What to Expect at SOAR

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.

Arriving at SOAR

Parking Information

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 

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.

Student Check In

• 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

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.

SOAR Programs and Events

• Students

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  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 and Guests

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  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! 
  • 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.
  • Family Reception
    • Big players at our campus will be in attendance for the opportunity to interact with them and ask them questions while enjoying some light snacks provided by EMU Dining. 
  • Optional Campus Tours

page last updated: 1/29/2024