First-Year Advising
Welcome to your first year at CSUSB!
Our goal is to help you navigate your academic journey, connect with support services, and set you up for success.
Not your first-year at CSUSB? That's okay, most of the information provided here you will still find helpful!
First-year advising is a comprehensive support system designed to assist new CSUSB students in their transition to university life.
This program offers academic advising, coordinates academic programs, and provides retention initiatives to help students adapt to the university environment.
1. Get Started with Your Academic Journey
As a first-year student, your academic experience is just beginning on our campus, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. From course selection to understanding graduation requirements, our advising team is committed to helping you achieve your goals.
- Schedule Your First-Year Advising Appointment: Meet with an academic advisor to ensure you’re on track and receive personalized guidance. Call 909-537-7345 or visit Academic Advising UH-329 to make an appointment.
- Important First-Year Milestones: Stay on top of important campus and course deadlines by setting reminders.
2. Explore Resources for Academic Success
CSUSB offers numerous academic resources to support your success:
- Tutoring & Study Help: Access free tutoring services and improve study skills to expand your understanding of course materials. Visit the website for more information: https://www.csusb.edu/tutoring
- Writing Center: Provides personalized support to students at all stages of the writing process, offering guidance on writing assignments, revision, and improving writing skills. Visit the website for more information: https://www.csusb.edu/writing-center
- Library Services: Take advantage of the CSUSB Library’s extensive resources, including research assistance, study spaces, and more, to help you excel in your coursework and academic projects. Visit the website for more information: https://www.csusb.edu/library/services
- Need a Computer, Hotspot, or IPAD? More information regarding the ITS Student Technology Lending Program can be found here, https://www.csusb.edu/its/support/technology-support/its-technology-lending
3. Get to Know Your Degree Requirements
Your degree path is a roadmap to your future, and we’re here to help you navigate it.
- Degree Roadmaps: Find a roadmap for your major and learn about course sequencing to ensure you’re taking the right courses. https://www.csusb.edu/advising/advising-tools/undergraduate-roadmaps
- Understanding General Education (GE) Requirements: Get familiar with the GE courses (for your Catalog year) you’ll need to graduate and how they fit into your major. https://catalog.csusb.edu/
4. Stay Connected and Get Support
Your first year is full of transitions, and you don’t have to do this alone – support is available every step of the way. Here are some key contacts and services that you may find useful:
- Advising Contact Info: Our team is here to help! If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to firstyearadvising@csusb.edu or call 909-537-7345.
- Student Support Services: CSUSB offers a wide range of support services from mental health counseling to career development.
CSUSB offers mental health counseling services for students. Reach out to the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office for support. They also offer workshops and group therapy. All currently enrolled students who have paid the Student Health & Psychological Counseling Center Program and Facilities Fee are eligible for services. For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/caps
The Basic Needs and Student Support Center is a one-stop holistic wellness hub for students to receive personalized compassionate care and individualized support for those who have been displaced, experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, an emergency, and/or a crisis today.
Services include but are not limited to: CalFresh application assistance, Incentive Gift Card assistance, Short-Term Emergency Housing support, Basic Needs Grant support, Swipe Out Hunger meal swipe assistance, and referrals to campus resources.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/basic-needs
The Career Center is an area where you can get support in the following areas: major exploration, creating resumes, cover letters and more.
For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/career-center
ASUA Tutoring Center offers tutoring for specific courses, as well as study skills in-person at multiple locations on campus and online. For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/tutoring
The CSUSB Writing Centers are able to work with you both in person and online. Our writing consultants will work with students, faculty, and staff on any writing project at any stage of the writing process. For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/writing-center
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a research-based, locally-proven method for helping students succeed in challenging courses by providing additional subject-matter discussion, support, and guidance for the strengthening of critical college skills. For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/supplemental-instruction
Palm Desert Campus Resource: Student Success Studio (S3) is committed to assisting students in reaching their personal and academic goals. S3 provides a safe space for personal growth within Academic Coaching, Tutoring, and Writing. Take advantage of our virtual workstations, small group meeting spaces, and educational technology. S3 is an active and lively space filled with students supporting students in their overall success. For more information, visit their website: https://www.csusb.edu/student-success-studio
Academic Advising FAQs
We recommend scheduling your first advising appointment as soon as possible to ensure you’re on track for your classes. Advisors are also available throughout the year for ongoing support.
If you're unsure about your major, don’t worry! Meet with an advisor who can help you explore options. Changing your major is a process we’re happy to guide you through. CSUSB also offers resources to help you explore different majors, including career counseling services.
You can find their contact information via your Student Profile Page. If you're unsure who your advisor is, contact Advising Office for assistance.
You can register for classes through your myCoyote Portal. Be sure to check your registration date to avoid missing the registration window. For a quick video tutorial, go here. Visit the Office of the Registrar for additional information on adding classes, https://www.csusb.edu/registrar/registration/adding-class.
If you're struggling academically, don’t wait to reach out! Speak to your professor during office hours, attend tutoring sessions, and consider contacting your academic advisor for additional support or to discuss options like course withdrawal or grade forgiveness.
Yes, you can add or drop courses within certain timeframes. Check the important dates for key dates and speak with your advisor if you're unsure about making changes. Always be aware of deadlines.
You can use your PAWS report to track your progress. Your academic advisor can also help you interpret your PAWS and ensure you’re meeting the requirements for your major, general education, and electives.
Yes! If you need to catch up or prefer a lighter course load, talk to your advisor about taking summer courses or switching to part-time status. They'll help you plan so you stay on track for graduation.
College can feel overwhelming at first, but time management is key! Here are a few tips:
- Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and deadlines.
- Prioritize your tasks and break large projects into smaller tasks.
- Attend time management workshops to build effective study habits. Check out library of recorded Academic Workshops from CAPS including one titled “Time Management 101”.