New Student Orientation: By The Numbers

A fresh cohort of Aztecs and their families were introduced to college life at San Diego State University this summer during the annual New Student Orientation.

After a morning learning about class registration, degree requirements and the SDSU Fight Song — among many other tips for success — incoming freshman Katelyn Gordon and her father, Dale, sat down for lunch to take it all in.

“It’s been an overwhelming day, but it’s actually made me more excited to come here,” Katelyn said. “I was really nervous about moving in and getting situated, and this has eased my mind, so it’s been a really good experience for me.”

For SDSU Vice President of Student Affairs Eric Rivera, that sentiment is what New Student Orientation is all about.

“For students to succeed here at SDSU, it’s so important for them to feel connected,” Rivera said. “As fun as orientation is, we take it very seriously because it’s one of the first opportunities we get to build that connection with every student, to let them know we’re excited they’re here and we’re here to support them.”

While helping new students feel welcomed and informed before the start of their first semester is a key aspect of orientation, it’s only half of the equation.

“We also know the profound role that parents play in their student’s success,” Rivera said. “Orientation is thoughtfully designed to involve and connect parents to SDSU.”

So how does the largest university in the San Diego region personally welcome every new student and their family to campus? And just what does it take to make each day of the event run without a hitch? This year, the numbers speak for themselves.

By the numbers

New Student and Parent Programs in the Division of Student Affairs organizes orientation every year. It is held for 15 days in July and August.

4,600 freshmen, 2,800 transfer students and 5,600 parents and guests will be in attendance during this year’s orientation events.

SDSU designates 2,503 total parking spaces for participants.

Students register for nearly 37,000 classes with help from more than 100 academic advisors.

During the first three days of Orientation, the SDSU card office issued approximately 600 RedIDs.

Aztec Shops sold 313 Mortar Board daily planners on the first day of New Student orientation.

By the end of New Student Orientation, SDSU Dining will have served 2,150 pounds of ground beef and 2,050 pounds of chicken breast to incoming Aztecs and their families.

Each day, more than 200 faculty, staff and current SDSU students pitch in to help make orientation a success.