summer program
Summer Orientation is the first step toward being successful at Saint Mary’s College. Program participants will spend the day acting on their commitment to academic excellence and preparing for their first term at Saint Mary’s. Students and parents will participate together in an overview of the institution, and then be separated to programs tailored to their specific needs. Students will meet with an academic advisor throughout the day as they begin composing their academic and personal goals for the first semester, while parents will be learning how to support their student’s transition.
First-Year Students
At Orientation, we want to help you make the best academic choices for your freshman year. To this end, you will meet faculty, staff and students at Orientation who are dedicated to supporting your educational transition. You will have an opportunity to attend large-group interest sessions, and visit particular offices for services, but you will spend the main part of your day in small groups with an academic advisor and an Orientation Leader who will help you achieve the following objectives:
• Connect with your faculty advisor and students within your major area of interest;
• Start establishing academic goals for your first semester and ways of achieving them;
• Be introduced to your rights and responsibilities as Saint Mary’s Gaels;
• Develop an understanding of Saint Mary’s general and major academic requirements;
• Discuss course selection with your advisor and register for Fall Term courses.
While you may feel anxious and nervous now, Orientation is designed to help you smoothly transition into our academic community. In the late spring, you will receive more information on how to prepare for Orientation, what you need to bring with you and a schedule of the day.
Transfer Students
Beginning in the summer, transfer students will meet one-on-one with Craig Means, Director of Articulation and Transfer, in order to review personalized degree audits, develop an academic plan and register for fall term courses. You are encouraged to participate in Orientation Session IV to receive important academic information and to meet faculty and other new transfer students.
International Students
International students are required to arrive on campus and move into their residence halls on Sunday, August 23, 2009. To start the Saint Mary’s experience, International Student Pre-Orientation on August 24-25 will help you learn about the American classroom, gain information about immigration rules and regulations, and become acquainted with the surrounding community and life in the United States. On August 26, you will attend Orientation Session IV in order to meet with an academic advisor and register for fall term courses. From August 27-August 30 you will participate in Weekend of Welcome activities to help get you acclimated and meet other new students prior to classes starting.
Do you have questions, or need more information? Please contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at (925) 631-4647, or email us at orientation@stmarys-ca.edu
