Classes (modules) at SJSU numbered 0-99 are considered 'lower division' and usually equate to introductory or first-year classes at partner institutions. Classes numbered 100-199 are considered 'upper division' and usually equate to more advanced classes. Classes at SJSU numbered 200 and above are graduate (masters) level and are unavailable to undergraduate exchange students.
Professors at SJSU are obligated to provide students with syllabi on the first day of class but not before. In general, syllabi are not available online and are not available before the first day of class. We kindly request that you do not contact our office, department offices or professors to obtain syllabi.
Students on exchange, like domestic students, are not guaranteed enrollment in any given class. Since students enroll themselves in their chosen classes at SJSU, it is essential that you enroll yourself in your desired classes at the earliest possible time, as getting into some popular classes can be very competitive. You will be able to see your 'registration appointment' within your MySJSU student portal after acceptance. Delays in registration on the part of students can lead to disappointment.
The online registration system will sometimes block a student from enrolling in a given class if they have not met any and all prerequisites. If you are blocked from enrolling in a class, contact the Study Abroad office as we may be able to waive the prerequisite. This is not guaranteed so please consider alternate classes if you meet with prerequiste blocks.
Some classes at SJSU have waiting lists when they become full. Students are permitted to enroll in a total of 5 waitlisted units. If you are on a waiting list, you may be permitted to enroll in the class if other enrolled students drop out. As with prerequisites, this is not guaranteed so please consider alternate classes if you find yourself on a waiting list.
When looking at the class schedule, remember that MWF 10:00-11:00 am means that the class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, each week. Students must attend classes on all days. Most classes are either MWF or TTH (Tuesday and Thursday). It is important that students do not schedule classes that overlap or are at the same time.
Students should speak with an academic advisor in their department at their home institution if they have questions about which courses to take in their major field of study. Students should also check in with their department/academic advisor at SJSU about their enrollment upon arrival.
Class registration will be temporarily unavailable several weeks before classes begin each term. After this time passes, students can add a class only after school starts. To add a class, you must go to the class you want to add and ask the professor in person for an add code.
This code is the only way you will be able to add the class. Please do not share it with anyone else.
The professor might not always give you an add code because there might not be enough places left in the class, or there are other graduating seniors that need the class.
Make sure to check the academic calendar http://www.sjsu.edu/calendars/ for the last day to add a class and register late.
Tests: Please note that the placement tests (EPT, ELM, WST) are not required for J-1 students who are coming to SJSU on exchange programs for a brief period of study (1-2 semesters), unless you want to take an English or Math class that requires one of these exams as a prerequisite. This is one of your many privileges as a J-1 visiting international student.
Prerequisites: Some courses have prerequisites (other courses that you must complete before enrolling in a particular course) and you may have to provide proof to the professor upon arrival that you have already completed an equivalent university-level course at your home university.
Remember: Try to select a balance of courses so that you do not overload yourself during your first semester at SJSU. Most classes are worth three units, which means that the class will have about three hours of lecture time each week. However, for each unit of class time, you should plan to spend at least 2-3 hours per week studying outside of class. It is a good idea to select a variety of writing, lecture and laboratory courses.
The first semester is often the most difficult for new international students. Many of you will be adjusting to a new educational system, a new culture, a life away from family and friends, a new climate, new & different foods and eating habits, and looking for permanent housing, etc. As a result, you may not be able to successfully handle as many courses as you could if you were attending a university in your home country. If you find that the minimum number of units is not challenging enough, you can always take more courses in future semesters once you have better adjusted to life here at SJSU.
We recommend caution when dropping a class. If you drop a class, it can be very, very difficult to add another class.
You do not want to drop a class and fall out of status because you are not able to add another class. It can be very hard to add classes at SJSU. If you need to drop a class, you will do so online through your MySJSU.
SJSU’s definition of plagiarism: "representing the work of another as one’s own (without giving appropriate credit) regardless of how that work was obtained, and submitting it for academic credit".
Plagiarism is a serious offense in American universities and can result in a failing grade in a course. If you are unsure about what this means, please talk to your professors about their expectations before you complete an assignment you are unsure about.
Academic Probation will occur if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for Undergraduate Students and 3.0 for Graduate Students. Students who are on academic probation cannot stay to do Academic Training at the completion of their coursework.
To stay in good academic standing, consult your academic advisor in your department about your class schedule. If you need any tutoring or assistance with questions about assignments, consult your academic advisor, professors and department sooner rather than later.
Plan to attend every single day of class unless you are sick or have another excused absence. Poor attendance will affect a student’s grade. When you have been absent make sure to ask your professor about any make up work or exams that you missed and should take.
Besides consulting with your department and academic or department advisor, here are some academic resources that you can take advantage of when you are studying at SJSU.
Peer Connections provides peer mentoring, tutoring services, and workshops for writing skills, student life and student success. Visit their website at http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/ for their locations and workshop schedule.
Student tutorials: http://my.sjsu.edu/students/student_tutorials/ This link includes tutorials on enrolling in classes, dropping classes, grades, transcripts, finances and many more useful tutorials.