Orientation & New Student Events

ROAR Days and WOW Events give you an early taste of campus life!

Welcome to the Mount, where your journey as a Lion begins! We’re excited to guide you through a smooth, supportive transition into college life with three key experiences.

You’ll begin with the ONLINE ORIENTATION, your first step in learning about MSJ’s technologies, resources, and expectations at your own pace. Next, join us for ROAR DAYS, our on‑campus orientation experience designed to connect you with your Peer Mentors, First‑Year Cohort, and essential academic and campus services. Finally, kick off the semester with WOW (Weeks of Welcome), a blend of academics and social events that help you confidently begin on the first day of classes and build community right from the start.

All of these events are designed to help you become familiar with campus, meet your future classmates, connect with your Peer Mentors and First‑Year Cohort, and engage with the student leaders, faculty, and staff who will support you throughout your academic journey. Our hope is that by the end of these experiences, you will:

Build meaningful connections with your Peer Mentors and First‑Year Cohort, future classmates, and student-leaders
Engage with faculty, staff, and administrators who will guide you academically and personally throughout your time at the MSJ
Learn about the many academic, social, and wellness resources available to support your success
Explore opportunities to get involved in student clubs and organizations, helping you make friends, develop leadership skills, and shape your MSJ experience
Discover MSJ’s traditions, values, and vibrant campus culture

FIRST-YEAR, NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS

All first-time freshmen are required to complete the Online Onboarding and attend ROAR and WOW Days.

ROAR is your chance to get comfortable with college before classes even start. You’ll meet with advisors who help you select classes, learn where to find important campus resources, and get familiar with what college life is really like. Think of it as your “here’s how to start strong” guide, with plenty of support along the way.

WOW events are all about getting you connected and excited for your first semester. You’ll explore campus, join fun events, meet new friends, and discover clubs or activities that fit your interests. It’s a great way to settle in, build community, and make MSJ's campus start to feel like home.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

All traditional transfer students are required to complete the Online Onboarding and attend ROAR and WOW Days.

ROAR helps you get settled quickly by showing you how your previous credits fit into your new degree plan. You’ll meet people who can walk you through campus systems, resources, and opportunities so you can jump right in without missing a beat. It’s designed to make the transition smooth and give you everything you need to hit the ground running.

WOW events give you the chance to meet other students who “get” the transfer experience. You’ll find sessions designed just for you, learn how to get involved, and get the inside scoop on how to navigate your new campus. It’s a low‑pressure way to settle in, make connections, and start finding your place.

ADULT/ADULT TRANSFER STUDENTS

All Adult/Adult Transfer students are required to complete the Online Onboarding and are encouraged to attend the Adult/Transfer ROAR Day in August.

The August ROAR Day for Adult/Transfer Students runs concurrently with the WOW/Friday programming for new students. These sessions are designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready to start strong. You’ll connect with advisors who understand the unique challenges adult learners face, get clear info about your degree plan, and learn about tools that make managing coursework easier. It’s a supportive space to ask questions, get comfortable with technology, and start your journey with confidence.

PARENTS, FAMILIES, and GUESTS

Parents, families, and guests are welcome to attend ROAR Day and Thursday of our Weeks of Welcome.

At MSJ, we know that starting college is a transition not just for students, but for their whole families. We want you to feel welcomed, supported, and included as part of the Mount community from the very beginning. During ROAR Days, families are invited to take part in several sessions designed just for parents and supporters. These may include opportunities to hear from MSJ’s senior leaders, explore ways to best support your college student in the early months of transition, learn more about campus resources, and connect with other Mount families. You’ll also be invited to join us during Thursday’s move-in and welcome events, where families can participate in our Commissioning Ceremony, a special tradition as students begin their Mount journey.

For ongoing support, the Office of Family Engagement is here to help you stay connected and informed throughout your student’s time at MSJ. It’s a great resource for understanding how to best support your student while becoming an active part of the Mount community.

ACCESSIBILITY and SENSORY GUIDE

Check back soon- we’ll offer a Sensory Guide to support anyone who may be sensitive to certain environments or who prefers to plan ahead for accessibility needs. The guide will clearly note which ROAR and WOW events may include elements like large crowds, increased physical activity, or an alternate format for information. Our goal is to help everyone feel most comfortable and included.

If at any time you feel overwhelmed or needing help, you can visit The Learning Commons on the first floor of Seton Center or our Zen Den in The Wellness Center.