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.

Sign Up For SOAR

SOAR SCHEDUEL: August 19, 2026

★ = Students Only
★ = Family Only

Time Event Location
10 - 10:30 a.m. Check-In Bucknall Theater Lobby
10:30 - 11 a.m. Welcome to Charger Nation Bucknall Theater
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Conversations with Academic Deans ★
Families will be given assigned locations at check-in
  • College of Arts and Sciences: Bergami Hall 307
  • Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Science: Alumni Lounge
  • Pompea College of Business: Bergami Hall 301
  • Tagliatela College of Engineering: Bergami Hall 302
  • School of Health Sciences: Moulton/Bergami Hall 201
 See description
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Supporting Students in the Residence Halls and Digital Campus (residential student only) ★
Supporting Our Commuter/Off-Campus Students and Digital Campus (commuter/off-campus students only) ★
  • Bucknall Theater (Residential Students)
  • Commuter Lounge (Commuter/Off-Campus Students)
 See descriptions
11 - 1 p.m. Lunch  
1 - 2 p.m. Financing the College Experience and Health Care Bucknall Theater
2 - 3 p.m. Supporting Students in the Residence Halls (Residential Family only) ★
Supporting OUr Commuter/Off-Campus Students (Commuter/Off-Campus Family Only) ★
  • Bucknall Theater (Residential Families)
  • Commuter Lounge (Commuter / Off-Campus Families)
 See descriptions
2 - 3 p.m. Supporting Your Transition & Engagement as a Charger ★ Bergami Hall 307
3 - 4:30 p.m. Meet Your Advising Team / Meet the Transfer Team ★ Buckman Hall 208 & 227
3 - 4:30 p.m. Resource Fair  

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 University of New Haven 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