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We’re thrilled that you’re joining us at St. Edward’s, and we’re excited to welcome you this spring to your new hilltop home.
We have an entire team of Hilltoppers eager to get you ready and energized for your St. Edward's journey! Your Orientation session will be fun and inspiring, and set the pace for a full and meaningful first year on the hilltop.
You’ll see that despite being a virtual community right now, we’re still a tight-knit, caring community that takes pride in getting to know you as an individual. Supporting your success and wellbeing is our top priority.
Stay on top of everything you need to do and know for Orientation with this handy checklist.
You’ll connect with Student Orientation Leaders and your classmates — all who are smart, globally minded, creative thinkers and problem-solvers, just like you. (Not to mention, super friendly and fun-loving, too!)
You’ll meet one-on-one with your personal success coach who will guide you throughout your time on the hilltop and help you customize your St. Edward’s experience to achieve your goals.
Key community leaders will also be present at Orientation to introduce you to academic programs, campus resources, and opportunities to get involved.
The student leaders, success coaches, staff, and professors you meet at Orientation will serve as a great resource to help you succeed by providing updates, advice, and answers as you get ready for the spring semester.
We’ve mapped out the following 4-part plan for your virtual Orientation experience that will keep you engaged with your hilltop community throughout the winter break — and fully prepare you for your first semester. You’ll learn all about St. Edward’s and start building relationships with your fellow Hilltoppers. Check out each part, and get started right away!
Like most milestone events in life, entering college involves reviewing and completing paperwork, procedures, and tasks that are mandatory for a smooth transition.
Hillstart allows you to conveniently take care of these important transactions online at the beginning of Orientation. That way, you can focus the majority of your Orientation experience on meeting new friends, building relationships, and getting ready for the spring semester.
Activate and regularly check your St. Edward’s email account.
Go to Hillstart and complete ALL ACTIVITIES, including:
Activate and regularly check your St. Edward’s email account.
Go to Hillstart and complete ALL ACTIVITIES, including:
Activate and regularly check your St. Edward’s email account.
Go to Hillstart and complete ALL ACTIVITIES, including:
Do you have your I-20 or DS-2019 form? If not, learn more about this important first step for exchange students and degree-seeking students. Contact International Student Services with any questions at iss@stedwards.edu.
Both Orientation and check-in at International Landing Day are mandatory for all new students.
All students at St. Edward’s benefit from the guidance and support of a personal success coach, who collaborates with them throughout their college career. Your success coach will get to know you and become your go-to person for all kinds of advice. They’ll learn about your talents, interests and career goals, and help you navigate your college experience successfully. See what students say about the support their success coaches provide.
During this part of Orientation, a success coach will take you through the advising and registration process. Here’s how it works:
Find out what to expect when you meet with your success coach for the first time.
This is your chance to get the full picture of life at St. Edward’s and the numerous opportunities, programs, activities and resources available to you. Best of all, you’ll have a chance to meet many of the people who will play a big role in your first semester, including your peers.
Here’s a sample of what’s in store during this part of Orientation via Zoom:
Topper Time Presentations
Students, staff and professors will provide an inside view of what you can expect to experience at St. Edward’s, from college classes and campus resources to hilltop traditions and opportunities in Austin.
Get to Know an Upperclassman
A Student Orientation Leader will connect with you during your orientation session and share experiences.
LiveWellSEU Events*
Join a variety of fun activities sponsored by our Recreation and Wellness staff. A trivia night, e-sports tournament, fitness class, meditation session and game night are part of the line-up.
Residential Hall Tours
See a guided tour of your residence hall and new home on the hilltop.
Commuter Q&A*
Learn about the commuter experience and get answers to your questions during this presentation.
Success Coach Check-In
Connect with your success coach for a final review of your class schedule.
Meet Your Freshman Seminar Professors
Freshman Seminar introduces you to academic life at St. Edward’s and gives you a greater sense of our community. Take part in a discussion with professors about the program and this year’s Common Theme.
Resident Director Check-In
Your resident director and advisor will contact you to get acquainted, cover move-in details and answer your questions.
Hangout with Your Peers on Zeemee
Spend some time interacting with your classmates and get to know each other. You’ll make new friends and connections before heading to campus.
* These activities are optional. But they’re great opportunities to get connected, experience the programs for yourself and meet your peers.
Your Orientation experience will culminate with the Medallion Ceremony and Legacy Walk when you arrive on campus this spring. All new first-year students participate in this part of Orientation, which is a time-honored and cherished campus tradition.
Following move-in (Jan. 15, 2021) get ready to have some fun! You’ll take part in a mix of small, in-person group and virtual experiences. For example, you’ll …
Orientation is sponsored in part by UFCU.