First Year & Transfer Orientation
Welcome to Saint Mary's College!
We are excited to welcome you to the Gael family! We’re here to support you and provide you with resources to ensure your success at Saint Mary’s College. Your college experience starts with New Student Orientation, an essential introduction to life at SMC that provides you with the resources you need for success.
At orientation, you’ll connect with new classmates and friends, learn about the support services available to you, and explore the many opportunities to get involved on campus. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve. Go Gaels!
Register for Orientation
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 |
| January 31, 2026 | 9am - 4pm | Mid-Year Orientation for new and transfer students for Spring 2026 |
Schedule of Events
Our January 31, 2026 Orientation schedule is being finalized. Take a look below for a sample schedule.
| STUDENT PROGRAM | |
| 8:30am | Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins | Check-In at Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, 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. |
| 9:25am | 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. |
| 10:10am | Belonging Begins Here: Building Your Gael Circle | Connect with fellow students in small groups, facilitated by Orientation Leaders, to start building your community on campus. |
| 11:00am | Tap, Swipe, Thrive: Life Hacks for Campus Living | Explore various hacks from living on campus, finding your people, taking care of yourselves and what resources are at your fingertips. |
| 11:45am | Creating Your Academic Path: Interests, Schedules, and Opportunities | Your introduction to the SMC Academic Experience, how to curate your own schedule, and explore opportunities for enrichment and academic success. |
12:00pm | Academic Building Blocks: Majors, Minors & More | Explore academic programs and opportunities at SMC with a particular focus on first-year courses and academic experiences. |
| Students enjoy Lunch in Oliver Hall (on-campus cafeteria) | |
| 1:00pm | Enriching your Academic Experience | Explore opportunities for Jan Term and Study Abroad, engaged learning, leadership, on-campus work, research, internships, professional and graduate school pathways, and career readiness. |
| 1:30pm | Enriching your On Campus Knowledge | After a day of learning and exploring, reconnect with your Orientation Leaders and ask them anything about their day-to-day to help you prepare for your time as a Gael! |
| 2:30pm | Closing: Choose Your Own Adventure | Reconnect with your guests and explore what both on-campus and off- campus has to offer:
|
Our January 31, 2026 Orientation schedule is being finalized. Take a look below for a sample schedule.
| GUEST PROGRAM | |
| 8:30am | Start Here: Your SMC Adventure Begins | Check-In at Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center, 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 & staff |
1:30pm | 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. | |
| Thriving @ SMC: Wellness, Belonging, and Engagement | Understand how campus departments under Student Life supports your students to thrive while at SMC. | |
| 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! | |
| 2:15pm | Closing: Choose Your Own Adventure | Reconnect with your guests and explore what both on-campus and off- campus has to offer:
|
In addition to attending New Student Orientation, all international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. Workshops offered during this special orientation will assist with your transition to new surroundings and a new culture.
Through interactive workshops and presentations, you will be introduced to concepts of intercultural communication and immigration concepts to build a strong foundation to help you settle into your new life at Saint Mary’s. During orientation, you will be involved in activities to help you learn about life as an international student at Saint Mary's. You'll also learn about the F-1 student visa, how to maintain your status, as well as how to work in the US.
For more information regarding International Student Orientation, visit the Center for International Programs.
Tips for Success
Contact Us
New Student & Family Programs
1928 St. Mary's Road, PMB 4238
Moraga, CA 94575
Call at: (925) 631-4647