Parent & Family Orientation

Join us for Parent & Family Orientation this Summer! 

Join us for a Parent & Family Orientation (PFO) session for those wanting to support their student on this exciting new chapter! This half-day informative session offers valuable insights into campus life, resources, and ways to support your student’s transition to CSULB. Get answers to your questions, connect with other families, and discover how to stay involved in your student's college journey.

REGISTER HERE for Parent & Family Orientation! 

These PFO sessions will take place from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM alongside a portion of your student's SOAR Orientation Experience throughout the Summer. This event is $25 for all parents, family members, and supporters of students. You may register in advance to attend the same day as SOAR, or find us nearby your student's SOAR check-in area near the "Parent & Family Programs" flag to register day-of (as capacity allows).

*SOAR is a student-only experience and guests are not allowed to accompany students during their Orientation Workshop. 

Parent & Family Programs hosts Parent & Family Orientation (PFO) Summer Sessions during SOAR from June - August.  These in-person, half-day workshops introduce our community, campus services/resources, university policies, and strategies for supporting your student's continued success. You'll also meet other parents and families who are new to the Beach Family, and learn about how to stay involved through out Parent & Family events and support resources.

Beach Connections are virtual information sessions designed to complement your student’s SOAR Experience by providing topic-specific sessions that highlight campus resources, university policies & practices, as well as a forum for participants to ask their individual questions. These chats are hosted on Zoom during the Summer sessions and recordings are posted to the CSULB PFO YouTube Channel. Visit the Beach Connections webpage for more information on accessing recordings from previous Beach Connections sessions.

  • In-Person PFO: $25 per guest
  • In-Person PFO Parking fee: $15 (paid the day of the event via Parkmobile App with location code: 3993 – you may use the same virtual parking permit if your student is attending SOAR on the same day)
  • In-Person PFO: There is a limit of two registrations per student to ensure every student has the opportunity to have one family member participate
  • Registration and Parking fees are non-refundable

In-Person Parent & Family Orientation

Parent & Family Programs hosts Parent & Family Orientation (PFO) Summer sessions between June and August.  These in-person, half-day workshops introduce our community, campus services/resources, university policies, and strategies for supporting your student's continued success. These sessions are designed to complement your student’s SOAR Experience. PFO Check-In begins at 8:30am and concludes at 12:30pm. 

PFO Topics & Activities
  • Tour the campus with current student-leaders
  • Learn about your student's academic experience and support resources
  • Discover how your student can get involved on campus
  • Learn more about Financial Aid, Health Requirements, and FERPA policies
  • Ask current students questions about campus and their experience
  • Participate in the New Student Campus Resource Fair
Reserve Your Space

You may register for Parent & Family Orientation ahead of time to secure your spot, or on the day of arrival at the Parent & Family Programs area located near the SOAR check-in area (as capacity allows). If you have any questions or concerns about reserving your PFO space, contact Parent & Family Orientation at 562.985.5515 or pfo@csulb.edu. Please allow 1-2 business days for our team to respond.

 

Beach Connection Sessions

Beach Connection Sessions are free virtual information sessions designed to complement your student’s SOAR Experience by providing topic-specific sessions that highlight campus resources, university policies & practices, as well as a forum for participants to ask their individual questions. These chats are hosted on Zoom during the Summer, and recordings are posted to the CSULB PFO YouTube Channel. Summer 2025 Beach Connection Sessions will be announced soon. In the meantime, please visit the Beach Connections webpage for more information on accessing these recordings from Summer 2024 sessions.

  • These chats are hosted on Zoom during Summer months and recordings are posted to the CSULB PFO YouTube Channel.
  • Past topics included University Housing, BeachScholarships, Health & Wellness, and Financial Literacy.  
  • Visit the Beach Connections webpage for registration information and a list of sessions available.

 

Fall 2025 Events Coming Soon!

Stay updated on all upcoming events, announcements, and important information by visiting the Beach Family Portal. Contact Parent & Family Programs if you have any issues with the registration process or questions about this event – call 562.985.5515 or email pfo@csulb.edu.

Which hotels are near the campus?

What do I wear to an In-Person PFO Session?

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you'll be participating in a campus tour, listening to speakers, and interacting with campus representatives along with other program participants
  • Recommended attire: Jeans, T-shirt, tennis shoes, light jacket

How do I attend In-Person PFO on the same date as my student’s orientation workshop?

  • PFO sessions are designed to complement your student's SOAR workshop experience, and takes place each day alongside SOAR. You may register for Parent & Family Orientation ahead of time to secure your spot, or on the day of arrival at the Parent & Family Programs area located near the SOAR check-in area (as capacity allows).

What if PFO is at capacity for my student's SOAR date?

  • If your student has already registered for a SOAR workshop that does not coincide with any of our available PFO dates, students may contact SOAR at 562.985.5515 to see speak with a representative who can determine SOAR-space availability and assist with coordinating dates.
  • Please note that due to space limitations, some In-Person PFO dates may reach capacity before the date. We recommend that you secure your spot ahead of time by filling out your PFO and SOAR registrations at the same time.

Can I bring more than two guests to PFO?

  • There will be a two-person registration limit per student
  • Registration limits may change if we have more availability closer to the date. Contact PFO at 562.985.5515 or pfo@csulb.edu for assistance.

What if all the dates I am able to attend have filled up?

  • PFO will have a waitlist available. If space become available, participants will be contacted in the order that they were added to the list
  • Join the PFO waitlist by emailing pfo@csulb.edu

Will we get a chance to view the campus?

  • Yes, guided tours and self-tours will be available at the beginning of each PFO session.

Will lunch be provided?

  • Lunch is NOT provided as part of PFO, however, light refreshments will be provided upon arrival and near the end of the PFO session.

Is CSULB an ADA friendly campus?

  • Yes, CSULB is an ADA friendly campus. If you need further assistance, please contact our office at pfo@csulb.edu
  • Learn more about our campus’ ADA compliance by contacting the Bob Murphey Access Center (BMAC) at BMAC@csulb.edu

What if I need to reschedule my PFO date?

  • Please contact Parent & Family Programs by emailing pfo@csulb.edu or calling 562.985.5515 – we will try to accommodate your request.