CSUSB Traditions and Landmarks

“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. 

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.

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! 

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 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!

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 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.

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! 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The annual Employee Appreciation Picnic acknowledges and recognizes Cal State San Bernardino faculty, staff, and administrators for their contributions to the institution. Along with activities and prizes, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy picnic activities, games, and competition to see who can raise the most donations for our Food Pantry.

The George and Pauline Murillo sculptures, located on the Murillo Observatory deck, are dedicated to these two benefactors and elders of the San Manuel Band of Missions Indian tribe, who were the main donors to the observatory's construction.

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!  

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 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!

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.

The Library Lawn, which is located across from the Pfau Library, has long been a popular gathering spot for university students participating in outdoor activities.

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.

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.

A tradition started with the installation of Wild Song; a bronze sculpture of a coyote at the west entrance of the Santos Manuel Student Union - South. This tradition calls for rubbing Wild Song's paw for good luck during midterms and final exams! 

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.

The annual Snow Day is a fun event with snow gliding, snow fighting, and snowboarding. Students participate in fun activities, enjoy free food, music and snow usually not seen on our beautiful Southern California campus. 

Summer Movies on the Lawn is an annual event held on the lawn of the John M. Pfau Library. The annual summer series, which is free to the public, showcases a variety of blockbuster films. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff enjoy concessions, and moviegoers bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy their movie experience.

Wednesdays in July mark the start of the annual Summer Wednesdays concert series at CSUSB. Musical styles ranging from Latin dance to vintage rock 'n' roll to rhythm and blues to 1980s and '90s favorites are showcased every Wednesday in the Summer. The music is usually held on the Lower Santos Manuel Student Union - East patio area, and free to the public and local community. 

Art student Mark Petherbridge created and built our university mace with the guidance of art professor Roger Lintault. The mace's head is constructed of silicon bronze and contains the university's logotype surrounded by educational insignia. The rosewood shaft is accented with laminated maple strips. Less than 27 inches long with bronze point.

The San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation Demonstration Garden is a little more than an acre of plants and displays that promote water conservation via a succession of lovely themed gardens and exhibitions.

"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 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 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. On June 3, 2016, it was formally unveiled during a ceremony.