Student Life Offices and Services
Student Life Offices and Services
Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students serves as a key link between students and other areas of campus life to support student success. The Dean of Students’ staff and programs enhance the out-of-classroom experiences of students in an effort to develop responsible, civic-minded, and engaged citizens. The Dean of Students’ staff coordinates the College’s response to crisis situations that involve students, and frequently serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and other administrators or offices in a variety of situations. The Dean of Students is available to guide students and families to resolve complex issues and provide resources to enhance the Saint Mary’s experience. The Dean of Students oversees the Community Life office.
Community Life
The Office of Community Life assists students in maximizing their potential as responsible and ethical citizens and leaders. The Office of Community Life seeks to reduce student misconduct by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle, and educating students about the importance of being engaged in their community. The Office of Community Life is responsible for administering the disciplinary process. The process is intended to educate students about appropriate conduct and the potential consequences of their actions and choices. It articulates learning, personal responsibility, self-discipline, respect for others and self, and supports the educational values of our community.
Student Handbook
The Student Handbook communicates important information regarding the Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Honor Code, Alcohol and Other Drugs policy, Title IX policies and procedures, and other Community and College policies. The most updated version of the Student Handbook is found online.
Residential Experience
The Office of Residential Experience creates a home for residential students by developing a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that supports resident learning and emphasizes personal and social responsibility. Committed to the College’s Catholic, Lasallian, and liberal arts traditions, Residential Experience intentionally fosters a living environment that promotes the academic, spiritual, emotional, and personal growth of each resident. The atmosphere is supported by a dynamic team of residential staff, the student programming body (Residence Hall Association), and a variety of campus partners who support our Living Learning Communities. Through intentional connection with the academic community, the Office of Residential Experience carefully assesses the holistic learning of students in the context of the residential community.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs)
Saint Mary’s College offers students residential opportunities to extend their education beyond the classroom. There are several themed living learning communities in the residence halls. A Saint Mary’s College living learning community provides resident students:
A unified theme and shared sense of goals within the community.
Intimate engagement with Saint Mary’s through conscious contribution and fellowship.
Improved academic and social transition in each stage of student development.
Increased personal and academic learning and development.
A supporting and challenging environment in which students engage in ideas, and explore diverse views and values.
STEM Living Learning Community
For incoming first-year undergraduate students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a STEM major, a special living learning community exists in Assumption Hall, located in the same hall as the STEM center and just across the street from the Brother Alfred Brousseau Science Building. STEM-focused students seeking a residential community with peers who are taking calculus, chemistry, physics, or biology find this option attractive. In addition to the opportunity to live in an intellectually stimulating environment, students in the STEM Living Learning Community are supported in their academic endeavors by the presence of older students, skilled in the sciences and the humanities, who are available as mentors and tutors. Students have access to a range of enrichment activities such as going to the San Francisco Symphony and Bay Area museums. The STEM Living Learning Community is sponsored by the School of Science in partnership with the Office of Residential Experience. For further information, contact Professor Makenzie O’Neil of the Psychology Department at mjo6@stmarys-ca.edu. Students enter a lottery to live in the STEM Living and Learning Community through an online roommate preference questionnaire included in materials distributed to new students.
Honors Living Learning Community
The Honors Living Learning Community is open to both new undergraduate students and returning students who are part of the Honors Program. Participants live in Aquinas Hall, which is a suite-style accommodation that has a study space, lounge with outdoor terrace, and laundry room on the first floor. Live-in tutors specializing in the sciences and the humanities - along with dedicated live-in faculty - help create an intellectually stimulating and supportive community.
The goals of the Honors Living Community include:
Provide incoming honors students with a quiet, respectful community of diverse but similarly motivated peers.
Create a nurturing and supportive environment in which students forge a solid academic foundation a) by providing live-in mentors/tutors in the humanities and sciences b) by providing well-equipped and quiet study facilities c) by providing relevant and engaging co-curricular programming.
Ease social and academic transition into college through appropriate social programming and weekly events.
Offer accurate in-house academic advising and mentoring from qualified live-in faculty member(s).
Foster and mentor future campus and student life leaders.
Transfer Living Learning Community
The Transfer Living Learning Community is open to any incoming or returning transfer student. Living together in a suite-style residence hall and sharing common experiences, the community is an opportunity for transfer students to meet other students and participate in events. The community is home to a flexible lounge space in which students may take transfer-specific courses in their residence hall. Residential staff working within the community are well-versed in the experience of transfer students and can provide unique support.
Campus Housing
The Campus Housing Office is the central location for students to obtain all pertinent information regarding their housing needs. In coordination with Residential Experience, Campus Housing assists students in room selection and placement, facility concerns, as well as coordinating all of the opening and closing of the residence halls. The Campus Housing staff serves over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate residential students as well as the 21 residence halls located throughout our campus.
New Student and Family Programs
New Student and Family Programs is dedicated to providing a seamless transition into the campus community for new students and their families by engaging them through programs, outreach, and publications. New Student Orientation, Weekend of Welcome, and other signature programs offer first-year students and transfer students opportunities to connect personal, social, cultural, and spiritual development into their educational goals and practices. New Student and Family Programs encourages family involvement and partnership with the College through several engagement opportunities such as Orientation, Family E-Newsletter, and Family Weekend.
Wellness
In an effort to prioritize the health and well-being of students, our wellness program provides a wide-range of resources and education. From the Student Health Center and Counseling Services to 24/7 Campus Safety and fitness facilities, our services are designed to create a supportive and safe environment where students can thrive. We offer education, awareness, and recovery support referrals for alcohol and/or drug concerns. Our WellGael initiatives focus on the 8 dimensions of wellness (social, emotional, physical, spiritual, career, environmental, financial and intellectual) and offer a myriad of engagement opportunities. In addition to on-campus resources, students have free and immediate access to medical and mental health support through TimelyCare. TimelyCare offers students a 24/7 extension of Saint Mary’s College medical and counseling resources that is easy and convenient. From Wellness Wednesday events to the safety features on our Gael Safe App, we strive to ensure well-being is a top priority for students
Counseling & Psychological Services
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary provider of counseling and psychological services to full-time undergraduate and graduate students. CAPS staff provides confidential, short-term psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups at no additional cost. Therapy is provided in an open, non-judgmental, and culturally sensitive environment. CAPS professional staff helps students with personal concerns, such as adjustment to college, relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, grief and loss, sexuality, sexual orientation, and issues related to alcohol and drug use. Students who need longer term therapy or specialized treatment are referred to mental health providers in the community. CAPS has an extensive list of sliding scale referrals and refers students to providers on the Saint Mary’s College Insurance Plan or other insurance companies. Additionally, CAPS provides outreach programming throughout the year to students, families, faculty, and staff. For more information about CAPS services or to make an appointment, please call (925) 631-4364 or visit our website.
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center (SHC) provides medical care in an urgent care model to all undergraduate and graduate students. As an urgent care clinic, the SHC strives to provide accessible and patient centered wellness services. These services are provided regardless of health insurance or residential status. For serious or chronic illnesses, students are assessed by our clinicians then referred or “bridged” to hospitals and medical providers in the community or to their primary medical provider at home. Please visit our website for a detailed list of services, hours of operation, incoming student requirements, and health educational materials. The SHC also has an After-Hours Nurse Advice Line, which is a medical advice resource when the health center is closed. To be connected to the nurse advice line, please call the SHC’s main number at (925) 631-4254.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center (IC) strives to create a safe and supportive learning environment that embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive community. The IC is committed to educating the campus about cultural competence, identity development, and social justice. IC programs and support services are designed to explore the broad definition of culture, and affirm the human worth of all individuals.
Student Involvement and Leadership
Student Involvement and Leadership (SIL) provides opportunities for academic, intellectual, personal, social, and leadership growth through the coordination and implementation of co-curricular programs. SIL advises and mentors the Associated Students (AS) student government, Campus Activities Board (CAB), student media, and student clubs and organizations. SIL assists students in developing their leadership skills through various roles and opportunities on campus.
Associated Students
The Associated Students is the official undergraduate student government, representing the undergraduate student body of Saint Mary’s College. As a cooperative campus organization based on mutual confidence among students, faculty, and administration, the Associated Students constitution, bylaws, and fiscal allocations are subject to review and approval by Student Involvement and Leadership. The administrative structure of Associated Students includes the elected Executive Council (president, vice president for administration, vice president for finance, and vice president for student organizations), and an elected Student Senate composed of class chairs, vice chairs, and senators. In an effort to provide checks and balances it also includes a Judicial Tribunal. In partnership with Student Involvement and Leadership, the Associated Student charters, supports, and funds over 60 clubs and student organizations, including the Associated Student programming branch known as Campus Activities Board.
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association is the official graduate student government, representing the graduate student body of Saint Mary’s College. The administrative structure of the Graduate Student Association includes the elected Executive Council and elected Senate.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The diversity of Saint Mary’s clubs and organizations reflects the interests and commitments of our student population. Currently, there are more than 40 registered organizations with members who are actively pursuing their academic, social, cultural, athletic, professional, service, and unique special interests through student organizations and clubs. Clubs and organizations are chartered, financed, and overseen by the Associated Students.
Center for Women and Gender Equity
The Center for Women and Gender Equity is dedicated to creating a campus environment that empowers women and folks across the gender identity spectrum to envision and engage in a life that maximizes their academic, personal, and spiritual growth. The Center enhances students’ experiences by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all, while promoting and practicing acceptance and collaboration, and providing relevant programming, advocacy, and resources.
Campus Assault Response and Education (CARE) Center
The CARE Center promotes a campus culture of care, safety, and respect for all persons. It empowers students through education and outreach and provides a supportive, trauma-informed, and student-centered approach in response to gender and power-based personal violence to all students. CARE strives to promote well-being by helping students develop lifelong skills that improve the quality of life and their relationships. The Center provides a supportive space for students to explore their own knowledge, experiences, and beliefs about healthy sexuality, consent, healthy/unhealthy relationships, and communication. The CARE Center director serves as a confidential resource for students and provides direct response and intervention for victims of sexual violence and/or harassment, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking.
Campus Safety & Transportation
CampusSafety is responsible for safety and security programs, crime prevention, parking control, and coordinating campus emergency response during disasters or emergency incidents. CampusSafety officers patrol the campus, respond to reports of crimes, fire alarms, medical emergencies, and requests for assistance; and enforce campus traffic and parking regulations. While the Moraga Police Department is the official governmental law enforcement agency for our campus, the Department of CampusSafety, as a non-sworn security organization, provides the day-to-day, 24-hour security and safety presence on campus. The College requests that all crimes be reported to the Department of CampusSafety. While the Department of CampusSafety contacts the Moraga Police Department for further investigation and follow-up on criminal matters as appropriate, all victims of crimes retain the right to contact the Moraga Police Department directly for any criminal matter. CampusSafety can be contacted 24 hours/7 days a week by calling (925) 631-4282.
As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Saint Mary’s College of California, through its Department of CampusSafety, annually provides notice, and makes available copies of the Annual Security Report to the campus community, prospective students, employees, and the public. Each Security and Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the past three years concerning crimes and incidents reported to campus security authorities (whether they occurred on campus, in off-campus buildings, and property owned or controlled by the College, or on public property adjacent to campus). Each Security and Fire Safety Report also provides campus policies and practices concerning security-how to report sexual assaults and other crimes, crime prevention efforts, policies/laws governing alcohol and drugs, victims’ assistance programs, student discipline, college resources, and other matters. The Security and Fire Safety Report is available publicly in the following ways: electronically at stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report; in person at the Department of CampusSafety Administrative Office, 111 Assumption Hall; or by mail or telephone request made to: Department of CampusSafety, P.O. Box 3111, Moraga, CA 94575-3111 (925) 631-4052.
In addition, as provided by the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office maintains a Megan’s Law database of sex crime offenders. Information may be obtained in person from the Sheriff’s office, 500 Court Street, Martinez, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or through the California Department of Justice website, which lists designated registered sex offenders in California at meganslaw.ca.gov.
Campus Recreation and Club Sports
Recreational experiences on campus strive to meet the dynamic needs and interests of students by providing programs and services that promote positive physical and mental health. Students are encouraged to find interest in active, healthy lifestyles and student leadership opportunities. The Joseph L. Alioto Recreation Center is a highlight of campus life and free to all undergraduate and graduate students. Managed by the department of Campus Recreation, and open throughout the year, students will find many different fitness & wellness activities to fit their needs.
Saint Mary’s Club Sports program provides students with a unique opportunity to build, develop, and enhance their leadership, organizational, and management skills in a fun, safe, and supportive learning environment. Participants in Club Sports at Saint Mary’s College involve themselves in competition, community, and building connections that enhance the Club Sports student-athlete experience at Saint Mary’s College.