By Emma Laughlin
Western New England University’s Summer Orientation and Registration program, SOAR, is a day that many upperclassmen, faculty, and staff can fondly look back on. It is the two-day process that occurs weeks before incoming students move onto campus to start their first year at the University. The days are usually jam-packed with group activities, informative presentations, the scheduling of fall classes, and tons of school spirit. In the wake of the pandemic, last summer’s SOAR program was moved to a solely remote environment.
Though the SOAR program remained successful, Alyssa Caliguri, Assistant Director of First-Year Success, is excited to have incoming students back on campus for such a momentous occasion. “I am excited to be back in person and for the new students to be able to connect with their classmates after a really hard year,” she said. “I am hopeful we will create a great experience for them during their Orientation session. I want them to leave feeling ready to come back to campus come August!”
This year, SOAR will kick off on the week of June 7. Going back to the roots of this program, SOAR will be a two-day, overnight model. However, this summer we will also see some changes made to the delivery of SOAR. Due to the pandemic, students who stay overnight at WNE will be granted their own room for the evening and families will have the opportunity to learn more about the University thanks to the additional virtual components of the program that will be sprinkled in throughout the summer.
“Based on what we have seen in the past, we understand the need to connect virtually with students even after they attend their SOAR sessions,” continued Caliguri. “We really want them to connect with one another. We are hoping to create an environment, both in person and virtually where students feel connected to at least one other person on campus.”
To keep up the momentum, the program is anticipating between 15-18 Orientation Group Leaders to work this summer. Students selected to become OGLs will begin their official training at the end of May. This training will include preparation for students to return to campus, mentoring activities, student development theory, and group bonding exercises.
The famed informative presentations from Western New England University staff will also make a return to the SOAR program this summer. Lauren Dansereau from Health Services will likely be presenting, alongside parent-fan-favorite, Wayne Carpenter of Counseling Services, Chief Woodrow and his infamous ‘treasure’ chest from Public Safety, Tynisha Henderson-Mitchell of Student Accessibilities Services, and of course, the Deans of each of the Colleges.
Having both the OGLs and staff in person and interacting with incoming students will be a refreshing sight after a year worth of virtual sessions. Students will have the opportunity to visit different offices across campus during a scavenger hunt led by their OGL.
To maintain social distance and capacity limits, there will be five overnight stays and one transfer SOAR day. The days are June 16-17, June 23-24, June 29-June 30, July 6-7, July 12-13, and transfer SOAR on July 15.
“SOAR is the start of each new student’s collegiate journey,” said Caliguri. “I am thrilled to be able to provide an on-the-ground running experience for our new students. It will give everyone an opportunity to connect. I believe this is the best option for our students.”
In a year where many students felt isolated, we agree that this is the best option for incoming students. We encourage new students to branch out, meet classmates, and work hard to feel physically connected to campus.
