New Student and Transfer Orientation (SOAR)
SOAR is designed to provide you with a seamless transition to the University community while connecting you with your fellow classmates and sharing valuable information. Please know we are committed to creating a vibrant and engaging SOAR experience for you and your classmates.
Highlights of SOAR:
- Learn about the various campus resources available to you.
- Get an inside look at student life and how to get involved on campus.
- Interact with the dean of your academic school or college and students from your major.
Login to your Accepted Students Portal to sign up for SOAR
Students can register their family members by filling out the Registration Form and each student can bring up to two guests.
SOAR 2024 Dates
- First-Year Students Only: Monday, June 24 & Tuesday, June 25
- First-Year Students Only: Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28
- First-Year Students Only: Monday, July 8 & Tuesday, July 9
- First-Year Students Only: Thursday, July 11 & Friday, July 12
- Transfer Students Only: Monday, June 24 & Thursday, June 27
- Transfer Students Only: Monday, July 8 & Thursday, July 11
SOAR 2024 Arrival and Parking Map
Use these maps to ensure a smooth arrival on your SOAR date.
SOAR 2024: First-Year Student Schedule
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Day 1
Schedule subject to change.
Time Event Description Location 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New 51. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs). David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New 51. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs). Assigned Locations Across Campus 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean Students will spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. Students will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. Students will learn and become aware of the academic expectations at the University. Various Locations across Campus 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Student Lunch Students will have the chance to eat lunch with their Orientation groups, get to know each other and ask their OTLs questions about the student experience. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the University of New 51. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 3 - 4 p.m. and 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders (OTL) Students will meet with their OTLs to start building community with fellow Chargers. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about one another and show their Charger pride. Various Locations across Campus 3 - 4 p.m. and 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Courageous Conversation - #thepowerofwe The University of New 51 embraces diversity and recognizes our responsibility to foster a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Join your peers in conversation about diversity, inclusion, and social justice to promote critical self-reflection. Bartels Campus Center – Alumni Lounge 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Veterans and Veteran Dependents All student veterans, veteran dependents and their families are invited to meet with the Military and Veterans Affairs to learn more about how to navigate VA benefits, VA Enrollment Certification, and tour the VA lounge in Sheffield Hall. This is your chance to finalize any VA education benefits concerns and processes before the semester start. Military and Veterans Center Lounge, Sheffield Hall 5:30 - 7 p.m. Readers Theatre As a university community, there are values and expectations that we share which provide the framework for how we interact as individual members, speak to who we are, and what we stand for as a community. Learn what this means through interactive presentations and small group conversations with the OTL’s. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 7 - 8 p.m. Student Dinner Eat at one of our main dining halls on campus – The Marketplace David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 8 p.m. Evening Activities - Being in Community The Orientation student leaders have prepared activities for students to meet other students in an informal atmosphere. Come to the quad and enjoy the activities that will be like what you experience on campus during the year from different recognized organizations, resident assistants, or commuter assistants. Various Locations across Campus Time TBD Teatime - Getting to Know your community Teatime is an opportunity for first-year students to connect with upper-class students who share the same identities. Students will learn to navigate the campus climate and develop relationships to maximize their college experiences. Students will be able to choose from two groups, Black, Indigenous, Latinx and people of color (BILPOC) Group and a LGBTQ+ Group. This program was created by students and is sponsored by the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation (CSELO). David A. Beckerman Recreation Center -
Day 2
Schedule subject to change.
Time Event Description Location 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Student Breakfast and Class Banner Design David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Supporting Your Transition & Engagement as a Charger The University of New 51’s commitment to its students’ academic, social, and emotional journey means the focus on academic excellence and intentional resources to connect and thrive within the University community. Students will learn how to best prepare for college. Key student affairs administrators will be present to engage with students in an interactive session. Bartels Campus Center – Alumni Lounge 9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders (OTL) Students will meet with their OTLs to start building community with fellow Chargers. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about one another and show their Charger pride, vote on their class banner and write letters to themselves. Various Locations across Campus 9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Course Registration and Advising Join the Center for Student Success to discuss your curriculum, major requirements, and academic advising. Our success advisors will review your fall course schedule in preparation for your first semester of study. Additionally, learn about the Foundation for Success programs that can help you navigate your first year of college. Various Locations across Campus 12 - 12:30 p.m. Your Journey Continues in Charger Nation Hear from your orientation and transition leaders on how to stay engaged as a Charger during the rest of the summer. Various Locations across Campus 12 - 2 p.m. Resource Fair Stop by and visit various offices and staff to learn about resources and services available during your Charger journey. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 12:30 - 2 p.m. Check Out Pick up your belongings, drop off your keys, say goodbye to your new friends. We will see you in August. Westside Residence Hall
SOAR 2024: Transfer Student Schedule
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Day Schedule
Schedule subject to change.
Time Event Description Location 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in.
Audience: Students and familiesWestside Residence Hall 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New 51. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs).
Audience: Students and familiesDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Meet with the Transfer Transition Team Transfer students will meet with our admissions team to ensure that we have received all final documents as it relates to their enrollment. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their transfer credit evaluations and make any updates.
Audience: Transfer StudentsAnemone and Steven Kaplan Hall, Visitor's Center 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement The University of New 51’s commitment to its students’ academic, social, and emotional journey means the development of a world-class education and intentional resources to connect and thrive within the University community. Families will learn how to best prepare their students for college.
Audience: FamiliesDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean Students will spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. Students will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. Students will learn and become aware of the academic expectations at the University.
Audience: StudentsVarious Locations across Campus 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Family Lunch Families will have the opportunity to meet various members of the university community over lunch. This is the chance to ask questions about life on campus, support, expectations of students, and anything else you would like to know about the University.
Audience: FamiliesDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean Spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. You will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. You will learn and become aware of the academic expectations of your student at the University.
Audience: FamiliesVarious Locations across Campus 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Transfer Student Lunch Students will have the chance to eat lunch with their Orientation groups, get to know each other and ask their OTLs questions about the student experience.
Audience: StudentsDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center 1 - 4 p.m. Family Hospitality Lounge Families are welcome to enjoy the hospitality lounge when your schedule permits. Come relax, enjoy some refreshments, check your email, recharge your devices, and socialize with other charger families.
Audience: FamiliesDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center – Fitness Room 204 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the University of New 51.
Audience: Students and familiesDavid A. Beckerman Recreation Center 3 - 4 p.m. Students Right to Know The Dean of Students Office will introduce the services on campus and federal and college policies impacting student rights and responsibilities.
Audience: Families (optional)David A. Beckerman Recreation Center 3 - 3:30 p.m. Transfer Student Resource Fair Transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with various campus offices and see what resources are available for them to be successful regardless of their class year.
Audience: Transfer Students & Families (Optional for Families)Anemone and Steven Kaplan Hall, Visitor's Center 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Transfer Advising Session Faculty from all programs will be available to meet with transfer students regarding course selection and registration. Any course schedule changes can also be made during this session.
Audience: Transfer StudentsTBD 4:15 - 5 p.m. Charger Community Social Relax and unwind after a busy day with the Charger Community. Families will get an opportunity to interact with faculty, administrators and staff from various areas of the University as well as other families, including alumni, all while enjoying some delicious appetizers, cold beverages and coffee.
Audience: Families (optional)Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Atrium
What is SOAR?
- SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration) is our orientation program for students to learn more about academic and student life at the University
- An opportunity to welcome new students to our campus community
- A time to meet and connect with your Orientation & Transition Leader (OTL), who is a current University of New 51 student
What do new students do during SOAR?
- Learn about academic and student life opportunities and resources
- Learn how to make the adjustments necessary to achieve success at the University
- Connect with your Orientation & Transition Leader, who serves as a resource for any questions you may have over the summer
- Receive your Fall class schedule
- Meet lifelong friends
- Have fun!
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Having the opportunity to meet new people and find my first semester schedule were definitely a few of the highlights from my SOAR experience!" Student
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View Student Orientation Dates (through 2026)
Schedule subject to change.
2023 2024 2025 2026 June 22 & 23 June 24 & 25 June 23 & 24 June 22 & 23 June 26 & 27 June 27 & 28 June 26 & 27 June 25 & 26 July 10 & 11 July 8 & 9 July 14 & 15 July 13 & 14 July 13 & 14 July 11 & 12 July 17 & 18 July 16 & 17