First Year & Transfer Orientation
Welcome to Saint Mary's College!
We are excited to welcome you to the Gael family! We’re here to support you and provide you with resources to ensure your success at Saint Mary’s College. Your college experience starts with New Student Orientation, an essential introduction to life at SMC that provides you with the resources you need for success.
At orientation, you’ll connect with new classmates and friends, learn about the support services available to you, and explore the many opportunities to get involved on campus. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve. Go Gaels!
Register for Orientation
Orientation Dates & Times
Registration
All new students, including transfer students, need to register for orientation. Each student is allowed to bring two guests to orientation; we have a program just for them!
A one-time charge of $300 for orientation will be applied directly to a student's account and covers all costs associated with orientation, administrative costs, materials, and staffing.
Date | Time | Description |
| January 31, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Mid-Year Orientation for new and transfer students for Spring 2026 |
Schedule of Events
| STUDENT PROGRAM | |
| 11:30 am | Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins | Check-In at the Soda Center, enjoy lunch and explore some of the resources that SMC has to offer as your first step to beginning your Saint Mary’s adventure. |
| 12:30 pm | Opening the Doors to SMC | Discover Saint Mary's mission and values, and understand what it means to be part of our supportive community. |
| 1:45 pm | Academic Building Blocks | Your introduction to the SMC Academic Experience |
| 2:30 pm | Belonging Begins Here: Building Your Gael Circle | Connect with fellow students in small groups, facilitated by Orientation Leaders, to start building your community on campus. |
| 3:00 pm | Closing | Review key takeaways and important reminders as we officially welcome students and families into the campus community. |
| 3:30 pm | Optional: Campus Tour |
| GUEST PROGRAM | |
| 11:30 am | Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins | Check-In at the Soda Center, enjoy lunch and explore some of the resources that SMC has to offer as your first step to beginning your Saint Mary’s adventure. |
| 12:30 pm | Opening the Doors to SMC | Discover Saint Mary's mission and values, and understand what it means to be part of our supportive community. |
| 1:45 pm | Navigating Campus Systems without Taking Over | Learn how to support students without taking away from student agency or institutional processes |
| 2:30 pm | Belonging Beyond Orientation | Learn more about reducing anxieties related social belonging and reframe connections as an ongoing relational process |
| 3:00 pm | Closing | Review key takeaways and important reminders as we officially welcome students and families into the campus community. |
| 3:30 pm | Optional: Campus Tour |
In addition to attending New Student Orientation, all international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. Workshops offered during this special orientation will assist with your transition to new surroundings and a new culture.
Through interactive workshops and presentations, you will be introduced to concepts of intercultural communication and immigration concepts to build a strong foundation to help you settle into your new life at Saint Mary’s. During orientation, you will be involved in activities to help you learn about life as an international student at Saint Mary's. You'll also learn about the F-1 student visa, how to maintain your status, as well as how to work in the US.
For more information regarding International Student Orientation, visit the Center for International Programs.
Tips for Success
Contact Us
New Student & Family Programs
1928 St. Mary's Road, PMB 4238
Moraga, CA 94575
Call at: (925) 631-4647