CSULB Student Login Guide: Accessing Resources and Managing Your Account

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) provides students with a comprehensive online portal, MyCSULB Student Center, to manage their academic journey, access resources, and stay connected with the university. This guide provides essential information on logging in, navigating the portal, and utilizing key features for a successful academic experience.

Accessing MyCSULB Student Center

MyCSULB Student Center serves as the central hub for various student-related tasks and information. To access the portal, students need their BeachID and password.

O'Reilly Learning Platform

CSULB students have access to over 2000 e-books from O'Reilly, covering a wide range of topics, including computing, databases, operating systems, programming, XML, Java, web design, and business.

Accessing O'Reilly:

Through the Database A-Z List.
Through a OneSearch record for a specific title.

When prompted, sign in through the CSULB authentication system using your BeachID and password. After authenticating, you will be directed to the O'Reilly site. A pop-up box may appear. If it does, find the option below the pop-up box to be directed to the sign-in screen. Note that your O'Reilly account login details may not be the same as your BeachID login/password, depending on what you entered when originally creating the account.

Managing Personal Information

It's important to keep your personal information updated in MyCSULB Student Center.

Read also: An Overview of CSULB Demographics

Emergency Contacts

Students are required to have at least one Emergency Contact listed in MyCSULB Student Center. It is recommended that students log in to MyCSULB Student Center to view or update Emergency Contacts at least once a year to make sure the information is current.

Steps to View or Update Emergency Contacts:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Under Personal Information, select the Emergency Contact option from the featured menu on the right-side of the panel.
Once on the Emergency Contacts screen, select Add an Emergency Contact to add an individual to your list. To delete an entry, select the "Delete" button.

Preferred Name and Diploma Name

CSULB understands that the use of a chosen name is important. A First Name of choice should be used where possible in the course of university business and education. However, First Names cannot be used for purposes of misrepresentation or contain foul/inappropriate language.

Steps to View or Update Preferred Name:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Click on the "Names" link on the right-side menu under the "Personal Information" panel.
Select the "Edit" icon located on the "Preferred" row under the "Request Change" column of the table.

The processing time is approximately 3 business days.

All printed diplomas will feature a student’s Primary Name unless otherwise specified in MyCSULB Student Center. To view your Primary Name, log into MyCSULB Student Center and view under Personal Information.

If you would like a different name listed on the diploma, follow the steps below before the last day of the semester you intend to graduate:

Read also: Student Employment at CSULB

In MyCSULB Student Center, under the "Personal Information" section, select the Names link from the right-side menu.
Your current preferred names will display in the featured table. To add a new Diploma Name, select "Diploma" from the Name Type drop-down menu at the bottom of the page.
You may then request a different First or Middle Name to be printed on your diploma. All requests are reviewed for approval.

Pronouns

Your declared pronouns can be viewed anytime in the Personal Information section of your Student Center via the Demographic Data link (right-hand side featured menu).

Steps to View Pronouns:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Go to Personal Information
Click Demographic Data

Answer the prompts accordingly.

User Preferences

User Preferences are established to assist you with navigation through your MyCSULB pages. The values that you can set are Institution, Academic Career, Term, and Aid Year. Institution was established at the time your MyCSULB account was created. By updating your Career, Term, and Aid Year, you will not have to enter the data each time you display a new menu.

Voluntary Demographic Information

The CSU collects voluntary demographic information regarding the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression of students (California Educational Code section 66027). Providing this information is optional. Your responses are kept private and secure. Limited campus staff will have access to this information. The data will not be used for discriminatory purposes. This information is used to provide services to all of our student population. This information is used for summary demographic reporting where no individual applicant’s identity will be revealed.

Academic Planning and Enrollment

MyCSULB Student Center provides tools for academic planning and enrollment.

Read also: CSULB Scholarship Details

Degree Planner

Degree Planner is an online tool allowing undergraduate students to map their entire academic path to graduation. For video tutorials, FAQs, and more, visit the Degree Planner support page.

Class Schedule Planner

You can add classes to your shopping cart and plan your enrollment for the term, prior to your actual enrollment appointment. Class Schedule Planner provides a variety of potential class schedules based on your class preferences and other time conflicts, such as work, sport, or family commitments. The Class Schedule Planner is only a tool to aid with the creation of your schedule and DOES NOT enroll you into actual classes.

Using the Class Schedule Planner:

Go to MyCSULB Student Center
This will take you to a launch page.
A new browser window will open for the Schedule Planner.

Course Status Options:

Open Classes Only: Only includes classes that have seats available.
Open & Waitlist Available: Includes classes that have seats available, as well as classes that have space on the waitlist.
All Classes: Includes all classes, even those where the class and waitlist are full.

Additional Filters:

Academic Group: Provides a way to narrow down course choices to a specific college and career.
Term: Identifies term for enrollment
Instruction Mode: Indicates how the class is being taught: Traditional (Face to Face); Hybrid (Face to Face & Online); Online Only

Adding Courses:

In the Courses section, click on the “+Add Courses” button.
You can also select courses from your Planner. You will see that the courses from Degree Planner are available.
You can click on the information icon to view additional details on the course.

Creating Breaks:

Enter a name for your break.
Select start times, end times and days.

Comparing Schedules:

Check boxes and compare up to four different class schedule combinations.
“Advanced Options” allows you to enter time needed between classes.
Click the “View” link to see the full weekly schedule view, as well as meeting information and updated class availability.
Click on the arrows to scroll through different class schedule combinations. You can also save a potential schedule as a “Favorite” by clicking on the heart button. You can save as many favorites as you would like.
You can also lock in particular section(s) that meet your individual needs and re-generate a list of only those schedules that contain the locked section(s). Please note that this feature does not guarantee the preferred section.

Importing to Enrollment Cart:

Go to MyCSULB Student Center
This will take you back to the launch page.
Click on the “Import Cart” button.

Validating Classes:

You will see a Status Report that will indicate which class(es) are OK to add and which ones may have potential problems when you attempt to officially enroll in the class. Important Note: Validating your classes does NOT result in enrollment.

Searching for Classes When Enrolling

You can search for classes by clicking on the “Search” button below the 'Class Search' option on the left side of your shopping cart. The basic search allows you to search using general class information. If you are already enrolled in a class, the “Select” button will not appear for the section you are enrolled in.

Class Enrollment Options

Multiple Component Courses: For classes that require a related component (e.g. labs, activities).

Waitlisting:

Note: The Waitlist icon will only display during the waitlist period. Once the Last Day to Waitlist has passed for the term, the class will display a status of Closed.

Course Repetition:

Undergraduate students are subject to limits of course repetitions allowed during their entire CSULB undergraduate career. If a student attempts to enroll in a class that goes beyond these limits, one of the following error messages will appear. Undergraduate students may repeat courses only if they earned grades lower than a C. Undergraduate students may take a course no more than two times. Post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students may not re-enroll in a course for which they have received a grade of “I” (Incomplete) until that “I” has been converted to a grade other than “I” (e.g ., A-F, CR/NC). Waitlisted classes will count towards your maximum number of units allowed for registration, but you will only be charged for fees based on your number of units “enrolled". Additional charges, if any, will be assessed if you are successfully enrolled from the waitlist.

Note: To see classes that are currently full, uncheck the “Show Open Classes Only” checkbox.

Enrollment into a Waitlist:

To place yourself on the waitlist of a class, check the “Waitlist if class is full” checkbox and then click the “Next” button.

Dropping a Class

While Self-Service registration is available, you can use MyCSULB Student Center to drop a class whether you are on the waitlist or officially enrolled in the class. After Self-Service registration has ended, you must submit a request to withdraw.

Steps to Drop a Class:

Within the Academics panel, click the gray button in the upper right corner to open the expandable menu. Then, select "Enrollment: Drop".
Check the box next to the class(es) you wish to drop.

Swapping Classes

While Self-Service registration is available, you can use MyCSULB Student Center to switch between two classes. These may be the same course (section change) or two different courses.

Note: If the class you are swapping into is not available or enrollment could not be completed, you will not be dropped from the class you want to swap out of.

Within the Academics panel, click the gray button in the upper right corner to open the expandable menu.

Editing Class Enrollment

In MyCSULB Student Center, you can:

Change the number of units for a variable unit course.
Change sections of related components (e.g. labs, activities).

Steps to Edit a Class:

Within the Academics panel, click the gray button in the upper right corner to open the expandable menu. Then, select "Enrollment: Edit".
Specify the class you want to edit and click on the “Proceed to Step 2 of 3” button.

Viewing Your Schedule

Once you are enrolled in classes or have made changes to your class schedule, you can view your current schedule and status. When you are on a waitlist, you will see a status of “Waiting” and your position on the waitlist.

Confirming Enrollment and Paying Fees

Confirming Your Schedule

Always recheck your schedule after processing enrollment requests. Also, remember that you must pay your fees by the established deadlines to confirm your enrollment requests.

Making a Payment

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center
Navigate to the Finances Section
Select "Make a Payment"
Enter the amount you would like to pay. To pay the full balance due on a given due date, click the Balance button. To modify the amount, enter the amount you wish to pay in the Amount field. If you need to restrict your payment towards a specific charge, such as an Installment Plan Payment or Housing Payment, you may select those options in the lower half of the screen.
Select a Payment Method.
Confirm your information and pay. To change the payment amount or the payment method, you can click on the “Change” hyperlinks to go back to the previous pages. You will see a green check mark when your payment is successful.

Foreign Currency Payments

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center
Navigate to the Finances Section
Select "Make a Payment"
Enter the amount you would like to pay. If you have outstanding charges, the full amount due will already be populated for you. To modify the amount, enter the amount you wish to pay in the Amount field. If you need to restrict your payment towards a specific charge, such as an Installment Plan Payment or Housing Payment, you may select those options in the lower half of the screen.
Select payment method Foreign Currency and click Continue.
Next, provide the payer information. Select "Someone else" if anyone other than the student will complete the transaction, then select the relationship to the student.
Once the transaction has been submitted, click "Print Instructions." The link will include the bank account and SWIFT information that must be provided to the bank in order to process the transfer of funds. Payees will have 72 hours to complete their transaction to secure the conversion rate given at the time.

NOTE: Students can also track their payments through the same site by clicking the "Track Your Payment" link.

E-Refunds (Direct Deposit)

CSULB students are encouraged to sign up for e-Refund, which electronically deposits any refunds, including financial aid disbursement refunds, directly into your bank account. This is a faster and safer way to receive your funds.

Read the Direct Deposit terms and conditions.
Check the box “I agree to these terms”. You may choose to print the terms and conditions (optional) by selecting the Print icon at the top right.
Select New bank account to enter new banking information. If you have payment methods saved, you can select to use one of those accounts.
If you are unsure about where to find your banking information, you can click on either of the Information icons. This will provide you with a sample of where to find account information on a check.
After clicking Continue, review the entered information for accuracy. If you need to make changes, select Change. You will only be able to see the last four digits of the current account used for eRefunds. To enter a new bank account, or switch to another existing account, click Change.

Authorized Payers

DISCLAIMER: Please note this IS NOT intended to be used for students that receive payments via a THIRD-PARTY organization, agency, or sponsor.

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center
Navigate to the Finances Section
Select "Authorized Payers"
On the right side of the screen, a window will appear that will allow you to enter your authorized payer invitation information.
On the next page, the authorized payer will be prompted to create a new, unique password.

529 Payments

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center
Navigate to the Finances Section
Select "529 Payment"
Provide the 529 plan number.
If the payment is authorized, a confirmation message is displayed showing your remaining balance.
Provide the 529 plan number.

Modifying Enrollment Options After Enrolling

Current students can register for classes and make changes to their schedule in MyCSULB Student Center. Once enrolled, a student may request to change their grading option for a class (to Credit/No Credit or Audit), switch related components (such as lab or activity sections) for a class, or change the number of units they’re enrolled in for a variable unit class. All requests must be completed (including approvals) by the deadline (see Key Dates and Deadlines).

Grade Option Change Requests

After you enroll, you may request to take certain classes on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) or Audit (AU) grading basis. Only some classes have the option for you to enroll on a CR/NC or AU basis. You can check the Catalog to find out if these options are available for your class. CR/NC and AU grades do not affect your GPA. All requests must be completed (including approvals) by the deadline (see Key Dates and Deadlines).

To enroll for a CR/NC grade, the approval of your major advisor is required. To enroll for an AU grade, the approval of the class instructor is required. There are limits on which courses may be completed for a CR/NC or AU grade.

Steps to Request a Grade Option Change:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Select Create New Request.
Select Next.
The classes you’re enrolled in will be listed. Choose “Change to CR/NC” or “Change to Audit” in the dropdown menu for the class you’d like to change options for. Then, select Next. (If the option doesn’t appear, it’s not allowed for that class.)
Provide the justification for your request. Then, select Submit.
Your request will be automatically routed on your behalf to the correct approvers.

Related Component Changes

Some classes require that you enroll in a related component (such as a lab or activity section). If there are multiple related component sections offered for the class, you may switch sections as needed until the end of the second week of classes (or proportionate for winter and summer terms). After the second week of classes, changes are by approval only.

Steps to Request a Related Component Change:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Select Create New Request.
Select Next.
The classes you’re enrolled in will be listed. Choose “Change related component” in the dropdown menu for the class you’d like to change related components for. Then, select Next. (If the option doesn’t appear, related components aren’t available for that class.)
Select the section you want to switch to. Then, select OK.
Provide the justification for your request. Then, select Submit.
Your request will be automatically routed on your behalf to the correct approvers.

Variable Unit Changes

Certain classes are offered for a variable number of units. The number of units depends on the amount of work you’ll complete for the class, but it will vary for each student. You may change the number of units you’re enrolled in for a variable unit class until the end of the second week of classes (or proportionate for winter and summer terms).

Steps to Request a Variable Unit Change:

Log in to MyCSULB Student Center.
Select Create New Request.
Select Next.
The classes you’re enrolled in will be listed. Choose “Change variable units” in the dropdown menu for the class you’d like to change. Then, select Next. (If the option doesn’t appear, the class isn’t a variable unit class.)
Enter the number of units you want to register for.
Provide the justification for your request. Then, select Submit.
Your request will be automatically routed on your behalf to the correct approvers.

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