The University of Central Arkansas is pleased to announce the “new and improved” SOAR – Summer Orientation and Academic Registration.
A review of UCA historical data reveals that new freshman students who participated in previous summer SOAR orientation programs have a 20% higher 4 year graduation rate than students who were advised and registered during the six week summer registration blitz. These compelling statistics have driven the decision to provide a more comprehensive orientation opportunity to all new UCA students.
The new SOAR will be ten one day events strategically planned during the summer to orient, advise and register all incoming students.
During these 10 days, all new freshman and freshman transfer students (transferring fewer than 30 hours) will participate in morning programing provided by UCA’s volunteer SOSers and afternoons filled with campus tours, a “Bear Resource Fair” and academic advising/registration.
All new transfer students will receive a one hour orientation and departmental advising in the mornings with afternoon opportunities to attend the Bear Resource Fair and take campus tours.
SOAR will be held June 7, 8, 14 & 15; July 12, 13, 19 & 20; and August 8 & 9.
Please spread the word to all UCA faculty, staff & students that new student orientation is mandatory. When you receive a call from any new freshman and/or transfer student, direct them to myUCA where the “New Student Tab” will provide directions to register for the next available SOAR. If students do not have internet access, they can call the Office of Orientation 501-450-3235 or the Academic Advising Center 450-5149 to schedule their orientation.