Due to capacity, registration for Parent Day 2024 is now closed. We will have limited walk-in slots available on the day of the event and will do our best to accommodate as many parents/guardians as possible.
Updated information on Parent Day logistics has just been sent - check your inboxes. You can also check the 'DAY-OF-EVENT INFO' page for more.
We understand that your student's first year comes with plenty of questions and through Parent Day goals are are as follows:
- Partner in student success: To help you become a partner in your student's success by learning key information about the academic opportunities, support services, and experiences outside of the classroom that are available to students.
- Ask Questions: Offer an opportunity to ask questions based on real experiences your students are already having, including the many transitional issues that challenge both students and families.
- Learn Resources & Services: To learn information about resources and services available to CSUN students.
- Meet Others: Providing an opportunity to meet college administrators, faculty, staff, and orientation leaders who support and educate new students as they begin the journey toward graduation.
| 8:30am | Check-in & Morning Offerings | USU Plaza Del Sol |
| 10:00am | Welcome Dr. William Watkins, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students | USU Performance Hall |
| 10:10am | Student Engagement & Well-Being Dr. Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs | Student Engagement & Well-Being Maria Elizondo, Director for Basic Needs | |
| 10:30am | Supporting Academic Success Cindy Grecco, Sr. Director for Academic Advisement Jill Mejia, Director for Undergraduate Studies | |
| 10:50am | Creating A Safe Campus Environment | |
| 12:00pm | Lunch | Sierra Marketplace |
| 1:15 pm | Optional Session A | Nobbs Auditorium Sequoia Hall 104 |
| 1:15 pm | Optional Session B | USU Performance Hall |
Parent Day is an event designed to provide parents and guardians with an opportunity to engage with the campus. It typically includes campus tours, discussions, and informational sessions aimed at familiarizing parents with the resources and support available to their students. This event will also feature presentations from university staff, faculty, and students, covering topics such as academics, student services, and campus life. It serves as an opportunity for parents to learn more about their student's university experience and to connect with other families of the CSUN community.
Below are a list of Parent Day Offerings this year
Morning Events: Check-in, Tours, Tradition of the Rose, pictures, Trivia, Etc. (60 to 90 min)
After a quick check-in, Staff and Students will welcome Parents and Guardians providing them with several options to consider including:
Supporting Your Student’s (Academic) Success in College (20 min)
Presented by:
Cindy Greco - Sr. Director for Academic Advisement
Jill Mejia – Director for Undergraduate Studies
Focusing on academic based information central to a freshman's success, Parents will be introduced to the role they can play in supporting and reinforcing students academically, and include information about units required, declaring a major/minor, important dates to remember (midterms, finals), advisement and registration, repeating courses, and other academic policies. This session will also focus on parents encouraging a “Growth Mindset”, and through CSUN’s supportive resources (staff, tools, programs, etc.) students can embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles which will be opportunities to learn and grow. Through this session, parents will:
Student Engagement & Wellbeing (20 min)
Presented by:
Dr. Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff, AVP for Student Affairs, Student Engagement & Well-Being
Maria Elizondo, Director for Basic Needs
Focusing on the importance of student life, information highlighted include campus resources and services dedicated to student engagement and well-being during a student’s academic journey. Co-curricular programs and services discussed will include leadership, volunteering, service-learning, and basic needs. Through this session, parents will:
Creating a Safe and Supportive Campus Environment:
Student Expectations, Campus Safety, Rules, & Regulations (50 min)
Presented by:
Christopher Aston, Director for Student Development
Kevin Velez, Sr. CARE and Conduct Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Students
Mark Benavidez, Deputy Chief, CSUN Department of Police Services
Suzanna Rogan, Assistant Director, Office of Equity and Compliance
This presentation will discuss the university classroom, including differences between high school and college, appropriate classroom conduct, meeting faculty expectations, ethical issues (i.e. cheating, plagiarism including using the Web and internet resources for cheating), the student conduct code, and campus community standards. Also discussed will be campus, local, state, and federal laws as they relate to student safety and well-being, including sections on Title IX, sexual assault, Violence Against Women Act, student records, and FERPA rights, and credit card information. The Department of Police Services will also speak on campus wide safety implements on a range of topics and situations. Through this session, parents will:
Financial Services (55 min) Optional
Presented by Sonya Adlersberg and Mark Guzman from Financial Aid & Scholarships
Focusing on financial assistance and scholarships as a means to cover the cost of attending CSUN. Information presented will cover types of financial aid available, eligibility requirements, application information, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities. Through this session, parents will:
Health and Wellness (55 minutes) Optional
Presented by
Dr. Lynne Landeta, Director for Klotz Student Health Center
Dr. Marilyn Mendoza, Staff Psychologist, University Counseling Services
This session will inform parents about how the campus supports student physical and mental (therapy and emotional support) health. Presenters will focus on the importance of health during a student's academic journey and how to utilize/access the many resources and services. This will include current CSU policies in place (i.e. vaccine requirements, etc.) Also, this presentation will cover challenges and struggles students and parents face and how to collectively assist them and provide effective ways for the important transition young adults navigate during this developmental time in their lives. Through this session parents will:
Event Location: University Student Union (USU) |
Parent Day will begin at the University Student Union area which is located on the east side of the University. Please join us for continental style refreshments in the morning ex: Hot/Iced Coffee and Tea, Baked goods, fruits, etc.
As we get closer to the event date, a parking permit and map will be sent to those who have registered for the event by email. Please print the parking permit prior to arriving on campus; additional parking permits will be provided at the orientation check-in area. You will want to place the parking permit on the dashboard of your vehicle so it is clearly visible.
We have compiled multiple links for you to gain further knowledge of the resources CSUN has for you and your student. Feel free to contact any departments directly or our office, the Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs with any questions, concerns or comments.
General Education Honors Program
Parents Supporting Academics and Personal Development
Student Health - Consent Treatment for Minors (form)
Student Service Centers and Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) Advisement
Information that was presented and/or distributed will be placed below:
Forms/Tutorials of interest mentioned during presentations include the following:
| Session Name | Session Description |
| Campus Tour | Campus Tours will introduce parents to key service areas of the campus, promoting resources designed to support academic, social, and cultural needs to enable success. During the tour, parents and families will also be introduced to the Tradition of the Rose, a symbolic CSUN tradition – Individuals place roses at the foot of the Matador Statue to celebrate major accomplishments and milestones such as birthdays, engagements, successful semesters, and graduations. |
| Creating a Safe and Supportive Campus Environment | This presentation will discuss the university classroom, including differences between high school and college, appropriate classroom conduct, meeting faculty expectations, ethical issues (i.e. cheating, plagiarism including using the Web and internet resources for cheating), the student conduct code, and campus community standards. Also discussed will be campus, local, state, and federal laws as they relate to student safety and well-being, including sections on Title IX, sexual assault, Violence Against Women Act, student records, and FERPA rights, and credit card information. The Department of Police Services will also speak on campus wide safety implements on a range of topics and situations. |
| Financial Aid & Scholarships | Focusing on financial assistance and scholarships as a means to cover the cost of attending CSUN. Information presented will cover types of financial aid available, eligibility requirements, application information, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities. |
| Health and Wellness | This session will inform parents about how the campus supports student physical and mental (therapy and emotional support) health. Presenters will focus on the importance of health during a student's academic journey and how to utilize/access the many resources and services. This will include current CSU policies in place (i.e. vaccine requirements, etc.) Also, this presentation will cover challenges and struggles students and parents face and how to collectively assist them and provide effective ways for the important transition young adults navigate during this developmental time in their lives. |
| Student Engagement & Well-Being | Focusing on the importance of student life and building a sense of belonging within the campus community, parents will be introduced to campus resources and services dedicated to student engagement and well-being during a student’s academic journey. Co-curricular programs and services discussed will include student leadership, volunteering, service-learning, and other opportunities for campus engagement. |
| Supporting Your Student's Success in College | Focusing on academic based information central to a freshman's success, Parents will be introduced to the role they can play in supporting and reinforcing students academically, and include information about units required, declaring a major/minor, important dates to remember (midterms, finals), advisement and registration, repeating courses, and other academic policies. This session will also focus on parents encouraging a “Growth Mindset”, and through CSUN’s supportive resources (staff, tools, programs, etc.) students can embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles which will be opportunities to learn and grow. |
| University Welcome | The University Welcome conveys the purpose of higher education and the mission of Cal State Northridge. |
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs at (818) 677-4100 or email us at orientation@csun.edu
Disclaimer: This website contains information that is authorized and available at the time of publication. Its content, including dates and fee amounts, is subject to change without notice or obligation.
