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 spring semester courses. Program details vary by student group.
More information on January SOAR will be available in December.
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 first-year (freshmen) 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. Students do not need to be available for the full week of their session however, students should have a few available times throughout the week as they will meet with an advisor and academic college.
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 first-year (freshman) SOAR schedule.
If you’d like to attend SOAR in person, please contact our office for more details.
Additional Required International Student Orientation (Online)
In addition to the SOAR program, international students are required to complete an online International Student Orientation (ISO) through International Student Services. Orientation components for international students include:
- Check-in with International Student Services (ISS) for document scanning via Terra Dotta
- Complete ISO modules on Canvas
- Optional ISS Welcome Events
Interested in learning more about the student experience at UW-Madison?
Join the SOAR New Student Leaders for one of our Virtual Student Panels. Each virtual SOAR week has two opportunities to ask questions to our New Student Leader panel about their experiences on campus and what advice they would share to new students coming to Madison this fall.
If you are signed up for a virtual SOAR session, you will receive an email with more information and a Zoom link as your SOAR session approaches.
Upcoming Virtual Student Panels
July 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. CST
July 10th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. CST
July 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. CST
July 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. CST
August 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. CST
August 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. CST
Look for more information on your transition to UW–Madison in your New Student Newsletters from International Student Services (ISS).