Registration > Visiting Students - Fall Open University Knowledge Center

CSUN is virtual for Fall 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CSUN will be utilizing virtual instruction for a majority of Fall 2021 courses. Be sure to confirm with course instructors or host departments for details on specific courses. Please visit our website for more information on Getting Started with Remote Learning.

Visiting students are those who are not formally admitted and enrolled in a degree, certificate or credential program at CSUN.

To qualify as a U.S. visiting student for Open University enrollment purposes, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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 Homepage.
• Hover the mouse cursor over "ADMISSIONS" section on the home page.
• Click "Extended Learning Programs and Registration".
• Click "Enrollment".
• Click "New Students".
• Fill out the "New Tseng College Student Application", then click "Continue".
• 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. After completion, click "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 2021 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. 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.

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.