PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
SWIFT Summer Start
What is SWIFT Summer Start?
SWIFT Summer Start is your launchpad for a strong and confident transition into university life at CSUSM. This summer “bridge" program is designed to help you build a solid foundation as you move from high school into the college experience—academically, socially, and personally. SWIFT Summer Start is more than a head start though—it’s your chance to build community, discover your potential, and step into college ready to thrive from day one as a valued member of the Cougar family. Through an array of programming components such as coursework, workshops, and peer-to-peer mentorship, you’ll take part in a variety of activities from connecting with fellow students, faculty, staff, and peers, to exploring university-level learning through engaging lectures, and participating in interactive workshops focused on wellness, academic success, and career exploration. You’ll strengthen essential skills, form meaningful connections with your peers, and become familiar with the campus resources and support networks that will guide you throughout your journey.
The SWIFT Summer Start is a 5-week academic program that gives scholars a competitive edge as they enter the fall by providing scholars with an opportunity to:
- Earn 3-units of credit to advance their college coursework
- Build a sense of belonging and confidence in their ability to navigate the CSUSM campus community
- Develop a strong and sustainable network of peers, staff and faculty at CSUSM
- Connect with and utilize university resources across campus
For Questions and More Information
- Contact: swifthealth@csusm.edu
SWIFT Summer Start Details
Detailed below is information about the SWIFT Summer Start program including summer schedule with important dates, program costs, orientation information, summer courses, financial aid, and scholarships.
- Summer 2025 Schedule
The SWIFT Summer Start for summer 2025 takes place from Monday, July 7th to Friday, August 8th.
Important SWIFT Summer Start Dates Date Event July 6th On-Campus Housing Move-In July 7th First Day of Class July 8th All-day Mandatory University Orientation August 7th Last Day of Class August 8th Closing Breakfast August 8th On-Campus Housing Move-Out - Program Costs
Cost of Attendance of SWIFT Summer Start
SWIFT Summer Start students will be auto-enrolled in one, 3-unit First-Year Seminar (FYS) course during the summer half-term. This cost is subsidized by enrollment to the SWIFT Health Program; students are not responsible for the cost of the FYS course if taken in the summer before their first Fall term. More details on the FYS course can be found below.
Please note that the SWIFT Summer Start/ SWIFT Health Program does not determine the cost of attendance. These decisions are made by the university.
- Orientation
There is one available orientation date for SWIFT Health Programs: Tuesday July 8th, 2025. You can use the links below to sign up and pay for orientation.
Sign Up for the SWIFT Orientation Session
- Family OrientationsFamily Orientations run concurrently to student sessions and are offered on select First Year Orientation dates.
We also offer Spanish-Speaking Family Orientations on select dates throughout the summer. You will be able to register guests as you sign-up for your orientation. Reservations for up to 2 guests per student are permitted. - Rescheduling and CancellationsAny changes to your Orientation reservation must be made at least 1 week prior to your scheduled session by calling (760) 750-4930 or emailing orientation@csusm.edu. If you would like to cancel your reservation, please review the Cancellation & Refund Policy.
- Notice for Students with DisabilitiesPlease contact New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) by phone at (760) 750-4930 or email at orientation@csusm.edu regarding any special accommodation needs. It is requested that individuals requiring auxiliary aids such as closed captioning, sign language interpreters, or alternative format materials notify NSFP at least seven working days in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Please Note: SWIFT Health Programs students and students attending the SWIFT Summer Start need to adhere to the university policies regarding First Year Student Orientation
Contact the Orientation office:
- Phone: (760) 750-4930
- Email: orientation@csusm.edu
- Family Orientations
- Summer Course Details
All SWIFT Summer Start scholars are part-time students and will be auto-enrolled in one, 3-unit course. Student scholars will take UNIV 180: The First-Year Seminar. This course will help you sharpen your skills, deepen your self-understanding, and accelerate your success!
- Strengthen your purpose
- Learn to succeed
- Build bridges
Over 85% of our first-year students complete our course by the end of their first year of college. Cal State San Marcos has been offering a University-wide First-Year Seminar since 1995 and the course has a strong track record. Students who complete our First-Year Seminar are more likely to stay in college and graduate!
- The First-Year Seminar Mission
As a first-year student, you are just beginning your journey through the world of higher education. This journey will require you to take a fresh look at your skills, who you are and where you are going. The primary mission of our First-Year Seminar is to help students make a successful transition from high school to the world of higher education and academic life at Cal State San Marcos.
- What to Expect from the First-Year Seminar
Your FYS instructor will engage you with a set of activities and assignments designed to strengthen self-understanding and motivation to be in college. Honoring your success in high school, the FYS curriculum will challenge you to upgrade your success strategies to meet the demands of a college level workload and engage in campus life outside the classroom.
You will work on:
- Understanding and developing your personal strengths and learning styles
- Strengthening your time management, organization, and study skills
- Developing information literacy and digital citizenry
- Navigating your personal academic plan
- Clarifying your career goals and researching career options
- Assessing personal wellness
- Understanding and utilizing campus resources
- Understanding campus life at CSUSM and exploring opportunities to become an active member of our diverse campus community outside the classroom
If you have any questions about the First-Year Seminar at CSUSM, feel free to contact the department of First-Year & University Programs at fyup@csusm.edu.
- Financial Aid
There may be a number of options available to cover the cost of your full CSUSM education. We encourage you to visit the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about how to apply for aid.
- Scholarships
Scholarships are available to reduce or eliminate student loans and help cover educational expenses for the 2025 summer term.
- Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA for the current term.
- Scholars admitted to SWIFT are encouraged to apply for the SWIFT Programs Scholarship