California State University, Los Angeles
Sociology Department Advising Information
Mission Statement
The Sociology Department is committed to providing undergraduate and graduate students
with accurate information regarding their degree programs. We aim to advise
undergraduates on major requirements and to help them when possible with General
Education and University requirements. Similarly, we endeavor to aid graduate students
with their master’s programs, their program progression, and application questions. The
Sociology Department seeks to empower students to become engaged participants in
determining their own success at the university as active learners and self advocates, and
supports their timely progress toward graduation.
Contact Information
Location
Sociology Department Office KH-C3093 (King Hall, 3rd floor, C wing)
Phone Number (323) 343-2200
Email for advising: socadvise@cslanet.calstatela.edu
Office Hours
M-Th: 8am – 6:00 pm
Advising hours vary; call or visit office for appointment. Students also may email
departmental advisers for help or to make an appointment at:
socadvise@cslanet.calstatela.edu.
We Serve
1. All undergraduate Sociology majors and students considering a Sociology major
2. All Sociology MA students and prospective MA students
3. All undergraduate students interested in the Minor in Sociology, Minor in Law and
Society, and the Minor in Social Gerontology.
Seeing an Advisor
Advising appointments are strongly encouraged.
1. Appointments may be made by visiting or calling the Sociology Department Office at
(323) 343-2200 or by emailing advisers at: socadvise@cslanet.calstatela.edu.
2. Cancellations - if you know you will not be able to keep your appointment, please call
the office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule.
3. Your appointment may be cancelled if you are 5 minutes late.
Walk-Ins are seen based upon the availability of an advisor. It is much wiser to
make an appointment in advance or email: socadvise@cslanet.calstatela.edu.
Preparing for Your Advising Session
1. If you have questions about degree requirements or course selection, bring a list of
questions or courses you are interested in taking.
2. If you are meeting with an advisor to talk about policies, procedures, or
requirements, do your homework first by reviewing the information provided in the
catalog or on the web at http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/soc/BA.htm.
3. If you are experiencing academic problems, give some thought to what you believe
are causing these problems and have a tentative plan for solving them. The advisor
will discuss your situation with you and identify some interventions and strategies for
success. The advisor will want to monitor your progress and possibly have you
return for a follow-up meeting.
4. If you wish to discuss your academic plan please review and bring along your
Unofficial Transcript from your GET account and bring a list of
questions/concerns to the advising session. If your transcripts have not been
2/16/2016
evaluated in GET, bring copies of those transcripts. (We are NOT the official
evaluators for the University.)
5. Plan ahead in order to make your time with an advisor more productive.
Expectations for Students
1. If you are a new undergraduate student, make an appointment to see an advisor
before or, at the latest, during your first quarter at CSULA. If you are a new
graduate student, you must make an appointment to establish a plan of study prior
to your first quarter. All students should subsequently see an advisor on a regular
basis, at least every other quarter.
2. Be aware of graduation check filing dates; these are in the published schedule of
classes and posted in the department office. Each student has the responsibility of
filing a grad check in anticipation of the quarter they intend to graduate.
3. Check your CSULA email regularly. This is the official means of communication used
by the University. (You can find step-by-step instructions to forward your CSULA email
to your personal account at the following link:
http://www.calstatela.edu/its/docs/pdf/forwarding_emails.pdf.)
4. Make and be responsible for your own decisions.
5. Know the requirements for staying in good standing.
6. Maintain accurate and complete advising records.
7. Visit instructors during office hours for additional information and assistance.
Expectations for Advisors
1. Assist the student to develop a plan for meeting major requirements.
2. Review the students’ selection of classes to make sure courses are appropriate.
3. Help the student develop strategies for academic success.
4. Provide information regarding General Education and University requirements,
policies & procedures when possible.
5. Help the student plan appropriate steps to correct academic difficulties.
6. Maintain accurate and complete advising records.
7. If needed, refer the student to appropriate campus resources.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will understand their personal responsibility for their own academic,
personal, and professional success.
2. Students will have an awareness of how to utilize the necessary information,
resources, and available options to make sound educational and lifelong decisions.
3. Students will understand what they need to do to achieve their desired goals.
Key Considerations for Academic Success
1. Go to class every day and get to know your professors.
2. Understand the policies, procedures, and impact academically and financially for
dropping classes within or beyond the no record drop period.
3. Balance school with other areas of your life. Plan and devote enough study time to
do as well as you can in your classes.
4. Have good study habits and get academic assistance early if needed.
5. Always confirm information given by fellow students with your advisor or department
staff before incorporating it into your academic plan.
Advising and University Resources
For information regarding other campus advising resources, including the University
Academic Advisement Center, go to the UAAC website: www.calstatela.edu/univ/advise.
The UAAC can be particularly helpful in dealing with undergraduate General Education
requirement and articulation issues.
2/16/2016