Two thousand incoming first-year students and family members will be visiting campus over the next week so they can hit the ground running come fall.

Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) runs between Friday, July 6 and Sunday, July 15 and features a series of day-long events for students entering the faculties of Arts and Science, Commerce, Engineering, Nursing, or the Bader International Study Centre, along with QBridge students enrolled in the School of English.

This annual program is an opportunity for new students to learn more about academic expectations, learning strategies, resources, and common student transition issues.

“The goal of SOAR is to help students feel prepared before their first day of classes at Queen’s,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean (Student Affairs). “We look forward to welcoming these new members of the Queen’s community to campus and helping them start their academic journeys in the best way possible.”

During a typical SOAR day, students and their families and supports will take in presentations, learn about all of the services and resources designed to support student success, meet professors and upper-year students in their faculties, tour a residence room, try the food on campus, and have their questions and concerns addressed.

The day includes opportunities to speak to academic advisors, accessibility advisors, and our campus dietitian and chef. Family members and supports also attend sessions specifically designed to answer their questions and learn what they can do to support their student’s transition to university life.

For students who are not able to attend SOAR, the Division of Student Affairs offers webinars throughout the summer that are then posted online so students can remotely access the information at their convenience. “Get Ready for Queen’s” events are also scheduled in Calgary and Vancouver in August for families who are not able to make it to SOAR. 

With many first-time visitors to Queen’s expected during SOAR, there may be a higher than usual number of people looking for directions. The Division of Student Affairs is asking all Queen’s community members to offer assistance where possible on July 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Most of the SOAR programming will take place in the Bioscience Complex and Ban Righ Hall.

Additionally, staff and faculty should be advised that the Tindall Field above ground parking will be the main parking lot for our students and guests during SOAR, and should expect increased demand for this lot.

For more information on this year’s SOAR programming, or to register, visit the Student Experience Office website.