The Office of New Student Programs & Family Engagement partners with CLASS to welcome incoming Spring Transfer students

Written by Adriana Flores Solis

The Office of New Student Programs and Family Engagement at Cal Poly Pomona partners with the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences to assist incoming Broncos with transitioning to CPP. Orientation is primarily held in the Summer over the months of June through August, but there is also an orientation held before the start of the Spring semester. Incoming students will attend orientation on December 16th and 18th. Students can expect a good introduction to the campus community. One of the most important components of new student orientation is the academic advising and registration session. CLASS advisors and department chairs play a critical role in ensuring that students know what classes to take for their first semester at CPP, and beyond. 

The Office of New Student Programs and Family Engagement 

The Office of NSP & FE facilitates the transition of new students to the institution. When students receive their acceptance letter from CPP, they are prompted to schedule an orientation day. On orientation day, students meet other incoming students, faculty within their major, and staff from campus departments. The Office of NSP & FE provides a variety of resources and information to help students succeed throughout their time at CPP.  

Behind the scenes of Orientation 

David Estudiante serves as the Director of the Office of New Student Programs & Family Engagement at CPP. He started in March 2023, before the start of the Summer orientation season. The office staff collaborate effectively to provide resources for students and parents. “We’re teaching people about this environment and how to navigate it. It feels like every day I am giving back to a younger version of myself” said Estudiante. He grew up in Arkansas and went through his own educational journey as a first-generation, biracial, Queer man. Estudiante hires about 75 student employees to support orientation throughout Summer orientation, the Fall semester, and Spring orientation. Estudiante is impressed with his staff’s ability to connect and resonate with the mission of the office. 

To prepare for the advising and registration sessions, Estudiante is included in monthly meetings with advising coordinators to assist with the planning process. There is also a Microsoft Teams chat where advisors can connect with one another, or ask Estudiante any questions if issues arise. When orientation days are filled and at capacity, some days will sometimes be added to meet the needs of the academic college. While planning throughout the advising sessions, the number of staff is also taken into account. Orientation Leaders and Registration Assistants are assigned to each academic college on orientation days, to provide extra support aside from the advisors and faculty present. Estudiante also listens to any feedback that staff provide, to see what can be incorporated into the next season. 

Spring orientation will look a lot different this year compared to last year’s. Students should expect a shorter day, with the opportunity to build community and meet new Broncos. Estudiante emphasized that the goal is for students to come to classes in January already knowing someone. This can help ease any anxiety that students may have as they begin a new chapter at CPP. Estudiante’s advice to incoming Transfer students is to utilize resources on campus and connect with others. He said, “A little bit of anxiety, a little bit of fear is always going to be there. Make sure you give yourself time to explore our campus, to meet someone new. Don’t be afraid to talk to people in class, exchange information.” Whether a student is here for two, three, four, or more years, they should take advantage of everything available to them. Before they know it, students will be walking across the stage at commencement. 

Students can connect with the Office of NSP & FE at several events throughout the school year. The department is committed to supporting students in their transition to CPP, as well as their parents and supporters. This past August, the Office of NSP & FE assisted with the first ever Broncos Belong: New Student Convocation, an event where incoming students were introduced to the university in a graduation-style ceremony. The department also assists with CPP Fest that is held the first week of school, hosted alongside the Bronco Leadership Center. The Green and Gold Block Party will be hosted on Saturday February 1st. The event includes food, carnival games, and leads into a double header basketball game at Kellogg Arena. More details will be shared in the new year. There is also a virtual Bronco Family Chat held online every month. Supporters can connect with various campus partners through the monthly chat and learn about the many resources CPP offers. Students can also apply to the Orientation Leader position for the Summer 2025 season. The position is a great way to learn and have resources, as well as give back and support incoming students. The application will open in late January on Handshake.

More information about Spring 2025 orientation can be found on the Office of New Student Programs and & Family Engagement website. Their office is located at the Student Services Building 121-West, Room 1730.

CLASS Academic Advising 

Annette Mastin serves as the Student Success Coordinator for the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences. She has been with CPP for over 10 years. Mastin leads a team of staff advisors and student assistants. Close collaboration is needed with department chairs, faculty, and campus partners to identify any advising challenges and implement initiatives that improve the overall student experience. Mastin said, “I enjoy engaging with students, learning from their experiences, and seeking ways to enhance their college journey. I also value working with my amazing team and the CLASS community, which I find to be both supportive and inspiring.” At orientation, students receive a folder containing their curriculum sheet, resources about the CLASS Student Success Center, academic support services, details on instruction modes, myBAR, and more. Tips for academic and personal success are also shared. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of campus resources, make meaningful connections within the community, meet with their academic advisor every semester, and engage with faculty advisors within their major. Something worth noting on orientation day is that CPP primarily offers in-person courses. Students should expect to engage with in-person learning. 

Mastin offers several pieces of advice to incoming Transfer students. She said, 

1. “Check your CPP email regularly! Many questions can be answered simply by reviewing the information sent to you. 
2. Come prepared for your advising session by having any questions ready and reviewing your degree progress report. This will help facilitate a more holistic advising session. 
3. Classes fill up quickly, so register as soon as your registration window opens. Take advantage of the CLASS Student Success Center's drop-in hours and special registration events, which are designed to provide additional support during the registration process. Your faculty advisor can also be a resource during registration. 
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions.” 

Dr. Brianne Dávila serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success for CLASS. Dr. Dávila works alongside the department chairs and academic advisors during the orientation process. She said, “Our CLASS faculty and advisors are dedicated and passionate individuals who always lead with compassion and empathy. They are here to help students navigate college, so I always encourage students to ask questions and start building genuine connections with their faculty and advisors early on in their academic careers."

The CLASS Student Success Center offers general advising, review of degree progress reports, transfer credit review, graduation checks, resource referrals, and help with answering any questions regarding orientation, registration, and graduation. The CLASS Student Success Center website has helpful information about the services that are offered to CLASS majors. The Student Success Center is located in Building 5 Room 228. CLASS majors are encouraged to visit The Student Success Center at the start of the Spring semester. The CPP community is here to support all incoming Transfer students and their supporters. Welcome new Broncos!