Is the SOAR program required?
How do I sign up for SOAR?
Is there an advantage to attending an earlier SOAR?
Is there a cost for SOAR?
What are the payment options?
What does my fee cover?
How will my SOAR date be confirmed?
What if I want to change my SOAR date?
Should family members attend the program?
What is the location of the program?
Where do I park?
Where do I check in?
How long is the program?
Are overnight accommodations available?
What if I change my major after signing up for SOAR?
What if I am admitted through the Center for Academic Success (CAS)?
How else can I make a successful transition into Southern?
Are there special accommodations if needed?
Is the SOAR program required?
Yes. SOAR is a REQUIREMENT for all freshmen students and highly RECOMMENDED for transfer students. In addition to meeting other new and current students, SIUC faculty and staff, and representatives from the City of Carbondale, you will also have the opportunity to advise and register for classes at SOAR.
How do I sign up for SOAR?
To sign up for SOAR, click here. A credit card number must be entered for registration acceptance. Please keep in mind the SOAR fee is non-refundable.
Is there an advantage to attending an earlier SOAR?
You should select your SOAR date as soon as possible, as SOAR dates fill quickly. Students who attend an earlier SOAR may have a better selection of classes to select from.
Is there a cost for SOAR?
Yes. The cost for the 2009 SOAR program will be $85 for the student and $50 for up to two family members. Additional guests will be charged $15 per person to cover lunch expenses. Please keep in mind that this fee covers everything New Student Programs does for student and families throughout the year
What are the payment options?
You must pay with a credit card or debit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. If you do not have a credit card, fill out and print each page of the form. Mail to New Student Programs with a check or money order made payable to SIUC enclosed. Please note the SOAR fee is non-refundable.
What does my fee cover?
The fees cover all production costs for SOAR, materials for the student and family members, refreshments, a meal, Week of Welcome activities, and Family Weekend activities. A one-year membership with the Saluki Family Association is included in the family fee. Please note the SOAR fee is non-refundable.
How will my SOAR date be confirmed?
Upon receipt of your SOAR registration and confirmation of payment, your SOAR confirmation information will be mailed to you, typically within two weeks of signing up for SOAR. This packet will confirm your SOAR date and most importantly, provide the next steps of how to register for classes. Also included will be a SOAR parking hangtag, directions to campus, check-in information, overnight stay instructions (summer only in Carbondale), as well as the other important items needed to make the most out of your day. In order to have a successful experience at SOAR, it is very important that you read the enclosed materials IMMEDIATELY, and most importantly, follow the steps listed on the enclosed checklist. These items MUST be taken care of prior to attendance. If you do not complete the checklist, you will NOT be able to register for classes on your SOAR date.
What if I want to change my SOAR date?
Contact New Student Programs at (618) 453-1000. Date changes must be made at least one week prior to your confirmed SOAR date. A $15 per person fee will be charged to cover the cost of meals if the date is not changed one week prior. Changing your date at the last minute interferes with planning and is discouraged.
Should family members attend the program?
We strongly encourage parents/family members to attend the SOAR program. We have special sessions designed to address the questions and concerns of parents/families. You will also learn more about your Saluki Family Association Membership. Be sure to complete the Family Information on the SOAR Registration form if your family members plan to attend.
What is the location of the program?
The SOAR program is held at the SIUC Student Center.
Where do I park?
Parking will be available at the SIUC Arena. A shuttle from the Arena to the Student Center will be available from 7:30AM-8:15AM and then from the Student Center to the Arena from 2:00PM-4:30PM. A parking hangtag will be include in your confirmation packet.
Check in will be held in the International Lounge of the Student Center.
How long is the program?
SOAR is a full-day program. It is not possible to only attend a portion of the day. Students should plan on remaining until 2:00PM. If you are unable to stay for the entire day, it is in your best interest to reschedule on a day when you are able to stay for the entire program.
Are overnight accommodations available?
For assistance in finding lodging and planning your visit to Carbondale, contact the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau toll free at (800) 526-1500 or visit www.cctb.org. For a listing of our preferred hotels, visit salukifamily.siu.edu and click on “Membership Discounts.” During the summer programs, you have the option of staying overnight in the residence halls for a fee of $30.00 per person. If you would like to spend the night in the residence halls, please fill out and return the Overnight Reservation form found in your confirmation packet along with payment. Each room includes two single beds, linens, and a bathroom. Students arriving alone may be paired with another student. Reservations for overnight stays in the residence halls must be arranged a minimum of FIVE DAYS in advance.
What if I change my major after signing up for SOAR?
If you change your major after signing up for SOAR, please contact New Student Programs at (618) 453-1000 so we can send updated advisement information for your new major.
What if I am admitted through the Center for Academic Success (CAS)?
All freshmen are required to attend a SOAR program. The Center for Academic Success does require placement testing. You must complete your testing a minimum of two weeks prior to your SOAR date. If you do not complete your test within this time frame, you may attend SOAR, however you may not be able to register for classes. Please plan accordingly. Information will be sent to you from the Center for Academic Success about placement testing and additional requirements. Please call (618)536-6646 for more information.
How else can I make a successful transition into Southern?
Program research indicates that one way for students to be more successful during their first year of college is participation in structured first year experience programs. This type of program assists you with the transition into the University in the following ways: connecting you with faculty, attending classes with the same students, challenging your critical thinking skills, networking with peers, learning about campus resources, exposing you to involvement and leadership opportunities and much more. Students who take advantage of opportunities such as UNIV 101 and Living Learning Communities have an academic edge over students who do not participate.
UNIV 101 is a three credit hour elective course. Each section is limited to 20 students to facilitate interaction among students and the instructor. Students thrive in the small learning community that is developed in UNIV 101. Students completing the course experience a successful transition into university life, have more frequent contact with faculty, feel more confident in the college setting compared to students who do not take the class, and report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Many students complete UNIV 101 with a clearer sense of their academic and career plans. The UNIV 101 brochure is included for your review.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are residence hall communities that bring college learning into the everyday lives of students. They offer students the chance to live with others who share common interests and to interact with SIUC faculty and staff.
Students who participate in an LLC often have higher GPAs, more positive campus experiences, and are more likely to graduate. Potential benefits include getting to know professors and classmates better, greater access to academic resources, and specialized programs right in your residence hall. LLCs are designed to fit into your general education requirements and will not delay your graduation. There are no additional fees associated with living in a LLC.
LLCs are a wonderful way to form friendships and obtain study partners, thus creating a sense of community. To learn more about your individual LLC options, visit http://www.housing.siu.edu/info/LLC or call (618) 453-7535.