First Year Student Orientation

Back to top

What do I have to complete before I can make an Orientation reservation?

Orientation reservations open up at 9:00AM

Wednesday, May 8th in MyCSUSM

What Can I Expect At Orientation?

Orientation is, for many students, the first time they are getting the opportunity to see what CSUSM has to offer. At Orientation, students will: meet other new and current students, explore the campus, learn about CSUSM resources, receive group academic advising, begin the course selection process, and more that will help them feel welcomed and a part of the CSUSM community.

First Year Orientation for first time freshmen. Orientation for first year students is 8am-5pm. No guests permitted unless it is a Family Orientation.

Family Orientation for families of first time freshmen. Family Orientations run concurrently and are offered on select First Year Orientation dates. Spanish language Family Orientations are also offered on First Year with Family Orientations indicated with an (SP). The session runs 8am-5pm. Up to 2 guests per student are allowed and they must be reserved to attend. Back to top

First Year Orientation Dates

Back to top 

Paying Your Orientation Fee

Orientation is a fee based program, meaning, without the fee, we cannot offer this service to our new students. Therefore, we have strict policies in place to ensure we receive these fees. When students make an Orientation reservation in MyCSUSM, the Orientation fee will be automatically charged to the student account. Students must pay the Orientation fee prior to attending their reserved session. Please do not send payment prior to a reservation being made. Students who have not paid the Orientation fee within a week of their scheduled session will not be permitted to attend. 

The cost to attend First Year Orientation is $90 per student.

A limited number of sessions are available for students to bring Family members (up to 2). Sessions where guests are permitted are indicated. The cost per guest is $40. Students who choose not to attend Orientation will not have access to register for courses until the first day of the admitted semester.

Orientation Fee Payment Options:

Pay Online:

Log on to MyCSUSM and access Student Services to pay your fees directly using your MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express or Electronic Check (a 2.9% convenience charge will be assessed for all credit card payments. There is no convenience fee for electronic check payments.) Please note, VISA is not accepted.

Pay in person:

Cash, checks & ATM Debit cards are accepted at the Office of Student Financial Services in Cougar Central located in Craven Hall 3800.

Pay by mail:

Checks/money orders can be mailed to:

     CSUSM
     ATTN: Cashiers
     333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd
     San Marcos, CA 92096-0001


Checks/money orders can be mailed to:

Check/money order can be dropped in the drop box located in Tukwut Courtyard outside of Cougar Central (Craven Hall 3800). 

Please make checks payable to "CSUSM" and write your student ID number on the check.  For all services, please have your student/picture ID available for verification.

Back to top

Back to Orientation