Graduate Student Orientations

Discover the inspiring stories of our passionate and diverse graduate students at CSUN. In these videos, they share their unique journeys and academic experiences. Viewing our videos is a great way to learn about life as a graduate student at CSUN.

Select Incoming, Current, and Recent Graduates Playlist to access our YouTube page. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from our academic community.

If you are new to CSUN, we encourage you to utilize our Slideshow Orientation. It will provide you with useful information that will assist you in being successful in your first year at CSUN.

The orientation will be sent to all incoming graduate students as a five-part series starting on Friday, July 11th. Select 2025 to view all of the Slides.

Please see below this year's orientation schedule:

• Part 1 Welcome & Part 2 How to Achieve Academic Success & Graduate Student Essentials
• Part 3 Graduate Student Events & Part 4 Funding Opportunities & Frequently Used Campus Departments
• Part 5 Campus Resources

Finally, we encourage you to complete a brief survey; your response will help us improve the orientation experience for future students.

The New Graduate Student Orientation serves as an overview of the campus and the many resources we offer. As a part of your introduction to the University, we have invited campus representatives, including all college Deans, to welcome you and discuss ways you may benefit from their services.
 

Date: Wednesday August 20th
Time: 5:00 PM-6:30 PM
Location: Via Zoom

Campus Departments Participating in the Orientation

• Graduate Studies
• University Library
• Health Center
• Counseling center
• Financial Aid

Please select 2025 RSVP Form to register for the event. All incoming graduate students will receive an email notification in August to RSVP for the event.

When will our aid be processed?

The majority of students have already been awarded their financial aid eligibility.  If you have not been awarded, please check your financial aid To Do List for outstanding documents.  If you have been offered a federal unsubsidized loan, that is considered a financial aid award.  If you have not been awarded, and have no To Do List items, contact the Financial Aid Office.  Continuing students who have submitted all required documents are typically awarded starting in mid-June and later, after their spring semester grades are reviewed as part of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Is there a specific department for MST graduates?

If you are enrolled in a program through the Tseng College of Extended Learning, contact the Tseng College financial aid office at (818) 677-7523 or exlfinaid@csun.edu

Does financial aid cover for masters? If so how much percent?

Financial aid is available for graduate students, mainly in the form of federal unsubsidized student loans up to $20,500 per academic year.  Graduate PLUS loans are also available.  Some students may also qualify for the State University Grant which covers the state fee portion of tuition.  Students in Doctoral programs may qualify for a Doctoral grant (amounts vary).  Students enrolled in a graduate business professional program may be eligible for a Graduate Professional Grant (amounts vary).  Students may also apply for scholarships.

How do you sign up for loans as a dependent of your parents but not having your parent’s income is a reason you don’t get loans?

Graduate (master’s or doctoral) students are always considered independent on the FAFSA, including for loan purposes.

I would like to start the process of loaning and paying as I attend school?

The types of loans that Graduate students are eligible for include federal unsubsidized loans and graduate PLUS loans.  Both types of loans accrue interest while you are in school.  PLUS loans are subject to a credit check.  You may also apply separately for a private education loan with the lender of your choice.  This type of loan also accrues interest while you are in school.  Your total financial aid package cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance.  After the add/drop period ends, the Records and Registration department will report your enrollment at CSUN.  If you are enrolled at least half-time, your past federal loans enter an in-school deferment period.  If you want to repay some of the funds borrowed during the current academic year, contact the financial aid office.  If you want to repay funds borrowed in a previous academic year, contact your lender.

Do you offer multiple plans for payment?

For information about tuition and payments, visit the University Financial Services website:  https://www.csun.edu/stufin  See Tuition and Payments.

What guidance could you share for grants or scholarships?

There are scholarship opportunities available for graduate students.  The scholarship search platform allows you to filter the listed opportunities for a graduate student. CSUN scholarships for the following academic year are typically posted on the myMatadorScholarships portal starting January.  The time to search for scholarships is typically January through March for the following academic year.  Due dates vary, but many applications are due in April, May, and June.  See resources and information for on and off-campus scholarships at https://w2.csun.edu/financialaid/scholarships .

Is financial aid given for summer courses?

Graduate students who are awarded the State University Grant may also be eligible for a State University Grant in summer.  Graduate students enrolled in at least 4 units during summer may be eligible to request an unsubsidized or graduate PLUS loan during summer.  Federal unsubsidized loans may not exceed $20,500 for the entire academic year. 

Appeals?

See Appeals and Special Circumstances

I need help with my FAFSA Application?

Financial aid application workshops are offered each year, typically between December and February.  Workshops will be posted on the Financial Aid & Scholarships website Latest News when available.  You can also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1(800) 433-3243.

When is financial aid disbursed?

Financial aid is first disbursed the week before school begins, and weekly thereafter.

As an international student what scope of getting a financial aid and what are the requirements?

International students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.  For other resources, please visit:  https://w2.csun.edu/financialaid/special-groups/international-students 

I want to understand my tuition bill better?

For information about tuition and payments, visit the University Financial Services website:  https://www.csun.edu/stufin

What are common mistakes students make when filling out financial aid forms?

Filing the wrong year form—the 2025-26 FAFSA applies to the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 terms.  Not including CSUN’s school code on the FAFSA:  001153.  Filling out the application late, the annual priority deadline is March 2.

I have requested a graduate loan from a private lender because CSUN does not have Graduate Plus Loan set up through FAFSA. When can I expect that to be available?

CSUN offers the graduate PLUS loan, but you must use the online form in your portal.  Follow instructions 1-4 on this page, and select Direct Grad PLUS Loan Req:  https://w2.csun.edu/financialaid/resources/how-guides/how-upload-documents . 

For follow-up on an existing private loan, contact the financial aid office. 

Finance department: My employer has a tuition reimbursement program that I have applied for. In order to get the tuition reimbursement I need to submit an itemized statement of charges. The statement of charges should include student name, school name, course names or term, tuition amounts, itemized list of specific fees charged and if they have been paid for in full. How can I request this?

Students can print their own Student Account Information from their CSUN portal by logging in and navigating to My Finances > Student Account Information.  You can also print your own Enrollment Verification:  Student Center > Other Academic > Enrollment Verification.   If you need other billing information, contact University Cash Services (818) 677-8000, option 1.

 

 

How do we book an appointment?

Graduate students can call our office (M – F from 8am – 5pm), 818-677-2366, option 1, to set up and initial evaluation.  Students can also come to our office, Bayramian Hall, Room 520, M – F from 8am – 5pm.

I am an incoming MSW student and Volunteer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and active member of Didi Hirsch Suicide Loss Survivor groups, and I would like to know how I can get involved on campus with different mental health initiatives.?

At University Counseling Services (UCS), we have three different Peer Mentor programs that you can volunteer.  See the link for details: https://www.csun.edu/counseling/peer-education
 

Is this a free service?

Yes – UCS services are free for all enrolled CSUN students.

Do I as a graduate student, have access to the counselors on campus? 

Yes – UCS services are free for all enrolled CSUN students.

Do incoming dpt students have to meet with an academic counselor even though our class schedule is already predetermined?

(This is a question for academic advisor office)

What mental health resources are available for graduate students, especially those balancing work, study, and research?

University Counseling Services offers individual therapy, psychotherapy groups, psychotherapy workshops, couples counseling, crisis support, and psychiatric support.

Are there semester workshops on topics such as work life balance and self care routine?

Yes – We often offer workshops on a number of topics. Please see our website for groups and workshops we offer: https://www.csun.edu/counseling/groups-and-workshops

Are we assigned a specific graduate school counselor for progress monitoring?

(This is a question for academic counseling).

Evening sessions , grad sessions?

University Counseling Services mental health support are offered M – F from 8am – 5pm for all students.

How do you recommend I start with this service?

For University Counseling Services for mental health call our office (M – F from 8am – 5pm), 818-677-2366, option 1, to set up and initial evaluation.  Students can also come to our office, Bayramian Hall, Room 520, M – F from 8am – 5pm.

How can I get involved as a current graduate student?

For University Counseling Services for mental health call our office (M – F from 8am – 5pm), 818-677-2366, option 1, to set up and initial evaluation.  Students can also come to our office, Bayramian Hall, Room 520, M – F from 8am – 5pm.

Are services available both online and on-campus? What are the hours (exluding holidays and events?)?

For University Counseling Services for mental health call our office (M – F from 8am – 5pm), 818-677-2366, option 1, to set up and initial evaluation.  Students can also come to our office, Bayramian Hall, Room 520, M – F from 8am – 5pm.  We offer in-person and online support (remote) services.

What is the requirement or lack there of insurance wise to get the first couple free counseling appointments? 

University Counseling Services for mental health is free for all CSUN students.

What are the resources being offered in this department? 

University Counseling Services offers individual therapy, psychotherapy groups, psychotherapy workshops, couples counseling, crisis support, and psychiatric support.

How many counseling sessions can a grad student get?

University Counseling Services do not have an actual number of sessions.  Session duration or other options are determined between the student and their UCS mental health provider.

Approximately how long is it expected to take to get matched with a mental health provider based on the conditions of the upcoming semester? 

Students can be seen by a mental health provider for an initial phone mental health screening in under 2 weeks.

Do graduate students receive psychological counseling of their own? 

Yes. University Counseling Services for mental health is free for all CSUN students.

 

What are the busiest hours?

M-Th 9am-4pm. Within that range, 11-1 is the busiest.

Do we still get a $10 printing credit

Yes! All students get a $10 printing credit each semester they are enrolled in classes. More information can be found online.

Where is it located? What are its hours?

The University Library is located in the center of the campus, between Sequoia Hall and Bayramian Hall, just north of the Sierra Quad. Hours vary throughout the semester.

Will there be information session or lecture for the incoming grad students explaining how to properly use the search function on the schools One search database?

There are no general sessions, but often professors will bring their students to the library for a session during class time. In addition, you can always get in touch with your librarian to ask for assistance. We have brief tutorials and research guides as well as a guide for OneSearch specifically.

Are there research support services, like subject librarians or database access, specifically for graduate students?

Librarians work with specific departments. Find your librarian here. In addition to OneSearch, you can search individual databases. To find the most applicable databases, choose the “All Subjects” drop down menu.

How can study rooms be reserved and how far in advance?

Graduate Students have access to the Graduate Study Room, located on the lower level, in addition to the individual graduate rooms located along the north side of the 4th floor. Keys to these rooms may be obtained at the Guest Services Desk. They cannot be reserved in advance. Graduate Students may also check out a key to a 4th floor grad study room at the Guest Services desk or reserve individual or group study rooms (with two or more students) using the menu options under "Book a Service". Those rooms are available to book 2 days in advance. See our booking page for additional information.

When are walkthroughs or introductions to how to use the library offered?

They are not, but you can reach out to your subject librarian when you have questions. You can also come to the reference desk (located on the main floor in the Learning Commons) or use our chat service to ask questions.

Tutoring available?

There is some tutoring in the Learning Resource Center (LRC), but not for all subject areas. LRC is located on the 3rd floor of the library.

Where is the quietest area to study in the library? Are there individual study rooms available for graduate students?

The 4th floor is the quiet floor in the library. There is a quiet study lounge 4th floor, East Wing of the library, with individual pods you can sit in. There are also individual graduate study rooms on the 4th floor. You can get keys at the Guest Services desk in the lobby.

How can I utilize the library to help me with homework and such?

You can study here, use the computers, use our creative maker space, talk to librarians and more. The Learning Resource Center is located on the 3rd floor, and they have selected tutoring and writing assistance.

What are the best ways for CSUN students to be considerate of library staff when requesting materials/books/etc. for research?

Just ask us for what you need and we’ll help as best we can! You can get research help from a librarian in person, by text, email, or chat.

How do I set up Endnote to work with CSUN Library when looking for and choosing an article?

We have a g uide for working with citation managers. As a librarian if you need additional assistance.

Can I use another CSU’s facilities (such as study pods) with my CSUN credentials?

Maybe? You should be able to go to the libraries and check out books. You may or may not be able to use their wifi. Make sure you’re connected to Eduroam at CSUN. If you are, and their wifi network is also Eduroam, you should be able to access it. Most will likely have visitor stations you can sign up to use. As for pods, that would likely depend on their policies. Our quiet study pods are first come first serve, but