Winter SOAR Guidance for Incoming CNSM First-Time, First-Year Students

For Incoming Spring 2024 Science and Math First-Time, First-Year Students (Freshmen)

Welcome to California State University, Long Beach and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM)! We are excited to help you achieve a smooth and successful start to your college career.

Please note: the following information is for incoming first-time, first year students (freshmen) who are majoring in science or math. Incoming freshmen from other majors can find their college's advising resources on SOAR's Advising and Registration.

Important Deadlines

Some of the activities below, such as the ALEKS assessments, take several days to complete, so please do not wait until the deadline to start them.

Important Deadlines
Deadline Activity
November 30 Complete Chemistry ALEKS assessments (if needed by major)
December 1 Make reservation for Orientation Workshop
December 3 Complete Math ALEKS assessments
December 3 Complete CNSM Incoming First-Time First-Year Survey
December 3 Complete CNSM Academic Advising Couse

Steps to Start Your Journey

  1. Check your BeachMail and personal email accounts on a regular basis for directions and announcements. See: How to Check BeachMail.
  2. Begin mathematics class placement as soon as possible. ALEKS Mathematics Placement will become available on your Single Sign-On (SSO) once you submit your Intent to Enroll and Enrollment Deposit. ALEKS assessments for Math are due December 3.
  3. Begin chemistry class placement (if required by your major). ALEKS assessments for Chemistry are due November 30.
  4. Make a reservation for your linked On-Campus Orientation Workshop and Class Registration Dates by December 1.
  5. Complete the CNSM Incoming First-Time First-Year Survey no later than December 3.
  6. Complete your online CNSM Academic Advising Course on Canvas by December 3. Information about this Canvas module will be emailed to your BeachMail account. You are encouraged to attend one of the CNSM Freshmen Academic Advising Zoom Workshops.
  7. Fulfill your Orientation Process. Learn more about this step by visiting SOAR Orientation. This must be completed before enrolling in classes.
  8. Complete the Advising and Registration Process. You will be receiving an invitation to sign up for an advising appointment on your assigned registration date. This online registration is your time to ask questions about placement, spring schedule, and registration help.

Please also read the following information:


SOAR Experience Overview

The SOAR Experience consists of two processes:

  1. Advising and Registration Process led by the CNSM Academic Advising Team (and outlined above on this page).
  2. Orientation Process led by Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).

Your Class Registration and Orientation dates are linked: when you register for SOAR you will be assigned a Class Registration date (online) which corresponds to the Orientation Workshop date (on campus).

Please be aware that you will be able to register for classes on your registration day ONLY; all registration transactions must be completed by 5:00pm on your assigned registration day.

Orientation Dates and corresponding Class Registration Dates
If Your Virtual Registration Date is on: Your On-Campus Orientation Workshop is on:
Thursday, December 7 Friday, January 12

You will receive a CNSM invitation to sign up for a 30-minute advising appointment on your registration date. This will be your time to ask questions about placement, spring schedule, and registration help.

Note: Orientation is held on campus. Class Registration is conducted online; on-campus assistance with registration can be provided upon request. Please email CNSM-Advising@csulb.edu with any questions, please use your CSULB email and include your student ID number in all email correspondence.


Helpful Info

The following information may also be helpful:


Important Reminders

Check your personal email and your new CSULB email for updates and read the information below so you understand the full process.


Questions?

Contact CNSM Academic Advising Center, CNSM-Advising@csulb.edu.