By Elizabeth Schmidt Campus Update
The fall 2024 semester at Cal State Long Beach is almost here! With a new school year just around the corner, students, staff and faculty can look forward to a variety of new and recently expanded resources.
Explore this helpful guide for the 2024-25 academic year.
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Beach EDGE
The new Beach Expedited Degrees in Graduate Education (EDGE) programs merge existing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in similar disciplines into a single pathway, allowing students to earn graduate degrees faster and at a lower cost!
Day 1 Textbook Access (D1TA)
This is a new, digital-first CSULB textbook program that provides students with access to all their required textbooks at one price, on the first day of classes each semester. Starting in fall 2024, D1TA will offer instant access to all required textbooks for a flat rate. The current estimate is $250 per semester for full-time students and $165 per semester for part-time students.
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Beach XP
Beach XP, short for Beach Experience, is a learning community program for first-time, first-year students. In Beach XP, students can join cohorts with peers from their college to boost their learning, establish networks on campus and build career connections through friendship and fun. Students interested in joining Beach XP can reach out to a college contact.
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On-Campus Technology
Canvas at The Beach
Canvas is the official CSULB Learning Management System (LMS). Students, staff and faculty can access their Canvas accounts through SSO or directly through Canvas. The “Passport to Canvas” learning guide is also available as a reference on all student Canvas accounts.
On-Campus Wi-Fi
The Division of Information Technology continues to expand Wi-Fi on campus. Wi-Fi is available inside most buildings and outdoor areas. Students, staff and faculty can connect to Eduroam, a secure Wi-Fi access service developed for the international research and education community. Learn more about Wi-Fi setup.
Student Guidelines on Generative AI
Generative AI (GenAI) offers powerful tools for students. There are many things to consider before using GenAI such as the ethics of the technology, how it relates to learning and the academic rules on campus. Students can check out these helpful guidelines and communicate with instructors about GenAI in the classroom.
Technology Learning Events & Workshops
CSULB’s Academic Technology Services continues to support the campus community with a variety of events and workshops, including new offerings in the world of AI. Some of the upcoming AI workshops include Introduction to AI, Artificial Intelligence: The Higher Ed Perspective and Take Your AI Skills to the Next Level.
AI Companion in Zoom
This new feature provides AI support for participants during or after cloud-recorded Zoom meetings. During a meeting, participants can say things such as “Catch me up” or ask, “What are the action items?” which can be useful if participants join late or step away.
After the meeting, the host will receive the "smart recording," which can be shared with participants and contains the video recording and transcript and highlights smart chapters with video timestamps with next steps outlined. This feature is available and must be enabled in account settings. Visit the CSULB Zoom support page.
Virtual Support Video Call
This new feature is available on the Technology Help Desk page where students, staff and faculty can initiate a video call with visual ID validation and share a screen while receiving support on an issue.
Virtual Assistant Kiosks
The Technology Help Desk virtual assistant kiosks - in the Horn Center lobby and on the University Library’s fifth floor - are available for users to chat with and video call THD agents. The assistant also includes a self-help chatbot to get answers to common technology questions.
Phishing Scams – Don’t Get Hooked
Universities are a major target for phishing attacks. Learn how to spot phishing, get advice and tips for protecting your CSULB account by visiting Beware of Phishing Scams at CSULB. To add more protection, set up a “passwordless” login.
Computer Labs
There are several computer labs on campus, including the Horn Center, Spidell Technology Center and University Express Lab. The Accessible Technology Program, part of the Bob Murphy Access Center and previously known as the Accessible Instructional Materials Center, is also a technology and accessibility resource lab that provides support and services for students with disabilities, faculty, staff, and the campus community.
And students can connect to the Student Virtual Lab from anywhere with an internet connection to access licensed software programs.
Wireless Printing
The Mobile Print Portal has recently been updated for the Beach community to print documents at designated print locations while on campus. For more information, visit Campus Wireless Printing.
Elbee Chatbot
The Elbee Chatbot is a feature that CSULB website visitors can use to ask questions. The Chatbot is live on Technology Help Desk, Enrollment Services, Student Health Services, Testing Department, Educational Opportunity Program, and sites, and will continue to be added to more pages on the website.
The Innovation Space
The Gerald M. Kline Innovation Space (ISPACE), located on the lower level of the University Library, offers 3D printing and laser cutting services. The 360° Theater, XR Lab and Podcast Studio can be reserved for special events and academic projects. Fill out the ISPACE request form to request services.
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Parking and Transportation
The off-campus overflow lot and discounted permit option is available again for students at the discounted price of $180, instead of the regular fall semester price of $259. Permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
CSULB students, staff and faculty can also access resources such as the Go Beach! Discounted Bus Pass, personalized commute planning, donations for citations, campus shuttles, drop-off/pick-up zones, the ParkMobile app and the .
Bike U-Lock Program
The University Police Department (UPD) will continue to offer this free program to students, staff and faculty. Students can register bicycles or e-bikes at the UPD tables at Beachside, Hillside and Parkside residential villages on Aug. 22 and 23 for move-in day to receive a free u-lock. Students, staff and faculty can also submit this bike registration form to receive a QR code confirmation email to pick up a u-lock in the UPD lobby. For questions about the program, email Community Engagement Officer Corina Washington. (Note: Bike locks are limited in quantity and available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
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Beach Bites
Beach Bites is a mobile food app for students on the Apple Store or on Google Play that alerts students about free food from on-campus catered events and meetings. This Eat and Shop website also serves as a helpful resource for options on campus.
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Health and Wellness
Wellness Resources
Self-care matters, you matter! It’s OK to ask for help. CSULB offers many Crisis and Mental Health resources for the Beach community. Beach Wellness is a comprehensive one-stop shop with resources designed to address health and wellness needs. Here, you will find confidential resources such as, Find Help Now, and Beach Crisis Text Line, available 24/7.
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
In addition to providing a space where students, staff, faculty, alumni and affiliates can exercise, the Associated Students, Inc. Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers a range of programs and services ranging from massage therapy to intramural sports. The Center also has a SRWC GO App and a newsletter.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services (SHS) is an on-campus clinic resource that offers many health programs and services, such as receiving gender-affirming care, reproductive health information, lab services and low-cost pharmacy services. Students can take advantage of recently added offerings, including scheduling an appointment with an on-site registered dietitian and attending a training about the fight against opioid overdose. For questions, call (562) 985-4771 or email Student Health Services. (Note: After the fight against opioid overdose training, students will receive free Narcan kits and fentanyl test strips.)
CARES
The CARES team provides non-clinical case management for students experiencing a broad range of distress. CARES services include a comprehensive assessment of the student’s needs, the development of an individualized action plan, education on resources available both on and off-campus, and linkage to appropriate campus supports and departments. CARES utilizes a holistic approach to address students’ needs, improve students’ well-being and academic success, prevent and mitigate crises, and promote campus safety.
Basic Needs
CSULB’s Basic Needs program addresses food and housing insecurity among students with services like an emergency fund, medical bill assistance, eviction avoidance grants, meal support and more. ASI offers an on-campus and recently added mobile Beach Pantry, and a Beach Kitchen where students can learn to cook healthy meals using pantry provisions. BeachSync will provide upcoming dates and locations of Beach Pantry mobile locations.
In addition, the CalFresh Outreach team helps students sign up for the CalFresh nutrition program, which assists low-income individuals access essential food. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment, ensuring no student's education is hindered by basic needs challenges. Together, they foster a caring community that prioritizes the well-being of every CSULB student.
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Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC)
CSULB continues to promote Elbee with a sunflower to raise awareness about non-apparent disabilities. The sunflower symbol allows individuals on campus to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that might not be apparent. The bookstore has added the sunflower to Elbee merchandise for faculty, staff and students who wish to represent non-apparent disabilities or to stand in solidarity as an ability ally.
Students with non-apparent and/or visible disabilities may qualify to receive academic and classroom accommodation services through the Bob Murphy Access Center (BMAC). Registration is completed on a rolling basis and students are encouraged to connect with BMAC at the beginning of the semester. Visit BMAC’s registration steps for new students.
Upcoming Events
Save the date for important events like Back to The Beach Week, Week of Welcome, Rec Fest and Smorgasport! Events will also be available on the CSULB homepage and the CSULB Events & Orgs webpage.
