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 to attend New Student Orientation?
  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 that 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 ensure 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 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

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 into 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 programs will be finished by 6:30 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 freshman are required to attend.

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Do I have to pay to attend New Student Orientation?
A $50 Orientation Fee is built into every first year student's tuition and fees and is mandatory. Please choose your date carefully. There will be no refunds for no-shows or cancellations.

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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, you are in luck. 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 a 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 college-year experience as it relates to their college. Another big advantage of attending Orientation will be that students will meet fellow students in the same major, whom they are likely to take 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 #). Select the Edit Profile option and choose from the remaining dates what you would like to change your Orientation date to. You may change as often as you like. However, dates will close 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 to 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 #). Select the Edit Profile option and choose from the remaining dates what you would like to change your Orientation date to. You can change your Orientation date, but please be advised that you will be placed in a group with "undeclared" students, if you choose to change.

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Where do I park during New Student Orientation?
Parking is available in Parking lot G4, located on Zelzah. Follow the directional signs posted they will direct you to the parking lot. Students will be give 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 will only work for the day of Orientation; all other days will require a CSUN parking permit that can be obtained at one of the parking booth.

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What if I misplaced my parking pass?
If you misplaced your parking pass an orientation leader will be in lot G-4 available to provide you with a new parking pass should you need 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 Parking Lot G4.

Remember that New Student Orientation lasts a full day so it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Keep in mind the warm Northridge climate when choosing your wardrobe.

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Can family and friends attend New Student Orientation with me?
Because Orientation is designed as one of the first experiences 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 the students in learning about the responsibilities and challenges that they might expect as a new student attending CSUN. Orientation provides information on what the students could do and possible resources to seek when assistance is needed with specific issues. 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 things that family and friends can do in the Northridge Area, while you are attending Orientation. There are Malls, Movie Theatres, Bowling Alleys, Miniature Golf Parks, and Bookstores that your friends and family members can check out. A more detailed list with directions will be available for distribution on the 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?
Your CSUN Student ID # is issued to you by our Admissions and Records Department when you are admitted to CSUN. 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 some 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 that most incoming student take in order for the University to place the students into the appropriate English and Math level. To find out more information on testing 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 please contact Dr. Mary Ann Cummins Prager, the Director of Center on Disabilities, at (818) 677-2684. Any further question or concerns feel free to contact Student Development at (818) 677-4100

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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.