First-year students ready to SOAR

More than 1,200 incoming first-year students and their families are expected to visit Queen’s this month at Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR).  

Professional and student staff in the Student Experience Office (SEO) in Student Affairs are leading the welcome of the university’s newest students and their families and supporters, July 5-7 and 12-13. As part of the day-long program, they are touring campus, participating in activities, and listening to lectures and panels to help ensure they are well prepared for the first day of classes this fall.  

A group of 14 upper-year Peer Ambassadors from the direct-entry faculties and schools — some of whom were at SOAR last year as incoming students — create connections with incoming first-year students and offer them a glimpse into university life.  

“One of the SOAR Peer Ambassadors shared how they were unsure about finding community at Queen’s when they were attending SOAR, but by the end they had made friends in their program, many of whom they are still close to today,” says Amanda Yeung, SOAR Student Lead. “Watching this year’s ambassadors grow into their roles has been truly rewarding, and it reaffirms the impact that SOAR has on all students.”  

Incoming students ask questions during an information period in a lecture hall as part of Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR).

Back by popular demand is the Student Stories panel, where upper-year students share stories about their transition to Queen’s and their first-year experiences with an audience of incoming parents and supporters.  

“I spoke on the Student Stories panel last year, and when presented with the opportunity to do it a second time, I immediately jumped on board,” says Lead, Include, Transform (LIT) Student Lead Zoë DeMille. “I think it's important to include supporters and families at SOAR because the transition to university life can feel daunting for students, and having additional support for them, such as a family member there who understands what the residences might look like, or where the health and wellness supports are on campus, can help students feel more at ease.”

SOAR is one of the first steps along a pathway of support laid out for incoming first-year students. SOAR is part of the SEO’s First-Year Foundation program, which offers a suite of year-long online and in-person resources and opportunities to help incoming students navigate the transition to university life. Before the school year starts, incoming students can also access webinars on course selection, university resources, and more. First-year students are also encouraged to complete the self-directed FYF100 course on OnQ, which familiarizes them with the platform and introduces them to resources, events, and expectations at Queen’s.

Community building also starts early for first-years, who are invited to online socials all summer long, and to join Raftr, a digital community platform exclusive to incoming undergraduate students. Thousands of messages are exchanged on Raftr before the start of the year as students get to know their peers. First-year students can also find community through the QSuccess mentorship program which pairs first-years with upper-year peer mentors. Registration for QSuccess opens July 5.  

SOAR is part of the SEO’s First-Year Foundation program, which offers a suite of year-long online and in-person resources and opportunities to help incoming students navigate the transition to university life.

Once they get to Kingston, Fall Orientation gets underway. University Orientation includes both class-wide and smaller meet and mingle events, and faculty orientations will help students make connections within their programs. First-years living off campus are invited to join the Off-Campus Community, which offers social events, an on-campus lounge, and specific resources.  

“There is a lot of energy, really positive energy, surrounding our first-year programming, and it is all aimed at ensuring students feel comfortable, informed, and excited to start at Queen's,” says DeMille.  

Learn more about First-Year Foundation and SOAR on the Student Experience Office website.

This story originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.