--- title: "Orientation" url: "/student-life/orientation" type: page date: 2026-06-03 updated: 2026-08-21 --- # Orientation # Welcome to Manhattan University! **Our goal is to provide an engaging, informative, and welcoming experience.** Orientation and Welcome Weekend both offer 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. [ Travel to Manhattan University ](/admissions/visit) Image ![Manhattan University students sitting on the Quad talking](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/students-quad-2026-3200x1800.jpg?h=f0fb51a5&itok=5hZtlNlC) ## Connect, Explore, and Prepare Image ![Aerial Photo of Campus](/sites/default/files/styles/original_aspect_ratio_400/public/media/2025-01/aerial-photo-campus.jpg?itok=C-aYjRWl) Welcome Weekend is your official start to life as a Jasper and an opportunity to connect with the Manhattan University community before classes begin. Throughout the weekend, you will meet fellow students and current student leaders, connect with campus resources, explore Riverdale, participate in activities and traditions, and learn more about what to expect as you begin your first semester. Welcome Weekend is designed to help new students feel prepared, connected and at home at Manhattan University. From New Student Convocation to social events and opportunities to explore campus, the weekend marks the beginning of your Manhattan experience. All new students are expected to participate in Welcome Weekend activities. Fall Orientation ## Welcome Weekend: August 21-23 **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 21TimeEvent and Location8:30 - 9:45 a.m.**Check-In and Breakfast** on the Quadrangle *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 Quadrangle Catch up with your Orientation Leader and fellow new students. 10 - 10:45 a.m.**President's Welcome** in Draddy Gymnasium Join us in our campus gymnasium to hear from Manhattan University President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., meet some of our Spirit Squad members, and take part in a blessing of the students. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.**Academic Sessions** Students will get to meet with the deans and assistant deans from their respective academic schools. - Engineering: Smith Auditorium - O'Malley School of Business: Kelly Commons, 4th Floor - Kakos School of Arts and Sciences: Kelly Commons, 5th Floor 11 a.m.**Financial Aid / Jasper Central** at Jasper Central, Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor Jasper Central will be open for appointments all 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 about how to best support your student as they start 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. Led by University Archivist Amy Surak.* Learn more about our campus' Lasallian values and see the story in our chapel's beautiful stained glass. Noon - 12:45 p.m.**Dorothy Day Center Tour** *For parents and guests. Led by Kevin Ahern, Ph.D., Director of the Dorothy Day Center for Social Catholicism.* 1 p.m.**Lunch** in Locke's Loft, Thomas Hall, 4th Floor, and Kelly Commons, 1st Floor2 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.**Social Hour** **Commuter Social Hour:** Kelly Commons, 2nd Floor Come hang out with our commuter Orientation Leaders and learn more about the resources and amenities available to you. You can also pick up your student ID card. **Veteran Student Social Hour:** Kelly Commons, Room 4A Meet with your fellow new veteran students and the Director of Veteran Success. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.**International Student Session** in Kelly Commons, Room 4C Complete your visa and compliance check-in with our International Admissions Team. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.**Jasper Jumpstart** on the 5th Floor of Kelly Commons Student-athletes, learn more about student-athlete academic success services. 4 p.m.**New Student Convocation** in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers Hear about our University's Lasallian mission and core values while learning what it means to start 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 a night with food, music, games, and more! ### #### Saturday, August 22 Welcome Weekend schedule for Saturday, August 22TimeEvent and Location9 - 10:30 a.m.**Centralized Advising Open Office Hours** in Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor Meet with an academic advisor if you have any questions about your class schedule. 10 a.m.**Brunch** in Smith Auditorium *Hosted by the Women's Basketball Team.* Join us for a delicious brunch served by the members of our women's basketball team. 10:30 a.m.**Meeting with Orientation Leaders** on the Quadrangle11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.**Student Success 101 with the Center for Advising and Academic Success** on the 5th Floor of Kelly Commons Hear about the resources to set you up for success this semester. 12:30 - 1:15 p.m.**Public Safety Session** in Kelly Commons, Room 5B Hear from our Director of Public Safety about the best ways to stay safe on and off campus. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.**Centralized Advising Open Office Hours** in Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor Meet with an academic advisor if you have any questions about your class schedule. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.**James Patterson Honors Program Welcome Session** on the 5th Floor of Kelly Commons Meet students in the James Patterson Honors Program. 2:45 p.m.**Taste of Riverdale** leaving from the 2nd Floor of Kelly Commons Join the Dean of Students and our Orientation Leaders as they show you some of the amazing restaurants and businesses our Riverdale community has to offer. 2:45 p.m.**Target Run** leaving from the 2nd Floor of Kelly Commons Still missing any dorm room essentials? Our Orientation Leaders will lead you on the subway so you can do some last-minute shopping. 5 p.m.**Dinner** in Locke's Loft, Thomas Hall, 4th Floor7:30 p.m.**Movie Night:** ***Pitch Perfect*** on the Quadrangle *Rain location: Smith Auditorium* *Hosted by the Men's Basketball Team.* Come watch a movie with us on the Quad and enjoy movie theater treats. ### #### Sunday, August 23 Welcome Weekend schedule for Sunday, August 23TimeEvent and Location9:30 - 11 a.m.**Centralized Advising Open Office Hours** in Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor Meet with an academic advisor if you have any questions about your class schedule. 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 with the Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Service Learning** in Smith Auditorium Help assemble back-to-school supply kits for a local youth organization. Noon - 1 p.m.**Class Schedule Tours** leaving from the 2nd Floor of Kelly Commons Meet in Kelly Commons and bring your class schedule! 1 p.m.**Sunday in Central Park** leaving from the 2nd Floor of Kelly Commons Spend the afternoon in Central Park with your fellow Jaspers and Orientation Leaders who will show you how to get there on the subway. Noon - 2 p.m.**Centralized Advising Open Office Hours** in Thomas Hall, 3rd Floor Meet with an academic advisor if you have any questions about your class schedule. 4 - 7 p.m.**Dinner** in Locke's Loft, Thomas Hall, 4th Floor Meal plan for the semester begins. ## 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. [](/campus-life/orientation/health-information) [Health Services Information ](/campus-life/orientation/health-information) Students registered for 6 or more on-campus credits must submit required health records and meet New York State immunization requirements. Complete your Med+Proctor forms and health insurance waiver or enrollment by August 1. Health Services Information [](/offices/title-IX/title-ix-and-non-discrimination) [Title IX Information ](/offices/title-IX/title-ix-and-non-discrimination) Learn about Manhattan University’s Title IX and non-discrimination policies, including how to report incidents of sexual misconduct or discrimination. Title IX Information [](/campus-life/orientation/academic-history-and-interests-profile) [Academic History and Interests Profile ](/campus-life/orientation/academic-history-and-interests-profile) Complete your academic history and interests profile, along with any required placement assessments, to help Manhattan University build your fall class schedule. You will meet with Centralized Advising during Orientation and continue working with your advisor throughout your first year. Academic History and Interests Profile [](/campus-life/orientation/language-placement) [Language Placement Assessment ](/campus-life/orientation/language-placement) Incoming Kakos School of Arts and Sciences students must complete the Language Placement Assessment for the language they plan to study before receiving a class schedule. Engineering and Business students considering language courses should also complete the assessment so advisors can place them at the appropriate level. Language Placement Assessment [](/campus-life/orientation/mathematics-placement-assessment) [Mathematics Placement Assessment ](/campus-life/orientation/mathematics-placement-assessment) All incoming students must complete the Mathematics Placement Assessment before receiving a class schedule during Orientation. Results help determine the appropriate math or calculus course for your major, and students who need additional algebra or trigonometry review will be notified of next steps. Mathematics Placement Assessment