SOAR Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration
Register online at www.missouristate.edu/SOAR to choose and confirm your SOAR date.
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Information for Students
Information for Students
Welcome! We’re thrilled you’ve been admitted to Missouri State University and will join us this fall. The transition from high school to University life is definitely an exciting one, but can be a little tough without some help. The Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (or SOAR) program is designed to provide you that help. SOAR is a fun, two-day learning experience built to assist you in making a smooth, successful transition to life at Missouri State and getting started on the right foot. This brochure will provide you with more detailed information about SOAR; we encourage you to read it and use it as your planning guide. You can also find more information and sign up for a SOAR session online at www.missouristate.edu/soar. As current students who have made our own transition to University life, we can tell you that the information provided and questions answered at SOAR helped us become successful students. We —along with a team of faculty, staff and administrators that you’ll meet during the program — are excited to help you follow your passion and find your place at Missouri State University.
Alfred Lewis is thrilled to introduce you to Missouri State!
Sincerely, Your SOAR leaders
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Information for Students
Student FAQs
What is SOAR? Am I required to attend? SOAR introduces you to Missouri State and gives you a preview of what to expect when you arrive in the fall. During SOAR, you will have the opportunity to: Learn the differences between high school and University life Receive academic advice and assistance from a faculty or professional advisor Register for your first semester of classes Participate in discussions about student life, academics, campus safety and living on and off campus Obtain your ZipCard (Missouri State student ID card), text books and parking permit Take necessary placement exams Meet current students, faculty, staff and administrators at Missouri State Make new friends Ask questions and receive answers about things you want to know
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As a first-time student with fewer than 24 transferable credit hours earned AFTER your high school graduation, you are required to attend SOAR. In order to register for classes, you must participate in all orientation activities during SOAR; you may be dismissed without registering if you miss portions of the program.
On what dates is SOAR being offered? How do I make a session reservation? Two-day SOAR session dates are scheduled during the months of June and July. Specific session dates can be found at www.missouristate.edu/soar/SOARdates. htm. Students are invited to particular SOAR sessions based on their admission date and the amount of space available in each session; not all session dates will be available to you. To choose a session date available to you and make a reservation, please visit our online SOAR reservation system at www. missouristate.edu/soar. Students will need their M-number (Missouri State student
How do I make changes to or update information about my SOAR session reservation? Log on to the reservation system, and change only the information you need. Follow the system prompts until you receive a message confirming your reservation. Please keep in mind that if you change your SOAR session date and the original date later fills, you will not be able to change back to your previous date. The major you specify when you reserve a session will determine your academic advisement. Please make sure your declared major is accurate at least five business days prior to your SOAR session.
Is there a schedule of events for SOAR sessions? Yes. To view a tentative SOAR session schedule for both the student and family programs, please visit www.missouristate. edu/soar/schedule.htm.
Can my family attend? How about friends? Family members of students are welcome to attend SOAR, but it is optional for them. We have a special family member orientation program that runs concurrently with, but separately from, the student program. During this program, family members 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. Additional information for family members is located further in this brochure. Friends cannot attend SOAR with you unless you are both scheduled to attend the same SOAR 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.
Where can I stay overnight during my SOAR session? Overnight accommodations for SOAR are located in Hutchens House, a residence hall on campus. The cost is $20 per person per night. Reservations may be made online when you reserve your SOAR session date.
Information for Students
identification number) that was provided in their admission packet to enter the reservation system. Follow the system prompts until you have submitted your reservation; an on-screen message will confirm that your reservation has been completed, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.
Hutchens House has one- and two-bedroom suites available, with one bathroom per suite. Towels, soap and linens are provided. Students and family members should bring toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.). Students and family members will stay in separate areas of the residence hall and may be asked to share a suite with other SOAR participants. Hutchens House does not have radios or televisions in individual rooms, and smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the building. If you’d like to stay the night on campus prior to the beginning of your SOAR 5
Information for Students
session, Hutchens House front desk staff will be available to help you check in beginning at 5 p.m. Students and families may choose to stay off campus if they wish. You may receive a list of area hotels by visiting the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at http://www.springfieldmo.org or calling 800-678-8767 to request a list. Unfortunately, we cannot make recommendations concerning Springfield hotels.
How much does SOAR cost, and when will I pay? The fees for SOAR include: $60 per student to cover advising and registration materials, plus one lunch and one dinner $15 program fee for the first family member and $10 for each additional family member to cover materials, refreshments and one dinner $20 per person per night to stay in Hutchens House 6
These fees are applied to your student account when you check in the morning of your SOAR session and may be paid upon its completion. Missouri State accepts cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express).
What placement tests are necessary for SOAR, and when can I take them? Two placement exams are offered during or prior to SOAR to help determine the courses in which you have the best chance for success. We will furnish the materials for testing. Math placement Placement in mathematics courses at Missouri State can be determined by your ACT math or SAT quantitative sub-score OR your performance on a mathematics placement exam. We strongly encourage you to take the math placement exam if: you have scored a 21 or lower on the ACT math section or a 480 or lower on the SAT quantitative section. (If you do
not have ACT or SAT scores, it will be necessary for you to take the placement exam.) you are interested in pursuing a major in which high levels of math are required, such as science or health fields. you are not satisfied with course placement based on ACT or SAT scores or are unsure of your skills in mathematics. For detailed information regarding the math placement exam, including a list of courses and the ACT and SAT scores necessary for course placement, please see our math placement information web page at www.missouristate.edu/soar/ mathexam.htm. The mathematics placement exam will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of your session. Please be present at the Plaster Student Union lobby at this time, and a SOAR leader will take you to the exam site. Foreign language placement Placement in French, German or Spanish courses is determined by an online placement exam you should take before
you have had two or more years of high-school language classes or have participated in a dual-enrollment program. you are anticipating selecting a degree or major which requires foreign language credit for graduation. The foreign language placement exam can only be taken once. If you place into a 102-level class or higher, you can receive credit for the classes you placed out of if you complete that class with at least a B and apply to the department to receive credit (credit is not automatically granted). For more information on this opportunity and the exam, please see our foreign language placement information web page at www.missouristate.edu/soar/flexam.htm.
For advanced credit in languages other than French, German or Spanish, contact the Modern and Classical Languages department head.
How do I report transfer credit to Missouri State? If you took courses for college credit while in high school, please contact the college(s) through which you have earned credit and request that your official academic transcript be mailed directly from the college to the Missouri State Office of Admissions (the mailing address is located on page 17). You should then receive a transfer credit evaluation from Missouri State for those courses; if you have not received it before your SOAR session, please bring copies of these transcripts or grade reports with you. Your advisor will use these to help plan your first semester schedule at Missouri State. If you have taken, or will take, Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, please request that your scores be sent to the Office of Admissions. If you have requested
that your scores or transcripts be sent to us previously, you may contact the Office of Admissions to see if they are on file.
What should I bring to SOAR, and what should I do to prepare for my session? A brief checklist of tasks to complete and items to bring to prepare for your SOAR session is located further in the brochure. We recommend that you visit www. missouristate.edu/soar/checklist.htm to view a more detailed and complete checklist.
Information for Students
your arrival at SOAR; the placement exam can be found at www.missouristate. edu/lrc/placementtest.htm. The exam is optional, as foreign languages are not required for all majors or degrees at Missouri State. However, you should take the placement exam if:
Where can I park during SOAR? Parking will be available for SOAR attendees in Lot 9 behind Woods House. This lot is marked with a 9 on the campus map located on page 19. SOAR leaders will greet you at the entrance of Lot 9 and provide you with a parking pass for the session. Please ensure you have parked in Lot 9; you may be ticketed if you park elsewhere. For driving directions to Lot 9, please visit www.missouristate.edu/soar/ directions.htm. 7
Information for Students
When and where do I check in to the SOAR program?
Are there special programs for non-traditional students?
Check-in is scheduled between 9–10 a.m. in Plaster Student Union, which is pictured on page 18 and highlighted on the campus map on page 19.
Non-traditional students may take part in alternative orientation and registration opportunities instead of SOAR. Nontraditional students are defined as students who:
If you will be taking the math placement exam, please be present at the Plaster Student Union lobby at 8:30 a.m. Once the exam is completed, a SOAR leader will assist you in checking in to the SOAR program. If you plan to stay overnight on campus, please check in at Hutchens House prior to checking in to the SOAR program. Hutchens House is pictured on page 18 and highlighted on the campus map on page 19.
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are 22 years of age or older are married and/or have children have not been in school for an extended period of time are taking evening courses To take advantage of these alternative services, please contact the Office of Adult Student Services at 417-836-6929 or toll free at 877-678-2005.
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.
Prepare for your SOAR experience by completing the following tasks before attending: Create your computer and email accounts by visiting https:// my.missouristate.edu and clicking the “Get an Account” link. Remember your user ID and password as you will need them to register for classes at SOAR. Family members should allow students to create this account to ensure their user IDs and passwords are memorable to them. Register for a SOAR session of your choosing by visiting www.missouristate. edu/soar. Complete an Application for Housing with Residence Life and Services. Your application or an exception to the University housing policy must be processed before you will be allowed to register for classes at SOAR. Applications can be completed online at www. missouristate.edu/reslife/.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Doing so allows you to be considered for financial aid programs. Submit necessary transcripts to the Office of Admissions. These transcripts may include final high school transcripts or transcripts from other institutions noting any college credit you have earned while in high school. Consider whether you need to take the mathematics placement exam and the foreign language placement exam and prepare accordingly. Update your SOAR session reservation if any aspect of your reservation (such as your major or number of guests attending) changes prior to attending. Please make changes at least five business days before your scheduled session date. We recommend viewing the more detailed and complete checklist, which is available online at www.missouristate.edu/soar/ checklist.htm.
Bring along! Consider bringing the following to your SOAR session: Recent college transcripts if you believe our Office of Admissions has not received them yet. These unofficial transcripts will be used to help your advisor in recommending first-semester courses. Driver’s License or other photo ID. Photo identification will be needed to obtain your ZipCard (your Missouri State student ID card). Your vehicle’s description and license plate number, if you wish to purchase a parking permit. Casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket or sweater for airconditioned residence hall and meeting rooms. An umbrella or rain jacket. Writing utensils. Toiletries and an alarm clock if you will be staying in Hutchens House. Towels, linens, and soap are provided.
Information for Students
Get ready for your SOAR session!
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Information for Family Members
on your student’s admission to Missouri State University! As a parent or family member, we believe you will play a significant role in your student’s adjustment to college life. While many families prepare their students for the transition from high school to University life, many do not realize they have their own transition to make. This time can be an emotional one, but it can also be a beneficial and fulfilling one for both students and their families. We welcome you to join us at SOAR. Please feel free to read the family and student sections of this brochure to familiarize yourself with the SOAR program. During the Family Orientation program, we will discuss how you can support your student through his or her transition while you make a successful one of your own. By working together, we hope to help your student follow their passion and find their place at Missouri State.
Information for Family Members
Congratulations
Sincerely, Your SOAR leaders A’dja Jones is ready to point out all the things she loves about Missouri State. 11
Information for Family Members 12
Family FAQs
May I attend SOAR with my student? Is there a special program for family members?
How do I make a reservation to attend a SOAR session with my student?
Yes, family members are welcome to attend SOAR with their student. Our Family Orientation program runs concurrently with, but separately from, the student program. This program is optional for families, and they can choose to attend whichever sessions they like; however, students must attend the entire program to be eligible to register for classes.
Your student can make a reservation for you and other family members when making his or her own reservation for a SOAR session. (Details on how to make a reservation are listed on pages 4 and 5.) Because family members’ reservation details are linked to the student’s account, families cannot attend a session other than the one for which their student is registered.
During the Family Orientation program, you 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.
We expect students to make SOAR reservations for themselves and their family members. Students are responsible for creating their own Missouri State computer user ID and password prior to registering for SOAR, as they will need this information to register for classes during the program.
Yes. To view a tentative SOAR session schedule for both the student and family programs, please visit www.missouristate. edu/soar/schedule.htm.
May I stay overnight on campus during my student’s SOAR session? Yes. Overnight accommodations for SOAR are located in Hutchens House, a residence hall on campus. The cost is $20 per person per night. Your student can make reservations for you when he or she reserves a SOAR session online. Additional information about Hutchens House and overnight accommodations can be found on pages 5 and 6. Students and families may choose to stay off campus if they wish. You may receive a list of area hotels by visiting the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at http://www.springfieldmo. org or calling 800-678-8767 to request
a list. Unfortunately, we cannot make recommendations concerning Springfield hotels.
How much does SOAR cost, and when will my student need to pay? The fees for SOAR include: $60 per student to cover advising and registration materials, plus one lunch and one dinner $15 program fee for the first family member and $10 for each additional family member to cover materials, refreshments and one dinner $20 per person per night to stay in Hutchens House
Is there a checklist of things my student and I need to do to prepare for SOAR? What about things to bring? A detailed student checklist of tasks to complete and things to bring to SOAR can be found online at www.missouristate. edu/soar/checklist.htm. (An abbreviated checklist can be found on page 9.) A detailed family checklist can be found online at www. missouristate.edu/soar/famtodolist.htm.
Where can we park on campus, and when and where do we check in for SOAR?
Information for Family Members
Is there a schedule of events for SOAR sessions?
Information on parking and checking in to the SOAR program can be found on pages 7 and 8.
The fees above are applied to your student’s account upon check in to the SOAR program on the morning of his or her session and may be paid upon its completion. Missouri State accepts cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express). 13
Information for Family Members
What expectations do you have of students attending the SOAR program? We view transition from high school to University life as the time students should begin to take responsibility for their own education. At SOAR we view students as adults and expect them to take the lead on making decisions and taking actions that will determine their future. As a result of this viewpoint, we expect the following of our students and ask for your support in reinforcing these expectations: We expect students to make SOAR reservations for themselves and their family members and complete the tasks listed in the checklists provided. Students are responsible for creating their own Missouri State computer user ID and password prior to registering for SOAR, as they will need this information to register for classes during the program. We expect students to attend all orientation activities. These activities are
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specifically designed to assist students with their academic and social transition to the University. Students may be dismissed from the program without registering for classes if they have missed any of the required activities. We expect students to register for classes with the assistance of the professional academic advisors only, and not their parents or family members. 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 in future terms. Parents and family members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about potential classes and schedules with their students prior to registration. It is important for parents and family members to maintain open lines of communication with their adult students, as you still have a considerable amount of influence. By talking with and listening to your student, you can offer information, support and guidance. Before your student attends Missouri State, talk with him or
her about what it means to take on adult responsibilities, your expectations for his or her behavior at orientation and in the fall, and your expectations for how your student will keep you informed about his or her University experience. By discussing these expectations, you can help ensure that you and your student are on the same page, and that your student fully understands the expectations of the University community.
Information for Family Members
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Helpful Contact Information
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SOAR Office 888-352-6781 417-836-7641 www.missouristate.edu/SOAR Financial Aid 800-283-4243 417-836-5262 www.missouristate.edu/financialaid Residence Life and Services 800-284-7535 417-836-5536 www.missouristate.edu/reslife Dean of Students 417-836-5527 www.missouristate.edu/dos Taylor Health and Wellness Center 417-836-4000 health.missouristate.edu
Dining Services 417-836-5660 www.missouristate.edu/dining Honors College 417-836-6370 www.missouristate.edu/honors
Rainer Gall is one of the many SOAR leaders ready to help you. Meet the rest of the team at www.missouristate.edu/soar/ SOARleaders.htm.
Hutchens House Front Desk 417-836-8484 Admissions 800-492-7900 417-836-5517 www.missouristate.edu/admissions Please have transcripts sent to: Office of Admissions Missouri State University 901 South National Avenue Springfield, MO 65897
Financial Services 417-836-5632 www.missouristate.edu/financialservices
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Campus Map
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Robert W. Plaster Student Union
PHYSICAL THERAPY BUILDING CENTER FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
SCHOLARS HOUSE
CENTER FOR ASSESSMENT/ INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH
FORENSICS LABORATORY
GARST DINING CENTER
WEHR BAND HALL
HARRISON
JOHN Q.HAMMONS STUDENT CENTER
Hutchens House
HUTCHENS HOUSE
HAMMONS HOUSE
HARRISON
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ONE-ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE
JQH ARENA GREENWOOD LABORATORY SCHOOL
MONROE
WOODS HOUSE
TAYLOR HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
MONROE
MONROE
MONROE HALL
BLAIR-SHANNON HOUSE MADISON HALL
Visit www.missouristate.edu/map for a full map of campus or directions to campus. MADISON
HOLLAND
KIMBROUGH
JEFFERSON
ROANOKE
KINGS STREET ANNEX
FREUDENBERGER HOUSE
FORSYTHE ATHLETICS CENTER DAVID D. GLASS HALL
DUANE G. MEYER LIBRARY
McDONALD HALL & ARENA
ROBERT W. PLASTER STUDENT UNION
TEMPLE HALL
CENTRAL STORES & MAINTENANCE KEMPER HALL
MADISON
CHEEK HALL CARRINGTON HALL
SICELUFF HALL
PUMMILL HALL ROBERT W. PLASTER SPORTS COMPLEX
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HALL WELLS HOUSE
JANE A. MEYER CARILLON
STRONG HALL
PAGE
HILL HALL
POWER HOUSE
ELLIS HALL
KARLS HALL
BELMONT
CRAIG HALL ART ANNEX
NATIONAL
KINGS
DOLLISON
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BURGESS HOUSE
BAKER BOOKSTORE
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GRAND
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Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration 901 South National Avenue Springfield, Missouri 65897
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