SOAR - Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration

Transfer Students – 1 Day Program

Check in for Transfer Student SOAR days starts at 7:30 a.m. on Mott Lawn with the first program session starting at 8:30 a.m. The program will last throughout the day, concluding at approximately 5:00 p.m. A more detailed schedule of the sessions will be provided at Program Check-In at Mott Lawn.

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 & Unstructured Activities

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)

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. (12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.)

Placement Testing – During this time, you will have the opportunity to be tested for placement in Spanish language classes. (9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in Erhart Agriculture Building 10-221  AND 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in Erhart Agriculture Building 10-221).

Welcome/General Session

This welcome will outline the SOAR programming planned for the afternoon.

Transfer Student Transition (9:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.)

This panel addresses how to transition from community college into the university. The session covers some of the important things you will need to know. A panel of current transfer students will answer questions and relate their experiences covering topics such as the ones listed below:

– Shift in academic expectation and personal responsibility between community college and Cal Poly
– How to get involved on campus
– Transitional adjustment
– Career Services

Access to Registration Demonstration (9:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.)

Students will be given a presentation demonstrating how to utilize the Cal Poly course planning and registration tools, PASS and CPReg.

Campus Resource Tour (9:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.)

Students will be taken on a tour of campus that will highlight different organizations and programs. The different tour resources that will be introduced are included below:

Health & Counseling Services – Students have access to health care while they are enrolled on campus. Health and Counseling Services offers many different low-cost services to students.

Academic College Facilities – Students will visit their college academic advising office and will learn where to make appointments to meet their advisor.

Robert E. Kennedy Library – The library was voted the best study spot on campus. Cal Poly’s library has hundred of resources available for students.

Academic Skills Center – Available to all Cal Poly students, the Academic Skills Center (ASC) offers a wide variety of retention programs and campus support services including Study Skills Seminars, Individualized Study Skills Advising, Online Study Skills Library available 24 hours a day, Study Session Program and Tutor Referral Service.

University Police Department – Cal Poly has its own police station located on campus. Students can pay parking tickets there and register their bike, among other things.

Disability Resource Center – The Disability Resource Center (DRC) will be available to meet with students on a drop-in basis between 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Career Services – Career Services provides resources for students to find support during the career development process. Students can utilize career services for personal career counseling sessions, access mustang jobs to find employment, and attend various workshops and events.

Student Rights & Responsibilities – This offices mission ensures a fair and impartial administration of the disciplinary process while educating students about their responsibilities and protecting the rights of all members of the university community.

Dean of Students – The Dean of Students provides students with consultation in assisting with the resolution of any university-related concerns, grievances or appeals.

State Cashiers – Located in the Administration building, the State Cashiers handle all payments required by Cal Poly and the different departments.

Advising Centers – Each college has advising centers that help students stay on track for graduation by checking on degree requirements.

Financial Aid – Students who receive financial aid will learn where the Financial Aid office is as well as how to utilize it.

Lunch/ Resource Faire (12:00 p.m.)

Speak with University staff from various campus departments to learn about campus resources and to ask questions.

Academic Advising and Registration (1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Each college will conduct advising sessions with the new students to introduce them to the college culture and academic curricula specific to their major. Students will be given advice on completing their degree requirements at Cal Poly. During the registration portion of this session, transfer students will be able to enroll in classes for the fall with help from college staff and academic advisors. This is a must-attend workshop, as it will ensure students a class schedule for Fall quarter.