More than 500 first-year undergraduate students and their families and guests will be coming to campus over the next two weeks for their first glimpse into life at Queen’s.

Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources (SOAR) runs July 5-14, and includes events and activities for students in Arts and Science, Commerce, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, Nursing, and students who will be spending their first year at the Bader International Study Centre (BISC), in England.

During this annual program, new students spend a day on campus learning about academic expectations, learning strategies and how to prepare for their transition to university. They also have the opportunity to meet their future classmates, upper-year students in their program, and get all of their questions answered.

“The goal of SOAR is to ensure a smooth transition for all incoming students to maximize their academic and personal success,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “We look forward to welcoming these new members of the Queen’s community to campus and helping them prepare for their upcoming academic journey.”

SOAR includes interactive presentations, a resource fair, faculty-specific programming, including advice with course selection for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science, and residence tours. In addition, students will have the chance to speak with academic advisors, accessibility advisors, the campus dietitian and our dining hall chefs.

For students who are unable to attend SOAR, or have more questions, Student Affairs is holding weekly webinars for first-year students to help support their transition to Queen’s. Hosted by staff and upper-year students, the webinar series covers topics such as course registration, living in residence, orientation week, and academics.

“SOAR and the summer webinar series are both wonderful opportunities for new students to ask questions and get advice from peers and professional staff about life at Queen’s,” says Meg Ferriman, Director, Student Life in Student Affairs. “It’s important that all students feel welcome and equipped to make a successful transition in the fall.”

For more information about SOAR and the webinars, and to register, visit the Student Experience Office website.

Student Affairs and faculty representatives are also travelling to Vancouver and Calgary in mid-August to meet with first-year students and supports and help them get ready for Queen’s. Learn more.