Together: We Are Saint Mary's
Welcome home, Cardinal! We’re excited to introduce you to the Saint Mary’s community.
New Student Orientation is a significant part of preparing incoming students at Saint Mary’s. New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR) is a collaborative effort across campus to prepare students for their arrival. The NSOR program at Saint Mary’s is all-encompassing, including academic preparation, student experiences, and individual social development.
New Student Experience and Registration
All incoming students are required to participate in New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR), including first-time freshmen, transfer students, re-admitted students, international students, and student-athletes.
During NSOR, students and their families spend a day learning what to expect at Saint Mary’s, preparing for the start of the academic year, and registering for fall classes.
NSOR Dates for 2026
- Monday, June 15 – 3+2 PA and Nursing only
- Tuesday, June 16 – 3+2 PA and Nursing virtual only
- Wednesday, June 17 – In person
- Thursday, June 18 – In person
- Friday, June 19 – Virtual
- Saturday, June 20 – In person
- Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Virtual
Note: Students who live more than 200 miles from the Winona Campus should contact their Admissions Counselor to discuss virtual orientation options.
More Information
Students and their families can sign-up for the NSOR date that best fits their schedule. After depositing, students will receive an email with instructions on how to sign-up for their preferred date. Students are able to bring up to 2 parents or family members along to NSOR and must indicate their guests during sign-up.
Please contact nsor1@smumn.edu if you have any concerns about registering for New Student Orientation and Registration (NSOR).
As we welcome new students into the campus community, the following goals and learning outcomes are the foundation of our programming efforts for New Student Orientation and Registration events:
- Foster and develop a sense of belonging amongst the incoming students.
- Integrate new students into Saint Mary’s academic community by:
- Introducing students to Saint Mary’s general education program, Integratus.
- Teaching students how to navigate academic systems, such as the student portal, current course catalog, Canvas, and their SMUMN email.
- Collaboratively building the students’ first semester schedule, and completing registration.
- Introduce students to the Saint Mary’s social and support community, including student affairs programming and academic support resources.
Students should bring their laptops and a great attitude! This will be the first time you meet your new peers, staff, and faculty at Saint Mary’s. During the day, you will learn more about Saint Mary’s, register for your first semester of classes, and the complete necessary training for your first year. Lunch will be provided for all students.
Parents, Families, and Guests do not need to bring anything. Most of the programming will occur indoors in fully air-conditioned classrooms, but please be ready to walk around campus during the day. Lunch will be provided to all registered guests and the bookstore will be open to stock up on your favorite Cardinal gear!
Move-in and Welcome Weekend
New Student Move-In Day: Thursday, Aug. 27
Welcome Weekend: Friday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 30
All new students will participate in Welcome Weekend before starting classes in the fall. Welcome Weekend is a four-day event beginning with move-in that combines social events, federally mandated training, and academic preparation into one weekend!
New students have the opportunity to meet new people and prepare for the academic semester ahead, all while building connections in their new home. Learn more about living on campus here.
Connect With Us

Tricia Dobrient, M.Ed.
Senior Director- Student Success Center
Office: Griffin Hall 70L
Phone: 507-457-1406
Email: tdobrien@smumn.edu

Katie Pierpont
Coordinator of New Student Experience
Phone: 507-457-7827
Email: cpierpon@smumn.edu