Welcome Home, Gaels!
Welcome to Saint Mary's College of California's Weekend of Welcome! We're so excited to have you join us for our biggest event of the year. From August 21-24, you'll dive into a mix of exciting activities designed to help you meet your fellow Gaels and feel right at home. Whether it's painting the SMC sign, showing off your backflip skills at the pool party, or watching a home game, Weekend of Welcome is the perfect way to kick off your Saint Mary's journey and make new friends. We can't wait to share this memorable weekend with you!
Move-In Schedule
We are excited to welcome you to campus for Move-in Day! When you arrive on-campus, you will be directed to a Campus Housing station where you will receive your keys, student ID, and other important information. You will be directed to your dorm, where student ambassadors will help with unloading your vehicle.
| Move-In Day | Group | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, August 20 | Students attending orientation Wednesday, August 21 | Last Name A-L: 1–2 p.m. / Last Name M-Z: 2–3 p.m. |
| Thursday, August 22 | Students who attended orientation in June | Last Name A-L: 9–11 a.m. / Last Name M-Z: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
2025 Schedule coming soon! (See below for sample schedule from 2024)
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - First Year Student Move-In, Residence Halls
- Last Name A-L: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Last Name M-Z: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - First Generation Informational Social Gathering, Student Success Offices, Filippi Administrative Building
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Relax & Unwind, Ferroggiaro Quad
3:00 - 4:15 p.m. - Student Life Meet & Greet with University Credit Union, 1928 Pub and Dryden Hall
4:30 p.m. - Welcome Liturgy Hosted by the Mission & Ministry Center, Soda Center
5:00 p.m. - Men's Soccer v. Kansas City, SMC Stadium
5:30-7:00 p.m. - Farewell BBQ, Chapel Lawn
7:00 p.m. - Meet Your Weekend of Welcome Leader and Hall Socials* / Families will be asked to depart campus at this time.
8:00 p.m. - First Year Welcome Event, Soda Center
9:00 p.m. - Late Night, Oliver Hall
*Check your specific information located on your residence hall door
8:30-9:45 a.m. - Breakfast with your WoW Group, Oliver Hall
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Introduction to Gael Living
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Lunch with Your Academic Advisor and First Year Advising Cohort
1:00 p.m - First Year Advising Cohort Meeting, Various Classrooms*
2:30-4:00 p.m. - Library Quest: NYT Games Edition
4:15 p.m. - Yes! Yes! Yes! with Jeff Bucholz, Soda Center
5-7:00 p.m. - Dinner Available, Oliver Hall
7:00 p.m. - Ice Cream with President Thompson and Ms. Debbie, Siena Hall
8:00 p.m. - WoW Movie Night, De La Salle Lawn, Hagerty Lounge and Dryden Hall
*Check your specific information located on your residence hall door
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Brunch Available, Oliver Hall
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Transfer Student Move-In, Residence Halls
10:00 a.m. - WoW Scavenger Hunt, Various Locations
12:00 p.m. - Transfer Student Welcome, Commuter Lounge, De La Salle Lawn
12:30-2:00 p.m. - Lunch Available, Oliver Hall
1:00-4:00 p.m. - Campus Recreation Pool Party, Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Crafternoon at the Library
4:30 p.m. - Paint the SMC, Meet on De La Salle Lawn
5:00 -8:00 p.m. - Dinner Available, Oliver Hall
8:00 p.m.- Residence Hall Association (RHA) Soiree, De La Salle Lawn
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Brunch Available, Oliver Hall
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Bay Area Trips, Sign Up for these throughout WoW
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. - Adventure SMC
12:30-2:00 p.m. - Lunch Available, Oliver Hall
5:00 p.m. - Men's Soccer v. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, SMC Stadium
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Welcome Back BBQ, De La Salle Lawn
8:00 p.m. - Alpha Mass, SMC Chapel
Weekend of Welcome
Your guides for Weekend of Welcome are Student Leaders (WoWies), who will answer your questions, give advice and show you around!
After move-in day, you, as a new student, get to take part in Weekend of Welcome—you'll participate in activities that focus on coursework, programs that complement the curriculum, and activities that will help you get acquainted with your new home.
Move-in Day
