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Your Path to CSUSM

First-Year Edition (For Fall 2020 Admission)*

*Please note that this Path is for students applying to CSUSM during the 2019-2020 academic year and starting at CSUSM in Fall 2020. The 2020-2021 Path to CSUSM is coming soon!

This First-Year Path is a helpful tool to keep track of some of the steps you will need to take as you prepare for your first semester at CSUSM. But please note that the Path to CSUSM is not a replacement for checking your CSUSM Cougar Email or MyCSUSM. 

If you've completed all the steps on the Path to CSUSM, see below for the First-Year Experience Pathway!

 

START
HERE

 
Log in to your CSUSM Email
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Check it daily!
Check My CSUSM
“To-Do” Lists & Holds
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Download the
CSUSM App
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Stay in the Loop.
Follow Us!
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@csusm
@csusmnsfp
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START HERE
 
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Activate
CSUSM Email
Check it DAILY!
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Check My CSUSM
“To-Do” Lists & Holds
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Download the
CSUSM App
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Stay in the Loop.
Follow Us! @csusm / @csusmnsfp

JAN - MAR

 
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Submit Test Scores
Deadline: 2/15
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Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
Opens 10/1
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Submit Intent to Enroll $150 deposit
Deadline: 6/1
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Provide Documentation for Disabilities
(if applicable)
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Provide documentation for Veterans Services
(if applicable)
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Apply for Housing (if applicable)
Priority Deadline: 5/8

APR - MAY

 
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Attend Discover CSUSM
4/24/20
 
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Research Special Programs on Campus
(if applicable)
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Placement Exams
(if applicable)
Deadline: Prior to enrolling in courses
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Purchase Meal Plan
(optional)
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Sign up for Summer Orientation
Deadline: 6/1
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Sign Up to Participate in Cougar Connection (optional)

SUMMER

 
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Enrollment Tutorial Mandatory
Deadline: Prior to Enrollment
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Hands-On Workshop for Enrolling the Cougar Way 
(optional) 
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Self-Enroll in Classes via MyCSUSM
Opens 6/15
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Submit Final Transcripts and Test Scores
Deadline: 7/15
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Submit Immunization Records
Deadline: 7/15
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Complete Pre-Orientation
Opens 1-week prior to orientation
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Attend Online Orientation

AUGUST

 
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Complete Post-Orientation Course in Cougar Courses
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Complete CIRP Survey
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Purchase Fall Parking Permit
(if applicable)
Opens 8/13
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Pay Tuition and Fees
First Installment Due: 8/26
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Move in to Housing
8/28 & 8/29
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FIRST DAY OF CLASSES!
8/31
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Attend Weeks of Welcome Events
8/29 - 9/11 
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Mandatory "Not Anymore" and Alcohol & Drug Training
Deadline: 9/30
Check your personal and CSUSM email daily. The majority of your campus-related communication will come via email!


Please note that the First-Year Path to CSUSM is subject to change (last updated June 15, 2020).

Prefer a hard copy? Download the printer-friendly First-Year Path! (Last updated June 15, 2020. Please note that this web page and the printer-friendly version are slightly different due to space constraints on the PDF. Both versions are subject to change. Please refer to the web page version above for the most complete information.) 

First-Year Experience Pathway

finished with the First-Year Path to CSUSM? Congratulations! Next, check out the First-Year Experience Pathway for a step-by-step guide through your first semester. Transfer students might find this guide helpful too!

First-Year Experience Pathway