New Student Orientation & Transition Programs

First-Year Checklist

Before Orientation:

  • Financial Aid-If you have applied for financial aid, be sure to view and accept, or decline, your award offer. In your Portal Account, enter your Student Center, scroll to Finances and click View Financial Aid. Questions, contact Financial Aid(opens in new window)
  • Math- We strongly encourage students whose major requires calculus,(opens in new window)(opens in new window) or wants to improve their math placement level, to utilize the ALEKS PPL Math Placement Assessment.(opens in new window) ALEKS PPL needs to be completed at least 3 business days prior to your Orientation session to in order to appropriately advise you into Fall  courses. Get started today!
  • Get your Wildcat ID Card!  Create a ticket and UPLOAD your photo at least ONE WEEK prior to your Orientation Day (if attending Orientation in-person then you will receive it on your Orientation day. Virtual Orientation attendees can retrieve in Meriam Library 142 at the beginning of the semester). Follow the instructions to request your ID cards(opens in new window)(opens in new window).
  • Still unsure about your major? Take FOCUS 2(opens in new window)(opens in new window)! The brief 15-minute survey will ask you general questions and provide Chico State majors/occupations based upon your responses. If you plan to change your major, please let the Orientation Office know as soon as possible.
  • Set up Duo(opens in new window), an authentication service that provides an additional level of security and is required for Chico State Students.  
  • Online Pre-Modules - Log into your Student Center(opens in new window) and select “Canvas”. The online advising modules will help you prepare for your upcoming advising and orientation experiences. By completing these modules, you will be better prepared for your Pre-Orientation advising session and Orientation.

  • Submit immunization records - Submit immunization records and complete their assessment in the patient portal. Additional information can be found here(opens in new window)(opens in new window).
  • Follow @chicostatesummero to connect with your classmates and stay current on the latest information!  

After Orientation:

  • Pay your fees or have sufficient Pending Financial Aid by the fee payment due date of January 11th. Ensure you have updated your FAFSA to reflect Chico State. Learn more about paying fees, viewing your Student Center, and financial aid disbursements and refunds at Student Financial Services(opens in new window).
  • Submit final transcripts to Admissions. Log into your Student Center (go to the Chico State webpage(opens in new window), select portal, then Student Center). and check your To-Do list for any remaining items. Remaining check list items may prevent you from registering for classes during your session.
  • Still unsure about your major? Take FOCUS 2(opens in new window)! The brief 15-minute survey will ask you general questions and provide Chico State majors/occupations based upon your responses. If you plan to change your major, please let the Orientation Office know as soon as possible.
  • Become familiar with CanvasCanvas(opens in new window) is the learning management system where students find the content provided by their instructors of their past and present classes.
  • University Housing -Check your living assignments if you are living in University Housing(opens in new window).
  • Order Textbooks -Visit the Wildcat Store(opens in new window) website to order your textbooks.
  • Complete the online Alcohol Edu and Not Anymore programs. These will become available two weeks before the semester starts. (You can access the link through your Portal.)
  • Make the most of your college experience. Search over 200 campus clubs and organizations.
  • Classes begin Monday, August 26, 2024!