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Auris Connections orientation

  1. Admissions & Financial Aid
  2. Admitted students (undergraduate)
  3. Orientation
  4. Auris Connections orientation

Ut omnes unum sint — "that they may become one"

Auris Connections is a three-day orientation designed for students of diverse backgrounds to engage with the campus community, gather information about student support services and create lasting friendships throughout the college years.

All first-year students are welcome to attend Auris Connections! We foster an inclusive and welcoming space, where together we embrace the differences and similarities that make us who we are and walk with each other in our navigation of college life.

During the orientation, we will provide resources for all students to succeed and thrive at Saint Martin’s. We also provide specific resources for Pell Grant students, historically underrepresented students, ethnically diverse students, first-generation students, undocumented students and students from different faith traditions.

The best part of Auris Connections are our Auris Mentors. These are seasoned students who will impart their wisdom and knowledge about college life at Saint Martin’s. Auris Mentors embody the Benedictine values of hospitality, listening and community living, empowering students to succeed academically and culturally.

Save the date!

Auris Connections
August 20 - 22, 2025

Ready to dive in?

Our Diversity and Equity Center serves as a student hub for clubs and programs. Find out more below!

Diversity and Equity Center

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Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

Led by our Benedictine values of hospitality and respect for persons, Saint Martin's University is committed to promoting diversity and building community. We are a work in progress: read about we as a community have been done so far and the initiatives and goals that we continue to work towards.

Read more

FAQs

The term Auris is inspired by the phrase "listen with the ear of your heart" (ausculta o fili), a key teaching in the Rule of St. Benedict. It highlights our attentiveness to care, understanding, and support for every person. The Latin phrase ut omnes unum sint is translated "that they all may be one," a prayer from Jesus in John 17:21-22, and the title of a Pope John Paul II's encyclical on ecumenism.

Yes. Your attendance is required at all Auris events and workshops. The Auris Mentors have designed a wonderful program for you. Missing sessions or leaving campus only makes it more difficult for you to connect with your peers. If you have a schedule conflict due to work or family reasons, please let us know of your absence.

No. Auris Connections ends Friday, August 22, 1:30 p.m. Afterwards, you will attend Welcome Weekend. Auris Connections does not replace the Welcome Weekend but rather supplements it. Auris participants are required to attend the Welcome Weekend. This program will help you to build community with other students.

Check-in for all students begins Wednesday, August 20:

  • For on-campus students: Check-in begins at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Parsons Hall. There you'll be greeted by Auris mentors and RA staff who will check you in for Auris and help with your move-in.
  • For commuter students: Check-in begins at 11 a.m. Go to the Harned Hall building; you will go up the stairs and locate room 207.
  • For on-campus students, parking is located at your assigned residence hall.
  • For commuter students, parking is available near the Trautman Union Building in Lots M, N, or O.

Auris Connections is completely free of charge to all participating students. We provide all meals and activity costs. However, you may want to bring spending money for any last-minute needs you may need to grab from the store.

Yes. There are several hotels nearby Saint Martin's campus:

Parents and families are invited to the Welcome Lunch, Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 12 p.m. This is a wonderful time for us to break bread together and welcome you to Saint Martin's. Just keep in mind this is a time for you to meet new friends and acclimate to the campus environment. As much as we welcome your families, we highly recommend that parents and families respect the Auris space.

For further assistance, clarification or accommodation, please call 360-486-8847 or email jhopkins@stmartin.edu or ccardona@stmartin.edu. We look forward to meeting you in August and serving you in the years to come. Have a wonderful summer!

Questions about Auris Connections?

Diversity and Equity Center

The Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) of Saint Martin's University is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive and equitable learning environment for all members of the campus community. Inspired by our Catholic, Benedictine tradition, which honors the dignity of each person and strives for peace and justice in our world, the DEC seeks to build a campus community that engenders inclusive excellence, facilitates intercultural understanding, and promotes social justice learning.