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
8:30-9:00 a.m. – Check-in
Performance Center
We’re glad you’re here! Use this time to check things off your to-do list, including:
- Meet your orientation leader
- Learn about what’s available at the bookstore
- Chat with a member of the Spanish faculty by the check-in table to determine placement
9:00-9:20 a.m. – Welcome
Performance Center
Get an overview of the day.
9:30 a.m.-3:00 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.
Families stay with students until 9:20 a.m.
9:20-9:45 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.-12:20 p.m. – While your student is registering and getting connected to campus, select from the following morning sessions:
Access Services Overview: Support for Students with Disabilities
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.Cardinal Central: Service, Money and More
Cardinal Central staff can help you and your student find answers to questions about billing, payments, financial aid, and campus work opportunities. If your student isn't sure where to start, we're happy to be the first stop and a friendly face as they learn to navigate the resources Saint Mary's has to offer.Student Health Q & A
This drop-in session gives parents an opportunity to ask the Wellness Center staff questions about student/college health.Financial Literacy
When students run short on funds, it's tempting to take out an additional loan. Instead of borrowing as a first option, learn ways students can develop good financial habits, connect to resources for financial health and literacy, and avoid the panic.Student Loan Repayment Plans
Many students utilize Federal Direct Loans to help pay educational costs, but few are aware of the varying payment plans they may qualify for after graduating. Gain knowledge on the different options, as well as strategies and options to consider from the time the very first disbursement of loan is made.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
Toner Student Center, Dining Room
1:05 - 3:00 p.m. – While your student is registering and getting connected to campus, select from the following afternoon sessions:
The Library and Student Success
Did you know your student is assigned a Personal Librarian who he or she can contact anytime for research assistance via texting, chat, email, and phone? Or that the library has three floors and nearly 200,000 books, plus 90 online databases? Learn about the programs and features that make the library an outstanding resource for your student.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.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.Food for For Thought: Using Campus Dining Resources to Promote Student Success
Health and well-being is connected to diet, but what kind of support will your student get while navigating food choices on campus? Learn about campus dining options, nutritional resources, and tips for managing special diets.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.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.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).