New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is a mandatory, two-step process for all incoming students. Orientation is an exciting part of transitioning to college life and an important part of becoming a student at CSU Bakersfield. Join us to explore the academic, cultural, and social opportunities on campus and within the ‘runner community! We can’t wait to see you!

Registration for Fall 2025 incoming students will open May 12, 2025. Important information will be sent to your CSUB email, you can access your email at o365.csub.edu and login by using your netid@csub.edu as the username.

Step 1: Online Orientation

The Online Orientation will help you become familiar with the campus policies and procedures, academic programs, valuable resources, and understand what is expected from you as a student at CSUB. The orientation will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes to complete and must be completed prior to attending your Runner Rundown. You can complete it at your own pace, stop at any time, and pick up where you left off. You will be able to access the Online Orientation on your myCSUB student portal To Do List as New Student Orientation-Step 1 beginning May 2025.

Step 2: Runner Rundown

Runner Rundown is a more robust and engaging program that will provide you with the opportunity to tour the campus, interact with students, staff and faculty, become familiar with college life and learn more about the programs and services that will help you succeed at CSUB. Runner Rundown will be offered on campus and virtually via zoom, you will be able to select a date based on your preference. You will be able to register online on your myCSUB student portal To Do List as New Student Orientation-Step 2 beginning May 2025.

Fall 2025 Runner Rundown Dates
Date
Class Level
Location
Time
Registration Opens
July 8, 2025
Freshmen
Icardo Center
8:00am-4:00pm
May 12, 2025
July 9, 2025
Freshmen
Icardo Center
8:00am-4:00pm
May 12, 2025
July 10, 2025
Freshmen
Icardo Center
8:00am-4:00pm
May 12, 2025
July 23, 2025
Transfer
Doré Theatre
8:00am-4:00pm
May 12, 2025
July 24, 2025
Transfer
Doré Theatre
8:00am-4:00pm
May 12, 2025
August 6, 2025
Freshmen
Virtual via Zoom
8:30am-2:30pm
May 12, 2025
August 7, 2025
Transfer
Virtual via Zoom
8:30am-2:30pm
May 12, 2025

Important things to know about Runner Rundown:

  • You must be admitted to CSUB and have completed your Intent to Enroll on your myCSUB portal to attend Runner Rundown.
  • Late registration and walk-ins will not be permitted, all students must register for orientation prior to attending.
  • No guests or children are allowed, orientation is strictly for incoming students.
  • There is a $25 non-refundable rescheduling fee once registration is submitted.
  • Once you register for orientation, you are responsible for the orientation fee. If you are unable to attend orientation or change your mind about attending CSUB, you must cancel your orientation registration at least three days prior to your scheduled orientation date.
  • The Runner Rundown New Student Orientation fee is mandatory for all new students. The fee is billed to all new undergraduate students at CSU Bakersfield. The fee is separate from and in addition to other deposits, registration fees and tuition.
  • All Antelope Valley students please view further details regarding orientation.
As a CSUB student, you are required to check your email regularly. CSUB uses email for all university related correspondence. You can retrieve your Outlook username. Once you have your net ID, you can add @csub.edu at the end to access your email. Visit o365.csub.edu and use your netid@csub.edu as the username.
It is important for you to review your myCSUB To Do List and submit any required documentation and complete any pending items. Login to your myCSUB account and click “more” and then the individual To Do Items to view additional details about each item.
You will participate in an informational advising session and connect with your advisor during orientation. However, you will not register for classes during orientation. Visit advising to learn more about your academic school and how to schedule an advising appointment.
Your myCSUB account will be billed the mandatory Runner Rundown New Student Orientation fee after you submit your Intent to Enroll. The Runner Rundown fee is $150 for first time freshman students and $105 for first time transfer students. The fee is separate from and in addition to other deposits, registration fees and tuition and is non-refundable. The fee is due the Thursday before classes begin, aligned with the due date for tuition and fees. You can pay the orientation fee on your myCSUB account under Finances by clicking on Make a Payment. You can login to your myCSUB account. If you are a Financial Aid eligible student and your financial aid exceeds tuition costs, you can use your Financial Aid to pay the orientation fee. Financial Aid will not automatically cover the fee.
Canvas is the online classroom learning system where you will access online classes, check your grades, access your syllabus, connect with professors and much more! Login to Canvas with your net ID and CSUB password.
Parking permits are required for all parking lots on campus. You can purchase a parking permit online at mycampuspermit.com. Select CSU Bakersfield for your campus and purchase your permit by following the prompts.
Textbooks are generally available for purchase a couple of weeks before the start of the semester. Check your myCSUB account for a list of required books and materials by course. You can buy your books at the Runner Bookstore (located in the Student Union) or you may purchase your books online and either pick them up in the Runner Bookstore or have them shipped to you.
Your CSUB ID card will allow you to purchase meals, buy supplies, make copies, print documents, check books out of the library, and use the Student Health Center and Student Recreation Center. Visit the ITS website and review the guide to upload your photo online and submit your ID request. Once your photo is approved and your ID is ready for pickup, you will receive an email from IT with instructions for pickup.
Handshake is CSUB’s central hub for full-time and part-time employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Make sure you create a Handshake account to stay connected!
Create a Runner Sync account to stay connected to CSUB organizations, communicate with other students, and explore your campus community. Join a sorority, fraternity, club, or organization—or start a club on campus based on your interests!
Pursuing a college education is one of the most important financial investments you will make in your lifetime. There are several resources available to help you navigate the financial aspects of your college career.
 
Visit the Financial Aid webpage for information related to cost of attendance, available aid including grants, loans, and scholarships as well as how to apply for aid.
 
The Student Financial Services webpage provides information related to registration fees and payment deadline dates as well as how to navigate your online student account.
 
You can also enter a payment plan for tuition and fees and housing. See information related to payment plans under the Student Financial Services form link.