- Home
- All About SOAR
- What is SOAR?
- Meet the Spartan Orientation Staff
- Meet the Transfer & Adult SOAR Leaders
- Freshman SOAR - Students
- Dates
- Reservations
- Fees
- Advising
- Foreign Language
Placement Exams
- What to Bring
- FAQ
- Out-of-State Student Tips
- Schedule At-a-Glance
- Freshman SOAR - Families
- Dates
- Reservations
- Fees
- Accommodations
- What to Bring
- FAQ
- Schedule At-a-Glance
- Transfer & Adult SOAR - Students
- Dates
- Reservations
- Fees
- Advising
- What to Bring
- FAQ
- Schedule At-a-Glance
- ARA - Advising and Registration by Appointment
- Office for Adult Students
- Transfer & Adult SOAR - Families
- Dates
- Fees
- Schedule At-a-Glance
- FAQ
- SOAR Parking and Directions
- Other links you may need
FAQs for Parents and Family
- Do most students bring a parent/family member to SOAR?
- Yes, over 85% of incoming Freshman bring parents or family members to SOAR. Parents and family members are not required to attend SOAR; however, your attendance at SOAR can equip you with information to make your student’s transition to college easier. You will learn more about UNCG, gain a greater understanding of what your student will be experiencing in his or her first year and beyond, and have an opportunity to ask questions of a variety of University offices and departments.
- Is there a fee for parents and family members to attend SOAR?
- Yes. Please visit the link for Fees by clicking here. Please read the payment and refund policy carefully. Please note that SOAR fees for students are mandatory and part of their tuition.
- How is my SOAR fee for the Parent/Family Program used?
- Your orientation fee provides you with SOAR materials for the 2 day program, parking in the Walker Avenue parking deck during SOAR, dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Additionally, the fee is used to cover administrative costs for the program. Without your fee, the Parent/Family SOAR program would not be possible.
- Are reservations required to attend the Parent/Family SOAR program?
- Yes, reservations and payments are required in advance. Reservations and payments may be made on-line through the same UNCGenie system as your student will use to make his or her reservation.. Please visit with your student How to Make Your Reservation for details. Reservations and payments not made in advance are subject to availability and late charges.
- Are overnight accommodations provided for Parents/Family members attending SOAR?
- Yes. For an additional fee parents or family members that are registered to attend the SOAR program may take advantage of on-campus overnight accomodations. Please visit the link for Accomodations by clicking here. A list of local hotel accomodations is also provided here
- I’m staying in a local hotel during SOAR; can my student stay with me?
- No. Students are required to stay on-campus in the Phillips/Hawkins residence hall as a part of the SOAR program. The overnight stay has been carefully planned to give students a chance to meet new people that they will see again in the fall. There are many activities they can do at night to stay busy and have fun! Watching a movie, playing cards or board games, or participating in events held by Housing and Residences Life Summer Staff give the students time to clear their heads after a busy day.
- Will I be with my student throughout SOAR?
- Parent/Family SOAR has purposely been designed as separate program from student SOAR. This gives us the opportunity to address the unique priorities and questions that you have. There will be some sessions that you will attend apart from your student and others that you will attend together.
- May I go to academic advising with my student?
- Orientation is the first step in your student’s relationship with academic advisors. This relationship will develop as their academic career at UNCG continues. The academic advisors have experience and expertise in course selection for your student’s field of study as well as graduation requirements at UNCG. Parents or other family members are not permitted to sit in on the academic advising and class enrollment process as it detracts from the development of your student’s advisor relationship.
- Is the Parent/Family SOAR program appropriate for children?
- Although we recognize and appreciate how valuable the entire family is to your student's academic success, the Parent/Family SOAR program is intended for adult family members and other individuals who serve an important role in your student's transition to college. Parents are encouraged to keep young children at home, as child care cannot be provided.
- I can't attend SOAR with my student. Will there be anyone to help him or her?
- We will have numerous faculty, staff, administrators, and current students assisting your student during SOAR. Parents and adult family members are encouraged to attend SOAR; however, if you are not able to attend, we will be available to help your student throughout the SOAR program.
- Can freshmen bring friends to SOAR?
- Students cannot bring friends to SOAR. However, we encourage students to bring someone who will provide ongoing support throughout their college career. Most students bring at least one family member guest, such as a parent, spouse, or other adult family member. (NOTE: Due to the nature of the program, children are discouraged from attending SOAR.)
- Is assistance offered during SOAR for Parents/Family Members with disabilities?
- Guests requesting accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Office of Disability Services at 336-334-5440. All SOAR sessions are accessible and the Office of Disability Services may provide interpreting services and information in alternative formats as needed. Please note that all services and/or equipment considered of a personal nature are the responsibility of the guest. Examples of this: transportation to and from cars/buses and/or the supply and use of a wheel chair. Shuttles are provided from the Walker Avenue parking deck to check-in and back. You may visit the Office of Disability Services website for more details.
- How can I find out more information about UNCG and the parent/family resources for the college transition?
- Visit the Parent/Family Association Web site to find out more how to join the association as well as access additional resources.