Santa Fe Orientation and Convocation Spring 2026

We are pleased to welcome all of our Johnnies to our beloved community. This spring we are planning a full schedule of events and activities for everyone!

As plans and schedules are finalized, we will update this page, so check back often. In the meantime, please find important information and links below as you plan for your arrival in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe Freshman Orientation Finding Meno Fall 2019

Housing & Orientation Details

Move-in/Housing

Friday, January 16 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Convocation

This ceremony is a long-standing tradition at the college and serves as the formal induction into the St. John’s community. Families and friends are invited to attend in person or watch online.

Sunday, January 18 at 4 p.m. Rehearsal at 3:30 p.m.

Welcome Week

January 20–25

Full week of events–updated schedules will be provided in Welcome Packets upon arrival.

Class of 2029

Find answers to frequently asked questions on the Santa Fe Admitted Student Page.

New Student Orientation Fall 2025

All sessions are required unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk*

Schedule subject to change

Note: JF classes begin with seminar the evening of Monday, January 19. 

Friday, January 16

Time & Location Event
10 a.m.—1 p.m. Registration: Check in at Weigle Hall with the Registrar, Housing, and Admissions team to get your schedule, welcome packet, and student ID card.
11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. *Lunch: Stop by the dining hall for a delicious lunch by SAGE Dining.
1—5 p.m. Free Time: Spend some time settling into your room. Note:International students have a 1:30 p.m. session.
1:30—2:30 p.m. International Student Session: International students must attend this important session to fully understand the ins and outs of visa regulations while also getting to know the resources SJC provides for international students. Note: This session is only for international students.
5—6 p.m. Welcome Dinner: New students will meet the President, Dean, Assistant Dean, Student Engagement team, and some peers over a casual dinner.

Saturday, January 17

Time & Location Event
10—11 a.m. *Brunch
11 a.m.—12:15 p.m. Student Support Overview: An introduction to the Student Engagement, Health and Wellness, Food Services, and Public Safety teams. Students will also be briefed on the student handbook & college expectations. We will then transition into Title IX. This part of the session will provide information essential to your safety as a student and includes important information on Title IX & student rights.
12:30—1:30 p.m. Mental Health at SJC: Join Julie Madrid and Jill Gerichter for an informative presentation on the fundamentals of mental health awareness, achieving balance in life, and the mental health services available to students at our institution.
1:45—2:45 p.m. Let’s Talk About Yes—Navigating Consent in Relationships: A workshop designed to educate students on the importance of consent in relationships. The workshop aims to provide students with the tools and knowledge to navigate consent and establish healthy boundaries in their relationships. Through interactive discussions and activities, students will learn about the nuances of consent and how to communicate their boundaries effectively.
5 p.m. *Dinner

Sunday, January 18

Time & Location Event
10 a.m. *Brunch
11 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Opening Question and Academic Overview: Meet the Assistant Dean to review academic expectations at SJC. Students will engage in discussion, responding to an opening question, and building shared learning as an introduction to the core of the St. John’s Program.
12:45—2:45 p.m. Social Studies: Join Academic Assistants and student leaders in the Coffee Shop for warm beverages and an introduction to the collaborative learning community here at St. John's! Hear about a variety of study strategies from our amazing team of peer support resources to help you feel prepared to navigate Ancient Greek, math demonstrations, writing at St. John’s, and more.
3:30 p.m. Convocation Practice and Photo 
4—5 p.m. Convocation Ceremony: This ceremony is a long-standing tradition at the college and serves as the formal induction into the St. John’s community. Families and friends are invited to attend in person or virtually. A livestream link will be emailed to the campus community.
5—7 p.m. *Dinner

Monday, January 19

Time & Location Event
8—9 a.m.  *Breakfast

9—10 a.m. 

 The Circuit Tour: Students will rotate between the bookstore, switchboard, mailroom, The Office of Personal and Professional Development (OPPD), our student health center, student coffee lounge, & student activities center. During this tour, you will be taught how to send and receive both mail and packages, see the health office services, explore the new OPPD offices, and learn how to best utilize the bookstore & student activities center to support your academic and physical health endeavors.
10:30—11:30 a.m. Technology at SJC: Learn how to optimize your experience using technology as a Johnnie. Bring your laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
11:30 a.m. *Lunch
1—1:45 p.m.  Library Orientation: During this session, you’ll learn how to access the extensive library services and resources that will support your academic journey here at the college.
2—3 p.m. Bridge to Johnnie Life: We’ll be hosting a fun and practical "JF Survival Training (with cocoa!)" event to connect you with experienced Johnnies, get your questions asked, and hear more about how to make the most of your time here at St. John’s.  There will be JF upperclassmen there to share unique insights from their time as JFs, along with Bridge Peer Mentors!
3—5 p.m.  Free time for seminar preparation
5 p.m.  *Dinner
5:30—7 p.m.  Pickup Volleyball: Current students, staff, faculty, and alumni play spirited games of pick-up volleyball for all levels. Find out how it magically makes you feel chill for seminar.  No experience necessary. Come early for skills and drills! Questions? Contact maryanne.burke(at)sjc.edu.
7:30 p.m.  First Seminar: Your study at St. John’s College begins with your first Seminar, a two–hour conversation. We hope it is thrilling!