Student Orientation and Registration
Family Orientation for Two Day Programs
Can parents and family members attend SOAR?
Yes, and we encourage it! Although they don’t always realize it, parents and family members experience their own transitional issues as their incoming student prepares for and attends college.
The SOAR program offers a family orientation program that runs concurrently with, but separately from, your student’s orientation experience. During this time, you will learn more about you and your student’s transitions, have the opportunity to ask questions, speak with faculty and staff, and find out more about Missouri State University and its programs.
Is family attendance necessary or required?
Although students are required to attend an entire SOAR session, family member attendance is optional; they can choose which portions of the program they would like to attend. We encourage parents and family members to attend if they wish. We recommend discussing your thoughts about attending with your student.
The SOAR program has been designed so that any student can attend and make informed decisions without family members present. SOAR leaders—highly trained student leaders—are present with students throughout the day to help guide them along on the process, and faculty and academic advisors are present to discuss student’s academic plans and first semester of courses.
How do I register for SOAR as a family member?
Students can indicate how many family members are attending SOAR as part of their online registration process. Make sure you inform your student that you would like to attend before they register. Your student can make changes to his or her reservation if they are necessary at a later date.
What are the dates for SOAR?
The full range of dates for SOAR can be viewed on the Dates of SOAR page. Students are invited to SOAR sessions based on their admission date and the amount of space available in each session; the dates which are currently available to them will be visible on the online SOAR reservation system.
Please do not make any plans to attend a particular session until your student’s reservation has been confirmed through the system’s confirmation screen or through receiving a confirmation e-mail.
Will I be able to be present at my student's academic advisement or class registration meeting?
We expect students to register for classes with the assistance of their academic advisors only, without their parents or family members present. As an institution, it is our goal for students to build a relationship with their advisors as well as learn the necessary skills to register on their own for future semesters.
What is the Family Orientation schedule during SOAR?
The schedule for the two-day SOAR family orientation program can be found on page 6 of the SOAR brochure for family members sent to you. An electronic version (Adobe PDF format) of the brochure can be found on our site, as well. To view and print this document, download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader here.
Will housing be provided for family members?
Students and families may stay in Hutchens House, a residence hall on campus. The cost is $20 per person per night. Your student can make reservations with his or her SOAR session registration or when you arrive at SOAR. Hutchens House has one- and two-bedroom suites available, with one bathroom per suite. Towels, soap and linens are provided in each room. Students and family members will stay in separate areas of the residence hall, and each may be asked to share a suite with other SOAR participants. If you’d like to stay the night on campus prior to the beginning of your SOAR session, the front desk hall staff can check you into Hutchens House any time after 5 p.m.
You may choose to find lodging off campus, as well. If you want to do so, contact the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-678-8767) for a list of area hotels. We cannot make recommendations about Springfield hotels.
What costs are associated with parents or family members attending?
Family member participation in the SOAR program costs $15 for the first family member and $10 for each additional member. This fee covers materials, refreshments and dinner on day one. If you choose to stay in Hutchens House, the fee is $20 per person per night.