New Student Orientation

5 students smiling in front of borelli hall

Spartan Journey Orientation Program: Summer 2026

Congratulations and welcome to St. Thomas Aquinas College! We’re delighted to have you as a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas College family! We’ve prepared an exciting, information-rich orientation program to prepare you for your first steps on your journey at St. Thomas Aquinas College.

SPARTAN JOURNEY 2026 – OUR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Spartan Journey is an engaging orientation program that will introduce you to all the amazing opportunities for you at St. Thomas Aquinas, and show you how to use the many resources available to you as a Spartan. The program is mandatory for all new students at the College.

The program covers topics such as: Spartan Pride, Student Resources, Embracing the College Community, Academic Preparedness, and more!

Spartan Journey Schedule

September 3: Resident Student Move-In Day
September 4: New Student & Family Welcome
September 5: Class of 2030 Picture & Tailgate
September 6: Explore Next Door Trip: Six Flags Great Adventure & Day in NYC
September 7: Mellow Monday
September 8: First Day of Classes & New Student Convocation

First Week of Classes
September 9: Ice Cream with the Dean / SGA Welcome Bingo
September 10: New Student Club & Involvement Fair
September 11: 9/11 – 25th Year of Remembrance Memorial Service
September 12: Explore Next Door Trip: Hoboken Italian Festival

Note: the full Spartan Journey Orientation Schedule will be available soon.

Spartan Journey is made up three key components:

  1. Summer Registration Days: This program invites students to campus to participate in their fall registration process and will also provide plenty of time to get to know many of your new classmates during an extended BBQ lunch and afternoon program. Students must reserve by clicking on the Student Portal link.
    The options are July 16 or July 23 or July 30 from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. (There is a one hour virtual registration option if you live too far away but it isn’t nearly as fun!)
  2. The Spartan Journey Orientation Program: Orientation takes place just before the fall semester starts, and is a three-day event providing you with the opportunity to get acclimated to life at St. Thomas Aquinas College. It’s the best way to kick off your collegiate career!
    Thursday, September 3: Check-In for Resident students will open at 8:30 AM.
    Friday, September 4: Commuters & Residents begin programming at 8:30 AM.
    September 5-6: All new students attend programming.

Resident Students: Please follow Residence Life information for your check-in process. You will be emailed a session confirmation upon receipt of your online housing registration. 

  1. New Student Convocation on Tuesday, September 8 at 2:30 PM is held during the first week of classes in the beautiful Sacred Heart Chapel. At this event, members of the St. Thomas Aquinas community offer words of advice and encouragement to formally welcome you to our family.

Spartan Journey Checklist

We know that the transition to college can be a challenging one. One of the most challenging aspects is handling the onboarding tasks that you and your family need to complete before the start of the semester. That’s why we wanted to provide a simple checklist below so that you can start to prepare throughout the summer and be ready for September. You will log into the Student Portal for most of the steps. (If you are having trouble logging in please send an email to the Senior Associate Director of Admissions Operations, Thomas Sapienza using tsapienz@stac.edu.)

  • Summer Registration Day Selection
  • Resident Students Must Complete the Housing Survey in the Student Portal
  • All New Students Must Provide Updated Student Health Information in the Medicat Portal
    – Submit Childhood Vaccination Records (MMR, Meningitis)
    – Complete TB Screening questionnaire on Medicat
    – Resident Students Must Submit the Health History
  • Move In Day for all new transfers and freshmen resident students will be held on Thursday, September 3rd.
  • Spartan Journey Orientation for all new freshmen and transfer students will be held on three days, September 4-5-6.
  • Understand Your Financial Aid/Complete All Steps:
    – Print your Notice of Award and bring it to your Registration Date.
    – We have preset Financial Aid Appointment Times for each Registration Fair.
    – Complete the FAFSA (Free App Federal Student Aid) if you are a US Citizen.
    – Complete Loan Requirements if you chose a Student and/or Parent Loan.
  • More To Do….
    – Check your new stac.edu email account this summer.
    – Choose your optional trips for Orientation Weekend (separate email).
    – Complete online Title IX Training before September 3rd (separate email).
    – Complete online Alcohol Awareness training (separate email).
  • Transfer Students
    All new transfer students are invited to register and attend any portion of the Spartan Journey. There may be some overlap between the information you received at your previous institution. You will still enjoy the experience and receive important information about St. Thomas Aquinas College.


Student Financial Services Appointments

The staff in the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) are ready to help students and families create a personalized financial plan to make St. Thomas Aquinas College an affordable option. For more information, please schedule an appointment with an SFS team member today!

Parent Information

Parents and Family members are welcome to help their resident student move onto campus on Thursday, September 3rd. On Friday, September 4th, Parent Orientation will take place from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. At the end of Parent Orientation, we ask parents and families to take a hike, or shop, or visit our local towns, but leave you must…

To register for Parent Orientation, make sure that your student registers you as an attendee when they register to attend Spartan Journey 2026. Check out the links below for more information about fun activities you can do close by to St. Thomas Aquinas College.

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at 845-398-4173 or email spartanjourney@stac.edu. We look forward to welcoming you with Spartan Pride!

Save The Dates

September 23: Explore Next Door Trip: STAC College Night at Yankee Stadium
October 19-25: Spartan Spirit Homecoming Week
December 1: STAC Singers Holiday Sing Along & Tree Lighting
December 5: Winter Wonderland Family Festival

Your Spartan Spirit

As a unique individual, you possess interests and characteristics that give you a very specific “Spartan Spirit”. Your “Spartan Spirit” can give you insight into experiences, opportunities, and resources that speak to who you are and what you are looking for in your experience at the College. It can also be an opportunity to connect with other new Spartans who have similar interests. Learn more about our “Spartan Spirits” below.

Service Spartans may be interested in joining Clubs & Organizations such as Alpha Phi Omega, Paws 4 Change, Mental Health Club, or Spartans in Service. You may also consider becoming a Spartan Ambassador in the future, representing the College at Admissions events.

All new Spartans should also learn more about our Career Center,Student Engagement offerings, and Academic Services.

Unstoppable Spartans may be interested in our Health and Wellness programs and services on campus, as well as our on-the-go dining options!

All new Spartans should also learn more about our Career Center, Student Engagement offerings, and Academic Services.

Adventurous Spartans may be interested in off-campus trips provided by Student Engagement, club and intramural sports, as well as Performance Clubs and Organizations like our Laetare Players and Comedy Club!

All new Spartans should also learn more about our Career Center, Student Engagement offerings, and Academic Services.

Observer Spartans may be interested in attending athletic games, or joining Clubs and Organizations!

All new Spartans should also learn more about our Career Center, Student Engagement offerings, and Academic Services.

Curious Spartans may be interested in joining Clubs and Organizations, participating in club and intramural sports, and adventuring around campus and the local community!

All new Spartans should also learn more about our Career Center, Student Engagement offerings, and Academic Services.

Orientation FAQs

Orientation at St. Thomas Aquinas College is organized and planned by the Student Engagement Office and is designed to provide a warm welcome and assist you in your transition to life as a Spartan. The program introduces you to the individuals on campus, helpful information, and available resources to make your experience at St. Thomas Aquinas a success!

  • Socialize with current and new students
  • Prepare for Academic and Social Success
  • Solve any onboarding concerns
  • Learn more about campus
  • Answer all of your questions about being a Spartan!

Every incoming freshman will be billed $150 for the Orientation Fee, which will be included on your Fall bill. The fee covers:

  • Orientation materials
  • Spartan Orientation swag
  • All Orientation activities

The purpose of Orientation is for new students to gain autonomy and meet their new peers at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Because of this, we do not permit guests/friends/significant others to attend Orientation with the student. These guests may attend the Parent Orientation sessions taking place during New Student Orientation.

There certainly are. Here are some hotels that we recommend in the local area:

DoubleTree by Hilton Nanuet
425 E. Route 59
Nanuet, NY 10954
845-623-6000

Hilton Pearl River
500 Veterans Memorial Dr.
Pearl River, NY 10965
845-735-9000

During the Orientation Program, there will be opportunities to meet with Student Financial Services to discuss tuition payment options. For more information, you may contact the Student Financial Services team at (845) 398-4173 / sfs@stac.edu.

You will already have your schedule by the time Spartan Journey begins. You should attend one of our Registration Fairs to create your schedule. If you have questions about your schedule, you may reach out to the Office of Student Success at (845) 398-4028.

We will inform you of your academic advisor during your registration. You will be able to access this information through Banner Self Service and Navigate, two of our College Apps that you will become very familiar with as a new student. We’ll introduce these applications during Orientation.

It’s really up to you. Some students like to do so before the start of the semester, where others choose to wait until the beginning of the semester. Check out our online Bookstore.

During the first month of school, you will be adjusting to college life both academically and personally. You will familiarize yourself with classes, classmates and professors, learn academic expectations, and identify resources available should you need extra support. STAC 101, your first-year seminar course, will help pull together all these aspects and foster a positive transition. On a personal level, you will get to know your peers, roommate(s), and become involved in student life. The Student Engagement Office and the Student Government Association sponsor many student-run organizations and on-campus events for both residents and commuters, especially during the first month of school.

You can expect to have fun, meet new friends, and become prepared to be a successful Spartan! See you soon!

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at (845) 398-4173.