Orientation & Registration

On-Campus Orientation Workshops for incoming First-Time/First-Year (FTFY) students are offered on specific dates based on your declared/intended major.

Incoming Student-Athletes: You should make a reservation after consulting with your Bickerstaff Center Advisor to prevent any difficulties or confirm special accommodations.

Want to know which college your major falls under? Visit Advising & Registration to view a list of all undergraduate majors/degrees and the college under which they are housed.

COLLEGES & ABBREVIATIONS
College of Business (COB)     
College of Education/Liberal Studies (CEd)     
College of Engineering (COE)     
College of Liberal Arts (CLA) 
College of Health & Human Services (CHHS)
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (CNSM)
College of the Arts (COTA)
Undeclared/Undecided (UND)

Spring 2024 FTFY Registration and Orientation Dates

College of Business (COB)

College of Education/Liberal Studies (CEd)

College of Engineering (COE)

College of Health & Human Services (CHHS)

College of Liberal Arts (CLA)

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (CNSM)

College of the Arts (COTA)

Undeclared/Undecided (UND)

On-Campus Orientation Workshops for Spring 2024 will be offered Monday, January 8 - Friday, January 12. For incoming transfer students workshops are offered on specific dates based on your declared major.

Want to know which college your major falls under?  Visit Advising & Registration to view a list of all undergraduate majors/degrees and the college under which they are housed.

Spring 2024 Registration and Orientation Dates

College of Business (COB)

College of Education/Liberal Studies (CEd)

College of Engineering (COE)

College of Health & Human Services (CHHS)

College of Liberal Arts (CLA)

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (CNSM)

College of the Arts (COTA)

All incoming International Students are required to participate in the SOAR Experience that is comprised of the Orientation Process and Advising & Registration Process.

International students must also attend a separate orientation hosted by the Center for International Education (CIE) Immigration Clearance Session to avoid visa status issues that may impact attendance at the university.

International transfer students should attend an On-Campus Orientation Workshop for their declared major – see dates above. 

For additional CIE information, please email cie-admission@csulb.edu  or visit the Center for International Education website.

Access to make a Registration & Orientation Reservation will be available after submitting your Admitted Student Reply and Enrollment Deposit by the deadline determined by the university. Use your MyCSULB account to accept admission and submit your deposit. Please note that the Enrollment Deposit is separate from the SOAR Fee.

You will select a Registration Date that is automatically linked to a corresponding Orientation Date.

The first day to reserve your Registration and Orientation Dates take place in early November – the deadline is Friday, December 1, 2023 (or the deadline determined by Admissions).

Watch the How to Sign Up for SOAR video for directions to reserving your Registration and Orientation dates.

Space is limited per workshop and they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students should select the earliest Registration Date available based on your declared major.

Be sure to check the mode (virtual or on-campus) of your Registration Process when reviewing your linked dates.  All new student orientation workshops take place on-campus.

Directions for reserving your Registration and Orientation dates:

1. Login to your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On) using your BeachMail account (FirstName.LastName@student.csulb.edu) and password.
2. Select the MyCSULB chiclet to be directed to your Student Center.
3. Look under the Admissions section, which is located on the left-hand side at the bottom of the page.  There you will see SOAR Sign Up – click on this link to view and select your preferred Registration and Orientation Dates.
4. Be sure to pay your SOAR Fee at least 10 days prior to your scheduled orientation workshop.

Watch the How to Sign Up for SOAR video for step-by-step directions for reserving your Registration and Orientation dates.

Please note that students who miss the Registration & Orientation Reservation deadline jeopardize their Admission to the university.

If you have any challenges accessing your Microsoft MyApps Portal or MyCSULB, contact the Technology Help Desk at 562.985.4959 or helpdesk@csulb.edu.

The cost for the On-Campus Orientation Workshop is $62. This fee includes your participation in the Pre-SOAR Canvas Course and On-Campus Orientation Workshop.  Additionally, you are invited to attend on-going orientation programming that takes place during the academic year.  Finally, you will also receive a Welcome to The Beach Swag Package.

How to submit your payment

Here's how to submit your SOAR Fee:

• Make payment when reserving your Registration and Orientation dates
• Pay via MyCSULB through the Make a Payment link found under the Finances section after you make your reservation
• Acceptable online forms of payment are e-check (no convenience fee) and credit card (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, or American Express with a 2.75% service charge).

Important Notes

Late fees and registration holds may be applied to your account if you do not pay at least 10 business days prior to your orientation workshop date.

Unfortunately, there is no fee waiver available for the SOAR Fee and Financial Aid does not cover this fee. If you encounter any challenges paying the SOAR Fee, please contact SOAR (soar@csulb.edu).

The SOAR Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

1. Check your BeachMail/Outlook and personal email accounts on a regular basis for the latest information about your SOAR Experience including: 

   • Access BeachMail by logging in to Microsoft MyApps/Single Sign On with your Beach ID Number and password, then locate and click the Outlook (Email) chiclet.

   • Registration & Orientation Dates Confirmation. This email will confirm your scheduled registration date, as well as your On-Campus Orientation Workshop date with links to items you must complete before attending orientation.

   • Advising & Registration Process Communications. A series of emails from your assigned advising center or department faculty advisor will be sent to you that provide specific steps for completing your required Advising and Registration Process.  One of these emails will list your specific advising date, time and mode (virtual or on-campus), as well as your your scheduled registration date, time, and mode.
2. Complete the Pre-SOAR Course at least one week PRIOR to your scheduled On-Campus Orientation Workshop.  Access the course through the Canvas chiclet found on your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On) starting at 10am on Tuesday, November 28.
3. Complete the SOAR-BMAC Disability-Related Accommodations Form at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled new student orientation workshop if you require disability-related accommodations/services. 
4. Remove Holds and Pay Balances.  Login to your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On) to access your Student Center.  Here you can view any outstanding balances, as well as holds that may hinder your participation in orientation and/or access to register in classes.  Please note that your SOAR Hold will be removed after successfully attending your On-Campus Orientation Workshop.
5. Purchase a one-day, virtual parking permit ($15) on the day of your orientation workshop.  Avoid lines and fast-track your way to check-in by purchasing your virtual permit using the Parkmobile App.  You may also purchase a permit at a parking pay station located within each parking lot.  Park in either the Pyramid Parking Structure, Lot G6, or Lot G5 (see map for location) as they are the closest student lots to where orientation check-in begins at Brotman Hall.  Please note that virtual parking permits are only valid in the lot in which they were purchased.  Learn more about the Parkmobile App along with Visitor and Student Parking by visiting the Parking and Transportation Services website. 
6. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes (no open-toe shoes) as you will be walking throughout the campus.
7. Bring a form of identification such as a driver's license, school identification card, or passport. 
8. If you are feeling ill, do not come to campus for your on-campus orientation workshop.  Please contact our department for assistance with re-scheduling your orientation date.  Call 562.985.5515 or email soar@csulb.edu.
9. Parents and other guests are not allowed to attend orientation. Please visit the Parent & Family Orientation website to learn about upcoming programs and virtual workshops.  Students needing accommodations must coordinate services through the Bob Murphy Access Center chiclet found on your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On). 
10. Animals are not allowed at orientation except for service animals. Individuals who utilize service animals on campus grounds must be cleared with the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) prior to arriving for orientation. Students must take responsibility for meeting legal requirements, ensuring service animals are under their control, and adhering to cleanup rules.  Contact BMAC at 562.985.5401 or bmac@csulb.edu for assistance. 

Here is what you need to do after participating in your on-campus workshop:

1. Pay Your Fees/Tuition. Visit Tuition & Fees to learn more about fees, important deadlines, and payment plan options.
2. Visit Student Financial Services to learn about payment options including Installment Plans along with information on Financial Aid Disbursement.
3. Complete Your COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement. As part of the university's efforts to keep the campus healthy and safe, all students enrolled at the university are required to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.  Students are required to submit an online Student Vaccine Certification form through Student Vaccine Certification chiclet found on your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On).  You will be asked to upload documentation of your vaccination, which in most cases will be a PDF or JPG of your completed immunization card. If necessary, the form includes the functionality to claim a legitimate medical or religious exemption. Students who are not fully vaccinated must participate in an ongoing COVID-19 testing program.
   • CSULB COVID-19 Website
   • How to Submit Your Vaccine Certification (YouTube)
4. Set Your Preferred First Name and Preferred Pronouns. Learn more about this option by visiting Using MyCSULB Personal Information.
5. Update your contact Information on MyCSULB.  It is important for you to update your current address and mobile phone number so that the university can send you notices especially regarding emergency situations. Important university correspondences will be sent to your BeachMail account address (FirstName.LastName@student.csulb.edu).
6. There's More After Your On-Campus Orientation Workshop.  Find all of our events at SOAR Connections on BeachSync and follow us on social media to learn about our ongoing programming throughout the year – TikTok and Instagram: @lbsoar.

If you miss your workshop, call 562.985.5515 or email SOAR (soar@csulb.edu) within 24 hours of your original workshop date in order to reschedule for the next available workshop.

The Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC) provides support to students with disabilities through accommodations and services, including but not limited to sign language interpreters, real-time captioners, assistive technology, and alternative media.

Please complete the SOAR-BMAC Disability-Related Accommodations Form if you will require disability-related accommodations during your on-campus orientation workshop. Be sure to submit this online form at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled on-campus workshop. Once you have submitted this online form, BMAC will reach out to discuss the confidential registration process. 

Please note guests are not allowed to attend orientation with their student unless they have been approved by BMAC.

If you have additional questions about disability-related accommodations for SOAR or during the school year, please visit the BMAC website, call 562.985.5401, or email BMAC@csulb.edu.

Registration & Orientation Confirmation

An email confirming your reserved Registration & Orientation Dates will be emailed to you at least two (2) weeks prior to your scheduled workshop date. Check both your BeachMail (Outlook) and personal email accounts regularly as there will be a transiton from your personal account to your BeachMail account starting in December. 

Didn't receive your Registration and Orientation Confirmation?  Please check both your personal email AND your BeachMail accounts, including your Junk/Spam Folders.  Still cannot find it? Contact SOAR at least three (3) business days prior to your scheduled on-campus workshop date so we can re-send the email confirmation – email soar@csulb.edu.

Advising & Registration Communications

Your assigned advising center or department faculty advisor will email information about your specific Advising & Registration Process including completing the Advising & Registration BeachBoard course, selecting your first-semester classes, what mode you'll receive advising (on-campus or virtual) and when you can register for your first-semester classes.

On-Campus Orientation Workshops are for registered student-participants ONLY. We cannot accommodate guests in the workshops.

Exception to this policy is for students requiring additional assistance. Please complete the SOAR-BMAC Disability-Related Accommodations Request Form to make any necessary arrangements at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled workshop.

Family Members
Parents/family members/supporters are encouraged to join the Beach Family Portal and participate in the Parent & Family Orientation program to learn how they can best support their college student.

Please visit the CSULB Maps website for maps, the Visitor Information Center, and other parking services information.

On-Campus Orientation Workshop Parking Permit

Purchase a one-day, virtual parking permit ($15) on the day of your orientation workshop.  Avoid lines and fast-track your way to check-in by purchasing your virtual permit using the Parkmobile App.  You may also purchase a permit at a parking pay station located within each parking lot.  Park in either the Pyramid Parking Structure, Lot G6, or Lot G5 (see map for location) as they are the closest student lots to where orientation check-in begins at Brotman Hall.  Please note that virtual parking permits are only valid in the lot in which they were purchased. 

All SOAR Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Unfortunately, there is no fee waiver available for the SOAR Fee and Financial Aid does not cover this fee. If you encounter any challenges paying the SOAR Fee, please contact SOAR (soar@csulb.edu).

Late fees and registration holds may be applied to your account if you do not pay at least 10 business days prior to your orientation workshop date.

Remember: The CSULB Enrollment Deposit is separate from the SOAR Fee.

Please visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or email us at soar@csulb.edu.