Change of Personal Information
Students are expected to file a Student Information Change form with the Office of the University Registrar promptly upon a change of any personal information, including but not limited to student's address, telephone number, or name. If a student does not receive University notices because of an incorrect or outdated address, the student will still be held responsible for the information provided. Students can access the Student Information Change Form on InsideCBU.
Course Cancellations and Format Changes
California Baptist University expects to deliver instruction to its students through its traditional in-person and online formats. By attending the University, students acknowledge this expectation and understand that the University may be compelled to modify course instruction formats due to circumstances or events beyond the University's reasonable control such as acts of God, acts of government, war, social unrest, and accidents. As such, students attending the University assume the risk that circumstances may arise that mandate the closure of the campus or place restrictions upon the University's delivery of instruction. Further, all courses at California Baptist University are subject to cancellation, meeting day and time changes, or format changes for reasons such as low enrollment, curriculum updates, or staffing. Students will be notified of course cancellations and schedule changes via their California Baptist University LancerMail account.
Directed Study and Independent Study
Directed Study will be limited to those courses which are listed in the catalog as part of the University's regular curriculum. Independent Study is limited to original coursework not included in the University's regular curriculum. Approval for the arrangement must include the faculty member, Dean/Department Chair, and University Registrar. In addition to regular tuition, a per credit unit Directed or Independent Study fee will be assessed. Students begin the process by coordinating their request for Directed or Independent Study with a Student Success Coach. A Student Success Coach, in collaboration with the appropriate faculty member, completes and submits the form to the Dean/Department Chair and University Registrar for approval.
Following are California Baptist University's Directed and Independent Study guidelines:
3.0 or better cumulative grade point average
Limit of four (4) units of directed study or independent study in any given semester
A maximum of nine (9) units of directed study or independent study may be applied toward degree requirements
Challenging a Course for Credit or Exemption
A student wishing to challenge a course by examination or certification should consult the Office of the University Registrar for information. Not all courses offered at California Baptist University may be challenged by exam or certification, and determinations will be made by the appropriate academic dean or department chair.
Students who wish only to be exempt from a course requirement, but not wishing to receive university credit, will be billed the exemption by exam or exemption by certification fee, and no credit will be earned. The exemption by exam fee will be assessed whether or not the exam is passed.
Students who wish to receive credit for the challenged course and pass the exam will be charged the appropriate tuition and a grade of "Credit" will appear on the transcript. If the exam is not passed the student will only be charged the exemption by exam fee and nothing will appear on the transcript.
Courses previously attempted at California Baptist University or another institution may not be challenged. Challenge exams may be attempted only once per course and should be completed prior to the add/drop dates (see 2025-2026 Academic Calendar). Credit and tuition costs for coursework completed by exam will appear in the semester in which the exam is passed. Students may not exceed 30 units of degree credit by challenge exams.
Auditing a Course
Courses which are audited are not credit-bearing; they cannot be applied toward degree requirements. Audited courses do appear on the transcript and are indicated by an AU in lieu of a credit-bearing grade.
Students may register to audit a course during the first two weeks of the semester only, pending available space in the desired course. Regular withdrawal policies apply to audited coursework.
Privacy of Student Records
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), a student's confidential academic record is available for inspection by the student. See the Office of the University Registrar for further information regarding academic records.
FERPA permits the University to disclose certain information ("Directory Information") without the Student's consent. All other information, including grades, class schedules, tuition charges and fees, grade point average, etc. is confidential and the access is restricted to those persons or agencies defined in FERPA.
Please see Student Handbook for additional information.