First Year Experience

Meet the Team!

We understand that starting a new school can be overwhelming for students, so our team of experienced staff and Orientation Leaders are dedicated to making the transition as smooth as possible. Our comprehensive orientation program ensures that new students have access to all the resources and support they need to succeed in their academic journey. We look forward to working with you and providing the guidance you need to thrive in your new environment.

Orientation Leaders will be present to help you on the day of your live, in-person orientation session--they are all looking forward to meeting you on campus!

You can search for and send your OL a direct message via MyRaft

Orientation Staff

Kaci Turpin

Director of New Student Programs

Elizabeth Hayes

First Year Experience Coordinator

Office Support

Chrystina Utley

Chrystina Utley (She, Her)

First Year Experience Student Supervisor

3rd-year Psychology Major

Advice: "Be sure to use your resources it will help you prevent future roadblocks"

Meet the Den Leaders

Jenn

Jenn Rojas (She,Ella)

5th Year Liberal Studies Major

Advice: "Put yourself out there! This is your prime time, make sure to make your experience memorable and to surround yourself with people who support you!"

Kat

Kat Cabellero (She,Her)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "At the end of the day, you got it!"

Liz

Liz Cruz (They,Them)

4th Year Kinesiology Major

Advice: " You got this, you made it, keep working"

Jaz

Jaz Lopez (She, Her)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "Lean on each otter, know when to ask for help!"

Meet the Orientation Leaders

Jenna

Jenna Slusser (She, Her)

4th Year Mathematics Major

Advice: "Try new things! There is so much to experience here!"

Edgar

Edgar Sanchez (He, Him)

4th Year Cinematics Art and Technology Major

Advice: "Don't hesitate to ask for help, there are tons of resources that are waiting to take advantage for y'all"

Maribel

Maribel Romo (She,Her)

4th Year Cinematic Arts and Technology Major

Advice: "Step out of your shell, meet new people, and talk to everyone! Please don't let your shyness prevent you from trying new things!

Megan

Megan Martinez (She, Her)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "Take advantage of the new opportunities that come your way!"

Emily

Emily Hunter (She, Her)

2nd Year Marine Science Major

Advice: " Don't be shy, make new friends!"

Abigail

Abigail Castro-Ulloa (She, Her)

2nd Year Spanish Major

Advice: "Be proud you made it this far, you're doing it for yourself!"

Chase

Chase Castillo-Fousek (He, Him)

4th Year Environmental Science Major

Advice: "Always ask for help when needed"

Tess

Tess Rickson (She, Her)

3rd Year Biology Major

Advice: " Put yourself out there! Good things come to those who take the first step!"

Cici

Cici Acosta (They, Them)

4th Year Humanities Communication Major

Advice: "There are resources waiting for exactly you, go get them!"

Lili

Liliana Garcia (She, Ella)

4th Year Social Behavior Sciences Major

Advice " Look for resources! Put yourself out there!

Angel

Angel Villanueva (He, Him)

2nd Year Psychology Major

Advice: " You have a family here. Don't be afraid to ask for help!"

Gauri

Gauri Chabukswar (She, Her)

4th Year Computer Science Major

Advice: "Don't forget you are amazing!"

Sara

Sara Hammer (She, Hers)

3rd Year Social Behavior Sciences Major

Advice: " Don't be afraid to talk to classmates or professors all people are genuine and want you to succeed"

Maddie

Maddie Mendoza (She, Her)

2nd Year Business Management Major

Advice: " As cheesy as it sounds get involved! It really helps to connect to CSUMB!"

Nathaly

Nathaly Huazo (She, Her)

4th Year Humanities Communication Major

Advice: " Don't be afraid of trying new things!"

Riley

Riley Calbow (She, They)

3rd Year Marine Science Major

Advice: " Have fun and meet new people! Everyone is experiencing this and you're not alone!"

Amaraa

Amaraa Chimere Ononiwu (She, Her)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: " Choose your friends and don't let them choose you!"

Joseph

Joseph Durham (He, Him)

4th Year Humanities Communication Major

Advice: " Don't be scared, the only way to fail is not to try"

Diana

Diana Ferrel (She, Hers)

5th Year Environmental Science Major

Advice: "Treasure this time of self-discovery, seek joy in life, keep those who love you the closest, and be kind! Remember you only live once!"

Ramona

Ramona Jalomo (They, Them)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "Go to school events to build your social circle! Friends can make college so much fun!"

Ashley

Ashley Godinez Marin (She, Ella)

4th Year Molecular Biology Major

Advice: " Use all resources around you, take advantage of them. All of it helps in the long run!"

Chloe

Chloe Cavallaro (She, Her)

3rd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "What's meant for you will never pass you by!"

John

John Hammon (He, They)

2nd Year Psychology Major

Advice: " Relax and be yourself!"

Arson

Arson Villa (They, Them)

2nd Year Computer Science Major

Advice: "Be yourself and have fun doing it!"

Cass

Cass Tolentino (She, Her)

2nd Year Psychology Major

Advice: "Live, laugh, and Love your time at CSUMB!"

Bree

Bree Harris (She, Her)

4th Year Psychology 

Advice: "Always know that there is someone in your corner even when the odds are against you!"

Mandalyn

Mandalyn Mick (She, Her)

5th Year Liberal Studies Major

Advice: "Keep pushing and don't stop!"

Zane

Zane Newman (He, They)

5th Year Kinesiology Major

Advice: "Ride the wave and enjoy the journey"