What is S.O.A.R.?
Your college career at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg begins with the Summer Orientation & Academic Registration (S.O.A.R.) program. You probably have questions about your academic major, course requirements & electives, housing, campus organizations, recreational opportunities, etc. You’re also looking forward to meeting your classmates! The S.O.A.R. program is designed to answer questions about life at Pitt-Greensburg, to introduce you to new people, and to provide the information you need to commence classes at Pitt-Greensburg fully informed and confident.
Do I have to attend?
YES! S.O.A.R. is a mandatory two-day program for all new, full-time, first-year undergraduates. The S.O.A.R. program is held a few times during the summer — in June and in July. Each session is held on a Thursday and Friday. Participation during the entire two-day program is required in order to receive your fall academic schedule. (*First-year students who reside a distance away from the campus that would make it difficult for them to attend S.O.A.R. should contact the Orientation Office at (724) 836-9170 to discuss alternative arrangements.)
If you work or have other commitments, you should make arrangements to free your schedule so you can attend one of the scheduled sessions.
When will information be sent out?
Students who have paid their $100.00 tuition deposit will receive an email to their Pitt email account, starting in early May, asking you to register for S.O.A.R. The sooner you complete your online registration form, the better chance you have of getting your first choice of S.O.A.R. dates. After you register, as long as you have submitted the corresponding payment, you will receive a confirmation email to your Pitt email account confirming your assigned S.O.A.R. date.
Will I have to take any tests?
YES. But don't panic! Before you register for S.O.A.R., you will receive an email from Academic Advising with instructions on how to complete the online math placement exam (there is a fee to take this exam) and complete a survey which will get you registered for fall classes. In addition, you may be required to take a brief online foreign language exam in-person during S.O.A.R. (some students may not have to take this).
Should I stay overnight?
YES! All resident students are required to stay overnight in the residence hall on the Thursday night of S.O.A.R. Commuter students are strongly encouraged to stay the night during S.O.A.R.— it provides a wonderful opportunity to get to know several classmates in a relaxed atmosphere and will allow you to recognize some friendly faces in the fall. All students staying overnight will be assigned to a room with two other new students of the same gender. Each room has its own bathroom. No tobacco or vape products are permitted in the residence halls.
What should I bring?
The S.O.A.R. program is casual. Dress comfortably. For those staying overnight, the residence hall you will be staying in is air conditioned. Sheets and towels will be provided, but bring your own pillow and blanket if you get cold in the air conditioning. Also, please bring your own toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.) as we do not provide them. Please DO NOT bring the following: jewelry, computer, TV, other valuable items, alcohol/drugs, tobacco or electronic cigarettes.
During S.O.A.R., students will be housed in a hall that is not your permanent housing assignment; you will not be moving in during S.O.A.R.
Is it better to attend a particular S.O.A.R. session?
It does not matter which SOAR session you attend, although the sooner you register for your chosen session the better since we have limited space for each session. Students are scheduled for classes as soon as they complete the online placement exams, AND complete the online First-Year Survey. You must complete ALL of these steps in order to get registered for fall classes, so therefore, the sooner you complete these steps, the earlier you will be registered for classes!
Will my roommate(s) be there?
Only if your roommate(s) pick the same S.O.A.R. session as you. We do not purposely match roommates to S.O.A.R. sessions since we don't know who has been assigned as roommates. If you must attend the same session as a roommate/friend/sibling, please try to coordinate that before completing your S.O.A.R. registration.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 10:00am on the first day of S.O.A.R.. The program begins at 10:30am. The S.O.A.R. program will conclude by noon on the second day.
Is there a program for my parents/guardians/family members?
YES. An introductory and informational program for your parent/guardian/family members is offered concurrently with the student program. This program is designed to give parents/guardians/family members of new students an opportunity to become familiar with the campus community. Sessions focus on academics, safety and security, resident and commuter life, health services, financial aid, etc. Faculty, staff, and current Pitt-Greensburg students will assist with any questions family members might have. Some of the activities planned will separate students from their guests, as the interests and concerns are sometimes different. Parents/family members will not be with students during meals.
Any family members requiring overnight accommodations are welcome to stay at one of the local hotels/motels. A list of hotels/motels and their phone numbers will be sent in the confirmation email; please contact the hotel/motel of your choice directly to make reservations.
How much does it cost?
The student fee for SOAR is $50. This includes program activities, four meals (continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day), snacks, and materials. There is a $15 additional fee for students staying overnight, which includes linens.
The guest fee for SOAR is $50 per person. This includes program activities, four meals (continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the first day and breakfast on the second day), snacks, and materials.
Payment will be accepted by credit card online, check through the mail, or cash in person. Please refer to the online registration you will complete for payment information.
Fees cannot be prorated or refunded!
Dates for S.O.A.R. 2023
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Thursday, June 22nd - Friday, June 23rd |
Consult the tentative schedule listed below for the full two-day schedule.
For additional information regarding S.O.A.R., please contact Ms. Haley Hayden, Assistant Director of the First-Year Experience, at 724-836-9170 or hmh57@pitt.edu.