The First Event of EMU's Orientation Process

Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) is the first event of our Orientation process and is where first year students starting at Eastern Michigan University in the Fall semester will meet their academic advisor and register for their first semester of classes.

Students and guests will be led through a variety of events (both together and separately), including a Resource Fair, Financial Aid, and Advising and Registration.

Upcoming SOAR Dates

Please note: You must submit your Enrollment Form before you can register for SOAR, both of which can be done through your admitted student portal.

  • Friday, March 7th 
  • Saturday, March 22nd 
  • Saturday, April 5th
  • Saturday, April 12th
  • Friday, May 2nd
  • Saturday, May 10th *virtual
  • Saturday, May 17th
  • Friday, May 23rd
  • Thursday, June 5th
  • Friday, June 13th
  • Friday, June 20th

REGISTER FOR SOAR

What to Expect

What happens at a SOAR program? To help plan for the day (or ease any stress), we'd like to let you know what a SOAR day will entail for both students and their families and guests.

  • Parking Information Expand dropdown
    SOAR-specific directional signs will be posted along Oakwood Street to assist in guiding attendees on where to park. Free parking is available at 900 Oakwood Street, outside the EMU Student Center at the Student Center Guest Lot. Parking in another lot may cause you to be subject to parking tickets.
  • Arrival Information  Expand dropdown

    From the Student Center Guest Lot, the North entrance will lead you to the second floor of the Student Center. Inside these doors will be the first step in the SOAR check-in process. Staff will then lead you to the next step (located near the Student Center Information Desk), where students will get program materials and the schedule. 

    Program staff will be available along the way for any questions about this process.

    Please note: the SOAR program check-in is located on the second floor of the Student Center. If entering the building from the North entrance, attendees will be on the correct floor. If entering the building from the South entrance, attendees will need to locate the stairs or the elevators and go up to the second floor.
  • Student Check In Expand dropdown
    • Step 1: Get Name Tag
    • Step 2: Check In and Receive Program Materials
      • Staff will ask for the last name of the student, confirm they parked in the Student Center Guest Lot, confirm students know their NetID and password, and distribute program materials, then will direct students and guests on to their next step
          • STUDENTS WILL NEED TO KEEP PROGRAM MATERIALS WITH THEM FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM
    • Step 3: if needed Sign in to my.emich account with NetID and password
      • Note: if students know their NetID and password well enough to sign in using an EMU computer, they are able to skip Step 3. Students MUST know (or have with them) their NetID and password to register for their classes
    • Students and Guests will enter the Resource Fair
  • What to Bring Expand dropdown

    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.

    Note: To ensure all SOAR attendees are able to move through spaces comfortably, students are asked to bring no more than one guest with them due to building and room capacities. Students and Guests will be provided lunch. Please ensure to indicate any dietary restrictions when registering for SOAR.

  • Students Expand dropdown

    General Overview of events for Students

      • Check in
        • Students will receive their nametag, program materials, and schedule for their day. Check in begins at 10:15 am. 
        • Note: Students will also receive a FERPA form in their materials. Orientation staff can collect these on the day and ensure they are submitted.
      • Resource Fair
        • Have questions about the resources available at EMU? Ask them at the Resource Fair! Join us as approximately 25 departments and organizations from around EMU's campus are on hand to make sure all the questions you have are answered!
      • Students split into small groups
        • For the majority of the day, students will be split into groups depending on their academic college.
      • EMU: What's Next?
        • Led by our Orientation Group Leaders, this time is designed for students to learn about student life, how to navigate adjusting to college, learn about available support and safety resources, and the next steps for students following their SOAR day.
      • Advising and Registration
        • During this time students will meet with advisors from their academic college (ie. the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Health and Human Services, the Honors College, or the University Advising and Career Development Center [for exploratory students]). Advisors will provide a brief presentation and overview of how to register for classes, create a plan for their first semester of courser, and assist students with registering for the fall courses.
  • Families & Guests Expand dropdown

    General Overview of events for Families and Guests

    • Check in
      • Students will receive their nametag, program materials, and schedule for their day. Check in begins at 10:15 am. 
      • Note: Students will also receive a FERPA form in their materials. Orientation staff can collect these on the day and ensure they are submitted.
    • Resource Fair
      • Have questions about the resources available at EMU? Ask them at the Resource Fair! Join us as approximately 25 departments and organizations from around EMU's campus are on hand to make sure all the questions you have are answered!
    • Student Engagement and Success Presentations
      • Want to know more about some of the specific services available in supporting students? Listen in as several departments give 'mini presentations' about their services and take some time to ask more questions! 
    • Out of the Nest: Student Stories
      • Hear from current EMU students about their experiences coming to EMU! How did their parents and families support (or influence) their adjustments to the EMU community? This session will also provide time for families and guests to ask questions of the current students on how they can support thier own student! 
    • Financial Aid and Q&A
      • Need help, or just have questions, on navigating the financial aid process? Our Financial Aid team will go through the process and provide an opportunity to ask questions regarding finances and financial aid. Also stop by Service EMU located near the North entrance of the Student Center on the second floor.
      • Missed the presentation? Find the video recording here.
    • Optional Campus Tours

Download Schedules

Students, parents, families, and guests will have separate schedules:

Student Schedule

Family/Guest Schedule

Checklists

You can prepare for success with our essential pre-event and post-event checklists:

  • Pre-SOAR Checklist Expand dropdown

    To ensure students are ready to attend their SOAR day, please complete all of the following:

    1. Apply to Eastern Michigan University
    2. Be Accepted to EMU
    3. Accept your offer of admission through your admitted student portal
    4. Submit your enrollment deposit
    5. Submit your enrollment form
    6. Register for SOAR
    7. Activate your my.emich student account
    8. Complete Pre-SOAR modules in Online Orientation (orientation.emich.edu)
      • Modules to complete:
        • Welcome
        • Paying for College
        • Academics
        • Student Life
    9. Make travel plans (if necessary) for your scheduled SOAR date
    10. Compile and bring any information on already earned credits
      • This includes both credits from EMU, another college/university, and/or AP credits
      • Students enrolled in the ECA program (or with a large amount of college credits) should plan to bring a record of all the classes they've taken and the amount of credits they received.
    11. Bring any questions for Financial Aid, Housing and Residence Life, Dining, and other campus resources.
    12. Make sure to dress for the weather!
  • Post-SOAR Checklist Expand dropdown

    Orientation is not over after SOAR! To stay up to date, and make sure you are ready for the next step in our Orientation process, make sure to complete the steps below!

    1. Let us know how we did at your SOAR program by completing our short survey
    2. Complete the Post-SOAR modules
      • Safety and Wellness
      • Next Steps
    3. Submit your EID photo following the steps available on the Eagle OneCard website
    4. Submit Housing application (if applicable)
      • Reserve your residence hall 
    5. Select Dining plan (if applicable)
      • Residents will select within the Housing Application
      • Commuters can purchase on the EMU Dining website
    6. Purchase parking permit for Fall 2025 (if applicable - permits usually go on sale during August)
    7. Register for the Emergency Text Alert system to keep up to date on any campus closures (such as in the event of a snow day)  
    8. Complete your FAFSA to apply for financial aid at studentaid.gov
    9. After graduating from high school send your final transcript to our institution before attending university level classes. Find directions here.
    10. Activate your Eagle OneCard at emueagleone.com
    11. Attend EMU Connect

Orientation Pathway

There are a few different pieces of completing your Orientation. To make sure you don't miss one, download our Orientation Pathway guide:

Download Guide

 

Addtional Resources

Discover valuable information from SOAR presentations, conveniently located in our resources section.

Student Engagement & Success Presentation [PDF]

Campus Safety Update Video

FERPA Release Form [PDF]

Orientation Pathway Guide [PDF]

 

FAQ

Explore our FAQs, offering clear answers to common questions. Find all of the information you need to kickstart your journey with confidence.

Questions?

Please reach out to us for any questions or assistance. Our team is here to help! 

734.487.1208