ROAR Orientation
Welcome to Columbus State University! Your Cougar Tracks Journey starts now!
ROAR Orientation kicks off your Columbus State adventure with the energy, information, and support you need to thrive. Integrated into your Cougar Tracks journey, it is designed to help you explore campus, meet your community, and get set for success.

Important Information for ROAR Orientation
Register for ROAR Orientation in your MyCSU.
Spring - Traditional Freshman Students
All Spring Orientation sessions are virtual through Microsoft Teams.
Virtual Orientation: $25/student
*Please note: All Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
Spring 2026 Virtual Orientation Dates
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 5pm
- Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5pm
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 5pm
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 12pm
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12pm
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete your Advising survey located in MyCSU. Log into MyCSU choose forms at the top of the page and choose the second option “Advising Survey.” Complete the survey and your CSU Academic Success Coach will email you with your schedule.
Step 3 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given to each student within 48 hours of registration.
Step 4 - Complete the modules and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed on your MyCSU account within 1-2 business days.
Spring - Transfer Students
All Spring Orientation sessions are virtual through Microsoft Teams.
Virtual Orientation: $25/student
*Please note: All Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
Spring 2026 Virtual Orientation Dates
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 5pm
- Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5pm
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 5pm
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 12pm
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 12pm
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given to each student within 48 hours of registration.
Step 3 -
- If you have UNDER 30 credit hours, complete the modules, and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed within 1-2 business days.
- If you have OVER 30 credit hours, complete the modules. Your hold will be removed from your MyCSU account within 1-2 business days. Reach out to your Academic Success Coach to schedule a meeting regarding classes.
Summer - Traditional Freshman Students
All Spring Orientation sessions are virtual through Microsoft Teams.
Virtual Orientation: $25/student
*Please note: All Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
Summer 2026 Virtual Orientation Dates
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5pm
- Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12pm
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 12 pm
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete your Advising survey located in MyCSU. Log into MyCSU choose forms at the top of the page and choose the second option “Advising Survey.” Complete the survey and your CSU Academic Success Coach will email you with your schedule.
Step 3 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given to each student within 48 hours of registration.
Step 4 - Complete the modules and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed on your MyCSU account within 1-2 business days.
Summer - Transfer Students
All Summer Orientation sessions are virtual through Microsoft Teams.
Virtual Orientation: $25/student
*Please note: All Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
Summer 2026 Virtual Orientation Dates
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5pm
- Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12pm
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 12 pm
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given to each student within 48 hours of registration.
Step 3 -
- If you have UNDER 30 credit hours, complete the modules, and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed within 1-2 business days.
- If you have OVER 30 credit hours, complete the modules. Your hold will be removed from your MyCSU account within 1-2 business days. Reach out to your Academic Success Coach to schedule a meeting regarding classes.
Fall - Traditional Freshman Students
At ROAR Orientation you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn directly from Orientation Leaders who share tips and campus insights.
- Meet fellow new students and start building your CSU community.
- Connect with campus resources like advising, financial aid, housing, and student support services.
- Explore ways to get involved through clubs, organizations, and leadership programs.
- Gain a clear understanding of academic expectations, degree pathways, and course registration by meeting with your Academic Success Coach.
- Receive essential items such as your Student ID, parking information, and of course, CSU swag!
We know you will feel confident and supported after ROAR Orientation as you begin your transition into life as a Cougar!
Fall 2026 In-Person Orientation Dates
- Saturday, May 30 - Main Campus
- Tuesday, June 9 - Main Campus
- Saturday, June 27 - Main Campus
- Saturday, July 11 - Riverpark Campus
- Friday, July 17 - Riverpark Campus
- Friday, July 31 - Main Campus
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete your Advising survey located in MyCSU. Log into MyCSU choose forms at the top of the page and choose the second option “Advising Survey.” Complete the survey and your CSU Academic Success Coach will email you with your schedule.
Step 3 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given to each student within 48 hours of registration.
Step 4 - Complete the modules and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed on your MyCSU account within 1-2 business days.
In-Person Summer Orientations
$85/student
$25/guest (Only allowed 2 guests per student)
*Please note that Orientation is cashless. All students are required to pay at the time of registration. No cash will be handled on Orientation days. Additionally, all Orientation fees are nonrefundable.
ROAR Orientation Guidebook
Make the most of your Orientation experience by reviewing our ROAR Orientation Guidebook before you arrive. This digital guide walks you through what to expect, what to bring, and how to navigate your first steps as a Cougar.
Download the Guidebook by Visit the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Search for Guidebook and download the free Guidebook app.
- Within Guidebook, search for the 2026 ROAR Orientation guide.
Fall - Transfer Students UNDER 30 Credit Hours
To determine whether you are to attend an in-person or virtual orientation, please see the following information:
- If you are coming in with under 30 credit hours of dual enrollment transfer credits, you must still attend an in-person orientation.
- If you are transferring from another institution with under 30 credit hours, you can attend the in-person or virtual orientation.
Fall 2026 In-Person Orientation Dates
- Saturday, May 30 - Main Campus
- Tuesday, June 9 - Main Campus
- Saturday, June 27 - Main Campus
- Saturday, July 11 - Riverpark Campus
- Friday, July 17 - Riverpark Campus
- Friday, July 31 - Main Campus
Fall 2026 Virtual Orientation Dates
- Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5pm
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 5pm
- Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 5pm
- Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 5pm
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given within 48 hours of registration.
Step 3 - If you have UNDER 30 credit hours, complete the modules, and attend your virtual ROAR Orientation session. Your hold will be removed within 1-2 business days.
Fall - Transfer Students OVER 30 Credit Hours
Transfer students with OVER 30 credit hours are NOT required to attend the virtual Orientation session but will be required to pay the $25.00 for the session at the end of the registration page.
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given within 48 hours of registration.
Step 3 - If you have OVER 30 credit hours, complete the modules, and your hold will be removed within 1-2 business days.
Step 4 - Reach out to your Academic Success Coach to schedule a meeting regarding classes.
Fully Online Degree Seeking Students
All online degree seeking students are NOT required to attend the virtual Orientation session but will be required to pay the $25.00 for the session at the end of the registration page.
How to register for ROAR Orientation:
Step 1 - Log into MyCSU and Locate "My To-Do List" on the home tab. Click on "you must register for an orientation session" link. Complete the registration process.
Step 2 - Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarView. CougarView access will be given within 48 hours of registration.
Step 3 - Once the modules are completed, your hold will be removed within 1-2 business days.
Step 4 - Reach out to your Academic Success Coach to schedule a meeting regarding classes.
*If you would like to attend the Virtual Orientation Session, a link will still be provided to you through email one week out and the day of the orientation.
Graduate Students
Graduate Student Orientation will help you become familiar with essential university resources, understand academic expectations, and feel confident as you begin your program. It will be available in "My To-Do List" in MyCSU when you are admitted.
For further information, please contact your Academic Advisor for questions and additional support.
Active-Duty Military and Veterans
Active-Duty Military and Veterans are assigned a separate orientation. Please reach out to the Office of Military-Connected Student Services for more information.
Orientation instructions for Active Duty and Veterans (PDF)
Contact Information
Location: Schuster Success Center 117
Email: veterans_affairs@columbusstate.edu
Phone: (706)507-8866
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
International Students
Students who are coming from abroad to study here at CSU will work with the Center for Global Engagement to complete an in-person Orientation.
Please see the Center for Global Engagement Orientation and Immigration and Requirements page for more information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
- Christine Shaw,
- Coordinator of Global Engagement
- international@columbusstate.edu
Dual Enrollment Students
At the beginning of each semester, an Orientation specifically designed for Dual Enrollment students will provide the opportunity for you to get your student ID, parking decal, books, and go on a campus tour. Orientation is highly recommended for all new Dual Enrollment students.
If you are currently a high school student who has been accepted to take both high school and college classes, please contact johnson_yolanda@columbusstate.edu.
If you have graduated from high school and you are entering CSU as a first-year full time student, please select one of the Freshman dropdown options above.
Frequently Ask Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQs for the quick scoop on schedules, what to bring, where to go, and everything you need to roll into ROAR Orientation like a pro.

Parent and Family Connection
Your student isn’t starting this journey alone—you’re a part of the Cougar family, too! Our Parent & Family Connection is here to keep you informed, supported, and connected throughout your student’s time at Columbus State. Learn how you can stay engaged, access helpful resources, and partner with us to cheer your Cougar toward success.

Get involved today!
Your one-stop for:
- Access to important campus news and deadlines
- Personalized newsletters
- Customized website
- Links and resources for academics, housing, financial aid, and more
Stay involved with your student throughout their entire college journey. To create an account and setup your profile, visit:
ROAR Orientation is where your Columbus State track officially kicks off, and we’re excited to welcome every Cougar (yes, you!) to be part of the experience.
For any questions or concerns, contact us at 706-507-8593, or orientation@columbusstate.edu.