Transfer Q&A

1. What are placement tests?

The Accuplacer placement exams are given to determine the level of English and Math a student is eligible to take. Students who need to take the English and Math placement exams must take them prior to enrolling for courses at La Sierra University.

International students may be required to take additional language proficiency tests.

2. How do I know if I will need to take the English and Math placement tests?

Students transferring in appropriate college-level English and/or Math courses or qualifying AP credit are not required to take the placement tests. For this reason, it is important to have official transcripts and AP test results sent to LSU, immediately. If you do not have previous college-level English and/or Math credit, you are required to take the Accuplacer test(s). Pre-foundational or remedial English and/or Math courses do not qualify as "college-level courses."

To determine whether testing is needed, please call the Learning Support & Testing Center at (951) 785-2896 or email Erin Lowry.

It is recommended that students who will take the English or Math placement exams review their high school texts and study the online resources before taking the placement exams.

3. Am I required to attend Transfer Orientation?

No. You are not required to attend Transfer Orientation; however, we encourage you to come. Attending an orientation will allow you to become acquainted with our campus, its resources, and the Center for Student Academic Success even before you begin classes.

Do not expect to be advised on the day of Transfer Orientation!

4. Where do I go for Transfer Orientation?

Transfer Orientation will begin at Sierra Vista Hall (former Psychology Building) at the corner of Sierra Vista Avenue and Pierce Street (across from the LSU Church). Parking is available behind the building, in Parking Lot E. A map of campus is available here.

5. Is there a transfer fee?

All transfer students are billed $25 on their Fall Quarter statement.

6. What do I do if I am unable to attend my scheduled Transfer Orientation?

To request a change of orientation date, please contact C-SAS at (951) 785-2452 or orientation@lasierra.edu.

7. Is there an Orientation for International Students?

International students attend an orientation specifically designed for them.

INTERNATIONAL FIRST-TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS are required to attend the Summer Orientation specially designed for their needs, scheduled on September 15-16.

ALL OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS are encouraged to attend orientation on September 17-18, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. To register contact Natan Vigna (see below).

During the orientations listed above, you will experience the activities planned for Summer Orientation and:

• Become oriented with American values and standards, meet your fellow international students, update your immigration records, and learn about the immigration regulations you must follow.
• Take all required placement tests, get advised for classes, register and become introduced to LSU life.

Questions regarding International Students? Check online, email Natan Vigna, or call (951) 785-2237.

8. What are registration holds and what can I do about them?

Registration holds are placed by different administrative departments to ensure that your academic, personal, or financial records are current and complete before you register for courses. They prevent you from registering until you speak to the indicated department and provide necessary information or documentation. You can find out any registration hold placed on your account by accessing your Self-Service online and locating them under “Student Records.

All incoming students have a Health Service hold requiring them to have a current (within one year) physical examination and up-to-date immunizations. To obtain the Health Record and Physical Examination Form, click here. Both pages of the form must be completed and submitted to La Sierra University Health Services before enrollment. Transfer students may submit physical examination results from another institution if done within one year.

9. How do I reserve a residence hall room for Fall 2008?

To reserve a room for Fall Quarter in one of the residence halls, students must complete the Residence Hall Application and pay a $100 room deposit. Payment options: by phone (credit card) - call the Bursar’s Office (951) 785-2152; in person - pay at the Bursar’s Office in the Administration Building; mail - send in a check or money order with your LSU ID # to: Bursar’s Office, La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Pkwy, Riverside, CA 92515-8247. Checks should be payable to La Sierra University.

For additional information: Women’s Residence Hall – (951) 785-2025, Men’s Residence Hall – (951) 785-2229.

10. When do Fall classes begin?

Classes for all students begin Monday, September 22.