrado con necesidad financiera, y el Departamento de Educación paga los intereses de estos préstamos mientras los estudiantes están inscritos al menos medio tiempo, durante un período de gracia y durante el aplazamiento.
- Préstamos directos sin subsidio: Los préstamos no subsidiados están disponibles para estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado, y los estudiantes son responsables de todos los intereses.
- Préstamos PLUS: Los préstamos PLUS se basan en el historial de crédito y están disponibles para padres o estudiantes graduados / profesionales.
5. ¿Cuánta ayuda puedo sacar?
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates
6. ¿Cómo sé si soy un estudiante dependiente o independiente?
Para ser clasificado como un estudiante independiente, debe ser al menos uno de los siguientes:
- Al menos 24 años de edad
- Casado
- Un estudiante graduado / profesional
- Un veterano o miembro activo de la fuerza armada de los Estados Unidos
- Un huérfano/pupilo de los tribunales/menor emancipado/sin hogar
- Tener dependientes legales que no sean un cónyuge
7. ¿Cuál es la tarifa de originacion de los préstamos?
La mayoría de los préstamos federales para estudiantes tienen tarifas de préstamo que son un porcentaje del monto total del préstamo. La tarifa del préstamo se deduce proporcionalmente de cada desembolso del préstamo que recibe mientras está inscrito en la escuela. Esto significa que el dinero que reciba será menor que la cantidad que realmente pide prestada. Usted es responsable de pagar la cantidad total que pidió prestada y no solo la cantidad que recibió.
https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/how-calculated
8. ¿Cuándo tengo que empezar a pagar mis préstamos?
Tendrá un período de gracia de 6 meses después de graduarse o caer por debajo de la inscripción de medio tiempo, en el que no tiene que pagar sus préstamos. Después de que este período de gracia haya expirado, usted será responsable de ingresar un plan de pago.
1. ¿Qué apoyo podría recibir mi alumno si esta inseguro de su decisión entre especialización o carrera?
Hay diferentes tipos de evaluaciones utilizadas por el centro de carreras que lo ayudan a identificar cuáles son sus fortalezas, habilidades, ambiente de trabajo deseado y tipo de personalidad. Todos estos factores serán extremadamente importantes para ayudarlo a decidir qué especialización o carrera elegir.
2. ¿Qué recursos existen para ayudar a mi estudiante para aprender de diferentes carreras para su especialización?
Puede hacer cita con un consejero de carrera para discutir las diferentes carreras dentro de su especialización. También recomendamos que hablen con sus profesores dentro de su especialización para aprender información de su carrera.
3. ¿Como puede mi estudiante obtener un trabajo con la universidad?
Puede buscar y solicitar empleos y internados en el campus o locales a través de su cuenta de Handshake. Es atreves de este sitio que los alumnos pueden empezar su búsqueda de trabajo.
1. ¿Hay apoyo para la salud mental de mi estudiante disponible?
Si su alumno esta estresado o está teniendo problemas de salud mental puede utilizar el centro de consejería. Este es un servicio gratis para estudiantes que pueden utilizar a cualquier momento en su carrera académica. No hay límite para utilizar este recurso.
2. ¿Dónde puede mi estudiante usar a una computadora?
Las computadoras con acceso a los recursos de la biblioteca e Internet se encuentran cerca de la entrada de la biblioteca. Las tomas de corriente también se encuentran en el resto del edificio, cerca de escritorios y mesas para uso individual de computadoras portátiles. Todas las computadoras tienen Microsoft Office (incluyendo Word, PowerPoint, Excel y Access) y SPSS. El software de lectura de pantalla está disponible bajo petición.
El acceso inalámbrico a Internet (wifi) está disponible en toda la biblioteca.