Orientation & Registration

On-Campus, SOAR Sessions 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)

Summer 2025 FTFY Orientation, Advising, & Registration Dates: TBD

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)

Spring 2025 SOAR transfer student sessions will offer Advising and Registration in December with a matching Orientation date in January. Specific dates are 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.

Please note that all Orientation Workshop Dates marked with an asterisks (*) will be hosted virtually on Zoom from 10 AM - 12 PM PST. 

Spring 2025 Registration and Orientation Dates By College: 

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 attend a SOAR session based on their declared major - see dates above for details.

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.

For additional CIE information, please email cie-admission@csulb.edu, call 562.985.5555, or visit the Center for International Education website.

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

Access to make a SOAR reservation begins in early November. 

• First Time/First Years: You will select one date for your SOAR workshop that will include Orientation, Advising and Registration.
• Transfer Students: You will select a Registration Date that is automatically linked to a corresponding Orientation workshop Date.

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

Space is limited for each session, and they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students should select the earliest SOAR session available based on your declared major.

SOAR sessions take place on-campus and virtually. 

Directions for reserving your Registration and Orientation dates:

1. Login to your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On) using your BeachMail/Outlook login credentials.
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 students who miss the SOAR 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 SOAR session is $62

This fee includes your access to the Pre-SOAR and Advising & Registration Canvas courses along with attendance at a SOAR Workshop. You will also receive lunch, and Welcome to The Beach Swag Package. Additionally, you are invited to attend on-going orientation programming that takes place during the academic year. 

How to submit your payment

Here's how to submit your SOAR Fee:

• Make your SOAR session reservation.
• Pay SOAR Fee via MyCSULB through the Make a Payment link found under the Finances section.
• 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 SOAR date.

Unfortunately, there is no fee waiver available for the SOAR Fee and Financial Aid does not cover this fee. 

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 upcoming SOAR session. Please note that all university communications will be sent exclusively to your BeachMail/Outlook account starting in late May.
   • Access BeachMail/Outlook by logging in to Microsoft MyApps/Single Sign On with your Beach ID Number and password, then locate and click the Outlook (Email) chiclet.
   • SOAR Confirmation. This email will confirm your scheduled SOAR session date, as well as provide you 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 & Registration Process.
2. First-Time/First-Year Students (Freshman): Complete and submit the Advising Survey at least one week prior to your scheduled SOAR session. This survey asks you to confirm your desired major, report earned/pending college credit (AP, IB, CLEP, etc.), and intended professional goal. The results will help your assigned advisor create a list of recommended first-semester courses.
3. Complete the Pre-SOAR Course at least one week PRIOR to your scheduled SOAR session. Access the course through the Canvas chiclet found on your Microsoft MyApps Portal (Single Sign-On) starting in late May.
4. Complete the SOAR-BMAC Disability-Related Accommodations Format least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled new student orientation workshop if you require disability-related accommodations/services. 
5. 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 SOAR session.
6. Get your Beach ID card. Prior to attending SOAR, submit a photo for your ID card, so you can pick it up after attending orientation. Visit Get Your ID-Online Photo Submissions for step-by-step directions on submitting your photo.
7. Purchase a one-day, virtual parking permit ($15). Avoid lines and fast-track your way to check-in by purchasing your virtual permit using the Parkmobile App with location code: 3993. You may also purchase a permit at a parking pay station when you arrive located within each parking lot. Park in Lot G3, Lot G5, or Lot G6 (see map for location) as they are the closest student lots to where orientation check-in begins at the Beach Circle.  Permits are valid in any lot where Daily Permits are sold. Learn more about the Parkmobile App along with Visitor and Student Parking by visiting the Parking and Transportation Services website.  
8. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes (no open-toe shoes) as you will be walking throughout the campus.
9. Bring a water bottle - Summer in Southern CA is hot! We have several refill stations around campus. 
10. Bring a form of identification such as a driver's license, school identification card, or passport. 
11. Missed your SOAR session, running late, or feeling ill? Contact us immediately for assistance at 562.985.5515 or email soar@csulb.edu. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
12. Parents and other guests are not allowed to attend orientation. We offer parents and guests a full-day program along with a mini-orientation at each of our SOAR sessions. Please visit the Parent & Family Orientation website to learn about upcoming orientations 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). 
13. 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 SOAR session:

1. Pay your fees/tuition. Visit Tuition & Fees to learn more about fees, important deadlines, and payment plan options. Visit Student Financial Services to learn about payment options including Installment Plans along with information on Financial Aid Disbursement.
2. Submit your vaccine certification form. The CSU Immunization Policy (Executive Order 803 dated February 2023) requires students to obtain the vaccinations and screening recommended for colleges and universities by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for those diseases that can be passed on to others by respiratory transmission. Students are required to submit an online Student Vaccine Certification form through the 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. Visit How to Submit Your Vaccine Certification for step-by-step directions.
3. Set your preferred first name and pronouns. Learn more about this option by visiting Using MyCSULB Personal Information.
4. 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/Outlook account.
5. There's more after your SOAR session. 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.

Call 562.985.5515 or submit a SOAR Support ticket within 24 hours of your original session date in order to reschedule for the next available workshop. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

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.

SOAR Confirmation

An email confirming your reserved SOAR Workshop will be emailed to you within two weeks of making your reservation. Check both your BeachMail/Outlook and personal email accounts regularly as there will be a transition from your personal account to your BeachMail/Outlook account starting in mid-May. A reminder will be sent to your BeachMail/Outlook account approximately two days prior to your scheduled date.

Didn't receive your confirmation?  Please check both your personal email AND your BeachMail/Outlook accounts, including your Junk/Spam Folders. Still cannot find it? Contact SOAR at least three (3) business days prior to your scheduled date so we can re-send the email confirmation. 

Advising & Registration Communications

Your assigned advising center or department faculty advisor will email information to your BeachMail/Outlook account about your specific Advising & Registration Process including completing the Advising & Registration Canvas course, selecting your first-semester classes, and when you can register for your first-semester classes.

SOAR is for registered student-participants ONLY. We cannot accommodate any guests.

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.

SOAR Session Parking Permit

Purchase a one-day, virtual parking permit ($15). Avoid lines and fast-track your way to check-in by purchasing your virtual permit using the Parkmobile App with location code: 3993. You may also purchase a permit at a parking pay station when you arrive located within each parking lot. Park in Park in Lot G3, Lot G5, or Lot G6 (see map for location) as they are the closest student lots to where orientation check-in begins at the Beach Circle.  Permits are valid in any lot where Daily Permits are sold. Learn more about the Parkmobile App along with Visitor and Student Parking by visiting the Parking and Transportation Services website. 

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. 

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 submit a SOAR Support Ticket.