SOAR returns home to new Union South

For the first time since 2008, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) will take place in Union South, returning the program’s original, but greatly enhanced, home base.

From June 9-Aug. 19, 6,000 freshmen, 1,200 transfer students and about 8,000 parents and guests will attend SOAR, where new incoming students meet with academic advisers, enroll in fall classes and familiarize themselves with campus culture.

Wren Singer, director of the Center for the First Year Experience (CFYE), notes that students and families will have fewer logistics to manage with the program taking place in the new Union South this year.

“Last year we used eight facilities,” says Singer. “This year, with Union South as the SOAR hub, the amount of trekking around participants need to do will be greatly reduced.”

Starting Wednesday, June 8, the SOAR office will be in the Alumni Room in Union South. It will be staffed until Aug. 31, Sunday-Friday from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Because CFYE staff will be in the SOAR office, the regular office at 21 N. Park St. will not have reception desk staffing.

As participants make their way around campus for SOAR, Singer encourages the community to direct them to Union South for assistance. “We hope the whole community can help provide a warm welcome for our newest students and their families,” she says.

Though the construction situation is less challenging than last year, students and families staying overnight in Elizabeth Waters will encounter challenges when driving to and from the residence hall.

Both directions of traffic are closed on Charter Street between Observatory and Linden drives. Participants are provided a pedestrian path, however.

In addition to using Union South for advising and orientation space, participants will also be able to sample the food and use recreation services in the building.

Singer anticipates the return to Union South will give new students and their families a warm and welcoming experience. “Hopefully the good experience in Union South will give students ideas about great things to do when they return to campus,” she says.