Summer Programs for New Students

Pre-Orientation Weekend

POW is the oldest of our summer programs. It began in 1986 when a small group of students thought it would be nice to provide an opportunity for new students to come to Vermont during the summer to learn a little about Saint Michael's and college life in general. In addition, they thought it would be nice to see a little of Vermont's gorgeous outdoors. Though the program has grown in size those three basic goals remain. We are now able to accommodate 90 students over the course of two weekends and one midweek experience.

What happens on POW?

Students participate in activities to get to know each other, learn what college is like, and talk to those who have been there. POW also includes a nature walk along the beautiful Stowe bike path.

Who goes on POW?

All new Saint Michael's students are eligible for POW. There is space available for a total of 30 first year and transfer students on each session. There will also be 18 current students, staff and faculty who have volunteered their time to accompany the group.

What else do you need to know?

We stay in a ski lodge, and all meals and transportation are provided. POW is a popular program and fills quickly on a first-come first-served basis. You will receive more detailed information following the receipt of your application and fee.

Cost

The POW fee is $215 per student. You must register by June 7, 2013.

More about POW and Summer Registration Day

Your POW experience begins with the Summer Registration Day program. The day starts with check-in from 9:00-10:00 AM on the Saint Michael's campus. At the end of your Registration Day, we'll all board a bus to Stowe.

2013 POW Dates:

• July 12-14
• July 16-18
• July 19-21

Please note: registrations will not be taken by phone. The only way to register for a program is to submit the registration form located in the New Student Guide.

For questions or more information:

Joshua Lovergine-Chamberlain
Associate Director of Student Life
802.654.2304
jlovergine@smcvt.edu

Summer Orientation for Academic Excellence and Retention

SOAR is designed for students who value inclusiveness and cultural diversity, and who want to ensure their first year in college is rewarding and successful. It is a great introduction to college life in Vermont. This is an opportunity to spend time with diverse, international and multilingual people. Facilitated by professors, staff and former SOAR participants, the program offers a unique mixture of social and academic orientation. If you are looking for an amazing orientation program with an international flair, SOAR is for you.

Why SOAR?

You will spend SOAR enjoying the outdoors, having international dinners and fun-filled evenings making new friends around bonfires. Our day on the island of Isle La Motte has always been breathtaking. SOAR is real. We will answer all your questions about the dos and don'ts of college life, and best approach to having a great first year on our campus. You can expect honest answers and discussions about first semester transitions and college life. All meals are provided. SOAR is offered only once this summer so apply as soon as possible. SOAR fills up quickly and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. More information will be forthcoming following your application and payment. Please register by June 7, 2013.

Who goes to SOAR?

All new students are eligible for SOAR. Those interested in having a wonderful multicultural experience and meeting a diverse group of students are encouraged to apply. There are at least 16 faculty/staff and students who will also be with you.

What else do you need to know?

We spend the first night exploring Vermont night life, with a dinner and return to campus. Friday is Summer Registration Day. Then we spend the next day, Saturday, on an island and Sunday morning we return to campus. All meals are provided. SOAR fills up quickly and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. More information will be forthcoming following your application and payment. Please register by June 7, 2013.

What is the cost?

SOAR is $215 per student.

SOAR begins Thursday, July 18. The day starts with check-in from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on the Saint Michael’s campus. SOAR is offered only once this summer and is accepting only 45 students, so please apply as soon as possible.

Please note: registrations will not be taken by phone. The only way to register for a program is to submit the registration form located in the New Student Guide.

For questions and more information:

Moise St. Louis
Assistant Dean of Students/
Director of Multicultural Affairs
802.654.2663
mstlouis@smcvt.edu

Community Service Weekend

Community Service Weekend is an opportunity to explore the world of community service and activism in the Chittenden County area. Current student leaders from the MOVE (Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts) Office facilitate the weekend of volunteer opportunities. Participants will engage in a variety of service projects, a few of which include making a meal for a local soup kitchen, assisting in an outdoor project, spending time with children and working with an animal rescue. It's a great time to meet future classmates, spend time in Burlington, get to know upperclass students and learn about some of the many social justice activities on campus. Space is limited because of site capacities. We can accept only 12 students.

Community Service Weekend is sponsored by MOVE, the campus office devoted to connecting Saint Michael's College students with meaningful community service initiatives in our surrounding communities and our world. As a component of the Office of Edmundite Campus Ministry, MOVE recognizes that service is a distinct part of the Edmundite tradition and our Catholic heritage.

Who is Community Service Weekend for?

Community Service Weekend is open to all incoming first-year and transfer students who want to be actively engaged with their community and make an impact before school even starts. Space is limited to 12 participants, so register soon!

What do you do on Community Service Weekend?

Community Service Weekend is a mixture of service projects, engaging discussions, and group activities, all while learning about service opportunities available on campus. The time will also allow participants to gather information about the College to assist in a smooth transition to college life.

Cost

The Community Service Weekend fee is $215 which covers food, lodging, and all evening activities. You must register by June 7, 2013.

2013 Community Service Weekend Dates:

July 12-14

Please note: registrations will not be taken by phone. The only way to register for a program is to submit the registration form located in the New Student Guide.

For questions or more information:

Heidi St. Peter '96
Director, Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE)
802.654.2674
hstpeter2@smcvt.edu

Wilderness Orientation Weekend

Saint Michael's College offers two Wilderness Orientation Weekend for incoming first-year and transfer students. The weeknds are designed to provide an opportunity to meet current students and classmates, learn about life at St. Mike's, and explore our unique outdoor environment. The trips allow students to relax, have fun, meet new friends, and freely ask questions or talk about their college transition.

Each program is led by two Wilderness Program instructors. During each trip, students are exposed to a wide range of activities. There is no experience necessary to participate in any of the WOW programs. Our instructors will teach students the skills necessary to have an enjoyable experience and minimize environmental impact, while offering a perspective on the college's social and academic opportunities. We encourage students to bring as much of their own gear as possible, however we do supply all group equipment. You will receive a complete packing list in your confirmation packet.

Cost

The cost for all trips is $215. (50% refund if you cancel your registration before June 9.)

Learn more and see pictures from past WOWs here or check out our Facebook page!

2013 WOW Dates:

July 12-15, Friday-Monday
July 19-22, Friday-Monday

Please note: registrations will not be taken by phone. The only way to register for a program is to submit the registration form located in the New Student Guide.

For questions and more information:

Gina Pandolfo '14
Student Coordinator
802.654.2614
gpandolfo@mail.smcvt.edu

Todd Wright '96
Wilderness Program Director
802.654.2614
twright@smcvt.edu

Knight Overnight Program

Knight Overnight is an overnight program designed to introduce students to the concept of living in a residential community. Students will get firsthand experience living in a residence hall. During the overnight, all students will have an opportunity to meet other incoming students, upper-level students, staff members, and faculty, and to receive more information about what it means to be part of a residential community and a member of the Saint Michael's community.

Who can participate in the Knight Overnight Program?

The Knight Overnight Program is open to all incoming first-year and transfer students.

What do you do on the Knight Overnight Program?

During this program, students will have an opportunity to talk to upperclass students, faculty, and staff members about some of the academic services and clubs/programs which exist for first year students. We will also have some time to explore some activities in Burlington, such as Church Street, and participate in an example of a typical weekend social program during the academic year, such as mini golf or bowling. And finally, as Saint Michael's College is based in the Edmundite heritage and Catholic tradition, there is a recognition and value placed on service. As a group, we will participate in a service project within our community.

Where will we stay?

We stay in one of the Residence Halls on campus. You will receive more detailed information following the receipt of your application and fee.

What is the cost?

The cost of the Knight Overnight Program is $115. Fee is subject to change before May.

The program begins with the Summer Registration Day program. At the end of your Summer Registration Day, we'll meet in the Alliot Student Center Lobby. The Knight Overnight Program is only offered once this summer, so apply as soon as possible.

2013 Knight Overnight Program Date:

July 16-17, Tuesday-Wednesday

Please note: registrations will not be taken by phone. The only way to register for a program is to submit the registration form located in the New Student Guide.

For questions or more information:

Megan Ohler
Assistant Dean of Students & Director of New Student Programs
802.654.2248
mohler@smcvt.edu