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!
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
- Sat, Aug 14
- 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
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)