SOAR - Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration

Parents - Day 1

Day 1 for Freshmen Students and Parents starts at 9:00 a.m. with the Check-In for SOAR on Mott Lawn. Various resources, activities and options are available throughout the morning as you arrive. The first formal session starts at 1:00p p.m. Day 1 programming lasts throughout the day, includes dinner, and continues with an evening session concluding at approximately 9:00 p.m. A more detailed schedule of the sessions will be provided at Program Check-In at the University Union Plaza.

SOAR overnight guests who are scheduled to stay in a university residence hall may check in at the Sierra Madre hall front desk anytime 10:30 a.m. on the scheduled day of arrival. SOAR overnight guests will need to check out of rooms by 8:30 a.m. on their scheduled day of departure.

Check-In (9:00 a.m. – Noon) & Unstructured Activities (with student)

This time is allotted to explore the following areas on campus that will help you learn about the Cal Poly campus and get you set up for the fall:

El Corral Bookstore – Find out how to reserve your textbooks early and buy the PREFACE book.(Throughout the day.)

Poly Card – You can take your picture today and then pick up your ID card when you arrive in September and avoid the huge lines!(Throughout the day.)

Residence Hall Check-In – If you choose to stay in the residence halls, this is the time to check-in with Housing.(TBD)

Lunch on Your Own – Eat at one of the on-campus venues or explore the San Luis Obispo area for some local cuisine.

Educational Opportunity Program and Student Support Services Invitation-Only Session –
This meeting is for students only, who have received an invitation from EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) or SSS (Student Support Services) . Attendance is mandatory.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): Meet during the time and location provided by your EOP Advisor.
Student Support Services (SSS): 11:15a.m. – 12:00p.m.; Location Building 124, Room 224.

Resource Faire – Speak with University staff from various campus departments to learn about resources and ask questions.(10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Placement Testing – During this time, you will have the opportunity to take the Math Placement Exam (MAPE) and testing for placement in Spanish language classes.

Welcome/Introduction to Advising (with student)

(1 p.m. – 2 p.m.) This welcome will outline the SOAR programming planned for the afternoon.

Spotlight Resource Panel (Parent Only 2:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.)

Representatives from campus resources will be on hand to discuss how the departments can support students. Resources include some of the following:


– ASI
– Campus Dining & Cal Poly Corp
– Career Services
– Dean of Students
– Disability Resource Center
– International Education and Programs
– Orientation Programs (facilitator)
– Student Account Office
– Student Life and Leadership
– SLO PD
– UPD

Students Coping With Stress (Parent Only 4:10 p.m. & 5:10 p.m.)

In the Students Coping with Stress presentation, the focus is on a student’s transition. Families will find out some useful ways to prepare themselves and their student for the important time of transitions. Campus Resources featured are:

– Health Services/PULSE

"Parents Letting Go" (Parent Only 4:10 p.m. & 5:10 p.m.)

College is a stressful transition for families as well as students. Student success is correlated with their support system; Parents Letting Go focuses on the family transition. Families will interact with other Cal Poly supporters and be provided insight and tips to aptly support their student. Campus Resources featured are:

– Counseling Services

Dinner (Included) (With Student 6:10 p.m.)

Campus Life and Respect 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)

This presentation is an introduction to Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo life. Learn about what the university and the town have to offer while hearing about residence hall life, relationships, campus culture, and respect. The presentation includes input from current students, parents, University Housing, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the University Police Department. Below is a list of the specific topics discussed in the presentation:

– Residence Hall Life
– Shared Living
– Cal Poly Culture & Traditions
– Roommates and Relationships
– Homesickness
– Sustainability
– Student Rights & Responsibilities
– SLO Community

Parents - Day 2

Day 2 for Freshmen Students and Parents starts at 8:30 a.m. with separate continental breakfasts and program sessions. The day concludes with a closing session for both students and parents together.

Continental Breakfast/First Year Experience Panel (8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Parent Only

Join us to find out about support services available on campus for your students and for you! Families will engage in an informative and informal breakfast while having the opportunity to find out some useful ways to prepare yourself and your student from current Cal Poly parents and student perspectives.

Overview of College (10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Parent Only)

A college representative will be on hand to meet with families to discuss academic expectations of your students.

Closing (11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. With Student)

Closing is a time to recap the days’ events as well as prepare students for what to look out for before coming back in September.