New Student Orientation
Let the Adventure Begin
Congratulations, new Spires! We are excited to welcome you and your family to #SpireNation — one of the best communities around.
The New Student Orientation committee is hard at work making sure that your transition to USM is fun, easy, and safe!
Monday, August 24, 2026
| Check-In | Keleher Learning Commons | 9-11 a.m. |
| Lunch for New Students and Families | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Parents’ Welcome and Meeting | Berchmans Hall Room 145 |
3-4 p.m. |
| Core 4: Justice | Dining Hall and Xavier Theater | 3-4 p.m. |
| Final Farewell | Circle Drive | 4 p.m. |
| Dinner with Orientation Leaders | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 5-7 p.m. |
| Meet Your Resident Assistant | Xavier Theater | 7:30-8:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, August 25
| Breakfast | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 7-8:30 a.m. |
| Meet Your Student Orientation Leaders | McGilley Fieldhouse | 10-10:30 a.m. |
| Campus Tours | 10:30-11 a.m. | |
| Lunch | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. |
| Student Success - Academic Readiness | Multiple Locations | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. |
| Core 4: Respect | Multiple Locations | 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
| Dinner | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 5-7 p.m |
Wednesday, August 26
| Breakfast | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 7-8:30 a.m. |
| Scavenger Hunt | Multiple Locations | 10-11 a.m. |
| Advisor Meetings | Multiple Locations | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. |
| Lunch | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. |
| Core 4: Excellence | Multiple Locations | 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
| Dinner | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 5-7 p.m. |
| Class Photo | Berkel Stadium | 8 p.m. |
| Orientation Olympics | Berkel Stadium | 8-10 p.m. |
Thursday, August 27
| Breakfast | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 7-8:30 a.m. |
| Academic Readiness Follow Up | Multiple Locations | 10-11 a.m. |
| Core 4: Community | Multiple Locations | 10-11 a.m. |
| Campus Ministry Community Service Project | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 10-11 a.m. |
| Lunch | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 11-12:30 p.m. |
| Transfer Townhall | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 12:30-2:30 p.m. |
| Collegiate Learning Assessment | Multiple Locations | 12:30-2:30 p.m. |
| Survey | Multiple Locations | 2:30 p.m. |
| Core 4: Community | Multiple Locations | 2:30-3:30 p.m. |
| Campus Ministry Community Service Project | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 2:30-3:30 p.m. |
| Community Showcase (Dinner Provided) | Circle Drive | 5:30-7:30 p.m. |
Friday, August 28
| Breakfast | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 7-8:30 a.m. |
| Matriculation Ceremony 1 | Annunciation Chapel | 9 a.m. |
| Matriculation Ceremony 2 | Annunciation Chapel | 11 a.m. |
| Fall Kick-Off Lunch | Dining Hall/Circle Drive | 12-2 p.m. |
| Campus Tours | 2-4 p.m. | |
| Dinner | Saint Joseph Dining Hall | 5-7 p.m. |
Check-in/Clearing Process
* Student must be logged into eSpire to access any of the forms below.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All athletes, residential, nursing, DPT, and international students are required to have primary health insurance for the academic year and provide proof of insurance upon arrival. If you do not have primary insurance, USM has a health plan option through United HealthCare. The cost for a plan purchased through the university partnership can be applied to your bill and paid via payment plan.
Contact Raeann Bromert, head athletic trainer, at raeann.bromert@stmary.edu or 913-758-4334 with enrollment questions.
MEDICAL RECORDS
All incoming students (residential and commuters) will provide a completed health history form and submit an immunization record. In addition, all residential students, international students, and athletes will have additional forms to complete online, including providing proof of insurance.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The meningitis vaccination is required for all residential students, according to Kansas state law. If you received a meningitis booster before the age of 16, you must get another booster to meet state requirements. Other required immunizations for all students are:
- Two doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine
Other recommended vaccines are a primary series of Polio vaccine, three doses of the
Hepatitis B vaccine, HIB, Tetanus-Diphtheria booster within the last 10 years, and
Varicella vaccine (if you have not had chickenpox). All students are also recommended
to submit the Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire.
Immunization Record
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Questionnaire
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
All students are entitled to a parking pass. You will register your vehicle during
check-in to receive a parking pass. You are required to park in the appropriate lot
according to your pass – all lots will be marked as Residential, Commuter, or Faculty/Staff.
Parking maps are available online.
For additional vehicle regulations, review the Student Handbook. Questions about parking can be directed to Public Safety by call or text at 913-683-5201.
FINANCIAL AID & PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Your financial aid must be finalized, and your student account balance paid in full—or you must enroll in a payment plan. For help checking your student account balance, making a payment, or enrolling in a payment plan, go to My Account Info in eSpire or call Student Accounts at 913-758-6257.
TEXTCASTER ALERTS
Sign up for USM Alerts and get emergency notifications and other important campus information sent via email or as text messages directly to your mobile phone, wireless PDA, or pager.
No one is required to opt-in to the messaging service; however, students—for their own safety—are highly encouraged to opt-in. Parents may also opt-in.
You can click here to sign up for TextCaster alerts.
HOUSING
Whether you're 500 miles from home or just down the street, living on campus is the best way to truly live the Spire Life. If you have questions or concerns about housing and meal plans, visit the Living and Dining webpage. You can also contact the Office of Residence Life at 913-758-6281.
Residence Hall Room Application and Contract for New Students
Terms and Conditions of Occupancy
On-Campus Housing Waiver Request for New Students
MEDIA CONSENT FORM
Information release for interviews, photography or filming, and publication.
STUDENT LIFE
ID Card Request (for new or replacement ID cards) and Meal Plan Changes
Your student ID is required to eat in the dining halls, enter the residence halls, and attend class or practice.
Have Questions? Contact Us.
Sam Miller
Asst. Director of Student Engagement
Samuel.Miller@stmary.edu
913-758-6303
Have Questions? Contact Us.
Sam Miller
Asst. Director of Student Engagement
Samuel.Miller@stmary.edu
913-758-6303