Frequently Asked Questions
If we have a record that you have attended a ROAR session in the past year, then you are not required to attend another session.
Contact the Orientation Office at 706-507-8593 or email orientation@columbusstate.edu to verify that you attended an earlier ROAR session.
The ROAR program bases your breakout sessions with your Academic Success Coach based off of the major that is listed on your application. If you would like to change your major after you apply to the university, please fill out the change of major form located under Forms on MyCSU.
ROAR is a self-sustaining program. The funds are used to purchase supplies, materials, and technology for all virtual and in-person sessions.
ROAR is required for all incoming students. Students who do not attend a ROAR session will be required to register for classes on the first day of the semester.
Please contact ROAR Orientation at 706-507-8593 or email directly at Orientation@columbusstate.edu with questions or concerns.
We are unable to give refunds for any registration fee. However, we can change your session date to a later session if needed.
For Traditional First Year students starting classes in the fall, we have planned out several orientation sessions to make it more convenient. If you are unable to attend the original date you have registered for, please refer to the other dates or call us at 706-507-8593 or email at orientation@columbusstate.edu to change your session date.
A transient student (aka "guest student") is a student who is enrolled at one University but taking classes at another that will count towards their degree at their home University. Generally, this happens when students don't live near their home University over the summer but want to take a class or two to speed up the obtainment of their degree, or if for some reason they can't take a class at their home University that they need to graduate.
Students that fall into the above category DO NOT have to attend a ROAR orientation session.
Traditional First Year Students Fall In-Person ROAR Orientation is the program that will introduce all new incoming students to Columbus State University. At your session, you will learn how to navigate around campus, information about the variety of student organizations and array of student services that CSU provides, and how to select and register for courses.
Traditional Freshman Students are required to:
- Register for ROAR Orientation
- Complete the Advising Survey
- Attend the In-Person Orientation Session
- Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules Course through CougarView
Non-traditional & Transfer Under 30 credit hours: These students are required to attend a ROAR Virtual Orientation Session. These sessions are geared towards learning about CSU wellbeing initiatives and meting with your Academic Success Coaches. These sessions typically last 1 hour via Microsoft Teams.
Non-traditional & Transfer Under 30 credit hours students are required to:
- Register for ROAR Orientation
- Complete the Advising Survey
- Attend the In-Person Orientation Session
- Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules Course through CougarView
*Please note that if you are a first-year student but have dual enrollment credits under 30 credit hours, you will still be responsible for registering and attending the In-person orientation session.
If you have 30 credit hours or more, you will be able to attend a virtual orientation session. You will need to reach out to Orientation at Orientation@columbusstate.edu to work through registering you for one of those sessions.
ROAR orientation registration is currently open for all semesters. Once accepted, you should automatically receive information through MyCSU to register for Orientation session. Once you click on register, you will be able to select the orientation session that is associated with the semester you were accepted for.
Registration is a two-step process - first you select your session and then submit payment at that time to secure your session.
All aspects of the ROAR orientation program are mandatory for all incoming students. Students who leave early have not fulfilled their orientation requirement and the hold will not be removed.
Yes! We welcome up to two guests to attend with each student. During registration through MyCSU, the student will have the ability to put two guests’ information. Please make sure that at least one guest contact email is listed so that information regarding the orientation session can be shared to both the student and a guest. The guest fee is $25 per guest.
If you need to register a guest prior to your scheduled session, please email Orientation@columbusstate.edu and provide your Name, Student ID Number, and Guest Name.
*Reminder: Students can only bring 2 guests per student.
The Guidebook app is an interactive app that will prepare you for your orientation session and your first year at Columbus State! This guide will help you navigate and personalize your experience during our in-person orientation sessions.
More information will be shared via email once you have registered for Orientation.
*Guidebook is only utilized for our In-person sessions.
The Advising Survey assists your Academic Success Coach in making a readymade schedule for you prior to attending orientation. This survey asks for the preference of the student such as availability for class times, intended major, core class preference, and possible credit hours (half or full time), just to name a few.
*This survey is only for Traditional, Non-Traditional, and Transfer Under 30 credit hour students.
We ask that you complete the Advising Survey after you have registered for ROAR Orientation. This will ensure that your Academic Success Coach will be able to prepare a schedule for you by the time you attend the orientation program.
To complete the Advising Survey, follow the directions below:
- Sign on to MyCSU
- Choose Forms in the top navigation
- Select the Advising Survey
- Complete the survey and your CSU Academic Success Coach will email you with your schedule.
For questions or assistance regarding advising, please email the Academic Center for Excellence at academic_advising@columbusstate.edu
Family members and guests are encouraged to stay throughout the entire ROAR program, but it is not mandatory. You will be separated from your student for the majority of the day. We have created a separate experience, tailored to provide in-depth information pertinent to your transition. You will have the opportunity to meet with various campus administrators and learn about the various services and organizations available to students. You will also become acquainted with the academic and financial processes and procedures.
Traditional First Year Students In-Person ROAR Orientation: Students accepted for the Fall Semester can choose from six orientation sessions – four on Main Campus and two on RiverPark Campus. Our Main Campus orientation sessions are for any student living on Main Campus in Clearview Hall or are seeking a degree within the College of Education and Health Professions, College of Business, or College of Letters and Sciences. Our sessions on our RiverPark campus are geared towards students who are seeking a degree within the College of the Arts or living on our RiverPark campus.
Non-traditional & Transfer Under 30 credit hours: Students entering in the Spring, Summer or Fall semesters can choose from a selection of different orientation sessions, each meet virtually through Microsoft Teams.
*Please note that if you are a first-year student starting in the Fall semester but have dual enrollment credits under 30 credit hours, you will still be responsible for registering and attending the In-person orientation session.
Transfer Over 30 Credit Hours: Students entering in the Spring, Summer or Fall can choose from a selection of different orientation sessions, each meet virtually through Microsoft Teams. However, virtual orientation is not required for students over 30 credit hours, only recommended.
FPrior to the orientation session, please make sure that you have turned in all required paperwork such as final high school transcript, immunizations, and lawful presence verification to the Admissions Office. If you need to turn in documentation on the day of Orientation, an Admissions table will be set up at check-in.
Additionally, you will need to complete your CougarVIEW modules prior to your register orientation session.
Students: Check out our "What to bring" tab on our Guidebook app for ROAR orientation at Columbus State!
- Please plan on bringing a jacket if it rains during our sessions. We will provide you with a pen and writing utensils as well as a bag.
- Please wear walking shoes, there is a lot of walking during the day, and we want to make sure that you are comfortable.
Parents: Please bring a smiling face! You will be provided with a schedule and something to write with.
- Please plan on bringing a jacket if it rains during our sessions. We will provide you with a pen and writing utensils as well as a bag.
- Please wear walking shoes, there is a lot of walking during the day, and we want to make sure that you are comfortable.
Main Campus Sessions: Parking will be in the Parking Deck, next to the Lumpkin Center. It is best to enter in through University Avenue main entrance.
RiverPark Campus Session: Check-in will take place at the Corn Center. Please park at the CSU garage on Front Avenue (between 10th and 11th Street).
Located on the Guidebook app there is a map tool that will assist and direct you in parking for orientation.
Traditional First Year Students In-Person ROAR Orientation: ROAR registration will close 3 days before the session begins. Register early in order to secure your orientation session attendance.
Non-traditional & Transfer Under 30 credit hours: ROAR registration will close 24 hours before the session begins. Register early in order to secure your orientation session attendance.
Transfer Over 30 Credit Hours: ROAR registration will close 24 hours before the session begins. Register early in order to secure your orientation session attendance.
If you have questions regarding ROAR reservations, you can email us at orientation@columbusstate.edu or call the Orientation Office at 706-507-8593.
Download the Guidebook app on your smartphone or tablet. This app will provide you with not only a schedule for orientation but a pre-orientation checklist of things to do before you arrive on campus.
Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules Course through CougarView. After registration, you will gain access within 48 hours to complete the modules.
Students: Your day will be filled with connecting with other students and your Orientation Leader, learning about CSU resources and meeting with your Academic Success Coach… plus some other fun surprises!
Parents: Your day will be filled with connecting with other guests and our Orientation Leaders and learning about CSU resources for your students AND yourself.
A full detailed schedule can be found by downloading the Guidebook App and searching “2026 CSU ROAR.”
Students transferring to CSU with over 30 credit hours are required to register for orientation and complete the ROAR Orientation Modules through CougarVIEW. You will be required to sign up for a date, and can attend the virtual session, but you are not required to attend.
After completing the ROAR Online Orientation Modules, your hold will be removed, and you can register for classes!
Transfer Over 30 Credit Hours Students are required to:
- Complete the ROAR Orientation Modules Course through CougarView
- Complete the survey at the end of the last module.
- Register for classes.
*Please reach out to your Academic Success Coach to set up an individual appointment. You can find your Academic Success Coach information under your MyCSU.