Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) is designed to help you successfully navigate your transition as a new Badger. This required program is held for incoming undergraduate students at UW–Madison and includes two core components:
- Academics & Course Enrollment
- Student Life & Transition
You must attend the full program to enroll in fall semester courses. Program details vary by student group. See your confirmation brochure or the SOAR schedule administered on the day of your session.
Summer SOAR Overview
Develop Your Academic Plan
Work with an advisor to develop your first-semester academic plan and enroll in first semester classes. Remember: Complete the “Preparing for SOAR” module in MyUW and your "Pre-SOAR" Canvas course to provide your advisor with up-to-date information.
Meet Fellow Badgers
At the Student Evening Program, freshmen will have the chance to connect with fellow new students over a full evening of small-group conversations, games, sports, crafts, and other memory-making activities as a Badger.
For Transfer Students
Transfer students will hear advice from current UW Transfers, as well as learn about resources from the Transfer Transition Program (TTP) and Transfer Engagement Center (TEC).
Explore Your New Home
Locate your residence hall, explore the Southeast and Lakeshore neighborhoods, discover the Wisconsin Union, and more! We encourage SOAR attendees to explore campus while they are here.
Visit the Residence Halls
During two-day freshmen SOAR sessions, students and their guests can also get a first-hand look at life in University Housing by attending guided room viewings of select UW residence halls. *Not all residence halls available
Get Ready To Start the Semester
During the SOAR Resource Fair, ask questions and connect with campus offices and resources that will support you throughout your academic career. Plus, pick up your Wiscard student ID at Union South.
Specialty SOAR Sessions
Virtual SOAR
For Transfer, International, and Online Undergraduate Students
Students attending a virtual SOAR session will use online tools and platforms to enroll in their upcoming semester’s courses and receive orientation information. Students do not need to be available for the entirety of their one-week session but should plan to have several open blocks to complete the program. Students attending virtually will also have a secondary SOAR component once they arrive on campus. See your Wisc.Edu email for details.
Transfer SOAR
For New Transfer Students Attending in-Person
Transfer SOAR is a one-day-long program that consists of a resource fair, student program, and academic advising. Transfer parents and guests can also attend a concurrent program that includes presentations on topics like academic advising, safety, student support, living in Madison, health and wellbeing, and staying connected with the Parent and Family Program.
SOAR for International Students
For the SOAR program, international students are defined as degree-seeking students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa. Additionally, SOAR defines freshmen as students whose last school attended was high school, and transfer students as students whose last school attended was another college or university.
Most international students will attend SOAR virtually, with three sessions offered throughout the summer. International students already studying in the United States are eligible to attend SOAR in-person throughout the summer. International students residing in the United States interested in attending SOAR in-person will follow the same SOAR schedule as domestic students: either a one-day transfer SOAR schedule or a two-day freshman SOAR schedule.
Look for more information on your transition to UW–Madison in your New Student Newsletters from International Student Services (ISS).
Required International Student Orientation (Online)
In addition to the SOAR program, international students are required to complete an online International Student Orientation (ISO). Orientation components for international students include:
- Check-in with International Student Services (ISS) for document scanning via Terra Dotta
- Complete ISO modules on Canvas
- If completing SOAR virtually, attend an in-person orientation after move-in, on August 30th, to connect you to fellow Badgers prior to classes (Find more in your Wisc.Edu email)
- Optional ISS Welcome Events