By Walter Ryce

Thousands of new and returning students are converging on CSUMB for the 2023-24 school year. And whether they are living in university housing (as more than 3,000 students will be) or living in surrounding communities and commuting in, the campus is about to spring back into action this fall. 

"The start of the new academic year is an exciting time for everyone. The entire university community has been eagerly looking forward to the arrival of students," said Dr. Ben Corpus, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. 

But before those pass through the doorways of their classrooms, before they get their first homework assignments, before they find the best spot on the grassy quad to take a nap … there’s Otter Days.  

Otter Days are a series of fun activities and events at the start of the new school year that bring students together to connect to each other and get oriented to campus life. 

It begins from the day of move-in on Aug. 18, continues past the start of classes on Aug. 23, concluding sometime around Aug. 27 — often with multiple events in a single day.  

“We have a variety of entertaining events for students to engage and socialize, programs that build upon our strong community, and support services that guide, encourage and inspire a really quality campus experience,” Corpus said. “Otter Days is a mix of learning and leisure, silliness and relationship-building, preparation and spontaneity, which really reinforces a culture that is part of the fabric of this unique university."

Below are some of the events that make up Otter Days: 

Parent and Family Reception
6 - 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, Aug. 18-19
After helping their student move into campus housing, parents, families and supporters are invited as special guests to enjoy refreshments, and hear from and talk to CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones.  
Venues: Alumni and Visitors Center, Otter Express

Community Meetings 
6 - 8 p.m. Fri-Sat, Aug. 18-19 
On-campus resident students are invited to join staff from Student Housing and Residential Life to learn about living on campus and support services, and build relationships with other residents and resident advisors.
Venues: University Center, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences #1401, Library #1188 and #1180, World Theater

RecFest
1 - 4 p.m. Sun, Aug. 20
The CSUMB Recreation team enlist their colleagues from the Sports Club, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Recreation and the Otter Cycle Center to show you how to have a good time on and around campus. 
Venue: Student Recreation Field

Late Night with OSU
10 - midnight Sun, Aug. 20
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The staff from the state-of-the-art student union invite students to enjoy free goof, music and interactive events while showing you around this cultural hub of campus life. 
Venue: Otter Student Union

New Student Convocation 
10 a.m. - noon Mon, Aug. 21
A gathering at which university administrators, faculty, staff and continuing students officially meet with and welcome new students to campus. Your academic journey starts here. 
Venue: World Theater

Campus Cookout 
Noon - 3 p.m. Tue, Aug. 22
An annual tradition that draws hundreds of students to the grassy quad for free lunch, lawn games, inflatable games, music and dancing. 
Venue: Main Quad

Fall Sports Alumni Athletic Tailgate
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat, Aug. 26
Student-athletes from our women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and men’s soccer teams compete head-to-head with alumni from each sport. Enjoy food, drinks and friendly competition while checking out the venue for regular season games.
Venue: Otter Sports Center, Soccer Field

Go to the Otter Days web page for more information.