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

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
Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Bucknall Theater Lobby, Dodds Hall (Please see the red marker on the interactive map.).
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.
Deposited students will receive an email when the Road Map and Orientation registration is active.
What Is SOAR?
- 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
Contact New Student Orientation
Contact Office of Undergraduate Admissions
(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.
|
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 |
