CSUMB welcomes prospective students for Admitted Otter Day

By Rosemary McClure

Nearly 4,000 visitors – including 1,300 prospective students and their families – will explore Cal State Monterey Bay during Admitted Otter Day on Saturday, April 12.

Prospective students will get a taste of the campus, both inside and outside the classroom, and be encouraged to commit to attending the university in the fall. 

“What can students expect?” said Kaci Turpin, director of New Student Programs. “Expect energy. Expect connection: the nuts and bolts — like info on housing, classes, and financial aid.”

Students can also take part in campus tours, experience engaging classes, and meet their future mentors, she said.

“It’s all designed to help [students] feel confident, excited, and part of something bigger,” Turpin said. 

Students can attend either a morning or afternoon session. CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones will kick off each with an official welcome in the Otter Student Union main ballroom. 

Admitted Otter Day, a major annual event, showcases Cal State Monterey Bay. It’s an opportunity for students who have received letters of admission confirmation to visit the campus, tour classrooms and dorms, learn more about academic programs, connect with financial aid counselors, and more. 

“It’s not just a day — it’s your day. Admitted Otter Day is the ultimate sneak peek into life as an Otter,” Turpin said. “You’ll get to meet your future classmates, connect with awesome staff and faculty, and finally see the campus that’s going to be your second home. Plus, it's a fun-filled event.” 

The day will include mock classroom sessions, discussions with successful alumni, a trivia contest for scholarship money, and a chance to win CSUMB merchandise and other prizes in a raffle.

The school will put on lab demonstrations for students to get some hands-on learning experience. 

“They’ll get one-on-one face time with faculty and meet with the college deans,” Turpin said. “It’s super exciting for them to see a sample bedroom of what their dorm rooms could look like.” 

There will be an Involvement Fair that includes student clubs, music performances, and food trucks. However, the ultimate event occurs at the Confirmation Station, where students register and sign on the dotted line.” 

“They submit their $100 enrollment confirmation fee,” said Zack Simmons, director of communications for Enrollment Management. “We have admissions counselors and they ring cowbells. It’s exciting, and there’s a bunch of CSUMB swag. It’s a celebratory moment.” 

“This is one of my favorite days of the year because. Admitted Otter Day is like our campus-wide welcome hug,” Turpin said. “It’s when we roll out the (metaphorical) blue carpet to show you just how excited we are that you’re joining our community.” 

In addition to Saturday’s event, on April 26 the school will host Admitted Transfer Day. Transfer students are typically community college students. While many of the offerings will be similar, they are tailored for students who already have some college experience under their belts.