SOAR - Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration


Fall SOAR

Fall SOAR is for students beginning classes the Fall 2013 semester. Classes begin August 2013. The priority registration deadline is April 1, 2013 (for best selection of SOAR dates and classes). SOAR days fill at a first come, first serve basis. Registration is currently open.

Things to Bring

  1. Photo ID (you will not be able to get your student ID without it).
  2. Updated University password.
  3. SOAR Parking Pass
  4. A list of completed or expected Concurrent Enrollment and AP credits

Types of SOAR

As you sign up for Fall SOAR you will be asked to choose which type of SOAR you would like to attend. For more information and to see the dates of each SOAR program, click the choices below:

One Day

Express SOAR is a concise, single-day orientation option for new students who are on the go. It has been designed to give a thorough orientation to the University while making the most of your time on campus. Workshops will be given by representatives from the Housing, Financial Aid, and the University Connections offices. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, meet other incoming students, and visit representatives from a variety of organizations.

You will meet with your academic advisor and have a chance to create or modify your semester schedule while learning about important policies and procedures of Utah State University with the help of A-Team facilitators.

Length: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost: $40. This includes lunch, your student I.D. card, and the SOAR informational materials.
The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit.

Schedule (basic outline of schedule from previous year, subject to change)

7:45-9:30 am Check-In
8 am Workshops (optional) and Math Placement Tests
10 am Welcome
10:25 am Transitions to College (break-off sessions in small groups)
11:45 am Lunch and Information Fair
12:45 pm University Requirements
1:30 pm Academic Advising
2:30 pm Registration/ Schedule Modification
Please note that the events from 10:00-4:30 are required.

New Century/Regents

This SOAR session is a single-day orientation option for new students who will receive the New Century Scholarship and Regents' Scholarship from the State of Utah. This SOAR day is specially designed to address the specific academic needs of students who have completed a number of college credits and/or an associate's degree while in high school.

Students who are receiving these scholarships are welcome to attend a traditional one-day SOAR session if the date of this specific section does not work with their schedule.

Regents' Scholarship Recipients: Regents' Scholarship Recipients: Please be aware that you are required to attend either this date or any of our June dates in order to register for classes and complete your Regents' Scholarship paperwork by their July 1 deadline. Students have a hold on their registration account until they attend SOAR. The hold cannot be removed prior to SOAR attendance for any reason.

Date: Monday, June 3, 2013

Length: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

One-Day SOAR Dates: New-Century and Regents' students are welcome to attend another SOAR session if this one does not fit their schedule

Cost: $40. This includes lunch, your student I.D. card, and the SOAR informational materials.
The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit.

Schedule (basic outline from previous year, subject to change)

7:45-9:30 am Check-In
8 am Workshops (optional) and Math Placement Tests
10 am Welcome
10:25 am Transitions to College (break-off sessions in small groups)
11:45 am Lunch and Information Fair
12:45 pm University Requirements
1:30 pm Academic Advising
2:30 pm Registration/ Schedule Modification
Please note that the events from 10:00-4:30 are required.

Undeclared

Undeclared SOAR dates are held at the end of the summer in an effort to provide SOAR to undeclared students who are unable to attend an earlier session, or who decided late in the summer that they are going to attend Utah State. Undeclared students are encouraged to attend a traditional SOAR session earlier in the summer if they are available, since undeclared advisors will be on hand to help with academic advising and registration at those SOAR sessions as well.

Undeclared SOAR is a concise, focused orientation option for new students who have not yet selected a major. Academic advisors from our Undeclared Advising Office will be on hand to advise you. Since undeclared SOAR days are small and are held at the end of the summer, you will receive more attention specific to your undeclared status and help finding classes. There are no workshops and information tables, but A-Team facilitators will be on hand to assist you in the orientation and registration process.

There is no formal parent orientation during undeclared SOAR dates.

Length: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (depending on the length of your advising and registration session)

Date: Thursday, August 8, 2013

Cost: $40.This includes your student I.D. card, lunch, and the SOAR informational materials. The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit that you will pay when you register for SOAR (submit your Enrollment Confirmation). The rest of the $100 deposit will be credited to your student account and will go toward your tuition and/or fees.

Schedule (basic outline, subject to change)

9:00 a.m. Math Placement Tests (for those who need them)
9:00-10:00 a.m. Check-In
10:00-12:00 p.m. Transitions to College (break off session in small groups)
12:00-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30-1:00 p.m. University Requirements
1:30-3:30 p.m. Registration/Schedule Modification (individual assistance)

Non-Traditional

Nontraditional Student SOAR is for students who are returning to school after not attending for three or more years, are older than the traditional incoming new student, or who would otherwise appreciate a special orientation session for reentry, nontraditional, and adult-learner students. This program runs in the evening to accommodate working schedules of nontraditional students.

Nontraditional Student SOAR offers the chance to complete the orientation process with a group of students in a similar situation. The orientation includes an introduction to the resources available to reentry, nontraditional, and adult learner students; information about the classrooms and satellite classes provided through Continuing Education; plus all of the orientation materials included with one-day SOAR.

Length: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Dates: Thursday, June 13; Wednesday, August 1 (students are welcome to attend a traditional SOAR session if these dates don't meet their needs)

Cost: $40.This includes a meal, your student I.D. card, and the SOAR informational materials. The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit that you will pay when you register for SOAR (submit your Enrollment Confirmation). The rest of the $100 deposit will be credited to your student account and will go toward your tuition and/or fees.

Schedule: (basic outline from previous year, subject to change)

5:00-5:35 p.m. Welcome
5:35-6:00 p.m. Transitions to College Presentations
6:00-6:20 p.m. Financial Aid
6:20-6:40 p.m. Counseling Services
6:40-7:00 p.m. Student Health and Wellness Center
7:00-7:40 p.m. Dinner
7:40-8:00 p.m. Access and Diversity Center
8:00-8:50 p.m. Undeclared Advising Information
9:00 p.m. Registration Assistance and Optional Campus Tour


Two Day

Extended SOAR is designed for incoming students who prefer a more thorough and comprehensive orientation to Utah State in a more relaxed and social setting. In addition to everything offered at one-day SOAR sessions, it offers a chance to sample college living with an overnight stay in a residence hall and meals from Dining Services. Activities include an extended campus tour activity, games on the quad, campus life workshop, and an evening dance/party. It offers a little more time to absorb the orientation information and to take care of any personal business you might have on campus.

Dates: Monday, June 10 - Tuesday, June 11

Length: One and a half day

Cost: $100. This includes meals, one night of lodging in a residence hall, activities, your student I.D. card, and the SOAR informational materials.
The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit.

Schedule (basic outline from previous year, subject to change)

Day One

8:00 a.m. Check-In
9:45 a.m. Welcome
10:15 a.m. Transitions to College (break off sessions in small groups)
11:45 a.m. Lunch and Information Fair
12:45 p.m. University Requirements
1:30 p.m. Advising
2:30 p.m. Registration Assistance
4:00-6:00 p.m. Campus Tours (every 15 minutes)
4:00-6:00 p.m. Games on the Quad/Free Time
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00-7:45 p.m. Break
7:45-9:30 p.m. College Dating Workshop
9:30-11:30 p.m. SOAR Party 2011
12:00 a.m. Bedtime

Day Two

8:00 a.m. Wake Up
8:30-9:00 a.m. Check-out
9:00-9:50 a.m. Breakfast
10:00-10:50 a.m. Student Services
11:00-11:25 a.m. Workshop Session I
11:30-11:55 a.m. Workshop Session II
12:00-12:30 p.m. Last Minute Q&A/Evaluations/Information Booths

Outdoor

Outdoor SOAR is the most laid-back and hands-on way to get to know Utah State's campus and surrounding area while still completing your SOAR requirement. In addition to providing the benefits received at regular SOAR sessions, Outdoor SOAR offers more personal interactions between incoming students and members of the A-Team, a group of current Utah State students who have been chosen to assist you in the orientation process.

The time will be spent on campus, around Logan, and in the surrounding canyon and Bear Lake area. Even if you are not an outdoor enthusiast (some hikes are intermediate), Outdoor SOAR is a great experience. Due to the depth and popularity of this program, space is limited to 30 participants.

Length: Four days, three nights

Dates: Monday, July 8 - Thursday, July 11

Cost: $300. This includes all meals, three nights of lodging at Utah State's Bear Lake Training Center, the cost of all activities undertaken while at Outdoor SOAR, your student I.D. card, and the SOAR informational materials. Your $100 University Deposit that you will pay when you sign up for SOAR (submit the Enrollment Confirmation) will cover part of the Outdoor SOAR fee. You will be given directions on how to pay the rest.

Schedule (basic outline from previous year, subject to change)

Day 1 Check-in, ID card pictures, icebreakers on the QUAD, spelunking at Minnetonka Cave, free time and campfire at Bear Lake Training Center
Day 2 Picnic at Tony Grove Lake, hike to the Wind Caves, canoeing at First Dam, campfire and discussion at the Bear Lake Training Center
Day 3 Hike the Crimson Trail, free time, hikes, evening activities at the Bear Lake Training Center
Day 4 Area history and information, tour of campus and Taggart Student Center, presentation of University requirements, academic advising, class registration, closing activities and exchange of contact information.

Online

SOAR Online is available to you if you live or work more than 400 miles* from Utah State. If you select SOAR Online as you sign up for SOAR (submit your Enrollment Confirmation), the link will be sent to the e-mail account you specify in mid-May.

The online orientation provides the information you will need before coming to Utah State. You will email your academic advisor as you complete SOAR Online, and he or she will write back to you and tell you what classes to take. You can then register for classes once your registration eligibility date arrives (this will be given to you in the same email as the SOAR Online link).

Once you arrive on campus at the beginning of your semester, you can pick up your SOAR packet in the USU Card Office, Taggart Student Center room 212. It will include the following:

  • Student Handbook/Planner
  • Voucher for your student ID card ($15 value, your ID card will cost $15 without this)
  • Other helpful information

Cost: $40. This includes your student ID card and the SOAR informational materials. The SOAR fee will be taken out of the $100 University Deposit that you will pay when you register for SOAR (submit your Enrollment Confirmation). The rest of the $100 deposit will be credited to your student account and will go toward your tuition and/or fees.

*Students who live within 400 miles of USU can choose SOAR Online, but will have a later registration eligibility date.

Parent

Parent Orientation is a separate but concurrent orientation session designed for parents and family members of incoming students. It is designed to give parents and family members a general idea of what to expect while their student attends Utah State University. A wide array of services and resources available to students and family members will be covered, as well as important topics relevant to having a student go through the transition to college. Parent Orientation provides an opportunity to meet with University administrators and to receive direct answers from official University sources. Parent Orientation also offers a panel of current Utah State students who will answer your questions and relate their personal experiences.

Parent Orientation is available during one-day and two-day SOAR dates.

Parents who need accommodations during two-day SOAR can find a list of local hotels by clicking on the "travel and accomodations" link to the right. Due to limited space in residence halls during the summer, parent housing in the residence halls will not be available during two-day SOAR. There is no formal parent orientation during the summer semester SOAR date or during undeclared SOAR dates.

Cost: $15 per parent for the Express (One-Day) SOAR, $25 per parent for the Extended (Two-Day) SOAR

Schedule (basic outline, subject to change)

Express Parent Orientation

7:45-9:30 a.m. Check-In
8 a.m. Workshops (optional) and Math Placement Tests (for students)
10 a.m. Overall Welcome
10:20 a.m. Parents Welcome, Schedule Review, General Questions
10:50 a.m. Academic Resouce Center, Career Services, Health and Wellness Center
11:45 a.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Student to Parent Q&A Panel
1:15 p.m. Debit and I.D. Card
1:25 p.m. Housing, Dining Services, and Meal Plans
1:40 p.m. Campus Safety
2:00 p.m. Transition to College
2:30 p.m. Wrap up and Final Questions

Extended Parent Orientation

Day One

8:00-9:00 a.m. Check-In
10 a.m. Overall Welcome
10:20 a.m. Parents Welcome, Schedule Review, General Questions
10:50 a.m. Academic Resouce Center, Career Services, Health and Wellness Center
11:45 a.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m. Student to Parent Q&A Panel
1:15 p.m. Debit and I.D. Card
1:25 p.m. Housing, Dining Services, and Meal Plans
1:40 p.m. Campus Safety
2:00 p.m. Transition to College
2:30 p.m. Wrap up and Final Questions
2:30 p.m. Class Registration
2:30-4:00 p.m. Optional Campus Tours (every 15 minutes)
3:00-6:00 p.m. Games on the Quad/Free Time
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00-8:00 p.m. Logan City Bus Tour

Day Two

8:30-9:00 a.m. Check-out
9:00-9:50 a.m. Breakfast
10:00-10:50 a.m. Wrap-up and Q&A
11:00-11:25 a.m. Workshop Session I
11:30-11:55 a.m. Workshop Session II
12:00 p.m. Last Minute Business


2013 SOAR Dates

Date Session Type Who can attend Full?
June 3 New-Century/Regents' Scholarship (8:00-4:00) New Century Scholarship or Regents' Scholarship recipients or students who will have completed a number of college credits and/or an associate's degree by the time they start at USU. All majors. No
June 4 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Music, Music Therapy, Theatre Arts No
June 6 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Biology, Public Health, Composite Teaching-Biological Science, Art, Art History, Interior Design No
June 7 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, K-6, Deaf Education (not Communication Disorders), Special Education with ELED or ECE, Secondary Education-Social Studies Composite, Biology, Public Health, Composite Teaching-Biological Science, Music, Music Therapy, Interior Design No
June 10-11 Two Day All majors except Plants, Soils and Climate, Applied Economics No
June 13 Non-Traditional (5:00-9:00 p.m.) Reentry, Non-Traditional, and Adult Learner Students No
June 14 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Plants, Soils and Climate, Applied Economics, Art, Art History, Interior Design, Nutrition No
June 26 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Technology, Music, Music Therapy, Theatre Arts No
June 27 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Art, Art History, Interior Design No
June 28 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Family, Consumer and Human Development, Family Consumer Science, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Journalism, Music, Music Therapy, Theatre Arts No
July 8-11 Outdoor SOAR All majors except Ag Communications, Ag Education, Family and Consumer Science Education, Technology and Engineering Education, Ag Systems, Ag Machinery No
July 11 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Ag Communications, Ag Education, Family and Consumer Science Education, Technology and Engineering Education, Ag Systems, Ag Machinery No
July 18 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Plants, Soils and Climate, Applied Economics, Computer Science, Art, Art History, Interior Design No
July 19 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Human Movement Science, Parks and Recreation, Health Education and Promotion, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, K-6, Deaf Education (not Communication Disorders), Special Education with ELED or ECE, Secondary Education-Social Studies Composite, Family, Consumer and Human Development, Family Consumer Science, Computer Science, Music, Music Therapy, Theatre Arts No
July 31 Non-Traditional (5:00-9:00 p.m.) Reentry, Non-Traditional, and Adult Learner Students No
August 1 One-Day
(8:00-4:00)
All majors except Human Movement Science, Parks and Recreation, Health Education and Promotion, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, K-6, Deaf Education (not COMD), Special Education with ELED or ECE, Secondary Education-Social Studies Composite, Nutrition Will only open this date if need arises.
August 8 Undeclared (10:00-3:30) Late admits who are Undeclared, Allied Health, or Undeclared Business No