Sonoma State University

Intersession Open Door

Winter Intersession 2025 

January 2 - 15, 2025
The Winter Intersession 2025 Schedule of Classes will be available in October.

During both Summer and Winter Intersession SSU opens its door to high school students, all college students, and working professionals. We invite you to come and study with us; no formal admission is required.

Admission

No formal admission is required.

Open Door is a registration policy whereby students not formally admitted to Sonoma State may participate in Summer Session and Winter Intersession academic credit courses.

Enrollment Eligibility

Open University/Door may be right for you if you:

  • missed the deadline for admission to SSU degree programs
  • want to update your professional training and job skills
  • want to explore personal interests
  • want to test your interest in a field before entry
  • have been academically or administratively disqualified at SSU or another CSU

Registration Process

Winter Intersession Open Door is now closed.

  • Registration Period 1: October 17 - December 21, 2023
  • Late Registration Period: January 2 - January 4, 2024 (Please note, permission of instructor is required to register after a class has started.)
  1. Choose the class you wish to enroll in. (see current class schedule)
  2. Complete the online Open Door Registration Form (available Monday – Friday, 8 am - 3 pm PST).
  3.  
    • Open Door is first-come, first-serve. Completing a registration form does not guarantee registration for the class.
    • Students are responsible for fulfilling all course prerequisites (see below).
    • If departmental approval is required, please contact the appropriate academic department to seek approval. (Due to Covid restrictions, you must contact all academic departments via email at this time.)
  4. If approved to enroll in the course, you will receive a confirmation email with payment instructions within 2–3 business days. Payment is due upon notification. Failure to make timely payment may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your registration.
  5. Once payment is received you will receive a final confirmation within 2–3 business days with information about how to access course materials. 
  6. If you need accommodation, the Disability Services for Students office is located at Schulz 1014A or by phone at (707) 664-2677 (dial 711 for Relay).

Prerequisites

While the prerequisites for many courses are waived during Winter Intersession and Summer Session, Open Door registration for some courses is subject to the approval of the associated academic department. If a course has prerequisites listed in the course description, please check with the academic department to see if you meet the requirements.

Please note: All prospective Open Door students wishing to enroll in business school classes will need department approval.

International Students

Open Door registration is open to permanent residents and those maintaining valid non-immigrant visa status, including, but not limited to F-1/F-2 student visa and J-1/Au Pair visa holders. Sonoma State University will not issue immigration documents for attendance through Open Door registration.

Students must demonstrate proof of English proficiency. Click on the English language proficiency requirements for more details.

International students must also obtain written approval from the International Student Advisor, located in the Center for International Education in International Hall, before enrolling through Open Door.

Disqualified Students

Matriculated students (admitted to SSU) or students who have previously attended SSU and who have been academically disqualified may enroll in Summer Session and Winter Intersession courses through Open Door registration.

Fees

Winter Intersession Open Door enrollment fees are due at the time of registration. Undergraduate and graduate class fees are $365/unit.*

*Per approved "Category V Extended Education Fees Authorization and Approval" dated November 15, 2022.

Drops, Withdrawal and Refunds

Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. Intersession and Summer Session classes may be dropped for a full refund until the last business day before the first day of instruction. Students may drop on the first or second day of instruction for a 65% refund. The last day to withdraw is the third day of instruction; a grade of W (withdrawn) will appear on your SSU record and there will be no refund.

Students must officially request refunds by completing and signing a Class Add/Drop Request form at SEIE. To drop by phone, call 707-664-2394. Requests for refunds of fees are accepted only during the current session. The effective date of a refund request is the day the completed Class Add/Drop Request form is received by the SEIE. If you drop a course that has not been canceled and apply for a refund, a portion of the fee is refunded according to the schedules on the SEIE Drop/Refunds page.

Grade Mode Change

Some courses allow students to receive a letter grade or Cr/NC; otherwise, the course description in the catalog will specify. Students may change their grade mode up to the end of the second day of instruction using the form at the SEIE office.

Credit Information

Open Door students receive Special Sessions academic credit for courses numbered 100–599; please note that Special Sessions credit does not meet degree residence requirements. In the CSU, up to 24 units of Special Sessions academic credit may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree. Nine units may be applied toward a master's degree (subject to departmental approval). Please consult with your home institution about how SSU Intersession/Summer Session academic units will apply to your degree.

Grades & Transcripts

All University rules and regulations pertaining to grades and transcripts apply to Open Door students; see University grading policies.

Open Door enrollment grades are available by requesting either an unofficial or an official transcript from the Sonoma State University Registrar’s Office. Unofficial transcripts may be requested in person only at the Registrar’s Office. Official transcripts may be requested by submitting a transcript request form to the Registrar’s Office.

Please note that Open Door students will not have access to online student services except for their Canvas online classroom space, if your class uses one.