The day-long event started in the morning with multiple welcome addresses by CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones, speaking to packed-to-capacity audiences in the Otter Student Union ballroom.

“I know that today is a proud moment for you,” she said, speaking to parents. “From all those times you helped with sounding out words when these kids were learning to read, sitting next to them while they completed math equations, driving them to after-school activities, and being here today. You are essential to helping your college students continue to be successful.”

Afterward, she walked around the campus, expressing gratitude to the Admissions team and other CSUMB employees, meeting with prospective students and their families, and taking selfies with them for her Instagram @csumbpresident. 

The university turned out in full force, showing all the ways students are supported here. Informational tables lined the grassy quad, occupied by personnel and stocked with information from departments including Admissions, Associated Students, Otter Athletics, Campus Health Center, Financial Aid, Recreation, First Gen Forward, and more. 

Greek fraternities and sororities coaxed young people to chat and try out raffle games. Financial aid presentations, including two in Spanish, were offered. Students from Otter Media played music on the terrace of the Otter Student Union to boost the festive vibe. On the quad, a live band kicked out tunes for audiences who sat and ate at tables or danced on the grass. 

The campus was teeming with people, activity, conversation, and something equally vital — excitement. 

Faculty and students from the Department of Computer Science welcomed visitors. | Photo by Brent Dundore-Arias

Jeff Rensel is the director of the Otter Student Union, which served as a hub and starting point for the day’s activities. 

“It was a very positive experience,” Rensel said. “I felt a lot of excitement in the air from prospective students and families. I saw engagement at every table, at every opportunity. I talked to a couple of families who asked where they can sign up for orientation [in the summer].”

He reported that the campus bookstore was full of visitors buying CSUMB gear, and that in some cases they were wearing it as soon as it was paid for.

Ben Adair, a psychology major graduating next month, ran a Jeopardy-style trivia game in the student union. The top three prizes were scholarships of $1,000, $750, and $500 for those who eventually committed to attending CSUMB. 

“What stood out to me was how many happy and excited people were on campus,” Adair said.  

Micah Stamps, a third-year cinematic arts and technology major and a student assistant, was one of the seven Admissions tour guides leading groups of 20 to 60 visitors around campus. In all, 720 people went on tours that day. 

“We started at Divarty Quad, then did a lap around the main quad,” Stamps said. “Then the library, [academic buildings], the dining commons, and housing.”  

The tour guides answered questions, which Stamps said mostly revolved around whether CSUMB was a good investment of a family's money. Stamp assured the guests that it is.

Dominic Estrella, a high school senior from San Jose, went on one of those campus tours with his parents, for whom he translated into Spanish. 

“Overall, I like Monterey Bay,” Estrella said. “The experience [of Admitted Otter Day] was enlightening. The campus is not too far from home. It’s a pretty place, a relaxed environment here. I like the size of the classes — it’s not too big, so I can communicate with the faculty.”

His interest is in marine science, one of CSUMB’s most robust programs.  

Future Otters took pictures with Monte as they explored campus. | Photo by Eric Orosco

Visitors were invited into open classrooms to talk to faculty members and witness teaching demonstrations. The Otter Kitchens team offered special meal deals and samples of the menu. 

Visitors were invited to tour the university’s newly renovated stadium, which is also home to the United Soccer League’s new professional team, Monterey Bay Football Club — aka the Union. 

They could check out the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, where the MakerSpace, run by Rachel Hester, was fully stocked with all manner of crafts materials for visitors to see — more than 300 came by there. 

The official Admitted Otter Day event ended at about 2 p.m., when families and prospective students made their way to their cars with plenty to discuss. 

But there was a bonus free event for those who wanted even more CSUMB life and culture: a dynamic performance of the musical Sweeney Todd by the student drama club The Performing Otters at the World Theater. 

There was some question as to whether that performance would happen. Plant roots had infiltrated a water pipe, effectively shutting down the bathrooms, and thus the show. But the Facilities and Maintenance Department came through quickly, dug up the problem pipe, replaced it, and allowed the show to go on. 

CSUMB faculty led mock lectures to groups of prospective students. | Photo by Brent Dundore-Arias

As a demo of what CSUMB offers and is capable of, Admitted Otter Day 2023 was a shining showcase for the university. And for prospective students and their families, it was a spirited and genuine invitation to join in. 

More information can be found on the Admissions web pages. Students who haven't had a chance to confirm can do so on the confirmation webpage.