First-Year Programs

You don't start your new life as a Bonnie alone. We partner with you every step of the way with programs and services that ensure your smooth transition to college life.

New Student Orientation

Separate orientations are hosted for four groups of incoming students throughout the year: Summer Orientation for first-year students, Transfer Orientation, International Student Orientation, and January New Student Orientation for all students starting spring semester.

All students are strongly encouraged to attend their orientation to learn what St. Bonaventure has to offer and how to navigate their first semester here!

July In-person Orientation for first-year students

There are four two-day sessions of orientation hosted in July where incoming first-year students and their families are welcome to campus to attend a series of workshops and presentations to prepare for this exciting next chapter in the student's life.

Students reserve a spot on a first-come, first-served basis. Long-distance students also have the option to attend a virtual orientation session set later in July.

Learn more about ORIENTATION AT SBU.

BONA 101. Introduction to St. Bonaventure

A first-year seminar course emphasizing learning as a communal process

This course will introduce the characteristics and functions of community and diversity, and explain how students belong and thrive at St. Bonaventure. The course will also teach students about effective learning strategies and aspects of college preparation and career development.

By exploring facets of St. Bonaventure's mission, and what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean, students can engage in better-informed dialogue about their roles as citizens of the world. This course is for students in their first semester of college.

Peer coaching

Peer coaches are spirited SBU enthusiasts and students in good academic standing who help first-year and transfer students with their transition to St. Bonaventure University. Peer coaches reach out to all first-year and transfer students on a regular basis throughout their first semester at SBU, as well as plan engaging events for first-year students to participate in throughout the semester.

Students will meet their peer coach during Welcome Days / Transfer Orientation.

CORE: Collegiate Opportunities to Reach Excellence

Helping students develop college-essential skills

CORE is a program that helps ensure a smooth transition to college life and academics for St. Bonaventure's Freshman Foundation students — those who need guidance in order to take full advantage of the support services offered by the university.

The CORE program helps Freshman Foundation students learn to:

get and stay organized
study effectively
manage their time and avoid procrastination
take advantage of the many campus resources available to help them to achieve success.

A key offering for CORE students is FRES 100, a seminar that meets once a week during the first semester. It's been demonstrated that students who complete FRES 100 have higher GPAs and are more successful at SBU than those who don't.

The academic success plan for CORE students requires them to meet with their academic advisers during the first few weeks of class and encourages use of Student Success Center programs and resources.

First-year student FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions from confirmed students

How do I register for Orientation? What and when are Welcome Days? How do I sign up for classes? Answers to these and many other questions.

How do I register for Orientation?

Orientation registration will begin during Spring into Bona's, an event hosted by Admissions in the spring of the year. At that time, a link to a registration form will be provided on this First-Year Programs page. You will fill out a quick survey to sign up for one of four Orientation sessions. If you have trouble registering, or if you need to change your registration, please call us at 716-375-2692.

When is Orientation?

We host several orientation sessions during the month of July, each lasting a day and a half. Students sign up to attend one of these sessions. Orientation dates are posted in the Freshman & New Student Orientation section on this page.

Where do I stay during freshman Orientation?

Students will spend the night in one of our residence halls. Don’t forget to pack your bed linens! Parents do not stay on campus. They should make a reservation to stay at one of the local area hotels. Visit www.sbu.edu/accommodations for nearby hotel information.

How do I set up my classes?

First, you need to set up your my.sbu student portal and your student email account. After logging into your student email account, check for the Course Selection Survey email. Click on the link within that email to complete the survey.

We will register you for your first semester of classes based on your responses to the survey and the guidelines set by your academic department. Then, during Orientation, you will meet twice with faculty from your chosen academic area:

The first meeting will be in a group with other students from your academic school. The meeting will review general requirements of your specific program of study.
The second meeting is an individual meeting with an Orientation faculty mentor. Together, you will discuss your class schedule for your first semester at St. Bonaventure. You will have time to discuss questions you may have about your major and make changes to your course schedule if needed.

When do I move in?

Moving in is the start to your Welcome Days program. Move-In Day is typically the Friday before the start of classes on Monday.

The Residence Life department will announce specific times for moving in later in the summer. For questions about the move-in process, please email resed@sbu.edu or call 716-375-2512.

What happens during Welcome Days?

Welcome Days begins with Move-In Day, Friday, and continues through the weekend in preparation for the start of classes on Monday. Events include:

Friday: Residential students move into their residence halls and commuter students check in. On Friday evening, our Candlelight Convocation welcomes new students into the Bonaventure family.
Saturday and Sunday: Students participate in a series of classes, workshops, and presentations to prepare for their first semester of classes and to understand academic and social expectations for St. Bonaventure students. Students will be able to participate in service experiences and activities hosted by clubs and organizations on campus.

Do parents participate in Welcome Days?

We invite parents to attend the candlelight ceremony on Move-In Day Friday. The ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. This ceremony officially welcomes your student to the Bonaventure family. The remainder of activities during Welcome Days are intended for students only. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, we ask families to wish their students good luck, say good-bye, and allow them to begin their journey.

How do I sign into my my.sbu student portal?

Confirmed students will receive a letter included in the packet sent by our Admissions team. This letter will inform you of your SBU ID number and provide directions for logging in to our portal for the first time. Please follow all directions carefully.

After successfully logging in the first time you will then be able to log in to our my.sbu website at http://my.sbu.edu to begin using your student portal. If you have questions, you can contact the Technology Services Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@sbu.edu or calling 716-375-7600.

What can I do on the my.sbu student portal?

Initially you can complete your course registration survey, select your housing preferences, sign up for your meal plan, contact your Admissions counselor and update your student profile.

Once you attend Orientation, your my.sbu account is opened up to view your full student portal. Your student portal provides links to access information such as viewing your schedule, registering your vehicle on campus, job opportunities, and many more important resources for students. The student portal will be a primary resource for you throughout your time at SBU!

Does Bonaventure have a Family Weekend?

Yes. Family Weekend is an annual event, held early in the fall semester, that reunites students and their families so that all may share the rich and varied experiences that make up college life at SBU. There are athletics competitions, live entertainment and an assortment of family-friendly games, contests and events.