Summer Orientation Sessions

These two-day programs provide our first-year students the opportunity to learn more about their new home at Stonehill. Additionally, we host a one-day family program that provides more information as to what families can expect during your time at Stonehill. Families will meet various Stonehill staff and engage in a variety of workshops and presentations. 

  • Orientation Session 1: Monday, June 24– Tuesday, June 25
  • Orientation Session 2: Thursday, June 27– Friday, June 28

Your Session Assignment

In early May, students will receive an email from the Office of Student Engagement welcoming them to Stonehill and the summer Orientation experience. This email notes the randomly assigned Summer Orientation session. If needed, students have the opportunity to switch sessions.  

Families do not need to register to attend Orientation; however, we ask how many family members are attending and any special accommodations so we can better prepare for their experience. 

Summer Orientation Agenda

Below is the anticipated Summer Orientation schedule. This website will update with any changes. 

Student Schedule Day One

Time Event Location
8 – 9:15 a.m. Residence Hall Check-in  Randomly Assigned Residence Halls
8:30 – 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (optional) Chapel of Mary
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Orientation Check-in  Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Skyhawk Shop Open May Hall
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Welcome to Orientation! Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Orientation Small Group Meeting Various Locations
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Rotation Session 1: Lead with Courage or Majors & Classes Preparation Various Locations
12:15 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch & Campus Tour Roche Dining Commons & Various Locations
2 – 2:45 p.m. Rotation Session 2: Lead with Courage or Majors & Classes Preparation Various Locations
2:45 – 3:30 p.m. First-Year Connections (with Ice Cream!) Campus Quad
3:45 – 5:35 p.m. Afternoon Rotation Blocks: Residence Life, Commuter LifeCampus Ministry, and Getting Involved  Various Locations
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Dinner Roche Dining Commons
6:30 – 7 p.m.  Break  Various Locations
7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Playfair WB Mason Stadium
8:30 – 11 p.m. Evening Social & Entertainment  Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex

Student Schedule Day Two

Time Event Location
8 – 9:15 a.m. Breakfast Roche Dining Commons
8:30 – 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (optional) Chapel of Mary
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Skyhawk Shop Open May Hall
9:15 – 10 a.m. Your Academic Experience Session Various Locations
10:10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Rotation Sessions: Majors & ClassesInvolvement Fair, and Health & Wellness  Various Locations
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Lunch Roche Dining Commons
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Orientation Small Group Meeting Various Locations
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.  Summer Orientation Closing Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Residence Hall Check Out Assigned Residence Halls

Family Schedule Day One

Time Event Location
8 – 9:15 a.m. Residence Hall Check-in  Assigned Residence Hall
8:30 – 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (optional) Chapel of Mary
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Orientation Check-in  Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Skyhawk Shop Open May Hall
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. Welcome to Orientation! Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
10:25 – 11:20 a.m.  Student Life Information Panel Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
11:20 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Family Lunch & Resource Fair Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Families of Student Athletes Reception Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
12:30 – 1:25 p.m. Understanding Your College Student Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex
1:45 – 2:20 p.m. Rotation Session A: Your Student’s Academic Experience or Learning Off Campus: Career Development & Study Abroad Various Locations
2:30 – 3:05 p.m. Rotation Session B: Student Financial Assistance, Mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross & Stonehill College, or Stonehill Student Panel
Various Locations
3:15 – 3:50 p.m. Rotation Session C: Academic Resources Panel or First Year Residence Hall Tour Various Locations
3:45 – 5 p.m. President's Reception Donahue Hall

Family Schedule Day Two

Time Event Location
8:30 – 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (optional) Chapel of Mary
8:30 – 4 p.m. Offices & Departments Open Various Locations
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Skyhawk Shop Open May Hall
12 – 1 p.m.  Shovel Museum Open Cushing Martin Hall
1 – 2 p.m. Stonehill Historical Walking Tour Cushing Martin Hall
3:45 p.m. Meet Your Student for Pick Up (if applicable) Various Residence Halls

On-Campus Housing

Students have required on-campus housing as part of their overnight Summer Orientation session, regardless if they plan to love on campus or commute in the fall. Approximately one week before each Session, students are emailed the residence hall where they are staying. The hall will be the first stop when arriving to campus for Orientation for checking-in and unloading.

Roommates and locations are randomly assigned and cannot be altered or requested.  

Hotel Room Blocks

While we are unable to provide housing for our families during Orientation, we worked with a local hotel to provide discounted stays for those who are looking to stay local. Please take note of the booking deadlines.

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston/Bridgewater

2020 Pleasant Street, Bridgewater, MA  02324

Rate: $183 plus taxes per night

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find answers to some common questions about Summer Orientation.

We understand that because of prior engagements, some students might not be able to attend their randomly assigned session. If you are unable to attend your assigned session, please change your session on the online Orientation Registration Form. 

Due to various circumstances, Summer Orientation dates may not work for all students and their families. If you cannot attend Summer Orientation, please update that on your online registration form. Someone from our office will be in contact with you about next steps.

Arrival and student registration happen from 8 – 9:15 a.m. at the residence halls. Your first step is to go to your assigned Orientation residence hall that was sent to your personal email about a week before Orientation. Here, you will drop off all of your items and get your key for your new Orientation room! Please note that both commuter and resident students stay on campus during Summer Orientation.

Our Welcome begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex. After the Welcome, you’ll leave with your Orientation Leaders for the remainder of the program, and family members will continue with the family program. If students need anything from their family, please make sure to get it before leaving them as you will not see them until the program ends the next day. 

Our Information Technology office sent an email on May 5 to the personal email account we have on file. This message contains important information about your Stonehill email, username and password. 

For both families and students, we recommend bringing layers, as you will be both inside an outside. Also, check the weather before coming.

Specifically for our students, we recommend bringing the following items for your overnight Orientation experience:

  • Sleeping bag or linens for twin XL beds and a pillow (linens are not provided)
  • Flip flops, towel and toiletries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Comfortable clothes (sneakers are  recommended)
  • Sunscreen
  • Light sweater/jacket (think layers)
  • Umbrella (if it looks like rain!) 

Families may contact the main switchboard of the College at 508- 565-1000 and press 0 to speak to the Communications Officer who will get in touch with the Orientation staff.

The Family program ends at approximately 4 p.m. on the first day of Orientation. The Student Program ends at approximately 3:30 p.m. on the second day. Students should make arrangements to meet your family on day two at your assigned residence hall or at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex following the Closing. 

Contact Information

Roche Dining Commons – 103

The Office of Student Engagement provides opportunities that will empower students to create a fun and positive campus community. The office enjoys a strong working and advising relationship with the Student Government Association, class committees and many of the student clubs and organizations.