Traditions

Move-in Day 1

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Various
Audience:  Residential Students

Main Quad students joining the CSUMB on-campus community move into their new home on this day. Make sure to schedule an appointment time and get settled in quickly because the fun starts NOW.

RLC-led Community Meetings (3 sessions)

Time: Varies (see below)
Location: World Theater
Audience: Residential Students

All on-campus residents are required to come to your first community meeting of the year! Come learn more about living on campus, from community expectations to sharing how we can best support you.
6-6:30 (Cypress, Asilomar, Willett)
6:45-7:15 A2 (Manzanita, Yarrow, Avocet)
7:30 - 8pm A3 (Tortuga and Sanderling)

Parent and Family Reception

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: University Center Auditorium
Audience: Family and Supporters

Welcome 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.

Playfair

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Otter Sports Center
Audience: New Students

It's entertainment! It's fun! It’s the perfect way to make new campus friendships! Playfair is a team-building experience that increases retention of your new student class. 

Move-in Day 2

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Various Locations
Audience: Residential Students

Students living in North Quad, Promontory, and East Campus come to campus on this day to get a chance to prepare for next week's start of classes! There will be a variety of events to look forward to, so make the most out of your entire license period starting TODAY.

Community Meetings

Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Various Locations
Audience: Residential Students

Live 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!

College Mixers

Time: 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Location: Along Divarty Street
Audience: Students

Every 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.

Check-in will begin at 9:15 a.m. outside of the Library and you will receive your class shirt.

New Student Convocation

Time: 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: CSUMB Stadium
Audience: New Students

New Student Convocation serves as a required formal welcome to CSUMB and celebrates our new otters. At this event our new otters will get a chance to hear from administrators including the University President, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, the Provost, and CSUMB faculty, staff, and students. This CSUMB tradition marks the start of a new academic year and commemorates the beginning of your academic journey.

Campus Cookout

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Main Quad
Audience: Students

The 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.

Late Night with OSU

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: Students

Get ready for an epic night of free fun and making new friends before classes kick off. Join us for an unforgettable Late Night with OSU, where all three floors come alive with excitement! Explore the incredible features of the Otter Student Union building, indulge in free food, groove to awesome music, and engage in interactive events that will keep you entertained.

Class Finding Tours

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: OSU Main Quad Plaza
Audience: Students

Are 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 2026!

RecFest

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Student Recreation Field
Audience: Students

You Otter Play.. Come join the Recreation team in celebrating our annual #RecFest 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.

The Plunge

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Beach
Audience: Students

It's time to Plunge into your CSUMB experience by jumping into the beautiful pacific ocean the day before classes start. Enjoy s'mores. Bring a friend and jump in so you can say you took part in a tradition here at CSUMB. Transportation provided from lot 71.

Residential Welcome Event Ice Cream Social

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: In Front of Student Housing Office
Audience: Students

Enjoy some sweet treats as you get to know your fellow Otters! Dairy and dairy free options available. To ensure you have the best chance of getting a shirt, we recommend arriving early, as quantities are limited and shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dive-in Movie Night

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: OSU Inter-Garrison Plaza
Audience: All

Commuter Donut and Dash

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (or when supplies run out)
Location: Lot 71
Audience: Students

Start your semester off right with a quick treat before heading to class! Join us for Donuts & Dash, a back-to-school welcome event where you can grab a free donut and some hot coffee to fuel your morning.

This event is especially for our commuter students who are on the go, but all students are welcome! Stop by Lot 71 between 8:00 and 10:00 AM—just dash in, grab your goodies, and dash off to class.

Commuter Donut and Dash

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (or supplies run out)
Location: Lot 71
Audience: Students

Start your semester off right with a quick treat before heading to class! Join us for Donuts & Dash, a back-to-school welcome event where you can grab a free donut and some hot coffee to fuel your morning.

Karaoke with the Clubs

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: OSU Steps
Audience: Students

Bring 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.

Sneaker Ball - After Party

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Otter Student Union Ballroom
Audience: Students

The Affinity Centers are thrilled to announce the second part of the Affinity Center Block Party: the Sneaker Ball After Party! We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, community spirit, and celebration.
This lively event will feature a lineup of talented musical performances, DJs, and drag performers. Whether you’re rocking your favorite sneakers or just looking to enjoy the vibrant energy of our community, the Sneaker Ball After Party is the perfect way to connect and celebrate together.

La Entrada Otter Thursday

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: OSU Plaza
Audience: Students

A warm welcome (entrada) to your CSUMB familia and community. Join for a fun time with food, musica, and lawn games! Proudly sponsored by the President's Office.

Pop in for Popsicles

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Library 2nd floor, suite 2125
Audience: Students

Pop by the CLC on the 2nd floor of the library for a free popsicle and a chance to get to know some tutors and CLC staff. We'll be screening a movie, playing games, and setting people up with appointments as needed.  

Take Flight This Semester! - Kite Decorating Workshop

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Building 12 Quad
Audience: Students

Unleash your creativity at our Design Your Own Kite workshop! Decorate a pre-assembled kite with markers, paints, stickers, and more to make it uniquely yours. No crafting experience needed—just bring your imagination!

Esports Mario Kart Tournament

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: Students

Join us for an exhilarating Mario Kart tournament featuring classic tracks and multiplayer mayhem. Participate or cheer on your friends and witness the crowning of the Mario Kart Champion during the trophy presentation. Don't miss the chance to kick off the semester with high-speed fun and friendly competition!

Free Mountain Bike Rides

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Otter Cycle Center
Audience: Students

Join Recreation for our free Friday Mountain Bike Rides. You will get a free bike rental, and a helmet.
We lead "No Drop Rides," which means that you will never be left behind, EVER.
We will take you on a ride from the Otter Cycle Center to the Fort Ord National Monument only 1.5 miles away.
With over 82 miles of trails, each ride will be different and tailored to the group's ability.

Monte Royale: Casino Night

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: Students

Come test your luck and see if you can beat the house at our very own Monte Royale Casino. Great prizes and food (while supplies last).

Otter Media Open House

Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Divarty Quad
Audience: Students

Join Otter Media for Live Music entertainment on Divarty Quad.