College of Education Orientation
Congratulations, Future Educator! Welcome to the Liberal Studies Major, within the College of Education at CSULB.
You are entering one of the most diverse and beautiful campuses, and we are excited to help you make CSULB your new home! This website and information below is for newly-admitted Spring 2023 Liberal Studies Students at CSULB.
Be sure to check your BeachMail and personal email accounts on a regular basis for directions and announcements throughout the Summer.
First-Time/First-Year Students (Freshmen)
Information for incoming first-time/first-year students for the Liberal Studies Program.
In addition to submitting your documents to verify the admission decision,newly admitted first-time/first-year students (freshmen) are required to accept the admission offer to CSULB and pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit by May 1, 2022. Visit your MyCSULB Student Portal to get started.
For details regarding the Enrollment Deposit and/or Accepting Admissions, refer to the University's Freshman Application Process Website.
- Questions about Admissions? You can "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or by calling 562-985-5471.
- Questions about Financial Aid or Tuition? You can "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or by calling 562-985-5471.
- Questions about Housing? University Housing Contact Information and Instructions are listed on the University Housing Website.
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) is a comprehensive orientation program designed to support newly admitted undergraduate students as you transition – both academically and socially – to California State University, Long Beach.
All incoming students are required to complete two components as part of the SOAR Experience -
1. The Orientation Process: Completing the Pre-SOAR BeachBoard Course and participating in an Orientation Workshop. Starting Summer 2022, Orientation Workshops will be held on-campus. Visit the Orientation website for more details.
2. The Advising and Registration Process: Coordinated by your Assigned Advising Center (Liberal Studies Advising!). See below and keep reading for details on this.
Follow the guidelines and step-by-step process outlined below for completion. We're excited to take this journey with you, alongside.
Register for your University Orientation Component. Access to make an On-Campus Orientation Workshop reservation will be available after submiting your Admitted Student Reply and Enrollment Deposit.
Step 1: Sign Up for an Orientation Workshop with CSULB by Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
- The first day to reserve a space for an On-Campus Orientation Workshop is Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 9:00AM.
- Visit the Orientation Website for step-by-step directions and details on scheduling an Orientation Workshop.
- If you can't participate in your orientation workshop, please contact SOAR@csulb.edu.
Additional Exams and Surveys:
- First-Time/First-Year Advising Survey: All freshmen should complete the Online First-Time/First-Year Advising Survey to help academic advisors with providing recommendations for Fall 2022 classes. The deadline to complete the survey is June 3rd or one week after accepting Admissions.
- Directed Self-Placement: Select students will be invited to complete the 'Directed Self-Placement Survey' prior to attending an Orientation Workshop. This survey is used to help determine your first-semester English course. To learn more and take the survey, refer to the Directed Self-Placement Website at CSULB.
- ALEKS: Liberal Studies Freshmen are NOT required to complete the ALEKS Mathematics Placement Exam or Program. You may receive communications about this, but you can disregard.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-SOAR BeachBoard Courses
- Login to Single Sign On and access BeachBoard.
- These courses/readings will be available for reading starting Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 10:00AM.
- These readings should be completed at least one week prior to your registered Orientation Workshop.
- You can review this information at your own pace, in one sitting or over multiple days. Your progress will be saved as you continue in the readings.
Step 3: Review Course Recommendations & Registration Instructions from Academic Advisors
- One week prior to your Advising and Registration Date, Liberal Studies Advisors will send you an email with recommended Fall 2022 courses from the email account: CED-LibSt@csulb.edu. We highly recommend to add CED-LibSt@csulb.edu to your email contacts so that these email messages don't accidently go to Spam.
- You will review the documents received, and will begin loading your MyCSULB Shopping Cart based on advisor’s recommendations and attached resources.
- For step-by-step instructions on how to search for classes and/or add classes to your shopping cart, refer to the Using Academics website.
- Academic Advisors will be reviewing students' shopping carts for tentative schedules / class selection regularly. Advisors will reach out to students in advance to provide feedback and suggestions, to assist in making sure you are enrolling for correct classes when the time comes. This step is important for preparing your scheduling in advance, so that you may register in a timely manner on your assigned date after Orientation.
Step 4: Participate in the Scheduled Orientation Workshop, from start to finish.
During the On-Campus Orientation Workshop, you will learn more about campus life from current students, meet other incoming students who share the same major, and participate in group activities that support your transition to life at Long Beach State.
Items Needed for your On-Campus Orientation include:
- Purchase a Daily Parking Permit ($12) for your orientation date. If you are parking on campus, use the Parkmobile App or a parking pay station located within each parking area to purchase a virtual permit. Please park in the Pyramid Parking Structure (see map for location). Learn more about Visitor and Student Parking by visiting the Parking and Transportation website.
- Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes (no open-toe shoes) as you will be walking throughout the campus.
- Bring a form of identification such as a driver's license, school identification card, or passport.
- Complete the COVID-19 Pre-Screen Questionnaire, which is located on your Single Sign-On, within four hours of arriving to campus. At this time, masks and/or face coverings are required at all times while on campus. Students will be asked to show submission of pre-screen and clearance to be on campus.
All students must participate in the entire orientation workshop they registered for. Attendance will be taken throughout the day. Those who successfully complete it will have their SOAR Hold permanently removed from their record. For directions on joining your workshop and other information, visit the Orientation Website.
Missed your On-Campus Orientation Workshop? Contact SOAR immediately to reschedule for the next available workshop – call (562) 985-5515 or email soar@csulb.edu.
Step 5: Register for Fall 2022 Classes Once Advising Hold is Removed
- As mentioned earlier, one week prior to your assigned Advising & Registration date, students will have received their personalized, open course recommendations for Fall 2022. This allows students to prepare and plan their schedule in advance, and be ready to enroll when the time comes.
- All students who attend their On-Campus Orientation Workshop will have the SOAR Hold removed previously. On the Advising & Registration date, the Advisors will remove the Advising Hold on your record as well.
- Once the SOAR and Advising holds are both removed, you will be able to register for your Fall 2022 classes.
On-Campus Advising & Registration Assistance
For those on-campus for their advising/registration date, the required information session will be held from 1:00pm-1:30pm in a classroom and then walk to a computer lab for registration and finalizing your schedule. After the information session your advising hold will be removed. We’ll provide you with more hands-on support. Liberal Studies Advisors and Student Mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to leaving for the day. Possible campus tours (TBD). More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Virtual/Online Advising & Registration Assistance
For those who selected the virtual modality for advising/registration, you will attend the required information session via Zoom from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Immediately afterwards the advising hold will be removed and you’ll be able to register. If necessary, you may receive registration assistance from a Liberal Studies advisor or peer mentor via Zoom from 1:30pm-3:00pm. Liberal Studies Advisors and Student Mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to end of the day. More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Note about Advising & Registration Modalities: Students who need or would prefer more hands-on support with choosing courses and/or scheduling may benefit more from choosing an on-campus option (as opposed to virtual/online). We may be able to provide on-campus tours as well (TBD). However, if a student cannot physically come to campus and/or is more independent and tech-saavy in following directions, the virtual/online option is available.
Missed your Registration Date? Contact us directly at Ced-LibSt@csulb.edu at your earliest convenience. An Academic Advisor will follow-up to assist with registration.
Transfer Students
Information for incoming Transfer students for the Liberal Studies Program.
In addition to submitting your documents to verify the admission decision, newly admitted transfer students are required to accept the admission offer to CSULB and pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit by November 15, 2022. Visit your MyCSULB Student Portal to get started.
For details regarding the Enrollment Deposit and/or Accepting Admissions, refer to the University's Transfer Application Process Website.
- Questions about Admissions? You can "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or by calling 562-985-5471.
- Questions about Financial Aid or Tuition? You can "Join the Queue" with Beach Central or by calling 562-985-5471.
- Questions about Housing? University Housing Contact Information and Instructions are listed on the University Housing Website.
SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) is a comprehensive orientation program designed to support newly admitted undergraduate students as you transition – both academically and socially – to California State University, Long Beach.
All incoming students are required to complete two components as part of the SOAR Experience -
1. The Orientation Process: Completing the Pre-SOAR Course through the BeachBoard/Canvas chiclet and participating in an Orientation Workshop. Orientation Workshops will be held on-campus. Visit the Orientation website for more details.
2. The Advising and Registration Process: Coordinated by your Assigned Advising Center (Liberal Studies Advising!). See below and keep reading for details on this.
Follow the guidelines and step-by-step process outlined below for completion. We're excited to take this journey with you, alongside.
Register for your University Orientation Component. Access to make an On-Campus Orientation Workshop reservation will be available after submitting your Admitted Student Reply and Enrollment Deposit.
Step 1: Sign Up for an Orientation Workshop with CSULB by Thursday, December 1, 2022.
- The first day to reserve a space for an On-Campus Orientation Workshop is Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 9:00AM.
- Visit the Orientation Website for step-by-step directions and details on scheduling an Orientation Workshop.
- If you can't participate in your orientation workshop, please contact SOAR@csulb.edu.
Step 2: Complete the Pre-SOAR Course
- Login to Single Sign On and access BeachBoard/Canvas chiclet.
- These courses/readings will be available for reading starting Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 10:00AM.
- These readings should be completed at least one week prior to your registered Orientation Workshop.
- You can review this information at your own pace, in one sitting or over multiple days. Your progress will be saved as you continue in the readings.
Step 3: Review Course Recommendations & Registration Instructions from Academic Advisors
- Prior to your Advising and Registration Date, Liberal Studies Advisors will send you an email with a transfer credit evaluation and recommended Spring 2023 courses from the email account: CED-LibSt@csulb.edu. We highly recommend to add CED-LibSt@csulb.edu to your email contacts so that these email messages don't go to your Spam folder accidently.
- You will review the documents received, and will begin loading your MyCSULB Shopping Cart based on advisor’s recommendations and attached resources.
- For step-by-step instructions on how to search for classes and/or add classes to your shopping cart, refer to the Using Academics website.
- Academic Advisors will be reviewing students' shopping carts for tentative schedules / class selection regularly. Advisors will reach out to students in advance to provide feedback and suggestions, to assist in making sure you are enrolling for correct classes when the time comes. This step is important for preparing your scheduling in advance, so that you may register in a timely manner on your assigned date.
Step 4: Participate in the Scheduled Orientation Workshop, from start to finish.
During the On-Campus Orientation Workshop, you will learn more about campus life from current students, meet other incoming students who share the same major, and participate in group activities that support your transition to life at Long Beach State.
Items Needed for your On-Campus Orientation include:
- Purchase a Daily Parking Permit ($12) for your orientation date. If you are parking on campus, use the Parkmobile App or a parking pay station located within each parking area to purchase a virtual permit. Please park in the Pyramid Parking Structure (see map for location). Learn more about Visitor and Student Parking by visiting the Parking and Transportation website.
- Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes (no open-toe shoes) as you will be walking throughout the campus.
- Bring a form of identification such as a driver's license, school identification card, or passport.
- Complete the COVID-19 Pre-Screen Questionnaire, which is located on your Single Sign-On, within four hours of arriving to campus. At this time, masks and/or face coverings are required at all times while on campus. Students will be asked to show submission of pre-screen and clearance to be on campus.
All students must participate in the entire orientation workshop they registered for. Attendance will be taken throughout the day. Those who successfully complete it will have their SOAR Hold permanently removed from their record. For directions on joining your workshop and other information, visit the Orientation Website.
Missed your On-Campus Orientation Workshop? Contact SOAR immediately to reschedule for the next available workshop – call (562) 985-5515 or email soar@csulb.edu.
Step 5: Register for Spring 2023 Classes Once the Advising Hold is Removed
- As mentioned earlier, prior to your assigned Advising & Registration date, students will have received their personalized, open course recommendations for Spring 2023. This allows students to prepare and plan their schedule in advance, and be ready to enroll when the time comes.
- On the Advising & Registration date, the Advisors will remove the Advising Hold on your record.
- Once the Advising hold is removed, you will be able to register for your Spring 2023 classes.
On-Campus Advising & Registration Assistance
For those on-campus for their advising/registration date, the required information session will be held from 1:00pm-1:30pm in a classroom and then walk to a computer lab for registration and finalizing your schedule. After the information session your advising hold will be removed. We’ll provide you with more hands-on registration support. Liberal Studies advisors and student mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to leaving for the day. Possible campus tours (TBD). More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Virtual/Online Advising & Registration Assistance
For those who selected the virtual modality for advising/registration, you will attend the required information session via Zoom from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Immediately afterwards the advising hold will be removed and you’ll be able to register. If necessary, you may receive registration assistance from a Liberal Studies advisor or student mentor via Zoom from 1:30pm-3:00pm. Liberal Studies Advisors and Student Mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to end of the day. More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Note about Advising & Registration Modalities: Students who need or would prefer more hands-on support with choosing courses and/or scheduling may benefit more from choosing an on-campus option (as opposed to virtual/online). We may be able to provide on-campus tours as well (TBD). However, if a student cannot physically come to campus and/or is more independent and tech-saavy in following directions, the virtual/online option is available.
Missed your Registration Date? Contact us directly at Ced-LibSt@csulb.edu at your earliest convenience. An Academic Advisor will follow-up to assist with registration.
Advisor Contact Information & Next Steps
Information on how to reach a Liberal Studies Academic Advisor and Next Steps after Orientation & Advising/Registration.
If students have questions about their recommended courses, transfer credit or evaluation, and/or general requirements, students may contact the Liberal Studies Advising Team in the College of Education. We will not be conducting any graduation planning or extensive advising this winter with our newest students, as that is saved for the first-semester (all transfers attend mandatory advising in the first term). We will be answering quick questions and focusing on first-semester scheduling, to ensure that all students are able to enroll in the best possible schedule for Spring 2023. Save your in-depth questions for first semester advising during Spring 2023.
Email Assistance
Students can email the Liberal Studies Academic Advisors directly at CED-LibSt@csulb.edu. All Liberal Studies Academic Advisors have access to this account; students are not assigned to a specific advisor and anyone can reach out as needed. Please allow for 1-3 business days for response.
Assistance Before/After your Assigned Advising & Registration Date
Brief, drop-in assistance with Liberal Studies Advisors is available Monday-Friday via in-person, phone or Zoom . Before joining a Zoom session, make sure you have access to a computer or your phone with an enabled microphone. If you do not have an enabled microphone, then be prepared to type/chat accordingly with the Advisor. Students are assisted on a first-come, first-serve basis. This Zoom Channel is open to all students, current and prospective.
- Join Online Video Advising Session: Join us during the Zoom Drop-In Hours listed below by clicking here
- Join Zoom Meeting: ID# 814 2861 9089
- Call 669-900-6833 and Enter Meeting ID# 814 2861 9089
- Passcode: 774337
Drop-in hours are published weekly (on Mondays) on the Liberal Studies Homepage.
Assistance on your Assigned Advising & Registration Date
On-Campus Advising & Registration Assistance
For students who select an on-campus modality for their advising and registration date, you will be walked over to an on-campus computer lab by a Liberal Studies Advisor, to enroll for your first-semester classes. Liberal Studies Advisors and Student Mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to leaving for the day. More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Virtual/Online Advising & Registration Assistance
For students who select the online modality for their advising and registration date, you will be emailed a link in advance to a designated Zoom Channel by a Liberal Studies Advisor. It is not required to attend the Zoom Channel unless a student has questions and/or wants one-on-one assistance with registration for Fall 2022. Liberal Studies Advisors and Student Mentors will be available to assist you and ensure you register successfully for first-semester classes prior to end of the day. More instructions and details will be sent to those who select this modality.
Congrats on completing your on-campus orientation and enrolling into your first-semester classes at CSULB! The first day of Spring 2023 classes is Thursday, January 19, 2023.
All first-semester students (both First-Time/First-Year and Transfer students) in the Liberal Studies program are going to be invited to attend 'Mandatory Advising' in Spring 2023. You will receive an invitation by email at the beginning of the Fall semester and will select a date/time (of your choosing) to receive advising in February/March. We understand that students have many questions about the program, aside from first-semester scheduling. We plan to cover a great amount of material during first-semester advising, to set a foundation for being in our program. Once a newly admitted student attends their required advising in their first semester, they are welcome to schedule further one-on-one appointments and/or meet with advisors as needed up until graduation. Until then, we recommend to enjoy the remainder of your time before school starts, keep an eye on email communications and upcoming opportunities, and we'll be communicating with you again soon.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to the Liberal Studies Advising Team, anytime.
Considering a Change of Major?
Information on Major Changes at CSULB - both leaving and entering the College of Education for Fall 2022.
If you are considering a change of major at CSULB, refer to the directions below to get started on this request.
Change of Major Into Liberal Studies / the College of Education
If you are considering changing your major to Liberal Studies within the College of Education:
- First-Year/First-Time Students (Freshmen): Advisors will begin responding to major change requests from incoming Freshmen after Monday, May 16th.
- Transfer Students: With CSULB's Timely Graduation Policy and the criteria that you were admitted with for the University, a change of major request is not guaranteed. Advisors will begin responding to major change requests from incoming Transfers in January 2023, after we have assisted all admitted Liberal Studies Transfers. An advisor will review your transferred credits and determine eligibility to declare, and will confirm by email in January for approval or denial.
If you are interested in declaring into the Liberal Studies undergraduate major, submit a request below.
Change of Major Out Of Liberal Studies / the College of Education
If you are considering changing your major out of the College of Education, refer to your desired College/Major on the Advising & Registration Website. Each college/program has specific directions on their respective websites on how to request a major change with their College.
Are you unsure of what to do and want to speak with someone first? Talk to us. (refer above to "Advisor Contact Information & Next Steps").
