Now that you’ve been accepted, what do you do next?
This booklet will guide you through the steps you need to take before starting your spring semester here at California Baptist University.
Follow this step-by-step guide to becoming a CBU Lancer. This will keep you on track for your first day of class on: January 13, 2025
Confirm your decision to enroll at CBU and find important documents and forms by visiting: calbaptist.edu/spring
Once you are accepted, let us know that you are intending to enroll at CBU for the upcoming spring semester. Reference your acceptance email for more information.
Find and secure grants, scholarships and educational loans to finance your educational investment with the help of CBU’s Financial Aid team.
If you are planning to live on campus, complete your online housing application. You will have the chance create your personal profile and select your desired living area.
Class Registration
Complete class registration virtually with the help of a Student Success Coach from the office of Academic Advising.
Review and sign your Tuition and Fee Agreement for the CBU Student Accounts Office and make approved payment arrangements to cover your balance in full.
Attend CBU’s Spring Welcome event and get connected to the campus community, resources, your future classmates and more!
Be sure to download ZeeMee, a social media platform designed to connect you with other future Lancers! Look for the “Incoming Class of 2025” group chat.
You are now challenged with making the decision of which college or university to attend. We recognize the importance of this decision and believe that California Baptist University not only offers an excellent educational experience but also promotes social and spiritual growth.
From the moment you enroll at CBU, you will be welcomed into a community of 100% Christian faculty and staff who are committed to helping you live your purpose. With an offering of more than 80 undergraduate majors, you are sure to find one that will prepare you for success in your career and, more importantly, your calling.
Founded in 1950, CBU sits on 162 acres and serves more than 11,000 students. CBU offers an inspirational learning environment including state-of-the-art buildings, student living areas, technologically advanced classrooms and award-winning dining facilities. We are extremely excited about our most recent additions to campus which include a parking structure with more than 1,450 spaces, updates and additional usable space in the Recreation Center for classes and cardio equipment, and the newest housing area, Magnolia Crossing, home to more than 500 Lancers.
As you move forward to pursue your collegiate experience at CBU, our sincere hope is that the information provided in this booklet will equip you for your next steps towards submitting your intent to enroll, receiving financial aid, registering for classes, applying for housing and attending Spring Welcome. At CBU, each office will work closely with you to answer all of your questions. If you are not sure where to start, give us a call in the Admissions office.
Again, congratulations on your acceptance to CBU. We look forward to seeing you become part of the Lancer Nation and wish you the best in your academic career.
Sincerely,
The Undergraduate Admissions Office
Undergraduate Admissions
951.343.4212
admissions@calbaptist.edu
We want to be prepared for your arrival at CBU! Let us know you intend to enroll through the form on the website below. Completing this form allows us to begin behind-the-scenes work to welcome you as one of our newest Lancers.
SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO ENROLL: calbaptist.edu/spring
GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL THE NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I COMMANDED YOU; AND LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE. MATTHEW 28:19–20
CBU’s team of financial aid counselors are committed to helping you find and secure the resources you need to finance your educational investment. CBU students may take advantage of three types of aid: grants, scholarships and educational loans.
Grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, university or private sources. CBU offers a CBU Grant, a need-based grant awarded by CBU’s Financial Aid Office. Submitting a FAFSA is required to determine eligibility.
Scholarships are also considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded based upon demonstrated academic ability or a specific talent. CBU offers several types of academic scholarships based upon the following academic requirements:
Trustees Scholarship: $17,000
4.0 GPA and above*
Deans Scholarship: $15,000
3.3–3.89 GPA*
Presidents Scholarship: $16,000
3.9–3.99 GPA*
Directors Scholarship: $13,000 2.95–3.29 GPA*
*Academic scholarships are based on a student’s cumulative weighted GPA. These scholarships are guaranteed if academic requirements are met. Renewable if a minimum 2.0 GPA is maintained at CBU.
Transfer Platinum: $13,000
3.75 GPA and above** Transfer Blue: $11,000 3.0–3.49 GPA** Transfer Gold: $12,000
GPA** Transfer Bronze: $9,000
GPA**
**For incoming transfers only. To be considered a transfer student you must have completed 24 or more units from a regionally accredited college or university. Renewable if a minimum 2.0 GPA is maintained at CBU. Questions regarding your scholarship eligibility should be directed towards the Admissions office at 951.343.4212.
Major-Specific Scholarships
Architecture
Art Therapy Studies
School of Christian Ministries (Double Major)
Computer Science
Construction Management
Data Science
Engineering
Film
Fine Art
Graphic Design and Visual Experience
Illustration
Interior Design
Journalism
Photography
Public Relations
CBU also offers the Minister’s Kin Scholarship of $3,250 per year for each student who is the dependent child (as defined by FAFSA) of a minister engaged in full-time service as a pastor, chaplain or missionary.
For further information, contact your Admissions Counselor.
Department Scholarships
Athletics
Drama Music
Speech/Debate
DID YOU KNOW?
100% of incoming traditional undergraduate students receive financial aid.
Financial Aid
951.343.4236
finaid@calbaptist.edu
Use this checklist to navigate the financial aid process. Check off each action item as you complete it. You can get help for many of these on the CBU website and from the Financial Aid Office.
Go to fafsa.gov to complete your application. CBU’s federal code is 001125. Federal grant amounts are based on the results of the FAFSA.
Initial Cal Grants will be offered as estimated Cal Grants until we receive confirmation from the California Student Aid Commission that you qualify. Eligibility for an estimated (subject to change) Cal Grant is determined based on your high school or college GPA along with your family’s income and assets. If your Cal Grant is on hold, please log in to your Webgrants account and complete any required documents. You will also receive an email from the Financial Aid Office if you are missing any Cal Grant documents.
You will receive a printed financial aid offer in the mail and an email notifying you that your offer is ready to view online. To view your offer online, visit calbaptist.edu/myaward and log in with your InsideCBU credentials.
Afterwards, check your email and see if you have any remaining documents that are missing. After you are enrolled in classes, make sure to check your LancerMail. If you are selected for verification, any offered aid is an estimate. An
email will direct you to “Verify My FAFSA” to complete the verification process. To find out if you have been selected for verification, check your email or visit calbaptist.verifymyfafsa.com/ account/login and create a profile.
Once you have viewed your financial aid offer on InsideCBU, use the ACCEPT button to authorize the Financial Aid Office to apply the funds to your student account. You can accept, reject or reduce your student loans directly on this page on InsideCBU. If you are not able to accept/reject your aid, you may have missing documents. Please check your email for updated information.
As a new student, your Tuition and Fee and final payment arrangements must be made with the Student Accounts Office by: January 6, 2025
CBU offers an online semester payment plan. If you are interested in this plan, visit the Student Accounts tab on InsideCBU.
Financial aid is meant to assist students in making college more affordable. However, students should expect that financial aid may not cover the full amount of tuition. We have several options to assist with any remaining costs.
Educational loans are usually repaid after graduation or can be deferred until after graduate school, often having very low interest rates. Every student that files their FAFSA and is accepted into CBU will automatically prequalify for a Federal Direct Loan. There are two different types of Federal Direct Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school, whereas unsubsidized loans do. Direct Loan limits are based on grade level:
$5,500 (up to $3,500 Subsidized) — Freshman
$6,500 (up to $4,500 Subsidized) — Sophomore
$7,500 (up to $5,500 Subsidized) — Junior/Senior
Cannot exceed maximum limits
APPLY FOR A STUDENT LOAN: studentaid.gov
Your parents may apply for a PLUS Loan up to your cost of attendance less other financial aid. The online application is available at studentaid.gov. If your parents are denied, you are eligible for an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
You may apply for a private educational loan with a credit-worthy cosigner up to your cost of attendance less other financial aid. You can find a list of established lenders on InsideCBU under the Financial Aid tab. Private loan programs vary by lender. We encourage you to contact the specific lenders to find out about terms and conditions that may apply.
Living on campus will enhance your college experience for many reasons. Not only do our unique living areas offer great places to study and learn but you will also get to experience an array of programs exclusive to residents. Some popular events include our annual Festival of Color event, individual living area worship nights, themed dinners and friendly competitions. Many of our students also find lifelong friends through their time living on campus. You have so much to look forward to!
DID YOU KNOW?
CBU has the 2nd Best College Dorms in CA* *niche.com
After filling out your online housing application and paying the $100 housing reservation fee, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are an incoming freshman student, you can begin to create/join groups with other students and choose your living area and room. If you are an incoming transfer student, you will receive an email from Housing Services with detailed information about when you can complete the room selection process.
At CBU, we have a variety of fully furnished, quality living areas available for both freshman and upperclassman students. Our freshman living areas include Smith Hall and Simmons Hall, the Cottages, Tower Hall and the Village. Transfer and upperclassman students can choose from several apartment-style living areas. For more information on our different living options, including descriptions, pictures and a packing list, please visit our website.
Housing Services 951.552.8111
housingservices@calbaptist.edu
Smith Hall, our men’s dormitory, and Simmons Hall, our women’s dormitory, are both threestory buildings with each floor divided into smaller communities called wings. Smith has two wings per floor, whereas Simmons has four. Each wing consists of approximately 14 double-occupancy rooms and a common bathroom. Each floor has a spacious common area or lounge where residents can study and hang out. There is also a laundry room and kitchen area located on each floor. Each room comes fully furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and dresser for each student. A sink and vanity area are also included.
The 20 cottages on campus can accommodate approximately 200 residents. Each cottage has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen/common area and a laundry room. They are designed with a welcoming front porch, and each room is furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and dresser for each student.
Tower Hall provides suite-style living for freshman students. Each suite includes a living room, kitchenette, bathroom and one bedroom that will accommodate three students. Tower Hall suites come furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and dresser for each student as well as additional seating in the living room.
The Village is conveniently located near Brisco’s Café and offers a variety of suitestyle living options. Suites include a living room, kitchenette, bathrooms and multiple bedrooms that can accommodate six to nine students. The Village suites come furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and dresser for each student as well as additional seating in the living room.
Applying for housing at CBU is easy.
All you need to do is …
1. Fill out your online housing application at calbaptist.edu/housingapp.
2. Pay your $100 housing reservation fee* by sending Housing Services a check or paying through CBU’s Payment Portal on InsideCBU.
*Your housing application will not be processed until we receive your housing reservation fee.
Upperclassman students have several different apartmentstyle living areas to choose from, many of which have been recently renovated. Residents have the opportunity to experience events and programs each semester that allow them to build community with their neighbors. Each apartment comes fully furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair and dresser for each student as well as a dining table and chairs, sofa, coffee table and lamps for the apartment. Living on campus is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it!
The average temperature in Riverside, CA is a perfect 79.5 degrees. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
During New Student Class Registration, Student Success Coaches (SSC) from the office of Academic Advising will help you virtually register for your first semester of classes. SSCs will also partner with other offices on campus, such as the Career Center and Community Life, to help you succeed at CBU and beyond!
Visit the website below for more information, dates and to sign up for New Student Class Registration.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nineteen students for every faculty member means smaller classes and professors who know you by name.
CBU’s office of Academic Advising is here to support you with academic planning, class registration, program changes (changing majors, adding a minor, etc.) and academic appeals. Student Success Coaches will partner with other offices on campus like the Career Center and Wellness Center to help you succeed at CBU and beyond.
As you pursue your education here at CBU, the Student Accounts Office will help you set up payment arrangements to pay tuition and fees on time so you can stay enrolled and on track to graduate.
If you have questions related to tuition and fees, balance information, payment due dates, payment options, book vouchers or refund checks, the Student Accounts Office is happy to help.
CBU provides you with the ability to review your account information and set up payment arrangements online through InsideCBU. We highly encourage you to become familiar with these features by logging in to InsideCBU and clicking on the Student Accounts tab.
Once there, you will find important information on how to manage your account.
The information on the next page will provide you with the necessary knowledge so that you meet the payment due date and pay your deposits without any trouble.
Payment Due Date JANUARY 6, 2025
Student Accounts
Phone: 951.343.4371
Fax: 951.343.4515
studentaccounts@calbaptist.edu
In order to meet the payment due date to attend classes, you must have completed your Tuition and Fee Agreement and made approved payment arrangements to cover your balance in full.
The Tuition and Fee Agreement outlines your responsibility as a student to cover all tuition and fee charges each semester. The University expects students to complete payment to cover the current semester before advancing to a future semester.
Students who register for classes after the payment due date should contact the Student Accounts Office to discuss their plan for covering tuition and fees immediately after registration.
Students are responsible for covering tuition and fees each semester. If parents, grandparents or other individuals are assisting the student, the student will need
to complete a FERPA Information Release Form giving the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices permission to discuss their account details with the authorized individuals.
If you plan to live on campus, you must submit a $100 housing reservation fee. Your housing application will not be processed until this deposit is received. This deposit will go toward your overall student balance.
• Single payment: Make in office or online through InsideCBU on the Student Accounts tab.*
• Automatic semester payment plan: Enroll online through InsideCBU on the Student Accounts tab.
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants and loans must be awarded and accepted.
* eCheck payments are accepted at no additional charge. Credit and debit card payments are accepted and a convenience fee will apply.
We understand that amid all the excitement and anticipation there is important information you will need before you begin your CBU experience.
As a new student in the CBU community, your journey begins with Spring Welcome. During Spring Welcome, our goal is to offer you activities, experiences and information to help you adjust to CBU.
We do this by connecting you to CAMPUS (resources and facilities available to you), CLASSMATES (meeting other new students and developing friendships), COMMUNITY (learning the qualities and traditions unique to CBU) and to CHRIST. Spring Welcome is required for all new
students, so take advantage of this time— it only happens once!
Transitioning to college life will take more than a few days of events. That’s why we have developed the First-Year Experience (FYE) program to go beyond the initial Spring Welcome experience.
First-time freshmen who are unmarried and under 20 years of age will be placed in an FYE group with other freshman students. Your FYE leaders and fellow
members will be a huge part of your Spring Welcome experience and will be in your FYE course for the spring semester.
The FYE course is required for first-time freshmen and was designed with you in mind—to equip you with the skills and support you need to succeed here at CBU.
The course is facilitated by FYE leaders and addresses topics such as time management, budgeting and understanding your unique strengths.
Transfer students and students 20 years of age or older will also be placed into groups during Spring Welcome. These groups are led by First-Year Experience transfer leaders who will facilitate participation in engaging and relevant activities and presentations.
During the spring semester, the FYE transfer leaders will assist new students in getting connected to spiritual and social opportunities on campus.
We are committed to helping you transition to life at CBU and to supporting you through graduation. Thank you for joining the Lancer family!
