Welcome to Manhattan University!

Our goal is to provide an engaging, informative orientation experience. 

Orientation is an essential and exciting program that introduces incoming freshman and transfer students to all aspects of campus life. It is an opportunity to meet with administrators and current students in order to ease your transition to Manhattan University.

 

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Manhattan University students sitting on the Quad talking

Connect, Explore, and Prepare

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Aerial Photo of Campus

We look forward to your participation in our exciting Orientation program that will acquaint you with our Jasper community. A variety of activities and information sessions will connect you with key administrators, fellow students and current student leaders. It is an essential introduction to all Manhattan University has to offer. You will participate in academic planning sessions, attend student life panels, meet other new students over fun activities, and receive your first semester class schedule. This program is mandatory for all new students. 

Before Welcome Weekend, incoming students will be able to get an introduction to Manhattan University by attending one of our Orientation dates. 

Whichever date you select will be a great opportunity to get to know the university community and learn what it takes to be a Jasper.

Register for Orientation

The New Student Orientation is open registration on the following dates.

Orientation Schedule

Students

Orientation schedule for students
TimeEvent and Location
9 - 10 a.m.Check-in and Breakfast with President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
10 - 11 a.m.Meet with Your Orientation Leader in assigned classrooms
11 a.m. - NoonStudent Life Session on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
Noon - 1 p.m.Lunch in Locke's Loft
1 - 2:30 p.m.MU Amazing Race beginning in your assigned classroom
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.Academic Advising Session on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
3:30 - 4 p.m.James Patterson Honors Program Introduction Session in Kelly Commons, Room 4C
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Open Office Hours with Academic Advising, Jasper Central, Residence Life, and the Math Placement Assessment

  • Academic Advising: Kelly Commons, 5th Floor
  • Jasper Central: Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor
  • Residence Life: Thomas Hall, Room 502
  • Math Placement Assessment: O'Malley Library, 5th Floor

Parents/Guardians

Orientation schedule for parents and guardians
TimeEvent and Location
9 - 10 a.m.Check-in and Breakfast with President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
10 - 11 a.m.Jasper Families Welcome and Financial Aid Q&A on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
11 a.m. - NoonStudent Life Session on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons
Noon - 1:15 p.m.Lunch in Smith Auditorium
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.Living Lasallian Session and Activity in Smith Auditorium
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.Social with Student Affairs on the 2nd Floor of Thomas Hall
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Open Office Hours with Academic Advising, Jasper Central, Residence Life, and the Math Placement Assessment

  • Academic Advising: Kelly Commons, 5th Floor
  • Jasper Central: Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor
  • Residence Life: Thomas Hall, Room 502
  • Math Placement Assessment: O'Malley Library, 5th Floor

Before You Arrive

Take care of a few important steps before coming to campus to ensure a smooth transition to Manhattan University. From placement assessments and academic planning to health records and insurance requirements, completing these items ahead of time will help you start your first semester prepared and ready to succeed. Review the information below and be sure to meet all required deadlines before Orientation.

Orientation

Welcome Weekend 2026

Your Manhattan University experience begins here. 

New students are invited to begin their Manhattan University journey during Welcome Weekend, August 21-23. Meet fellow Jaspers, connect with campus resources, explore Riverdale, attend New Student Convocation, and enjoy three days of activities designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and at home.

Review the schedule and get ready for your first Manhattan University memories.

Friday, August 21

Welcome Weekend schedule for Friday, August 21
TimeEvent and Location
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Check-In and Breakfast on the Quad 
Rain location: Smith Auditorium

Join us for breakfast while checking in and receiving your schedule for the weekend.

9 a.m.

Meeting with Orientation Leaders on the Quad

Catch up with your Orientation Leader and fellow new students.

10 - 10:45 a.m.

President's Welcome in Draddy Gymnasium

Hear from Manhattan University President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., meet members of the Spirit Squad, and participate in a blessing of the students.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Academic Sessions

Students will meet with the deans and assistant deans from their respective academic schools.

  • Engineering: Kelly Commons, 5th Floor
  • O'Malley School of Business: Smith Auditorium
  • Kakos School of Arts and Sciences: Kelly Commons, 4th Floor
Beginning at 11 a.m.

Financial Aid and Jasper Central Appointments at Jasper Central, Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor

Jasper Central will be open for appointments throughout the day.

11 - 11:45 a.m.

How to Help Your Student Succeed in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers

For parents and guests.

Learn how to best support your student as they begin their time at Manhattan University.

Noon - 12:45 p.m.

Chapel Tour in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers

For parents and guests.

A Lasallian Brother will share more about the University's Lasallian values and the story represented in the chapel's stained glass.

Noon - 12:45 p.m.

Covino Room Tour

For parents and guests.

Learn more about the University's history from the University archivist.

1 p.m.Lunch in Locke's Loft and on the 1st floor of Kelly Commons
2 p.m.

Farewell to Parents and Guests on Smith Steps 
Rain location: Smith Auditorium

See you at Family Weekend, September 25-27.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Commuter Social Hour on the 2nd floor of Kelly Commons

Commuter students can meet commuter Orientation Leaders, learn about available resources, and pick up their student ID cards.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

International Student Session in Kelly Commons, Room 4C

International students will complete their visa and compliance check-in with the International Admissions team.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Veteran Student Social Hour in Kelly Commons, Room 4A

Veteran students can meet fellow new veteran students and the Director of Veteran Success.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Jasper Jumpstart on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons

Student-athletes will learn more about student-athlete academic success services.

4 p.m.

New Student Convocation in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers

Learn about the University's Lasallian mission and core values and what it means to begin your journey as a Jasper.

Business casual attire is required.

5 p.m.

ID Distribution at the bottom of Smith Steps

Commuter students can pick up their ID cards and care packages.

5 - 7:30 p.m.

Evening on the Quad 
Rain location: Smith Auditorium

Join us for an evening of food, music, games, and more.

Saturday, August 22

Welcome Weekend schedule for Saturday, August 22
TimeEvent and Location
9 - 10:30 a.m.Centralized Advising Open Office Hours
10 a.m.

Brunch Hosted by the Women's Basketball Team in Smith Auditorium

Enjoy brunch served by members of the women's basketball team.

10:30 a.m.Meeting with Orientation Leaders on the Quad
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Student Success 101 with the Center for Advising and Academic Success on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons

Learn about the resources available to help set you up for success during the semester.

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Public Safety Session in Kelly Commons, Room 5B

Hear from the Director of Public Safety about ways to stay safe on and off campus.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.Centralized Advising Open Office Hours
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

James Patterson Honors Program Welcome Session

For students participating in the James Patterson Honors Program.

2:45 p.m.

Taste of Riverdale

Join the Dean of Students and Orientation Leaders as they introduce you to restaurants and businesses in the Riverdale community.

2:45 p.m.

Target Run

Orientation Leaders will lead students on the subway for last-minute dorm room shopping.

5 p.m.Dinner in Locke's Loft on the 4th floor of Thomas Hall
7:30 p.m.

Movie Night Hosted by the Men's Basketball Team on the Quad 
Rain location: Smith Auditorium

Watch a movie on the Quad and enjoy movie theater treats served by members of the men's basketball team.

Sunday, August 23

Welcome Weekend schedule for Sunday, August 23
TimeEvent and Location
9:30 - 11 a.m.Centralized Advising Open Office Hours
10 a.m.

Brunch in Smith Auditorium

Join us for brunch to start the day.

10 a.m. - Noon

Back-to-School Supplies Service Activity

Join the Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Service Learning to assemble back-to-school supply kits for a local youth organization.

Noon - 1 p.m.

Class Schedule Tour

Meet in the Student Commons and bring your class schedule.

Noon - 2 p.m.Centralized Advising Open Office Hours
1 p.m.

Sunday in Central Park

Spend the afternoon in Central Park with fellow Jaspers and Orientation Leaders, who will show you how to travel there by subway.

5 p.m.Dinner in Locke's Loft on the 4th floor of Thomas Hall
8 p.m.

Dessert in Café 1853

Wrap up Welcome Weekend with a sweet treat before the first day of classes.