GPS: Growing Pioneer Success

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GPS: Growing Pioneer Success
SMC's First-Year Orientation | August 14-17, 2021

You’ve chosen to make big moves at SMC, and it’s almost time to begin your journey.

GPS is SMC's orientation program required for all first-year students to help you become acquainted with campus and get you started on the right path to success at SMC!

First-Year Family Cookout
Families are welcome to join on Saturday (August 14th) for a First-Year Family Cookout at 5:00pm. This cookout is FREE for all first-year students and their families (both residents and commuters).


GPS At-A-Glance
  • Required for all first-year students, both resident and commuter
  • Required sessions:
    • Sat, Aug 14
      6:30pm-8:00pm
    • Sun, Aug 15
      1:00pm-5:00pm
    • Mon, Aug 16
      9:00am-4:00pm
    • Tues, Aug 17
      9:00am-4:00pm
  • FREE fun activities each night
  • All meals included (even for commuters)

AGENDA

Each student will receive a personalized schedule at GPS check-in on Saturday, August 14th from 5:00pm-6:30pm. Here is a general idea of the time slots to mark on your calendar, as well as the topics we will cover each day:
Required sessions/times are marked with an *

Saturday, August 14
  • Residents move-in throughout the day (Assigned by building. Check your email for more details)
  • 5:00pm - 6:30pm:
    • First-Year Family Cookout. All first-year students and their families are welcome!
    • All students check-in for GPS *
  • 6:30pm - 8:00pm: Peer Groups Meet *
  • 8:00pm: Block Party

Sunday, August 15
  • Breakfast
  • Chapel Service offered that morning (optional)
  • Lunch
  • 1:00pm - 5:00pm: Breakout Sessions *
    • Peer Groups
    • Breakout examples include: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Student Involvement & Leadership, First-Generation College Students, Recreation Activities and more!
  • 5:00pm: Dinner
  • 7:00pm: ThinkFast Game Show $200 Cash Prize!

Monday, August 16
  • 7:30am - 8:30am: Breakfast
  • 9:00am - 4:00pm: Breakout Sessions *
    • Peer Groups
    • Breakout examples include: Conduct, IT Setup & Troubleshooting, Intro to Brightspace (your in-class online platform), Textbook Pick-up, and more!
  • 5:00pm: Dinner
  • 9:00pm: Late Night Capture-the-Flag

Tuesday, August 17
  • 7:30am - 8:30am: Breakfast
  • 9:00am - 4:00pm: Breakout Sessions *
    • Convocation Ceremony
    • Peer Groups
    • Breakout examples include: Career Exploration, SMC Honor Code, Local Job Fair, and more!
  • 5:00pm: Dinner
  • 8:30pm: Outdoor Movie Night



GPS Frequently Asked Questions:

Sessions required for all first-year SMC students are at the following times:
  • Saturday, August 14: 6:30pm-8:00pm
  • Sunday, August 15: 1:00pm-5:00pm
  • Monday, August 16: 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Tuesday, August 17: 9:00am-4:00pm
All meals and evening social activities are optional, but are free should you wish to participate.
Yes, GPS is a required program for all first-year SMC students, regardless of on-campus or off-campus living status.
Yes, GPS is a required program for all first-year SMC students, regardless of on-campus or off-campus living status.
Check your email for more details. You should receive updates from the SMCX Community Life team.
  • Fall-semester athletes move in on Tuesday, August 3rd.
  • Move-in times are assigned by building for Saturday, August 14th. If you live in:
    • Willard Hall: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
    • Judd Hall: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
    • Hammond Hall: 10:00 am - 12:30pm
    • Kingman Hall: 1:30 pm - 4:00pm
    • Parsons Hall: 1:30 pm - 4:00pm
    • Bridges Hall: 1:30 pm - 4:00pm
    • Sparrow Hall: 1:30 pm - 4:00pm
  • Commuter check-in takes place August 4-13. (Sign up for a time here)
If you have any questions about your move-in slot, email _communitylife@smcsc.edu