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 2024 Dates
  • First-Year Students Only: Monday, June 24 & Tuesday, June 25
  • First-Year Students Only: Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28
  • First-Year Students Only: Monday, July 8 & Tuesday, July 9
  • First-Year Students Only: Thursday, July 11 & Friday, July 12
  • Transfer Students Only: Monday, June 24 & Thursday, June 27
  • Transfer Students Only: Monday, July 8 & Thursday, July 11
SOAR 2024: First-Year Student Schedule
  • 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.
    Audience: Students and families     		Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New Haven. 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).    
    Audience: Students and families     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Charger to Charger — Meet Your Orientation Transition Leaders  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New Haven. 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).    
    Audience: Students and families     		Assigned Locations Across Campus
    10:30 - 11:30 a.m. “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement  The University of New Haven’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.
    Audience: Families     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean  Students will spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. Students will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. Students will learn and become aware of the academic expectations at the University.   
    Audience: Students     		Various Locations across Campus
    11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Family 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.
    Audience: Families     		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.  
    Audience: Families     		Various Locations across Campus
    12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Student 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.
    Audience: Students     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    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.
    Audience: 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 University of New Haven.
    Audience: Both     		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.
    Audience: Families     		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.
    Audience: Students     		Various Locations across Campus
    3 - 4 p.m. and 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Courageous Conversation - #thepowerofwe The University of New Haven embraces diversity and recognizes our responsibility to foster a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Join your peers in conversation about diversity, inclusion, and social justice to promote critical self-reflection.
    Audience: Students     		Bartels Campus Center – Alumni Lounge
    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.
    Audience: Families     		Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Atrium
    5:30 - 7 p.m. Readers Theatre As a university community, there are values and expectations that we share which provide the framework for how we interact as individual members, speak to who we are, and what we stand for as a community. Learn what this means through interactive presentations and small group conversations with the OTL’s.
    Audience: Students     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    7 - 8 p.m. Student Dinner Eat at one of our main dining halls on campus – The Marketplace
    Audience: Students     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    8 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.
    Audience: Students     		Various Locations across Campus
    Time TBD 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 Myatt Center for Diversity & Inclusion and the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation (CSELO). Location TBD
  • Day 2

    Schedule subject to change.

    Time Event Description Location
    7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Student 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 The University of New Haven’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.   Audience: Students 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.    Audience: Students 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.     Audience: Students Various Locations across Campus
     
    8:45 - 9:15 a.m., 9:30 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 10:45 a.m., 11 a.m. - 11:30 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.      Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center – Room 307
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.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.    Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center - Room 302
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m. Supporting Our Commuter and Off Campus Students The University of New Haven 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.    Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center - Room 201
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.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.    Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center - Room 301
    9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.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.    Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center - Room 202
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m. Digital Resources Join the Accessibility Resources Center to learn about the specific services for students who need extra support inside and outside the classroom.    Audience: Families Buckman Hall - Room 120
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m. Understanding Healthcare and Wellness Resources at the University of New Haven Families are encouraged to visit this session to learn more about how healthcare is administered at the University of New Haven. 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. Audience: Families Bergami Innovation Center - Room 203
    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.   Audience: Students Various Locations across Campus
    12 - 2 p.m. Resource Fair Stop by and visit various offices and staff to learn about resources and services available during your Charger journey.    Audience: Students and Families Westside Residence Hall
    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.    Audience: Students Westside Residence Hall
SOAR 2024: Transfer Student Schedule
  • Day 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.
    Audience: Students and families     		Westside Residence Hall
    9:45 - 10:30 a.m. University Welcome  Join us as we welcome students and their families to the University of New Haven. 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).  
    Audience: Students and families     		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.
    Audience: Transfer Students     		Anemone and Steven Kaplan Hall, Visitor's Center
    10:30 - 11:30 a.m. “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement  The University of New Haven’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.
    Audience: Families     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Academic Planning with Your Dean  Students will spend time meeting with the deans of the different colleges. Students will hear about the core curriculum, classroom life, faculty support, expectations of students, and an overview regarding their program of study. Students will learn and become aware of the academic expectations at the University.  
    Audience: Students     		Various Locations across Campus
    11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Family 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.
    Audience: Families     		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.  
    Audience: Families     		Various Locations across Campus
    12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Transfer Student 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.
    Audience: Students     		David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    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.
    Audience: 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 University of New Haven.  
    Audience: Students and families     		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.
    Audience: Families (optional)     		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.
    Audience: Transfer Students & Families (Optional for Families)     		Anemone and Steven Kaplan Hall, Visitor's Center
    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.
    Audience: Transfer Students     		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.
    Audience: Families (optional)     		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 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

  • Schedule subject to change.

    2023 2024 2025 2026
    June 22 & 23 June 24 & 25 June 23 & 24 June 22 & 23
    June 26 & 27 June 27 & 28 June 26 & 27 June 25 & 26
    July 10 & 11 July 8 & 9 July 14 & 15 July 13 & 14
    July 13 & 14 July 11 & 12 July 17 & 18 July 16 & 17