New Student and Transfer Orientation (SOAR)

SOAR is designed to provide you with a seamless transition to the University community while connecting you with your fellow classmates and sharing valuable information. Please know we are committed to creating a vibrant and engaging SOAR experience for you and your classmates.

Highlights of SOAR:

  • Learn about the various campus resources available to you.
  • Get an inside look at student life and how to get involved on campus.
  • Interact with the dean of your academic school or college and students from your major.

Login to your Accepted Students Portal to sign up for SOAR
Students can register their family members by filling out the Registration Form and each student can bring up to two guests.

SOAR 2025 Dates
  • First-Year Students Only: June 23-24, June 26-27, July 14-15, July 17-18
  • Transfer Students Only: June 23, June 26, July 14, July 17
SOAR 2025: First-Year Student Schedules
  • Day 1

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the AV. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs).   David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders  Students will meet with their OTLs to start building community and learn more about one another.   Assigned Locations Across Campus
    11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Commuter Life and Digital Campus Commuter students will have the opportunity to meet with students and staff and is the chance to ask questions about life on campus, support, expectations of students, and anything else you would like to know about being a commuter on campus. Students will be exposed to the digital applications needed to be a successful student. Undergraduate Commuter Lounge
    11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Residential Life and Digital Campus Residential students will have the opportunity to meet with students and staff and is the chance to ask questions about life on campus, support, expectations of students, and anything else you would like to know about being a resident on campus. Students will be exposed to the digital applications needed to be a successful student. Various Locations
    12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch Students will have the chance to eat lunch with their Orientation groups, get to know each other and ask their OTLs questions about the student experience. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the AV. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    3 - 4 p.m. and 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders (OTL) Students will meet with their OTLs to start building community with fellow Chargers. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about one another and show their Charger pride. Various Locations across Campus
    4:15 - 6:30 p.m. Readers Theatre - #thepowerofwe As a university community, we share values and expectations that guide our interactions with one another. Join your peers for an interactive presentation that explores the true meaning of embracing the power of "we" and what defines our collective identity and principles. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner Eat at one of our main dining halls on campus – The Marketplace David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    7:30 p.m. Evening Activities - Being in Community The Orientation student leaders have prepared activities for students to meet other students in an informal atmosphere. Come to the quad and enjoy the activities that will be like what you experience on campus during the year from different recognized organizations, resident assistants, or commuter assistants. Various Locations across Campus
    7:30 p.m. Teatime - Getting to Know your community Teatime is an opportunity for first-year students to connect with upper-class students who share the same identities. Students will learn to navigate the campus climate and develop relationships to maximize their college experiences. Students will be able to choose from two groups, Black, Indigenous, Latinx and people of color (BILPOC) Group and a LGBTQ+ Group. This program was created by students and is sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation (CSELO) and the Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion. Westside Hall Locations
  • Day 2

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast and Class Banner Design Audience: Students David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Supporting Your Transition & Engagement as a Charger AV’s commitment to its students’ academic, social, and emotional journey means the focus on academic excellence and intentional resources to connect and thrive within the University community. Students will learn how to best prepare for college. Key student affairs administrators will be present to engage with students in an interactive session.     Bartels Campus Center – Alumni Lounge
    9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders (OTL) Students will meet with their OTLs to start building community with fellow Chargers. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about one another and show their Charger pride, vote on their class banner and write letters to themselves.    Various Locations across Campus
    9 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Course Registration and Advising   Join the Center for Student Success to discuss your curriculum, major requirements, and academic advising. Our success advisors will review your fall course schedule in preparation for your first semester of study. Additionally, learn about the Foundation for Success programs that can help you navigate your first year of college.     Various Locations across Campus
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Resource Fair Stop by and visit various offices and staff to learn about resources and services available during your Charger journey. Beckerman Recreation Center
    12 - 12:30 p.m. Your Journey Continues in Charger Nation Hear from your orientation and transition leaders on how to stay engaged as a Charger during the rest of the summer.   Various Locations across Campus
    12:30 - 2 p.m. Check Out  Pick up your belongings, drop off your keys, say goodbye to your new friends. We will see you in August. Westside Residence Hall
SOAR 2025: First-Year Student Family Schedules
  • Day 1

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the AV. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs).   David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10:30 - 11:30 a.m. “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement  AV is dedicated to the overall wellness of its students. We aim for students to receive a world-class education and utilize the resources available to connect with and thrive in the University community. Families will also learn how to support their students during their college years. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lunch Families will have the opportunity to meet various members of the university community over lunch. This is the chance to ask questions about life on campus, support, expectations of students, and anything else you would like to know about the University. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean   Spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. You will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. You will learn and become aware of the academic expectations of your student at the University.   Various Locations across Campus
    1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the AV. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    3 - 4 p.m. Students Right to Know The Dean of Students Office will introduce the services on campus and federal and college policies impacting student rights and responsibilities. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Charger Community Social Relax and unwind after a busy day with the Charger Community. Families will get an opportunity to interact with faculty, administrators and staff from various areas of the University as well as other families, including alumni, all while enjoying some delicious appetizers, cold beverages and coffee. Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Atrium
  • Day 2

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Family Meet Up and Information Table      David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Academic Success Starts Here - Center for Student Success/Center for Learning Resources Join the Center for Student Success and Center for Learning Resources to learn about academic services to aid in your student’s success.   Bergami Innovation Center – Room 307
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Supporting Students in the Residence Halls Living on campus provides additional value to students’ academic experience. Living and learning are the key characteristics of the residential experience. Learn how the Residence Life staff support students through their transition, to navigating the various resources, to overcoming difficult situations. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 302
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Supporting Our Commuter and Off Campus Students AV is committed to ensuring that commuters are connected to the campus community through various social engagement opportunities. Learn how commuters can get involved, connect with their peers, and access the resources to make them successful. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 201
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Accessibility Resource Center Join the Accessibility Resources Center to learn about the specific services for students who need extra support inside and outside the classroom. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 301
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. University Police and Campus Safety Join the University Police to discuss campus safety, the role of safety protocols and the resources available to students such as transportation, safety apps, emergency notifications and what every college student should know. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 202
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Digital Resources A quick introduction to some of the digital resources available to help stay connected to Charger Nation. We’ll cover both what’s available to families, and what’s available to students, including the website, myCharger, Facebook groups, weekly emails, and more! Buckman Hall - Room 120
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Understanding Healthcare and Wellness Resources at the AV Families are encouraged to visit this session to learn more about how healthcare is administered at the AV. Medical providers from the Health Center in partnership with Yale New Haven Health and Counseling and Psychological Services will be present to answer all your questions. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 203
    10 - 10:30 a.m., 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Resource Fair Stop by and visit various offices and staff to learn about resources and services available during your Charger journey. Beckerman Recreation Center
SOAR 2025: Transfer Students
  • Student Schedule

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the AV. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs).  David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Meet with the Transfer Transition Team Transfer students will meet with our admissions team to ensure that we have received all final documents as it relates to their enrollment. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their transfer credit evaluations and make any updates. Anemone and Steven Kaplan Hall, Visitor's Center
    10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Veterans and Veteran Dependents  All veterans and veteran dependents and their families are invited to meet with the Military and Veterans Affairs to learn more about how to navigate VA benefits, VA Enrollment Certification, and tour the VA lounge in Sheffield Hall.  
    Audience: Veterans and Veteran Dependents     		TBD
    12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch Students will have the chance to eat lunch with their Orientation groups, get to know each other and ask their OTLs questions about the student experience. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the AV.  David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    3 - 3:30 p.m. Transfer Student Resource Fair Transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with various campus offices and see what resources are available for them to be successful regardless of their class year. TBD
    3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Transfer Advising Session Faculty from all programs will be available to meet with transfer students regarding course selection and registration. Any course schedule changes can also be made during this session. Buckman Hall 208
  • Family Schedule

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-In Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the AV. Students and families will receive an overview of the SOAR schedule as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs).   David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10:30 - 11:30 a.m. “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement  AV’s commitment to its students’ academic, social, and emotional journey means the development of a world-class education and intentional resources to connect and thrive within the University community. Families will learn how to best prepare their students for college. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Lunch Families will have the opportunity to meet various members of the university community over lunch. This is the chance to ask questions about life on campus, support, expectations of students, and anything else you would like to know about the University. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean   Spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. You will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. You will learn and become aware of the academic expectations of your student at the University.   Various Locations across Campus
    1 - 4 p.m. Family Hospitality Lounge Families are welcome to enjoy the hospitality lounge when your schedule permits. Come relax, enjoy some refreshments, check your email, recharge your devices, and socialize with other charger families. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center – Fitness Room 204
    1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Hammering Down Your Finances We know families are concerned about the cost of a college education and how to navigate the financial aid process. You are not alone! We encourage all families and students to attend this session to learn about tuition payments, the financial aid process, and how families can finance and plan for the four years at the AV.   David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    3 - 4 p.m. Students Right to Know The Dean of Students Office will introduce the services on campus and federal and college policies impacting student rights and responsibilities. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    3 - 3:30 p.m. Transfer Student Resource Fair Transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with various campus offices and see what resources are available for them to be successful regardless of their class year.
    (Optional for Families)     		TBD
    4:15 - 5 p.m. Charger Community Social Relax and unwind after a busy day with the Charger Community. Families will get an opportunity to interact with faculty, administrators and staff from various areas of the University as well as other families, including alumni, all while enjoying some delicious appetizers, cold beverages and coffee. Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Atrium

What is SOAR?

  • SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, & Registration) is our orientation program for students to learn more about academic and student life at the University
  • An opportunity to welcome new students to our campus community
  • A time to meet and connect with your Orientation & Transition Leader (OTL), who is a current AV student

What do new students do during SOAR?

  • Learn about academic and student life opportunities and resources
  • Learn how to make the adjustments necessary to achieve success at the University
  • Connect with your Orientation & Transition Leader, who serves as a resource for any questions you may have over the summer
  • Receive your Fall class schedule
  • Meet lifelong friends
  • Have fun!
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Having the opportunity to meet new people and find my first semester schedule were definitely a few of the highlights from my SOAR experience!" Student