Family Orientation (SOAR) 2023
As part of the transition process, we offer an orientation program for new students and their families called, SOAR (Student Orientation Advising and Registration). SOAR is designed to provide you, a family member of an incoming student, important information about programs, services and offices that are here to assist you and your student in their transition.
Students must register all guests for SOAR, maximum two guests per student.
How can I register for Family SOAR?
Students must register their family members to attend Family SOAR from within their Accepted Student Portal. Each student can bring up to two guests.
Sign Up For SOAR
Use these maps to ensure a smooth arrival on your SOAR date.
Please click the appropriate day to view the full schedule. Or, click here to download a printable PDF.
-
Day 1
Schedule subject to change.
Event Time Description Location Check In 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Time to begin your Orientation experience. Your first stop is Check in. Westside Residence Hall University Welcome 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 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 and logistics as well as an introduction to various leaders at the University including the Orientation Transition Leaders (OTLs). David A. Beckerman Recreation Center “The Charger Experience” — Transition, Support, and Engagement 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 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. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center Family Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 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 Academic Planning with Your Dean 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 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 Family Hospitality Lounge 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 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, Room 204 Hammering Down Your Finances 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. 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. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center Students Right to Know Time 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Dean of Students Office will introduce the services on campus as well as federal and college policies impacting student rights and responsibilities. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center Charger Community Social 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Relax and unwind after a busy day with the Charger Community. Meet our 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.
Representatives from Residence Life, Center for Student Success, Career Development Center, Library, Admissions, and many other departments are ready to greet you and answer any questions. In addition, campus representatives who directly support first-generation college, underrepresented students, as well as international, LGBTQ students, and students with disabilities, will be in attendance.Bergami Center for Science, Innovation, & Technology, Atrium -
Day 2
Family Flip | Families, choose one of the following events for each time slot.
Schedule subject to change.
Event Time Description Location Academic Success Starts Here - Center for Student Success/Center for Learning Resources 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Join the Center for Student Success and Center for Learning Resources to learn about academic services to aid in your student’s success. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center Supporting Students in the Residence Halls 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Join the Office of Residential Life staff and learn what it’s like to be a residential student on campus. Bergami Center 307 Supporting Our Commuter and Off Campus Students 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Come meet the staff and see what opportunities and resources are available to commuter and off campus students. Buckman Hall, Room 120 Accessibility Resource Center 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Join the Accessibility Resources Center to learn about the specific services for students who need extra support inside and outside the classroom. Bartels Hall, Moulton Lounge University Police and Campus Safety 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.The University Public Safety Department (Police and Fire Marshal) will be presenting about University safety, items to consider regarding student's safe actions, University Police and West Haven Fire and EMS response, the Live Safe app, Everbridge notification system, as well as parking and shuttle busses. Bergami Center, Rooms 301/302 Digital Resources 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.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 University website, myCharger, Facebook groups, weekly emails, and more! Gehring Hall, Room 301 Understanding Healthcare at the University of New Haven 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
and 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.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 Pscyhological Services will be present to answer all your questions. Anemone & Steven Kaplan Hall Resource Fair 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Stop by and visit various offices and staff to learn about resources and services available during your Charger journey. Westside Hall Student Check Out 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Students need to pick up their belongings, drop off their keys, say goodbye to their new friends. We look forward to seeing you again in August for Charge In. Westside Hall
Why should I attend Family SOAR?
- It will familiarize you with the campus programs and services available for your student
- You will have opportunities to meet faculty and administrators who will interact with your student on a daily basi.
- You will have a chance to interact with other family members and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere
- It provides information and addresses concerns through faculty and staff presentations, interactive discussions, and information sessions
- Family SOAR Highlights include: Financing Your Student’s College Education Sessions, Student Life Discussions, Student Success Discussions, and Academic Discussions
Why must my student attend SOAR?
- To meet their fellow classmates, faculty, and staff
- To become familiar with University services, programs, policies, and procedures
- To connect with their Orientation & Transition Leader (OTL), who serves as a resource for any questions you may have over the summer
- To plan their Fall 2023 academic schedule
Arriving to SOAR
Regardless of whether you drive to campus or get dropped off by other transportation, all students and families should first arrive to Westside Hall parking garage for an initial check-in with health services. Then, you will be directed to park and return to Westside Hall to complete the SOAR check-in process.
Parking and Arrival Map"As a parent of a new student, I am awed at the number of staff and students attending these sessions to onboard new families. It pleases me and warms my heart. When I see this partnership, I get the sense that students LOVE UNewHaven. I can’t wait for that to be my daughter’s experience."
For more information about how families can support students, visit our Parents and Families page.