New First-Time and Transfer Student Orientation: 2026 Spring Semester

Aerial view of campus with snow

The Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration program (SOAR) welcomes all new undergraduate and transfer students to the Charger Community!

This page is designed to help you understand what will take place at SOAR and answer some basic questions about the program.

View Winter SOAR Resources here.

Date and Schedule of Events

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Bucknall Theater Lobby, Dodds Hall (Please see the red marker on the interactive map.).

⚑ SOAR Parking Map

⬇ See event schedule below.

Highlights

  • Learn about the various campus resources available to you.
  • Learn more about student life and how to get connected on campus.
  • Interact with the dean and students from your academic program.
  • Opportunity to receive, review, and ask questions about your class schedule.

Register for SOAR!

Our interactive New Student Road Map within your Accepted Student Portal shows you everything you need to do before classes. This is where you'll learn about all the steps you need to complete to officially become a Charger - including registration for Orientation (SOAR)! Click the button below to log into your Portal and get started.

Register Now!

Deposited students will receive an email when the Road Map and Orientation registration is active.

What Is SOAR?

All students ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND SOAR. Please be sure to complete the SOAR registration form found on the Register for SOAR page.
  • Learn about academic and student-life opportunities
  • Learn about the resources the University of New Haven offers to help you succeed academically
  • Meet and connect with University faculty and staff
  • Get to know the other new students
  • Meet and connect with your Orientation Leader who is a current student
  • Finalize your course schedule
Complete the steps on the Road Map for New Students.
Refer to the Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) emailed to you shortly after your acceptance. It indicates how your credits are transferring into your curriculum. Transfer credits are posted to your official transcript and Degree Audit shortly after you enroll.
At the end of the semester, once your final grades are posted, please have your final official transcript sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of New Haven; your Transfer Enrollment Counselor will send you an updated TCE.
All new transfer students are remotely registered for classes their first semester based on their TCE. At SOAR you will meet with an academic advisor and can make changes to that schedule.
You will be notified by your Transfer Enrollment Counselor if you are required to take the Math and/or English placement tests, based on your TCE.

 

 

Contact New Student Orientation

Contact Office of Undergraduate Admissions

If you have any questions about your SOAR registration or the New Student Road Map, please contact:

(203) 932-7319
admissions@newhaven.edu

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


Schedule is subject to change.

★ - Students Only
★ - Family Only

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Time Event Location
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast and Check-In

Students will check in. Commuter and Off-Campus students will receive their student IDs. You will have the opportunity to connect with students, staff and grab a bite to eat before our first session. The Campus Card Office will be available for students who need assistance.
Bucknall Theater Lobby
9:30 - 10 a.m.

Welcome to Charger Nation

The University of New Haven’s commitment to our 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.
Bucknall Theater Lobby
10 - 11 a.m.

Explore Your Digital Experience

Join various staff members to learn about the numerous digital opportunities and resources available to you as a student. Overview of Registration, How to Pay Your Bill, Campus Card and Canvas, Charger Connection, and Corq.
Bucknall Theater
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Conversations with Academic Deans

Students will spend time meeting with the Dean of the different Colleges. Students will hear about 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 of New Haven
Students will be given assigned locations at check-in.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Student Support & Wellness

More information to come.
Bucknall Theater
12 - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch and Resource Fair

Grab a bite to eat in our Marketplace and then stop by the Fair to learn about campus departments and resources in our campus community.
Bartels Marketplace / Bergami Center
1:30 - 1:45 p.m.

Getting Involved

More information to come.
Bergami Hall, 307 (Peterson Auditorium)
1:30 - 2:15 p.m.

Charger to Charger: Student Panel

Curious about life on campus? Have questions about getting involved? Hear from some current students about life in Charger Nation
Peterson Auditorium (Bergami Hall, 307)
1:30 - 2:15 p.m.

Conversations with Academic Deans

Families will spend time meeting with the Dean of the different Colleges, and will learn and become aware of the academic expectations at the University of New Haven.
  • College of Arts and Sciences: Alumni Lounge
  • Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Science: Bergami Hall, Room 301
  • Pompea College of Business: Moulton Lounge, Bartels Hall
  • Tagliatela College of Engineering: Buckman Hall, Room 120
  • School of Health Sciences: Bergami Hall, 302
See description
2:30 - 3:15 p.m.

Supporting Students in the Residence Halls / Supporting Our Commuter/Off-Campus Students

More info to come.
Bergami Hall 301 (Residential Families)
Commuter Lounge (Commuter/Off-Campus Families)
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Closing

Students wrap up and next steps
Bergami Hall, 307 (Peterson Auditorium)
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Meet Your Advising Team/Visit Campus Partners

Join the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA) and faculty members to discuss the curriculum, program requirements, and academic advising. After, you will have the opportunity, on your own, to visit any campus offices you may need including Financial Aid
Students will be given assigned locations at check-in.
2:30 p.m.

Classroom Tour

Join the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA) and faculty members to discuss the curriculum, program requirements, and academic advising. After, you will have the opportunity, on your own, to visit any campus offices you may need including Financial Aid
Bergami Center for Science, Technology and Innovation Lobby
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Transfer Peer Mentor Program (optional; includes Veteran students)

Transfer Students: An opportunity to meet your Transfer Peer Mentor! Transfer Peer Mentors are current students who transferred into the University and can be a knowledgeable guide to help incoming transfers adjust and transition to the University of New Haven. Transfer Peer Mentors can be available to show your classroom building locations and answer some of your questions.
Bergami Center for Science, Technology and Innovation Lobby