Welcome to Colorado State University!
As a first-year student at CSU, you are an incredibly important part of the campus and community.
Transitioning to CSU is an exciting time, and you are faced with unique challenges ranging from getting connected on campus, choosing a major, meeting new people on campus, getting involved in the community and more.
Orientation & Transition Programs in the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) is dedicated to assisting first-year students in a successful transition to CSU and throughout the entire first year to help students return for a second year.
We offer several exciting experiences and programs for you as a first-year student at CSU including:
Preview First-Year Student Orientation
Preview is CSU's First-Year Student Orientation program. Preview is an exciting CSU tradition and experience that new first-year students and their families attend that offers an in-depth look at what you can expect as a student CSU. Nineteen sessions are offered during the summer from mid-June to mid-July for incoming freshman students and their family members to learn about academic resources, register for classes, explore diversity at CSU, and make connections with other new students, staff, and faculty at CSU.
Preview Mountain Experience: Outdoor Orientation
The Preview Mountain Experience is a supplemental outdoor orientation program. This 2-1/2 day experience takes place at CSU’s Pingree Park mountain campus where students participate in a ropes course experience, engage in conversations with faculty members, enjoy a community-building campfire, and participate in an alpine hike. Each activity during the program is designed to assist students in setting a course for personal success during their first semester at CSU.
Ram Welcome: Experience CSU
Ram Welcome is an exciting experience for every new first-year student that takes place the week before classes. Students continue their successful transition to Colorado State by exploring academic programs, meeting faculty, and learning about the many services available to support their college experience. Ram Welcome will help students become a part of the campus community, learn traditions, and discover what it means to be a CSU Ram!
First Year Mentoring Program
The First-Year Mentoring Program is designed to assist new first-year students in making a successful adjustment to Colorado State University. Students are able to join a group of first year students that will meet regularly throughout the semester, and receive a Faculty/Staff Mentor and a Peer Mentor. This program is a flexible opportunity designed to help make the most of the Colorado State University experience by providing opportunities to build strong connections with the CSU community!
Getting to Year 2 @ CSU Conference
Getting to Year 2 @ CSU is a two day conference in the spring in the Lory Student Center for first year students (in their second semester). Students are be able to select breakout sessions to attend throughout the day. Sessions will provide students with information and resources to assist students with the transition to a second year at CSU.
For more information on orientation programs for first-year students, contact us at orientation@colostate.edu, (970) 491-6011.