Student Orientation & Academic Readiness (SOAR)
Five SOAR sessions are offered throughout June and July. All incoming freshmen and transfer students are highly encouraged to attend a SOAR session before starting classes in the fall semester. Most of our SOAR sessions are one day and will run from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Students have the option to attend one overnight two-day session (Day 1: 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Day 2: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
We recommend completing the following tasks before attending your SOAR session:
- Complete the online ! The pre-orientation module is a great overview of the information that will be covered at SOAR.
- Schedule an advising appointment. Freshmen can begin to meet with their academic advisors on May 1st. We recommend that students schedule a one-on-one appointment with their academic advisor outside of their SOAR session, however, there will be an optional advising session offered for students at SOAR.
- First- Time Freshmen - Send your final high school transcript and official college transcripts for dual enrollment courses to the Admissions Office.
- Send AP scores to 海角社区.
- Upload a photo and set up mobile credentials for your Mane Card Mobile ID.
- Submit proof of immunizations.
- Register your vehicle with Transportation Services. Students who do so at least 24 hours before their SOAR session will be able to pick up their parking permit during orientation.
Academic Advising for new incoming freshmen opens on May 1st, 2025. Transfer students attending in Fall 2025 can begin getting advised on March 3rd, 2025. We recommend that all students schedule a one-on-one appointment with their academic advisor outside of their SOAR session. An optional group academic advising session will be offered from 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. during each SOAR session. You must opt into the advising session when completing your registration for SOAR.
To find out who your academic advisor is and schedule an appointment, please visit the “Find Your Advisor” page. For additional questions about academic advising, contact the Success Center at successcenter@una.edu or 256-765-4722.
View course offerings here.
We recommend bringing the following items to make your orientation experience as easy and enjoyable as possible:
All Sessions
- Comfortable casual clothes and walking shoes
- Refillable Water bottle
- Umbrella and rain jacket
- State-issued picture ID
- Smartphone or device that scans QR codes
Overnight Session
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag or Twin XL sheets
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Phone Charger