Campus Partner Resources
The Office of Orientation and Transition programs (OTP) strives to provide timely updates to Orientation campus partners. We know this results in multiple emails where details sometimes get lost. The goal of this site is to provide a resource for Orientation updates while allowing OTP to streamline email communication.
Campus and Community Volunteers for Orientation Programs
Our Orientation programs are collaborative, cross-campus events! We rely on campus and community partners to make our programs as fantastic as they are, and strive to have an informative and supportive environment for the incoming students and families.
SOAR - Faculty and Staff Volunteer FAQ
What is SOAR? Expand dropdownSOAR [Student Orientation Advising & Registration] is an incoming student’s first step of Orientation. The big “activity” for students on a SOAR day is to meet with their academic advisor and get registered for their first semester of classes. Students and guests will also have time to attend a Resource Fair, among other events, with a goal of getting any questions they may have answered.
Who will be there?
Along with the incoming students, SOAR attendees include their parents, family members, and guests.
How should I prepare? Expand dropdown- Be ready for questions!
- Housing, Dining, Campus Safety, and Financial Aid are common departments students and guests will ask about!
- All of these (and more) resources will be available for students and guest to talk with at SOAR!
- Feel free to direct, or walk, individuals who may have questions to the appropriate table in the Resource Fair!
- emich.edu is a great tool! Suggest students and guests utilize it to find answers to questions after leaving their SOAR date!
- When in doubt, direct students to an Orientation staff member or our email address (for post-SOAR questions): [email protected]
- Housing, Dining, Campus Safety, and Financial Aid are common departments students and guests will ask about!
- Show students and guests that you are confident EMU is the right choice for them!
- Encourage Student Involvement
- Share ways for students to get connected early, such as academic resources, student organizations, campus events, or other opportunities you know of!
- Be ready for questions!
What will I be doing? Expand dropdownWe are asking Deans, Executive Council, and other staff and faculty volunteers to mingle with the incoming students and families during the SOAR Check In and Resource Fair. Chat with students while they are waiting to check in to SOAR or meander through the Resource Fair (in the Ballroom) to answer questions, or direct to the department tables for specific questions (the Resource fair will representatives from about 20 different departments and teams from around campus).
The Resource Fair will take place in the Student Center Ballroom, while Check In will occur in the 2nd floor hallway, across from the Information Desk.
Best Practices Expand dropdown- Be approachable and welcoming
- Help set the tone of the day by making student and families feel excited and supported as they start their EMU journey.
- Introduce yourself and what you do at EMU
- Ask students their major or why they’re excited to attend EMU
- Get to know the student and their guest(s)
- Know where to direct students
- Be approachable and welcoming
Start the Conversation Expand dropdown- Be approachable and welcoming
- Help set the tone of the day by making student and families feel excited and supported as they start their EMU journey.
- Introduce yourself and what you do at EMU
- Ask students their major or why they’re excited to attend EMU
- Get to know the student and their guest(s)
- Know where to direct students
- Be approachable and welcoming
When is it? Expand dropdownThe SOAR Check In and Resource Fair begin around 10am and end at about 11am. We ask that volunteers arrive a few minutes early (between 9:50am and 9:55am) to check in with Orientation staff and find their place to mingle. Notes Expand dropdown- Wear EMU gear and your EMU name tag!
- Upon checking in with Orientation staff, you will also be given a button to identify you as an EMU staff member who is able to answer questions/direct to resources!
- Be on time!
- Contact Hayley Clock ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns!
- Wear EMU gear and your EMU name tag!
SOAR - Alumni Volunteer FAQ Guide
What is SOAR? Expand dropdownSOAR (Student Orientation Advising & Registration) is an incoming student’s first step in Orientation at EMU. The main “activity” for students on a SOAR day is to meet with their academic advisor and register for their first semester of classes. Students and guests can also attend a Resource Fair, which showcases various services, campus departments, organizations etc. that offer support for students.
Who will be there?
SOAR attendees include students, their parents or guardians, family members, and guests.How should I prepare? Expand dropdown- Be ready for questions!
- Housing, Dining, Campus Safety, and Financial Aid are common departments students and guests will ask about!
- All of these resources and more will be available to students and guests!
- Feel free to direct, or walk individuals who may have questions to the appropriate table in the Resource Fair!
- Encourage students and guests to utilize the emich.edu website after leaving their SOAR!
- When in doubt, direct students to an Orientation staff member or our email address (for post-SOAR questions): [email protected]
- Housing, Dining, Campus Safety, and Financial Aid are common departments students and guests will ask about!
- Show students and guests that you are confident EMU is the right choice for them!
- Encourage Student Involvement
- Share ways for students to get connected early by learning more about academic resources, student organizations, campus events, or other opportunities!
- Be ready for questions!
What will I be doing? Expand dropdownAlumni volunteer responsibilities include engaging
with the incoming students and families during the SOAR Check In and Resource Fair. Greet students while they are waiting to check in to SOAR and/or stroll through the Resource Fair (located in the Ballroom) to answer questions, ordirect them to appropriate department tables for additional information.
The Resource Fair will take place in the Student Center Ballroom, while Check In will occur in the 2nd floor hallway, across from the Information Desk.
Best Practices Expand dropdown- Be approachable and welcoming
- Help set the tone of the day by making student and families feel excited and supported as they start their EMU journey.
- Introduce yourself
- When did you attend EMU?
- What did you study or what did you get involved in?
- What year(s) did you graduate from EMU?
- Welcome and ask students how they are doing?
- Where are they from? What major are they interested in or why they’re excited to attend EMU
- Get to know the student and their guest(s)
- Be knowledgeable and informed about your surroudings:
- location of the restrooms, what departments are represented, parking information, etc. Know where to direct students.
- Be approachable and welcoming
Start the Conversation Expand dropdown- Start with introductions
- Share who you are and when you attended EMU; what are you doing now?
- What is your major? Do you also have a minor?
- Why did you choose that major?
- Have you thought about what career to pursue after EMU?
- What activities are you a part of? Are you involded in High School?
- If there is an activity they enjoy and you know is also available to them at EMU, suggest they try it out!
- Do you have any questions? What are you hoping to complete while you’re here?
- Start with introductions
When is it? Expand dropdownThe SOAR Check In and Resource Fair is from 10am until 11am. We ask that volunteers planfor an hour shift, arriving a few minutes early (between 9:50am and 9:55am) to check in with Orientation staff and find their assignment.
There will be 12 SOAR dates to sign up for in 2025. Dates are available at the sign up link: tiny.emich.edu/SOARAlumni25
Notes/Contact Person Expand dropdown- Wear EMU gear!
- Be on time!
- Park in the Student Center Guest Lot
- Gates will be up or a parking validation will be provided.
- Contact Hayley Clock ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns!
How do I sign up? Expand dropdownAlumni Volunteers can sign up at tiny.emich.edu/SOARAlumni25
Accessibility Resources
Orientation is an opportunity to highlight EMU’s mission and brand. Please research and implement the following recommendations as you update your presentations to make sure they are accessible for all students and their guests.
Have questions or concerns about your content? Please contact Disability Resource Center for more information and resources.
- All videos should have correct captions and enable while showing. Auto-captioned videos are not recommended.
- Pictures with meaning should have a descriptive caption below.
- Images with words embedded should have a combined text description of the words in the image.
- Provide clear verbal descriptions of visual content, such as images, charts, and videos.
- Check the color contrast of presentation fonts.
- Paper handouts should be available in a digitally accessible format, upon request.
- Limit the use of non-accessible presentation formats, such as Prezi.
- Consider an ending accessibility statement. Example: “If anyone needs an accessible version of the [content presented], please contact our office.”
Planning
Each year we anticipate following the General Orientation Planning Timeline below:
January
- Prepare to open SOAR Registration System for Spring/Summer (coordinate with Admissions, communication materials, website, and finalize session capacities)
- Prepare Virtual Pre-Orientation Modules for Fall
- Finalize content for SOAR publications (workbook, schedule, etc.)
- O-Team Meetings and Orientation Group Leader [OGL] training begins
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- Connect Group Leader [CGL] application available to students
- Schedule for EMU Connect drafted; initial meetings with Campus Partners begin
February
- Distribute SOAR schedule
- SOAR Registration System opens
- Last meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation changes and improvements
- Send SOAR publications to print (workbook, schedule, etc.)
- Finalize SOAR Assessments
- Deadline for SOAR presentations from Campus Partners
- Reserve classroom/lab spaces for EMU Connect
- Review Orientation publications for changes
- EMU Connect/Campus partner meetings continue
March
- SOAR programs begin!
- Administer OGL training assessment
- Registration Blitz event (mid to late March)
- OGL training ends
- CGL Interviews begin
- Launch SOAR Assessment instruments Student & Guest Survey launch (including component about OGL)
- EMU Connect Rental Reservations
April
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- O-team meetings continue
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- SWAT interviews complete
- CGL Group interview
- CGL FireUp event
- Identify SOAR dates for two years out
May
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- EMU Connect schedule finalized
- EMU Connect Planning Meetings with Campus Partners
- Mid point review of SOAR surveys
- New OTP Student Staff begin
June
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- CGL Training planning begins
July
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- EMU Connect publications finalized and sent to print; Orientation t-shirts ordered
- Deadline for EMU Connect presentations from Campus Partners & presenters. (end of month)
- Prepare CGL Training - Pre & post assessments
- Prepare OGL and Oteam applications
- Host Fall Start Up meeting (late July or early August)
August
- Host final SOAR programs
- Host Fall Start Up meeting (late July or early August)
- Close SOAR survey
- Connect Group Leader (CGL) Training
- Host EMU Connect Programming
- O-Team Training Assessment
- CGL Training - Pre & post assessments
September
- SOAR Internal Feedback & Debrief Meeting
- Review collected EMU Connect Assessment data
- Review/prepare Orientation Modules for Winter
- O-Team & OGL Recruitment begins
- O-Team & OGL interviews begin
- Student Staffing debrief meetings/exit interviews
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
October
- Review of EMU Connect assessment
- Finalize EMU Connect assessment reports & season report
- O-Team Group Interviews
- OGL Group Interviews
- Planning for OGL training/O-Team meetings beings
- Orientation Coordinator attends NODA Annual Conference late October/early November)
November
- Host debrief meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation (review of previous year, plans for future)
- Review SOAR materials (workbooks, giveaways, etc.)
- O-Team Individual Interviews and selection
- OGL Individual Interviews and Selection
- Requests for information (Online Orientation modules, SOAR workbook, etc) sent out
- Registration Blitz event (mid-November)
- OGL training schedule set, invitations to campus partners sent out
- O-Team meeting schedule set, invitations to campus partners sent out
- Orientation Coordinator attends NODA Annual Conference late October/early November)
December
- Host meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation (review of previous year, plans for future, updates)
- SOAR Schedule Changes solidified; request approval
- Request Online Orientation edits for SOAR
- Review FITIAC communications with admissions for changes
- Prepare to open SOAR Registration System for next season (propose changes, coordinate with admissions and advising, communication materials)
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
Orientation and Transition Programs Updates
As of 2020
Our Purpose
We connect incoming students to holistic resources in support of their transition into student engagement and success. Our Vision
We envision a cohesive and inclusive experience that is student centered, student driven, and highlighted as a best practice example regionally. Our Values
Intentionality | Inclusivity | Authenticity Our Priorities
- Provide positively impactful experiences that anticipate and support the holistic needs of our incoming EMU community members.
- Represent and celebrate the traditions and cultures of Eastern’s community, to support a sense of belonging and social connectedness.
- Cultivate cross institutional collaboration and robust community partnerships.
- Facilitate an intentional platform and experience for current EMU student development, empowerment, and leadership.
Learning and Development Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending/completing our Orientation and Transition Programs (SOAR and EMU Connect, Online Orientation Modules), students will...
- Understand EMU’s academic expectations and students’ responsibility for their own academic, social, and personal experience. (Knowledge acquisition and application)
- This includes academic advising, class registration, degree requirements, deadlines, financial responsibilities, etc.
- Articulate and demonstrate expectations for Eastern’s community members and how students can positively contribute to and engage in the community. (Humanitarianism and Civic Engagement)
- This includes the Student Rights and Responsibilities, the EMU Creed, Federal Regulations, etc.
- Navigate the campus physical and digital environment and utilize University resources that will contribute to their success and engagement at Eastern. (Practical Competence)
- This includes involvement opportunities, leadership positions, College-specific experiences, and student support systems, etc.
- Identify leadership skills and begin to interpret how they relate to their personal success as an Eastern Student. (Cognitive Complexity)
- This includes skills such as conflict resolution, ethical reasoning, teambuilding, time management, effective communication, and goal setting.
- Develop a sense of belonging and social connectedness to the Eastern community and collaboration in their collegiate experience. (Interpersonal Competence)
- Cultivate a sense of self-awareness through identifying personal values, identities, and strengths and how they can support their personal and professional goals. (Intrapersonal Development)
Guest Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending Orientation and Transition Programs (SOAR and EMU Connect), guests will...
- Interpret and articulate the supportive role they play in their student’s transition process.
- Understand EMU’s academic and community expectations, as well as, their student’s responsibility to make decisions and take actions related to their academic, social, and personal experience as an EMU student.
- Identify on campus resources available to support their student academically, socially, and personally as an EMU student.