Guest & Families Orientation

Welcome to Saint Mary's College!
We are excited to welcome you to the Gael family! We’re here to support you and your student and provide you with resources to ensure your students success at Saint Mary’s College. Your students college experience starts with New Student Orientation, an essential introduction to life at SMC that provides you and your student with the resources you need for success.
At orientation, your student will connect with new classmates and friends, learn about the support services available, and explore the many opportunities to get involved on campus. We can’t wait to see what your student will achieve. Go Gaels!
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 |
Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 9am- 4pm | |
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 9am- 4pm | Simultaneous Spanish interpretation for parents and families. |
Saturday, June 29, 2024 | 9am- 4pm | |
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 9am- 4pm |
See also: Transfer Student Orientation Program | First-Year Student Orientation
Schedule of Events
GUEST PROGRAM | |
8:30am | Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins | Check-In at Soda Center plaza, 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 |
1:15pm | Thriving @ SMC: Wellness, Belonging, and Engagement | Understand how campus departments under Student Life supports your students to thrive while at SMC. |
2:15pm | 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. | |
Partnering with Your Gael: Support Without Stepping In | A continuation of the morning's session, hear from support staff about how families can supplement their student's navigation of transitioning into a college setting. | |
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! | |
3:30pm | Celebrating New Beginnings | Reconnect with your students, reflect on the day and leave Orientation with more resources to prepare for Fall 2025. |
3:45 PM | See Your Future Home | Enjoy a tour of the various residence halls that your student can self-select during their first year on campus. |
Cool Off at the Pub | Can't get enough of the day, but want to cool off? Visit the pub to enjoy a selection of smoothies, boba and food options for purchase! |
Tips for Success
Contact Us
New Student & Family Programs
1928 St. Mary's Road, PMB 4238
Moraga, CA 94575
Call at: (925) 631-4647