St. Bonaventure University

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.

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.

January Orientation 2025 will be held January 20th from 9 a.m. to Noon and will include lunch in the Hickey Dining Hall. A schedule of the morning will be posted in the near future. 

REGISTER TODAY FOR JANUARY ORIENTATION!

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 Student Success Center, university library, and more.
  • campus & classroom tour

Questions about January Orientation?

Email questions to Tyler Eberly.



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. 


July 2025 Freshman Orientation sessions 

The dates for Summer Orientation 2025 are July 14-15, 17-18, 21-22, and 24-25. Registration will open during Spring Into Bona's on March 28, 2025. Please check back for more information!





  • 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 in order to get the incoming students ready for life on campus.

    Online Orientation will be held on Moodle, our university learning system. The "course" will be available to students starting July 24 and can be completed at an individual pace.

    (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 Friday 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 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:

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