First Year Student Orientation     
Are you a new First Year student?

If so, check out the "New Student Programs" link to view information on programs, resources, and important requirements and deadlines for new Cougars!

Are you applying to be a first year student in Fall 2010?

You will begin your first year at CSU San Marcos with a full-day orientation experience exposing you to all the campus has to offer during your next four years. Orientation is an important step in the transition to the university and all new students must attend Orientation in order to reserve Fall 2010 courses. Orientation reservations will open April 2010 in my.csusm.edu and all sessions fill on a first come, first serve basis. Continue to check back to this website for updates regarding Orientation reservations and schedules for Fall 2010 admits!

PRE-ORIENTATION CHECKLIST FOR FALL 2009 ADMITS:

AT LEAST SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR ORIENTATION:

  • Take the English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Mathematics test (ELM).

These scores will determine which math and English courses you will be placed into. If you are not assessed on the day of your Orientation, you will not be permitted to sign up for these courses. For more information on whether you are required to be assessed, visit http://www2.csusm.edu/firstyearprograms/elm-eptexams.html

AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR ORIENTATION:

Please note that this information may not be covered during your Orientation and is being provided to you prior to your session in order to best prepare you for the advising and Fall 2009 course registration process. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR RESERVED ORIENTATION SESSION!

*Note that there may be additional paperwork that must be filled out and brought with you to your orientation for your specific major. 

A FEW DAYS BEFORE YOUR ORIENTATION:

  • Create a "What to bring with me to Orientation" file including the following items:
    • Orientation parking permit (can be found on my.csusm.edu in your Orientation reservation)
    • Orientation confirmation email that you received after you made your reservation
    • Immunization records-for more information on what to bring visit: http://www.csusm.edu/shcs/immunization/index.html
    • EPT/ELM scores
    • High School transcript
  •  View check-in times and location of your Orientation session

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR ORIENTATION:

  • Get some sleep! It's going to be a FUN (but long) day!
  • Set your alarm! If you are late to your Orientation, you may be required to re-schedule your session.
  • Get ready to start your college career at CSUSM! We can't wait to meet you!

First Year Orientation Schedule At-A-Glance

  • Check-in
  • Meet your O-Team leader and small group
  • University Welcome
  • Staying Healthy and Safe during your First Year at CSUSM
  • Campus Tour led by your O-Team leader

  • Interest sessions including the following topics:

    • On-Campus & Off-Campus Living Information
    • Student Life and Involvement Opportunities
    • Financial Aid
    • EPT/ELM (students required to attend this session will be notified when they arrive to Orientation)
    • Career Center/Working on campus
    • Intersections of Diversity
  • Lunch with your Small Group
  • Academic Success Tips from a College Professor
  • Group Academic Advising
  • Course Reservations
  • Time to get your Parking Permit, Student ID, and pay your fees