Traditions

Parent and Family Reception

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: University Center
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.

Community Meetings

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: World Theater
Audience: Residential Students

New to on-campus housing? Live in Area 1 or Area 2? All on-campus residents are welcome to join Student Housing and Residential Life staff to learn more about living on campus, from community expectations to sharing how we can best support you. Start building relationships with other residents and your RA today!

Residential Welcome Events: Area 1 Carnival

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Divarty Quad 
Audience: Residential Students

Residential Welcome Events: Area 2 Trivia and Mocktails

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Otter Express
Audience: Residential Students

August Orientation Session

Transfer Orientation: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

First-Year Orientation: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Didn’t make it to our June summer orientation sessions? No problem! We will be offering an abbreviated in-person orientation session on August 22, 2024 for those who were unable to attend in person. After you move in, please join us for a brief orientation where you will get to connect with other new students, our amazing orientation leaders, and learn more about resources on campus available to you as a student.

Common Read

Time: 4:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Library
Audience: New Students

Learn how to discuss and connect with peers in a classroom environment prior to the start of the academic semester.

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Community Meetings

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: See event details for location
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!

Residential Welcome Events: NQ Movie Night

Time: 8 to 10 p.m.
Location: North Quad
Audience: Residential Students

Residential Welcome Events: Promontory Silent Disco

Time: 8 to 10 p.m.
Location: Promontory
Audience: Residential Students

Residential Welcome Events: East Campus Casino Night

Time: 8 to 10 p.m.
Location: Saratoga Center
Audience: Residential Students

College Mixers

Time: 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Various Locations
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. Conclude college mixers with a spirit walk down to the New Student Convocation alongside your peers and faculty.

New Student Convocation

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Location: CSUMB Stadium
Audience: Required attendance for all new first-year and transfer students

Join us for the annual New Student Convocation. This exciting event marks the beginning of your college experience. It is a time to connect with fellow students, learn about the university's history and traditions, and hear from your administration, faculty, and staff. Take advantage of this unforgettable experience that will set the tone for your entire college career. 

Campus Cookout

Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Location: Otter Sports Complex (Practice Soccer Fields)
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. 

Ice Cream Social

Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: Main Quad
Audience: Students

Enjoy some sweet treats as you get to know your fellow Otters! Dairy and dairy-free options available. First 500 students will receive a free shirt that's worth melting over!

Late Night with OSU

Time: 8 p.m. to 12 a.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: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.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 2024!  

RecFest

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

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 is the chance to make some new connections with the CSUMB community and find ways to recreate, have fun and live healthily.

Back to School Bingo

Time: 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm
Location: Otter Student Union Ballroom
Audience: Students

Join Associated Students for our annual Back to School Bingo night. Learn more about campus resources

The Plunge

Time: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Seaside State Beach
Audience: All

It's time to Plunge into your CSUMB experience by jumping into the beautiful pacific ocean the day before classes start. There is a warm twist; afterward, enjoy bonfires, s'mores, and hot chocolate. Bring a friend and jump in so you can say you took part in a tradition here at CSUMB.

Room Sweet Room: DIY

Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: All

Join us for a crafting event to decorate your room to feel more like home. You will connect with other students who live on campus!

Veterans Resource Center Welcome Open House

Time: 11 to 2 p.m.
Location: Divarty Quad
Audience: Students

Student, staff and faculty Veterans and Military Connected students are invited to stop by the Veterans Resource Center for an Open House event to kick off the Fall 2024 semester. Drop in for a snack, pick up some SWAG and meet the Student Veteran Services Staff and other Veterans.

Register

Transfer Student Welcome Mixer

Time: 11 to 2 p.m.
Location: Transfer Student Success Center; Building 12 West Lounge
Audience: Students

The TSSC invites all new and continuing transfer students to luncheon meet-up. Join us, network with new and returning transfer students, and learn more about resources for transfer students.

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On Campus Job Fair

Time: 12 to 2 p.m.
Location: OSU Ballroom
Audience: Students

On-campus jobs offer a range of benefits that can positively impact a student's college experience and future career. Some of these benefits include enhanced time management, convenience, skill development, networking, financial support, and professional development. Drop by today to learn about available jobs and how to apply using OtterJobs.

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hOtter Wing Challenge

Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Otter Express
Audience: Students

Can you handle the heat?! Challengers will eat their way through five increasingly hot sauced wings at the Otter Express. All challenge participants will earn a t-shirt as a reminder of their experience. And if you aren't a fan of spicy wings, you can always cheer on your friends. Additional food & drinks will be available.

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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.

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La Entrada

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: El Centro & Main Quad
Audience: Students

A warm welcome (entrada) to your CSUMB familia and community. Join for a fun morning with food, musica, and lawn games!

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OC3 Block Party

Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Location: Otter Student Union Inter-Garrison Plaza
Audience: All

The Otter Cross Cultural Center will host its annual OC3 Block Party on Wednesday, August 23rd from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The OC3 Block Party is designed to welcome and celebrate the start of the academic year by bringing University students, staff, faculty, and community partner organizations together. The event includes local artists and performances that welcome and celebrate the diversity of our campus and community.

Register