SOAR Frequently Asked Questions

 

Registration Questions

What do I do if I can't remember the email address or password I used when applying to UCA?

If you cannot remember the email address you used on your admissions application, email soar@uca.edu and provide your UCA ID number and your UCA email address. We can look up your information and tell you the email address you used when applying to UCA. If you cannot remember your password, you can simply select the "reset password" link and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.

What is the difference between a 1-Day session and a 2-Day session?

A 2-Day SOAR session covers all the same material and information you will receive at a 1-Day session but has additional sessions and group activities for both students and parents. You also have the option of going on a personalized class schedule tour hosted by a Student Orientation Staff (SOS) member and an in-depth tour of some campus facilities including the HPER Center and Library.

Am I required to attend SOAR?

Yes, attending SOAR to complete your university orientation and register for classes is required for all incoming freshmen. If you have extenuating circumstances and cannot attend in-person, please reach out to us at 501-450-5892 or soar@uca.edu and we can work together to make alternate arrangements.

Do my parents need to come with me?

Parents/guardians are not required to attend, but we encourage them to come along! We offer specific programming for family members at SOAR that gives them the opportunity to discover UCA and learn ways they can help support you during your transition to college. Your guests will be involved in informative discussions about student services, academics, campus resources, fees and expenses. Small groups of administrators and current students will meet informally with parents to answer their questions and discuss any concerns. Please note that this programming is created primarily for parents/guardians of incoming freshmen; siblings, significant others, and non-parental figures will not find the same value in attending.

Is there a fee to attend SOAR?

UCA assesses a one-time "First Year Fee" for all incoming students, so there is no charge for the student and one parent/family member/guest to attend SOAR. Each additional guest will be charged $25 per person. This fee covers orientation materials, programming costs, refreshments and meals.

What if I have a scheduling conflict and am not able to attend the in-person SOAR dates this summer?

We understand there may be extenuating circumstances, and we are do offer virtual SOAR dates for students who are unable to attend in person. To request to attend a Virtual Session, please complete this Virtual Session Request Form. Once completing the request, you will be notified whether or not your request has been approved within three business days. If those sessions do not work as well, please call our office at 501-450-5892 and we can work together to make alternate arrangements.

What if I need to change my SOAR session or cancel my SOAR registration?

We understand there may be circumstances that arise that require you to change your SOAR session or cancel your SOAR registration. If you need to make a change or request a cancellation, please complete the SOAR Registration Cancellation or Change Form.

 

Planning Your SOAR Experience

What should I bring with me to SOAR?

Students should bring the following items: comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothes, writing utensil, notebook, spending money, light jacket (meeting rooms are sometimes cool). For students attending a 2-Day session and staying on campus, they should also bring these items: toiletry products, pillow, sheets and blanket/sleeping bag, towels, shower shoes. Your overnight stay is in a residence hall, not a hotel room, so remember to bring things like soap, a hair dryer, and towels.

Do I have to stay on campus for a 2-Day session?

No, staying overnight on campus is not required. However, staying overnight on campus during SOAR gives you a glimpse of what living in a residence hall will be like and you get to stay in the newest residence hall on campus, Donaghey Hall! There is no additional cost to stay on campus overnight. Donaghey Hall is an upperclassmen hall during the academic year. Remember this is a residence hall (not a hotel) so sheets, pillows, toiletries, and towels are something you will need to bring. On-campus accommodations are currently only available for the incoming student and not for parents and guests.

Can I choose my roommate for a 2-Day session?

Yes, if you would like to request a specific roommate for your overnight stay in Donaghey Hall, both you and your requested roommate must complete this Roommate Request Form.

Do I need to bring anything to register for classes?

Please bring your MyUCA login information (username and password) so you are able to access your MyUCA account. You should bring copies of AP scores and CLEP scores, official college transcripts (if you have taken courses at other colleges or universities), Accuplacer exam results, and foreign language placement results. You may call the Academic Advising at 501-450-5149 or email advising@uca.edu for more information. If you do not have certain scores or transcripts available before SOAR, you will still receive your class schedule. Your academic advisor will provide you with instructions of what to do once you receive your test scores and/or transcripts.

If you have more questions or need more information, please call us at 501-450-5892 or email soar@uca.edu! We would be happy to talk with you about the SOAR experience.