SOAR Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! All incoming students are required to attend one of the SOAR sessions. In the spirit of inclusion and access, we have created various modalities for students to engage in SOAR, including a two-day SOAR with an overnight component, a one-day in-person SOAR, and a one-day virtual SOAR.
Winter SOAR dates for both first year and transfer students are:
- December 6: Virtual
- December 16: Virtual
At SOAR, you will register for classes, be introduced to services and resources available on campus, discover opportunities for involvement, and be welcomed into the Dominican University community.
Please note that assessments MUST be completed before your SOAR date.
All students who have paid their tuition deposit will receive email and text messages with a customized link to register for your SOAR program. You can also register for SOAR through your Admissions Portal.
Please note that you must pay your Tuition Deposit prior to registering for SOAR. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Admission at (708) 524-6800 or domadmis@dom.edu.
For First-year two-day SOAR, check in takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Coughlin Commons. You can access the Coughlin Commons through either the East Parking Lot or the Circle Drive.
For First-year one-day SOAR, check in takes place at 7:45 a.m. in the Slate Lobby of the Fine Arts building.
For Transfer SOAR, check in takes place at 8:15 a.m. in the Parmer Atrium.
Virtual SOAR for both first-year and transfer students starts at 9:00 a.m. Please log in prior to the start time.
- First-year two-day SOAR starts with check in at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Day 2.
- First-year one-day SOAR starts with check in at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 5:15 p.m.
- Virtual SOAR for both first-year and transfer students starts at 9:00 a.m. (please log in prior) and will conclude at 4:00 p.m.
- Transfer in-person SOAR starts with check in at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m.
Students are expected to remain available the entire program length.
We cannot guarantee residence hall availability, but for students traveling more than 250 miles, certain accommodations may be made with at least a two-week advanced notice. Please contact Student Success and Engagement at sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941 for assistance.
If you are driving to campus for a two-day SOAR, please park in the East Parking Lot (off Park Dr.) and enter at Coughlin Commons. Vehicles can be left overnight, and you will not need a parking permit for the SOAR program.
If you are driving to campus for a one-day SOAR, please park in the West Lot (off of Division Street) and enter at the Fine Arts Building. Follow the SOAR signs.
Yes, if you selected the two-day SOAR experience. The overnight accommodations will be provided in Coughlin Hall, which has double-occupancy rooms and communal bathrooms. All students will be assigned a roommate.
Please contact Student Success and Engagement at sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941 if you have any questions.
Bed linens and towels will be provided. Please bring clothes for the second day, toiletries, and an alarm clock. Be sure to bring pens, pencils, something with which to take notes, a water bottle, a bag/backpack, and any medication(s) you take regularly or medical device you need for health reasons (i.e. inhalers, EpiPens, etc.).
The two-day SOAR program is designed specifically for new students. Parents, family members and guests will be invited to attend a family session during First-year SOAR Sessions, but will not be able to stay on campus during the duration of SOAR.
Parents can click here for additional resources and to learn about the Family Academy, a program designed to keep families informed about their students’ journey at Dominican.
We also invite families to attend Welcome Weekend, August 24–25.
Students can reschedule your SOAR date through your Admissions Portal unless the deadline for SOAR registration has passed (2 weeks prior to the SOAR for which you are registered).
If it is within 2 weeks before your SOAR session, please email SSE (sse@dom.edu) with your current registration date and preference for which SOAR session you want to attend.
Please note that space is limited and it may not be possible to change the date of your SOAR session.
You will meet with both your peer advisor and your academic advisor during the course of your SOAR program. They will help you select and register for your fall semester classes.
Before your SOAR program, you will take two additional assessments: modern foreign language and math.
The Math Placement Exam is a non-calculator exam that all new Dominican University students must take during their SOAR date. As you may have certain math requirements based on your major, you will want to do your best on this exam in order to stay on track with your degree completion. It is important to accurately portray your math skills on this exam, so review modules will be available for you to brush up on early math topics. If you have questions about the Math Placement Exam, please email stemsupport@dom.edu.
Results of your assessments will be shared prior to your class registration, and used to identify appropriate courses for your fall schedule.
If you are a student with a documented disability requiring testing accommodations, please contact Accommodations and Disability Access at ada@dom.edu.
For general questions, please contact the Academic Advising Office at (708) 524-6491 or advising@dom.edu.
If you have a documented disability or believe you have a disability but don’t yet have documentation, you may request accommodations for SOAR and/or for the academic year. Our Accommodations & Disability Access (ADA) office will follow up with you to coordinate support with the SOAR team.
Students with dietary concerns should contact sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941 . Dining Services can accommodate most food allergies, with advanced notice of requested accommodations.
Please log in to the Zoom link emailed to you no later than 8:50 a.m. (Central Time) as we will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time). The program will conclude by 4:00 p.m. (Central Time). You are expected to remain available for the entire day for which you register.
Information on your academic advisor will be provided at SOAR.
If you have additional questions concerning the Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR) program, please contact sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941 .