Benefits of Attending SOAR
“The SOAR Program is a great way to begin your Saluki experience.” – Mary Kate Epley, SIUC Senior, History
What Mary Kate, and so many other students like her, has found out is that SOAR is more than just a place for students to register for classes and get their student IDs. The SOAR program gives new students an opportunity to find out about the new world they’re about to be a part of. While gathering information about academic expectations and resources, students are surrounded by other college students and university personnel. SOAR is the place for students to make connections not only with the campus but with other students and the Carbondale community.
While taking campus tours with current students the SOAR participants engage one another, and they learn about the SIUC campus together. Students often make new friends at the SOAR program and correspond with them during the remainder of the summer. This familiar face during the first couple weeks of school helps ease the transition into life at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The SOAR program is designed to help students get all of their questions answered before they begin school in the fall. From setting up their accounts on SalukiNet, to getting involved in the Marching Salukis or other campus organizations, the SOAR program exposes students to all avenues of Carbondale living.
Many students arrive on campus the morning of their SOAR program with no idea what to expect from university life. The SOAR program is here to put the minds of these students at ease. SOAR will introduce students to faculty and staff, new students, current students, and administrative professionals from many university departments, such as Financial Aid, Housing, the Parking Division, Information Technology, etc.
SOAR is also here to make sure that students are equipped with the necessary information and supplies to continue their academic career at SIUC. Students can reserve their textbooks at the University Bookstore, update their records with the Bursar’s Office and Health Services. Additionally, students can sign up for and verify their housing contracts and get signed up for the SIUC student parking lottery.
By the time the student has completed SOAR they should be fully prepared to make a successful transition to life at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and excited to become a Saluki!
Make a Successful Transition to University Life!
