First Year | First Six

Monday, August 25

Dance Program Welcome Pizza Party 

New students interested in Dance are invited to our Dance Welcome Pizza Party on Aug. 25 at 6pm in LeFevre Theatre Lobby. Come hear about all the different types of dance you can do at SMC, even if you have no experience (including Baile Folklórico, Belly Dance, House/Dance Hall, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary Dance, West African Dance, and more!). Come meet Dance professors and returning Dance students. Also, find out about our auditions this week for the Fall Dance Concert. 

Please RSVP by 8/24 at https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/events/dance-program-welcome-event-0

Tuesday, August 26

Theatre Program Welcome Dinner

New students interested in Theatre are encouraged to come to our Theatre Program Welcome Dinner in LeFevre Theatre on Tues., Aug. 26, at 5:30-6:30pm. The faculty and staff are providing a potluck dinner. This is an opportunity to meet Theatre students and professors and ask questions about auditions for the fall play this week. 

Please RSVP by 8/24: https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/events/theatre-welcome-event

Wednesday, August 27

Music Program Welcome Event with Cookies! 

We are having a Music Program Welcome event for first year students to mingle with other first year musicians, meet some returning Music students and professors, and learn about the Music ensembles and auditions. Cookies will be provided! This event is in Art 105 (across from the Museum entrance) and goes from 5:10-6pm. 

To RSVP or  find out more info about the event https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/events/music-program-welcome-event

Welcome to the STEM Center

Stop by the Marie Curie STEM Center in Assumption Hall for pizza and snacks and to learn more about the helpful services we have to support students in science and math classes. Come find out about our tutoring services, our group study spaces, and our great collection of resources for students to borrow (textbooks, model kits, computers, tablets). Student Tutors will also answer questions and offer advice about how to succeed in STEM classes. All are welcome!

Math Skills Refresher Workshop | Algebra Skills

6:00-7:00 pm
Marie Curie STEM Center 
2nd Floor, Assumption Hall

Need to brush up on your math and problem solving skills? The STEM Center will be offering Math Skills Refresher workshops to help you prepare for classes this Fall. The workshops are designed to help you understand the different math concepts, visualize what they really mean, and solve example problems from a variety of fields. No prior experience is required. All are welcome!

Thursday, August 28

Math Skills Refresher Workshop | Ratios and Fractions

All events are 6:00-7:00 pm
Marie Curie STEM Center 
2nd Floor, Assumption Hall

Need to brush up on your math and problem solving skills? The STEM Center will be offering Math Skills Refresher workshops to help you prepare for classes this Fall. The workshops are designed to help you understand the different math concepts, visualize what they really mean, and solve example problems from a variety of fields. No prior experience is required. All are welcome!

Friday, August 29

No events scheduled. 

Monday, September 1

No events scheduled. 

Tuesday, September 2

No events scheduled.

Wednesday, September 3

No events scheduled. 

Thursday, September 4

Crafternoon: Bling Your Bag - Keychain Charms

Join us for the first Crafternoon of the year! Every Thursday at 3:30-4:30, come gather in the library and work on a craft with other maker types.  This week, bling your bag by making a homemade bead keychain. 

Friday, September 5

No events scheduled. 

Sunday, September 7

No events scheduled. 

Monday, September 8

No events scheduled. 

Tuesday, September 9

No events scheduled. 

Wednesday, September 10

How to Study for STEM Exams

Your first exams in your STEM classes are just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to come practice study and exam-taking skills with your STEM Center tutors and staff! Come enjoy pizza and snacks and make a plan to approach your exams with confidence.

Study Abroad Fair | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Dante Quad

Visit the Study Abroad Fair to learn about all of the exciting international opportunities available to you this year. All Jan Term Travel programs will be there to share important information about itineraries, requirements, and registration processes. Also, come talk to students that have spent a semester or academic year abroad and learn how they utilized their financial aid, stayed on track to graduate, and traveled extensively during their time abroad.

Yoga Flow with Maria | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Recreation Center

Join in for this fun yet challenging Power Vinyasa practice.  This practice is drafted to embody the flow state of yoga, designed to focus, energize, empower, open your heart to set your mind free. Be ready to move, breathe, frolic and sweat.  Feel free to alter as you see fit. 

Thursday, September 11

9/11 Stair Climb | 8:46 AM | Stadium

On Thursday,  September 11th, all are invited to participate in the 9/11 Stair Climb at 8:46 AM in the Stadium, with opportunities to complete the climb throughout the day, including on the stair climbers at the Rec Center.

The 9/11 Stair Climb is a powerful way to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. The climb represents the 2,200 steps taken by first responders as they made their way up the Twin Towers, showing unimaginable courage and sacrifice. By taking on this challenge, we not only pay tribute to their bravery but also unite as a campus in remembrance and reflection.

Crafternoon: String Art

Join the weekly Crafternoon crew in the Library for a twist of fun and creativity. Come make your own colorful string art masterpiece on Thursday, September 11, from 3:30-4:30. Supplies are provided. 

Decompresssion with Expression | 5:45 - 7:45 PM | Intercultural Center

Join us for a relaxing evening of coloring, games, connections and more! We will have pizza, popcorn, and other snacks. All are welcome! 

Friday, September 12

SMC Weekends | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Dante Quad

Looking to get chill and connect at the start of the weekend? Come chill with us at SMC Weekends, a laid-back night of food, music, and connection! Meet members of Club Sports and Gael Force, learn how you can join the action, and find your fit in the SMC community. Enjoy tasty eats from the Halal Bites food truck, hang out with friends, and discover new ways to get engaged at Saint Mary’s. Come for the fun, stay for the chills and maybe a new community!

Saturday, September 13

No events scheduled. 

Sunday, September 14

First Year Olympics | 1:00 PM | Recreation Center

Each year the Campus Recreation Department holds the First Year Olympics. This event promotes residence hall involvement and pride. Each of the first-year halls compete in a variety of sports, games, and activities to be crowned the champions. This tradition of competition dates back to 2004 and creates camaraderie through rivalry.

Student Led Liturgy | 8:00 PM | Chapel 

Join us on Sunday evenings at 8pm for our Student–Led Liturgy in the Saint Mary's College Chapel. If you would like to be involved in liturgy, please reach out to Fr. Kwame, bka3@stmarys-ca.edu.

Monday, September 15

Career Center Drop In Hours | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Library

Quick Career Help (NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED)

• Resume & Cover Letter Reviews
• Job & Internship Search
• Interview Prep

You, Me, and We: Leading with Respect for Ourselves and Others - How we Build Safe and Brave Spaces

1:30 - 3:00 PM | Library 

All students, especially those who identify as student leaders/club leaders, are invited to join us in digging into concepts of safe spaces, brave spaces, and holding ourselves and each other accountable to these spaces.

Tuesday, September 16

No events scheduled. 

Wednesday, September 17

Pet Therapy During the WellGael Fair | 11:30 - 1:30 PM | Dante Quad

Come meet Bart (the working ranch horse) and Joey (the therapy dog) at our next GaelWell Fair.  There will be a free BBQ along with arts & crafts, fun activities and much needed furry stress relief.  Join the fun and get connected to the spirit of SMC!

Yoga Flow with Maria | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Recreation Center

Join in for this fun yet challenging Power Vinyasa practice.  This practice is drafted to embody the flow state of yoga, designed to focus, energize, empower, open your heart to set your mind free. Be ready to move, breathe, frolic and sweat.  Feel free to alter as you see fit. 

Thursday, September 18

Crafternoon: Visible Mending | 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the Library & 8:00 - 9:00 PM in the STEM Center

Join the weekly Crafternoon crew in the Library for a visible mending workshop and give your clothes a creative second life! Turn rips into style statements on Thursday, September 18, from 3:30-4:30. Supplies and simple instructions are provided. 

If you miss the day event or want some more time, drop by the STEM Center later that day at 8pm for a special Crafter-dark continuation of the workshop. As always, you can also bring any other crafting or maker project you have and work on it in community with other crafters. All SMC students, faculty, and staff are welcome.

Friday, September 19

Mass of the Holy Spirit | 1:30 PM | Chapel

In keeping with a long tradition dating from the founding of European universities during the Middle Ages, Saint Mary's College celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are encouraged to join in this special liturgy to bless our entire community at the beginning of another academic year together. Grounded in our Lasallian Core Principles, especially our theme of "Respect for All Persons," this is a liturgy invoking the Holy Spirit to guide our learning, relationships, and actions throughout the Academic Year.

Saturday, September 20

Fall Camp Out | Mission & Ministry Center | Register Here

Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10:00 am - Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10:00 am

Kickoff the academic year, ground yourself in community, make new connections, and enjoy our scenic campus. Under the starlit sky and surrounded by lush redwood trees, enjoy classic campfire moments—think s’mores, games, meaningful conversations, and sleep under the stars. Participate in community-building activities designed to spark new friendships and deepen your sense of belonging. Whether you're looking to meet new people, reflect, or just take a breath, this is your space to pause and reset.

SMC Night at the Oakland Coliseum | 7:00 - 9:00 PM

You're invited to a special evening at the Oakland Coliseum, as the Oakland Roots FC take on Tulsa FC! This night is a fundraiser for Gael Force, the official spirit squad for Saint Mary's Gaels. More information and tickets can be found here. 

Sunday, September 21

Student Led Liturgy | 8:00 PM | Chapel 

Join us on Sunday evenings at 8pm for our Student–Led Liturgy in the Saint Mary's College Chapel. If you would like to be involved in liturgy, please reach out to Fr. Kwame, bka3@stmarys-ca.edu.

Monday, September 22

No events scheduled. 

Tuesday, September 23

Pilates Sculpt Fusion with Sam | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Recreation Center

Pilates Sculpt Fusion is a 60 minute barefoot class that blends Pilates with dumbbell drills, HIIT, yoga, and other fitness movements with a fun playlist that helps each student at any level become an overall stronger person both mentally as well as physically. Come with your mat, a water (towel is highly encouraged), and wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in. Let's go to work!

Wednesday, September 24

Yoga Flow with Maria | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Recreation Center

Join in for this fun yet challenging Power Vinyasa practice.  This practice is drafted to embody the flow state of yoga, designed to focus, energize, empower, open your heart to set your mind free. Be ready to move, breathe, frolic and sweat.  Feel free to alter as you see fit. 

Thursday, September 25

Crafternoon: Paper Marbling | 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the Library

Dive into a whirlpool of color and create stunning marbled art with just ink, water, and your imagination! Join the weekly Crafternoon crew in the Library for this extra special event, Thursday, September 25, from 3:30-4:30. Supplies are provided. 

Pilates Sculpt Fusion with Sam | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Recreation Center

Pilates Sculpt Fusion is a 60 minute barefoot class that blends Pilates with dumbbell drills, HIIT, yoga, and other fitness movements with a fun playlist that helps each student at any level become an overall stronger person both mentally as well as physically. Come with your mat, a water (towel is highly encouraged), and wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in. Let's go to work!

First-Year Connect and Dialogue | 8:00 PM | Locations Vary (talk with your RA)

The First-year Connect & Dialogue program is a collaborative initiative between the Offices of Residential Experience and the Intercultural Center designed to cultivate inclusive community, cultural awareness, and meaningful peer engagement among first-year residential students at Saint Mary’s College. Anchored in monthly, facilitated dialogue-based sessions, this program spans the Fall 2025 semester and invites students to explore identity, community, assumptions, and allyship within their living spaces.

Friday, September 26

Improvisational Collage Workshop | 12:00 PM | Museum of Art

Join the Museum of Art and the Intercultural Center for an afternoon of improvisational collaging. In this workshop we will explore cultural heritage via collaging using colors, found objects, and more. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, September 27

First Year Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Trip | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM | Register at the Recreation Center

SMC is headed to the beach! Join us for an all-day adventure to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. All you can eat BBQ and unlimited rides. Get a portrait done from a caricature artist, play arcade games, and more!

Music in the Galleries | 1:00 PM | Museum of Art

Join the Museum of Art for an hour of musical improvisation in the galleries - bring an instrument, your body, your poetry, etc. Be inspired by our fall exhibitions while listening and collaborating with others.

Sunday, September 28

Student Led Liturgy | 8:00 PM | Chapel 

Join us on Sunday evenings at 8pm for our Student–Led Liturgy in the Saint Mary's College Chapel. If you would like to be involved in liturgy, please reach out to Fr. Kwame, bka3@stmarys-ca.edu.

Monday, September 29

From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces (Seminar Enrichment Series) | 7:00 - 8:15 PM | Online

Learn how community agreements promote authentic discussion and critical dialogue about challenging Seminar texts. Exploring the notion of “brave spaces” [from Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces, by Arao & Clemens], the presenters offer tools for creating classrooms in which students and teachers grow together in the context of diversity-focused, social justice education.

Tuesday, September 30

Pilates Sculpt Fusion with Sam | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Recreation Center

Pilates Sculpt Fusion is a 60 minute barefoot class that blends Pilates with dumbbell drills, HIIT, yoga, and other fitness movements with a fun playlist that helps each student at any level become an overall stronger person both mentally as well as physically. Come with

Wednesday, October 1

Club Sports Kickoff Week 

Thursday, October 2

Residence Hall Association Blood Drive | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Soda Center | Sign up Here! 

Let's save lives together! Roll up a sleeve and help patients at the Saint Mary's College Blood Drive! 

Balancing Me-Work & We-Work | 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Center for Women & Gender Equity

Time management isn't just about managing time. It's about managing ourselves in relationship to others. Join this engaging workshop with Professor Alfonso Montero to learn more. It will be located in the Center for Women & Gender Equity on the ground floor of Augustine Hall following Coffee & Connection.

Crafternoon: Rock Painting | 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the Library 

Turn the ordinary into something special. For this week's Crafternoon, come paint a colorful little companion for yourself or the Library's rock garden. Join us on Thursday, October 2, from 3:30-4:30. Supplies are provided. 

Pilates Sculpt Fusion with Sam | 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Recreation Center

Pilates Sculpt Fusion is a 60 minute barefoot class that blends Pilates with dumbbell drills, HIIT, yoga, and other fitness movements with a fun playlist that helps each student at any level become an overall stronger person both mentally as well as physically. Come with your mat, a water (towel is highly encouraged), and wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in. Let's go to work!

Friday, October 3 

Fair Trade Friday | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Mission & Ministry Center

Please join us in the Mission and Ministry Center lounge on the first Friday of the month during Fall semester, 10am-12pm, for our Fair Trade Fridays. Learn what Fair Trade is, why it matters, and how it directly connects with our educational mission and Lasallian Catholic identity.

As always, we will be serving our usual Fair Trade Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate Samples. We hope to see you there! 

Feel Good Friday | 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Intercultural Center

A fun, themed social event held on the first Friday of each month for students to build community, have fun and decompress after a long week, featuring food, music, and activities. Hosted by the Intercultural Center, in collaboration with our Diversity Organization Council Clubs and the High Potential Program. 

Works-In-Progress Recital Series | 1:30 PM | Chapel

Join us for an afternoon of music with our Works In Progress recital series which includes performances from both vocalists and instrumentalists in the Music Program. More info will be available closer to the event. 

Family Weekend  | More information here! 

We are excited to invite you to Family Weekend at SMC, a special opportunity to visit campus, connect with your student, and experience life at Saint Mary's College of California firsthand. This year’s Family Weekend will take place from Friday, October 3-Sunday, October 5.  We have a great lineup of events, activities, and gatherings planned for you!  All events are free to attend except for The Towne soccer game on Sunday. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on campus throughout the weekend.

Saturday, October 4 

Family Weekend Continues 

We are excited to invite you to Family Weekend at SMC, a special opportunity to visit campus, connect with your student, and experience life at Saint Mary's College of California firsthand. This year’s Family Weekend will take place from Friday, October 3-Sunday, October 5.  We have a great lineup of events, activities, and gatherings planned for you!  All events are free to attend except for The Towne soccer game on Sunday. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on campus throughout the weekend.