FAQs

General SOAR FAQs

What is SOAR?
SOAR is CSUSB's Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration program for incoming freshmen. SOAR will help you achieve a comfort level as you transition to college. The two-day SOAR program will acclimate you to the day-to-day life of a college student while providing an academic introduction to CSUSB through interactions with faculty members and academic counselors.

Why do I have to attend SOAR?
All admitted incoming freshmen are required to attend SOAR. If you don't attend SOAR, you will not be allowed to attend classes in the fall.

How do I sign up?

Online registration will be available Spring 2010.

Do I need to bring my parents?
You don't have to bring your parents, but they are encouraged to participate in our Parent Orientation, which will be offered in September. The SOAR sessions are for students only.

What is the fee to participate in SOAR?
The fee for the SOAR program is included on all new freshmen student accounts. The fee covers the cost of all SOAR program-related activities, including meals, materials, and events. The 2010 SOAR fees will be announced in the spring.

Can I get a refund for my registration fee?
No, SOAR fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you don't attend the required sessions, you are still responsible for paying the fees.

Who do I talk to if I need special accommodations due to a disability?

If you are in need of special accommodations due to a disability, please contact us at 909-537-5234 or orientation@csusb.edu at least two weeks prior to your selected session.

How do I sign up for Transfer Orientation?

Transfer Orientation is not mandatory and has a different registration process. Unfortunately due to budget cuts, this year's Transfer Orientation has been cancelled.

I am an adult learner (25 or older). Do I have to attend SOAR?

Yes, all first-time freshmen are required to attend SOAR, and you may prefer to attend one of the non-overnight sessions. If you have questions or concerns about attending one of our SOAR programs, please contact us at 909-537-5234. For additional campus resources, visit the Osher Adult Re-Entry Center.

Advising & Registration FAQs

When and how do I make my schedule?
You will make your Fall 2010 schedule during one of the July SOAR sessions after you have met with an advisor.

I still need to take the ELM and/or EPT. Can I sign up for SOAR?
Yes, but in order to register for math and English classes, we will need your ELM and/or EPT scores when you attend SOAR. Therefore, be sure to take the tests AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE so you can get properly advised into the correct courses.

I missed the ELM and/or EPT that I was registered for. What should I do?
You should take the next scheduled test.

Is the Freshman Seminar (USTD 100a) mandatory for all freshmen?
No. However it is mandatory for all UNDECLARED freshmen and it is HIGHLY recommended for ALL new freshmen. Students who take this course have a higher continuation rate for the following academic year than the university's overall rate.

Student Orientation FAQs

What are the times for SOAR?

Check-in for the overnight sessions will begin at 7:00 am and the sessions will go from 9:00 am on Day 1 to 5:00 pm on Day 2. Check-in for the non-overnight sessions is also at 7:00 am, and the program is from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for each day.

Do I have to be there for the entire session?
Yes. You have to be present for the entire session, including the evening programs and overnight stay in the residence halls if you choose the overnight session. If you leave before the session is over, you will not get credit for attending SOAR and you will not be allowed to attend classes in the fall.

What if I can't attend any of the program dates?
We understand that summer is a busy time of the year. However SOAR is your first step to succeeding at CSUSB, so you should make every effort to attend one of the sessions. Start planning now!

Can I bring a friend or significant other with me to SOAR?
No. SOAR is only for admitted students registered for that particular session.

What if I want to change or reschedule my SOAR session after I've already selected one?
The online registration system will not allow you to make changes once you submit your registration; therefore you will need to contact us at orientation@csusb.edu to change your registration. A fee will be assessed for making changes to your registration and for missing your scheduled date, so please make your choices carefully.