Madison Reporter

At UW–Madison, summer marks the period for SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration). The two-day program encompasses more than just enrolling for first-semester classes. It involves developing an academic plan, meeting fellow students, and exploring the campus that will be home for the next four years.

This summer’s SOAR program concluded its in-person sessions on August 9. During their time on campus, incoming students and their families were introduced to the core of the Wisconsin Experience as they began their journey together as new Badgers.

Union South, referred to as "the south campus living room," hosted many of the SOAR sessions. Coordinated by the Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement, SOAR provides new students and their families with opportunities to meet staff and advisors, register for classes, stay in a residence hall, take a campus tour, and learn about campus resources.

Dean of Students Christina Olstad addressed incoming first-year students and their guests during a morning welcome session in Union South’s Varsity Hall. SOAR is often the first opportunity for new students to meet campus leaders and learn about important resources available through the Office of Student Assistance and Support.

First-year students participated in various activities such as learning to sing "Varsity," a traditional song played during many academic and athletic events. They also had guided tours to locate residence halls where they would live and explore UW–Madison's neighborhoods.

SOAR participants engaged in small group sessions across different locations on campus. For instance, incoming student Leila Fackie took part in ice-breakers outside Allen Centennial Garden. Additionally, the SOAR Resource Fair at Union South connected students with various campus offices and resources.

The program concluded with registration for fall semester classes at College Library. Peer advisor Lorena Marrari assisted first-year students entering the College of Letters & Science with class registration. Similarly, academic advisor Madeline Fer-Chapman and peer advisor Mason Lebens helped engineering students Chance Bielefeld and Marah Clark register for their courses.