Are you Rattler Ready?

First-year Rattlers are required to attend the St. Mary’s University orientation program.

Make sure you’re Rattler Ready! for orientation at St. Mary’s.

Congratulations on joining the St. Mary’s University family! We are excited you are St. Mary’s bound. Whether you are coming to St. Mary’s as a first-year student or a transfer student, Rattler Ready! and Zaragoza will help you with your transition to St. Mary’s University.

Rattler Ready!

Rattler Ready! is the St. Mary’s University new undergraduate student orientation for first-year and transfer students. Several sessions are offered throughout the summer.

Friday, June 21
Monday, July 15
Friday, July 19
Thursday, Aug. 15*

*Reserved for out-of-State, international, and El Paso Students

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a required program for all first-year students that takes place in the days before school starts to help you meet your future classmates and transition to St. Mary’s, and learn about campus life.

Aug. 16-19

Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate students in the Greehey School of Business; School of Science, Engineering and Technology; and College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences must complete an online orientation course before classes begin.


Next Steps: Rattler Ready!


Step 1

Complete your Enrollment Confirmation Process

Before you can register for Rattler Ready!, be sure you have completed your Enrollment Confirmation Process and paid your $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit. It can take up to two business days for your deposit to be processed and Rattler Ready! registration to become available to you.

If you have not completed this step, visit the Rattler Roadmap for instructions on how to do so. The Rattler Roadmap also has more steps to complete after you’ve registered for Rattler Ready!, so don’t forget to return to it to finish your next steps.


Step 2

Register for Rattler Ready!

All new freshmen and transfers are required to attend Rattler Ready! prior to the beginning at St. Mary’s for the fall or spring semester. Space at each session may be limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We highly recommend registering as soon as possible to ensure your session best fits with your personal schedule.

Two guests are welcome to attend Rattler Ready! with their students, but please note the students do separate from the guests during the program. There will be parent-centered activities to participate in as well.


Step 3

Review the schedule for Rattler Ready!

Tentative Rattler Ready Schedule 2024*

8 a.m.Check-in and Breakfast (Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena Entrance)
8:30 a.m.University Welcome and Prayer
9 a.m.Introduction to Student Life, Zaragoza and Rattler Ready! Student Leaders
9:30 a.m.Academics 101
11 a.m.Academic Advising, Office of the Registrar, and Student Services Overview
NoonLunch
1 p.m.Resource Fair
2 p.m.Financial Assistance and Business Office Presentations, Career and Professional Development Center Open House
2 to 3 p.m.Take photos for Rattler IDs, Small Groups, and Parent English and Spanish Sessions
3 to 4 p.m.Residence Life and Campus Dining Overview, Residence Hall Tours
4 to 5 p.m.Campus Tour (Optional), Meet in Cotrell Learning Commons
3 to 5:30 p.m.Student Check-Out Process. Review checklist, confirm registration for Zaragoza, complete survey and pick-up Rattler ID. (Cotrell Learning Commons)

*Order of sessions may change based on the student’s assigned group.


Step 4

Register for Zaragoza

All new freshmen and transfers are required to attend Zaragoza before the beginning of the fall semester. Families are invited to Day 1 of Zaragoza on Friday, Aug. 16.

Zaragoza registration will open soon.


Step 5

Review the Schedule for Zaragoza

Tentative Zaragoza schedule coming soon.


Step 6

Prepare to travel for Rattler Ready! and Zaragoza

We are excited to welcome you and your family to campus. Check out the link below for a campus map, area accommodations and travel information. Participants and guests are asked to park in Lot T and Lot W for their scheduled Rattler Ready! day and Zaragoza weekend at the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center (AA&CC).


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  • Questions?


    Office of New Student and Family Initiatives
    University Center, Second Floor
    210-431-8066
    orientation@stmarytx.edu

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