Each July, we host four two-day orientation sessions for incoming first-year students and their families. Students will stay in a room in one of our residence halls on campus with another student; however, any guests accompanying the student will need to find local accommodations. These sessions are strongly encouraged by the university to ensure student success and a smooth transition to college.
Registration is now open for First-Year Orientation sessions!
The table below includes the dates for the four 2026 First-Year Orientation sessions. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible, keeping in mind that some sessions may reach capacity and become unavailable.
A special Orientation Overnight trip to Mt. Irenaeus July 19-20 is open to all first-year students attending any orientation session. See below for more information!
| Session 1 |
Thursday & Friday, July 16-17 |
Register Now |
| Session 2 |
Monday & Tuesday, July 20-21
PLEASE NOTE: If you are deposited into the
Nursing program for Fall 2026, please only
register for Session 1 OR Session 2.
|
Register Now |
| Session 3 |
Thursday & Friday, July 23-24
PLEASE NOTE: Students accepted into the
Higher Education Opportunity Program
(HEOP) need to register for this session. |
Register Now |
| Session 4 |
Monday & Tuesday, July 27-28 |
Register Now |
Sunday, July 19 - Monday, July 20
Consider yourself invited! This overnight experience at
Mt. Irenaeus, the Franciscan mountain community in Allegany County, is open to all first-year students attending any orientation session.
- Meet other students before school starts
- Explore the grounds, go swimming, hiking, and enjoy an evening bonfire
- Speak with the friars and SBU community
- Learn about ministry and service opportunities at Bona's
Meals and transportation from SBU to the Mountain and back will be provided.
After the overnight, we will bring you back to campus to begin your orientation session.
Interested? Questions?
Email Natalie.
Fall Transfer Orientation
Registration link for 2026 will be posted in the near future.
Transfer students are highly encouraged to attend Transfer Orientation the Friday before classes start for fall semester (Monday, August 31).
This program is extremely important for transfer students to attend to learn how to use Moodle (our academic platform), discuss your four-year path with an academic adviser, meet your peer coach (a student who has been at SBU for at least a full year), campus employment, and even have the opportunity to walk your schedule with a student leader before classes begin.
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is a program designed specifically for international students to assist in their transition abroad.
Students will work with the associate director of International Student Services to arrive on campus as close to a week before classes start as possible. Throughout the week, we will host activities, sessions, presentations, and workshops to give international students time to adjust to life at SBU.
Some of the highlights of International Student Orientation include:
- learning how to use the bus system
- joining a campus tour
- F-1 and I-20 workshops
- setting up an American bank account
- getting involved in campus volunteer projects
There are many activities hosted by our International Student Services student staff including campfires, s'mores, drive-in movies, and international game night.
Please note that this is not to replace online orientation in July. Online orientation will cover information not presented during international orientation.
International program contact: