What’s Next?
Congratulations on being accepted to Columbus State University!
The following are your next steps to becoming a Cougar…
Please complete the following steps before attending your ROAR session:
__Register for ROAR Orientation:
Students accepted to Columbus State University must register for new student orientation. During each ROAR session, students learn about the programs and services offered at CSU, meet with their academic advisor, and learn about campus services and programs. Register at orientation.ColumbusState.Edu or call 706-507-8590 for more information.
Registration is a two-step process; until payment is received you have not secured a spot
in your session. All sessions are $125.00 for students and $50.00 for guests and family members. Please see our payment policy online or our FAQ’s for more information.
__CougarNet Student Email Login:
First time logging in?:
- Username: lastname_firstname[Example: Doe_John]
- Password: Your birthdate in the format of MonthDayYear (MMDDYY)
[Example: March 26, 1971 = 032671]
New users should reset their initial password. How?
- Open the CougarNet login page
- Click on the Forgot Password button. Read and follow all instructions carefully.
- This process will reset your ISIS password as well.
- REMEMBER: CougarNet and ISIS passwords are the same.
__Columbus State University Housing:
All entering freshmen must reside in on-campus housing operated by the university. For exemptions or to apply for housing, please visit our website at call us at 706-507-8710.
__Meal Plans:
Meal memberships offer unlimited buying potential and great flexibility on meals. For more information, visit our website at . Meals plans tailored for commuter student needs are also available. Click “meal plans” at www.ColumbusStateDining.com
__Financial Aid/or the HOPE Scholarship:
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at after your federal taxes have been filed. CSU’s Federal School Code is: 001561
We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible, allowing you the opportunity for the other Financial Aid possibilities. If you are a Georgia resident or eligible military personnel, spouse or dependent and are applying only for the HOPE scholarship, you may complete a Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application at .
Financial aid priority application deadlines are as follows:
Fall Semester – March 15 Spring Semester – November 1 Summer Semester – March 15
706-507-8800
__Certificate of Immunization:
Submit the mandatory certificate of Immunization to our CSU Admissions Office at least three weeks prior to attending your assigned orientation session. Students are eligible to register for classes only after their certificate of immunization form has been submitted to and verified by the Admissions Office. or call us at706-507-8800.
__Lawful Presence Verification:
Students paying in-state tuition or receiving and out-of-state tuition fee waiver are required to submit proof of lawful presence in the U.S. Visit for approved documentation to submit.
__Final Transcripts:
Please submit all final transcripts before Orientation to ensure that you can register for your classes. Call the Office of Admissions at 706-507-8800 for questions regarding your specific needs.
__Disability Resource Center:
If needed, contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) prior to orientation. The DRC coordinates and provides a variety of academic support services to students with disabilities. or call us at 706-507-8755.
I have registered for ROAR – now what?
__Bring to your session:
-Personal Items:Students attending two days sessions need to bring a driver’s license or government issued photo ID with a signature in order to take the Math Placement test. If you are attending the overnight sessions (June 25-26, July 9-10, July 20-21, July 28-29), then please bring a pillow, bed linens for a twin sized bed, blanket, and other personal items (soap, shampoo, towel, medication, etc.) for your stay in student housing. For June 25-26, July 9-10, July 20-21, July 28-29, our Main Campus overnight sessions, we also suggest you bring a bathing suit, towel, and workout apparel for the social in the Student Recreation Center.
-Provided: We will provide you with a schedule, pen, and anything else you may need that day.
__Overnight Accommodations for Parents and Students
-Parents attending the overnight sessions (June 25-26, July 9-10, July 28-29, August 10-11)will need to make hotel accommodations. Please see Columbus Hotelsfor a list of hotels in the area. Students will be housed in the residence hall for those three sessions only.
-Students and Parents attending a non-overnight session (August 10-11) need to make hotel accommodations if you do not live in the Columbus area. Residence Halls will not be available for your stay.
__Turn in your transcripts, certificate of immunization and lawful presence verification:
These items can be turned in at ROAR if needed but all must be present in order to register for classes. See above checklist for additional information.
__Smarter Measures Assessment:
Prior to attending Orientation, please take the Smarter Measures Assessment at This is a requirement for any online course that is taken at Columbus State University.
__Check your CSU email starting a week before your ROAR session:
All communication for ROAR will be sent through your CSU email (see above checklist for CougarNet login information.)
__Join the ROAR Orientation Facebook page and follow us on Twitter:
Find out what is going on at ROAR before you get there!!
Follow us @CSUROAR_Team
__Join the CSU Facebook page:
Find out about the hottest news and events going on throughout CSU.
While at ROAR, what will I do?
__CougarACCESS Card/Student ID:
Freshmen will receive their Student ID Card at your ROAR Orientation. This student card will allow you access to all parts of campus that pertain to you. It will also suffice as admittance tomost CSU related events for free.
__Math Placement:
Students will be receiving a letter in the mail with the Math course into which they have been placed. The letter will include the course name and number. The placement was calculated by looking at the students SAT or ACT math score and high school GPA at the time of their admittance. Should students or parents have questions they should contact the Academic Center for Excellence at 706-507-8780.
__Advising and Registering for Classes:
At ROAR you and your family will be able to meet with an advisor and learn about your major’s requirements and expectations. Afterwards, students will be sent to a computer lab to register for their classes. You will go home with your first semester’s schedule!
*Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Regulations website for more information regarding polices and procedures.
__Campus Services and Programs:
You will learn about all campus services and programs at ROAR. This is done is an interactive session. Students and parents are split into groups to learn from Orientation student and parent leaders. There are also sessions you can choose from to get any and all information you need to feel comfortable. Please refer to the website closer to the date of your session for a schedule at a glance.
I’m lost without the ROAR Team…what to do after your ROAR Orientation?
__Student Parking:
Freshmen students are allowed to have cars on campus. Students will register their vehicles online through the University Police Office. call us at
706-568-2022. You can also take care of this after registration at your ROAR orientation.
__CougarOne Card:
Each CSU students will receive a card in the mail two weeks after you register for classes. Once you have received your card, go to to activate your CougarOne Card refund preferences. This card is the key to selecting your refund preference. Activating it lets Columbus State University know how you would like to receive your funds, so don’t delay.
__Check the Academic Calendar:
The academic calendar will list important Columbus State deadlines that you may need to know.
__Move In Day!:
Movie In Day for the RiverPark campus is August 11th and Main campus will be August 13th. Students should continually check their Columbus State email account for information regarding the move in process. Also be sure to check theResidence Life page at ColumbusState.Edu/Life for the most up to date information!
__Cougar Kickoff:
Cougar Kickoff is the first two weeks of school and is a way for students to kick off the new semester! There are plenty of events and information sessions for students to get acclimated and find their niche in an organization. The Cougar Kickoff website will be launched sometime in the summer so look out!
__ROAR Ask Me Tent:
On Monday, August 17th, during Cougar Kickoff, the ROAR Team will set up a tent and be available to answer questions about the campus. Don’t forget to visit your ROAR leader from the summer!