First Walk Down the Ave. Banner for Fall 2026 Belles Beginnings

Fall 2026 Belles Beginnings

by

Orientation

Sun, Aug 16, 2026 9:00 AM –

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 10:00 PM EDT (GMT-4)

Saint Mary's College

225 Student Center, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5663, United States

Details

Belles Beginnings is our traditional, new-student orientation for students and parents during move in. In-person, student and family orientation will begin on Thursday, August 20. Parents and families will be welcome to join us for some programming on the morning of Friday, August 21. Following lunch our student-only Belles Beginnings Orientation activities and programming will begin. We are committed to making this transition smooth, informative—and fun—and cannot wait to have our new Belles join us in August.

Agenda

Upcoming Events

Sun, Aug 16, 2026 9:00 AM
Wed, Aug 19, 2026 3:00 PM
Rice Commons
Check-In and Move-In (Early Arrivals)

First Year and Transfer Students

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex
Check-In and Move-In

First Year & Transfer Move In

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Welsh Parlor, Haggar College Center
Transfer Student Reception

We welcome our transfer students and their families to join us for an exclusive transfer student reception where you will have the opportunity to meet other transfer students and staff who will be available to support you during your time at Saint Mary's.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Noble Family Dining Hall, Student Center
Dinner on Your Own

All meals for new students are covered. Please make sure to wear your blue wristband at all times through Friday dinner. Meal plans with swipes will begin with breakfast on Saturday, August 24.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
6:30 PM – 6:35 PM
Le Mans Green
Closing the Circle

Every Saint Mary's Student has a different story, a unique background and a driving purpose for beginning their journey here. The traditional Closing the Circle ceremony embraces each of our different pasts, while reaching out to the other wonderful students in this community. Sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
6:35 PM – 6:40 PM
The Avenue
First Walk Down the Avenue

As students begin their Saint Mary's journey, family and friends are invited to join us in cheering them on during their first official walk down The Avenue. A tradition at Saint Mary's, this experience is matched only bt their final walk down The Avenue during the last week of their senior year. Help us celebrate our newest Belles on one of the campus's most iconic spaces. Go Belles!

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
O'Laughlin Auditorium, Moreau Center
Parent Panel with Q&A (Parents Only)

During the panel, parents/families will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from staff that will support our new students over their time at SMC.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Residence Halls
Mandatory Residence Hall Meetings (Students Only)

Signs in your Residence Hall will direct you to your hall's meeting location. Upper-level students will also be available to lead new students to where they need to be.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Library Grean (Rain site, Angela Athleic & Wellness Complex)
Goodbye Celebration

An opportunity for families and new friends to gather in celebration of their students.

Thu, Aug 20, 2026
10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Residence Halls
ResHall Hangout (Students Only)

Upper-level students welcome you to campus with a fun night of hanging out, crafting, and enjoying snacks in your residence hall!

Fri, Aug 21, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Holy Spirit Chapel, 3rd Floor, Le Mans Hall
Belles Beginnings Prayer Service

Belles Beginnings Prayer Service

Fri, Aug 21, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Various Locations
Meet Our Campus Resources

Join our campus resources for an "in office" open house throughout campus. Use this time as an opportunity to get questions answered, meet with different resources, all while finding out where the different offices are located around campus. See additional sheet from check-in for more information on locations. Golf carts and directional signage will be around campus to help you get where you want to go!

Fri, Aug 21, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
Lunch on Your Own

Lunch on Your Own

Where

Saint Mary's College

225 Student Center, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5663, United States

Hosted By

Dean of Students | Website | View More Events