Otter Days
August 23 - September 1
Welcome Home Otters! We are happy you are here and we hope you are ready to kick off your college experience with Otter Days. Whether you are a new or returning otter, there are tons of events and activities to connect, build community, and make new friends.
Otter Days begins at move-in and continues through September 1st. See the campus-hosted events below, and find student-hosted events on MyRaft - the portal for all our on campus departments and more than 100 clubs and organizations.
Events
Parent and Family Reception
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: University Center
Audience: Family and SupportersWelcome parents, families, and supporters of Otters! This reception on Move In Day is for you to come and be welcomed as the essential part of your student's journey that you are. Come receive some refreshments, hear from CSUMB's President, and remember to say goodbye to your otter. We will be taking students to community meetings and you'll have the chance to connect with other families. We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Email orientation@csumb.edu.
Community Meetings
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: World Theater
Audience: Residential StudentsNew to on-campus housing? Live in Area 1 or Area 2? All on-campus residents are welcome to join Student Housing and Residential Life staff to learn more about living on campus, from community expectations to sharing how we can best support you. Start building relationships with other residents and your RA today!
First Year Fest
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: University Center
Audience: First Year StudentsFirst Year Fest is an intentionally designed program that reminds students of important resources on campus, builds connections and a sense of belonging, and assists incoming first year students in transitioning into life at CSUMB.
Community Meetings
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: See event details for location
Audience: Residential StudentsLive in North Quad, Promontory, or East Campus? Residents are encouraged to join Student Housing and Residential Life staff to learn more about community expectations, how we can best support you, and more valuable information. Start building relationships with other residents and your RA today!
Residential Welcome Events: NQ Movie Night
Time: 8 to 10 p.m.
Location: North Quad
Audience: Residential StudentsCollege Mixers
Time: 9:45 to 10:45 p.m.
Location: Various Locations
Audience: StudentsEvery major on campus is a part of one of our 5 colleges at CSUMB. Come meet your dean, faculty, and fellow students within your college. You will have the opportunity to network, learn more about events, services and traditions your college hosts, and we’ll play games to raffle off prizes.
Campus Cookout
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Location: Main Quad
Audience: StudentsThe Campus Cookout (aka Welcome BBQ) is an opportunity to gather as a campus community to welcome in the new academic year! A complimentary lunch is served with a myriad of activities and entertainment woven in.
Ice Cream Social
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: Main Quad
Audience: StudentsEnjoy some sweet treats as you get to know your fellow Otters! Dairy and dairy free options available. First 500 students will receive a free shirt that's worth melting over!
Room Sweet Room: DIY
Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: StudentsJoin us for a crafting event to decorate your room to feel more like home. You will connect with other students who live on campus!
Class Finding Tours
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: OSU Main Quad Plaza
Audience: StudentsAre you new to campus and need to know where your classes will be? Meet an Orientation Leader at their chosen location to go on a class finding tour to make sure you know where you need to go when you start classes. Any student who has not been to campus before is welcome to attend, not just new students for Fall 2024!
RecFest
Time: 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Student Recreation Field
Audience: StudentsYou Otter Play.. Come join the CSUMB Recreation team in celebrating our annual #CSUMBRecFest highlighting health, wellness and recreation opportunities for CSUMB students on and off campus. This event will host our Sports Clubs, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Recreation, and Otter Cycle Center. This an awesome chance to make some new connections with the CSUMB community and find ways to recreate, have fun, and live healthy.
MBFC vs El Paso Locomotive FC
Time: 5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Stadium
Audience: AllLate Night at the OSU
Time: 8 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Location: Otter Student Union
Audience: StudentsExplore all that the Otter Student Union building has to offer as well as enjoy some free food, great music, and fun interactive events!
The Plunge
Time: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Seaside State Beach
Audience: AllIt's time to Plunge into your CSUMB experience by jumping into the beautiful pacific ocean the day before classes start. There is a warm twist; afterward, enjoy bonfires, s'mores, and hot chocolate. Bring a friend and jump in so you can say you took part in a tradition here at CSUMB.
Pet Your Stress Away
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Divarty Quad
Audience: StudentsGot first day jitters? Need some time to collect your thoughts and mentally prepare for the rest of the week? Stop on by and get some fur baby support with therapy dogs!
On Campus Job Fair
Time: 12 to 2 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: StudentsOn-campus jobs offer a range of benefits that can positively impact a student's college experience and future career. Some of these benefits include enhanced time management, convenience, skill development, networking, financial support, and professional development. Drop by today to learn about available jobs and how to apply using OtterJobs.
hOtter Wing Challenge
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Otter Express
Audience: StudentsCan you handle the heat?! Challengers will eat their way through five increasingly hot sauced wings at the Otter Express. All challenge participants will earn a t-shirt as a reminder of their experience. And if you aren't a fan of spicy wings, you can always cheer on your friends. Additional food & drinks will be available.
Karaoke with the clubs
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: OSU Steps
Audience: StudentsBring your singing voice and your dancing shoes or neither and be ready to have a good laugh and some fun. Karaoke hosted by our Inter-Club Council. There will be snacks, prizes, and a good time to be had by all.
OC3 Block Party
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Location: Otter Student Union Inter-Garrison Plaza
Audience: AllThe Otter Cross Cultural Center will host its annual OC3 Block Party on Wednesday, August 23rd from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The OC3 Block Party is designed to welcome and celebrate the start of the academic year by bringing University students, staff, faculty, and community partner organizations together. The event includes local artists and performances that welcome and celebrate the diversity of our campus and community.
For a complete list of events, log-in to MyRaft. Be sure to RSVP to secure your spot. For any questions or accommodations, please contact the First Year Experience Office prior to the event.