Student Orientation Advisement Registration - Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Frequently Asked Questions
*Please click on any question to jump to its answer, or simply scroll down the page.*

What if I am admitted for Spring 2008?

Is the SOAR program required?

When do I register for classes?

How do I register for a SOAR program?

Is there an advantage to attending an earlier SOAR?

Is there a cost for SOAR?

What are the payment options?

How will my SOAR date be confirmed?

What if I want to change my SOAR date?

What if I need to cancel my SOAR date?

Should parents/family members attend the program?

What is the difference between the Carbondale and the Chicago-land program?

What if I want to change my major?

What does it mean to be undecided about my major?

What if I am admitted through the Center for Academic Success(CAS)?

Is a math placement test offerend during the program?

What is a Living Learning Community(LLC)?

How can I make a successful transition?

Are there special accommodations if needed?

What if I am admitted for Spring 2008?
First-time students entering SIUC for the Spring 2008 semester have the opportunity to receive an individualized one-on-one orientation to campus. After you have registered for classes, a New Student Programs staff member can assist you with things such as getting your SIUC ID, setting up your network ID and e-mail, campus and/or housing tours, establishing Debit Dawg account, and much more. In order to take advantage of this complimentary service, please contact New Student Programs at (618) 453-1000 to set up your appointment. We are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (excluding University closures).

NOTE: You must be admitted to the University for Spring 2008 and registered for classes.

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Is the SOAR program required?
SOAR is a REQUIREMENT for all freshmen students and highly RECOMMENDED for transfer students.

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When do I register for classes?
Contact your advisor NOW to set up your advisement appointment. Generally, students will have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisor during the SOAR program, although some academic units may encourage phone registration prior to the actual SOAR date. A confirmed SOAR date does not mean a confirmed advisement time. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the individual advisement unit for an advisement appointment.

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How do I register for a SOAR program?
Option 1: You can register online here. A credit card number must be entered for registration acceptance.
Option 2: Complete and place the SOAR Registration Form along with payment in the SOAR return envelope.

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Is there an advantage to attending an earlier SOAR?
You should select your SOAR date as soon as possible. Additionally, many SOAR dates fill quickly. Please select your 2nd choice carefully as 1st choices may not be granted.
Priority Deadline: Three weeks prior to desired date.
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Is there a cost for SOAR?
The fee for a student to attend a SOAR program whether in Carbondale or Chicago-land is $75. The SOAR family fee is $40 for all programs for a maximum of 2 family members. Space is limited. These fees cover production of SOAR, materials for the student and family members, and refreshments. There is a meal included for the Carbondale programs. A one-year BONUS membership with the Saluki Family Association is included in the family fee.

PLEASE NOTE: THE PROGRAM REGISTRATION PAYMENT IS NON-REFUNDABLE

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What are the payment options?
You may pay with a check, money order, or credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Please make checks and money orders payable to SIUC. Payment MUST be received in order for a date to be confirmed. Fee waivers for the student fee ONLY are available for students who have special financial needs and/or circumstances. In order to be considered for a waiver, a FAFSA must be on file with SIUC and the family’s EFC must be ZERO. Dependents of SIUC employees who meet tuition waiver requirements may also have the student fee waived.

If you would like to be considered for a fee waiver, please click here.

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How will my SOAR date be confirmed?
Beginning in February, upon receipt of your SOAR registration form and payment, SOAR confirmation packets will start being sent out.This packet will provide the next steps of how to set up your advisement appointment for the desired SOAR date. Also included will be a SOAR parking hangtag (for Carbondale dates), directions to campus or the Chicago-land site, check-in instructions, overnight stay instructions (summer only in Carbondale), as well as the important items needed to complete the “Saluki Checklist.” Please read your Confirmation Packet carefully!

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What if I want to change my SOAR date?
Date changes must be made at least 5 business days prior to your confirmed SOAR date. Students will be allowed one date change. A $10 per person fee will be applied to cover the cost of a meal if the date is not changed 5 business days prior. Changing your date at the last minute interferes with planning and is discouraged. Please complete the Change of Date Request Form on-line at www.soar.siu.edu/special.html.

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What if I need to cancel my SOAR date?
Plesae complete the Cancellation Form on-line at www.soar.siu.edu/special.html.
PLEASE NOTE: THE PROGRAM REGISTRATION PAYMENT IS NON REFUNDABLE.

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Should parents/family members attend the program?
We strongly encourage parents/family members to attend the SOAR programs. We have special sessions designed to address the questions and concerns of parents/families. You will learn more about your BONUS one-year Saluki Family Association Membership. Be sure to complete the Family Information on the back of the SOAR Registration form if your family members plan to attend.

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What is the difference between the Carbondale and the Chicago-land program?
The content for both on and off campus programs will be similar. You should plan to commit an entire day for the Carbondale programs and at least four hours for the Chicago-land program. A luncheon will be provided at the Carbondale programs only.

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What if I want to change my major?
If you have decided to change your major, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at 618-536-4405.

Please note: Several programs in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts have separate application processes. Admission to these programs requires a letter of acceptance from the specific department. (i.e. architecture, aviation, radiologic sciences, etc.)

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What does it mean to be undecided about my major?
Being undecided means that a student has chosen to explore his or her academic and career options before committing to a specific major. A student who is in the deciding mode has chosen to avoid the setbacks of prematurely selecting a major by taking the necessary time to narrow interests and confirm their career choices. It is okay to be undecided; many students come into the University undecided and make a successful transition in a major. At SIUC, the unit that assists these students is the Pre-Major Advisement Center. This unit has trained advisors who will help select courses that will apply to a bachelor’s degree while meeting required course work in majors that are being explored.
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What if I am admitted through the Center for Academic Success?
All freshmen are required to attend a SOAR program. The Center for Academic Success does require testing two weeks prior to registering for classes. You may attend SOAR prior to testing. Please plan accordingly. Information will be sent to you from the Center for Academic Success about additional requirements. Please call 618-536-6646 for more information.

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Is a math placement test offered during the program?
Many students are not required to a take a math placement test. Placement in a math course will be determined by the advisor. Selected majors will take a math placement test immediately prior to advising. More information about math placement tests will be included in your confirmation packet.

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What is a Freshman Interest Group?
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are residence hall communities that
bring college learning into the everyday lives of students. They offer
students the chance to live with others who share common interests and
to interact with SIUC faculty and staff.

Students who participate in an LLC often have higher GPAs, more
positive campus experiences and are more likely to graduate. Potential
benefits include getting to know professors and classmates better,
greater access to academic resources, and specialized programs right
in your residence hall. LLCs are designed to fit into your general
education requirements and will not delay your graduation. There are
no additional fees associated with living in a LLC.

LLCs are a wonderful way to form friendships and obtain study
partners, thus creating a sense of community. To learn more about your
individual LLC options, visit

http://www.housing.siu.edu/info/LLC or call (618) 453-7535.

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How can I make a successful transition?
The New Student Seminar (University 101) will help you make a successful transition. It is a three-credit hour elective course. Class size is limited to 20 students to facilitate interaction among students, and between students and their course instructor. Students who take University 101 experience seamless transitions into university life, develop the confidence necessary to be successful at SIUC and beyond, and thrive in the small learning community that is developed in the University 101 classroom.

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Are there special accommodations if needed?
For special assistance or to receive this material in adapted format, please contact Disability Support Services at 618-453-5738 or TTY 618-453-2293 from 8:00AM – 4:30PM, Monday-Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions *Please click on any question to jump to its answer, or simply scroll down the page.*

Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on any question to jump to its answer, or simply scroll down the page.