Fall 2023 resource guide: What's new on CSULB campus

Published August 7, 2023
By Elizabeth Schmidt Campus Update

It's almost time for the Fall 2023 semester at Cal State Long Beach. Students, staff and faculty can take advantage of a variety of new and recently expanded resources.

Explore this important guide for the 2023-24 academic year.

Students attend an event on CSULB campus.

Beach XP

Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, is a brand-new program for first-time, first-year students. The inaugural program aims to establish peer networks, enhance learning, build career connections and cultivate community through friendship and fun.  

Outdoor campus photo

On-Campus Technology  

Canvas at The Beach 

Canvas is the official CSULB Learning Management System (LMS). Students, staff and faculty can access their Canvas accounts through SSO or directly on this site. The “Passport to Canvas” learning guide is also available as a reference on all student Canvas accounts. 

On-Campus Wi-Fi 

The Division of Information Technology continues to expand Wi-Fi on campus. Wi-Fi is available inside most buildings and outdoor areas.   

Students, staff and faculty can connect to Eduroam, a secure Wi-Fi access service developed for the international research and education community. Learn more about Wi-Fi setup.  

Phishing Scams – Don’t Get Hooked 

University students are a major target for phishing attacks. Learn how to spot phishing, get advice and tips for protecting your CSULB account by visiting Beware of Phishing Scams at CSULB. In addition, one of the best things you can do to protect your CSULB account from becoming compromised is to set up a “passwordless” login.  

Computer Labs 

There are several computer labs on campus, including the Horn Center, Spidell Technology Center, University Express Lab, and Accessible Instructional Materials Center, a technology and accessibility resource lab in the Academic Services building that provides support and services for students with disabilities. 

Students can also connect to the Student Virtual Lab from anywhere with an internet connection to access licensed software programs. 

Wireless Printing 

The Mobile Print Portal has recently been updated for the Beach community. Students, staff and faculty can print documents at designated print locations while on campus. For more information, visit Campus Wireless Printing.   

Elbee Chatbot 

The Elbee Chatbot is a feature that CSULB website visitors can use to ask questions. The Chatbot is live on Technology Help Desk, Enrollment Services, Student Health Services, Testing Department, Educational Opportunity Program, University Housing & Residential Life and will be added to additional pages on the website. 

The Innovation Space  

The Gerald M. Kline Innovation Space (I-SPACE), located on the lower level of the University Library, offers 3D printing and laser cutting services. The 360 Theatre, XR Lab and Podcast Studio can be reserved for special events and academic projects. Students, staff and faculty can access this form to request services. 

Exterior photo of CSULB's parking structure

Parking and Transportation 

Starting this fall, if you are dropped off and/or picked up on campus, your driver must use one of the newly designated drop-off/pick-up zones. There will also be a new no-fee cellphone waiting area. The zones will help increase pedestrian safety and decrease traffic on campus. Parking permits are also available through the parking portal, and license plate recognition is used for virtual permitting. Visit this site for more parking information. 

Bike Lock Program

The University Police Department (UPD) has launched a free bike lock program. Students can register bikes during move-in days with UPD and receive a free bike lock on Aug. 18-19. UPD will have tables at Beachside, Hillside and Parkside residential villages. For questions about the program, email Community Engagement Officer Natassaja Dolgorouky. (Note: Bike locks are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Students, staff and faculty eat on the outdoor patio next to the Nugget Grill & Pub.

Beach Bites 

Beach Bites is a new mobile food app for students on the Apple Store or on Google Play. The app alerts students about available food from on-campus catered events and meetings. This site also provides a list of places to eat and shop.

An individual sits in a chair and receives a health assessment.

Health Resources  

Student Health Services 

The Student Health Services (SHS) on-campus clinic offers many health programs and services. Students can take advantage of new offerings, including scheduling an appointment with an on-site registered dietitian, attending a training about the fight against opioid overdose and requesting free at-home HIV test kits. Call (562) 985-4771 or email Student Health Services. (Note: After the fight against opioid overdose training, students will receive free Narcan kits and Fentanyl test strips.) 

Mental Health  

It’s OK to ask for help. CSULB offers many Crisis and Mental Health resources for the Beach community. Beach Wellness is also a one-stop-shop to address health and wellness needs and includes valuable resources like Find Help Now, Beach Crisis Text Line and Campus Assessment and Stabilization Team (CAST). 

Student Recreation and Wellness Center 

In addition to providing a space where students, staff, faculty, alumni and affiliates can exercise, the Associated Students, Inc. Student Recreation and Wellness Center also offers nutrition programs and well-being sessions. 

Basic Needs 

CSULB’s Basic Needs program addresses food and housing insecurity among students with services like an emergency fund, medical bill assistance, eviction avoidance grants, meal support and more. ASI offers an on-campus and recently added mobile Beach Pantry, and a Beach Kitchen where students can learn to cook healthy meals using pantry provisions. BeachSync will provide upcoming dates and locations of Beach Pantry mobile locations.  

In addition, the Beach Calfresh Outreach team helps students sign up for the CalFresh nutrition program, which assists low-income individuals access essential food. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment, ensuring no student's education is hindered by basic needs challenges. Together, they foster a caring community that prioritizes the well-being of every CSULB student. 

CSULB's mascot Elbee the Shark holds a sunflower. The sunflower symbol allows students, staff and faculty to identify an individual with a hidden disability who would benefit from understanding, inclusivity and support.

Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)  

CSULB recently introduced Elbee with the Hidden Disabilities sunflower. The sunflower symbol allows students, staff and faculty to identify an individual with a hidden disability who would benefit from understanding, inclusivity and support. Students with hidden and/or visible disabilities may qualify to receive academic and classroom accommodation services through the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC). Registration is completed on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to connect with BMAC at the beginning of the semester. Visit BMAC’s registration steps for new students.  

Upcoming Events 

Save the date for events this fall semester like Week of Welcome and Tech Day. Students, staff and faculty can view events for the 2023-24 academic year on the CSULB homepage.