Family Orientation (SOAR)

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 can register their family members to attend within their SOAR Registration Form. Each student can bring up to two guests.

Sign Up For SOAR
Family Orientation (SOAR) Arrival and Parking Map

Use these maps to ensure a smooth arrival on your SOAR date.

  • Interactive Map (Coming Soon)
  • Printable Parking Map (Coming Soon)
Family Orientation (SOAR) Schedule

  • Schedule subject to change.

    Event Time 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 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).  David A. Beckerman Recreation 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. David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    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. 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 University of New Haven. 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. Bucknall Theater, Dodds Hall
    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

  • Families, choose one of the following events for each time slot.

    Schedule subject to change.

    Event Time Description Location
    8:45 - 9:15 a.m., 9:30 - 10 a.m., 10:15 - 10:45 a.m., 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 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.   David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 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 201
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.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. Bergami Innovation Center - Room 203
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 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. Moulton Lounge, Bartels Campus Center
    9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 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 301
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Digital Resources Learn about the digital services available to students inside and outside the classroom. Gehring Hall - Room 301
    8:45-9:15 a.m., 9:30-10 a.m., 10:15-10:45 a.m., 11-11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.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. Anemone and Steve Kaplan Hall
    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.    Beckerman Recreation Center

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 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.