First Year Student Checklist
Please note that this information is also located in the Student Planner that you received at Orientation.
Things to do your FIRST WEEK at CSUSM
- Get your ID card and validation sticker
ID cards can be purchased at the Cashier's Office or the Library. ID photographs will be taken on the second floor of the Library where you can then pick up your new ID card. Validation stickers can be picked up in the library or at the Cashier's Office and are used to verify your status as a currently matriculated student so that you can check out books or media.
- Add and Drop classes to Adjust Schedule
You have until the day before school starts to adjust your schedule on-line through SMART Web. Once the semester begins, you must adjust your schedule through the Enrollment Services Information Center in Cougar Central by turning in an add/drop slip with the appropriate signatures. You have until the add/drop deadline to make these changes.
- Purchase a Parking Permit
Parking Permits can be purchased at the Cashier's Office (located on the 3rd floor of Craven) and at Parking Services (located in FCB). There is no grace period for parking permits so be sure to buy a parking permit before the first week of classes to avoid a parking ticket.
- Get Involved!
There will be a number of exciting activities planned for all new and current CSUSM students during the first few weeks of the Fall semester to welcome you to campus. Take this time to learn how to get involved on campus, meet other students, and about the awesome Student Life we have present here at CSUSM. Check Welcome Week schedules for more details!
Things to do your FIRST SEMESTER at CSUSM
- Complete the Computer Competency (CCR) exam
This university requirement is to ensure that all students become competent in the basics of computer use. The "basics" comprise the following areas: essential computing concepts & skills, browsing the internet and e-mail, basic word processing skills, basic spreadsheet skills, and virus detection and computer ethics. The Computer Competency Requirement must be fulfilled in the first or second semester of attendance at Cal State San Marcos in order to ensure continued registration for classes.
- Meet with your academic advisor
Meeting with an academic advisor early in your academic career will ensure you are on the right track to graduation! Make an appointment through COBA or UAS (COAS and lower division students) to develop a complete 2- or 4-year educational plan. Doing so will help you map out your semester courses in time for the next cycle of course registration.
- Declare your major
If you are a junior or senior you will want to declare your major as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Fill out a declaration of major form and drop it off in the Cougar Central.
- Begin working to meet the foreign language requirement
There is a campus-wide language graduation requirement that all students must meet. Be sure to start this work as soon as possible to ensure that you will be able to get into the sequence of courses you want so that you graduate on time.
- Clear your immunizations through SHCS
All students are required to present proof of Measles and Rubella immunizations and those that are 18 years of age or younger on or after August 1 of their admitting academic year are required to present proof of immunization against Hepatitis B. Please see Immunization Requirements under Student Health & Counseling Services for more information.
- Complete your Alcohol Education Requirement
If you are a First Year student (Freshman), you must complete an Alcohol Education Requirement in the month of October. Refer to the MyStudentBody Information page located in the planner for more information.