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COVID-19 Information and Resources

First Year - Orientation

Orientation is the foundation for your experience at Saint Mary's College!

President Donahue Welcomes the Class of 2024

Welcome to First Year Virtual Orientation

We will be offering a series of webinars during the week of June 22-26, 2020. During these sessions, you will get the opportunity to hear about important academic information, resources for student success, and learn about campus services and programs. You'll also get a chance to meet your Student Orientation Leaders! We're dedicated to providing new students with a welcoming, informative and incredibly fun Virtual Orientation. We are all thrilled to welcome you as you begin your Gael journey.

President James Donahue welcomes you to campus with the following message.

Register for Orientation

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What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

VIRTUAL ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

Monday, June 22

Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS) & High Potential/TRIO Student Support Services

10 AM - 11 AM | Welcome!

Welcome to Saint Mary's College of California! Begin your college journey with an introduction to our institution, tips for academic and social engagement, and an overview of the many programs and services that will be reviewed during your Orientation experience.

1 - 2:30 PM | Meet YOUR Success Coaching Team!

Success Coaching is one of the hallmark services offered to you as a Saint Mary's College of California student. Join this session to meet our Success Coaching team and learn more about our program! Additionally, you'll be given the opportunity to complete the College Student Inventory, a non-cognitive skills assessment. Each student will receive a report that offers a personalized roadmap to maximize your success during your first year.

Tuesday, June 23

Academic Affairs

10AM - 11:30AM | Introduction to Academics

Join us to learn about Saint Mary’s curriculum offerings: gain an understanding of the College’s signature core curriculum and become familiar with academic programs that require special planning, including the Integral Program (4-year Great Books curriculum), School of Science programs, and our Teaching Certification programs.

1PM - 2:30PM | Academic Discovery Fair

Experience the range of educational opportunities at Saint Mary’s by meeting with faculty members from various academic programs. Learn more about the exciting opportunities that await you as you explore potential majors, minors, and courses.

School of Economics and Business Administration (SEBA)

School of Liberal Arts (SOLA)

Anthropology
Art & Art History
Classical Languages
Communication
English
Ethnic Studies
Global and Regional Studies
History
Integral
Justice, Community, and Leadership:
- Education Specialist
- Multiple Subject
- Single Subject
Kinesiology
Performing Arts: Dance, Music, and Theatre
Philosophy
Politics
Sociology
Theology and Religious Studies
Women’s and Gender Studies
World Languages and Cultures
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
- Spanish

School of Science

2:30PM -3:15PM |Virtual Advising: Your Fall Course Schedule

Learn all about the "Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire," which you will use to share your interests and preferences for your Fall 2020 class schedule. Get your questions answered, get advice, and get help completing your questionnaire.

Wednesday, June 24

Health and Wellness

10AM - 11AM | Be Well to Learn Well in the time of COVID-19

Feeling balanced and well particularly during times of high stress is essential to academic success. Join this session to learn more about compassionate and confidential care provided by the Health and Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Assault, Response and Education. Gain a better understanding of campus Wellness resources. Get tips on ways students can prepare to come to campus and to stay physically, emotionally, and interpersonally well during COVID-19. Learn how these essential services have prepared to offer safe and high quality care via telehealth as needed or in-person per allowable health guidelines.

1PM- 2PM | Look Who’s Coming to College?

While your student is adjusting to life in college, you’ll be spending the coming year learning how to effectively parent a college student. This session will give you a jumpstart by offering common college scenarios and tips to support you and your student during this important transitional time.

3PM- 4PM | Gaels Staying Well

Wellness is more than being free from illness. It is an active process to become aware of and make positive choices towards holistic health and a fulfilling lifestyle. This workshop focuses on multiple dimensions of wellness – academic, social, mental, spiritual, and physical. Students discuss how they can promote the wellness of themselves and those around them during their time at Saint Mary’s, and engage with campus resources.

Thursday, June 25

Living on Campus

10AM |The Gael Way - Your Home Away From Home: Learning the Nuts and Bolts

Have you ever wondered what size sheets you need to bring, or how on room selection day you will pick the room that you will reside in, or how will you get enough chicken tenders to fill your appetite? During this session attendees will be able to learn about the Nuts and bolts of living on campus. Everything from residence hall information, rates, room selection to dining on campus.

1PM | The Gael Way - Getting Connected and Involved

Wondering how you will get connected and fill those free hours outside of the classroom and homework while in Moraga? This session you will learn about the staff in the residence halls that are there to assist you, such as your RA or RD/RM. You will also find out about student leadership opportunities and student organizations such as the Residence Hall Association (RHA), Associated Students (AS) and Campus Activities Board (CAB). Make the most of your time at SMC and learn to Get Involved from the Beginning

3PM |The Gael Way - Campus Safety and Services

How in the world will you get your Amazon Packages or a letter from your family? What about bringing a car to campus or not? Being safe on campus and understanding the different services available to you as a student is important. During this session we will explore the areas of campus safety, services and other amenities for living on campus to be aware of.

Friday, June 26

Financial Aid

10AM- Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid and the Business Office will assist participants in exploring financial aid opportunities as well as the Saint Mary’s billing process and payment options.

12PM-1PM Orientation Wrap-Up

Join Jennifer Herzog, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of New Student & Family Programs, and Jim Sciuto, Associate Dean of Students, for a final orientation wrap-up session and an open forum to ask any remaining questions!

Spanish Virtual Sessions

Miércoles, Junio 24 | 4-5:30PM - ¡Bienvenidos a la Universidad!

Sábado, Junio 27 | 1-2:30PM | Financiar Los Cuatro Años

https://stmarys-ca.zoom.us/j/97400762375

RECORDED ORIENTATION SESSIONS & RESOURCES

seas coach and student

Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS) & High Potential/TRIO Program

Find Recorded Virtual Sessions from SEAS & High Potential/TRIO Program, download the presentations, and other relevant resources

professor teaches students in open classroom

Academic Affairs

Find Recorded Virtual Sessions from Academic Affairs, download the presentations, and other relevant resources.

health and wellness center

Health and Wellness

Find Recorded Virtual Sessions from Health and Wellness, download the presentations, and other relevant resources.

students socializing on campus

Living on Campus

Find Recorded Virtual Sessions from Living on Campus, download the presentations, and other relevant resources.

financial aid team

Financial Aid

Find Recorded Virtual Sessions from Financial Aid, download the presentations, and other relevant resources.

Saint Mary's Magazine Fall 2017

Welcome to SMC Gaels!

The Brothers welcome you to Saint Mary's Campus and look forward to meeting you in person soon!