Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on new student summer orientation. If your question isn't addressed below or on our site, please feel free to reach out to the Office Student Development & Transitional Programs by emailing orientation@csun.edu.
International FAQs
ADVISEMENT: Will I get academic advisement or be able to register for my classes during my orientation day?
Academic advisement and registering for classes are separate and do not occur at the orientation. For more information, please contact your advisor. You may refer to the University Catalog for a list of colleges and departments.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION: What is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation (NSO) is an engaging on-campus experience the university has created to prepare all its new students to integrate into the academic, cultural, and social context of California State University, Northridge. Throughout the orientation experience, new students will be advised on appropriate steps to take in order to achieve academic success in and out of the classroom. Students will also get a chance to meet their peers, both fellow new students and continuing CSUN students, who will offer help and suggestions to assist with a smooth transition.
NSO FEES: Do I have to pay the International Student Orientation fee?
There is a $75.00 dollar Orientation fee for International Students. This fee will be handled through Student Financial Services. Freshman Students will be assessed this fee automatically. Transferring and Graduate Students will be assessed this fee after you have attended this event. Please be advised that your receipt will be available in your student account as an itemized payment and can be found by logging in into myNorthridge Portal. Choose View Account Information under the My Financial Obligations tab to review your payment after you have come to your orientation.
REGISTERING: How do I register for International Student Orientation?
Step 1: Go to Register for the New Student Orientation.
Step 2: Enter your last name and your CSUN student ID number as it appears on your student portal. (If you do not have a CSUN student ID number, please call Enrollment Services at (818) 677-3700.)
Step 3: Confirm your registration date.
If you have any questions, you can feel free to contact us through email at orientation@csun.edu.
STUDENT INFO: Where can I obtain my CSUN student ID number and email?
When you are admitted to the university, your CSUN student ID is issued by the Admissions and Records department. You may also sign up for your CSUN email address at your earliest convenience. If you need additional assistance please contact Enrollment Services at (818) 677-3700.
How to get a student ID card
Student ID's are taken care of online at this time. Information below can also be found by visiting the CSUN Student ID website.
How to upload a photo for your CSUN student ID card
Follow these steps to upload a photo for your CSUN student ID card and then receive your card by mail:
- Pay for your CSUN student ID card online through myNorthridge Portal one of two ways:
- Log in and navigate to the Financial Matters tab > Financial Obligations > Purchase a Photo ID
- Or navigate to your SOLAR Student Center > Finances > Purchase a Photo ID
- Within 2 business days,* you’ll receive an invitation to your CSUN email address with instructions for uploading your ID photo. We'll also ask you to upload another form of identification right after, so be sure to have that ready.
- Please upload a color photo of yourself that is a full-face view, directly facing the camera. Use a flat, light background. Do not wear a hat or head/face covering that obscures the hair or hairline unless worn daily for religious purposes. Glasses are OK.
STUDENT ID GUIDELINES
- Once the ID photo you took is approved, usually within 1 business day,* the Office of the Registrar will mail your CSUN student ID card to your home address on file with CSUN via first-class mail.
To verify or update your mailing address, log in to myNorthridge Portal. Need help? Check out the Update Personal Information how-to-guide. - Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery.*
*Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and campus holidays/closures.
GWAR: What is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)?
GWAR Description
All CSU undergraduate students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. At CSUN, students who have met the lower division writing requirement, completed 56 units or more, and intend to graduate with a baccalaureate degree are required to demonstrate their writing proficiency in one of two ways:
Students may meet the GWAR by receiving a grade of "C" or better in a minimum of 6 units of coursework in designated Writing Intensive upper division curriculum at CSUN; or
- Students may meet the GWAR by receiving a grade of "C" or better in ENGL 345 Recursive Writing.
For the latest updates, visit Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement page.
If you have any further questions, please contact the New Student Orientation staff at (818) 677-4100 or via email at orientation@csun.edu. You may also review the FAQs page for any questions you may have.
If you have any questions about your immigration status please contact your International Student Advisor at the International and Exchange Student Center at: (818) 677-3053.
Disclaimer: The New Student Orientation website contains information authorized and available at the time of publication. Its content, including dates and fee amounts, is subject to change without prior notice or obligation.
