For Parents & Guests
The Parent and Family Program within the Office for Student Transition and Family Engagement (OSTFE) is committed to providing the necessary support to help facilitate a successful transition for your student.
For this reason, students can invite up to two adults for a concurrent SOAR Parent and Guest Program.
To receive email updates on a student’s reservation, parents or guests must be enrolled in the subsequent SOAR Parent & Guest Program by their student. The SOAR program cannot share updates with parents and guests unless students follow this step.
On this page
What are the fees associated with SOAR?
While a student’s SOAR costs are covered by tuition and fees, parents/guests must pay an additional fee to attend. These fees cover program materials, meal, facilities, staffing, and more. Learn more about this and options for paying SOAR fees.
- First-year guest fee: $60 per guest
- Transfer guest fee: $30 per guest
Topics May Include
What To Bring
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Comfortable shoes, rain gear, and light layers are recommended.
Note-Taking Materials
Take notes as you learn about campus resources and processes.
List of Questions
Asking the right questions ensures everyone feels confident.
Plan Your Visit to SOAR
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at SOAR! Find everything you need to plan your trip, from nearby hotels and accommodations to parking details and travel tips. Whether you’re flying in or driving, we’ve got you covered with the best options to make your visit smooth and stress-free. Start planning today!
When You Arrive
Where to Go
1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715
Checking In
At check-in, you will receive your program materials, including a full schedule for your session. After check-in, students planning to use state and/or federal GI Bill® education benefits will meet 1:1 with a staff member to discuss state and/or federal GI Bill® education benefits, military service course accommodations, and discover military/veteran and military-kid specific programs and events. Learn more at veterans.wisc.edu
Schedule
Day 1
- 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., check-in to the SOAR program begins.
- 1–5:30 p.m., the welcome and presentations will promptly begin at this time. Guests will part ways with their students to hear from university leadership about the transition to college. Other topics covered include health and well-being, campus safety, and academics.
- 5:30–6:30 p.m., dinner is included, and the guest program is concluded for the night.
Day 2
- 8:45–11:30 a.m., parents/guests will learn more about finances, career services, on-campus or off-campus housing, and be able to ask questions for a student panel. The program will conclude around 11:30 a.m.
- 1–2:30 p.m., participate in guided room tours (optional) in select residence halls.
Day 1
- 8–8:45 a.m., check-in for the SOAR program
- 9:15–9:45 a.m, the SOAR program will begin promptly with a welcome for both students and their guest(s).
- 9:45 a.m–2:30 p.m., Participants will learn more about health and wellbeing, safety, the transition to UW–Madison, and more. Lunch is included, and a chance to ask current students questions about their UW-Madison experience.
Stay Connected to Your Badger
You play a central role in your student’s life and will continue to be a source of guidance and support during these college years. However, we encourage you to look at your relationship in a different way, moving from being the primary caregiver and decision-maker to a mentor and coach. While this is a significant change for many, we’re here to help you navigate this transition.
