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Students cheering wearing shirts that say Weekend of Welcome
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Students cheering at Saint Mary's College wearing Weekend of Welcome Shirts
Weekend of Welcome
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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 new 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, make new friends, and become part of the campus community. We can't wait to share this memorable weekend with you!

Please note that all first-year students are expected to attend all events during Weekend of Welcome, unless explicitly noted otherwise. 

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 DayGroupTime
Tuesday, August 19Students attending orientation Wednesday, August 20Last Name A-L:  1–2 p.m. / Last Name M-Z:  2–3 p.m.
Thursday, August 21Students who attended orientation in JuneLast Name A-L:  9–11 a.m. / Last Name M-Z:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
 

 

2025 Schedule (*Subject to Change)

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.

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Vendor Fair & Coffee Cart on Dante/Library Quad

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

  • Relax & Unwind, Ferroggiaro Quad;
  • Student Life Meet & Greet with University Credit Union, Dryden Hall;
  • Honors Student Kick Off Event, LeFevre Theater 

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Welcome Liturgy Hosted by the Mission & Ministry Center, Chapel

4:30-7:00 p.m. - Farewell BBQ, Chapel Lawn

6:15 p.m. - Gael Welcome Walk (All new students meet at flagpole on Chapel Lawn at 6pm) 

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 - 'Throwdown,' Rec Center 

9:00 p.m. - Late Night, Oliver Hall

*Specific information will be emailed on move-in day*

7:30-9:00 a.m. - Breakfast with your WoW Group, Oliver Hall

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Introduction to Gael Living & Living in Community 

  • First Hall Meetings (Residential Staff)
  • Community Standards & Expectations (Dean of Students/Community Life)
  • Learning Edges & Living in Community (Intercultural Center)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch with Your Academic Advisor and First Year Advising Cohort

1:00 - 2:30 p.m - First Year Advising Cohort Meeting, Various Classrooms

2:30-3:30 p.m. - Library Quest:  NYT Games Edition

3:30 p.m. - Yes! Yes! Yes! with Jeff Bucholz, LeFevre Theater 

  • Title IX Resources

5:30-7:00 p.m. - Dinner, 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

*Specific information will be emailed on move-in day*

 

9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Brunch Available, Oliver Hall

  • Mini Involvement Fair for New Students, Dryden Hall 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Transfer Student Move-In, Residence Halls

11:00 a.m. - Start Your Adventure:

  • Well Gael Tour: Augustine Ground Floor Corridor
  • Find Your Classes before the First Day!
  • The Advising Office - Office Hours [10AM-12PM]

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Pool Party hosted by Campus Recreation, Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Crafternoons at the Library

4:30 p.m. - Paint the SMC, Meet on De La Salle Lawn

5:00 -7:00 p.m. - Dinner, Oliver Hall

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Associated Students Desserts & Games, 1928 Pub

8:00 p.m.- Residence Hall Association (RHA) Soiree, Ferroggiaro Quad 

9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Brunch Available, Oliver Hall

10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - RHA's MarioKart Tournament, 1928 Pub 

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Local Trips Using Public Transportation, Sign Up for these throughout WoW

  • Farmer's Market
  • Walnut Creek
  • Lafayette Reservoir
  • Shopping in Rheem

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Adventure SMC (on-campus), including Hike to Cross

5:00-7:00 p.m. - Welcome Back BBQ, De La Salle Lawn

8:00 p.m. - Alpha Mass, SMC Chapel

WOW Students

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. 

Apply to be a WoWie