RISE
RISE is a three-day early arrival program for first- and second-year students, hosted by Student Leadership & Activities. The program centers on leadership development and team dynamics, helping students explore the kind of leader they want to become during their time at Saint Joseph’s.
Over the course of the program, students will head off campus to participate in team-building activities designed to strengthen collaboration and build meaningful support networks. They’ll also engage in Hawk Talks—interactive sessions focused on self-leadership and shaping their personal leadership style.
You may be wondering: What makes RISE different from other early arrival programs? What truly sets RISE apart is our focus on what students do once they’re here. While many programs emphasize navigating campus life and wellness resources, RISE dives deeper. We ask: Who do you want to be at St. Joe’s? How do you get involved? Why is leadership important to your college experience?
Through RISE, we give students the tools and space to begin building their leadership foundation right from the start, empowering them to become confident, engaged leaders on campus and beyond.
If you like to speak with someone about the program please contact Alannah Vazquez via email or 610-660-1071.
Registration to Participate
RISE is for first and second year students to engage in social activities and leadership development with other students prior to move-in weekend. Registration is OPEN! Please see below for the tentative 2026 schedule!
RISE Peer Mentors
RISE Peer Mentors are junior and seniors who assist with leading the program. They are responsible for guiding the students through this program helping to show them the type of leader they can be on campus. This commitment is shown through the leader’s academic, social, and leadership engagement with the Saint Joseph’s community. Peer Mentor Applications will open in January!
Program Schedule
Below is a Tentative 2026 Schedule, Please keep checking back for more updates!
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9:00 a.m.: Begin move-in to residence halls (Families and Students)
2:00 p.m.: Student Check-In/Registration
2:30 p.m.: General Session: Welcome
3:30 p.m.: Peer Mentor/Group Introductions
4:15 p.m.: General Session: Values
5:45 p.m.: Dinner
7:00 p.m.: Optional Social Activity: Field Games/Mister Softee
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7:00 a.m.: Breakfast
8:00 a.m.: Departure to Challenge Course
9:00 a.m.: Team Building Activities
12:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00 p.m.: Team Building Activities
3:30 p.m.: Depature for SJU
6:30 p.m.: Dave & Busters
7:00 p.m.: Dave & Busters
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8:30 a.m.: Breakfast
9:30 a.m.: Peer Mentor Talks: Academic, Student Involvement, Wellness
10:30 a.m.: Last Lecture with Professor David Perry
11:30 p.m.: History of the Future/Reflection
12:30 p.m.: Lunch