SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)

Welcome to Woodbury University SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)! 

We are excited to welcome you to the Woodbury University family. Our SOAR program is designed to help you start your journey with confidence and excitement. 

Mark Your Calendars 

Woodbury’s next in-person SOAR will be held on Friday, August 29th: 

– New Student Move-In: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
– New Student and Family Orientation: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
– Closing Reception: 3:30 PM 

Check out the full SOAR Schedule

An orientation fee will be included on your student account. 

What to Expect from SOAR

SOAR is a multi-part event designed to introduce you to Woodbury University and help you transition smoothly.

Step 1: Pre-SOAR

A student holding a piece of paper and their parent stand on the grass, both wear pink and have an intrigued look on their faces.

Before registering for classes, please complete the following: 

Online SOAR Modules
Beginning early July, you will have access to exciting online SOAR modules to help orient you to campus before arriving in person. You will receive a link via email on how to log into Canvas and complete the online modules. After completing the modules, you will be directed to register for courses. 

Summer Checklist
Also through your online Canvas portal, you will be able to review all necessary deadlines for required documentation and forms. You can submit these through Canvas. More information to come! 

Step 2: Register for Classes

New students gathering in a crowd in the shade of oak trees. The central student has a wide smile and wears a white crochet shirt.

Once you have completed the online modules, you will be directed to make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss which courses to take. From there, you and your advisor will build your schedule together, and you will register for classes.

Step 3: In-Person SOAR

Three students look at a phone, the center individual holds a camera by their chin.

Visit campus to tour the facilities, meet your faculty, and learn how to make the most of your time at Woodbury. RSVP links will also be included through the online Canvas portal. 

In-person SOAR is mandatory for all new students, including transfer students and graduate students. We look forward to meeting you! 

SOAR In-Person Schedule – August 29, 2025

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning Optional Events & Activities

  • Housing Student Move-In – North & South Halls
  • Early Bird Campus Tour – 8:00 AM (Miller)
  • Makeup Math Placement Exams – 9:00–10:00 & 10:00–11:00 (Miller 204)
  • Campus Highlights Tour – 9:30–10:30 AM (Miller)
  • Individual Appointments as Needed – Academic Advising, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Disability Services (Miller or Whitten)

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Check-In 

  • Location: Main Quad

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Welcome Assembly 

  • Location: Fletcher Jones Auditorium

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch

  •  Location: Woody’s Dining Hall & Quad

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Track Sessions I

Undergraduate Student Track:

  • Icebreakers with Campus Colleagues – Alumni Quad
  • First-Year Presentation – Woody’s Dining Hall
  • Transfer Presentation – Ahmanson

Families Track:

  • Fletcher Jones Auditorium – “What Parents Need to Know”

Graduate Student Track:

  • WUSB – Bowman
  • WSOA – Kirkendall
    • Icebreaker, Introductions, Program Info, Q&A

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Track Sessions II

  • Undergraduate Student Track – Meet Your Dean/Chair + School Overviews:
  • WSOA (Architecture) – Ahmanson
  • WMCD (Media : Culture : Design) – Ahmanson
  • WUSB – Business Building 104
  • WLAS (Liberal Arts & Sciences) – Business Building 102

Families Track Breakouts:

  • Campus Resources in Action – Fletcher Jones Auditorium
  • Navigating Academic Expectations & Supports – Woody’s Dining Hall
  • Supporting Students in Creative Education – Business Building 210
  • First-Gen Families – Business Building 209

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Reception + Tabling

  • Location: Quad & Atrium
  • Campus Resource Tabling, Surveys, and Gear!

4:30 PM | International Student Meet & Greet

  • Location: Woody’s Dining Hall

SOAR Weekend Social Schedule

Friday, August 29, 2025 | New Student Social

  • 6:00 PM – Woody’s Dining Hall

Saturday, August 30, 2025 | Movie Night

  • 7:00 PM – Upper Campus

Sunday, August 31, 2025 | Dodger Game

  • Game starts at 1:15 PM
  • Departure from campus at 11:30 AM
  • Event Currently at Capacity

Monday, September 1, 2025 | Pool Party

  • 3:00 PM – Campus Pool
tableing 6

Family Session

While students are on campus, families can attend dedicated sessions to learn how to support their student during this transition. 

Celebrate Your Future

We’re looking forward to welcoming you onto campus and sharing all the information to get you ready to start the next steps in your education!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOAR?

SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) helps new students transition into Woodbury University and get started successfully.

Is SOAR required?

Yes. All new students must complete online SOAR modules and attend in-person SOAR. 

Can my family attend SOAR?

Yes. Up to two guests may accompany you.

Do international students need to attend SOAR?

Yes. In addition to SOAR, international students must attend International Student Orientation to learn about legal requirements and responsibilities.

Meet Your SOAR Team

Woodbury’s SOAR team is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

Evetth Gonzalez
Associate Dean of Students

Elizabeth “Lisa” Cooper
Academic Affairs Coordinator

Morgan Queen
Student Affairs Administrative Assistant

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:

818.252.5117