The New Normal and its New Policies and Services

Dear Students,

It has been nearly three years since our lives were altered due to COVID-19. Though the pandemic is not completely over, many facets of our day-to-day life have returned to some semblance of normalcy… or perhaps more accurately, the “new normal.” Cal Lutheran administrators like me want to do everything we can to ensure the “new normal” has some relevant and interesting opportunities that make your collegiate experience as satisfying and fulfilling as possible.

Based on student feedback that traditional undergraduates have shared with faculty and advisors, we are implementing a substantial change to the registration process: a multi-semester or multi-term registration. Also, as part of our ongoing commitment to student health and well-being, we have added new physical and mental health services for all students. Both are explained below.

Multi-Semester/Multi-Term Registration 

Traditional undergraduate students now have the ability to register for classes over a year in advance. If you are a traditional undergrad, you can register for Fall 23, Spring 24 and Summer 24 concurrently!  

This change is intended to streamline the registration process. It should allow you to plan out your courses well in advance so you know what upcoming course work and time schedules look like. All of this should work together to ensure you are taking the courses required for graduation. 

Here is the information regarding registration timing this year:

• Class schedules for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 will be released on March 6 via Self Service Student Planning.
• Students who have applied for graduation in December 2023, May 2024, or August 2024 will be able to begin registering on March 15. If you are one of these students, you must submit your application for graduation in Self Service to begin registering on that date. The graduation fee can be paid later.
• Registration times for all other students will begin April 24. If you are in this group, you will receive an email with your registration time the week of March 6. 

New Health and Wellness Fee

Tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are changing. Amounts are calculated differently for each student group, but all students will benefit from new programs that prioritize well-being. Vice Presidents Melinda Roper and Matt Ward sent the following message that details the update:

Beginning late summer, we will offer expanded services for our students, including a new telehealth service that will provide students with a mental health crisis hotline and 12 scheduled counseling sessions each year. The new telehealth service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will also offer urgent care and access to medical professionals for one-on-one appointments. They will be available to students whether or not they are on campus. 

Here are some additional initiatives funded by the new health and wellness fee: 

• Additional hours for psychiatrist visits through Health Services
• Increased staffing to expand the intramural sports program
• Increased wellness workshops, speakers and educational programs
• Access to peer health mentors 

Faculty, staff, and administrators at Cal Lutheran are working hard to anticipate the kinds of services and programs that students today want and need. I hope the ones described above fall into that category.

Enjoy the long weekend,