CSUF New Student Orientation: Your Guide to a Successful Titan Journey

Orientation at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) serves as a vital home and resource for all new Titans as they transition into university life. It is designed to equip both new students and their parents/supporters with the tools, resources, and connections necessary for a successful academic, cultural, and social transition into CSUF. By offering programs tailored for both groups, Orientation seeks to prepare new Titans for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Why Orientation Matters

All new students are required to attend New Titan Orientation. The purpose of CSUF Orientation is to provide new students and their parents and supporters with the tools, resources, and connections necessary for a successful academic, cultural, and social transition into CSUF. Orientation is a special time at Cal State Fullerton, marking the beginning of every student’s unique journey as a Titan. It is mandatory for all new students.

What to Expect During Orientation

At Orientation, you can expect to start your Titan journey strong by learning about everything that you need to be a successful Titan. Program details are subject to change. Expect to be on campus at Orientation from 8am - 5pm.

If you are attending Orientation with a parent or supporter, please note that you will start the day together with a welcome presentation and campus tour. From there, you'll split up and follow separate program tracks for the remainder of the day. You’ll get to meet with various campus staff who are there to support you throughout your transition onto campus.

Orientation is full of a lot of fun and information. Students can make new and meaningful connections while attending in-person orientation, and understand what opportunities are available to continue to meet other students while on campus.

Read also: Benefits of ADT for CSUF

In-Person vs. Online Orientation

The university offers the option for either in-person or online orientation, but in-person orientation is highly encouraged. Spring transfer students will attend Orientation either fully in-person or fully online. If you absolutely cannot attend one of the scheduled in-person orientation days or the make-up day, you must first engage in the interactive orientation learning modules.

In-Person Orientation: This is the most highly recommended option. By choosing the In-Person Orientation you will automatically be signed up for the in-person Major Advising and Registration Workshop, on the same day.

Online Orientation: While not recommended, this option is available. If you sign up to complete the Orientation online, you will then need to also sign up for an in-person major advising and registration session. To access these modules, follow the same steps as for in-person orientation, but select the online orientation module option. You will receive the link for the modules.

Preparing for Orientation

Prior to registering for the main Orientation, all students should complete Pre-Orientation on Canvas. Pre-Orientation is a simple Canvas module that will prepare students for Orientation.

If you have not yet received your link for Online Orientation, and it’s been more than 48 hours since you registered, please check your junk/spam folder. When you do begin the module, make sure that your browser’s cache is cleared and your pop-up blockers are disabled. It is highly recommended to use Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the Online Orientation module. The online module can be completed at your own pace.

Read also: Continuing Education at CSUF

Accessibility

If you will require an accommodation to fully participate in Orientation, you will need to complete an application to Disability Support Services (DSS). Following your application, you will attend a DSS New Student Appointment to discuss your application. Disability Support Services (DSS) at CSUF is a civil rights office committed to providing students with disabilities access and an equal opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and abilities.

Key Departments and Programs

The Department of Outreach, Recruitment, and Orientation at California State University, Fullerton is committed to guiding prospective students and their families through the information-seeking and enrollment process for both the California State University system and Cal State Fullerton. The Office of Outreach, Recruitment, and Orientation (ORO) is responsible for all new student orientation, parent and support orientation, yield events, campus tours, and transfer services at CSUF.

Support Services

CSUF provides essential in-person and virtual tailored support services to facilitate a seamless transition to college, including admissions requirements, CSU application workshops, campus tours, and new student orientation. You’ll get to meet with various campus staff who are there to support you throughout your transition onto campus.

Programs for Specific Student Groups

International Students: International Students who are freshmen are required to participate in First Time First Year Orientation. International Transfer Students are required to complete the Online Transfer Orientation.

Fullerton Finish Scholars: Fullerton Finish Scholars are first-time freshmen and transfer students, admitted in the fall semester, who commit to graduate in a four or two year period. They receive structured advising each semester and priority registration.

College-Specific Information

NOTE: Orientation is separate from any other module or event put on by your academic college. Only completing your academic college’s online module or only attending your academic college’s event will not fully satisfy the Orientation requirement.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)

Welcome new College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) student! If you sign up for an in-person Orientation session, you will be automatically signed up for the in-person major advising and fall course registration session occurring on the same date and no further steps will be needed. If you sign up to complete the Orientation online, you will then need to also sign up for an in-person major advising and registration session. Reminder: The major advising and fall registration sessions are for HSS major students only.

College of Business and Economics

Congratulations on your admission and welcome to College of Business and Economics!

STEP 1: Accept Admission: Accept your admission and pay the non-refundable and non-transferable $250 enrollment administrative charge. Beginning May 5th you will receive communication to sign up for Orientation.

As a First Time First Year student, you will need support for Advising and Registration for your first semester. By choosing the In-Person Orientation you will automatically be signed up for the in-person Major Advising and Registration Workshop, on the same day.

STEP 3: Complete ALEKS (if applicable): Starting June 1, Business Administration and Economics majors can complete the ALEKS Assessment for calculus readiness. You should complete it to determine the math course you can register for in your first semester.

Department of Theatre and Dance

Welcome again to the Department of Theatre and Dance! If you do not plan on attending the orientation days (when announced), then you may attend an in-person, on-campus THEATRE MAJOR advising session. These sessions are for freshman students only.

Tools and Resources

Titan Degree Planner (TDP): The TDP is an interactive tool to help you build a semester-by-semester degree plan, pulling information directly from your TDA, so you can clearly see the courses you need to take to graduate.

CSUF Mobile App: This app will provide you with one location to connect to campus resources, easy access to appointments, notifications of important dates and deadlines, and the class schedule.

Registration and Important Dates

STEP 1: Accept Admission by November 1, 2025: Accept your admission and pay the non-refundable and non-transferable $250 enrollment administrative charge. Welcome to the next step in your journey! After you have accepted admission, you'll gain access to this process on Canvas.

All holds must be removed in order for you to register.

A Glimpse into the Orientation Experience

More than 11,000 students and 1,200 parents and supporters registered for summer orientation, hosted by the Department of Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation. This year, CSUF introduced a new format for orientation, grouping students by major to help them build peer connections.

Students share their excitement:

“I am looking into student government because I’m thinking about going into law,” said Carmona.
“I want to join a club that works with children because I am considering a career in teaching,” said Diaz.
“I love the community here,” said Diaz.

tags: #CSUF #new #student #orientation #guide