Registration > Open University for Visiting Students - Fall Open University Knowledge Center

Open University allows those who are not CSUN current or formerly matriculated students the ability to enroll in CSUN’s Fall, Spring and Summer Session courses.

Academic Calendar

Registration Instructions

Those who are new to CSUN, must first create a student account and establish themselves in the system. See "How to Establish Yourself in the System" below. For more information, see How to Enroll.

How to Establish Yourself in the System

• Go to the CSUN Non-degree Student Page.
• Click "Get Your CSUN ID" to expand the menu and click the link for the student application.
• On the "Create User Profile" screen, create a password, then select one of the following under "Program to Enroll":
  • College of Extended Learning, Graduate Credit
  • College of Extended Learning, Undergraduate Credit
  • College of Extended Learning - Non Credit and CEUs (continuing education units).
• Select the appropriate term/session. Click "Submit."
• The "New Extension Student Application Completed" screen, containing your CSUN Student ID Number and new User ID, will be displayed. Now, create your Password.
• Print this information for your records and keep it in a secure place. Your User ID and Password are necessary to enter the Portal for all online services and registration. You may also write this information below for future use. After you have completed this, click on "Logout."

NOTE: If your intention is to make a payment with an Electronic Check, you must wait 24 hours to enroll after completing the process, as explained above.

Open University Classes

To search for classes, click on the Fall 2023 navigation link on top.

Permission Numbers

All Open University students are required to obtain and use a permission number to enroll themselves in any course. To receive a permission number, Open University students should review the class notes of the course for any department specific process and then complete this Open University Course Request Submission Form (currently unavailable, please check back later).  For more information, see Prerequisites. Open university students may attend the first class meeting of the course they wish to add to revisit their request for a permission number from the instructor. Online course pages will be available via Canvas on the Public Course Index.

Timeline for Request Review Process

Departments will begin reviewing course requests closer to the start of classes in August. Enrollment officially begins on August 28, 2023. While some departments may offer permission prior to this date, that decision is up to the department chair and/or the course instructor. Once a department has made a decision regarding your course request, you will receive a notification via email to your CSUN Email account. Please make sure you check this account regularly. We will continually revisit requests with department chairs and provide regular reminders for any outstanding requests.

Starting Week 1 (August 28), most courses still have an active waiting list for CSUN students. Open University course requests will be accommodated once the waitlist ends at the close of the week. If you have not heard back regarding your course request, you may contact the course instructor directly to request access to the Canvas page and lectures for the first few class meetings. If you are submitting a new request at this time, please complete the online form and also contact the course instructor to let them know you are interested in adding the course. Only the course instructor can allow you to view the course page and materials prior to formally enrolling in the course.

Starting Week 2 (September 5), if you have not heard back regarding your course request, you may contact the course instructor directly to request access to the Canvas page and lectures for the first few class meetings. NOTE: Most instructors will be hesitant to allow a student to add the course after missing two weeks of instruction. We recommend you connect with the instructor during Week 1 to discuss your interest in their course. If provided a permission number by the department or instructor, you are still able to enroll in the course at this time.

Starting Week 3 (September 11), most instructors will only allow students to add who have actively been participating in the course and are waiting for a permission number. While it is still possible to receive a permission number from the department during this time, most departments defer to the course instructor to issue permission numbers.

Starting Week 4 (September 18), Open University registration ends and course requests will no longer be accepted.

Enrollment Requirements

Maximum Unit Load:

• Undergraduate Students: 13 units
• Graduate Students: 19 units

Students in good standing may request additional units over the Fall and Spring maximum unit load, by completing the Extra Unit Authorization form.

However, this form is strictly limited at this time, and will only be processed when Nonrestrictive Registration begins (see Registration Calendar).

U.S. Military Veterans or Service Members

If you are a U.S. Military Veteran or a Service Member, please contact the CSUN Veterans Affairs Office at (818) 677-5928 or email veteransmail@csun.edu.