Open University Frequently Asked Questions

There is no application process required to enroll in an Open University course.

No, regularly admitted (matriculated) SDSU students are NOT permitted to take classes through Open University.

In order to successfully register for courses with Open University, you should have:
1) the schedule number of the course you want to enroll in,
2) the prerequisites met for the course you are trying to enroll in,
3) your nine-digit SDSU RedID number, and
4) a valid form of payment.

Visit the New Account Setup page and click on the “Create/Retrieve My RedID” link to look up or create a new RedID. A pop-up window will appear with instructions on how to get your SDSU RedID number. Once you get your RedID, it will appear at the bottom of the pop-up window. Record your RedID number so you can enter it at registration.

Check the University’s class schedule for the courses you want and to see which courses are open. Once you’ve ensured that you meet the course prerequisites, please follow the registration process detailed at ces.sdsu.edu/open-university. You may also register in open classes by secure email. To learn how to register by secure email, please contact the SDSU Global Campus Registration Office. Waitlists must be done online only.

Fees for undergraduate and graduate classes can be found on our Open University registration page.

Use the SDSU online wait list process during your Open University registration to request a seat in a closed class if desired. SDSU matriculated students have priority for all wait-listed courses. Open University students will be notified by email when they have been enrolled in a class that has been waitlisted; payment instructions will be included.

The credit earned for Open University classes is non-matriculated resident credit. Twenty-four units of non-matriculated resident credit may be applied toward an SDSU undergraduate degree.

Open University students can purchase an SDSU semester parking permit online at the Aztec Parking Portal. SDSUid cards can be purchased online by visiting bfa.sdsu.edu/financial/student/sdsucard.

Open University programs are not eligible for financial aid. SDSU Global Campus students are encouraged to check with various banks, credit unions, and lending institutions, many of which now offer private alternative loan programs for continuing education. For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.

All Open University students who need access to Canvas should create an SDSUid account login. You’ll receive an email from SDSUid following registration and payment. Please allow 2-3 days for the process to be complete. For assistance with accessing Canvas, please contact SDSU Global Campus IT Support at itsupport.global@sdsu.edu.

Drops are available online or by mail (no signature required). To drop online, log into your SDSU Global Campus account and select “Open University Registration” and “Manage Open University courses.” To drop a class by mail, fill out a SDSU Global Campus transaction form, and return the form to SDSU Global Campus by the drop deadline. Transaction forms can be obtained at Forms and Publications. (Withdrawals require instructor signature and are not available online.)

Our refund policy and deadline dates for Open University registration can be found on our website under “Open University Dates and Deadlines.”

You can request late registration/drop/withdrawal after the deadline dates listed on our website by completing a “Petition for Special Consideration Form” and a registration or transaction form. Petition for Special Consideration forms with detailed instructions can be found at Forms and Publications. Petition submission fee is $20.00 and is non-refundable.

Call the SDSU Global Campus Registration Office at (619) 594-5152, email ces.registrar@sdsu.edu, or chat with us online using the chat bubble at the bottom right hand corner of each web page.