Orientation

WELCOME

Welcome Weekend, New Student Days and Orientation are all events targeted to first time St. Mary's College of Maryland students (both first-year students and transfer students). The mission of St. Mary's College of Maryland Orientation Program is to "strive to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to the growth of the student as an individual as well as a member of the SMCM community. By setting the tone of the culture of St. Mary's we will ease the transition for new students and help them establish a sense of belonging.

Our orientation program is a multi-faceted program that seeks to aid our students in their transition to the College and make their first experience here both productive and memorable. Below is a description that will help you understand the structure of Orientation at SMCM.

Welcome Weekend: Before classes begin in January, Welcome Weekend offers a mini-orientation to students beginning their St. Mary's College of Maryland journey mid-year. Academic advising, social events and information about the college is offered to students with special information for families and guests as well. This weekend is designed especially for transfer students as they are a majority of students enrolling in January.

New Student Days: Mid-July affords new students the opportunity to come to campus following their final decision. Approximately 100 new students and their families attend each day of the week-long event. Activities during New Student Days include: academic advising and registration, student and staff panels, and residence hall tours.

Orientation: New-Student Orientation takes place four days prior to the start of the semester in August. Students move in the Thursday before classes begin and engage in a variety of academic and social programming to help them in their transition into the college community. Our team of 70 Orientation Leaders work tirelessly to give students the information and support they need to make the transition through group meetings and individual attention.