New Student Orientation

Orientation 2025

Welcome to the Raft! 

We are excited that you are about to become an official Otter, joining an amazingly involved and diverse community of over 7,500 students. We want to help you feel at home on campus!

Orientation Overview

New Student Orientation is your first step toward becoming part of the Otter community. This experience is designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and confident as you begin your academic journey. During Orientation, you will learn how to navigate campus resources, understand academic expectations, and connect with other new students, Orientation Leaders, and campus staff.

911ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø offers a Spanish-language Orientation experience for supporters and family members during each day of Orientation.

Registration Requirements

Before registering for your orientation session, be sure to pay the $100 fee. Your student account will be created 24-48 hours after you have paid the Enrollment Confirmation Fee by June 1, 2026.

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

Register for Orientation

Three student freshmen

First Time First Year Orientation

Log in to MyRaft using your 911ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø username (e.g., mont1234) and password to register for an Orientation session. You may register for yourself and add guests by clicking the preferred date below.

Summer 2024 Orientation - BDA

Transfer Orientation

Log in to MyRaft using your 911ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø username (e.g., mont1234) and password to register for an Orientation session. You may register for yourself and add guests by clicking the preferred date below.

Admitted Otter Day

International 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 July 31, 2026, 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

Yes. Guests must be registered by the student before attending orientation, and the guest fee must be paid prior to the scheduled session.

Refunds are available if requested at least two weeks before the session date. 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.

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

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.

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.

Yes, through Spanish Supporter Orientation sessions under each day called “Orientación Bilingüe APOYADOR Reservación”

Admitted Transfer Day 2025 - BDA

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.