New Student Orientation

Welcome to the Raft!

We are excited to welcome you to Cal State Monterey Bay! Your New Student Orientation experience begins before you arrive on campus and continues through your first days as an Otter. Orientation is designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and confident as you begin your CSUMB journey.

New Student Orientation is your first step toward becoming part of the Otter community. Your Orientation experience begins before you arrive on campus and continues through your first days at CSUMB. Each step is designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and confident as you begin your academic journey.

Throughout your Orientation experience, you will learn how to navigate campus resources, understand academic expectations, and connect with other new students, Orientation Leaders, and campus staff.

Your Orientation Journey

Step 1 | Getting Started

Before registering for your orientation session, be sure to pay the $100 confirmation fee. Your student account will be created 24-48 hours after you have paid the Enrollment Confirmation Fee.

Confirm your Enrollment

Step 2 | Online Orientation

October-December | Canvas | Self-Paced

Complete your Online Orientation before arriving on campus to learn about important resources, services and information you'll need to begin your first semester.

Note: The Online Orientation link will be available beginning October 5.

Step 3 | New Student Orientation

January 23 | In-person at CSUMB

Join us on campus to meet other new Otters, connect with Orientation Leaders, explore campus and prepare for the start of your semester

Step 4 | Welcome Back Week

January | Beginning at Move-In

Your experience continues with Welcome Back Week, featuring events, activities, campus traditions and opportunities to connect with the CSUMB community.

Ready to Begin?

Start by making sure you've completed the requirements above. Once your student account is active, you'll be able to access the next steps in your Orientation journey.

Registration Requirements

Graduate students, Nursing students, and Computer Science Online students do not attend Orientation. Please visit your appropriate department website for more information listed here.

What to Expect at In-Person Orientation

Spring New Student Orientation is your opportunity to experience CSUMB before the semester begins. You'll spend the day with other new Otters, current student leaders, and campus staff while getting familiar with the people, places, and resources that will support you.

During Orientation, you can expect to:

Meet your community: Connect with other new students and current Orientation Leaders.
Explore campus: Become familiar with important locations and where to find support.
Prepare for your first semester: Learn about academic expectations, resources, and services available to you.
Get your questions answered: Hear from current students and campus staff who can help you navigate your transition.
Experience life as an Otter: Begin building connections and discovering ways to get involved at CSUMB.

Plan to participate in the full Orientation experience. Your specific check-in information, schedule, parking details, and other day-of instructions are with your registration on MyRaft and will be shared with you before Orientation.

International Student Orientation

International orientation sessions take place in two parts: online before your arrival and in person once you land on campus. Learn more by visiting the Orientation Guide website for international students.

Orientation Guide

Cost and Fees

The Student Orientation Fee is a one-time, mandatory $140 charge for all new students. It covers orientation and transition services, including sessions, resources, and support programs. The fee will be added to your student account when you register and applies to all students, regardless of attendance.

Please note: the $100 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit is separate.

Payment is due by January 5 2027, along with your other tuition and fees. Financial aid may help cover this cost if funds remain after other fees (tuition, fees, and, if applicable, housing and meal plans) are paid. If you need assistance, please contact financialaid@csumb.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do guests need to register and pay in advance?

Yes. Guests/supporters must be registered by the student before attending orientation and pay a $40 fee per person.

Can I get a refund or transfer my guest fee to another date?

Refunds are available if requested at least two weeks before the session date. The deadline for the Spring 2027 semester is January 9th, 2027. To request one, email with your student’s name, payment date, and reason. A processing fee applies, and refunds may take 2–3 weeks. Fees can also be transferred to a different orientation date.

Can I update or change my Orientation session?

Yes. Changes can be made by emailing Orientation@csumb.edu

How do I request accommodations for Orientation?

If you need assistance due to a disability, please contact us at orientation@csumb.edu or call 831-582-4693 at least 10 days before the event. Be sure to include the type of assistance you are requesting.

Can supporters and family members attend Orientation?

Yes! Supporters, including parents, guardians, siblings, partners, and friends, are welcome to attend through the Supporter track. This program includes sessions both with your student and separate sessions designed specifically for supporters.

What is the Online Orientation, and when do I need to complete it?

The Online Orientation is a required part of your CSUMB Orientation experience and must be completed by January 5th 2027. The course will open October 5th and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and provides important information about campus resources, academic expectations, student support services, and preparing for your first semester at CSUMB.

You can access the Online Orientation here: https://csumb.instructure.com/enroll/PBG748

Need Help Getting Started? We're Here for You

The New Student Program team is ready to answer any questions you or your family have about orientation.

Connect with our team

Our New Student Program leaders are ready to help you join the Otter Raft.

New Student Programs

Our team is here to help if you have any questions. Feel free to contact us using the details below.