Making the transition to university life can be hectic, but for incoming Queen’s students and their families, July’s Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) program offers them a chance to learn about their new living and learning environment and connect with peers, upper-year students, staff and faculty ahead of the school year.

SOAR introduces first-year students and families to campus services and resources, information about living in residence and new academic expectations, and includes academic advising for Arts and Science students.

New this year is the opportunity for students with food allergies and students who require academic accommodations to consult one-on-one with specialized service providers.

Students and families can meet with Food Services staff to talk about customized dining hall meals and food outlets on campus; Queen’s Student Accessibility Services will also be available to speak to students with disabilities, one-on-one, about the registration and accommodation process and documentation requirements.

“One of our key priorities this year is to facilitate early support for incoming students with allergies or any accessibility needs,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney, who recently chaired a review on the university’s services and supports for students with allergies and who is leading a review of the university’s academic accommodation policies.   

“SOAR provides an opportunity for these students to connect with Food Services staff and dining hall chefs to learn about managing their allergy on campus and it allows students with  accommodation needs to meet with advisors before the start of the school year to discuss a plan designed to support their academic success.”

SOAR days for students in Arts and Science are Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10; students going to the Bader International Study Centre are invited to campus on Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9; SOAR for students in Commerce and in Engineering and Applied Science will run on Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, and Nursing students can attend on Saturday, July 16.

Online registration is now open on the Student Experience Office website

Also new this year are summer webinars for those unable to attend on-campus SOAR events. Topics include moving in to residences, international student transition, academic support, and student life.

“We look forward to welcoming the incoming class to SOAR on campus in July and increasing online opportunities for engaging with first-year students who can’t make it to Kingston,” says Ms. Tierney. “We want to do all we can to ensure they are well prepared to start their student experience at Queen’s.”