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New Student and Family Programs

Specialized Program Orientations

Specialized orientations are specific orientation sessions that are dedicated to connecting students with faculty, staff, and other students in the same program. You can find a list of specialized orientation sessions, fees, and information about each program to determine if a specialized orientation is for you! 

For questions about specific programs, please reach out to the program directly.

Note: Students who are connected to a program listed below are required to attend the specialized orientation for their program. If you cannot attend the specialized orientation for your program, please contact New Student and Family Programs at (760) 750-4930 or orientation@csusm.edu.

CSTEM Orientation

Are you an incoming student in the College of STEM? Join us for an evening of further exploration to learn what CSTEM has in store for you! 

Note: This orientation will take place after your scheduled orientation session. More information will be sent via email to CSTEM students. 

Early Start Program

The Early Start Program serves CSU admitted freshmen who have not demonstrated proficiency in English/Written Communication and/or Math/Quantitative Reasoning as determined by the CSU Systemwide Placement Standards using multiple measures.

  • Students that are considered Enroll with Support, Early Start Required must participate in Early Start.
  • Students that are considered Enroll with Support are recommended to participate in Early Start.

For more information about Early Start Programs, please contact the Readiness and Success Services programs at (760) 750-6060 or earlystart@csusm.edu

REC Adventure Experience

Intereste in meeting new people and participating in fun activities? Sign up for the REC Adventure Experience! After your July 11 orientation, you'll be able to connect with more people, kayak, and have an orientation experience like no other. To sign-up for this orientation, follow the instructions and select the "REC Adventure Experience" orientation on MyCSUSM. Spaces for this orientation are limited and additional fees may apply. 

For more information please visit: REC Adventure Experience

CSUSM Housing Residential Learning Communities (RLCs)

The RLCs are designed to increase students’ success through living and learning together, taking linked courses to facilitate a successful transition to CSUSM, and meeting key academic requirements.  Students in these programs live together on a designated floors and take up to 3 classes together. Additionally, RLC students will participate in specialized programming and events throughout the semester.

SME: The San Marcos Experience (SME) is a Residential Learning Community designed to help ease the transition to college by placing students into a living and learning cohort that promotes leadership development and civic engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
 
CSTEM: The CSTEM Residential Learning Community (RLC) is located in the North Commons community in CSUSM Housing. This RLC is made for students pursuing studies in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math. 
 

If you are intetested in participating in the RLCs please fill out the RLC interest form. Both the RLCs will be having the Overnight Orientation on July 11 in collaboration with Outdoor Adventures. 

For more information please visit: Housing Communities

Spanish Family Orientations

We offer several options for families to learn more about the CSU San Marcos campus and how to support their students during their first year of college. Family Orientation sessions run concurrently (same time in separate sessions) 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). We offer Family Orientation sessions in English and in Spanish!

Upcoming Spanish Family Orientations: 

  • Saturday, June 22
  • Saturday, July 20
  • Saturday, August 3

Please visit the Spanish Family Orientation website for more information.

Specialized Programs (ACE, CAMP, EOP, TRIO SSS)

CSUSM offers a variety of Specialized Programs to eligible students to provide additional support and services, including academic and career advising, academic coaching and tutoring, mentoring, community-building, and more. Explore the programs and services listed here to learn more about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and involvement opportunities. 

For more information on Specialized Programs, please visit their website or contact New Student and Family Programs so that we can connect you.