Family Orientation

When students register for SOAR, they may register two (2) family members to attend with them. Because space for family members is limited, we strongly recommend registering as early as possible.

Cancellations of family member registrations within seven business days of their student's SOAR session is non-refundable. Visit our Fees and Refund Information page for details.

Fees

Our family registration fee is $30 per family member; this fee cover costs for providing the program, including materials, a meal, and other administrative costs.

The fee does NOT include housing; families are encouraged to use our list of local Springfield hotels to take advantage of discounted rates if staying in Springfield overnight.

There is limited housing for family members on campus, and it's on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fee is $25 per family member.  Students and family members will stay overnight in Hammons House. Students will stay on different floors than family members, and will have a roommate.

This residence hall features four-person suites. Each suite has two private bedrooms and a shared common area. The common area consists of a bathroom and kitchenette. Your reservation will reserve one of the bedrooms in the suite. You will receive a key to your private bedroom. Keep in mind that guests will share the common areas of the suite with another family member or couple.  You will share the bathroom with the other members of the suite.

To reserve housing for family members, your student will return to their SOAR reservation and add the housing for the family member(s).

Let your student take charge

Help your student take personal responsibility by encouraging them to prepare for SOAR, ask questions, and make decisions. This active involvement will build confidence and help them successfully transition to college life.

Keep them there

Students are required to attend ALL sessions to register for classes. Students can be asked to attend another session if they miss sessions.

Refrain from encouraging them to skip required activities, arrive late, or leave early.

Advising and registration

Students will attend an advising and enrollment appointment with their academic advisor during SOAR. As a family member, you will not attend advising with your student, since this session allows your student to begin developing a strong relationship with their advisor.

Family members will learn about the General Education program and receive information from their student’s advisor before students register for classes.

Students' required overnight stay

All students attending two-day SOAR sessions are required to stay overnight on campus. They will have a random roommate. This overnight stay is an opportunity for students to form connections with other new students, strengthening their chances for success.

Housing for family members during SOAR

There  is limited on-campus accommodations available for family members during the SOAR session, and it's on a first-come, first-serve basis. Family members will stay overnight in Hammons House. This residence hall features four-person suites. Each suite has two private bedrooms and a shared common area. The common area consists of a bathroom and kitchenette. Your reservation will reserve one of the bedrooms in the suite. You will receive a key to your private bedroom. Keep in mind that guests will share the common areas of the suite with another family member or couple. 

We suggest utilizing our list of local Springfield hotels to take advantage of discounted rates.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, or FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, including personal, academic, and financial records.

Institutions receiving federal funds (such as financial aid, veterans’ benefits, grants, etc.) are obligated to comply with FERPA. These funds can be withheld for violating this law.

Consequently, Missouri State University cannot release student records to anyone but the student, including parents and family members, without the student's written consent.

Under FERPA, students attending an institution of postsecondary education may:

• Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education record except to the extent that FERPA authorizes closure without consent.
• Choose to suppress (i.e., keep from being disclosed) their directory information.
• Inspect and review their educational records.
• Seek amendment of their education records if believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights.
• File complaints with the Department of Education about alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Visit our FERPA page for more details.

Partners in Education (PIE)

Families play an important role in their student's success, especially during their transition to university life. Our Partners in Education (PIE) program helps families effectively communicate with and provide support to their students.

Students who enroll in PIE can designate others — such as family members and spouses — as members. Members will receive exclusive benefits, such as welcome letters, mid-semester progress reports, final grade reports and more.

Membership to students and partners is limited to the student’s freshman year. Membership will not carry forward into additional years.