SOAR Resources
Resources for Academic Success
UNCG is committed to student success and provides programs and services that will support students as they grow personally and academically. It is important that students be aware and take advantage of the services that UNCG has to offer. Some of the programs and services designed to assist students are listed below.
Few experiences in students’ academic careers have as much potential for influencing their development as academic advising. Advisors help students understand how to develop sound academic and career goals, become successful learners, and understand their role in the academic community. Advising at UNCG may feel very different from advising in high school. In comparison, choosing classes in high school is relatively simple because there are fewer choices. At UNCG, there are over 100 different majors, providing students with a variety of choices when selecting courses.
In the New Student Portal, students will complete the Class Schedule Interest (CSI) Survey. Students' academic advisor will use this information to register students for classes, and they will have an opportunity to finalize their schedule prior to the start of the Spring semester. Students' must complete this survey to sign up for an orientation session, so they should complete the survey as soon as possible.
At UNCG, academic programs are organized under seven areas: College of Arts and Sciences, Lloyd International Honors College, Bryan School of Business and Economics, School of Education, School of Health and Human Sciences, College of Visual & Performing Arts, and School of Nursing and, for Exploratory Students, the Students First Office will serve as your advising location. Each academic department provides academic advising to meet the needs of its students. Advising during the first year is much different from the SOAR advising experience. Students are assigned to advisors or advising centers based on their majors during the first semester as advising models vary by department.
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center (CASA) advises most first-year majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Only Biochemistry, Interior Architecture, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physics majors are assigned to faculty advisors during their first year, rather than CASA. When CASA advisees have earned at least 24 credit hours, they are assigned to faculty advisors in their majors.
Lloyd International Honors College
Lloyd International Honors College (LIHC) advises incoming first-year students at SOAR and during a dedicated Honors College orientation prior to the start of classes in August for the International Honors Program. After SOAR, LIHC has two full-time Academic Advisors available to help students complete the International and Disciplinary Honors Program. Additionally, LIHC provides advising for major national and international scholarships and fellowships, such as the Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Goldwater.
Bryan School of Business and Economics
The Undergraduate Student Services Office coordinates advising for all business majors in the Bryan School. All programs in the Bryan School are advised by advisors in the Bryan Undergraduate Student Services Office
First Year transitions courses: BUS 115 from BUS 105
School of Education
The School of Education’s Office of Student Services advises all students majoring in professions in deafness, elementary, middle grades, special education, and dual majors’ combination of elementary education and special education during SOAR. Students who are education majors in specific content areas (such as English, biology, music, etc.) receive advising from that content area during SOAR.
After SOAR each student will be assigned an SOE advisor based on their last name. Students work with their advisor each semester to meet degree & licensure requirements, understand academic options & resources available to them and make educational plans to meet their goals and interests.
School of Health and Human Sciences
A team of faculty members and professional advisors in the School of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) advise undergraduate students during SOAR. Once registered, students are then assigned to the faculty member, professional advisor, or advising center based on their major.
Secondary admission application procedures are required for the Departments of (1) Communication Sciences and Disorders, (2) Human Development and Family Studies, (3) Kinesiology, (4) Public Health Education, and (5) Social Work. In these respective departments, students are prevented from progressing in their advanced curricula until formal acceptance into the department occurs.
College of Visual & Performing Arts
All first year students in the College of Visual & Performing Arts are advised by the CVPA Student Success Team. Once students have finished their first semester and have earned at least 30 hours, they will be advised by faculty members in their area.
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing’s Office of Undergraduate Advising provides academic advising to all freshmen pre-nursing majors during the first year. In the second year, students are assigned a dedicated faculty advisor.
Admission to the upper division Bachelor of Science in Nursing major is by application only (near the end of the sophomore year.) Students must maintain minimum academic requirements to progress in this particular major. Admission to the program is academically competitive and students are encouraged to understand the academic requirements to be competitive for admission to the program. For more information please visit http://nursing.uncg.edu/Undergraduate/advising/.
Exploratory (Undecided) Majors
The Students First Office provides academic advising for all Exploratory (Undecided) Majors until they have declared and been officially admitted to a major. In SFO, academic advising is an educational process in which you and your advisor partner together in meeting established learning outcomes, working toward your academic success, and outlining steps you will take in achieving your personal, educational, and career goals. Students meet with their SFO advisor two times each semester, once during the first 6-8 weeks of the term and then again during the traditional advising & registration period. For more information on academic advising for Exploratory Majors, visit the “Exploratory Majors” information page on the Students First website or call (336) 334-5730.
Students First Office (SFO)
The Students First Office coordinates intervention processes across different academic and administrative units in order to determine the best possible success strategies for students facing academic, social, or financial setbacks. In collaboration with other support services across campus, the office serves as an Academic One-Stop-Shop for assisting students with academic advising, academic appeals, course overload requests, and graduation plan completion. In addition, SFO also serves as the centralized academic advising center for all Exploratory (Undecided) Majors at UNCG. For more information, visit the Students First website or call or call (336) 334-5730.
First-Year Transition Courses
These courses, designed to help ensure a successful transition to UNCG, expose new students to academic tools, campus resources, personal development, and opportunities for campus and community involvement. Research indicates that UNCG students who take these courses achieve higher GPAs and are generally more successful than students who do not take a first-year experience course. While some majors have a dedicated first-year course as part of their curriculum, some courses like FYE 101: Succeed at the G are open to all first-year students and also fulfill the MAC Foundations competency, as part of UNCG's Minerva's Academic Curriculum.
Academic Achievement Center
The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) offers 3 academic support programs for UNCG students: Course-based Tutoring, Academic Skills, and Supplemental Instruction (SI).
- Tutoring is offered in many 100- and 200- level courses, on a weekly appointment and drop-in basis (depending on the course). Tutoring helps you address your questions and clarify points you're confused about in the class.
- Academic Skills services support you as a learner in general, and assists with skill development around time management, studying, reading, note-taking, and other general student skills.
- The Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides discussion and review forums designed to help you achieve success in courses that have been designated as historically difficult.
All of the academic support services through the AAC are FREE! More information about the Academic Achievement Center programs can be found at go.uncg.edu/aac and students can request assistance directly at go.uncg.edu/aac_request.
Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS)
The Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS) provides support for students with a variety of disabilities and diagnosed learning differences. Students should contact this office to determine if they qualify for assistance. For more information, please refer to the OARS section of this publication or to their webpage: http://ods.uncg.edu/.
University Writing Center
The University Writing Center strives to enhance the confidence and competence of student writers by providing free, individual assistance at any stage of a writing project. Staff consultants are experienced writers and alert readers, prepared to offer feedback and suggestions on drafts of papers, help students find answers to their questions about writing, and provide one-on-one instruction as needed. More information about the University Writing Center is available at http://writingcenter.uncg.edu/.
University Speaking Center
The University Speaking Center provides consultation support and instructional workshop services for UNCG students, faculty, employees, and members of the Greensboro community. Our support is designed to help speakers further develop their own oral communication confidence and competence. We provide peer-to-peer feedback, guidance, and other support in the areas of public speaking preparation and delivery, interpersonal communication, and group or team communication.
The Speaking Center is located along with the Writing Center in 3211 MHRA. We are on the third floor. MHRA is on the corner of Forest and Spring Garden – diagonally across the street from the Mossman Building. http://speakingcenter.uncg.edu/
Career & Professional Development
The Career & Professional Development provides individual and group support to all levels of students in their career development process. Whether it is career and self-exploration, identifying and participating in experiential learning opportunities, the graduate school decision-making and application process, developing and maintaining professional networks, or preparing for the professional employment process, the CPD can equip students with the information and tools needed to make well-informed career decisions. To learn more about the CPD and its services go to cpd.uncg.edu
What are Freshman Seminar courses?
These courses, designed to help ensure a successful transition to UNCG, expose new students to academic tools, campus resources, personal development, and opportunities for campus and community involvement. Research indicates that UNCG students who take these courses achieve higher GPAs and are generally more successful than students who do not take a first-year experience course. While some majors have a dedicated first-year course as part of their curriculum, some courses like FYE 101: Succeed at the G are open to all first-year students and also fulfill the MAC Foundations competency, as part of UNCG's Minerva's Academic Curriculum.
Do you have any tips for first-year success that I can share with my student?
We encourage students to:
- Visit Your First Year website for tips and resources at newstudents.uncg.edu/yfy.
- Create a balanced schedule with a variety of courses planned for every day of the week.
- Register for a first-year experience course.
- Maintain balance between academics and employment.
- Get involved on campus through Campus Activities & Programs.
- Go to class.
- Build relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
- Take advantage of campus resources.
- Explore different majors, especially if you are an Exploratory (Undecided) Major.
- Ask for help at any time!
We have gathered together the most frequently asked questions about SOAR and answered them all in one place.
Reserving Your Spot at SOAR
- Where do I go to reserve a place at SOAR?
- You will register for SOAR through your SpartanLink account at https://spartanlink.uncg.edu/default.asp
- Why can’t I see a specific date for SOAR?
- Sessions are divided by College or School. You will only see SOAR dates that pertain to your major.
- If you see no dates for SOAR and Reservations are open you may need to check your steps to enrollment and confirm your intent to enroll. Or you may not need to attend SOAR, only new first-time transfers and new first-time freshman including international students are required to attend SOAR.
- If a SOAR session is full it will disappear from the list.
- Is it better to register for earlier SOAR sessions?
- It is best to register for the earliest SOAR session you can attend so that you will have time to prepare for classes and look into getting involved on campus.
- Getting an earlier SOAR session will help with getting the class times you want. However, you will still get the classes you need regardless of which SOAR session you attend.
- Can I bring guests to SOAR?
- Yes, the cost of one guest to attend is included in the freshmen new student fee.
- You will need to register all guests through your SpartanLink account. Space is limited, register guests as soon as possible.
- Additional guests require an additional fee. Additional fees must be paid before the deadline through SpartanLink. Fees can be paid on-site during SOAR check-in but at an increased rate.
- Can I change my SOAR reservation?
- Yes, you can make changes to your SOAR session through your SpartanLink account up to the day before your reservation. If you missed your scheduled session you will have to cancel your session and register for a new session as the SpartanLink system will not allow you to change a session that has passed.
- Can I change my major before SOAR?
- Yes, when you are choosing your SOAR session in SpartanLink it will ask if you would like to change your major. Once you indicate that you would like to change you will be able to select your new major from a drop-down list.
Before You SOAR
- I’ve made my SOAR reservation, now what?
- Fill out your immunization forms, which can be found on the student health center website. You can submit those electronically to Student Health Services.
- You will need to activate your computer accounts to get your UNC Greensboro username and email. you can find more information on activating your computer accounts on the information technology services website
- You will need your official transcripts sent to the registrar’s office before you register for classes.
- Schedule a Campus Tour so you’ll know your way around campus.
- Complete your Class Schedule Interest Survey or CSI in the New Student Portal so your advisors can better help you register for classes.
- Send in a photo to SpartanCard to speed up getting your ID. You will have time to pick up your SpartanCard during SOAR.
- Where am I going for SOAR?
- Check your UNCG email prior to your SOAR session with information about the schedule.
Paying for SOAR
- What does the new student fee include?
- The new student fee covers all of the cost of SOAR. This includes all of the student family SOAR. It also covers all first-year events such as Rawkin’ Welcome Week, NAV1GATE, and more.
- I want to bring a guest will there be a charge for them to attend?
- Yes, the cost of guests to attend is not included in the new student fee.
- You will need to sign-up all guests in the New Student Portal. Space is limited, register guests as soon as possible.
What Happens at SOAR
- At SOAR you will meet other new students and learn about campus resources to help you feel prepared to make a successful transition to college. SOAR sessions are offered in June.
- Do I need to stay for the entire duration of SOAR?
- Students are required to stay for the entire program.
- If an emergency occurs that prevents you from finishing your SOAR session please notify a member of SOAR staff.
- Parents/family are not required to stay for the entire duration; however, it is strongly encouraged.
Will Students and Parents/Family be Together Throughout the Duration of SOAR?
- Students and parents/family have separate programs throughout SOAR.
- This gives parents/family the information they need while giving students the opportunity to experience campus on their own.
- Students and parents/family will have to opportunity to reconnect throughout SOAR during a few programs and during meals.
Who Do I Call if…
- …I have questions about on-campus housing?
- 336.334.5636 | https://hrl.uncg.edu/
- …I need to submit my immunization records?
- 336.334.5340 | https://shs.uncg.edu/
- …I need information on parking passes or where to park?
- 336.334.5681 | https://parking.uncg.edu/
- …I need to sign-up for or change a meal plan?
- …I have questions about financial aid?
- 336.334.5702 | https://fia.uncg.edu/
- …I need a payment plan for tuition?
- 336.334.5831 | https://csh.uncg.edu/payment-plan-information/
- …I need to order books?
- 336.334.5563 | https://bookstore.uncg.edu/
- …I have questions about or need to get my student ID?
- 336.334.5651 | https://spartancard.uncg.edu/
- …I have questions about my admission to the University?
- 336.334.5243 | https://admissions.uncg.edu/
I Completed My Days of SOAR, Now What?
- Get involved on campus https://cap.uncg.edu/
- Work with career services to find a job that matches your major and/or interests.
- Buy textbooks https://bookstore.uncg.edu/
- Apply to live on campus through housing and residence life.
- Check out the Your First Year programs.
SOAR Presentations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2c8mF7O9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh1SZQvtd2A
https://youtu.be/dFqpjeqId6Q
https://youtu.be/iKrOO9xEnsQ
https://youtu.be/bbZEoYWVkT4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1Xj6s3Tq4
https://youtu.be/t-WZSssX0Fk
https://youtu.be/nMayOdokQxw
https://youtu.be/QitPltVHIOs
https://youtu.be/QJKW7r6NDsU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcrjEchCqtA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtE2MFJ2pOg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVlknQGCats&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYSZsikrHq8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYQh4RhNaoc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQpPrHOyJUQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnTaFr2htqA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCWzFYhtb2E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK_Qxn67eFw