Welcome home!
Beginning Thursday, August 20 is our traditional, new-student orientation for students—Belles Beginnings. In-person, student and family orientation will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday and will continue through Sunday, August 23. Parents and families are welcome to join us for a portion of the programming. This weekend is designed to make your transition to campus smooth, informative—and fun.
Here's a preview of what you can expect, but there's so much more! See the complete Belles Beginnings Website for even more information:
Thursday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check-In and Move-In for first year and transfer students, Angela Athletic & Wellness Center
4 – 5 p.m. Transfer Student Reception, Welsh Parlor, Haggar College Center
6:30 p.m. Closing the Circle (students only), Le Mans Green
6:35 p.m. First Walk Down the Avenue (Families and friends gather on both sides of The Avenue), The Avenue
Friday
11 a.m. Prayer Service and Blessing, Holy Spirit Chapel, 3rd Floor, Le Mans Hall
1 – 4 p.m. Afternoon Adventures
Saturday
8 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast with Welcome Week Leaders, Noble Family Dining Hall, Student Center|
8:30 – 10:25 a.m. The Smick Show, O’Laughlin Auditorium, Moreau Center
8:30 p.m. BelleFest (& DomerFest), Lacrosse Field
Sunday
1 p.m. Nature Walk, Saint Mary’s Nature Trail
5 p.m. Fall Convocation, O’Laughlin Auditorium, Moreau Center
6 – 8 p.m. Belles Bash, Le Mans Green
We can't wait to see you.
Thursday, August 20
Move-in
Students can move in from 9:00 am to 4:00pm. Check-in will be in Angela Athletic and Wellness Complex.Transfer Student Reception
Dinner
Dinner in Noble Family Dining Hall or on your own.Closing the Circle & First Walk Down The Avenue
Parent and Family Session and Mandatory Student Meetings
Parents and guests will get to attend a session to ask questions and hear from staff. Students will attend their mandatory Residence Hall Meeting. Commuters will meet with their Welcome Week Leaders.Goodbye Celebration
Goodbye Celebration is an event to spend with family to make those final memories before students begin their new journey!Friday, August 21
(Optional) Meet Our Campus
Offices and resources around campus will be open to answer any questions. Parents and families are welcome.Prayer Services and Blessing
Parents and families are welcome.Student-Only Programming Begins
Student-Only Programming
Some sessions will be required.Student Programming
Fall Convocation and additional programming.Mass of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit Chapel, Le Mans Hall, 3rd floor.Classes Begin
Student Involvement Fair
BelleTower is our student club, student organization and events hub.
You can use BelleTower to:
· Learn about clubs/organizations and join them if you are interested
· Explore leadership opportunities and ways to get involved
· Check out the Calendar of events
· Find programs with the best food and/or giveaways
You are embarking on a journey that so many belles have traveled. Belles Beginnings is just one of the first traditions you get to be a part of!
Here, you'll experience the best of all worlds—in a college town like no other.
You will want to download SMC Safe before arriving on campus.
You can download with the links below:
Early Arrival Information
Students moving in early for Fall Athletics, the Notre Dame Marching Band, ROTC, Belles Connect, and Kessler Scholars will receive more information from their specific organization as things are finalized. Fall Athletes, Belles Connect and Kessler Scholars will be expected to move in on August 16, while Notre Dame Marching Band and ROTC students will be able to move in on August 19.
Fall athletes will have mandatory orientation expectations on the evening of Wednesday, August 19 along with their athletics compliance meetings to support missed programming during orientation weekend. Notre Dame Marching Band and ROTC students will have the opportunity to meet with staff when moving in to fulfill mandatory expectations and provide information for the weekend.
Belles Connect and Kessler Scholar students will be expected to attend all Belles Beginning Orientation programming as normal.
Parent Information
The Parent and Family portion of Belles Beginnings will predominantly occur on Thursday, August 20, followed by some optional programming on Friday morning. All family involvement in orientation will conclude following lunch on Friday, August 21
More information will be sent about virtual parent programming that will happen during the Fall Semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
+When is in-person Orientation?
+What outfit should I wear for the Closing the Circle/Walk down The Ave?
+When do meal plans start?
+If I am living off campus or am a transfer student, should I still attend orientation programming?
+Should I still attend Belles Beginnings if I am required to move in early?
+What else do I need to know about move-in?