First-Year Cougars Attend Orientation

More than a cursory introduction, orientation at CSUSM helps prepare incoming students to make a smooth and easy transition into their first year at the University. This summer Cal State San Marcos will welcome more than 2,500 incoming freshmen and transfer students to the campus as they attend orientation and gear up for their first academic semester at the University, which will begin August 29. The orientation program, which consists of a full day of activities for freshmen and the half day for transfer students, provides students with an overview of what to expect as a new student on campus and covers an array of topics including how to access academic resources, wellness and safety, and financial literacy. Although orientation is not mandatory, it is required in order for new students to pre-register for courses prior to the start of the fall semester.This year Student Life and Leadership will host a total of 17 orientations, in addition to offering six concurrent family sessions, with the support of its 32 student volunteers known as the O-Team.“While our intent is that students leave orientation having gained new knowledge about the University, available resources, requirements and campus life, we also want students to be able to have the opportunity to connect with their peers, as well as with our staff and faculty,” said Jennie Goldman, coordinator of New Student Programs. “We want all new students to feel welcomed into our campus community and be able to feel a sense of pride as a CSUSM student. We also want them to feel confident about the choice they made to attend CSUSM and know that they are coming to a great University where they have the power to make an impact.”