Congratulations on your decision to become a Ram!
We are excited to introduce you and your family to Colorado State University. Ram Orientation provides a foundation for your success at Colorado State University. During our orientation program, you and your guests will get to know campus, connect with student resources, and start building a sense of community and belonging. Beyond getting answers to questions about housing and student life, you will gain a better understanding of the CSU experience and what you bring to the campus community. The goal is for you and your supporters to feel confident, connected, and ready to start the semester.
Ram Orientation is one in a series of onboarding activities designed to prepare students for success at CSU. Onboarding will continue at Ram Welcome.
All new students are required to participate in Ram Orientation.
Questions?
If you have questions after reading the content and links below, reach out to the Orientation and Transition Programs team. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Spring 2027 Start
Orientation and Registration Process
Reserve your Ram Orientation session
Sign up for online or on-campus orientation through the Ram Dashboard in RAMweb.
Students can also sign up parents, family, or supporters for the Guest Orientation session that runs concurrently with their on-campus Ram Orientation session.
Complete Pre-Registration
Online pre-registration modules will prepare you for your first semester registration appointment. You will learn registration basics and what to expect from your advisor.
Schedule a registration appointment and register for classes
After completing your pre-registration modules, you will be directed to schedule a first semester registration appointment with an advisor who is knowledgeable in your major. Appointments will be offered in-person or online.
During this appointment, you will plan your first semester schedule and register for classes in RAMWeb.
Complete Pre-Orientation
Online pre-orientation modules are designed to prepare you for your Ram Orientation experience. Be sure to complete them before your orientation session!
Participate in Ram Orientation
Ram Orientation is where you will learn how to make a successful start at Colorado State University! This includes learning how to navigate college academics, get involved, use your campus resources, and connect the CSU community.
On-Campus Ram Orientation
On-Campus Ram Orientation for students starting in Spring 2027 will be held Friday, December 11, 2026.
On-Campus Ram Orientation is a one-day program for students and their guests that takes place in the Lory Student Center on CSU’s main campus in Fort Collins. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.
Directions, Parking and Check-In
Directions
Directions to campus may vary based on the parking lot you choose. See the parking information below for maps to each parking lot.
Parking
There are multiple lots you can park in on December 11. Please note all parking in all lots is first come, first served.
The closest parking lots are Lot #310 on the north side of the Lory Student Center and Lot #425 near the Morgan Library. Both options cost $2/hour and can be paid using the Park Mobile app or at a pay station in the parking lot. When you arrive, please park in a “Pay to Park” space. Do not park in an “A” parking space as this may result in a ticket.
A little further out from the Lory Student Center is Lot #197 near Moby Arena. Parking in this lot is $1/hour and can be paid using the Park Mobile app or at a pay station in the parking lot.
Check-In
Ram Orientation check-in will take place outside the Grand Ballrooms on the third floor of the Lory Student Center, 1101 Center Ave Mall, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Please plan to check in between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Arriving at the beginning of the check-in window will give you time to pick up your RamCard before orientation begins.
Student Schedule
| 8:00-8:30 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9:45-9:10 a.m. | Welcome |
| 9:20-10:20 a.m. | Meet Your Transfer Transition Leader; How to Be a Ram Part 1 |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Navigating College Academics |
| 11:40 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Student Services Panel |
| 12:20-1:20 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30-2:15 p.m. | How to Be a Ram Part 2 |
| 2:25-3:10 p.m. | Resource Fair/Interest Sessions |
| 3:10-3:30 p.m. | Closing |
Parents, Families, and Supporters
Students can sign up parents, family, and supporters for a specially designed Guest Orientation session that runs concurrently with their student’s Ram Orientation session.
Summer 2027 Start
If you are beginning your time at CSU with Summer Session (classes starting in May, June, or July), you will not be able to register for classes until your orientation hold has been lifted. Orientation holds will be automatically removed from your account within 48 hours of reserving your Fall 2027 Ram Orientation session. If you have questions about your orientation hold, please contact us. Summer class registration begins March 23, 2027.
Summer start students will still need to complete the Fall 2027 Orientation and Registration process to meet the orientation requirement and register for fall classes.
If you would prefer to start in the fall semester (classes starting in August), please contact Admissions to request a change to your application term.
Fall 2027 Start
Orientation and Registration Process
Reserve your Ram Orientation session
Orientation reservations for Fall 2027 can be made beginning in March 2027.
The reservation system can be accessed through the Ram Dashboard in RAMweb.
The reservation system will ask you to add any AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment courses you have taken and the scores you earned (or anticipate earning). Be sure to fill out this section fully to help us provide the best academic advising and course registration experience at orientation.
Students can also sign up parents, family, or supporters for the Guest Orientation session that runs concurrently with their Ram Orientation session.
Complete required orientation modules
A direct link to the required orientation modules will be sent to your CSU email account. These online modules will provide you with information you need to know before attending your On-Campus Ram Orientation session. Be sure to complete these modules at least one week before your scheduled orientation session!
Participate in Ram Orientation and register for classes
Ram Orientation is where you will learn how to make a successful start at Colorado State University! This includes learning how to navigate college academics, get involved, use your campus resources, and connect the CSU community. During orientation you will also participate in academic advising and register for classes.
On-Campus Ram Orientation
On-Campus Ram Orientation is a one-day program for students and their guests that takes place in the Lory Student Center on CSU’s main campus in Fort Collins.
Parents, Families, and Supporters
Students can sign up parents, family, and supporters for a specially designed Guest Orientation session that runs concurrently with their student’s Ram Orientation session.
Interested in staying on campus?
Students and guests can take the opportunity to fully experience campus life by staying in the residence halls as many nights as needed around their Ram Orientation session.
Adult Learner and Student Veteran Track
If you consider yourself an adult learner and/or a student veteran, we have designed a specific track for you!
Sign up for the adult learner and veteran student track when registering for your Ram Orientation session. In this track you will learn vital information about what it means to be an adult learner and/or a veteran student starting at CSU and connect with resources like Adult Learner and Veteran Services that can support your educational endeavors.
What is an adult learner?
Not sure if you are an adult learner? Let us help!
Adult learner, nontraditional student, adult student, and student over traditional age are terms used interchangeably in reference to students who have one or more of the following characteristics:
- One or more children or other dependents
- Working part-time or full-time to pay for college tuition and related expenses
- Stopped out of school for an extended period of time
- Married, partnered, single, divorced or widowed
- Military background – veteran, reservist, active duty, national guard
- Caring for an elderly parent or relative
- Transferred from a two-year or four-year institution
- Someone who is 23 years of age or older
Not sure which track to choose?
If you have questions about the adult learner/student veteran track, reach out to us at (970) 491-6011 or orientation@colostate.edu and we will help you decide which track is right for you!
Ram Connect
Ram Connect is an optional, add-on outdoor extended orientation experience designed to help you build stronger connections with other incoming students and experience the beautiful Colorado outdoors. This experience offers the opportunity to meet new people and explore what it means to be a student at CSU. You can add a Ram Connect experience when you reserve your Ram Orientation session.