MBA Current Student FAQs

 

 GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • What is the contact information for the Graduate Business Advising Center (GBAC)?
      • Can I take a semester off?
      • Can I add another degree?
      • What are the differences between part-time and full-time status? 
      • What is my Student ID number and where can I find it?
      • Are there scholarships available?
      • How do I register for classes?
      • What is a Qualification Record?
      • What does "Good Academic Standing" mean?
      • What's the most important thing a graduate student can do to be successful?
      • I have been Disqualified from the University. What do I do now?
      • Do I have a time limit to complete my Master's degree?    
      • Can I take undergraduate classes as a graduate student?
      • What is considered a passing grade for graduate students?
      • How can I apply for a leave of absence?
      • How do I withdraw from the graduate program?
      • How soon should I start thinking about beginning my thesis or project?
      • How many units of transfer courses may be used for the MBA program?
      • Where can I get the schedule for classes?
      • When can I enroll in my Culminating Experience?
      • Are there any prerequisites to enroll in the MBA 500A or MBA 500B?
      • What is the difference between MBA 500A and MBA 500B?
      • How do I enroll in MBA 501?
      • What do I do if I don't finish my project or thesis in one semester?
      • What is Conditionally Classified?
      • What is Fully Classified?
      • When the conditions of admission have been met, how do I request classified standing?

 

FOUNDATION/PRE-REQUISITE QUESTIONS

      • What is Pre-MBA?
      • Do I have to complete the prerequisite courses listed on my qualification record?
      • What are Foundation courses?
      • How can I move from Pre-MBA to Fully Classified MBA?

 

GRADUATE WRITING ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT (GWAR) QUESTIONS

      • What is the GWAR?
      • Can I be waived out of the GWAR?
      • How do I register for the GWAR?

 

MBA CONCENTRATION QUESTIONS

      • What concentrations do you offer?
      • Do I have to declare a concentration?
      • Can I declare two concentrations?
      • How long do I have before I have to state my concentration?
      • How can I change concentrations?

 

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY QUESTIONS

      • What is an Advancement to Candidacy form?
      • When do my applications for Advancement to Candidacy and Graduation need to be turned into CBA in order to graduate?
      • When do I Advance to Candidacy?
      • How long does it take for my Advancement to Candidacy to be processed?
      • What do I need to do if I deviate from the courses I put on my Advancement to Candidacy?

 

GRADUATION/DIPLOMA QUESTIONS

      • What forms do I need to submit in order to graduate?
      • When do I need to apply for graduation?
      • Where do I submit my Application for Graduation Form?
      • I applied to graduate, but will not complete my culminating experience or required courses this semester, what do I do?
      • Do I have to attend Commencement Ceremony?
      • How do I sign up to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
      • When can I expect to receive my diploma in the mail?
      • What if I need to get proof of my graduate degree before my diploma arrives?
      • Can I fax my Application for Graduation form?
      • Can I "walk" in the Commencement ceremony even if I am not graduating until next year?
      • How do I order another copy of my diploma?
      • Can I apply for graduation after the deadline?
      • Where and when are the Commencement ceremonies held?
      • What if I don't graduate when I was supposed to?
      • I've completed all requirements for my program, how long will it take for my degree to be awarded?

 

General Questions

What is the contact information for the Graduate Business Advising Center (GBAC)?

The GBAC office is located in Tahoe Hall room 1037.  Our phone number is 916-278-6772 and our email address is cba-gbac@csus.edu.

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Can I take a semester off?

Yes.  Students may take one (1) semester off with no penalty or without having to reapply to the university. However, you must re-enroll the following semester to be considered an active student. For example: You were enrolled for Spring 2009, and did not enroll for Fall 2009, you must be enrolled for Spring 2010 to remain an active student. Students who have been out of enrollment for two (2) consecutive semesters will need to reapply to the university and pay applicable application fees. For example: You were enrolled Spring 2009, did not enroll for courses for Fall 2009, and did not enroll courses for Spring 2010, you will need to reapply to the university (you have been inactive for two consecutive semesters--Fall 2009 and Spring 2010). There is no paperwork that you need to fill out to take one semester off. Please note: not enrolling in one or two semesters does not extend the 7 year deadline, and Summer is not considered a semester.

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Can I add another degree?

Yes. In order to add another degree, you must complete a Petition for Multiple Degree Objectives form.  This form must be approved and signed by both the department for your current degree and the department for the degree that you are trying to add before it can take effect.  This form can be found in our office in Tahoe Hall, room 1037.

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What are the differences between part-time and full-time status? 

A part-time student that takes two classes per semester in both Spring and Fall can usually complete the MBA program within three years. A full-time student, with careful scheduling, should be able to complete the degree program in approximately one and a half years.

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What is my Student ID number and where can I find it?

Your student ID number is a 9 digit number given to you by the university, beginning with the numbers "1" or "2". It is the reference number used to identify you and your student record. This number is very important so make sure that you memorize it. It will be required on every form that you submit to the GBAC and the university. You will find your student ID number on your MySacState profile.

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Are there scholarships available?

Most financial aid offered to graduate level students are in the form of loans.  There are some scholarships that graduate students may apply for but availability can vary semester to semester.

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How do I register for classes?

Registration for classes is completed online through your MySacState portal on your assigned registration date and time.  Log in using your Saclink information and click on "Student Services" and then on "Student Center." Once you are in your profile, click on "Registration" and add the classes that you choose.  If you have any problems registering for classes please call the Registration Help Line at 916-278-6088. You will be required to pay your tuition within 14 days of registering.

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What is a Qualification Record?

The Qualification Record is essentially a contract between the student and the department at the time of admission. It consists of a complete list of  the Foundation courses that are required or that have been waived based on prior equivalent coursework.

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What does "Good Academic Standing" mean?

There are three (3) separate GPAs on your academic grade report. The three GPAs include:

      • Your current GPA, which is based on the grades that you received in any Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Winter Intersession, or Summer Term.
      • Your Sac State GPA, which is based on all the courses you have taken at Sac State.
      • Your Overall Cumulative GPA, which is based on all the college courses you have taken.                                                     

 

Your Sac State GPA and/or your Cumulative GPA determine academic standing. Hence, if you are a graduate student in classified or conditionally classified standing in a master's degree program, you must maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of at least 3.00 to remain in good academic standing. A semester GPA of less than 3.00 will result in Academic Warning. If, while on Academic Warning, you earn a semester GPA of less than 3.00, you will be subject to Academic Disqualification/Dismissal.

Academic Disqualification is sometimes referred to as “Dismissal” because students who become subject to Dismissal are ineligible to register at Sacramento State unless they are approved for reinstatement on an academic contract. As a graduate student, if you meet GPA requirements, but earned one (1) or two (2) NC grades in a semester, you will be placed on Academic Warning. Grades of NC earned in subsequent semesters will result in Probation, Continued Probation, or Dismissal, depending upon the number of NC grades earned and the semester GPA.

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What's the most important thing a graduate student can do to be successful?

Read! Read about being a graduate student and the policies and procedures of the university and your program. In particular, read the brochure for your program, the Current Student website, and the Dates to Remember and the Steps to Graduation documents that the GBAC publish every semester. Most importantly, read every email that you receive from the GBAC office via the Bizlist (The mass emailing system that you will be added to after admission). Those emails will contain important information that you will need to know as you move through your program.

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I have been Disqualified from the University. What do I do now?

If you were academically disqualified/dismissed from Sacramento State due to your GPA falling below a 3.0, you will need to petition for Reinstatement with the University. Please see below for the procedures for petitioning for Reinstatement:

All steps must be completed for successful reinstatement.

Step 1 – Statement:

Write a clear and complete statement (addressed to “The CBA Academic Standards Committee”) explaining the circumstances that interfered with your past academic achievement (previous & current semesters), and most importantly, explain how each circumstance has been remedied. Attach any documents which you feel support your statement (e.g. physician’s or employer’s statement, accident report, death certificate etc.). Make sure to explain why those circumstances are no longer an issue in your life and that, if allowed to continue, you will be able to successfully complete your degree program in a timely manner.

Step 2 – Download Form:

 Download a "Reinstatement Request/Admission Contract" form from the Office of Graduate Studies website at http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/candidacy_formspetitions/reinstatement_request.pdf

Ignore the instructions on the online form and follow these instead.

Step 3 – Obtain Department Recommendation:

(The College of Business Graduate Business Advising Center (GBAC) is your “department”)

You will then submit your statement and your Petition for Reinstatement Form to The GBAC (via fax 916-278-4233 or sign, scan and email to jeanie.williams@csus.edu).  You would need to have your statement and form to the GBAC by the deadline mentioned above as committee meets only once a month.  The GBAC will submit your statement and request along with your academic records to the College of Business Administration's Academic Standards Committee for their review and decision.  The GBAC will contact you once a decision has been made. The GBAC will also forward the Reinstatement Request and your statement to the Office of Graduate Studies so that they may approve and enter the decision in you academic record.

PLEASE NOTE: FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS MUST FOLLOW SEPARATE PROCEDURES TO REQUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for current procedures https://webapps1.csus.edu/faid_general/default.asp

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Do I have a time limit to complete my Master's degree?         

Yes.  The University requires that you complete your Master's Degree within (7) seven years of beginning your first program requirement (core) or elective class.

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Can I take undergraduate classes as a graduate student?

Yes. Approval for using upper division undergraduate business courses are considered on a case by case basis. You may take up to 6 units of upper division undergraduate business courses to count as electives if you are doing the MBA General program.  Please note that these courses must be approved prior to taking them via an Action Sheet form.  You can find this form on our website at http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html

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What is considered a passing grade for graduate students?

A passing grade at the Graduate level is a "C" or above.  A "C-" is considered a failing grade.  Additionally, you must have fewer than two "C" grades in your program requirement and/or your elective courses. You must also maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in each semester and in your cumulative GPA to maintain good academic standing.

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How can I apply for a leave of absence?

Leave of absences are handled by the Registrar's office located in Lassen Hall.

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How do I withdraw from the graduate program?

The first thing that you should do is contact your graduate advisor in the GBAC and let him or her know that you have chosen to leave the program.  If you are currently registered for classes, you will need to submit a withdrawal form. The withdrawal form can be obtained in the Registrar's office in Lassen Hall or on the web at: http://www.csus.edu/registrar/forms/

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How soon should I start thinking about beginning my thesis or project?

It is never too early to start thinking about a thesis or project. Preparing a thesis or project (from the development stage to the final manuscript) requires advance planning. Beyond the research and writing of the thesis or project, a student is required to efficiently manage a wide array of resources. As you progress through your program, a topic of interest will develop. Seek out the advice and counsel of faculty members within your academic department and determine their willingness to advise you on your thesis  or project. You will be required to have 2 advisers/readers if you choose to do a thesis. Once a student has been advanced to candidacy, you may register for your thesis or project (MBA 500A or MBA 500B), and the final step in the culminating experience (writing and submission of the thesis or project) can officially begin.

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How many units of transfer courses may be used for the MBA program?

The university allows up to 6 units of transfer coursework from outside institutions.  These courses must be previously approved by the GBAC office via submission of an Action Sheet form and/or a Course Evaluation form.   Please note that you can only transfer courses from AACSB accredited institutions.  To check whether your school is AACSB accredited, go to: http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/AccreditedMembers.asp

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Where can I get the schedule for classes?

The schedule of classes can be found on your MySacState portal or on the Sacramento State's main home page by clicking on "Schedule of Classes" link: http://www.csus.edu/class-schedule/.

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When can I enroll in my Culminating Experience?

Students are eligible to enroll for their Culminating Experience the semester after being Advanced to Candidacy, subject to approval by their faculty advisors.  Credit is granted upon completion.  To enroll in a 500A Thesis or 500B Project you must submit an Add Permit signed by the faculty advisor/reader by the end of the second week of classes to the GBAC. You cannot add a Thesis or Project  via your MySacState registration.  You may submit the form electronically by scanning it and emailing it to our office. Please email the signed and scanned Add Permit to cba-gbac@saclink.csus.edu. 

Add Permits for the first two weeks of the semester can be found on the GBAC website at: http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html

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Are there any prerequisites to enroll in the MBA 500A or MBA 500B?

No. The prerequisite of MBA 244 for MBA 500A and MBA 500B is not currently offered, nor being enforced.

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What is the difference between MBA 500A and MBA 500B?

MBA500 A (thesis) requires two faculty advisors/readers to approve the final product. Each student must identify two full-time faculty members that are willing to work with them on their thesis. The student and the faculty will then choose a topic that is agreeable to all parties. A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem; states the major assumptions; explains the significance of the undertaking; sets forth the sources for, and methods of gathering, information; analyzes the data; and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product must evidence originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, clarity of purpose, and accurate and thorough documentation. An oral defense of the thesis may be required. The fulfillment of any of the above culminating requirement must conform to the appropriate requirements of the Sacramento State Thesis and Project Format Requirement Guides which can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website forms page http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/thesis_templates.htm                                                                                                          

The 500 B (Project) requires one faculty advisor/reader to approve the final product. Each student must identify a full-time faculty member that is willing to work with them on their project. The student and the faculty will then choose a topic that is agreeable to both parties. A project is a significant undertaking of a pursuit appropriate to professional fields. It must evidence originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It must be described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required. A sample of various types of projects are as follows:  A Research Project: a project which contributes to the physical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or the professions, by adding to technical/professional knowledge in the professional field. Examples include building a device; designing an experiment; a field study; a case study; a documentary report; a professional article of publishable quality.  The fulfillment of any of the above culminating requirements must conform to the appropriate requirements of the Sacramento State Thesis and Project Format Requirement Guides which can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website forms page: http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/thesis_templates.htm.

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How do I enroll in MBA 501?

To enroll in MBA 501 you must submit an Add Permit form to the GBAC office. There is no signature required. You cannot add this class via your MySacState registration. You may submit the form electronically by scanning it and emailing it to our office. Please email the scanned Add Permit  to cba-gbac@saclink.csus.edu. The GBAC will review your eligibility to enroll (i.e. GWAR requirement met and Advanced to Candidacy completed) and add the class to your schedule. 

Add Permits for the first two weeks of the semester can be found on the GBAC website at: http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html.

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What do I do if I don't finish my project or thesis in one semester?

If you are working on your thesis or project but do not complete it by the required deadline of the semester you are registered then you can submit your thesis or project in the next semester. You will need to submit a Graduation Date Change form to move forward your graduation date.  If you don’t have any other classes left you will be required to enroll in a “599 Continuous Enrollment” in the following semester. Classified graduate students normally retain rights to the catalog under which they were classified providing they retain continuous enrollment as defined by the University. Students not maintaining continuous enrollment lose classified graduate standing and will therefore be required to apply for readmission. Such students may be held for additional program or degree requirements which are current at the time of readmission. Students who do not finish the thesis or project within the semester of original enrollment will receive a grade of Satisfactory Progress (RP) in their thesis or project course. Provided adequate progress has been made the following three semesters and continuous enrollment is maintained, the 'RP' grade will stand until the thesis or project is completed. If the student does not complete the culminating experience within the 4 semester time limit, he or she will receive a No Credit (N/C) grade for these units. Such students are then required to reenroll in the culminating requirement units before continuing their programs. Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 278-6470 for instructions on how to register for the 599 Continuous Enrollment. Usually the cost to register for the 599 is around  two hundred dollars.

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What is Conditionally Classified?

Conditionally Classified means that you still have 2 or fewer foundation courses to complete before you can move on to the program requirement (core) and elective courses.  You may also be Conditionally Classified if you have not met the minimum GPA requirement of an overall 3.0 GPA for your Foundation courses. After you finish your foundation courses with an overall 3.0 or higher GPA, you will need to apply for "Fully Classified MBA student" status by filling out an Application for Classification form and submitting it to the GBAC office by the following deadlines:       

  • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
  • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

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What is Fully Classified?

Fully Classified means that you have met all of the Foundation course requirements  and can move on to enrolling in program requirement (core) and elective courses for your program.

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When the conditions of admission have been met, how do I request classified standing?

You may request to be fully classified via an Application for Classification form. You must submit your form in the semester BEFORE you would like to be classified. The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification forms are:

  • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
  • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

Initiation of the Application for Classification form is the responsibility of the student.

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Foundation/Pre-requisite Questions

What is Pre-MBA?

Pre-MBA means that you still have 3 or more foundation courses to complete before you can move on to the program requirement (core) and elective courses.  You may also be Pre-MBA if your undergraduate courses fall outside of the 7 year deadline or if you have not met the minimum GPA requirement of an overall 3.0 GPA for your Foundation courses. When you have 2 or fewer Foundation courses in the upcoming semester, you can apply for "Conditionally Classified MBA student" status by filling out an Application for Classification form and submitting it to the GBAC office by the following deadlines:                                                                                                        

  • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
  • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

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Do I have to complete the prerequisite courses listed on my qualification record?

The graduate faculty will assume that students are proficient in mathematics, statistics and computer usage.  The above skills should be attained independently by the student through prior coursework, review classes, self-study or work experience. These proficiency requirements do not count toward program requirements and will not be offered as part of the MBA degree program.  This is a “proceed at your own risk” warning given at the beginning of your degree program.  As a graduate student, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary proficiencies – we will not mention the prerequisites again and you need not ever provide proof of completion.

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What are Foundation courses?

The Foundation courses required for each individual student based on their undergraduate transcripts will be noted on their Qualification Record, which is mailed with the admissions letter. These foundation courses do not count toward program requirements of the MBA degree.  These courses must be completed before Full Classification into the MBA Program can be approved. 

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How can I move from Pre-MBA to Fully Classified MBA?

A student must apply for classification using an Application for Classification form if they are in their last semester of Foundation coursework, and/or if they will have two or fewer Foundation classes remaining in the next semester. The form must be submitted  in the semester BEFORE they would like to be classified. The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification forms are:

  • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
  • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

Initiation of the Application for Classification is the responsibility of the student

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Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) Questions

What is the GWAR?

The GWAR stands for the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement. All graduate students are expected to have demonstrated writing proficiency at the undergraduate level as prescribed by California State University System (CSU). All Graduate students must meet the GWAR. Graduate students are required to meet this requirement before Advancing to Candidacy. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Students in a graduate program who have not fulfilled this requirement will be required to demonstrate writing proficiency.

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Can I be waived out of the GWAR?

Yes. The GWAR can be waived if you meet the following:  Meet one of the Waiver Standards on the Graduate Writing Proficiency Waiver form.  The deadline to submit your waiver form with all required supporting documentation to the College of Business Administration Graduate Business Advising Center (GBAC) is the last day of your first semester in the program (December 18th for Fall and May 25th for Spring).

The form can be found at: http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/assorted_misc_forms/wpe_waiver.pdf                                                                                

YOU MUST SUBMIT THIS FORM EVEN IF YOU MEET ONE OF THE WAIVER STANDARDS TO WAIVE THE GWAR. Graduate students are required to meet this requirement before Advancing to Candidacy. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

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How do I register for the GWAR?

You can register to fulfill the GWAR requirement though the Sacramento State's Testing Center:  http://www.csus.edu/testing/wpj.stm. Phone number: 916-278-6296.

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Concentration Questions

What concentrations do you offer?

The MBA program offers a concentation in Finance.

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    Do I have to declare a concentration?

    No. If you do not state a concentration on your original application to the program, your concentration will automatically be "General". You  may change your concentration at any time during the length of your program.  You may do this by completing an Application for Classification Form. The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification form are:

    • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
    • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

    http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/candidacy_formspetitions/classification_application.pdf

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    Can I declare two concentrations?

    Yes. You may have two concentrations. However, you will need to complete the elective courses for both concentrations and complete an Application for Classification form to add a second concentration.                     

    The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification form are:

    • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
    • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

    http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/candidacy_formspetitions/classification_application.pdf

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    How long do I have before I have to state my concentration?

    If you do not state a concentration on your original application  to the program, your concentration will automatically be "General". You  may change your concentration at any time during the length of your program.  You may do this by completing an Application for Classification form. The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification form are:

    • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
    • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

    http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/candidacy_formspetitions/classification_application.pdf

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    How can I change concentrations?

    You can change concentrations in the MBA program by submitting an Application for Classification Form. For example, you can move from MBA-Finance  to MBA-General by submitting the form.                                                                                                                                                                   

    The deadlines to submit your Application for Classification form are:

    • For Classification beginning in the Fall semester: January 5th
    • For Classification beginning in the Spring semester: September 5th

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    Advancement to Candidacy Questions

    What is an Advancement to Candidacy form?

    The Advancement to Candidacy form is essentially a contract between the student and the university and that you have been officially recognized by the university as a candidate for the degree.  You are required to state what program requirement (core), elective and culminating experience courses you will take to complete your degree. You will also state in what semesters that you will be taking these courses.  If you deviate from the courses that you have stated on the Advancement to Candidacy form, you must submit a "Petition for Exception" to make the necessary changes.

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    When do my applications for Advancement to Candidacy and Graduation need to be turned into CBA in order to graduate?

    You must submit the application for Advancement to Candidacy at least one semester before you intend to enroll in your Culminating Experience (Thesis, Project,  or MBA 501).  A student must submit the Advancement to Candidacy form when they have completed 12 units of Program Requirement and/or elective courses (beyond foundation courses) or by the deadlines listed below whichever comes first:

    Fall/Winter Advancement: January 5th

    Spring/Summer Advancement: September 5th

    If this deadline is missed there can be no guarantee that a student will be advanced in the semester requested. This will cause a restriction to placed on their registration to prevent enrollment in a Culminating Experience (graduation will be delayed).

    Students must file for Graduation at least one semester before they plan on enrolling in their Culminating Experience. However, a student cannot apply for graduation until they have submitted their signed Advancement to Candidacy to the GBAC. It is easiest to do it at the same time you are applying for Advancement to Candidacy. A student must submit the Application for Graduation by the deadlines listed below:

    Fall/Winter Graduation: January 5th

    Spring/Summer Graduation: September 5th                                                                                                                             

    Initiation of the Advancement to Candidacy and Application for Graduation forms are the responsibility of the student.

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    When do I Advance to Candidacy?

    A student must submit the Advancement to Candidacy form when they have completed 12 units of Program Requirement and/or elective courses (beyond foundation courses) or by the deadlines listed below, whichever comes first:

    Fall/Winter Advancement: January 5th

    Spring/Summer Advancement: September 5th

    If this deadline is missed there can be no guarantee that a student will be advanced in the semester requested. This will cause a restriction to placed on their registration to prevent enrollment in a Culminating Experience (graduation will be delayed).

    Initiation of the Advancement to Candidacy is the responsibility of the student. 

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    How long does it take for my Advancement to Candidacy to be processed?

    If you have met all of the requirements for Advancement then your application will be processed by the GBAC, usually within 10 business days, and sent to the Sacramento State Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) for approval and posting to your electronic record.  The OGS usually takes 6-9 weeks to process an Advancement form after the GBAC submits it to their office.  You will not be able to enroll in your Culminating Experience until this form has been inputted into your electronic record so pay attention to the deadlines to submit the form. You may check your Advancement to Candidacy status in the student portal under “Degree Audit” of your MySacState profile.

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    What do I need to do if I deviate from the courses I put on my Advancement to Candidacy?

    If, after a student has been approved to Advance to Candidacy, he/she makes any change to the 33 units of coursework listed on their Advancement to Candidacy Form (MBA Program Requirements, Elective courses and Culminating Experience) they must submit a Petition for Exception Form.

    Students can obtain a Petition for Exception Form from the College of Business Administration Graduate Business Advising Center’s website at http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html

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    Graduation/Diploma Questions

    What forms do I need to submit in order to graduate?

    The last forms that you need to submit in order to graduate are the Advancement to Candidacy form and the Application for Graduation form.  You may submit these forms concurrently. Please make sure you pay your graduation fee at the cashier's office in Lassen Hall before your submit the form to our office in Tahoe Hall room 1037.                                                                                                                                             Initiation of the Advancement to Candidacy  and Application for Graduation forms are the responsibility of the student.

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    When do I need to apply for graduation?

    Students must file for graduation at least one semester before they plan on enrolling in their culminating experience. However, a student cannot apply for graduation until they have submitted their signed Advancement to Candidacy to the GBAC. It is easiest to do it at the same time you are applying for Advancement to Candidacy. A student must submit the Application for Graduation form by the deadlines listed below:                                                                            

    Fall/Winter Graduation: January 5th

    Spring/Summer Graduation: September 5th

    Initiation of the Application for Graduation is the responsibility of the student.

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    Where do I submit my Application for Graduation Form?

    The process of submitting the Application for Graduation form is as follows: Fill out the form completely.  Be sure that you print clearly and that your address is correct as this is the address where your diploma will be mailed. Take the form to the Student Financial Services Center in Lassen Hall 1001 to pay your diploma fee (currently $63.50).  They will give you a receipt and they will also print a receipt directly on the Application for Graduation form.  Bring the paid form to the GBAC office in Tahoe Hall room 1037 and submit it for processing. No signature other than yours is required to submit it to the GBAC. You may also submit the form electronically by scanning it and emailing it to our office, but please be sure you have the paid receipt on the form before submission. Please email the paid and scanned Application for Graduation form to cba-gbac@saclink.csus.edu.  The GBAC will process your application for graduation as long as your Advancement to Candidacy is approved. Incomplete forms will be returned to you and will cause a delay in your Graduation process.

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    I applied to graduate, but will not be completing my culminating experience or required courses this semester, what do I do?

    If you have applied to graduate, and will need another semester or more to complete your culminating experience or any other required coursework, you will need to move your graduation date forward using a Graduation Date Change form. Failure to move your graduation date will prevent you from registering for classes for the following semester (The system will close you out at the end of the term that you have filed to graduate).  If you do not graduate in the semester you listed on your Application for Graduation form you will need to submit a Graduation Date Change Form.

    You can download the form from our website at http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html.  Please submit a copy of the form to the GBAC in person or via email as well so that we can keep a copy in your file.

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    Do I have to attend Commencement Ceremony?

    No. The commencement ceremony is not mandatory and it is an informal ceremony, meaning that you do not get your diploma or any official documentation at the actual ceremony.  You must have submitted an Application for Graduation form, by the required deadline to get your diploma and to have your name appear in the commencement program for the semester you plan to graduate.

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    How do I sign up to attend the Commencement Ceremony?

    You must have submitted an Application for Graduation, by the required deadline, to get your diploma and to have your name appear in the commencement program for the semester you plan to graduate.  To sign up to "walk" in the commencement ceremony, find out where you can purchase your cap and gown, announcements and other important information about your graduation, please visit our website at: http://www.cba.csus.edu/biz/commencement.html. Follow the link to "Sign Me Up" to put your name in to participate in the ceremony. Please read all information carefully.

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    When can I expect to receive my diploma in the mail?

    Diplomas are sent out by mail from the Sacramento State Office of Graduate Studies.  Diplomas usually take 6-10 months from the point of degree verification to arrive. When filling out your Application for Graduation form,  be sure that you print clearly and that your address is correct, as this is the address where your diploma will be mailed. If your address changes make sure to contact the Office of Graduate Studies to give them the updated address. We do strongly recommend that you follow up with the Office of Graduate Studies if you do not receive your diploma within 10 months of graduation.

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    What if I need to get proof of my graduate degree before my diploma arrives?

    Your transcripts will be updated long before your actual diploma is mailed, so you may order a copy to give to prospective employers as soon as your degree has been posted by the Office of Graduate Studies. You can check your MySacState Degree Audit, Unofficial Transcripts or call the Office of Graduate Studies (916) 278-6470 to see if they have posted your degree to your transcripts.  At that point you may call Admissions and Records at (916) 278-5507 or visit their website at http://www.csus.edu/registrar/transcripts/#  to order an official set of transcripts. We do strongly recommend that you follow up with the Office of Graduate Studies if you do not receive your diploma within 10 months of graduation. 

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    Can I fax my Application for Graduation form?

    Yes. The graduation fee must have been paid and the receipt must be printed on the form.  You can also scan the form and email it to our office to cba-gbac@csus.edu. Please make sure that all of the signatures and the receipt are clearly printed on the form.  It is your responsibility to take care of these requirements before submitting the form.  The GBAC will get the Associate Dean's signature and send it to OGS for final processing.

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    Can I "walk" in the Commencement ceremony even if I am not graduating until next year?

    Yes. You can walk in the commencement ceremony.  However, your name will not appear in the commencement booklets that are handed out to the guests at the ceremony.  Your name will appear in that booklet for the semester that you are officially graduating. 

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    How do I order another copy of my diploma?

    Orders for additional diplomas are done through the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS).  You will need to download the form to request a duplicate diploma from their website, pay the fee and obtain a receipt on the form and submit the form to their office.  Please be sure to pay the appropriate fees to the cashier’s office in Lassen Hall before submitting the form to OGS.

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    Can I apply for graduation after the deadline?

    Yes. However, if your form is late, your graduation process may be delayed. In addition, your name may not be in the booklet that is given out at the Commencement ceremony.

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    Where and when are the Commencement ceremonies held?

    The Commencement ceremonies are held on either the Friday or Saturday of Finals week each Spring and Fall semester (May and December). The Commencement ceremonies are held at ARCO Arena.  The specific time varies semester to semester.

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    What if I don't graduate when I was supposed to?

    If you have applied to graduate, and will need another semester or more to complete your Culminating Experience or any other required coursework, you will need to move your graduation date. Failure to move your graduation date will prevent you from registering for classes for the following semester (because the system will have closed you out at the end of the term since you have filed to graduate). 

    If you do not graduate in the semester you listed on your Application for Graduation you will need to submit a Graduation Date Change Form. You can download the form from our website at: http://www.cba.csus.edu/graduate/mba/current/forms.html.  Please submit a copy of the form to the GBAC in person or via email so that we can keep a copy in your file.

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    I've completed all requirements for my program, how long will it take for my degree to be awarded?

    The degree evaluation process can be a lengthy one, involving the verification of satisfactory completion of all courses and the culminating experience project. Degrees are posted by the Sacramento State Office of Graduate Studies once they have verified completion of your degree requirements. Degree verification begins when grades are posted at the end of each semester (June, August and January). You may call the Office of Graduate Studies at (916) 278-6470 to find out about your estimated posting date for your degree to your transcripts.  At that point you may call Admissions and Records at (916) 278-5507 or visit their website at http://www.csus.edu/registrar/transcripts/#  to order an official set of transcripts.

     

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