Parent & Family Orientation
Get to Know Campus
Parents and families are a vital part of the Saint Joseph’s community. Our summer orientation experiences are designed to prepare students, and their families holistically, for their first semester on campus. Your student can choose from four two-day sessions:
- June 21 - 22
- June 23 - 24
- June 25 - 26
- June 27 - 28
The day will be held on campus and will include a short program for 1-2 parents/family members. The Post Learning Commons will be available for parents/guardians between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. if you need a place to do work, rest, and/or wait for your student during their on-campus orientation program.
Closing out the orientation experience, students will be available for pick-up at Hawk’s Landing by 2:45 p.m. on day two of the program.
Orientation 2028
Parent/Families Schedule*
*please note - schedule is subject to change
Day One
June 21, 23, 25, and 27
| 7:30 - 9 a.m. | Park at Hawk’s Landing Check-in and Continental Breakfast (Doyle Banquet Halls) |
| 9 a.m. | Welcome from University Leadership |
| 9:15 a.m. | Partnering for Success – Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Ross Radish, JD |
| 9:30 a.m. | Care for the Whole Student - Well-Being at SJU |
| 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. | College Life Scenarios & Introduction of the Orientation Leaders |
| 11 a.m. | Campus Life Resources |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch & Resource Fair |
| 1 p.m. | Residence Hall Tours |
| 2 p.m. | Financing an SJU Education OR Insider Tips for a Successful First Year |
| 3 p.m. | Class of 2028 Blessing & Reflection Catholic Mass on Sunday, June 23 |
Students will be available for pick-up tomorrow by 3 p.m.
Hotel Information
The Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue will offer a discounted rate for a limited number of rooms to families of incoming students at Saint Joseph's University during Orientation 2028.
The reservation link will automatically default to check-in on 6/20 and check-out on 6/30, the date range for Orientation 2028. Please update your arrival/departure date simply by clicking the edit button on the site and adjusting it to your preferred dates.
Additionally, families can call the hotel at 215-879-4000 and reference the group block code 965 to make their reservation and receive the special discounted rate.
If you have specific questions about accommodations, please contact the hotel directly.
Your Student's Next Steps
Your student has received an invite to the New Hawks Portal, where they will be working through a checklist of items necessary to be ready for the first semester of their campus journey. Here you will find an overview of these checklist items and due dates. Keep in mind that your student may have additional checklist items depending on their individual academic profile, for example, Honors Program participants.
- Choose your language
- Complete language placement test
- Confirm or change your major
- Complete your Math Placement test
- Complete your housing agreement
- Register for Orientation
- Accept your Financial Aid
- Submit your health evaluation form
- Submit your final high school transcript
- Submit college courses taken while in high school
- Download the SJU Safe and SJU Mobile apps
- Upload a photo for your campus ID card
- Waive or enroll your health insurance through firststudent.com
Contact Us
We know you may have additional questions about orientation or your student's next steps. We're here to help!