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New Student Programs

The New Student Programs office supports students in their transition to the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø community through programs and events such as Orientation, Otter Days, and Welcome Back Week. These programs help students connect, explore campus resources, and build a strong foundation for success.

New Student Orientation

New Student Otter Orientation supports all first-time students, including first-year and transfer students, along with their families and supporters, as they transition into the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø community.

Register for Orientation
A student ambassador leads a campus tour group along a sidewalk at Cal State Monterey Bay, holding a route sign while prospective students, families and guests walk together during an orientation event.

New Student Traditions

ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø offers amazing traditions that make getting involved fun and exciting. From the Plunge to RAFT Week, you can make new friends, feel the Otter spirit, and create lasting memories on campus.

Explore Otter Traditions
Two students race down a large inflatable slide during a campus recreation event at Cal State Monterey Bay, smiling with their arms raised in celebration.

Otter Orientation Team

Our Orientation program is led by professional staff and trained student Orientation Leaders who guide students, answer questions, and foster connection. They play a key role in welcoming new students and supporters to ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø, helping them feel confident and excited to begin their journey.

Meet the Orientation Team
A group of Cal State Monterey Bay orientation leaders pose outdoors during a transfer student orientation event, smiling, waving and holding schedules as they welcome new students to campus.
New student holding ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø pennant and cowbell.

Get Started at ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø

Starting your journey at Cal State Monterey Bay is an exciting step, and a few simple actions now will set you up for a smooth and successful transition into campus life: