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.
Connect, Explore, and Prepare
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.
August
Orientation Schedule
Students
| Time | Event 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. - Noon | Student 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
|
Parents/Guardians
| Time | Event 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. - Noon | Student 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
|
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
| Time | Event and Location |
|---|---|
| 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Check-In and Breakfast on the Quad 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.
|
| 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 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 Join us for an evening of food, music, games, and more. |
Saturday, August 22
| Time | Event 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 Watch a movie on the Quad and enjoy movie theater treats served by members of the men's basketball team. |
Sunday, August 23
| Time | Event 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. |