Orientation / First-Year Seminar
The Orientation program is designed to assist entering traditional undergraduate students with their transition to Mount Saint Mary’s University and to enhance their success in university. Separate orientation programs specifically designed for new and transfer students are held in the summer. Orientation includes an introduction to both the academic and student life aspects of the university and provides for the interaction of new students with faculty, staff, and current students. Orientation for new first-year students is held in the summer with separate activities for parents. Orientation activities include a movie night and service-learning project. In addition, placement testing, advisement, and course registration are available. Students entering for the spring semester are provided a one-day orientation program.
First-year students continue their orientation to the university in SPR 85 (Introduction to University Studies), a one-unit seminar course taught in the fall semester. This class is designed to facilitate the transition from high school to the university environment and provides opportunities to become more familiar with university resources, policies and procedures, study skills, and other strategies for university success.