Have questions regarding your SOAR experience? View answers to the questions we’re commonly asked below. Contact us if your question isn’t listed here.
- What is SOAR? Am I required to attend SOAR?
- Must I attend the entire SOAR session or can I just come for registration?
- Can my family attend SOAR? How about friends?
- Is there a list of tasks I should complete prior to attending SOAR?
- Are on-campus overnight accommodations available? Can I move into my residence hall during SOAR?
- What if I require special accommodations due to a disability?
- Are there programs for adult and non-traditional students?
- What if I have additional questions?
What is SOAR? Am I required to attend?
SOAR is a fun learning experience designed to help you make a smooth, successful transition to life at Missouri State and get started on the right foot. During SOAR, you will have the opportunity to:
- Meet other students, faculty, and staff and make friends
- Learn about campus life, programs, and services
- Speak with a faculty or professional academic advisor
- Register for your first semester of classes
- Get your BearPass Card (Missouri State student ID card), text books, and parking permit
- Take necessary placement exams
- Ask questions and receive answers about things you want to know
- Have fun!
Students are required to attend SOAR if they have fewer than 24 transferable credit hours that were earned AFTER their high school graduation. If you are required to attend, you will not be allowed to register for your first semester of classes until you attend SOAR.
Must I attend the entire SOAR session or can I just come for registration?
You must attend all scheduled activities during your SOAR session. Students who miss some or all portions of a session will not be allowed to register for courses and will need to attend a full SOAR session. Make plans to stay for the full length of the program and arrange your work schedule and travel plans accordingly. Please refer to the SOAR Schedule of Events page for a more detailed schedule of the program.
Can my family attend SOAR? How about friends?
Family members of students are welcome to attend SOAR, but it is optional for them. We have a special orientation program for family members that runs concurrently with, but separately from, the student program. During this program, family members will learn about University services and activities, meet other families and members of the Missouri State community, and ask questions about sending their student to college. For more information, please visit the Family Orientation program page.
Friends cannot attend SOAR with you unless you are both required to attend SOAR and schedule to attend the same session. If you want to attend with a friend, contact him or her as soon as possible and reserve a session you are both eligible to attend.
Is there a list of tasks to complete prior to attending SOAR?
A checklist of tasks to complete before attending SOAR can be found on our SOAR Checklist page. We highly recommend completing these tasks before attending; failing to do so may cause complications with registration or other processes during SOAR.
Are on-campus overnight accommodations available? Can I move into my residence hall during SOAR?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide on-campus accommodations for students and family members attending one-day SOAR programs. For overnight accommodations, we encourage you to visit the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau web site or calling (800) 678-8767 to request a list of area hotels. Unfortunately, we cannot make recommendations concerning Springfield hotels.
If students have signed a housing contract, they may have the option of moving into their residence hall room one to two days early for a small fee. Arrangements must be made with Residence Life and Services to ensure a student's room is ready for early arrival; please contact the department at least five business days before your desired arrival date. Please contact Residence Life and Services at (417) 836-5536 or toll-free at (800) 284-7535 for more information about this option and to make arrangements.
What if I require special accommodations due to a disability?
We would be happy to help arrange necessary accommodations for you. Please call (417) 836-7641 or (888) 352-6781 as soon as possible, but no later than five business days in advance of your SOAR session.
Are there programs for adult and non-traditional students?
If you are 22 years of age or older, if you will be taking evening classes, if you have not been in school for an extended period of time, if you are married and/or have children, or if you have other special needs, please contact the Office of Adult Student Services at (417) 836-6929 or toll free at (877) 678-2005. This office offers many services that may be helpful to you, including special orientation and registration opportunities.
What if I have additional questions?
Please contact the SOAR Office. You may call us at (417) 836-7641 or (888) 352-6781 or send an e-mail to SOAR@missouristate.edu.
