First Year & Transfer Orientation

Students standing together in front of the saint mary's college chapel

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.

Register for Orientation

Date	Time	Description
January 31, 2026	9am - 4pm	Mid-Year Orientation for new and transfer students for Spring 2026

Schedule of Events

New Student Orientation Schedule of Sessions

Our January 31, 2026 Orientation schedule is being finalized. Take a look below for a sample schedule.

STUDENT PROGRAM
8:30am	Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins \| Check-In at Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, enjoy breakfast refreshments and explore some of the resources that SMC has to offer as your first step to beginning your Saint Mary’s adventure.
9:00am	Opening the Doors to SMC \| Discover Saint Mary's mission and values, and understand what it means to be part of our supportive community.
9:25am	Rooted in Mission, Committed to your Experience \| Learn from alumni and current students about what it means to join the SMC community, including academic life, traditions, and campus culture.
10:10am	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.
11:00am	Tap, Swipe, Thrive: Life Hacks for Campus Living \| Explore various hacks from living on campus, finding your people, taking care of yourselves and what resources are at your fingertips.
11:45am	Creating Your Academic Path: Interests, Schedules, and Opportunities \| Your introduction to the SMC Academic Experience, how to curate your own schedule, and explore opportunities for enrichment and academic success.
12:00pm	Academic Building Blocks: Majors, Minors & More \| Explore academic programs and opportunities at SMC with a particular focus on first-year courses and academic experiences.
12:00pm	Students enjoy Lunch in Oliver Hall (on-campus cafeteria)
1:00pm	Enriching your Academic Experience \| Explore opportunities for Jan Term and Study Abroad, engaged learning, leadership, on-campus work, research, internships, professional and graduate school pathways, and career readiness.
1:30pm	Enriching your On Campus Knowledge \| After a day of learning and exploring, reconnect with your Orientation Leaders and ask them anything about their day-to-day to help you prepare for your time as a Gael!
2:30pm	Closing: Choose Your Own Adventure \| Reconnect with your guests and explore what both on-campus and off- campus has to offer: Campus Department Visits \| Most, if not all campus departments are open until 4:30pm today for you to visit and take care of anything you might need. Cool Off at the 1928 Pub \| Visit the pub to enjoy a selection of smoothies, boba and food options for purchase between 3-7PM.

Guest Orientation Schedule of Sessions

Our January 31, 2026 Orientation schedule is being finalized. Take a look below for a sample schedule.

GUEST PROGRAM
8:30am	Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins \| Check-In at Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, enjoy breakfast refreshments and explore some of the resources that SMC has to offer as your first step to beginning your Saint Mary’s adventure.
9:00am	Opening the Doors to SMC \| Discover Saint Mary's mission and values, and understand what it means to be part of our supportive community.
9:30am	Rooted in Mission, Committed to your Experience \| Learn from alumni and current students about what it means to join the SMC community, including academic life, traditions, and campus culture.
10:30am	Family Matters: Guiding without Hovering \| Learn practical ways to support your student’s independence while staying connected.
11:45am	Breakout Session I: Choose Your Adventure
	Helping your Student Thrive Academically \| Gain insight into academic advising, course planning, and tips to help your student succeed.
	Funding the Future \| Understand financial aid, payment deadlines, and key financial resources for your student’s journey.
	From Gael to Graduate: Career-Ready Paths \| Explore how the Career Center supports your student from their first year to life after graduation.
12:30pm	Lunch & Mingle with current students & staff
1:30pm	Breakout Session II: Choose Your Adventure
	Signature Academic Programs: Core Curriculum & Global Gaels \| Explore signature academic programs: core curriculum & global gaels and how it supports their student.
	Thriving @ SMC: Wellness, Belonging, and Engagement \| Understand how campus departments under Student Life supports your students to thrive while at SMC.
	Giving Your Gael a Financial Advantage: On-Campus Financial Support \| Learn ways the University Credit Union provides guidance and support for students and families regarding financial literacy and more!
2:15pm	Closing: Choose Your Own Adventure \| Reconnect with your guests and explore what both on-campus and off- campus has to offer: Campus Department Visits \| Most, if not all campus departments are open until 4:30pm today for you to visit and take care of anything you might need. Cool Off at the 1928 Pub \| Visit the pub to enjoy a selection of smoothies, boba and food options for purchase between 3-7PM.

International Student Additional Orientation Session

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

Get Involved

Saint Mary's has more than 50 student organizations and Campus Recreation offers a variety of fitness classes and intramurals. You can learn more about ways to get involved at the Spring Involvement Fair on Friday, February 13, 1-3pm.

Students studying together in the library

Take Advantage Of Your Resources

A plethora of programs and services are available to support your transition, including your Success Coach and Academic Advisor, as well as campus departments such as the Career and Professional Development and Student Involvement and Leadership.

Spend Time On Campus

You can feel connected to the campus community by hanging out in the Quad, grabbing a cup of coffee at the Coffee Shop or enjoying some food and drinks at the 1928 Pub.

Contact Us

New Student & Family Programs
1928 St. Mary's Road, PMB 4238
Moraga, CA 94575

Call at: (925) 631-4647

orientation@stmarys-ca.edu