Who better to help you make the leap to Cleveland State than people who were just in your shoes? Your Orientation Leaders are current CSU students that are available to answer your questions and provide real-life answers, communicate with you over the summer, support you once you arrive on campus, and provide you with helpful tips & information. Scroll down to meet your Orientation Leaders and the Orientation & Family Services staff.

Orientation Leaders

Estefany

Name: Estefany
Major: Psychology
Academic Level: Freshman
Advice to new students: Try to be responsible in everything you do, and to try to manage your time effectively.
Advice to parents: Let students take responsibility. If they need a push or motivation, give it to them!
Favorite thing about CSU: My favorite thing about CSU is the faculty and staff. Professors here pay attention to students. At CSU one can feel like part of a family… the CSU family.

Clinton

Name: Clinton
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics
Academic Level: Freshman
Advice to new students: Don't overload yourself with too many classes your first semester. Pace yourself and the transition will be easier.
Advice to parents: Let your students be free. There's nothing more stressful than an overbearing parent when you're trying to make decisions and taking difficult classes.
Favorite thing about CSU: I love the new Recreation Center. It is an excellent facility. I also love the people here. It's so easy to make friends and it's a great, fun environment.

Raven

Name: Raven
Major: Physical Therapy
Academic Level: Freshman
Advice to new students: Take advantage of every mentoring and tutoring program at CSU.
Advice to parents: Encourage you student so they cansucceed.
Favorite thing about CSU: I like the people and the many places and things that are open to us in downtown Cleveland.

Paul

Name: Paul
Major: Civil Engineering
Academic level: Freshman
Advice to new students: Relax! Don't take college too lightly and make Cleveland State your home.
Advice to parents: Be hard on your students, but allow them to be free and give them space.
Favorite thing about CSU: All of the events! And, everybody is willing to help you out!

Tiearra

Name: Tiearra
Major: Marketing
Status: Sophomore
Advice: Take advantage of the various activities offered here at CSU!! Become willing to converse, and express your thoughts, ideas, and concerns!!!
Favorite Thing about CSU: The tons of student organizations that we have here at CSU!!!!

Tausha

Name: Tausha
Major: Health Science /Occupational Therapy
Academic level: Junior
Advice to new students: Get involved on campus! It's a great way to make friends.
Advice to parents: Be supportive and encourage your student to reach his/her full potential.
Favorite thing about CSU: CSU is located right at the heart of downtown. There is always something exciting to do!!

Allison

Name: Allison
Major: Social Work
Academic Level: Junior
Advice to new students: Don't be scared or afraid. Cleveland State is a wonderful and friendly place! HAVE FUN!!!
Advice to parents: Support your student because it's not easy!!!!
Favorite thing about CSU: The diversity!!! The cultures!!! I am learning so much!!!

Kirsten

Name: Kirsten
Major: Physical Education
Academic Level: Junior
Advice to new students: Take pride in your University.
Advice to parents: Be supportive of your new students, college require major changes.
Favorite thing about CSU: The students I have met and the amazing experiences I have been through in my classes.

Anna Marie

Name: Anna Marie
Major: Biology
Academic Level: Senior
Advice to new students: Definitely stay organized with your academic responsibilities. Commit to becoming involved on campus. You will quickly become familiar with the campus and make good friends!
Advice to parents: Think about the needs of your student and stay genuinely interested in his/her progress and be supportive of his/her ability to achieve success. But remember your student is now an adult and getting the rest of his/her life started. It is a must to respect their growing independence!
Favorite thing about CSU: My favorite thing about CSU is how it is very easy to get involved and work on campus which provides great professional work experience. I also love the renovations and new construction of buildings around campus!

Kelvin

Name: Kelvin
Major: Health Sciences
Status: Senior
Advice to Students: Take time to find yourself.
Advice to Family: Don't worry about your student! He or she will have a wonderful experience, allow him/her to grow up.
Favorite thing about CSU: The Cleveland area, urban and city life!!

Orientation Student Coordinator

Chelsea

Name: Chelsea
Major: Health Science
Academic Level: Sophomore
Advice to new students: Get Involved!!! Don't be afraid to try something new. You never know who you might meet or what you might enjoy!
Advice to parents: Let your student go, but still be available to them. They will miss you more than they let on.
Favorite thing about CSU: I love how there is always something to do at Cleveland State. There is never a dull moment and there is never time to get bored.

Orientation and Family Services Staff

Laren Beese, Orientation Specialist

Academic Background: Currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration; Bachelor's of Business Administration in Marketing and minor in Spanish from CSU in 2010.
Advice to new students: Get involved on campus as soon as possible. Joining a student organization, working on campus and going to FREE athletic functions on campus are a few great ways to meet new people!
Advice to parents: Familiarize yourself with CSU so you know the services and resources offered to you and your student.
Favorite thing about CSU: The location. You are able to walk to all of the downtown sporting events, concerts, plays, etc. and never have to worry about waiting in traffic or paying for parking!

Kevin Child, Orientation Specialist

Academic Background: M.Ed Higher Education, Concentration: Performing Arts Development (University of Maine); Bachelor of Music: Concentration: Voice (University of Maine)
Advice to new students: Make sure to take advantage of all the free services offered at CSU! If at any point you feel overwhelmed remember that there are a wide variety of resources here for you!
Advice to parents: We are here for you! Ask as many questions as you can think of, and make sure you share the answers with your student.
Favorite thing about CSU: The campus! Over 500 million dollars has been spent to make it what it is today! Take advantage of the recreation center it is free for all students taking 1 or more credits!

Abbey Shiban, Manager, Orientation and Family Services

Academic Background: Currently pursuing Ph.D. in Urban Education; Master of Arts, Guidance & Counseling, 2001; Bachelor of Arts & Sciences, Psychology, 1999.
Advice to new students: Don't be afraid to ask for help or try something new. CSU offers many opportunities to help you succeed, meet new people, find a major & career, and even see the world!
Advice to parents: Provide positive encouragement for your student. College can be tricky at first, but having a strong support system can make a huge difference.
Favorite thing about CSU: The staff and faculty. All of the staff and faculty are committed to helping students learn and grow on their path to graduation.