Spartan Journey Orientation Program: Summer 2023
Congratulations and welcome to St. Thomas Aquinas College! We’re delighted to have you as members of the STAC family!
We’ve prepared an exciting, information-rich orientation program to prepare you for your first steps on your journey at STAC.
Spartan Journey 2023 – Our New Student Orientation Program
Spartan Journey is an engaging orientation program that will introduce you to all the amazing opportunities for you at STAC, and show you how to use the many resources available to you as a Spartan. The program is mandatory for all new students at the College.
The program covers topics such as: Spartan Pride, Student Resources, Embracing the STAC Community, Academic Preparedness, and more!
Spartan Journey is made up three key components:
- Summer Registration Days will take place on campus on individual dates throughout the summer. Here, you will develop your schedule and get to know some of the key faculty members in your area of study. STAC’s Academic Advising team will be available to assist as you create your own fall course schedule.
- The Spartan Journey takes place just before the fall semester starts and is the main focus of our New Student Orientation program. This three-day event is your opportunity to get acclimated to life at STAC, and it’s the best way to kick off your successful collegiate career.
- New Student Convocation takes place during the first week of classes in the beautiful Sacred Heart Chapel. At this event, members of the STAC community offer words of advice and encouragement to formally welcome you to our family.
SAVE The Date(s)
Registration Days (Choose One to attend)
Registration Day Option 1: Tuesday, June 20, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Registration Day Option 2: Tuesday, July 18, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Registration Day Option 3: Tuesday, August 15, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Mandatory Events
First Year Resident Student Move-In: Thursday, August 31, 2023 (Residents Only)
Spartan Journey: Friday, September 1 - Sunday, September 3, 2023 (All Students)
A detailed schedule will be sent out directly to your email and added to this webpage soon. We look forward to welcoming you as a Spartan to the STAC Family!
Registration Link Opening Soon
Resident Students Only: Check-In for resident students will open at 8:30 AM on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Please follow Residence Life information for your check-in process. You will be emailed a session confirmation upon receipt of your online registration.
Remember: ALL new incoming students are required to attend the Spartan Journey from September 1-3, 2023.
Transfer Students
We encourage our transfer students to register and attend any portion of the Spartan Journey they are interested in. There may be some overlap between the information you received at your previous institution; however, you will still receive important information pertinent to STAC and have the opportunity to meet other new Spartans.
Parent Information
Parents and Family members are welcome to attend the first day of Spartan Journey.
Resident Students: Parents and Family will be able to join you on move-in day to help out.
On Friday, September 1, 2023, Parent Orientation will take place from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. At the end of Parent Orientation, we ask parents and families to depart for the weekend allowing our newest Spartans to get acclimated to their new surroundings.
To register for Parent Orientation, make sure that your student registers you as an attendee when they register to attend Spartan Journey 2023. (Parent Schedule Coming Soon.)
When Parent Orientation concludes, check out the links below for more information about fun activities you can do close by to STAC.
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at 845-398-4084 or email [email protected].
We look forward to welcoming you with Spartan Pride!
Orientation FAQs
Orientation at St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) is organized and planned by the Student Engagement Office and is designed to provide a warm welcome and assist you in your transition to life as a Spartan at STAC. The program introduces you to the individuals on campus, helpful information, and available resources to make your experience at STAC a success!
At New Student Orientation - Spartan Journey you will have the opportunity to:
- Get acquainted with STAC’s campus life, including student activities, campus resources, student involvement, and much more!
- Socialize with current and new students
- Prepare for Academic and Social Success
- Solve any onboarding concerns
- Learn more about campus
- Answer all of your questions about being a Spartan!
What does my Orientation Fee cover?
Every incoming freshman will be billed $75.00 for the Orientation Fee, which will be included on your Fall bill. The fee covers:
- Orientation materials
- Spartan Orientation swag
- All Orientation activities
Can a guest/friend/significant other attend Orientation with the new student?
The purpose of Orientation is for new students to gain autonomy and meet their new peers at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Because of this, we do not permit guests/friends/significant others to attend Orientation with the student. These guests may attend the Parent Orientation sessions taking place during New Student Orientation.
(Parent Schedule to come.)
I’m planning on arriving the night before. Are there any hotels in the area?
There certainly are. Here are some hotels that we recommend in the local area:
Holiday Inn Orangeburg
329 Rt. 303
Orangeburg, NY 10962
845-359-7000
www.hiorgangeburg.com
Comfort Inn & Suites
425 E. Route 59
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-623-6000
www.comfortinn.com
Hilton Pearl River
500 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Pearl River, NY 10965
845-735-9000
www.hiltonpearlriver.com
When do I pay my bill?
During the Orientation Program, there will be opportunities to meet with Student Financial Services to discuss tuition payment options. For more information, you may contact the Student Financial Services team at (845) 398-4042 / [email protected].
When do I get my schedule?
You will already have your schedule by the time Spartan Journey begins. You should attend a Registration Session during the summer to create your schedule. If you have questions about your schedule, you may reach out to the Office of Academic Advising at (845) 398-4090.
Who is my academic advisor?
We will inform you of your academic advisor during your registration. You will be able to access this information through Banner Self Service, our College information system. We will introduce you to Banner Self-Service during Orientation.
Should I try to buy my textbooks before coming to school?
It’s really up to you. Some students like to do so before the start of the semester, where others choose to wait until the beginning of the semester. Check out our online Bookstore at www.stac.bkstr.com/.
What can I expect during the first month of school, and how can I get involved in campus activities?
During the first month of school, you will be adjusting to college life both academically and personally. You will familiarize yourself with classes, classmates and professors, learn academic expectations, and identify resources available should you need extra support. STAC 101, your first-year seminar course, will help pull together all these aspects and foster a positive transition. On a personal level, you will get to know your peers, roommate(s), and become involved in student life. The Student Engagement Office and the Student Government Association sponsor many student-run organizations and on-campus events for both residents and commuters, especially during the first month of school.
What can I expect at New Student Orientation?
You can expect to have fun, meet new friends, and become prepared to be a successful Spartan! See you soon!
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at 845-398-4084 or email [email protected].
