By Mark Muckenfuss

Hundreds of new students descended upon CSU Monterey Bay this week to tour the campus and catch a glimpse of the life that awaits them this fall. 

“I’m nervous and scared,” Alex Morales, 18, of Seaside, said about the start of classes, Aug. 23. “But I want to learn, so that’s getting me excited.”

While he’s been on campus before, he was looking forward to seeing the classrooms for computer science – the major he intends to pursue – and learning about “all the things I can do –  activities like sports.”

The annual New Student Otter Orientation is an important element for students beginning their CSUMB educational careers. 

“We are so excited to welcome our new incoming Otters and show them the CSUMB way,” said Elizabeth Hayes, First Year Experience coordinator. “We have been overwhelmed with joy and the energy the incoming students bring.”

Hayes said about 400 people per day are attending the eight orientation days. That number is about evenly split between students and their parents or supporters. First-year students went through their orientation June 22-24 and 26. Transfer students are scheduled for their turn July 13-15 and 17.

Ulysses Urias, 17, of Salinas, said he is excited about becoming an Otter. He plans to study computer science and is already familiar with the campus.

“I work here in Marina, so I’m already used to it,” he said. But he was looking forward to seeing more, such as the inside of the classrooms and dorms. “Hit me with something new,” he said. 

A group of Health and Human Services deans from other CSU campuses, here on a summer retreat, got a tour as well. Some had a more personal interest than others. 

“My son is a junior here and so I feel I can add to the tour,” said Denise Seabert, dean of Fresno State University’s College of Health and Human Services. “He lived in this building where the library is just over here. I love the fact that students can seek out academic advising within the library building itself.”

For Erin Wieseman, 17, of Vacaville, a social and behavioral sciences major, the Monterey environment was a big draw in making the decision to attend CSUMB. 

“I love the area, the beach and weather,” Wiesman said. “But I want to explore the campus more.” 

Fellow student Maria Acevedo, 17, of Salinas, said orientation was a chance for her to learn about aspects of CSUMB she had not yet seen. 

“I just kind of want to get to know this place better,” she said.