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Family Orientation

Welcome CSUSM Families!

Congratulations on your student's admission to California State University San Marcos! We are pleased to offer Family Orientation for guests of First Year Students. Family Orientation sessions run concurrently with selected First Year Student Orientation sessions. When making their own reservation, students are permitted to make reservations for up to 2 guests for an additional fee (spaces are limited). Family Orientation sessions are also offered in Spanish!

Orientation is a critical component to a successful transition to CSUSM.  At Orientation, you will have the chance to meet fellow CSUSM families, hear from current students, faculty, and staff, and learn how to guide your student through the transition to CSUSM. 

students highfiving
 

Reservations

April 2021: Orientation reservations open on MyCSUSM 
June 1, 2021: Orientation reservations close

How to make an Orientation Reservation

Your student must sign you up for Family Orientation when making their Orientation reservation by following these steps:

  1. Submit Intent to Enroll (24-hour processing period once submitted).
  2. Clear any Housing Holds (if applicable).
  3. Log in to MyCSUSM and select Orientation Reservation. Select a date listed as First Year with Family Orientation. 
  4. Pay the registration fee.

Summer 2021 Orientation Details

  • Summer 2021 Orientation will take place in June, July, and August before the beginning of the Fall Semester. Available dates will be listed in MyCSUSM when the reservation system opens.
  • Orientation will consist of a 3-4 hour live session via Zoom. Families will also have the opportunity to view a collection of pre-recorded videos online before or after orientation.
  • Students and families will receive instructions for accessing the Zoom session and pre-recorded content one week in advance of their Orientation session via email. 
  • Any changes to your Orientation reservation must be made at least 1 week prior to your scheduled session by calling (760)750-4930 or emailing orientation@csusm.edu. If you would like to cancel your reservation, please review the Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Individuals with disabilities who would like to attend online Orientation: Please contact New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) by phone at (760) 750-4930 or email at orientation@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as closed captioning, sign language interpreters, or alternative format materials notify NSFP at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Preparing for Online Orientation

  • The live portion of Orientation will take place on Zoom. After you register for online orientation, we will send you instructions via email for signing in.

  • To prepare for Orientation, Download and Install Zoom if you do not already have it installed on your device.

  • If you do not have a Zoom account, sign up for a free account.

  • For help using Zoom, visit the Zoom Help Center.

Additional Information

Meet the Orientation Team
Pay for Orientation
Cancellation Policy
 

Please encourage your student to check their email and this website frequently for Orientation updates. Guests are also invited to join the Cougar Family Network to receive campus news and updates throughout the year!

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