How do I register for Orientation?
Orientation registration will begin during Spring into Bona's, an event hosted by Admissions in the spring of the year. At that time, a link to a registration form will be provided on this First-Year Programs page. You will fill out a quick survey to sign up for one of four Orientation sessions. If you have trouble registering, or if you need to change your registration, please call us at 716-375-2692.
When is Orientation?
We host several orientation sessions during the month of July, each lasting a day and a half. Students sign up to attend one of these sessions. Orientation dates are posted in the Freshman & New Student Orientation section on this page.
Where do I stay during freshman Orientation?
Students will spend the night in one of our residence halls. Don’t forget to pack your bed linens! Parents do not stay on campus. They should make a reservation to stay at one of the local area hotels. Visit www.sbu.edu/accommodations for nearby hotel information.
How do I set up my classes?
First, you need to set up your my.sbu student portal and your student email account. After logging into your student email account, check for the Course Selection Survey email. Click on the link within that email to complete the survey.
We will register you for your first semester of classes based on your responses to the survey and the guidelines set by your academic department. Then, during Orientation, you will meet twice with faculty from your chosen academic area:
- The first meeting will be in a group with other students from your academic school. The meeting will review general requirements of your specific program of study.
- The second meeting is an individual meeting with an Orientation faculty mentor. Together, you will discuss your class schedule for your first semester at St. Bonaventure. You will have time to discuss questions you may have about your major and make changes to your course schedule if needed.
When do I move in?
Moving in is the start to your Welcome Days program. Move-In Day is typically the Thursday before the start of classes on Monday. You will be notified in advance.
Plan to arrive any time between from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and go directly to your assigned residence hall, where you will be checked in. For questions about Move-In Day, please email resed@sbu.edu or call 716-375-2512.
What happens during Welcome Days?
Welcome Days is a four-day program that begins with Move-In Day, a Thursday, and continues through the weekend in preparation for the start of classes on Monday. Events include:
- Thursday: Residential students move into their residence halls and commuter students check in. On Thursday evening, our Candlelight Convocation welcomes new students into the Bonaventure family.
- Friday: Students participate in a day of classes, presentations and activities meant to prepare students for their first semester of classes and to outline academic expectations for St. Bonaventure students.
- Saturday and Sunday: Students participate in “A Day of Service” and “A Day of Involvement.” Freshmen will participate in service activities on campus and in surrounding communities, as well as attend workshops hosted by clubs and organizations on campus.
Do parents participate in Welcome Days?
Parents are invited to dinner and to attend the candlelight ceremony on Move-In Day Thursday. The ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. This ceremony officially welcomes your student to the Bonaventure family. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, we ask families to wish their students good luck, say good-bye, and allow them to begin their journey.
How do I sign into my my.sbu student portal?
Confirmed students will receive a letter included in the packet sent by our Admissions team. This letter will inform you of your SBU ID number and provide directions for logging in to our portal for the first time. Please follow all directions carefully.
After successfully logging in the first time you will then be able to log in to our my.sbu website at http://my.sbu.edu to begin using your student portal. If you have questions, you can contact the Technology Services Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@sbu.edu or calling 716-375-7600.
What can I do on the my.sbu student portal?
Initially you can complete your course registration survey, select your housing preferences, sign up for your meal plan, contact your Admissions counselor and update your student profile.
Once you attend Orientation, your my.sbu account is opened up to view your full student portal. Your student portal provides links to access information such as viewing your schedule, registering your vehicle on campus, job opportunities, and many more important resources for students. The student portal will be a primary resource for you throughout your time at SBU!
Does Bonaventure have a Family Weekend?
Yes. Family Weekend is an annual event, held early in the fall semester, that reunites students and their families so that all may share the rich and varied experiences that make up college life at SBU. There are athletics competitions, live entertainment and an assortment of family-friendly games, contests and events.