Orientation - First Year Students

Welcome First Year Students!  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.  Please note that guests are not permitted at Orientation unless officially registered for a First Year-Family Orientation session.  

First-Year Orientation Check-List

• If required, complete the EPT/ELM as early as possible (and at least 6 weeks prior to your scheduled Orientation date). Check the Testing Center for more details.
• Submit your Intent to Enroll by May 1, 2008
• Register for an Orientation date (system now open!)
• Complete your First Year Academic Advising Major Checklist at least one week prior to your Orientation date.
• Submit your Immunization Records to SHCS
• Submit final transcripts with a postmark deadline of July 15, 2008
• Attend Orientation and reserve Fall 2008 classes
• Pay all CSUSM Registration Fees by the published deadlines: Failure to pay registration fees by the appropriate deadline will result in your classes being dropped. Visit Student Financial Services for more information.
• Get your textbooks.  Booklists are available in the University Store approximately two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester.
• First day of classes is Monday, August 25, 2008

Fall 2008 First Year Orientation Dates

All First Year Orientation sessions run 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Check-in begins at 8:00 am in front of University Hall. The program begins promptly at 8:30am so plan accordingly. Please note that guests will not be allowed to attend First Year Students Only days due to space restrictions.

If the Family Orientation session you would like to reserve is not displaying as an option in the Orientation Reservation system, the date is full. If you would like to be put on a waitlist for the Family Orientation session, you must first make a reservation for another student date. Once you have reserved the alternate date, please contact our office at 760-750-4930 to request to be put on the waitlist for your preferred Family Orientation session. If space on the Family date opens, we will place wait-isted students in the session based on the order of request.  You will be notified via email if the change has been made.

Please note that students receive the same Orientation experience whether it is a First Year Student Only session or a First Year Student with Family session.

First Year Orientation Schedule At-A-Glance

• Check-in
• Small Group Activities led by your O-Team leader
• Welcome
• Academic Success Tips
• Interest sessions including the following topics:
  • On-Campus & Off-Campus Living Information
  • Student Life and Involvement Opportunities
  • Financial Aid
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism
  • Student Leader Panel-Hearing from current students
• Lunch & Campus Tour
• Academic Advising
• Course Reservations
• Time to get your Parking Permit, Student ID, and pay your fees

• Student Life & Leadership
• 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road • San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
• Craven Hall 3400

• Phone: (760) 750-4970
• Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Fridays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm