CSUSB Traditions and Landmarks
Since welcoming its first class of 230 students in 1965, Cal State San Bernardino has grown into a thriving community of nearly 20,000. Along the way, meaningful traditions and campus landmarks have taken root, celebrating our history and uniting generations of Coyotes. These traditions honor the university’s legacy while creating shared experiences that transcend time, culture and trends. Students who want to make an impact and help shape the future of CSUSB can get involved through Associated Students, Inc., the official voice of the student body.
"Ask Me" Booths
During the first week of each semester, students can stop by our "Ask Me!" booths to receive directions, ask questions, and grab a quick snack. Faculty, staff, and administrators volunteer to man the Ask Me! booths and assist students in navigating CSUSB.
Alma Mater Song
“San Bernardino, Our Alma Mater” originally was composed by Dr. Loren Filbeck (professor emeritus of music) in 1988 and debuted on October 27, 1990, at the university’s Silver Anniversary Gala. Today, it is a campus tradition for the graduating class to sing the alma mater at the close of the commencement ceremonies.
Cody the Coyote
In 1984, after years of unofficially having a St. Bernard as a mascot, students took to the polls and voted to name the Coyote as the official mascot. Today, Cody can be found all over campus taking selfies and making students smile at different programs and events. Keep up with him and his whereabouts on Instagram @codythecoyote65!
Commencement
Commencement ceremonies at CSUSB are held twice a year: the Fall Commencement ceremony takes place in December and the Spring Commencement ceremony takes place in June. During commencement, we commemorate and congratulate our graduates on their achievements!
Convocation
First-Year Experience and the Associated Students, Inc. co-host our annual New Student Convocation. First-year Coyotes are invited to a celebration with motivating speakers, thrilling awards, and more! First-year students will also meet peers from their selected college and learn how to maximize their college experience!
Coyote Cares Day
Coyote Cares Day brings together CSUSB students, faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer each year, to complete a day of volunteer service in local communities that benefit local nonprofit organizations and community agencies as a way of thanking the community for its support of the university and its mission.
Coyote Fest
A celebration for the end of the school year; our annual Coyote Fest is an end-of-the-year party with carnival games, rides, interactive activities, and live entertainment from both alumni and current CSUSB students! This is event is free for all CSUSB students, faculty, staff and community members of all ages!
Coyote Hand Sign
Despite the fact that it is unclear where the coyote hand signal originated, it has become a way of life for our students to display their Coyote Pride on a daily basis. Consider snapping a photo around campus and remember to show your school spirit by using our hand sign and posting it on social media with the hashtag #CoyotesUp!
Coyote Hour
Coyote Hour is a tradition that takes an hour of the day when there are no planned courses and allows students to participate in a range of activities. CSUSB's objective is to provide students with fully engaging opportunities to become involved in the university.
Coyote Walk
As we continue to grow and bloom, Coyote Walk serves as a focal point for the university's social involvement and pride. Members of the CSUSB community, as well as outside recruiters, put up tables for prospective members alongside Coyote Walk to provide information and resources.
CSBS Hall of Fame Courtyard
The Hall of Fame Courtyard in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, located outside the Social and Behavioral Sciences building displays bricks purchased by students, faculty, and alumni to commemorate their time at the college. The purchase of a commemorative brick aids the CSBS Scholarship Fund.
CSUSB Spirit Letters
During the building of the Santos Manuel Student Union-North in 2021, our CSUSB pride letters were added. These color-changing spirit letters serve as a landmark that recognizes all students while also providing picture opportunities for lifelong memories.
Homecoming
Homecoming is a celebration of Coyote pride and spirit. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of CSUSB come together to breathe black and blue. Our Homecoming is jam-packed with traditional events, competitions and activities and is unique in that our homecoming game is not a traditional Football game but a women's Volleyball game! #GoYotes!
Howl at the Moon
SMSU's Program Board hosts an annual dance called Howl at the Moon. It's a CSUSB tradition that you won't want to miss! This dance is normally held in October, and students are encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costumes.
Late Night at the Rec
Late Night at the Rec is an annual tradition that takes place at the start of the Fall semester at the Recreation and Wellness Center. This tradition allows students to learn about the different clubs and organizations available at CSUSB. Prizes, food, and games galore!
Legacy Fountain
This landmark, the Legacy Fountain, was revealed on September 20, 2015. As part of CSUSB's 50th anniversary festivities, bronze statues of our prior three presidents were dedicated on campus. Each president faces a portion of campus that was noteworthy during their tenure.
Move-in Day
Students who will be residing in the university's residence halls and apartments throughout the academic year will be officially welcomed on "Move-In Day," which marks the beginning of Welcome Week. The week includes a variety of events designed to assist students in adjusting to college life.
Murillo Family Observatory
The Murillo Family Observatory is a state-of-the-art research facility serving the observing and educational needs of students, faculty and staff at Cal State San Bernardino and the surrounding communities. Although primarily focused on research, the observatory hosts a public Visitor Night once a month during the academic year, weather permitting.
Our CSUSB Colors
Originally adopted by a student vote in 1966 the official colors of CSUSB were brown and light blue to reflect the mountains and sky that makeup the campus' backdrop. In 1996, the administrative council changed the school colors to black and blue and in 2008 we adopted "Coyote Blue" as the official name to our shade of blue!
Peace Garden
The Peace Garden is a memorial to the 14 lives lost in the San Bernardino terrorist attack in 2015, five of whom were CSUSB graduates. Every year on December 2nd, the College of Natural Sciences at CSUSB observes a Day of Remembrance.
SMSU Clock Tower
The Santos Manuel Student Union - South clock tower, completed in 1997, was given to CSUSB by the classes of 1994 and 1995. The clock tower is the tallest structure on the Santos Manuel Student Union - South! Listen to the clock tower songs at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. everyday.
We Define the Future
"We Define the Future" is the official tagline of California State University, San Bernardino, which was adopted in 2017. We invite you to visit us at CSUSB and see firsthand how our students and faculty define the future.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome at CSUSB is a series of activities, programs, and chances for students to get to know CSUSB as they begin the fall semester at the university. Students engage in various different programs and are encouraged to network with fellow Coyotes!
Wild Song
Wild Song is the name of a bronze sculpture that lies outside the west entrance of the Santos Manuel Student Union-South, a gift to the institution by the SMSU and Associated Students Inc. in honor of the university's 50th anniversary. Rubbing Wild Song’s paw is a tradition that is said to bring good luck for students during midterms and final exams.