Early Arrival Programs (for first year students)
Overview
Early Arrival Program Registration Form
Registration for the Class of 2030 will open at 12pm noon on April 13, 2026.
Early Arrival Programs (EAPs) offer students a great way to build community and find a sense of belonging at SJU by providing an additional opportunity for them to get comfortable with campus, the surrounding areas, and their fellow classmates in the days before the fall semester begins. The benefits of these programs include:
- moving into your own room a few days early (if a residential student)
- learning how to navigate campus
- making friends before the first day of classes
Early Arrival Programs take place during the week prior to the start of classes in the fall semester. They are open to both residential and commuter full-time students at Hawk Hill.
If you have any questions about a specific program, please contact the point person for each program below.
Programs Beginning on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026:
Programs Beginning on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026:
B.E.A.G.L.E.
The Biology Experience Aimed at Growth, Learning and Excellence (B.E.A.G.L.E.) program is a four-day intensive for incoming freshman biology, chemical biology and environmental science majors at Saint Joseph’s. This intensive program is designed to help students make the transition to college-level academics, develop effective study skills, understand the pace and rigor of college-level science courses and meet current faculty and upper-class students.
For more information, please contact Shaan Bhatt, Ph.D., at sbhatt@sju.edu.
PSIP
The Philadelphia Service Immersion Program (PSIP) is a four-day optional early move-in experience. Students in this program participate in community service, visit historic and cultural destinations in the Philadelphia area and reflect on their purpose while expanding their horizons through intellectual discovery and urban exploration.
For more information, please email sjupsip@gmail.com.
Running Start
Running Start is an early arrival program that begins with a four-day "pre-orientation" and continues throughout the year to support the diversity of our first year students. The program enhances students' sense of belonging, prepares them for success, and is open to all students.
For more information about Running Start, email runningstart@sju.edu.
AIM
The AIM Program is a multi-day experience that serves as an extended orientation for incoming students as they make the transition from high school to college and begin to form a sense of belonging in their new environment. The program allows students to move into their residence halls early, explore campus before classes begin, and participate in various social activities and success seminars to help with both the academic and social acclimation to SJU.
For more information, please contact Anthony Carbone at acarbone@sju.edu.
RISE
RISE is a three-day early arrival program for first and second year students offered by Student Leadership & Activities. The program focuses on leadership building and team dynamics that allows students to discover the leader that they want to become on Saint Joseph's campus. During the three days students will be taken off campus where they will participate in team building activities that allow students to establish support and collaborative skills including water activities, rope courses, and ziplines. Students will be able to participate in Hawk Talks on navigating self-leadership and define what kind of leader they want to be.
For more information, please contact Alannah Vazquez at avazquez@sju.edu.
THRIVE
THRIVE is a three day Early Arrival Program for first-year students that focuses on health and well-being. The Thrive experience includes workshops, events and activities focused on the nine dimensions of well-being (physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and financial). Students will also participate in a variety of social events and excursions into the city. Through the leadership of SJU's Health & Well-being team and our upperclassmen "THRIVE HIVE" peer mentors, participants will get a head start on creating a healthy college lifestyle!
For more information, please email THRIVE@sju.edu.