Thousands of Future Matadors Explore CSUN

  • William Watkins speaks to those particpating in Explore CSUN. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • As part of Explore CSUN, students were given tours of the campus. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Over 5,000 students and family members explored CSUN. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • As part of the day-long Explore CSUN event, future Matadors were able to talk to campus organizations. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Future CSUN students speak to current Matadors during Explore CSUN. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Parents were a big part of the over 5,000 people who came to Explore CSUN. Here, they speak to a member of the campus police. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Explore CSUN began in front of the Oviatt Library. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

On April 26, students admitted to California State University, Northridge visited the campus with their parents during the yearly Explore CSUN event put on by Student Affairs. According to the Director Student Outreach and Recruitment Services E. Dwayne Cantrell, 5,500 people took to the CSUN campus this year to see what being a Matador is all about. Thirteen hundred of that number were incoming transfer students and their families.

The morning began with a gathering in front of the Oviatt Library, where William Watkins ’74 (Urban Studies), CSUN’s vice president of student affairs and dean of students, spoke to the audience. Afterward, those in attendance enjoyed an informational and fun day that included a walking tour of the campus and student housing. They also attended the Information Expo, where individual college and student services representatives, as well as current members of student clubs and organizations, were available to chat. Official business was also taken care of, with admissions, financial aid and records staff ready to answer questions and take paperwork, and student ID photographs taken.

“This event was a reflection of the popularity that CSUN has gained over the years and the excitement of both admitted students and their families to make the transition to our campus,” Cantrell said.  He noted that students and families came to the event looking forward to starting their college experience and with a desire to meet the people who will join them on their journey of graduating as a Matador. It’s a journey that begins every year, something Cantrell gets excited about.

“As we are already in the process of planning for next year’s event,” he said, “[and] we look forward to partnering with faculty and staff campus-wide to connect with these future CSUN graduates and their families.”