FAQs

  1. What is "New Student Orientation"?
  2. How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?
  3. How do I register online?
  4. How long does New Student Orientation last?
  5. Is it mandatory for me to attend New Student Orientation?
  6. Do I have to pay the New Student Orientation Fee?
  7. Will financial aid cover my $50 fee?
  8. Will Lunch be provided at New Student Orientation?
  9. How do I know what college I am in?
  10. If I am an EOP student, do I still attend New Student Orientation?
  11. Does it matter what day I attend New Student Orientation?
  12. I need to change my assigned date, how do I do so?
  13. If I can't attend my assigned date, what New Student Orientation date should I attend?
  14. Where do I park during New Student Orientation?
  15. What if I misplaced my parking pass?
  16. What should I bring to New Student Orientation?
  17. Can family and friends attend New Student Orientation with me?
  18. What can family and friends do while I am at New Student Orientation?
  19. Will I get academic advisement or be able to register for my classes during my New Student Orientation day?
  20. Where can I obtain my 10 digit CSUN ID # and E-Mail?
  21. What is the EPT and ELM?
  22. Whom should I contact if I need information about disability-related accommodations for New Student Orientation events?

What is "New Student Orientation"?
New Student Orientation is a full-day event the University sets aside to prepare all of its new students for the academic, social, and cultural climate of California State University, Northridge. Throughout the Orientation Day, new students will be advised on appropriate steps to take in order to achieve academic success in and out of the classroom. Students will also get a chance to meet their peers, both fellow new students and continuing CSUN students, who will offer help and suggestions to assist with a smooth transition into CSUN.

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How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?
There are two ways that you will be able to register for New Student Orientation. Students are highly encouraged to register online. If you do not have access to a computer you can register by mailing in your registration card to the Office of Student Development. Again students are highly encouraged to register online due to limited space per orientation day.

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How do I register online?
Step 1: Go to www.csun.edu/nso/register

Step 2: Enter your last name as it appears on your application

Step 3: Enter your 10 digit CSUN I.D. number provided for you on your original registration for classes.

Step 4: Reserve your date.

Step 5: Print out your confirmation.

New Student Orientation is filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is limited to 500 students per session. Your assigned date has been determined by your specific major or special program.

There is a RSVP card in the Orientation Mailer that will be sent out by the end of June. You can fill out the RSVP card and send it to our office if you do not have internet access. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL IN THE CARD AND REGISTER ONLINE. When we receive that card, you will be marked as being registered for Orientation. Students are encouraged to register online if possible.

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How long does New Student Orientation last?
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the entire program will be finished by 5:30 p.m. Each component of the program is important and will help you in becoming acquainted with the CSUN campus. For more information on the components please click on the Orientation schedule.

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Is it mandatory for me to attend New Student Orientation?
Yes. This is a university program that all first time freshmen are required to attend.

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Do I have to pay the New Student Orientation Fee?
A $50 Orientation Fee is charged to every first time freshman during their first semester. This fee is automated and will not be refunded for students who do not participate. A separate charge of $50 will appear on your account. To view your account go to Student Center (SOLAR)>Finances>Account Information.

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Will financial aid cover my $50 fee?
Your financial aid will cover the Orientation fee if there is enough funding available. You may contact Financial Aid at (818) 677-4085 to speak to a Financial Aid Representative for more information regarding this issue.

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Will Lunch be provided at New Student Orientation?
Yes. Lunch will be provided for New Student Orientation

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How do I know what college I am in?
There are eight academic colleges within California State University, Northridge. View the list of all colleges and all majors within each college. If you have not declared a major there are two specific days set aside for students who are undeclared/undecided to attend Orientation.

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If I am an EOP student, do I still attend New Student Orientation?
Yes, EOP students entering CSUN are required to attend New Student Orientation as this is an essential university program.

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Does it matter what day I attend New Student Orientation?
Yes. Each day of Orientation is designed for a specific college of the University. A professional staff member will advise students on their first year experience as it relates to their specific department. Another advantage of attending Orientation is that students will meet other students with the same major, whom they are likely to be in classes with.

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I need to change my assigned date, how do I do so?
To change your orientation date, simply click on the Login button on the left column. Enter your last name and 10 digit CSUN ID (not your Social Security number). Select the Edit Profile option and choose from the remaining dates which Orientation you would like to attend. You may change as often as you like. However, dates will fill quickly, as registration is on a first come first serve basis. Please feel free to add additional contact information to your profile, as it helps the New Student Orientation Staff stay in contact with you during your transition into college.

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If I can't attend my assigned date, what New Student Orientation date should I attend?
If you are unable to attend your assigned date, simply click on the Login button on the left column. Enter your last name and 10 digit CSUN ID (not your Social Security number). Select the Edit Profile option and choose from the remaining dates which Orientation you would like to attend. You may change your Orientation date. Please be advised, you are strongly encourage to attend the "Undeclared" Orientation day as the information is general whereas, the other Orientations are college specific.

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Where do I park during New Student Orientation?
Parking is available in Parking lot G3, located on Zelzah Avenue. The directional signs posted will direct you to the parking lot. Students will be given a courtesy parking pass for the day of their Orientation and will be required to park in the designated parking lot listed on the parking permit. The parking permit only works on the days of Orientation. All other days require a CSUN parking permit.

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What if I misplaced my parking pass?
If you misplaced your parking pass an orientation leader will be available in lot G-4 to provide you with a new one.

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What should I bring to New Student Orientation?

  1. Class Schedule: Orientation leaders will be able to point out the location of your classes.
  2. Good and Positive Attitude: to make the most out your Orientation experience
  3. Courtesy Parking Pass: you will need to display this in your vehicle when parking in Lot G4.

Remember, New Student Orientation is a full day program. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing, keeping in mind the warm Northridge climate when choosing your wardrobe.

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Can family and friends attend New Student Orientation with me?
No. Because Orientation is designed to be one of the first opportunities that a new student has in understanding what the independent college experience is like, family and friends are not permitted to attend. The day is designed specifically to assist students in learning about the responsibilities and challenges they may expect as a new student attending CSUN. Orientation provides information on what students can do and possible resources to seek when assistance is needed. Students will also benefit by having an opportunity to connect with other students who can relate to similar issues or feelings that are typical of new students transitioning into college.

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What can family and friends do while I am at New Student Orientation?
There are several options for family and friends to explore in the Northridge area while you are attending Orientation. Northridge has malls, movie theatres, bowling alleys, miniature golf parks, and bookstores that your family and friends may enjoy. A more detailed list with directions will be available for distribution on Orientation days.

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Will I get academic advisement or be able to register for my classes during my New Student Orientation day?
No. Academic advisement and University Registration are separate events and will not occur at Orientation. For more information please contact your advisor. View the listing of department academic advisors.

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Where can I obtain my 10 digit CSUN ID # and E-Mail?
When you are admitted to Cal State Northridge, your CSUN Student ID is issued by the Admissions and Records Department. You may sign up for your CSUN e-mail address by going to www.csun.edu/library. Click on Webmail and follow the instructions to complete the process. If you need additional assistance please contact the Office of Student Development at (818) 677-4100.

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What is the EPT and ELM?
The EPT and the ELM are English and Math Placement Tests which most incoming students take in order for the University to place them at the appropriate English and Math level. To find more information on testing, please call (818) 677-2369 or go to http://www.csun.edu/testing/.

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Whom should I contact if I need information about disability-related accommodations for New Student Orientation events?
Information about accommodations for students with disabilities can be obtained by contacting Dr. Mary Ann Cummins Prager, the Director of Center on Disabilities, at (818) 677-2684. Further question or concerns may be answered by contacting the Office of Student Development at (818) 677-4100.

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How do I change my personal information if it is incorrect?

If your personal information is incorrect, you must correct it through Admissions and Records. For a name change fill out the form at www.csun.edu/anr/forms/name_change.pdf and return it to Admissions and Records in Bayramian Hall.

You may change your address or phone number by logging on to your CSUN web portal account. Click on Student Center, scroll to the bottom and click either the Address or Phone Number link, which ever you wish to change.

For additional matters, please visit Admissions and Records in Bayramian Hall or contact them at (818) 677-3700.

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If you have any further questions please contact the Orientation Staff via e-mail at NewStudentOrientation@csun.edu or at (818) 677-4100.