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Student Section

SOAR (Freshmen Orientation)

Student Orientation, Advising and Registration

 

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

 


How to Register for SOAR

What you will need to begin:

  1. SVSU Username and Password (If you have not done so already, create your SVSU Profile)
  2. Credit card for the $50 Orientation Fee (Non-Refundable) 

    SVSU is committed to supporting our families while "FAFSA Simplification" rollout timelines delay aid offers this year. SVSU is waiving the $50.00 new student orientation fee for Fall 2024 to assist students who are ready to move forward with their enrollment decision.  

How to sign up for Orientation:

  1. Using your SVSU Username and Password, log into mySVSU at https://my.svsu.edu
  2. On the left navigation bar, scroll down to find "Tools" and select "Applications" (see Figure 1)
  3. Under the Application menu, select "Application Portal" (see Figure 1)
  4. Log into your Application portal (if necessary)
  5. From within the Application Portal select "Step 3: Pay your Orientation Fee and Register for Orientation" (see Figure 2)
  6. Select your Orientation date by clicking on the options in the calendar. (see Figure 3) 

    Please note: The first available date will be highlighted in dark gray. You will need to click on it to continue to the next step if this is the date you would like to attend. 

  7. Click "Submit Registration Form."
  8. Fill out the form and submit it. You will be asked to verify your Major, Dual Enrollment status, AP/IB coursework, and SAT/ACT scores.  
  9. Congrats! You have registered for your SOAR!

Figure 1
Red arrow pointing at mySVSU navigation bar, guiding to click on the Application Menu and the Application Portal Link

Figure 2 (Fall 2024 Admits may ignore this image)
F1 Portal Screen Instructions

Figure 3
F1 Portal Screen instructions 2

2024 Orientation Dates

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:

  • Thursday, May 16th (Fully Booked)
  • Tuesday, May 21st
  • Friday, May 24th
  • Wednesday, May 29th
  • Friday, May 31st 
  • Tuesday, June 4th 
  • Friday, June 7th
  • Thursday, June 13th
  • Tuesday, June 18th
  • Friday, June 21st
  • Friday, July 19th
  • Tuesday, August 13th

 



Frequently Asked Questions

Why is orientation necessary?

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.

Is orientation mandatory?

Yes! You must attend SOAR to register for your first year courses. Transfer students are required to complete Express Orientation.

When will I receive information about SOAR?

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.

Will I get the SOAR orientation day I want?

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.

Is there an orientation session for my parents?

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. 

Will I see my parents during SOAR?

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. 

How many students attend each SOAR?

There are up to 120 students at each SOAR event.

What accommodations are made for those with special needs?

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.

Who can I contact for further information?

If you have any questions, please email orientation@svsu.edu.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SAVE THE DATE! 

FRESH START 2024 (MANDATORY) - FRIDAY, AUGUST 23RD, FROM 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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.   

Your First Year Advising appointment is the third and final phase of your Orientation at SVSU!

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

Accessibility and Accommodations

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.

  • Large print
  • Interpreting services
  • Braille
  • Extended time for placement testing
  • Assistance filling out forms
  • Assistance reading forms

For more information on accessibility services offered to students throughout the academic year, please see Accessibility Resources and Accommodations.

CONTACT US.


Orientation
Wickes 117
orientation@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4070

International Programs
Wickes 230
intadmit@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4473