Transition Courses

Transitioning to Cal: An Introduction to the Research University

1 Upper Division Unit P/NP 

Class Description

Transfer students make up one-fourth of the student population at Cal. As a first semester transfer, you will be navigating and adjusting to a new campus culture. This class is designed to help facilitate your transition by improving your knowledge of the research university and its resources, assisting you in identifying key academic skills and strategies for academic success, and encouraging community and student engagement. The course will focus on academic strategies for upper division course work with particular emphasis on time management skills, critical reading, exam preparation, and writing skills. You will learn about various campus resources and opportunities that are available to you as a Cal student. Participation, group work, and class discussion are an integral part of this course. We will be sharing and exchanging information and advice throughout the semester.

Fall 2024 Schedule

To register for this transition course, please add the course directly using the Class Number.

Student Testimonials

This was a fantastic transition course! Whenever a course gets bittersweet in the last class meeting, you know it was a great class with a great sense of community!
Spring 2021
As a first year transfer student, hearing someone tell me that they are still willing to support me even after the course ends is very refreshing. Also, thank you for valuing transfer students and reinforcing the fact that we do belong.
Spring 2021
I think this course did a wonderful job at holding me down for the semester. I enjoyed being able to discuss our experiences as a group, and especially appreciated the weekly updates on events/opportunities shared with the course.
Spring 2021