Orientation for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Op5.18 Orientation for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Freshmen*

First Time New In College  (FTNIC) students (including International Students)  are required to attend a "Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration" (SOAR)  session prior to course registration. Students who are admitted late and/or cannot attend a SOAR program  should contact the Director of New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events to request a SOAR exception.

SOAR may be exempted for the following students:

  • Non-traditional students (includes students age 22 and older, evening students, married students, and students with children). Non-traditional students are encouraged to utilize the orientation and registration services provided by the Office of Adult Student Services.
  • Active duty military personnel who are unavailable to attend an orientation session.
  • Transfer students with more than 24 transferable college credit hours after graduation from high school.

Exceptions to the above policy must be approved by the Director of New Student and Family Program. Questions regarding SOAR may be directed to the Director of New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events via mail at Plaster Student Union 418, 901 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897, or phone 417-836- 3060 or 888-352-6781, or email at NewBears@MissouriState.edu.

* Students are classified as freshmen for registration purposes, if they enter having completed fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours subsequent to graduation from high school, and are required to attend SOAR.

Transfer students*

Transfer students with more than 24 transferable college credit hours after graduation from high school are required to complete an online orientation session prior to registering for their first semester.

All new transfer students, regardless of the number of hours completed, must have an advisor's release prior to registering. Resources and information specifically for transfer students can be found online at MissouriState.edu/Transfer.