Guest & Families 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 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.

Register for Orientation

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

Schedule of Events

Guest & Families Orientation Sessions

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.
3:45 PM	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

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 Fall Involvement Fair on Wednesday, August 30, 12-2pm.

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.

Students in a cafe on Saint Mary's College Campus talking

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