Your Introduction to Life at Saint Mary’s
You're a Cardinal now! New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR) will help you understand what it means to be a Cardinal.
NSOR is your opportunity to be introduced to the many opportunities to get involved on campus and the many resources that will help you succeed at Saint Mary's.
What to Expect
New Student Orientation is held on our beautiful Winona Campus where students will get a chance to:
- Register for fall classes
- Learn about resources available to you as a Saint Mary’s student
- Recognize the college’s academic expectations
- Understand what it means to be a part of the Cardinal community
- Meet other new students, faculty, and staff who will soon know you by name
- Take optional placement/challenge exams
Families and Guests Welcome
Parents (and guests) are highly encouraged, though not required, to attend. Students and parents have separate New Student Orientation schedules, but some events are shared. New Student Orientation will give your family a first-hand experience of what life at Saint Mary’s is like, as well as the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and current students. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet other new students and their families.
For more information about New Student Orientation, please contact the Student Success Center at 1-800-635-5987, ext. 6994 or 507-457-6994.
8-9 a.m. – Writing or Math Placement Challenge Exam (optional)
Toner Student Center, Room 14
8:30-9:05 a.m. – Check-in
Toner Student Center
We’re glad you’re here! Use this time to check things off your to-do list, including:
- Meet your orientation leader
- Enjoy continental breakfast
- Learn about what’s available to you, like Study Abroad and the bookstore
- Chat with a member of the Spanish faculty by the check-in table to determine placement
9:10-9:30 a.m. – Welcome
Performance Center
Get an overview of the day.
9:35 a.m.-2:55 p.m. – Join your orientation group for rotations, including:
Connections
Work with your team to solve problems and puzzles while learning about Saint Mary’s and competing for prizes. You can also have your photo ID picture taken.Pre-advising
Hear what students have to say about their General Education experience, and learn what questions you should ask when you meet with your adviser.Academic Advising and Course Registration
Register for your first-semester courses with help from a faculty adviser.Lunch
Learn how to navigate the Toner Dining Room, meet Chartwells staff, and get advice about eating well on campus.Life as a Cardinal
Residence Life and Student Activities staff will introduce you to and answer questions about life as a Saint Mary’s Cardinal.
3-3:15 p.m. – Check-out
Toner Student Center
Pick up your copy of the common reading and your Saint Mary’s photo ID.
Parents stay with students until 9:30 a.m.
9:30-10:05 a.m. – Deans’ Welcome
Performance Center
Saint Mary’s has plans to help your student thrive! Learn about New Student Programming from our academic deans.
10:10 a.m.-2:55 p.m. – While your student is registering and getting connected to campus, select from the following sessions:
Access Services Overview
Access Services is a resource for students who have disabilities. Session topics include: differences between high school and college, support services, and technology supports.Cardinal Community
Learn more about student life and important policies and procedures.Parents’ Expectations
College is a significant transition in the parent-student dynamic. This session explores common student and parent concerns—and developing a plan to respond.Why a Common Reading?
Get an overview of the common reading. Learn how this experience will benefit your student and discover ways to support the program at home.Student Health Q & A
This drop-in session gives parents an opportunity to ask the Wellness Center staff questions about student/college health.Food for Thought: Using Campus Dining Resources to Promote Student Success
Health and well-being is connected to diet, but what kinds of support will your student get navigating food choices on campus? Learn about campus dining options, nutritional resources, and tips for managing special diets.Cardinal Central Q & A
This drop-in session gives parents an opportunity to ask questions about billing, payments, and campus work opportunities.Work/Life Balance for Athletes
Does your student plan to play intercollegiate sports at Saint Mary’s? Learn about the value in developing the whole learner, tools for balance, and access to support from teammates and coaches.College Today: Toolkit for Parents
Parents of new college students: Learn about overcoming challenges and resources available to help your student thrive in college.Bookstore Backstory
Books are a medium of learning and an educational investment, but the options can be overwhelming. Learn how to locate required books and about the services our campus bookstore provides.Get to Know Winona
Where can my student find ________ in Winona? How does the bus work? Ask questions about navigating the community, and we’ll help you track down answers.Dear New Student, I Miss You!
Drop in during the afternoon sessions and write letters to your student to receive during the first week of class (to be opened at key moments during the year).