Otter Days

Connecting students through events, traditions and activities that build community, foster belonging and help them start the semester strong at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Otter Days

Welcome Home, Otters

We’re glad you’re here! Otter Days is your official start to the academic year — a time to connect, explore and find your place in the Otter community.

Whether you’re new to Cal State Monterey Bay or returning, you’ll find events designed to help you build community, meet new friends and get ready for the semester ahead.

Otter Days begins at move-in and continues through the first full week of classes, with activities happening across campus and beyond.

  • Campus-hosted events: See highlights below
  • Student-hosted events: Visit MyRaft, your hub for campus departments and 100+ student organizations

August 19-30, 2026

Featured Events

Move-in Day 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Residential Community Meetings (Required)
Times vary | World Theater | Residential students
Meet your community, learn about campus living and connect with staff who are here to support you.

  • 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Cypress, Asilomar, Willett)
  • 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. (Manzanita, Yarrow, Avocet)
  • 7:30 to 8 p.m. (Tortuga, Sanderling)

Parent and Family Reception
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | University Center Auditorium
Families and supporters are an important part of every student’s journey. Join us for refreshments, campus welcome remarks and connection with other Otter families.
Questions: orientation@csumb.edu

Playfair
8 to 10 p.m. | Otter Sports Center | New students
Start building friendships right away through this high-energy, interactive experience designed to bring the new class together.

Move-in Day 2
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Students in North Quad, Promontory and East Campus move in and prepare for the start of classes.

Community Meetings
7 to 8 p.m. | Various locations
Connect with your residential community, meet your RA and learn about available resources.

College Mixers
9:15 to 10:45 a.m. | Divarty Street
Meet your college community — faculty, staff and fellow students. Learn about programs, traditions and opportunities while enjoying games and giveaways.
Check-in begins outside the library.

New Student Convocation (Required)
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | CSUMB Stadium
A signature Cal State Monterey Bay tradition welcoming new students to the university. Hear from campus leaders and celebrate the start of your academic journey.

Campus Cookout
12:30 to 2 p.m. | Main Quad
Gather with the Otter community for a complimentary meal, music and activities.

Late Night with OSU
8 to 11:30 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Explore the Otter Student Union, enjoy free food and entertainment, and connect with other students before classes begin.

Class-Finding Tours
10 to 11:30 a.m. | OSU Main Quad Plaza
Get comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes. Open to all students.

RecFest
1 to 4 p.m. | Student Recreation Field
Discover ways to stay active and engaged through recreation, sports clubs and outdoor programs.

The Plunge
8 to 10 a.m. | Beach (transportation from Lot 71)
Take part in a beloved Otter tradition — start your year with a Pacific Ocean dip and s’mores on the beach.

Ice Cream Social
Noon to 2 p.m. | Student Housing Office
Cool off, meet fellow Otters and enjoy sweet treats. Shirts available while supplies last.

Dive-in Movie Night
7:30 to 10 p.m. | OSU Inter-Garrison Plaza

Commuter Donuts and Dash
8 to 10 a.m. (while supplies last) | Lot 71
Grab a quick breakfast and head to class. Designed for commuter students, but open to all.

Karaoke with the Clubs (Aug. 25)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | OSU Steps
Sing, connect and meet student organizations in a fun, relaxed setting.

Sneaker Ball After Party
7 to 10 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Celebrate community and culture with music, performances and an energetic night hosted by the Affinity Centers.

La Entrada Otter Thursday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | OSU Plaza
Celebrate community with food, music and games. Sponsored by the President’s Office.

Pop in for Popsicles
2–5 p.m. | Library, Suite 2125
Meet tutors, explore academic support and enjoy a treat.

Kite Decorating Workshop
3 to 4 p.m. | Building 12 Quad
Create your own kite — no experience needed.

Esports Mario Kart Tournament
6 to 8 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Compete or cheer on friends in a high-energy gaming event.

Mountain Bike Rides
12:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center
Explore Fort Ord trails on guided, beginner-friendly rides. Equipment provided.

Monte Royale: Casino Night
8 to 11 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Games, prizes and entertainment — no experience required.

Otter Media Open House
4 to 6 p.m. | Divarty Quad
Enjoy live music and learn how to get involved with student media.

Convocation celebration with President, Faculty, Staff and Students

New Student Convocation

Celebrate the start of your journey at New Student Convocation, a Cal State Monterey Bay tradition that welcomes new students and builds connection from day one.

Students splash into the ocean at the Otter Plunge

The Plunge

Start the year with a splash at The Plunge, a Cal State Monterey Bay tradition where students gather at the beach to connect, celebrate community and dive into the semester together.

Otter Days 2025

Plan Your Otter Days Experience

For the full schedule, log in to MyRaft to explore events and RSVP. If you have questions or need accommodations, contact the First-Year Experience Office in advance.