January 6, 2026

We hope this message finds you rejuvenated and filled with joy after a restful holiday break! As the New Year unfolds, we are excited to welcome each of you back to the SMC residence halls.

The campus has been eagerly awaiting your return, and the Residential Experience and Campus Housing staff are thrilled to kick off January term together. Whether you traveled to distant places or enjoyed the comforts of home, we trust your break was a time of relaxation and cherished moments.

As you settle back into your home away from home, please read through some updates and reminders below to guide your return.

If you have any questions or need assistance as you get back into the swing of things, don't hesitate to reach out to your residential staff.

Thank you & Happy New Year!

Fall 2025 Residential Feedback Survey

Throughout last Fall term, our dedicated residential staff along with the Residence Hall Association (RHA) worked tirelessly to create a vibrant, engaging and safe living experience for each of you. From the Welcome Back BBQ at the beginning of September to weekly community engagement initiatives, we hope that you’ve enjoyed the various opportunities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our on-campus community.  

Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are eager to hear about your experiences from the Fall 2025 semester. To gather your thoughts, we kindly request you participate in a brief survey that will help us identify areas of improvement and tailor our offerings to better suit your needs. Your input will help shape the upcoming Spring semester’s initiatives, and we are committed to creating an environment that aligns with your expectations. 

Please take a few moments to complete the survey by Friday, January 23rd to give us time to review and implement residential initiatives.

Click here for the Residential Experience Feedback Survey.

Thank you, once again, for being an integral part of our on-campus community.

RHA Events this Week!

Save the Date!

Join us for the

Emerging Leaders Dinner!

Wed. January 14

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Soda Center

*Free for students!*

Connect with friends!

Learn about leadership

opportunities on campus!

Explore your own leadership qualities!

Campus Housing

Checking Windowsills & Faucets

Friendly reminder that our vintage residential buildings will need some time getting used to accommodating for your return. That being said, please see below suggestions on how to ease back utilizing the facilities:

• Check all fridges and microwaves - please make sure they are plugged directly into the wall outlets and NOT into the UL listed surge protectors.
• Please make sure you are using UL listed surge protectors. Do not plug one surge protector into another, and do not overload each surge protector.
• Check windows and windowsills for any potential moisture build up. Clean, if needed. Contact Campus Housing if you need any assistance.
• Move beds away from windowsills to alleviate potential moisture build up.
• When using faucets and showers, please allow a few minutes for water to heat up.
• Ensure nothing is hanging from covering the fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, or ceiling lights.

January Term Campus Dining Options

Need to get in touch?

Office of Residential Experience | reslife@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4236

Campus Housing | housing@stmarys-ca.edu | 925-631-4241