Becoming a Cardinal begins with Orientation, and we are thrilled to welcome you to SVSU!
All SOAR sessions are in-person and on-campus to ensure that you have the opportunity to experience a day at SVSU and interact with staff, experienced student leaders, and your future classmates. Check-in will open at 7:45 am, and the event will begin promptly at 8:30 am. You will be busy until at least 4:30 pm, so plan to stay all day to ensure you complete all the sessions. SOAR is mandatory for all incoming first-year students.
You are welcome to bring up to two parents, guardians, or other support people to campus for the day. They will not be with you throughout your student-focused sessions, but we offer a concurrent Parent & Family Orientation event specifically planned for them on each SOAR date.
If you or any of your guests need any accommodations or consideration to fully participate in the program, please contact us as soon as possible. Of course, you can also reach out to us anytime if you have any questions or concerns.
Email: orientation@svsu.edu
Call: 989-964-4070
Text: 989-884-0762
What you will need to begin:
How to sign up for Orientation:
The 2024 SOAR Season is almost here! Registration for our 2024 SOAR programs will open on Friday, December 1st, 2023! We can't wait to see you stand out soon!
Questions? Contact us directly by email at orientation@svsu.edu or by phone at 989-964-4070.
2024 SOAR Dates:
At SVSU, we feel it is important for students to become familiar with campus, academic support services and extracurricular opportunities. During orientation, students will receive academic advising, schedule classes, and learn about ways to get involved on campus. We've also seen many lasting friendships begin at SOAR and have a significant impact on students.
Yes! You must attend SOAR to register for your first year courses. Transfer students are required to complete Express Orientation.
After you have applied and been accepted to SVSU, you should receive an Admissions Packet. Included will be information on the SOAR program, as well as instructions on how to reserve your SOAR date. To make a reservation, following the steps outlined on the Next Steps page.
Orientation days are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the registration is received, a confirmation screen is displayed instantly, and confirmation materials with the assigned SOAR date will be mailed to the student.
Yes! We offer a concurrent Parent and Family Conference at SOAR. Your parents, family, and other support members will be able to get their own Orientation while you attend yours.
Parents and guests will not be permitted to accompany their student(s) through the day’s activities. Lunches are scheduled separately due to capacity limitations.
There are up to 120 students at each SOAR event.
If you will need services to fully participate in orientation such as large print, interpreting services, braille, assistance filling out or reading forms, please email orientation@svsu.edu. SVSU is committed to providing equal access to all university services, programs, and activities. See information on policies, procedures, resources, and forms available to current students.
If you have any questions, please email orientation@svsu.edu.
We are SO excited to see you again for the second phase of your Orientation Process - Fresh Start!
Now that you have registered for courses and completed your SOAR program, you're ready for your official Academic Welcome to SVSU at Fresh Start!
At Fresh Start, you'll get to attend an Academic Mini-Conference to set goals and expectations for your first year on campus, a Convocation Ceremony featuring key note speaker Arel Moodie, and make connections with classmates and faculty within your Academic Department!
Remember, this is a MANDATORY event for all incoming first-year students! If you fail to attend, a registration hold will be placed on your account until you make up your absence with the Peer Advocacy Center.
This is an individual degree planning appointment with an Advisor that will help you create a semester-by-semester plan from now until graduation and will provide helpful information and important reminders to assist you in preparing for your second year's Fall and Winter course registration. These appointments will open beginning in September 2023.
Undecided on a major? No problem! Complete the Focus Assessment and bring your results. We would be happy to talk to you about possible majors and future courses to consider while you make your decision.
Please contact us with any questions at orientation@svsu.edu
Note: This appointment is required for all first-year students, and must be completed before you will be eligible to register for your second year of classes! The initial deadline to complete this appointment is March 1st, 2024
If you believe you will need services to fully participate in orientation, please contact the Orientation Office by calling (989) 964-4070 or email orientation@svsu.edu.
For more information on accessibility services offered to students throughout the academic year, please see Accessibility Resources and Accommodations.
Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070
International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473