We are thrilled to have you join the Tommie community. You play an important role in helping your student navigate the transition into the life of a scholar and the beginning of adulthood.
We look to you as partners in this journey. At St. Thomas, we take pride in our conviction of personal attention—we strive to foster a caring culture that supports the well-being of each member. We are an inclusive community of learners and educators who believe in creating an environment where all students feel welcome. We are here to support your student, and we are here to support you.
We look forward to meeting you and your student at orientation.
Please reach out with questions as we move through the weeks leading up to your student's time as a Tommie.
St. Thomas family members are encouraged to sign up for the St. Thomas Family Portal. This online portal generates content specific to you and your student.
Since the St. Thomas email account is our official method of communication with students, it's critical they have this set up and are checking it regularly. Make sure to ask every once in a while if they have anything new from us.
We asked your student to update parent/family emails with us so we can communicate directly with you. If you have not received an initial welcome email from us, be sure to work with your student to update that email, or reach out to us at orientation@stthomas.edu.
Students should start by claiming their St. Thomas account and setting up their email, along with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Next, log into our campus systems, including OneStThomas and Murphy Online, to confirm personal information (name, address). Then students are ready to start the New Student Orientation course in Canvas.
Students are the conduit to help ensure parent/family emails are updated in the St. Thomas system.
All students new to St. Thomas are required to attend an Orientation session. Family members are welcome to participate in the Family Orientation sessions.
8:25-8:40 a.m. Check-In, Coffee & Pastries
8:45-9:15 a.m. Welcome
9:25-10:10 a.m. Academic Expectations & Registration
10:20-11:00 a.m. Supporting your Tommie
11:10 a.m - Mid-Afternoon: varies according to group assigned
2:40-3:40 p.m. Family Transitions and Center for Well-Being
3:45-4:15 p.m. Living On Campus or Living Off-Campus
You may still have questions after attending the Family Orientation sessions offered during your student's Orientation & Registration Session. Recordings of the Family Orientation sessions are available for you to review below:
Your student needs to do the following activities:
Your student should first claim their St. Thomas account, then log into OneSt.Thomas, where they can find the Canvas app to begin or they can log into their St. Thomas application portal.
Parents, family members and/or any other third party are encouraged to coach students about advising conversations, but they should not make phone calls or send communication on behalf of their students. Please partner with us to empower your student to take ownership of their college experience!
Read through the Guide to Course Registration and increase your understanding of the curriculum.
Complete their New Student Pre-Orientation course in Canvas before attending Orientation.
Submit their Course Preference Form and take placement assessments by June 2. (Module 1 of the New Student Pre-Orientation course).
Follow TommieOrientation on Instagram.
Submit a photo for Tommie Card (St. Thomas student ID) at least one week before attending orientation.
Help them make an action plan for this summer. The academic pieces noted earlier on this page are due in June, but we'll be connecting students with additional content, and fellow classmates, throughout the summer.
We know that after getting the class schedule, connecting with fellow students is the next thing students value most.
Complete their New Student Pre-Orientation course in Canvas before attending Orientation.
Submit their Course Preference Form and take placement assessments by June 2. (Module 1 of the New Student Pre-Orientation course).
Follow TommieOrientation on Instagram.
Submit a photo for Tommie Card (St. Thomas student ID) at least one week before attending orientation.
Help them make an action plan for this summer. The academic pieces noted earlier on this page are due in June, but we'll be connecting students with additional content, and fellow classmates, throughout the summer.
We know that after getting the class schedule, connecting with fellow students is the next thing students value most.
We know many of our students are blessed to have you involved in managing the financial aspects of college.
That being said, the law requires us to treat the student as an adult and work directly with them. Your student can grant you access to some items (via Proxy Access), but in the end much of this is their responsibility.
You can be a tremendous support by coaching them on that responsibility, helping them know what to pay attention to and having clear conversations with them about how you want to work with them on all of these aspects.
And, be sure to get good information for yourself. You can do this by:
Students need to review the Financial Aid Checklist and complete all items. It includes items such as:
Complete the online Billing & Financial Aid training (found in the New Student Orientation course in Canvas).
Regularly check their St. Thomas email for communications from the Business Office, including future tuition bills.
We know many of our students are blessed to have you involved in managing the financial aspects of college.
That being said, the law requires us to treat the student as an adult and work directly with them. Your student can grant you access to some items (via Proxy Access), but in the end much of this is their responsibility.
You can be a tremendous support by coaching them on that responsibility, helping them know what to pay attention to and having clear conversations with them about how you want to work with them on all of these aspects.
And, be sure to get good information for yourself. You can do this by:
Students need to review the Financial Aid Checklist and complete all items. It includes items such as:
Complete the online Billing & Financial Aid training (found in the New Student Orientation course in Canvas).
Regularly check their St. Thomas email for communications from the Business Office, including future tuition bills.
You are absolutely our partners in caring for and supporting your student, and we want to work with you. Your student isn't the only one experiencing change this summer and fall—you are as well!
We have designed programming for you to attend during your student's Orientation & Registration (O&R) session. During the parent/ family sessions you will:
You are encouraged to review the Family Handbook and start conversations with your student about the topics it raises. Follow up with your questions during your O&R session or orientation@stthomas.edu.
Check back on this site for updated information, and make sure your student has submitted updated email addresses for you and others who will be supporting your student so we can be in touch.In the meantime, your student needs to prepare to take care of themselves more and manage their own physical and mental care, which includes:
You can assist your student by asking if they have questions about their tasks and empowering them with information such as phone numbers for their doctors, details on the college budget, and documentation on past accommodations for disabilities.
| Key Dates for New Fall 2026 Students | Date / Date Span |
|---|---|
| Placement Assessments Open | May 5 |
| Submit Housing Preference Form | June 2 |
| Complete Registration Readiness module and submit Course Preference Form | June 2 |
| Attend Orientation & Registration (O&R) Session | July 2-23 |
| Welcome Days for new students (Required) | Begins September 1 |