At St. Mary’s University, we understand that the transition from high school to college is something first-year students have never experienced before. To aid in your transition, we created the First Year Experience — a course designed to support your transition to St. Mary’s and help you succeed in your first year.
As a Marianist and Catholic University, St. Mary’s is committed to the values of community, inclusivity and educating the whole person. This environment not only fosters engagement, research, mentorship and service learning but also shapes ethical leaders with generous spirits, viewing their careers as vocational journeys. Our goal is to help students transition into this environment and graduate from St. Mary’s with the aspiration to a life purposefully lived.
Course Plan
Every new undergraduate student is required to take the First Year Experience course. As a part of the course, each student will:
- Earn three credit hours
- Build academic skills
- Discover personal growth opportunities
A Supportive Community
At St. Mary’s, we believe in fostering a welcoming environment that reaches beyond the classroom. During this course and the rest of your time at St. Mary’s, your success is supported by faculty, First Year Experience Mentors and staff throughout the University.
Our community even includes our Rattler Parents. Join the Rattler Family Portal to stay connected to St. Mary’s.
Catholic and Marianist Traditions
The Marianists are a worldwide family of Catholic brothers, priests, sisters and committed lay people. As a Catholic Marianist University, St. Mary’s fosters the formation of people in faith and educates leaders for the common good through community, integrated liberal arts and professional education, and academic excellence.
Co-Directors of the First-Year Experience
Raúl Zenedejas, Ph.D.
Co-Director of First-Year Experience
“The First-Year Experience equips students with the essential tools and knowledge to thrive from day one. It not only supports their academic and personal growth during their first year, but also lays a strong foundation for their entire University journey and future career.”
Rafael Moras, Ph.D.
Co-Director of First-Year Experience
Professor of Industrial Engineering“The St. Mary’s First Year Experience has an important role. It is much more than just an academic orientation — it’s our way to welcome new students into a family that includes professed Marianists, dedicated faculty and staff, and fellow students.”
Student Success Tips
St. Mary’s has a fun and supportive community. Attend events and familiarize yourself with some of our favorite traditions and places on campus to get a head start.
Discover Campus
Academic Buildings
Albert B. Alkek Business Building: Often referred to as ‘Alkek’, this building houses the Bill Greehey School of Business. On the first floor is the Atrium, where students can study and many business events are hosted, and various classrooms. The second floor contains faculty and the dean’s office.
Blank Sheppard Innovation Center: Our newest building on campus, the Innovation Center’s third floor is dedicated to the Nursing Program. Other floors include labs dedicated to robotics, data science and engineering design.
Blume Library: Short for Louis J. Blume Library, this library offers an extensive collection of print and electronic books, journals, databases and academic spaces. Dedicated librarians are on staff to help you succeed.
Charles Francis Hall: Charles Francis is home to the Office of Information and Technology Services, the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as numerous academic offices and classrooms.
Garni Science Hall: Often referred to as ‘Garni’, this building is part of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. It includes classrooms and faculty offices.
Reinbolt Hall: The second oldest building on campus. Reinbolt houses Assumption Chapel, the Center for Catholic Studies and classrooms.
Richter Math–Engineering Center: Often referred to as ‘Math’, this building is used primarily by the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. The building contains multiple classrooms and various department offices.
Moody Life Sciences Center: One of the buildings included in our School of Science, Engineering and Technology. ‘Moody’ includes two large stadium-seating classrooms, as well as regular classrooms, labs and faculty offices.
Key Locations
AA&CC: Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center is where you’ll find the Fitness Center, indoor running track, Bill Greehey Arena and more.
Rattler Success Center (RSC): Located on the third floor of the Blume Library, the RSC offers advising, peer coaching, tutoring, writing assistance and academic success coaching.
The Cotrell Learning Commons: The Commons is a central gathering spot featuring Starbucks, study areas, the Technical Support Center and the Academic Media Center.
St. Louis Hall: The campus’ first building is home to administrative offices, faculty offices and a few classrooms. Students can find the Office of Financial Assistance and Office of the Registrar here.
The POD: A small store offering coffee, tacos, soft drinks and other snacks, located under the smokestack next to Subway
UC: The University Center — home to the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at St. Mary’s, Chick-fil-a, the Diamondback Café, Career Services and more.
St. Mary’s Traditions
Show your Rattler Pride by wearing gold and blue on Thursdays and join us as we partake in our traditions. From Oyster Bake, an official Fiesta event where the community comes together to enjoy the company of friends, to Continuing the Heritage, where we join together to assist the community, St. Mary’s has many traditions that you get to be a part of.
Class Schedule Abbreviations
Understanding your class schedule is simple with these common abbreviations for days of the week.
TR: Tuesday and Thursday
T: Class only on Tuesday
R: Class only on Thursday
MW: Monday and Wednesday
MWF: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
M: Class only on Monday
W: Class only on Wednesday
F: Class only on Friday
Meet Your Student Mentors
Yoany Callejas
Political Science major
Fun Fact: I love to book last-minute travel just because it’s too cheap to pass up.
Jaelyn Lopez
Forensic Science — Criminology major
Alexa Miner
Biology major
Fun Fact: I am happiest when eating rice and drinking coffee
Lauren Zendejas
Communication Studies major
Fun Fact: Adventure Time is my favorite show
Irene Urbina-Zuniga
Psychology major
Fun Fact: I practiced ballet and tap for over 10 years.
Savannah Torres
International and Global Studies major
Fun Fact: I visited and lived in Northern Ireland for two weeks as part of a study abroad experience!
Bryan Suarez
Spanish with Teacher Certification major
Layla Dickerson
Business and Law major
Fun Fact: I was a gymnast for seven years.
Amadis Rodrigez
Finance and Risk Management major
Gabriel Roda
Finance and Risk Management major
Sergio Arguello
Finance and Risk Management major
Fun Fact: I love dogs and listening to music.
Patricio Miner
Computer Science major
Fun Fact: I’m currently making a video game.
Valentina Asfura
Accounting and Data Analytics major
Fun Fact: I played soccer for years but, funny enough, I never really liked the sport.
Andrea Montesinos Martinez
Exercise and Sport Science major
Fun Fact: I’m an international student.
Duran Adolfo
Finance and Risk Management major
Fun Fact: I am very good at training dogs. Both of my dogs know how to ride a skateboard.
Edwin Hernandez
Electrical Engineering major
Fun Fact: I am rebuilding a motorcycle in my backyard.
Kennedie Martinez
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling student
Fun Fact: I enjoy exploring and experimenting with new baking recipes.
FAQs
Welcome to the Rattler family! These FAQs address common questions for new students transitioning into their first year. If you don’t find your answer here, contact Raul Zendejas, Ph.D., at 210-431-2010 or rzendejas@stmarytx.edu.
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience for new students. If these feelings become persistent or cause anxiety, please visit Raul Zendejas, Ph.D., at Chaminade Tower 406, or reach out via phone or email to explore available support resources.
What if I feel overwhelmed during the semester?
Contact the Student Counseling Center:
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone (Appointments): 210-436-3135
- Rattler Helpline (24/7 Crisis): 210-825-3622
Where can I get Mental Health Support?
Contact the Office of Academic Advising:
- Location: Louis J. Blume Library, Third Floor
- Phone: 210-436-3736
How do I change my class schedule?
Contact the Rattler Success Center:
- Location: Louis J. Blume Library, Third Floor
- Phone: 210-436-3736
Where can I find tutoring or writing support?
Visit the Spiritual Life website: www.stmarytx.edu/campuslife/spiritual to learn more about how you can get involved.
How can I get involved in Spiritual Life?
Contact the Student Health Center:
- Location: Charles Francis Hall
- Phone: 210-436-3506
- Email: healthcenter@stmarytx.edu
What if I feel sick?
Visit Student Life:
- Location: University Center, Second Floor
- Phone: 210-436-3436
- Email: studentlife@stmarytx.edu
How do I get involved in student activities?
Contact the professors in your specific academic department, including the Department Chair. Their contact information (web, phone, email) can be found on your program’s webpage.
Who should I see if I have questions about my major?
You can speak with professors in your academic department (including the Chair) in their departmental offices. We also encourage you to visit the Career and Professional Development Center:
- Location: University Center
- Phone: 210-436-3102
- Email: rattlercareers@stmarytx.edu
Who should I see if I have questions about career opportunities?
- Talk to your instructor: Make an appointment, visit during office hours, or send emails.
- Seek tutoring: Get help from a tutor at the Rattler Success Center (see details above for contact information).
What should I do if I have trouble in a particular class?
Yes! We have an on-campus University Ministry team, who have professional ministers and student ministry teams committed to engaging the University in servant leadership. They organize faith-based activities and retreats to help you on your St. Mary’s journey.
- Location: Center for Life Directions
- Phone: 210-436-3213
Can the University support my faith journey, regardless of my faith tradition?
There are plenty of ways to get involved on campus! The best way to learn about these opportunities is to talk to the faculty and students in your major. There are many professional organizations working with many of our majors, and they usually offer networking opportunities, potential for developing your leadership skills, and internship and job opportunities. Here are a few of the organizations that we offer:
- Commuting Rattlers
- University Programming Council
What leadership opportunities and student organizations does St. Mary’s have?
Contact Us
To learn more about the First Year Experience or answer any questions, contact one of our Co-Directors Raúl Zendejas or Rafael Moras.
Raúl Zendejas, Ph.D.
Co-Director of First-Year Experience
Chaminade Tower, 406
rzendejas@stmarytx.edu
Rafael Moras, Ph.D.
Co-Director of First-Year Experience
Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, 201-A
rmoras@stmarytx.edu