Transfer Student Orientation

Transfer Orientation is the university's response to the unique needs of busy transfer students. It is a stream-lined, half-day, academic advising and course registration process. Transfer Orientation gives incoming students the opportunity to visit the campus, learn about helpful resources, receive academic advising, begin the course registration process, and take care of critical business prior to the start of the semester. The cost to attend is $65 per student. Due to space restrictions, guests are not permitted to attend.

Orientation sessions run June through August. Various sessions are offered to accommodate the busy lives of Transfer students. Students who choose not to attend Orientation will not have access to register for courses until the first day of the admitted semester.

After a student accepts the intent to enroll and pays the $150 enrollment deposit, an Orientation hold will be visible in MyCSUSM for those who need to attend Orientation. This hold prevents course registration and will be removed the day of a student's Orientation. If an Orientation hold is not on a student's account, they may not have to attend Orientation. Contact Orientation and New Student Programs with any questions. Review our FAQ section to get many of your questions answered.

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

Reservations open 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.

Orientations for Transfer Students. Orientation for transfer students is a half day session, either AM or PM. AM sessions run 8am-12:30pm and PM sessions run 1pm-5:30pm. No guests permitted.

Transfer Orientation Dates

Tuesday, June 11^th PM Session – ALL majors

Thursday, June 20^th AM Session – Business, Political Science, Biology, Kinesiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Communication, Mass Media, Human Development, Criminology & Justice Studies

Thursday, June 20^th PM Session – Business, Nursing/Pre-Health Sciences, Liberal Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Social Sciences, Global Studies, Visual & Performing Arts, Spanish, Women’s Studies, Kinesiology, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems, History, Psychology, Sociology

Tuesday, July 23^rd AM Session – Business, Liberal Studies, Global Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, Biology, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Kinesiology, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Communication, Mass Media, Psychology, Literature & Writing Studies

Tuesday, July 23^rd PM Session – Business, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, Visual & Performing Arts, Spanish, Women’s Studies, Kinesiology, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems, History, Communication, Mass Media, Human Development, Psychology, Criminology & Justice Studies, Sociology

Tuesday, August 13^th AM Session – ALL majors

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 Transfer Orientation is $65 per student. No guests are permitted to attend.

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

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 Orientation