Photo courtesy of Sean Thornton of Buchanan, Michigan

All new students to Albion College participate in the Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) Program. Sponsored by the Campus Programs and Organizations Office (CPO), the SOAR for Students program provides an orientation for entering students to better understand programs, resources, and support networks. In addition, faculty SOAR staff members work with each incoming student to explain the Albion College curriculum, requirements for majors, minors, concentrations, and graduation. The program concludes with entering students registering for the classes they will take during the first semester on campus. All new students attending Albion College must participate in the SOAR program before beginning the first semester of study.

While the SOAR program is for entering students, a parallel SOAR for Parents program is also offered. Unlike the student program, the Parent program is optional, and within that program you may choose among which sessions you wish to participate. The SOAR for Parents program introduces parents to college life at Albion, gives them the opportunity to talk with faculty regarding academic programs, and introduces them to members of the college administration. During these sessions, parents can get answers to any other questions related to their student's attendance at Albion College. One or both parents may attend the program. In addition to parents, we have also welcomed siblings, grandparents, and other family members to the program.

Running simultaneously, the SOAR for Students and SOAR for Parents programs comprise the SOAR experience. Past participants (students and parents) continue to praise the program and give it high marks. Many state that the program makes the transition to the collegiate environment much easier.