In a world where career paths shift, commitments compete for time, and education oftentimes takes a backseat, the Open University program at Sacramento State offers a flexible and low-barrier way for learners to reconnect with campus life. Operated through the College of Continuing Education (CCE), Open University enables individuals to enroll in regular university courses — even if they’re not formally admitted into a degree program.

What Is Sac State’s Open University? 

Open University allows students to take accredited courses at Sacramento State on a space-available basis, without needing full admission into a degree program. It’s ideal for people who want to:

• “Test the waters” before fully committing to a university program
• Update or sharpen professional skills
• Improve their GPA in hopes of gaining admission at a later time

Open University is open to anyone who is not currently admitted to Sacramento State. Former Sac State students may also enroll, provided they left the university in good standing.

How Does Sac State’s Open University Work?

Open University students join the same classes as degree-seeking students, you don’t have your own special class set. Here’s the process in brief: 

1. Intent to Enroll — Prospective students submit an Open University “Intent to Enroll” form to CCE for processing.
2. Obtain Sac State ID / Setup — Once accepted, students receive a Sac State ID and instructions to set up a SacLink account.
3. Choose Course(s) — Students use the Sac State class schedule to identify courses with open seats.
4. Request Add Permission — On the first day of class, the student must request the instructor’s and department chair’s approval to add the course (or do so ahead via email, especially for online classes).
5. Submit Registration — The completed add form, with approvals, is submitted to CCE. Fees must be paid by the deadline.

There are some important caveats:

• Open University is credit-bearing unless audited (no credit). All academic assignments apply just as they would for degree-seeking students.
• Classes are first-come, first-served, and enrollment is only permitted if there is space available.
• Students with outstanding holds or past dismissals may not be eligible.
• For graduate-level courses, only up to six eligible units earned through Open University may be applied later toward a master’s degree at Sac State.
• International students on many visa types may not be eligible unless they get clearance from their academic advisor.

Who Benefits From Taking Sac State’s Open University Courses?

Open University is particularly well-suited for: 

• Adult learners returning after a break
• Professionals wanting to upskill or pivot careers
• Students who want to test their capacity for college-level work
• Those seeking to raise their GPA before applying formally to a degree program

Because Open University courses integrate students into the regular university environment, learners experience campus rigor, faculty expectations, and the pace of degree-seeking peers. This immersion can both motivate and inform decisions about future academic commitment.

The Spirit Behind the Program

Open University is more than a transactional arrangement — it embodies a mission of access and transformation. As Dr. Jenni Murphy, Dean of Sac State’s College of Continuing Education, puts it:

“At the College of Continuing Education, we meet modern adult learners and working adults where they are and help them get to where they want to be. Whether our students are returning after years away, shifting careers mid-life, or building new skills to advance professionally, we are here to support their goals. Their journeys inspire us every day, and for 75 years, CCE has been proud to be Sacramento State’s hub for transformation and opportunity.”

This philosophy underscores how Open University fits within CCE’s broader vision: not just bridging gaps in education, but nurturing trajectories of growth. For those who might hesitate at the threshold of institutional hurdles, Open University extends both entry and encouragement.

Tips for Prospective Open University Students

• Plan early — Submit your intent and registration materials well ahead of deadlines to maximize chances of securing a seat.
• Monitor class capacity — Because courses are limited by space, have backup options ready.
• Communicate promptly — Reach out to instructors and department chairs early for the required permissions.
• Understand limitations — Be aware of how many units you can transfer later, audit policies, and eligibility if you’re international.
• Leverage timing — Use Open University to build momentum, test yourself, or gain confidence before formally applying to your desired program.