About Us

Department Mission

The Department of Student Development and Transitional Programs connects, develops, and celebrates our students through impactful events and programs that foster a sense of community, belonging, and life-long learning.

• Connecting new students and families to CSUN through engaging orientation experiences;
• Developing academic and personal growth through mentorship programs; and,
• Celebrating student achievements at commencement.

Statement & Vision

Through equitably centered program engagement and support of students, families, and the community, we will develop life-long-learning skills and personal agency to address the address the needs of the ever-evolving student population.

Christopher J. R. Aston

Director, Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs
christopher.aston@csun.edu

Christopher Aston is responsible for university programs that bookend student life at CSUN, including New Student Orientation (NSO) for freshman, transfer, and international student populations, and the university’s Commencement and Honors Convocation ceremonies as well as other annual welcoming events. Mr. Aston manages and supervises the NSO leadership programs, which include a team of more than 150 leaders and mentors charged with supporting the continuous process of integrating new students into the academic, cultural and social context at CSUN. His guidance and leadership extend past the Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs as an adjunct professor through undergraduate studies, instructing courses for University 100, the Freshman Seminar at CSUN. Additionally, Mr. Aston has taught courses in the Department of Communication Studies, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.