First-Year Student 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 |
| Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 9am- 4pm | |
| Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 9am- 4pm | Simultaneous Spanish interpretation for parents and families. |
| Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 9am- 4pm | |
| Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 9am- 4pm |
See also: Transfer Student Orientation Program | Guests and Families
Schedule of Events
| Time | Event |
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in Resources Fair, Coffee/Tea |
9:00-9:20 a.m. | Welcome |
| 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. | Saint Mary’s Academic Opportunities |
| 10:00 - 10:10 a.m. | Orientation Leader Welcome |
10:15-10:35 a.m. | Gaels with Gaels |
10:15-11:30 a.m. | Special Academic Programs, Resources and Support |
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Academic Discovery |
| 1:00-1:30 p.m. | Pre Enrollment Questionnaire (PEQ) Completion |
| 1:45-2:45 p.m. | Student Life at SMC |
| 3:15-3:45 p.m. | Financing Your Future |
| 3:45 p.m. | Wrap Up |
| 4:00 p.m. | Optional Programs: Residence Hall Tour Center for Writing Across the Curriculum Open House High Potential Program Reception* Honors Kick Off* *Invitation Only |
See also: Guest and Families Schedule of Events
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