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Home - Advising Overview - Advising FAQ

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

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Accreditation/School Ranking

  1. Q. What is your SJSU-SLIS school rating?
    A. We were first accredited by the American Library Association in 1969 and we have been fully accredited ever since. Our latest ALA accreditation was in 2007 for a full and unconditional re- accreditation for seven years, the maximum term.

We have been nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 e-learning service provider in our discipline in the U.S. We were also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as being in the top twenty-five of the best Library and Information Studies schools in the United States.

We are part of WISE (the Web-based Information Science Education Consortium), the highest quality web-based (distance education) consortium in the world in our field.

The Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) has awarded its Faculty Innovation Award to us for a sustained record of adept, responsive, and pervasive adoption of new and innovative technologies that enhance student learning and support the needs of students.

When Library Journal released its 2009 annual survey of salaries of recent graduates, we ranked #4 in the nation (and the top outside the northeast). The first ranked school, the University of Michigan, has local tuition costs that are nearly four times higher than ours. (See ALA's Salaries & Outlook link goes to non-SJSU web site.)

In 2010 the American Library Association awarded us the "Best Student Chapter of the Year," and in 2011 we became the runner-up for the "Student Chapter of the Year."

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Adds, Drops, Incompletes, Transfers, Withdrawals

  1. Q. Who should I contact about late adds, late drops or withdrawals?
    A. For anything to do with forms and administrative issues such as late drops, late adds, or withdrawals, contact the Student Services Coordinator.
  2. Q. How do I transfer in classes from other institutions?
    A. See: Transferring Units
  3. Q. What is the policy on Incompletes?
    A. See: Incompletes
  4. Q. How long is an incomplete?
    A. After receiving an incomplete in a class, you have one calendar year to complete the work.
  5. Q. How do I get an extension past that first year?
    A. You may fill out the "Incomplete Extension" form, to be found on the Academic Forms page. Extensions are rarely granted.
  6. Q. If I don't do anything after I have received an Incomplete, what happens?
    A. The Incomplete turns into a failed grade after one year.

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Admissions

  1. Q. When is the application deadline?
    A. See: Application Deadlines
  2. Q. How do I apply?
    A. Please read our admission requirements and then go to our admissions process web page for further instructions.
  3. Q. Can I talk to an advisor? I would like to ask some questions about how to apply.
    A. Virtually everything you need to learn about our School can be found online on our web site in a special section for prospective students. This web page contains links to information about our MLIS degree, online learning, our School requirements, the application process, deadlines, fees, financial aid and scholarships, career directions, etc. Once you have looked through the web site information that interests you, please feel free to contact us at 408-924-2490, or email us, with any further questions you may have.
  1. Q. Can I complete a graduate degree online?
    A. Yes. Both of our Master's degrees (MLIS and MARA) are fully online programs.
  2. Q. What is the difference between regular and special session?
    A. The classes themselves are the same and are delivered totally online. The difference is based on a student's geographic residence. Anyone who lives within the geographic catchment area of San José (zip codes 93600-96199) has a regular session tuition fee structure. Anyone living outside the San José geographic catchment area is considered a special session student and has a special session tuition fee structure. See Fees section for more information.
  3. Q. Is the GRE required?
    A. No.
  4. Q. Are letters of reference required?
    A. No.
  5. Q. Are there any undergraduate classes that you recommend that I take to get prepared for your program? Are any undergraduate majors recommended?
    A. The undergraduate discipline you choose doesn't matter in terms of getting into our graduate program. What matters most is your GPA (grade point average). Please see our admission requirements.
  6. Q. How do I change majors (from MARA to MLIS or MLIS to MARA or from another graduate program in SJSU to MLIS or MARA)?
    A. If you have been admitted to a graduate program in SJSU and wish to change to the MLIS or MARA degree (or have been admitted to the MLIS and wish to change to MARA or vice versa), please fill out the following form: www.sjsu.edu/gape/docs/change_major.pdf and send it to the Student Services Coordinator.
  7. Q. I already have an MLIS. Now I want the teacher-librarian credential. Who do I contact to find out the details about this?
    A. Please contact the Teacher-Librarianship Coordinator, Mary Ann Harlan. Make sure to include where and when you got your MLIS degree in the message; also tell her if you currently hold a valid single or multiple subject clear credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  8. Q. If I want just the Teacher Librarian credential do I apply for the MLIS or for just the credential?
    A. You must apply for the MLIS program. Then, by the end of your first semester at SLIS, you must also send email notification of your intent to earn a teacher librarian credential to Mary Ann Harlan, the Teacher Librarianship Coordinator. You take 37 units of coursework (see: Required Coursework for the Teacher Librarian Credential) and then apply for the Teacher Librarian credential. You can stop at that point, but we also strongly encourage students to complete the additional 6 units required for the Master's in Library and Information Science degree as this will expand career opportunities for employment.
  1. Q. I live in Hawaii. If I am accepted into your credential program, can I obtain a California teacher-librarian credential and can I do it without having to fly to California for anything?
    A. Yes, you can obtain a California teacher-librarian credential without ever coming to our San José State University campus. However, you must first hold a valid single or multiple subject teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC); the teacher-librarian credential is a second credential. If you are interested in being a teacher librarian in a state other than California, you should check with that state's Department of Education for their school librarian requirements before undertaking this program to ensure that our teacher-libriarian credential courses are accepted by that state.

If you have any further questions regarding the credentials program, please contact our Teacher-Librarianship Coordinator, Mary Ann Harlan.

  1. Q. If I am a CSU employee with approval for a fee waiver, how do I apply?
    A. If you are a CSU employee and eligible for a fee waiver, you must contact Graduate Admissions and Evaluations (GAPE) before you apply. In the email, include the name of the CSU where you work. You will be instructed how to apply as a regular session student even if you live outside the San José catchment area. Contact GAPE.
  1. Q. I am admitted for Fall. Can I take classes in Summer?
    A. No. You must wait until the Fall semester begins to take classes.
  2. Q. I am admitted for Fall. Can I wait until Spring to begin taking classes?
    A. Applicants admitted into SLIS cannot defer enrollment. Graduate Admissions requires new students to register for the semester indicated on the application. New students who do not enroll but wish to return for a later semester must reapply.
  3. Q. Can I defer initial enrollment for a term or two?
    A. No. If you do not take classes the first semester for which you were admitted you need to reapply.
  4. Q. How fast can I complete the degree?
    A. Here is one full time scenario -obviously you could configure this differently depending on whether you start in Fall or Spring.

Fall -10 units (200, 202, 203, 204)
Spring -9 units (3 classes)
Summer -6 units (2 classes)
Fall -9 units (3 classes)
Spring -6 units (2 classes)
Summer -3 units (1 class)

So 43 units and 15 classes.

  1. Q. How many years in total can I take to complete the MLIS?
    A. All classes for the MLIS degree must be completed in 7 years. Any class older than 7 years will not count and will have to be re-taken.
  2. Q. I don't quite have a 3.0 GPA. Is there a probationary status?
    A. The 3.0 minimum GPA as stated in our admissions requirements is a solid requirement; we do not have a probationary period option for people who do not have that 3.0 GPA minimum.
  3. Q. I don't quite meet your 3.0 minimum GPA requirement. How can I raise my GPA?
    A. Take additional upper undergraduate courses at a regionally accredited institution. The courses need to be used in a degree program at said institution, not used in professional or personal development certificates. Your last 60 semester (90 quarter) units will be used in the GPA calculation. Once you have raised your GPA to 3.0 or above, reapply.
  4. Q. I am an international student. Do I need to take a TOEFL test?
    A. A TOEFL is required for all students who graduated from a higher education institution in a country where English is not the first language. Please see the TOEFL requirement section on: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/admissions/requirements.htm. All test scores must be less than 2 years old, and test scores must be sent directly from the ETS (Educational Testing Service) office. If you would like to contact SJSU's Graduate Admissions and Evaluations department directly to discuss this further, their main phone number is 408-924-2480 and their email address graduate@sjsu.edu.
  1. Q. I am an overseas student but I am presently in the United States. Can I apply for your degree? Can I take your classes?
    A. This depends on what type of visa you have. All of our MLIS degree classes are delivered totally online, but current U.S. government policy does not allow international students in some visa categories living in the U.S. to take a program that has only online classes. Contact SJSU's International and Extended Studies to find out if your visa status will allow you to participate in our totally online degree program. Note: it is possible to take our special session classes and obtain your MLIS degree while continuing to reside in your own country.
  1. Q. Do I need to do anything more to apply? I already did the online application and sent in my transcripts.
    A. No. Please see: SLIS Admissions Process
  2. Q. I applied last year, do I need to reapply? Do I need to resend my transcripts?
    A. You need to take at least one unit of classwork during the first semester you have been accepted into SLIS. If you do not, you have to reapply. The University only keeps your transcripts for one year, so if you are reapplying more than a year after you sent in your transcripts, you will have to send in a new set of transcripts. See Reapplying for Admission
  3. Q. Where do I send the application fee?
    A. You can pay online with a credit card at the same time as you submit your CSU Mentor online application. If you would prefer to send the application fee by check, please see our Application Process web page for the application fee address.
  4. Q. I'm having trouble filling out the CSU Mentor application, can you help me out?
    A. We have a tutorial with screen shots available online.
  5. Q. I submitted an incorrect GPA on the CSU Mentor application. How can I amend what I wrote?
    A. That is not necessary. Graduate Admissions and Evaluations calculates your GPA from your actual transcripts and uses that calculation to determine your eligibility for our program.
  6. Q. The CSU Mentor application mentioned a possible $55 fee waiver; how do I get that?
    A. Please see this student fee FAQ for information.
  7. Q. I am in the military overseas. What application form do I fill out, the domestic one or the international one? Do I get any tuition breaks for being in the military?
    A. If you want to apply to our totally online MLIS program while you are in the U.S. military overseas and you are a U.S. citizen, you should use the domestic Graduate Admission Application listed at CSU Mentor and say you are interested in "Library and Information Science (MLIS Special Session)." Do not use the International admission application. The MLIS application process is outlined on our SLIS admissions process page. There is more information about military admissions on the SJSU website's veteran services page.
  8. Q. My undergraduate school did not give grades, how do you evaluate that type of transcript?
    A. Graduate Admissions and Evaluations will evaluate transcripts that do not give grades. Be sure to include all the documentation (including any paragraph descriptions) when you send in your transcripts. On the CSU Mentor application just put in your best guess about your GPA.
  9. Q. If I apply, how long until I "hear" whether I have been admitted?
    A. SLIS has no control over this. Admissions are handled by Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation (GAPE). While you are waiting, you can check your application status on my.sjsu.edu.
  10. Q. Where do I send my transcripts?
    A. See SLIS Admissions Process.
  11. Q. If I went to more than one school for my undergraduate degree, do I have to send in both transcripts? Or just the one where I graduated?
    A. If you have taken at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units for the university where you obtained your Bachelor's degree, you do not have to send transcripts from the junior college.
  12. Q. I never received information about how to get into MySJSU (or) I lost that information. I didn't print out the confirm notice and now I need MySJSU password, how do I get it?
    A. Contact the University's CMS Help Desk at 408-924-1530, or cmshelp@sjsu.edu.
  13. Q. I applied a long time ago and I haven't heard anything since, what is the status of my application?
    A. To find the status of your application, log on to your MySJSU account and scroll to the bottom of your Student Center web page. If you have a problem with logging on to MySJSU, contact SJSU's CMS Help Desk at 408-024-2530, or by email.
  1. Q. I applied a long time ago and sent everything in, but my MySJSU status still says "Incomplete." Have you received my transcripts yet? How can I find out if you have? What is still missing?
    A. Application transcripts are sent to Graduate Admissions and Evaluations (GAPE). If you would like to contact GAPE directly to discuss this further, their main phone number is 408-924-2480 and their email address is graduate@sjsu.edu. However, it might help you to know what the SJSU Application status indicators mean:
  1. As soon as the CSU Mentor application is received, Graduate Admissions and Evaluations will enter your status as "Incomplete" on your MySJSU Student Center web page. "Incomplete" does not necessarily mean that anything is missing; it is just the initial status.
  2. About a month or more later, Graduate Admissions will actually look at your file. Anything that has arrived for you (application, transcripts) has been put in that file. After they actually look to see what is in the file, they will change your MySJSU Student Center web page status to either "Incomplete - Verified" (which means they either don't have all the transcripts or the application fee is missing) or "Complete" (which means all your paperwork is in). If they have any problems with what you have sent in, they will also post a message to your MySJSU Student Center page either in the "View my Messages" section or on your "To Do" list on the right-hand side of the MySJSU page.
  3. Graduate Admissions and Evaluations will then begin evaluating your application. They may do this quickly or it may take some time for them to do this. When they have completed the evaluation, they will post a new status on your MySJSU Student Center web page that says either "Accepted" or "Denied." They will also send you a letter stating their final determination.

If they have determined to accept you, they will let our department know. We at SLIS will then send you a second letter, via email, welcoming you into our program and giving you steps to take in order to get ready for your first semester with us. The SLIS letter will come via email so be sure to set your spam filter to accept email from .sjsu.edu.

  1. Q. If my status still says just "Incomplete" after the application deadline, will I be automatically denied?
    A. No. If your paperwork has a postmark before the application deadline, your paperwork will not be considered late.
  2. Q. I've been checking my status on MySJSU and it has been saying Complete for the last three weeks. When I checked today, however, it now says my status is Withdrawn/University Limits. I don't understand what this means. What are my options?
    A. Our applications are processed on a first come, first served basis from among those who meet our entrance requirements and who have submitted complete documents.

After our enrollment capacity is reached, Graduate Admissions and Evaluations withdraws any outstanding applications and they will no longer be considered. This is true whether or not the outstanding applications would have met our admission requirements.

However, students with this Withdrawn/University Limits status can apply again in a future semester if they would like. Graduate Admissions keeps transcripts for one year after they were submitted so you might not need to send in transcripts again, but to reapply you would need to fill out the CSUMentor application and pay an application fee again.

  1. Q. I have a MySJSU message that I should call admissions. What is their phone number?
    A. If you would like to contact SJSU's Graduate Admissions and Evaluations department, their main phone number is 408-924-2480 and their email address is graduate@sjsu.edu.
  2. Q. Does a SLIS student pay a deposit to confirm intention to enroll?
    A. No
  3. Q. I've just been accepted. What do I do now?
    A. We at SLIS will shortly email you a second letter welcoming you into our program, telling you how to find your academic advisor, and pointing you to our online New Student Checklist which lists the steps needed to get you ready for your first semester with us. The SLIS letter will come via email so be sure to set your spam filter to accept email from .sjsu.edu.
  4. Q. Who is my advisor? I just got a letter and it says to contact my advisor immediately.
    A. The official Graduate Admissions acceptance letter you just received does not name your advisor.

    To find the name of your Academic Advisor:

    • Log into my.sjsu.edu
    • Select "Self Service"
    • Click on "Academic Records"
    • Select "View My Advisor" (Clicking on the advisor's name will bring up the email address.)

    There is no requirement to contact your academic advisor unless you want to. However, it is very important for you to carefully work through the new student checklist at slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/newstudent/checklist.htm before your first semester begins.

  5. Q. Is there an onsite orientation for new students?
    A. No. You will receive information via email and the web.
  6. Q. Do I have to reapply for admission each semester?
    A. No. If you have attended classes for at least one semester and you are a graduate student in good standing, you can skip one semester (Fall or Spring) without submitting any paperwork. However, you must return to class in the next semester. If you wish to skip two or more consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring), you must submit a Leave of Absence Request form before your first semester out to our Student Services Coordinator. If you do not, you will need to reapply for admission. Please review University Policy regarding Leave of Absence before submitting the Leave of Absence form. Note: You may skip a Summer semester at any time without filing any paperwork.

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Advising and Advisors

  1. Q. Who are my advisors?
    A. You have a variety of advisors depending on your needs:
  1. Q. Who is my academic advisor?
    A. There are multiple ways to find out who your advisor is:
  1. Check the email welcome letter you received from SLIS
  2. Look on D2L. You are automatically joined to your advisor's D2L advising site
  3. You can find your academic advisor by:
    • Logging into my.sjsu.edu
    • Selecting "Self Service"
    • Selecting "Academic Records"
    • Selecting "View My Advisor" (Clicking on the advisor's name will bring up the email address.)
  1. Q. What is the role of my assigned academic advisor?
    A. See: Responsibilities of an Advisor
  2. Q. When should I talk with my academic advisor?
    A. When you have questions related to academic-class related-issues. You also need to talk with your academic advisor when you are on academic probation.
  3. Q. How do I change my academic advisor?
    A. Email the SLIS office to find out if there is room on the desired full-time faculty member's roster. If there is room, SLIS will notify the student, and the student should ask the desired full-time faculty member for permission to switch to them as an advisee. If the faculty member agrees, the student should ask the faculty member to email the SLIS office confirming agreement.
  4. Q. What does the Student Services Coordinator do?
    A. The Student Services Coordinator handles all forms, obtains signatures, coordinates the assignment of advisors to new students, and answers questions that are administrative in nature such as admission requirements, the application process for prospective students, holds, withdrawal petitions, candidacy forms, substitution forms, name and address changes, transcript questions, transfer credit, and scholarship information.
  5. Q. Who is the Graduate Advisor (in SLIS called the Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising)
    A. Dr. Linda Main
  6. Q. What does the Graduate Advisor (in SLIS called the Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising) do?
    A. Essentially helps with all administrative problems. See: Role of the Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising

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Candidacy, Course Substitution, Graduation

  1. Q. How many classes do I need to take to graduate?
    A. In order to graduate you must have successfully completed 43 units if you entered our program in Fall 2008 or later, or 42 units if you entered our program before the Fall 2008 semester. See Graduation Application Process and Forms for more information.
  2. Q. I think I am ready to graduate, what do I need to do?
    A. See: Graduation Application Process and Forms
  3. Q. Can I count classes with grades lower than a C towards my degree?
    A. No. All classes listed on the candidacy form must have a grade of no lower than C (a C- is not a C).
  4. Q. How do I submit my candidacy form?
    A. Read and follow the information to complete the MLIS candidacy approval form.
  5. Q. My D2L doesn't show a Candidacy folder, what do I do?
    A. You will need to self-register for the SLIS Candidacy Site-LIBR0002 course in D2L.
    1. Log in to your D2L account.
    2. In D2L's My Courses widget, click on the SLIS ePortfolio and Community Groups Portal link
    3. Click on the SLIS Community Sites link
    4. In the Course Offering Name column, click on the SLIS Candidacy Site link
    5. In the View Course Offering Information page, verify that you want to enroll into the SLIS Candidacy Site by clicking Register.
    6. You will then see the Registration Information page. The fields on this page will be populated with your D2L account information. Click Submit.
    7. You will then see the Confirmation page. Click Finish to complete the self registration process.
    8. Click on the D2L link to the SLIS Candidacy Site to access. Read the instructions there.
  6. Q. I neglected to submit my candidacy form by the deadline. What can I do?
    A. You will have to submit it for the next graduation period. There is nothing SLIS can do. The deadlines are firm and set by Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation.
  7. Q. How do I make a change to my Candidacy form?
    File an Authorization to Substitute Courses Required for Graduation.
  8. Q. The graduate advisor needs to sign my course substitution form. Who should I send it to?
    A. You do not need to obtain signatures. The SLIS office will obtain the necessary signatures and deliver your form to GAPE. Follow the procedures outlined in "Change in Planned Courses?".
  9. Q. I was wondering if I have to graduate at 43 units or if I can take more classes?
    A. Remember that you can only count 43 units towards the MLIS degree (or 42 if you entered before Fall 2008). Any units taken over will not be part of the MLIS but will show on your transcript. See the Presidential Directive about taking classes over the limit needed to graduate. Note paragraph two and also note that this only applies to state-supported (regular session) students.
  10. Q. I've met all the requirements for graduation. When are my official transcripts posted showing that I've graduated? When do I get my diploma?
    A. Per the office of Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations (GAPE), it takes until the end of the month following graduation to have degrees posted to transcripts and it takes approximately another month to get all the diplomas out. You will receive an email from GAPE when your degree has been awarded and posted on your transcript. Calling the GAPE office staff before then slows down the process for everyone and does not result in your own degree getting posted more rapidly. Please DO NOT CONTACT the GAPE office or staff for the two months following the month you graduate. However, you can keep a watch on your status on MySJSU under "Other Indicators" or check your unofficial transcript from time to time.
  11. Q. Where will my diploma be sent?
    Your diploma will be sent to the diploma address that SJSU has on record. You may view or change your diploma address on My SJSU up until your graduation date. Please keep your diploma address current since the post office will not forward diplomas to your new address.
  1. Q. I'm interviewing for a job and they want to see my diploma/official transcript before they will hire me — who do I contact to get this?
    A. Requests for official SJSU transcripts from the Office of the Registrar can be completed online or via mail. See: http://www.sjsu.edu/registrar/transcripts/
  2. Q. I paid for my classes last semester and want to get reimbursed by where I work. My employer needs to confirm that I took classes with SLIS last semester. How do I get that?
    A. If you need grade verification, you can print out your unofficial MySJSU transcript. If you need an official transcript, you will need to wait until GAPE posts your degree to your transcripts (about one month), then request an official SJSU transcript.

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Career Directions/Specializations/Job Market

  1. Q. Do I need to declare a specialization?
    A. No. All students get an MLIS Degree. The career pathways pages are purely to help you decide on classes if you want to concentrate on a particular career direction. They are part of our advising process. There is no requirement to focus on a particular area. Taking classes from a variety of areas is quite common and may make you more marketable.
  2. Q. Do you have a medical librarian specialty?
    A. No. We do have one class which is offered on a rotational basis once a year with a medical librarian focus, "LIBR 220 - Resources and Information Services in Professions and Disciplines." You can find a syllabus for this medical course focus at (Greenberg, Fall 2011). LIBR 220 also has a science reference focus from time to time. Because our MLIS degree does not have a lot of required courses, you can also tailor medical librarian-type classes into the electives you choose. For example, we do offer internship classes and we have a strong internship relationship with the Kaiser group. You can take medical internships for more than one semester so you can sample different medical library-type places.
  3. Q. Tell me about the teacher-librarian credential? I'm from another state, do I have to be a teacher first? Is the credential good in other states?
    A. Please see our Teacher-Librarian Credential web page for more information about this credential. Students residing in the State of California need to have a valid California teaching credential before they can apply for the Teacher-Librarian credential.
  4. If you are interested in a Teacher Librarian credential from a state other than California, you should check with that state's Department of Education for their requirements before undertaking this program. We encourage anyone interested in being a teacher librarian to apply for the MLIS and focus on teacher librarianship.
  5. Q. What is the difference between the teacher-librarian credential and Youth Librarianship?
    A. If you obtain a teacher-librarian credential in California, you will only be able to work in a California K-12 school. If you obtain a teacher-librarian credential and also take the 6 extra units necessary to obtain a MLIS degree you will have a much broader range of opportunities to find work in both California schools and public libraries. Many public libraries have special services devoted to young people. See: Youth Librarianship
  6. Q. I want to take an archives program. Do you offer that specialty?
    A. We offer an archival focus in the MLIS program, as well as a Master's degree in Archives and Records Administration.
  7. Q. What is the difference between the MLIS with an archival focus and the MARA degree?
    A. See: MLIS or MARA? The MARA degree is not accredited by the American Library Association. If you want to work in an archival setting in a library you need an MLIS. If you want to work in a position that allows you to manage organizational information, regardless of storage medium, in a manner that ensures regulatory compliance; safeguards vital information; supports management decision making; and preserves corporate memory, the MARA degree is right for you. With the MLIS degree you can start in the Spring or Fall term and you can take 1 – 4 classes a semester; you have up to seven years to complete the program. With the MARA degree, you are in a cohort that starts only in the Fall, and you take two specific classes each term with the same classmates; you finish the degree in a little under three years.
  8. Q. What is the difference between the MLIS program and the Executive MLIS program?
    A. The Executive MLIS program is for people who have already been at least three years in library upper management. These people may already have a Masters degree in something like business, but they now want to obtain a MLIS. The Executive MLIS program is a cohort that starts every two years in the Fall semester. It has a specialized class schedule with no electives (see http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/execmlis/exec2012.htm) and has a higher cost per unit than the MLIS degree (see slisweb.sjsu.edu/execmlis/execmlis_tuition.htm).
  9. Q. What is the job market like?
    A. These links might help with general career questions:
    www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm link goes to non-SJSU web site
    www.acinet.org/acinet/occ_rep.asp?optstatus=011000000&soccode=254021&stfips=06&search=Go link goes to non-SJSU web site
    www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6605121.html link goes to non-SJSU web site
    www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/outlook_ors.cfm link goes to non-SJSU web site

There ARE jobs out there. It is a good field. The MLIS is a very flexible and valuable degree that enables graduates to work in a variety of environments, not just in libraries but also in various organizations in industry, academia, government and medicine.
We often just need to be creative about understanding the reach of these skill sets in the ever evolving nature of information professions.

  1. Q. What type of salaries do librarians get?
    A. The answer to this question will vary according to date and to student geographic location. A general Google search for "librarian + jobs" will give you the most current information in your local area.
  2. Q. What is your graduate student job placement rate?
    A. According to our exit survey of Spring 2011 graduates, 73% of those graduating were currently employed, and 45% of those graduating did not hold their present job when they began the program.
  3. Q. What resources do you have to help students find a job?
    A. SLIS provides extensive career resources and coaching – see the SLIS homepage and look on the left-hand vertical menu for "Career Development" and "Career Pathways".
  4. Q. Do employers hire students who took face-to-face classes more then they hire distance learning students?
    A. Employers are much more interested in what a student knows and can do than they are about how the student learned these things. In fact, distance learning may be an advantage in today's hiring world because distance learning students are much more likely to be competent in the information technology information world that librarians face today.

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Class Related

  1. Q. Do I ever have to come to campus for an orientation?
    A. No.
  2. Q. Where can I find an online orientation for new students?
    A. See your New Student Checklist. Dr. Linda Main has one orientation linked there. You will receive another orientation via an email link close to the beginning of your first semester. We also invite you to attend an online MLIS open house to learn more about our degree program, how it can prepare you for career advancement, and what it's like to be a student in our 100% online program – see Online Open Houses for more details.
  3. Q. Where can I find information about computer requirements, how to obtain an SJSU email account, courses and books, faculty, student organizations, how to register for classes, and the like?
    A. Go to our Current Students web page.
  4. Q. I have a disability and would like to talk to someone about what special things can be done for me.
    A. The DRC website is located at www.drc.sjsu.edu. You may contact their main office at 408-924-6000, 408-924-6542 for the deaf and hard of hearing, and ATC at 408-808-2123.
  5. Q. How many classes should I take?
    A. This varies hugely from one individual to the next. You need to take into account whether you are working and also if you have family and other obligations that take up some of your potential study time. This is a graduate program and classes are a lot of work. Our students estimate that one 3-credit class averages 12-15 study hours a week. 30% of our students work full-time, 40% of them work part-time, and 30% of them don't work while taking our classes. Most students take between two and three courses per semester and at that rate they obtain their MLIS degree in 2-3 years. Please note that for financial aid purposes, you may need to take 9 units (3 classes) a semester. See: Course Load
  1. Q. How many classes can I take each semester?
    A. It is totally up to you. We at SLIS set no minimums (you must take at least 1 unit) or maximums. However, funding authorities may set minimums or maximums. For state funding you need 9 units a semester to be regarded as full time.
  2. Q. How many classes do I need to take to be full time?
    A. We at SLIS do not set a full time or part time limit. The Bursar's Office regards 9 units as full time for a graduate student taking 200 level classes.
  3. Q. How fast can I complete the degree?
    A. Here is one full time scenario — obviously you could configure this differently depending on whether you start in fall or spring.

Fall - 10 units (200, 202, 203, 204)
Spring - 9 units (3 classes)
Summer - 6 units (2 classes)
Fall - 9 units (3 classes)
Spring - 6 units (2 classes)
Summer - 3 units (1 class)

So 43 units and 15 classes.

  1. Q. Do I need to declare a specialization?
    A. No. All students get an MLIS Degree. Our career pathways pages are part of our advising process and they do list specializations, but these are purely to help you decide on classes if you want to concentrate on a particular career direction. However, there is no requirement to focus on a particular area. Taking classes from a variety of areas is quite common and may make you more marketable. Neither your transcripts nor your MLIS degree will list any specialization.
  2. Q. Which courses should I take my first semester?
    A. For their first semester, most beginning SLIS students register for some combination of the core classes, LIBR 200, 202 or 204. You will also be automatically registered for the 1-unit course LIBR 203.
  3. Q. I can't find this upcoming semester's Class Schedule on your website. Where is it?
    A. All class schedules are available on our website. You can also view our proposed course rotations.
  4. Q. When does an online class start?
    A. The first day of the semester unless an instructor has a specific reason for starting on a different date. Look at the instructor's syllabus (see the course web page) for specific information.
  5. Q. How do I know which teachers and sections to sign up for?
    A. You can view the instructors' webpages to learn a little bit more about them: see our alphabetical listing of faculty pages. You can also view the course web pages to see course-related information including course syllabi (known as "greensheets" at SJSU), assignments, schedules and electronic course readings. You can also search by semester, instructor, or generic course number. Some sections are taught asynchronously (no mandatory class meetings via Blackboard Collaborate Web conferencing); others synchronously (mandatory class meetings via Blackboard Collaborate Web conferencing).
  6. Q. How do I contact my instructors?
    A. To find your instructors' contact information, find their faculty webpage, look on your class syllabus, or go to the SLIS Class Schedules and click on their name link for your class. You can also contact your instructors through the course mail in D2L.
  7. Q. If a class needs a prerequisite can I take it concurrently?
    A. No. A prerequisite must be taken "before."
  8. Q. How can I find out about prerequisites?
    A. Prerequisites are listed on the Course Descriptions page.
  9. Q. I haven't met the prerequisites yet to take a third class (or all the classes are full), yet I need three classes to meet my financial aid requirements. What do I do?
    A. Please contact our Associate Director and Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising: Linda Main.
  10. Q. How do I find out which classes use Blackboard Collaborate?
    A. Check SLIS class schedules.
  11. Q. If a class has mandatory Blackboard Collaborate meetings do I have to attend all the meetings?
    A. Yes.
  12. Q. I didn't know I was enrolling in an Blackboard Collaborate class until too late and now most sections are closed.
    A. There is nothing we can do. The registration information page warns you to check the SLIS schedules for classes with Blackboard Collaborate before actually registering for classes in MySJSU.
    See: Class Registration Process
  13. Q. How do I know what the course books are? How can I find out about required or recommended textbooks?
    A. SLIS provides textbook information on our SLIS homepage approximately six weeks before the start of the semester. You can search for textbooks there by course section. You can also view required books by looking at the syllabus on the course web page.
  14. Q. Do I have to buy recommended textbooks?
    A. No, you only have to purchase the required textbooks.
  15. Q. Do I have to go to SJSU to buy my books? Do I have to buy them at amazon.com?
    A. No, you can purchase your books wherever they are sold. SLIS does not endorse any specific book seller, but we do link to Amazon through our SLIS e-Bookstore for the convenience of our students and faculty. As a member of the Associates program, Amazon pays us a small commission for each book you purchase through our referral links. The money earned goes towards student scholarships and events.
  16. Q. Is it true that we get a free ALA membership?
    A. Entering SLIS students are automatically given a free one-year membership with the ALA after they enroll in our Libr 200 class. However, after one year, you must renew your ALA membership at the normal student rate. For more information, go to the ALA website link goes to non-SJSU web site.
  17. Q. I received a B- in a core class (LIBR 200, 202, 204). Do I have to retake it?
    A. Effective for students entering our program in Spring 2009 and onwards, you must make at least a B in LIBR 200, LIBR 202, and LIBR 204. A B- is not a B. In this case, you must retake the class.

These three classes are the core from which the rest of the curriculum evolves. They focus on underlying philosophies. In addition LIBR 200 is accepted by the University as the equivalent of its graduate writing exam. Any student who is unable to make a B in each core class should think carefully as to whether this is the right program for them (some students will do better in a place-based program) and whether this is the right degree for them.

  1. Q. How do I repeat a class?
    A. SJSU's computer system will not let you re-enroll in a class that you've already taken without a permission number.

    If you need to repeat a core class, (LIBR 200, 202, or 204), our Student Services Coordinator, Vicki Robison, will contact you via email about a month before classes actually begin. Her email will ask you if you want to retake the class in the next semester. If you say "yes," Vicki will email you a permission number for that class about a week before classes actually begin. You will not be able to select the class section and you will not actually be able to add the class in MySJSU until the first day class (the system will not let you). Feel free to contact Vicki about this if you wish– her phone number is 408-924-2417. Note: If you have financial aid, you might want to contact the Financial Aid office to find out how this affects your financial aid.

Electives do not have to be repeated. However a grade lower than a C (C-, D) means that the class cannot be counted towards your MLIS degree. Since it is an elective you can take another elective to make up the units. If you decide to repeat the class you cannot register for it during open registration. You will have to wait until the first day of the semester and see if an instructor is willing to give you a permission number to add the class.

Both grades will remain on your transcript. Graduate students are not eligible for grade forgiveness. Consequently both grades will be calculated into your GPA.

  1. Q. When does LIBR 203 start?
    A. You may start working on LIBR 203 coursework as early as three weeks before the official start of classes (exact date varies by semester).
  2. Q. How do I enroll in LIBR 203?
    A. You do not self-enroll in LIBR 203. SLIS enrolls you in the course. LIBR203 is required for all new students. See your New Student Checklist for information about LIBR 203.
  3. Q. I didn't realize I needed to pay by a certain deadline and have been dropped from my classes in MySJSU, what do I do now? I have to take Libr 203 my first semester!
    A. Inform your LIBR 203 professor of your situation and immediately contact our Student Services Coordinator.
  4. Q. Do I have to take LIBR 200, LIBR 202 and LIBR 204 in order? Do I have to take these courses before anything else?
    A. You do not have to take these classes in order but must complete them within the first 16 units. Many electives will list at least one of these classes as a prerequisite, so make sure you have completed them before you try to take a course that requires them.
  5. Q. Will you have enough sections so that I can get into all the core classes I want to take?
    A. We add core course sections as necessary.
  6. Q. Do I have to take LIBR 285?
    A. All students who started our MLIS program in Spring 2007 and beyond must complete LIBR 285 (Research Methods) unless they qualify for a LIBR 285 waiver. LIBR 285 will be offered with different areas of focus. Students may select any area of focus. Effective for students who enter the program in Fall 2010, LIBR 285 must be taken within the first 24 units.
  1. Q. I have already completed a thesis or research project for another master's degree. Do I still need to take Libr 285?
    A. If a student has taken and passed a graduate level-research methods course AND completed a thesis or dissertation as part of a previous graduate degree (as documented by an official transcript), the student can petition the Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising to waive the LIBR 285 requirement. Please note: The transcript must reflect a thesis (a thesis will have research questions and/or a hypothesis that show(s) a piece of original research as supported via a literature review. This excludes a final project or final paper — it must be a graduate level research thesis).

    A waiver, if granted, does not reduce the total units required for the MLIS degree. Please send an electronic copy of the transcript (scanned as a PDF file) to Coordinator of Admissions and Academic Advising.

See the course description for LIBR 285.

  1. Q. What is Libr 298: Special Studies?
    A. See: LIBR 298 - Special Studies
  2. Q. Where can I find the Restricted Readings code for classes?
    A. Only the course professor has access to these codes. Please contact your course professor to find out how to access restricted readings.
  3. Q. All the class sections are full, what can I do?
    A. You may ask to add this class by selecting the "wait list" option in MySJSU (see waitlist tutorial, page 5, #14). You will be notified via MySJSU if a spot in the class becomes available.

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Commencement/Convocation

  1. Q. Does the School have a special ceremony?
    A. SLIS has its own convocation for just SLIS graduates. Unlike the SJSU commencement ceremonies, in the SLIS Convocation each graduate's name is called individually, each graduate walks across a stage and a hooding ceremony takes place. There is also a reception held afterward and students get a chance to meet with SLIS faculty. The entire SLIS event is broadcast online for those in our program who are unable to attend. For more information about the SLIS Convocation, see the Graduation Ceremonies page or contact Rhonda Dahlgren.
  2. Q. Where can I buy the regalia?
    A. MLIS graduates should purchase a lemon colored hood. The SJSU Spartan Bookstore sells regalia. Students may make purchases in the bookstore or online. To be sure you get the proper color and size you should make your purchase as early as possible. Announcement note paper is also available through the bookstore. To purchase your regalia, you must know:
  1. What degree you will receive (Master's)
  2. The name of the department and the college for your major field of study (CASA / School of Library and Information Science)
  3. Your height, to properly size your gown
  1. Q. I see that there are two different ceremonies, one for SLIS and one for SJSU. What is the difference between them?
    A. The SLIS convocation ceremony is exclusive to our department and is for SLIS graduates only. SLIS graduate names are called individually, students walk across a stage individually and a hooding ceremony takes place. The SLIS ceremony also includes several special library and information science speakers. There is a reception held afterward and students get a chance to meet with SLIS faculty. The entire event is also broadcast online for those in our program who are unable to attend.

The SJSU commencement is usually held a week later for university-wide students in the Spartan Stadium, and although each department walks into the Stadium in its own group, students are not recognized individually and there is no separate SLIS reception afterwards.

  1. Q. What do the graduating students do during the SLIS Convocation?

When the graduate and their family arrive at the convocation location, we collect their ticket stubs at the door. Then the graduate student and the family/guests separate. The graduate student goes directly to check-in and the family and guests go into the auditorium to seat themselves. The graduates can be wearing their cap and gown when they arrive or they can arrive in street clothes and change in the auditorium restrooms. Please do not wear the lemon-colored hood over your shoulders; instead, drape it on your left arm. After the graduates have checked in, they fill out a photography card and stay in the staging area to be sorted into alphabetical order and lined up.

The ceremony begins with a processional of the SLIS director, faculty, and graduating students. The SLIS faculty are seated on the stage and the graduates all sit together in a special area at the front of the auditorium. A series of speakers talk, and after that each student is called by name individually and each student walks onto the stage. When they reach the Hooder, they hand their lemon-colored hood to that person, and they are hooded. The SLIS director shakes their hand and they proceed back to their seat. The graduating class is then presented to the audience as a whole and the SLIS director, faculty and graduating students file out. Graduating students then proceed to the reception area where they are reunited with their family.

For more information about the SLIS Convocation, see our Graduation Ceremonies web page or contact Rhonda Dahlgren.

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Computer Literacy/Internet Literacy

  1. Q. Should I take a class before I get into your program in order to learn how to use a computer? How well do I need to know how to use a computer? What kinds of things do I need to know?
    A. Make sure you meet our computer literacy requirements. If you don't have those basic skills, you will need to take a class to meet this requirement. Also, as an entering SLIS student you will be automatically enrolled in LIBR 203 in your first semester. This one-credit course introduces students to a variety of new and emerging technologies used in our distance learning classes. It covers various social networking platforms, content and learning management tools, web conferencing, immersive environments, and other trends in social computing.

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Computer Specifications

  1. Q. What are your computer requirements?
    A. Please see information about the home computer requirements.

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Contact Students/Alumni

  1. Q. How can I contact students / alumni to discuss the MLIS program with them?
    A. See the SLIS Alumni Association and LISSTEN webpages.

Also see SLIS on facebook link goes to non-SJSU web site.

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Financial Aid/Scholarships

  1. Q. How do I find out how I can get help paying for my degree, such as financial aid, scholarships, or grants? What kinds of scholarships can I get?
    A. We do not handle financial aid in our department. Please see our Financial Aid and Scholarship, Award, and Grant Information web pages for more information.
  2. Q. Does being in Special Session mean I can't obtain any financial aid or scholarships?
    A. Special Session students are eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships. Please contact Carol Garcia in the Financial Aid office at 408-924-6081, for more information.
  3. Q. I want to change from Special Session to Regular Session because it is cheaper. How do I do that?
    A. You cannot change to Regular Session unless you move to within the catchment area of San Jose State University (in Northern California zip codes 93600 – 96199). If you do, email your request to the SLIS office and you will be placed on a wait list. You will be notified as soon as a space opens up. If you entered our MLIS program in fall 2009 or later, you cannot switch from Special to Regular Session at all, no matter where you live.
  4. Q. Can I get a student assistant paid job to help me with my tuition costs?
    A. From time to time our faculty will post paying part-time student assistant jobs. See: SLIS Student Assistantships.
  5. Q. I want to take advantage of the Wireless Laptop Program. Who signs my form?
    A. See: SJSU Wireless Laptop Project - Wireless Laptop Certification Form.

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Holds, Probation, Disqualification

  1. Q. What are "holds" on my record and how do I get them lifted?
    A. "Holds" on your record can be but are not limited to academic or financial holds. When you have a hold on your record you are not able to register for classes, receive transcripts, etc. If the hold is because you are on probation talk with your academic advisor. If the hold is administrative, talk with the relevant University department.
  2. Q. I'm on academic probation and can't register. What should I do?
    A. Contact your academic advisor by email. Discuss with the advisor the reasons why you are on probation. Bear in mind that to get off probation and avoid disqualification you must make at least a B in classes in the following semester. If your adviser feels that you are planning a reasonable load for the following semester he or she will contact the Student Services Coordinator and have the registration hold lifted.

You will remain on probation until your overall GPA (SJSU cum GPA) reaches 3.0 or higher.

Once on academic probation if you do not make a B (3.0) you will be disqualified. See: Academic Probation and Disqualification.

If you are not sure who your academic advisor is:

  1. Log into my.sjsu.edu
    • Select "Self Service"
    • Select "Academic Records"
    • Select "View My Advisor" (Clicking on the advisor's name will bring up the email address.)
  2. Look on D2L — you are automatically joined to your advisor's D2L advising site
  1. Q. I've just learned I've been disqualified from the program. What can I do to get reinstated?
    A. SLIS is not accepting reinstatement petitions. See: Academic Probation and Disqualification.

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Online Learning

  1. Q. Are all your classes totally online?
    A. All courses are offered totally online. You do not need to come to campus for any reason. The School does NOT have a separate on campus and online program. We offer one MLIS degree delivered completely online. The MARA degree is also completely online. See Online Learning for more about our online learning classes.
  2. Q. What are your online classes like? How do they work?
    A. Please see the SLIS Online Learning site for a description of how our online learning classes work and for a sample online class.
  3. Q. How much interaction is there in online classes?
    A. Our online program is sophisticated and interactive. You will interact with peers and instructors through web conferencing, social networking platforms, a web-based learning management system, and immersive environments. Most course content is delivered asynchronously — giving you the freedom to access the course at any time you choose, from any location. Some courses also include "live" synchronous sessions. You will participate in weekly discussion posts, online meetings, and group work with your peers.
  4. Q. Do I have to be online at any specific time?
    A. Some faculty will use the web conferencing software Blackboard Collaborate and require mandatory synchronous sessions for their class. Other faculty prefer to run their classes asynchronously (24/7, with no mandatory all-class meetings). You will have the opportunity during Advance Registration each semester to select which type of class you want to register for. The required dates for online Blackboard Collaborate sessions will be listed next to each class section in our SLIS Class Schedules before Advance Registration begins.
  5. Q. Because the degree is totally online, should I take a computer course beforehand to get myself ready for your classes?
    A. Make sure you meet our computer literacy requirements. We will automatically enroll you in a one-credit course, LIBR 203, your first semester. This one-credit course introduces you to a variety of new and emerging technologies used in our online classes. It covers various social networking platforms, content and learning management tools, web conferencing, immersive environments, personal skills, etc.

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Open University

  1. Q. Can I take just a few SLIS classes?
    A. We do not offer Open University or audited classes so you will be unable to take just a few SLIS classes using those options. Only matriculating students who apply for and are accepted into our program during the normal application process can take our SLIS classes.
  2. Q. Can I take classes after I have graduated?
    A. No. However, here are a couple of possibilities which you might want to explore:

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Registration

  1. Q. What registration information can I find on the SLIS Web site? The University Web site? What registration questions do I ask my advisor? My instructors?
    A.
The SLIS web site:
  • Course schedules for upcoming, current, and previous semesters
  • Specific procedural information
  • Faculty greensheets (syllabi) for current and many previous semesters
  • Yearly course rotation
  • Suggested career directions, e.g., academic librarian, public librarian, etc.
The University:
  • Registration times
  • Registration processes
  • Registration deadlines such as add/drop periods
  • Charges for classes based upon the add/drop dates
Your Advisor:
  • Questions about courses needed to meet your career goals
  • Questions about prerequisites
  • Questions about numbers of courses you should plan to take
Your Instructors:
  • Clarification of issues you do not understand from your review of their greensheet (syllabus)
  • Academic queries about the course content and work load
  1. Q. How will I know when Advance Registration starts for my first semester?
    A. SLIS faculty and staff email this information as well as other important announcements and last-minute administrative changes to current students through slisadmin. Your New Student Checklist explains how to subscribe to slisadmin.
  2. Q. When can I register for classes?
    A. Regular session students: You will be given an appointment time that will appear on MySJSU (see the tutorial How To View Enrollment Appointment [PDF]). You may register for classes any time after your appointment time. For information about priority registration, see SJSU's Priority Registration page. Appointment times are set by the Registrar's Office; the School of Library and Information Science has no control over them. Contact erecords@sjsu.edu regarding these issues.

Special Session Students: We at SLIS set a date for special session registration. All special session students have the same appointment time and can enroll at any time after special session enrollment opens. Please check the SLIS master calendar often to see when the registration date is each semester.

  1. Q. How do I register for classes? How do I add a class?
    A. You must register for your classes through the university registration process via MySJSU. See: Class Registration Process
  2. Q. How do I get on a waitlist? How do waitlists work? How long will I be on the waitlist before I know if I’ve been enrolled? What if I am enrolled in one section because it is open but I really want another section of the same class?
    A. If a class is full but still has an open wait list, you will be able to get on the waitlist if you select the "waitlist" option when trying to add it. See the Enrollment Tutorial, page 4. Here's how the waitlist works: when a registered student drops a class, a space opens up. The first person on the waitlist automatically gets registered for the class and everyone else on the waitlist moves up a spot. You will receive a message in your MySJSU notifying you when and if you have been registered for the course.

If there is a long waitlist to get into a class and you are further down on the list, you should probably stay with the class you're already in. If you are already in a section of the class and add yourself to a waitlist for another section, the system will ignore you.

  1. Q. What will my tuition be?
    A. See: Fees
  2. Q. Do I pay for the entire degree up front? How and when do I pay my tuition fees?
    A. You only pay tuition fees for the classes you register for each semester. Once Advance Registration starts, go to MySJSU, add your class(es), then go to the "Finances" section of your MySJSU Student Center web page and use "account inquiry" to find out how much you owe, how to pay, and when your payment deadline is. Payment deadlines may as short as 2 days after or as long as 3 weeks after you register.
  3. Q. Who do I contact with registration problems?
    A.
  1. Q. What is D2L?
    A. See: SLIS Online Learning and our D2L tutorials
  2. Q. I don't have a D2L account — how do I get one?
    A. See your New Student Checklist.
  1. Q. I forgot my D2L login, could you give it to me again?
    A. Please contact Dale David.
  2. Q. Now that I have registered for my classes, what happens next?
    A. Nothing until classes begin. Go over your New Student Checklist to be sure you have completed all the steps you need to. Look for textbook information to be available about six weeks before classes begin and class syllabi to be available a few days before classes begin. Check your MySJSU Student Center web page regularly for messages.
  1. Q. How many classes are "part-time" and how many do I need to take to be a "full-time" student? How many classes do I need to take for financial aid?
    A. We at SLIS do not set a full time or part time limit. The Bursar's Office regards 9 units as full time for a graduate student taking 200 level classes. Students need to enroll in at least 4 units (200 level courses) each semester in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid. The amount of aid awarded is based on how many units you take.

If you are a regular session student and have any other questions about financial aid, please contact The SJSU Financial Aid Office at 408-283-7500.

If you are a Special Session student and have applied for Financial Aid, you may email Carol Garcia or call her at 408-924-6081 for further assistance.

  1. Q. MySJSU won't let me re-register for a class I took but failed last semester.
    A. For Core Courses (LIBR 200, 202, and 204): Students who entered SLIS in Spring 2009 or later must make a B in the core classes. If you make less than a B in a core class, you must repeat that core class. You cannot re-enroll yourself; SLIS will automatically assign you to a section for the following semester.

For All Other Courses: You cannot re-register for a failed course during advance registration. You must wait until a week before the semester begins and then email the course instructor requesting a permission number. Permission numbers are given at the discretion of the instructor so emailing the instructors does NOT ensure a spot in the course. If the instructor does email you a permission number, you must wait until the first day of class to use the permission number on MySJSU. See tutorial [PDF], page 5, #15. The deadline for adding a class in this manner is the 14th business day of instruction in any semester.

  1. Q. Why am I being blocked from registration?
    A. Some possible reasons:

If none of the above apply, contact erecords@sjsu.edu.

  1. Q. Why am I being asked for a permission number?
    A. Some possible reasons:
    • You cannot enroll yourself in LIBR 203; we do that for you. See your New Student Checklist for details about requesting a D2L account and being automatically enrolled in LIBR 203.
    • You are trying to register for a class for which you are not eligible — regular session students cannot take special session classes and special session students cannot take regular session classes.
    • Only students in the Executive MLIS program can take classes that are on the Executive MLIS schedule.
    • You are trying to register after Advance Registration closes.
  2. Q. How do I get a hold lifted?
    A. It depends on the type of hold. The hold will give you the information about what you need to do.
  3. Q. I've registered for classes but now they've disappeared.
    A. You may have been disenrolled from your classes for non-payment of tuition. In this case, you will need to contact the professors of the courses you want to take and ask them for permission codes to re-enroll, as well as pay your tuition fees as soon as the payment option becomes available again. If the class is now full the instructors do not have to add you back into the classes.
  4. Q. I didn't see any deadline in MySJSU for paying tuition and now all my classes have been dropped. I found out that I only had one day to pay, I thought there would be more time than that.
    A. Payment deadlines are listed under the "Finance" section of the Student Center on the MySJSU page. Payment due dates are dependent on when you register. In the future as soon as you register for a class, immediately check the "Finances" section of your MySJSU Student Center web page for your payment due dates.
  5. Q. Why isn't MySJSU's add/drop link working?
    A. If Advanced Registration has just closed and you are in the week before classes officially start, SJSU is in a blackout period when you cannot add or drop. When classes officially begin, you can only add a class with a permission code.

    If it is past the first two weeks from the start of classes, you have missed the add/drop deadline. In order to add a class now, you must obtain a permission code from the professor. They are under no obligation to add you to the class. In order to drop, you must submit a Petition for Course Drop and provide serious and compelling evidence supporting your reason for dropping the class after the deadline.
  6. Q. How do I get a permission code for a late add?
    A. You may email the professor teaching the section or course you would like to take. They are not required to add you.
  7. Q. How do I contact a professor so I can request a permission code?
    A. You may email professors directly from the SLIS faculty list. You can also find links to email addresses and web pages listed with the instructor's course on the SLIS Class Schedule.
  8. Q. Will there be a problem with the Bursar's office or Financial Aid if I drop a class now?
    A. You may obtain this information directly from the Bursar's Office. Their contact information is available on their website.
  9. Q. What is the refund policy for a late drop?
    A. See: Refunds and Pro-rata Charges.
  10. Q. I submitted a drop form last semester. How do I know if it has been dropped? Will I get a refund? How much of a refund will I get?
    A. Look on your unofficial transcript in the Self-Service section of your MySJSU Student Center web page; if the course has been dropped, you will see a "W" for the course grade. Refunds are handled by the Bursar's Office.
  11. Q. What's the last day I can drop?
    A. The deadline for dropping courses without receiving a "W" on your transcript is two weeks after classes start for the semester. After that period, you must fill out a Petition for Course Drop and provide a serious and compelling reason, complete with supporting documentation, for dropping the class. Serious and compelling reasons include military service, employment, medical, death, and personal. In all cases, personal statements must be accompanied by supporting documentation (e.g. a letter from your employer, a doctor's note, etc.).
  12. Q. I have changed my name and/or address. How do I get this updated information to you?
    A.
  1. Q. I want to change from Special Session to Regular Session because it is cheaper. How do I do that?
    A. You cannot change to regular session unless you move to within the catchment area of San José State University (between San José, Sacramento and Fresno). If you do, email your request to the SLIS office and you will be placed on a wait list. You will be notified as soon as a space opens up. If you originally lived in the Regular Session catchment area but entered the program Fall 2009 or later as a Special Session student, you cannot switch from special to regular session at all, no matter where you live.
  2. Q. Can I change from Regular Session to Special Session in the summer in order to take advantage of the more classes offered in Special Session?
    A. You cannot change from one session to the other for only one semester. If you wish to change sessions permanently, you must submit your request to do so to the SLIS office and wait for a space to become available.
  3. Q. What if I move to San José and I need to switch sessions?
    A. You may email the SLIS office with your request to change sessions, and you will be placed on the wait list. If you originally lived in the Regular Session catchment area but entered the program Fall 2009 or later as a Special Session student, you cannot switch from special to regular session at all, no matter where you live.

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Semester Leave

  1. Q. Can I take a semester off? What do I need to do?
    A. Yes, you can. See Semester Leave.

    Matriculating students who wish to skip two consecutive semesters (Fall or Spring) must fill out a Leave Request Form in advance and send it to our SLIS Student Services Coordinator for signature. The SLIS Student Services Coordinator will obtain the necessary signatures and forward the document to SJSU's Student Services Center.
  2. Q. Can I take a leave of absence while on probation?
    A. Yes.
  3. Q. I took a year off, how do I get back in? Do I need to resend my transcripts if I reapply?
    A. If you have taken off more than one semester (not including summer session), you must reapply for admission unless you have requested an official Leave of Absence. Graduate Admissions will hold your transcripts for one year after your initial application.
  4. Q. I've taken the fall and spring semesters off. Can I still file a Leave of Absence and how long will it be good for?
    A. You must file for an official Leave of Absence before the first semester you take off. Once you do, it will be good for two semesters (Spring and Fall).
  5. Q. What reasons are valid for me to be able to get a leave of absence?
    A. The only valid reasons for an official Leave of Absence are health, military, and educational (i.e. taking courses at another institution to further one's academic career).
  6. Q. If I start the program and then drop out for awhile, will my credits that I already took still be good towards the degree?
    A. Credits taken towards the MLIS degree expire after seven years.

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SJSU Email

  1. Q. How do I get an SJSU email account?
    A. See: Student E-mail at San José State

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Student ID Card

  1. Q. How do I obtain a student ID card that I can use for student discounts?
    A. Regular session students can apply for a Tower Card in order to obtain student discounts. Special session students can obtain a student ID card by following these instructions.

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