FAQ Do I need to bring anything with me?
Comfortable clothes for warm weather and good walking shoes! Our campus is quite hilly and has many stairs, so please dress comfortably. Students that wish to discuss their class schedules with a faculty advisor should bring a copy of their schedule.
Can my family come with me?
Of course! Your family is welcome to accompany you to almost all of the scheduled SOAR activities. On Saturday, there is a separate program for parents.
How much does it cost?
All SOAR meals and activities are free for students and their families. Students may stay overnight on Friday at no cost. However, families that choose to participate in SOAR and stay overnight on campus will be charged per room. Please review the overnight section below for more information.
Will my cell phone have service in Atchison?
Unfortunately, not all services are alike. We’ve found that Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint get the best coverage for our area.
Is your campus wireless?
Yes. All public space on campus is wireless.
Will I need money for food?
The Office of Admission and Campus Dining services will provide you and your family with meals during the SOAR activities. These meals are free to students and families.
Will the Raven Store be open?
Yes, the Raven Store will be open. Friday, June 7 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 14 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Overnight Can I stay overnight? What about my family?
During SOAR, we invite the student to spend the night in a residence hall at no cost. Parents and families of students may request accommodations on campus by contacting Amanda Niemann, Events Coordinator, at 913.360.7699 or aniemann@benedictine.edu. We must be informed in advance if you would like to stay on campus. Families may also make arrangements with one of the hotels or bed and breakfasts in Atchison.
What should I bring if I’m staying overnight?
In addition to extra clothes, basic toiletry and personal items, please bring a sleeping bag, pillow and bath towel. Linens will be provided.
Travel How do I get there?
By Car » Driving directions and maps By Plane—Most airlines fly into the Kansas City International Airport (Airport Code MCI). Our campus is approximately 35 miles from the airport. The office of admission is available to pick students traveling alone from the airport. If students are traveling with a parent, we encourage them to consider renting a car for their trip. » Schedule your flight By Train— The closest Amtrak stations to Atchison are Topeka, KS (Station Code TOP) or Kansas City, MO. (Station Code KCY). Through the Amtrak Campus Visit program, Amtrak offers a Buy One Ticket Get One Free offer for college visits. A student ID is required, and blackout dates are indicated. » Schedule your Amtrak travel online
Where do I go when I arrive on campus?
Check-in will be on the first floor in the Student Union at 1:00pm. We will not have lunch provided on Friday, so please be sure to eat before you arrive.
Where can I park?
You may park anywhere on campus during SOAR. We do not require parking passes for visiting students and their families.
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Class Schedule Do I register for my classes during SOAR?
No, you need to complete the Freshman Course Registration Request Form prior to attending SOAR so our team of academic advisors can build your Fall 2013 class schedule. You can view information about class registration and register for your classes at www.benedictine.edu/classregistration.
Can I meet with a faculty member to discuss/change my class schedule?
There will be an opportunity during the Saturday activities for students that have questions about or need to make changes to their class schedule to speak with an advisor.
Students should meet with a faculty advisor if:
• You have already taken a class that appears on your schedule • You have a conflict with requirements for an athletic program • You have serious confusion regarding your class schedule
Students should not meet with a faculty advisor if:
• You do not want to take early morning classes so you can sleep in • You did not get into any of your preferred classes • You did not get into a class with a specific professor
I am a parent, may I attend my student’s meeting with an advisor?
The purpose of this meeting is for the student to establish a connection with a faculty advisor in a oneon-one setting. If there are specific items you would like to have addressed in the meeting, please discuss them with your student and have them be prepared beforehand.