Orientation at SBU

Orientation is an opportunity to learn about all things Bonaventure, from the interesting classes you'll be taking to the fun and rewarding clubs and organization you can join. It also marks the start of new friendships that you will cherish the rest of your life.

First-year July Orientation (in-person)

Each July, we host four two-day orientation sessions for incoming first-year students and their families.

These sessions are strongly encouraged by the university to ensure student success and a smooth transition to college.

2024 Freshman Orientation sessions

Dates for 2024 Freshman Orientation will be announced in early 2024. Online registration for each of the four sessions will be available at that time. Please return to this site often.

Our orientation leaders, known as The O Team, guide you, our newest Bonnies, through your two-day visit. Their mission is to help you learn about campus life, answer all your questions, and share with you their passion for St. Bonaventure.

The O Team will lead you as you:

begin friendships and build relationships with your new classmates
experience the highlights of campus life
discuss your academic journey with faculty advisers
spend a night in a residence hall

Typical Schedule for Students

Typical Schedule for Parents/Guests

First-year July Orientation (online)

July Online Orientation is hosted to accommodate long-distance and international students to ensure their St. Bonaventure success. This online program consists of activities to complete before online orientation, and live Zoom presentations and meetings to participate in the day of orientation.

The dates and details of 2024 July Online Orientation will be announced early in 2024. Registration will be available at that time. Please return to this site often.

(Please note, international students are encouraged to attend both online orientation as well as international orientation.)

Fall Transfer Orientation

Transfer students are highly encouraged to attend Transfer Orientation the day before classes start for fall semester.

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 transfer 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.

Information regarding Fall 2024 Transfer Orientation including a link to register will be available here in summer of 2024. Please return to this webpage at that time.

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.

Program contacts:

Jonathan Mascaut
Associate Director of International Student Services and Study Abroad
716-375-4009
Send an email

January Orientation

At January Orientation, new students have a chance to explore the academic, social and spiritual aspects of campus life.

All new students who are starting classes in January are strongly encouraged to attend orientation prior to the start of the semester. Parents and other family members are welcome to attend.

Program highlights:

academic overview, including degree audits and graduation requirements
presentations on student affairs and important policies
review of classroom technology and academic resources including the Teaching & Learning Center, math lab, university library and more.
campus & classroom tour

Questions about January Orientation?

Email questions to orientation@sbu.edu

St. Bonaventure University