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

For Incoming 2026 Science and Math First-Time, First-Year Students (Freshmen)

This information is for incoming Fall 2026 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 Academic Advising at CSULB.

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 contact CNSM Academic Advising Center, CNSM-Advising@csulb.edu, with any questions.

On this page:

Preparing for Your Advising, Registration, and Orientation Dates

There are three components you will complete this summer to get you registered and prepared for your Fall 2026 courses:  Advising, Registration, and Orientation. Here is what you'll need to do to prepare:

  1. Sign up for SOAR Orientation. The deadline is Monday, June 2, 2026.
  2. Math ALEKS Placement Exam: This assessment can impact which math course you take in your first semester at CSULB. Please begin the mathematics placement assessment as soon as possible. ALEKS Mathematics Placement will become available on your CSULB Single Sign-On (SSO) once you submit your Intent to Enroll and Enrollment Deposit. For additional information, please see: math placement information and resources. The deadline is Monday, July 10, 2026.
  3. Chem ALEKS Placement Course: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Geology majors only. First, review chemistry placement information and resources to see if you need to take this assessment. Then, if you need chemistry placement, please begin the chemistry placement course as soon as possible.
  4. Complete the CNSM Incoming First-Time First-Year Survey as soon as possible. The survey is due on July 1.
  5. Complete the SOAR and Advising Online Course in Canvas, the learning management system for CSULB. This asynchronous review provides important information about academic advising and student support for science and math students. You must complete the course prior to attending your SOAR workshop and registering for classes. The deadline is Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
  6. Attend SOAR Orientation in July or August, where you will learn key information about CSULB.

Monitor Your Email

Please regularly check your personal email and CSULB Outlook student email for communication from CNSM Advising and others. Set up your student Outlook email to make it easier to check your messages. You can find the Outlook tile after signing onto your CSULB Single Sign-On (SSO).

For International Students

New International First-Time First-Year Students can find additional information about the admission, visa, and enrollment requirements on New Student Requirements - International Education & Global Engagement.

Technology Resources

Find more software resources at the CSULB Academic Technology Resources for Students.

Summer Support Webinars

The CNSM Academic Advising Center Team hosts a number of webinars to provide students an opportunity to take a deeper dive on key topics to help them prepare for their first semester as CNSM students.

Webinar Schedule

Recordings will be posted here as they become available, but we highly recommend attending the live event because you will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentations.

  • Science and Math Beach XP Learning Communities
    Monday, June 1, 2026.
    Overview of the Beach XP Learning Community program, eligibility, and how to participate.
    Watch 6/1 Recording
  • First-Time First-Year Math and Chemistry Placement
    Friday, June 5, 2026.
    Overview of math and chemistry placement, criteria for placement, and available assessments that can impact math and chemistry placement.
    Watch 6/5 Recording
  • CNSM First-Time First-Year Advising and Registration Information
    Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
    Overview of the summer SOAR programming and what to expect for orientation, academic advising, and registration.
    Watch 6/10 Recording
  • Science and Math Beach XP Learning Communities
    Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
    Overview of the Beach XP Learning Community program, eligibility, and how to participate.
  • First-Time First-Year Math and Chemistry Placement
    Thursday, June 25, 2026. 2:00pm-3:00pm (PST)
    Overview of math and chemistry placement, criteria for placement, and available assessments that can impact math and chemistry placement.
    Register for 6/25 Webinar

SOAR Experience Overview

The SOAR Experience consists of two events in one day:

  1. Orientation Process led by Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) in the morning.
  2. Advising and Registration Process led by the CNSM Academic Advising Team in the afternoon.

CNSM SOAR Orientation, Advising, and Registration Dates

  • Wednesday, July 29, 2026
  • Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • Friday, July 31, 2026
  • Tuesday, August 4, 2026
  • Wednesday, August 5, 2026
  • Thursday, August 6, 2026
  • Friday, August 7, 2026
  • Monday, August 10, 2026
  • Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Changes and Accommodations

The following information may also be helpful in the following special circumstances.

Important Reminders

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