Commonly Asked Questions
How many guests can I bring?
Can I really only bring one guest?
Students may bring up to one guest, due to capacities of the spaces used for SOAR.
How long is SOAR?
Do I have to stay the whole time?
SOAR check in begins at 10:15am. The program ends around 3:30pm (not including the optional tour). Students should be present for the ENTIRE program.
Do I have to attend with my student?
Does a parent or guest have to go to SOAR?
Parents, family members, and guests do not have to attend. We offer the option of bringing along a guest because some students do wish to bring someone but SOAR is not mandatory for families or guests.
Can I bring a friend?
Students are able to bring a friend as their one guest, however, students and guests are split into different groups and have different schedules. If a student chooses to bring their friend as their guest, they will not be following the same schedule throughout the day.
Where do I park?
SOAR directional signs on Oakwood Street will be posted to help guide where to park. Parking is available at 900 Oakwood Street. The Student Center Guest Lot (in front of the Student Center) is where individuals may park for SOAR. If you park in another lot, you may be subject to parking tickets.
**NOTE: there is another parking lot directly adjacent to the Student Center lot. Please be sure to look at the lot signs - the correct parking lot has gates that will be up for SOAR.What time does SOAR start?
Check in for each SOAR program begins at 10:15 am. The SOAR program day runs until approximately 3:30 pm (program may be longer if students/guests would like to take part in the optional tours - tours can also be scheduled through our Admissions office).
When does Check-In start?
When can I check in for SOAR?
Orientation staff will begin checking in students at 10:15am. Early arrivals will be asked to wait until 10:15am to check in. Will students and families/guests be together for the whole day?
Students and guest will have separate schedules for the day. Some programs (such as the Resource Fair and the optional Tours) will be together, while others will be separate.
Families and guests will NOT be permitted to enter the Advising and Registration rooms.
Can my parent/family member/guest stay with me for the whole day?
Students and guest will have separate schedules for the day. Some programs (such as the Resource Fair and the optional Tours) will be together, while others will be separate.
Families and guests will NOT be permitted to enter the Advising and Registration rooms.
Where do I go?
Upon arriving at EMU, please navigate to the Student Center Guest Lot and enter the Student Center at the NORTH entrance. Our check in station is located on the second floor near the information desk. Please note that the second floor is the floor you will enter on from the North entrance.
When does SOAR end?
The SOAR day ends at approximately 3:30 pm. Some participants may take longer to register for their courses, and thus may be finished a bit after 3:30pm.
NOTE: the program may be longer if student/guests would like to take part in the optional tours - tours can also be scheduled through our Admissions office.
What will I be doing?
Students and guests will both have a variety of activities scheduled throughout the day. Notably, students will attend their first advising and registration session. Guests will attend a variety of mini presentations from Student Support resources, as well as hear from Financial Aid. Both students and guests will attend a general resource fair to ask questions, learn more information, and get a better understanding of what EMU has to offer.
For more information on both schedules please view our schedule page (available by March , 2023).
Am I registering for classes?
Students will be registering for their classes at SOAR.
Students will be meet with advisors from their respective colleges. Advisors will provide presentations on college specific information and provide knowledgeable and personalized guidance in class registration for first year students. Families and guests are not permitted to accompany students to their advising or class registration time.
Will there be food?
Lunch will be provided for students and guests.
What do I have to bring?
Students should plan to bring:
- Your NetID and password (either memorized or in an accessible place)
- You will need this to register for your classes
- A device connected to your DuoMobile login
- This is also needed for registering for classes - Students please ensure you are able to have this device with you!
- A water bottle and/or anything else needed for the day
- Dress for the weather!
- EMU is located in Southeast Michigan, where weather can change quickly! Please make sure to bring a jacket/hat/umbrella/etc. if needed for the weather of your SOAR day.
I don’t like the schedule I picked at SOAR. How do I change it?
If you know your academic college, you can reach out to an advisor and schedule an appointment with them if you would like guidance in changing your schedule. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] and indicate your name, college (if you know your college), major, and EID and we will forward your information to the relevant department.
**NOTE: depending on the time of year and course availability there is no guarantee that schedules will be able to change at this time.
I don't like the schedule my student picked at SOAR. How do we change it?
Students will need to meet with their academic advisor before they are able to make any adjustments to their schedule.
Note: Prior to meeting with students, advisors do review their academic records, their major/minor, and any general education requirements students will need to complete. Depending on the time of year and course availability there is no guarantee that schedules will be able to change at this time.
Who is my advisor?
A student's academic advisor is based on their academic college and major.
College of Arts and Sciences (Francine Parker Advising Center)
GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology
College of Health and Human Services
University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC) (for exploratory students)
I need to reschedule my SOAR day.
Can I pick a different SOAR day?
Need to attend on a different day? No problem! Visit to app.emich.edu/orientation and sign in with your Net ID and password - select a new SOAR date and submit! I am having trouble logging in to my.emich account. What should I do?
Reach out to IT and they can help you reset your password. Phone number: 734-487-2120. Alternatively, you can go to: EMU IT to access the online service portal. I have questions different from the ones above.
Have a question we didn't answer? Reach out to us at [email protected]! Our staff will do our best to respond within 2 business days.
page last updated: 6/8/2023