Otter Days

Connecting students through events, traditions and activities that build community, foster belonging and help them start the semester strong at Cal State Monterey Bay.

Otter Days

Welcome Home, Otters

We’re glad you’re here! Otter Days is your official start to the academic year — a time to connect, explore and find your place in the Otter community.

Whether you’re new to Cal State Monterey Bay or returning, you’ll find events designed to help you build community, meet new friends and get ready for the semester ahead.

Otter Days begins at move-in and continues through the first full week of classes, with activities happening across campus and beyond.

  • Campus-hosted events: See highlights below
  • Student-hosted events: Visit MyRaft, your hub for campus departments and 100+ student organizations

August 18-30, 2026

Featured Events

Move-in Day 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Residential Community Meetings (Required)
Times vary | University Center | Residential students
Meet your community, learn about campus living and connect with staff who are here to support you.

  • 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Cypress, Asilomar, Willett)
  • 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. (Manzanita, Yarrow, Avocet)
  • 7:30 to 8 p.m. (Tortuga, Sanderling)

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
Families and supporters are an important part of every student’s journey. Join us for refreshments, campus welcome remarks and connection with other Otter families.
Questions: orientation@csumb.edu


6 to 8:30pm | University Center | New students
Start building friendships right away through this high-energy, interactive experience designed to bring the new class together.

Move-in Day 2
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Welcome to your new home. Arrive at your scheduled time, get settled in and get ready — the Otter experience starts now.

Floor Meetings
7 to 8 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Join Student Housing and Residential Life staff to learn more about community expectations, how we can best support you, and more valuable information. Start building relationships with other residents and your RA today! 


6 to 10 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Hop on the shuttle and explore the Dunes Shopping Center! Pick up any last-minute supplies, dorm essentials, snacks, or school items while getting to know the local area. It's the perfect way to prepare for your first day of classes and discover resources available just minutes from campus.


7:30 to 9:00 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom | Residential students
Louisiana-raised comedian, actor, and writer Jen Kober delivers big laughs, a big heart, and stories that feel like front-porch therapy. Known for her sharp wit and relatable storytelling, Jen has appeared in some of television’s most popular shows, including Hacks, American Horror Story, The Mandalorian, The Righteous Gemstones, Ted, and many more.

Move-in Day 3
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Various locations | Residential students
Students in North Quad, Promontory and East Campus move in and prepare for the start of classes.


9:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | World Theater
Didn’t make it to our June summer orientation sessions? No problem! We are offering an abbreviated in-person orientation session on August 20, 2026, for those who were unable to attend in person.


1 to 4 p.m. | Building 12, Room 125
This is an open house-style event where students are invited to paint, enjoy refreshing mocktails, and learn more about El Centro - its resources, programs, and the ways it supports students throughout their time on campus. Whether you’re new, returning, or simply curious, you’re welcome to stop by, meet others, and explore what the space has to offer. No art experience is needed just come as you are. All materials will be provided. 

Community Meetings
7 to 8 p.m. | Various locations
Connect with your residential community, meet your RA and learn about available resources.

6 to 8 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
This event is for all residents who live on campus to enjoy food trucks, ice cream, inflatables, and community building. We are kicking off the end of move-in with a party for all residents. 

(Required)
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Along Divarty Street

Convocation Ceremony: New Student Convocation serves as a required formal welcome to ºÚÁÏÉçapp and celebrates our new otters. This ºÚÁÏÉçapp tradition marks the start of a new academic year and commemorates the beginning of your academic journey.

College Mixers: Every major on campus is a part of one of our 5 colleges at ºÚÁÏÉçapp. Come meet your dean, faculty, and fellow students within your college. You will have the opportunity to network, learn more about events, services and traditions your college hosts, and we’ll play games to raffle off prizes. 

Campus Cookout 
12:30 to 2 p.m. | Main Quad
Gather with the Otter community for a complimentary meal, music and activities immediately following Convocation.


12 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Main Quad
You Otter Play.. Come join the Recreation team in celebrating our annual #RecFest highlighting health, wellness and recreation opportunities for ºÚÁÏÉçapp students on and off campus. This event will host our Sports Clubs, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Recreation, and Otter Cycle Center. This an awesome chance to make some new connections with the ºÚÁÏÉçapp community and find ways to recreate, have fun, and live healthy.


5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Redwood Hall, Central and East Lounge
Join OtterCare, Family Friendly, and the Parenting Otter Program for a celebration and welcome of parenting students and your families! Kid Friendly Food, Crafts, Activities and fun for all ages!


8 to 11:30 p.m. | Otter Student Union Ballroom
Explore the Otter Student Union, enjoy free food and entertainment, and connect with other students before classes begin.


10 to 11:30 a.m. | Otter Statue
Get comfortable navigating campus before your first day of classes. Open to all students.


10:00 a.m to 1 p.m. | Otter Cycle Center
Join Recreation's Otter Cycle Center for a free mountain bike skills clinic.
This is a hands-on clinic where you will practice skills that will help develop your balance, control and stability. You will get a free helmet and bike rental, or you can bring your own.

11:00 a.m to 4 p.m. | Recreation Field
Otter Games is a multi-event community competition organized by Otter Media that is heavily inspired by the Netflix original series Squid Game. The event features a variety of team-based and strategic challenges modeled after the show’s high-stakes format, including games like Red Light, Green Light, Capture the Flag, Tug of War, and Hot Pot.

Welcome Back Bingo
6 to 9 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Join us for an evening of excitement, laughter, and fantastic prizes at our thrilling Bingo Event! Get ready to shout "BINGO!" as we gather for an unforgettable night of fun and friendly competition. Let the bingo balls roll and the good times flow! There are two sessions- 6:30pm and 8:00pm. 

and


8 to 10 a.m. | Beach (transportation from Lot 71)
Take part in a beloved Otter tradition — start your year with a Pacific Ocean dip and s’mores on the beach. If you are self transporting, we would prefer that you check in at Lot 71 so you can sign the waiver and get a wristband for your T-Shirt. For accommodations reach out to studentengagement@csumb.edu


10 a.m to 1 p.m. | At the Wharf (near s'mores)
Join El Centro staff after you plunge into the ocean and explore your new home - Monterey Bay! We will do a walking tour of some of the best local spots and other good to know places in town, so you can start off the new semester right! We will take the MST bus back to campus. MUST BRING YOUR OTTERID.


7:30 p.m to 10 p.m. | OSU Inter-Garrison Plaza
Ditch the swimsuits, grab your coziest blankets and dive into a night of inflatable pool lounging, snacks, and watching the movie "Project Hail Mary" under the stars! We’re turning the space into a giant "dry pool" with comfy floaties, so you can chill like an otter on a lazy river... just without the wet hair. Sea you there!

 


8 to 10:30 a.m. | Outside Library (North Entrance) & OSU Main Quad Plaza
Start your semester off right with a quick treat before heading to class! Whether its cereal or donuts you're craving, AS's Breakfast Bar has it all! Come find us at our two outdoor stations at the Library and OSU to try our cereal bar and/or grab some donuts to-go!


10 to 11:30 a.m. | Building 12, Room 125
Kick off the academic year with the Undocu-Success Center team to commemorate your start at ºÚÁÏÉçapp and learn about our resources, such as our Emergency Grant, immigration legal services, Undocu-Success Conference, and more!


2 to 4:00 p.m.  | Building 12 Main Quad
Meet Health & Wellness Services staff to learn more about support services at ºÚÁÏÉçapp. Each participant will be able to plant and take home a succulent to brighten up their living space.

Karaoke with the Clubs
6:30 to 8:30pm | Otter Student Union - OSU Steps
Bring your singing voice and your dancing shoes or neither and be ready to have a good laugh and some fun. Karaoke hosted by our Inter-Club Council. There will be snacks, prizes, and a good time to be had by all. 


11 a.m to 2 p.m. |  OSU Inter-Garrison Plaza
Celebrate community and culture with music, performances and an energetic night hosted by the Affinity Centers.


2 to 4 p.m. | Grove Hall, Bldg 48, Room 107
Connect with fellow globally minded students! Whether you’re an international student, have studied abroad, or are interested in going abroad, this is a great opportunity to meet others, share experiences, and build community while enjoying light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments. All are welcome


12 to 2 p.m. | Challenge Course
Recreation challenges you to get up and over our 15 ft wall! Work together with fellow otters using wit, problem solving, teamwork and communication to complete this challenge. All we ask is you bring water, sun protection, athletic wear, and close toed shoes.


11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | OSU Main Plaza
Celebrate community with food, music and games. Sponsored by the President’s Office.


2–5 p.m. | Cooperative Learning Center, Library, Suite 2125
Meet tutors, explore academic support and enjoy a treat.


3 to 4 p.m. | Building 12 Quad
Decorate your own kite — no experience needed.


6 to 8 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Compete or cheer on friends in a high-energy gaming event.


12 to 3 p.m. | Challenge Course
Experience new heights with an experience like no other. No gear needed, just bring close toed shoes, and comfortable athletic clothing. This event is located at the Challenge Course located in the Oak Woodlands behind the library. Please refer to the map posted to see how to navigate the trails.


8 to 11 p.m. | OSU Ballroom
Step into a night of excitement at Casino Night in the OSU Ballroom! 


10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Otter Cycle Center
Join Recreation for our free Beginner Mountain Bike Rides. These rides are for folks that are new to Mountain Biking or that are continuing their start. We will ride at a gentle pace, and select beginner friendly trails.


12 to 3 p.m. | Off Campus at the Brass Tap Marina
Bring a friend and be entered into a drawing to win a prize. There is no cost for ºÚÁÏÉçapp students or their guest, Join us for some networking, line dancing, good food, and friendly competition! The Wave will be available for ºÚÁÏÉçapp students to/from campus and venue.


4 to 6 p.m. | Divarty Quad
Join Otter Media for Live Music entertainment on Divarty Quad.


6 p.m. | The Meeting House (White Chapel)
Not many students around the country can say they have a professional soccer team playing in their backyard, but WE can!!! If you love the game and want to be around other fútbol fans, then meet up in front of the Meeting House (white chapel looking building) to walk over to watch our Monterey Bay FC team play.


7 to 9 p.m. | OSU Terrace & The Rookery
Join us for a Silent Disco under the stars! Food, games and a photo booth will be available inside, with disco and dancing outside! Student ID is required for entry

10:30 to 11:30 p.m. | Main Quad at the flagpole
Grab a blanket, pull up a chair, and brunch like it's 1969. Join us for free brunch, classic Beatles hits, sunshine, and good vibes.

Convocation celebration with President, Faculty, Staff and Students

New Student Convocation

Celebrate the start of your journey at New Student Convocation, a Cal State Monterey Bay tradition that welcomes new students and builds connection from day one.

Students splash into the ocean at the Otter Plunge

The Plunge

Start the year with a splash at The Plunge, a Cal State Monterey Bay tradition where students gather at the beach to connect, celebrate community and dive into the semester together.

Otter Days 2025

Plan Your Otter Days Experience

For the full schedule, log in to MyRaft to explore events and RSVP. If you have questions or need accommodations, contact the First-Year Experience Office in advance.