Transfer FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on new student summer orientation. If your question isn't addressed below or on our site, please feel free to reach out to the Office of Student Involvement and Development by email orientation@csun.edu.
Academic advisement and registering for classes are separate and do not occur at the orientation. For more information, please contact your advisor. You may refer to the University Catalog for a list of colleges and departments.
Financial aid rewards do not cover the orientation fee initially, and therefore will not be automatically deducted. Those choosing to attend Transfer Orientation, or NSO Online, will be billed separately at which time a student can use any method to make a payment.
The Transfer Student Orientation is designed to help students understand college expectations and individual responsibilities as CSUN students. In addition, transfer students will familiarize themselves with building locations and important campus services. The orientation allows transfer students the opportunity to meet highly trained orientation leaders, who provide valuable information, guidance and insight about the university. Overall, the Transfer Student Orientation allows transfer students to become knowledgeable and well-prepared students to begin their journey towards graduation with confidence.
Information for NSO will be made available in July. Students will receive postcards and emails with instructions on how to register. Once you receive the registration email/postcards you can register for the online orientation experience through our registration website.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
There are two different Orientation options for Transfer students - NSO Online and Transfer Orientation. All incoming Transfer students will have access to NSO Online. Transfer Orientation is an optional in-person experience, which you can attend in addition to receiving the NSO Online link!
NSO Online - Is a set of comprehensive modules that address university programs, services, and resources available in a virtual and eventual on-campus capacity. You will be able to complete NSO Online at your own pace throughout in your own space. All new Transfer Students are required to know information that is provided.
NSO Transfer Orientation - Is an optional in-person opportunity to engage with your new campus! NSO Leaders will be facilitating small groups on a wide set of topics including Student Involvement and Belonging, Academic Success, and Information Technology. This experience can assist in answering lingering questions, learning campus locations/geography, and offer a more individualized opportunity to connect with other CSUN students
Yes, the fee for both NSO Online and Transfer Student Orientation is a one-time payment of $35. Following orientation registration, the university will bill each student automatically. This charge can be found on the student's myNorthridge Portal account by choosing View Account Information under the "Financial Matters" tab.
WHEN TO MAKE A PAYMENT:
You will not need to make the payment right away, but all fees (NSO included) on your student account must be paid for prior to you registering for classes in the coming semester. Students should take care of this charge as soon as they can.
REACHING OUT:
If you have any questions or concerns surrounding the NSO fee (financial hardship, making payments, etc.) you can reach out to the NSO staff through email at . Be sure to provide us your full name and Student ID in addition to your message/question so we can assist you as quickly as possible.
Due to capacity, the NSO programs are designed for new students only. We encourage all new students to partner with their families so they can be a strong resource for them while moving through their education.
Parents should keep an eye out for "Parent & Family Day" which is tentatively set for Saturday, October 15th. More information on what that event entails can be found at www.csun.edu/nso/parent-day.
If your personal information is incorrect, you must correct it through the office of the Registrar. For a name change, fill out the Name Change Form and return it to the Student Service Center area on the first floor of Bayramian Hall.
You may change your address or phone number by logging on to MyCSUN Portal. Click on Student Center (SOLAR), scroll to the bottom and click either the address or phone number link, whichever you wish to change.
ORIENTATION REGISTRATION TYPICALLY OPENS IN JULY. STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE EMAILS AND POSTCARDS IN JULY PROMPTING THEM TO REGISTER/ATTEND NSO.
To register, please visit http://nso.studentaffairs.csun.edu/ to utilize your CSUN student ID number and last name.
Your CSUN student ID number can be found in various student documents that you have received from the Office of Admissions and Records. Your CSUN student ID number can most easily be found on your student admissions packet, which showed you your date to register for classes.
Student ID's are taken care of online at this time. Information below can also be found by visiting the CSUN Student ID website.
How to upload a photo for your CSUN student ID card
Follow these steps to upload a photo for your CSUN student ID card and then receive your card by mail:
- Pay for your CSUN student ID card online through myNorthridge Portal one of two ways:
- Log in and navigate to the Financial Matters tab > Financial Obligations > Purchase a Photo ID
- Or navigate to your SOLAR Student Center > Finances > Purchase a Photo ID
- Within 2 business days,* you’ll receive an invitation to your CSUN email address with instructions for uploading your ID photo. We'll also ask you to upload another form of identification right after, so be sure to have that ready.
- Please upload a color photo of yourself that is a full-face view, directly facing the camera. Use a flat, light background. Do not wear a hat or head/face covering that obscures the hair or hairline unless worn daily for religious purposes. Glasses are OK.
STUDENT ID GUIDELINES
- Once the ID photo you took is approved, usually within 1 business day,* the Office of the Registrar will mail your CSUN student ID card to your home address on file with CSUN via first-class mail.
To verify or update your mailing address, log in to myNorthridge Portal. Need help? Check out the Update Personal Information how-to-guide. - Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.*
*Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and campus holidays/closures.
Questions? Please feel free to email us.
NSO Online - We find that it takes about 2 hours to compete. NSO Online is a module that allows the student to watch and review at your own pace though. We encourage you to complete NSO Online before your first day of classes!
Transfer Orientation - Transfer Orientation is a half-day experience that lasts approximately 4.5 hours. There are two sessions available, a morning and an afternoon session. Visit the NSO Transfer Students homepage for a schedule of the day's events.
All CSU undergraduate students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. At CSUN, students who have met the lower division writing requirement, completed 56 units or more, and intend to graduate with a baccalaureate degree are required to demonstrate their writing proficiency in one of two ways:
- Undergraduate students can meet the GWAR by receiving a grade of "C" or better in a minimum of 6 units of qualifying coursework in the upper division portion of their General Education curriculum. Please check your degree audit or consult with your academic advisor for details. General Education Pattern Modification courses may not be used to satisfy the GWAR.
- An alternate way to satisfy the GWAR will be announced during the 2022-2023 academic year and it will go into effect starting with the fall 2023 semester. This option will be made available to students who are unable to satisfy the requirement via completion of upper division General Education coursework. Please return to this site for updates.
For the latest updates on UDWPE, visit Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement page.
As of March 2022
- CSUN has suspended the GWAR (aka UDWPE) requirement for undergraduate degree recipients who will graduate by summer 2023. You do not need to do anything; your academic record will be updated automatically.
- Passage of the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam (UDWPE) is no longer a prerequisite for enrollment in any course.
- Graduate students are exempt from the GWAR.
Disclaimer: The New Student Orientation website contains information authorized and available at the time of publication. Its content, including dates and fee amounts, is subject to change without prior notice or obligation.