SOAR Frequently Asked Questions
Getting ready to SOAR? Here are some common questions.
Here we’ve answered some common questions about SOAR. If you need more information, you may contact the Director of the SOAR Program.
Who will be there?
What happens at SOAR?
Why should parents attend?
What about siblings and other family members?
Can I arrive late or leave early?
Do students need to attend the entire day?
What if I'm an international student?
Should I contact Disability Services in advance?
What does SOAR cost?
What if I need overnight lodging?
What should I bring? What should I wear?
Why is SOAR scheduled on these dates?
How do I register?
Who will be there?
Each SOAR session includes 140 new students who will be assigned to an academic advising group of 10-12 members. This allows personal interaction with the faculty adviser and other administrative staff members. Parents engage with other parents in staff-led discussions regarding Albion College services and support networks. Discussions will explore academic and extracurricular life at Albion College.
What happens at SOAR?
The SOAR program acquaints new students with the campus and the academic curriculum. In small groups, students will work directly with faculty members and other advising staff. The primary focus is developing a class schedule and registering for fall classes. Students will meet with departmental faculty representatives, including the directors of our Institutes, Centers, and Programs. More detailed schedules for students and parents are also available on our SOAR day schedule.
Why should parents attend?
We believe in teamwork—in the value of working together to help your daughter or son have their most positive college experience.
SOAR gives you the chance to discuss academic programs with our professors. And members of the administration will be on hand to answer your questions about student life. We'll discuss Albion College expectations for first-year students along with our methods for problem solving.
Of course, the parent portion of the SOAR program is optional.
What about siblings or other family members?
We welcome family members. There’s a $10 fee for each person who participates in the SOAR for Parents program. Children under 12 may participate at half-price ($5). At this time, we do not offer day care service or a separate program for younger children.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
The SOAR program is tightly scheduled and purposefully sequenced. To fully benefit and complete course registration, you must participate in the program in its entirety from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please select the SOAR session that allows for your full participation. If you have registered and need to switch your date (subject to availability), please contact the SOAR staff at 517/629-0433.
Do students need to attend the entire day?
The SOAR program runs a tight schedule, and every moment's packed with information. All new students are required to participate in the program from its beginning at 9:30 a.m. until its completion around 5:00 p.m. If you arrive significantly late or leave early, it will be impossible to advise you correctly and complete your registration for classes. If you have a conflict that causes you to arrive late or leave early, our best suggestion is to select another SOAR date. If you've already registered and need to switch your date (subject to availability), please contact the SOAR program at 517/629-0433.
What if I'm an international student?
All new students must attend a SOAR program. International students and American students from overseas schools are encouraged to attend the August 22 session. It includes a special orientation program that starts with van pick-up service at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Thursday evening, August 15. For additional information, please contact the Center for International Education at 517/629-0307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Should I contact Disability Services in advance?
Our Disability Services Office, located within the Academic Skills Center, facilitates services for students with disabilities. Please contact our office during the summer before your first fall semester so we may obtain information and make appropriate arrangements for you. Our staff will work with you to develop a plan for your first academic term. If you have questions or need more information on our services, please contact Pamela Schwartz, Ph.D., campus disability coordinator, at 517/629-0825 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
What does SOAR cost?
There's no charge for incoming Albion College students. Lunch and program materials are provided. There is a $10 participation fee for each parent or family member who would like to attend. Cost for children under age 12 is $5. The family member participation fee covers all program materials and lunch.
What if I need overnight lodging?
A small number of rooms are available at our on-campus conference facilities, Bellemont Manor and Haven House. For cost and availability, please call 517/629-0365. For off-campus lodging options, please visit our list of local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
What should I bring? What should I wear?
Just bring your excitement and enthusiasm, and your First-Year Seminar registration card. (It will arrive in the mail before your program date.) You may also want to bring any questions you have. We’ll provide the rest. Attire is casual for all SOAR programs, and we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Why is SOAR scheduled on these dates?
People often ask us why we schedule SOAR during a typically busy time for high school seniors. We have two good reasons. First, it’s determined by the availability of our SOAR faculty members and advisors. Many of these individuals leave Albion during the summer for research and other commitments. Second, we believe that the SOAR experience significantly reduces the jitters. Many students are nervous during their last summer before college begins. At SOAR, they not only register for classes, they often meet the professors who will teach their classes in the fall. They also get to know campus—along with a few potential friends and roommates.
How do I register?
You can register for SOAR through our Online Registration Form. Once we receive your registration form, we’ll send a confirmation via U.S. mail. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that, in order to register for SOAR, you must have paid your $300 general deposit to our Admissions Office. The SOAR program cannot place you into a session until that deposit is received by Albion College..