The Charger Blog
Held in person for the first time since 2019, the UniversityӰԭs Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) program offers the newest Chargers a fun opportunity to connect with their future classmates and members of the University community.
June 30, 2022
On a recent visit to the University of New Haven, Michael Chung Ӱԭ26 and his parents met with staff from offices across the University. It was an opportunity for Chung to learn more about the support and resources that will be available to him when he officially joins Charger Nation this fall.
Chung was exploring the resource fair held as part of the Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) program. The two-day program provided a taste of what life as a student will be like when he begins his time at the University.
ӰԭIt was great to meet so many people,Ӱԭ said Chung, an incoming civil engineering major. ӰԭI enjoyed it, and it was a lot of fun. Being at the University in person like this was a great way to make some new friends who may be friends for the next four years or, even, for life. I felt so welcome at the University.Ӱԭ
SOAR brings together the UniversityӰԭs incoming Chargers for an opportunity to connect with their classmates and to learn more about the countless opportunities, services, and sources of support at the University. It is designed to ensure a smooth transition to Charger Nation.
Students, and their parents and families, learn about the myriad of resources available to them at the University as well as student life and how to get involved on campus. They also interact with the dean of their academic college or school as well as students from their program of study. Two SOAR sessions took place in June, and two more are planned for July.
ӰԭIt was great to meet with my new advisers and professors,Ӱԭ said Molly Fitzpatrick Ӱԭ26, an incoming a psychology major. ӰԭEveryone at the University was so welcoming. IӰԭm very excited for the new experiences IӰԭll have at the University and to have more independence.Ӱԭ
Every summer, a team of current students helps to welcome their new classmates. Serving as orientation coordinators or orientation and transition leaders, they offer support and ensure the incoming Chargers feel welcome and experience a sense of community.
This yearӰԭs program was particularly exciting as it was the first time SOAR was held in-person since 2019.
Amber Cholewa Ӱԭ25, an orientation and transition leader, is spending the summer welcoming members of the Class of 2026. Her own SOAR experience last summer was virtual because of the pandemic, and she is excited that her new classmates get to experience the program in person.
ӰԭI really hope they enjoy the in-person factor,Ӱԭ said Cholewa, a health sciences major. ӰԭI hope being at the University with everyone before school starts enhances their Charger experience. IӰԭm enjoying being here and getting to know the incoming students.Ӱԭ
One of CholewaӰԭs fellow orientation and transition leaders Rebecca Lovatt Ӱԭ24 was also excited to be a part of a fun and welcoming experience for the new students.
ӰԭItӰԭs nice to get everyone back on campus,Ӱԭ said Lovatt, also a health sciences major. ӰԭDuring COVID, it was hard to have the feeling of community that we wanted, and I hope welcoming this new class helps that feeling come back even more. I attended a virtual SOAR in 2020, and IӰԭm enjoying this in-person program vicariously through the incoming students. I was thinking, Ӱԭthis is so cool,Ӱԭ and it adds even more to the UniversityӰԭs charm.Ӱԭ
In addition to academic planning, course registration, and introductions to University faculty and staff members, new students had a variety of fun opportunities to connect with each other. It was the evening activities on the first day of the program that were particularly enjoyable for Samantha Villa Ӱԭ26.
ӰԭI liked the Readers Theatre and the sӰԭmores, campfire, and karaoke,Ӱԭ said Villa, who will study criminal justice. ӰԭIt was the first time we got to spend time with other students and do fun things together, just like we will in college. IӰԭm also very excited about beginning classes in my major. Meeting people in the department was cool, and it helped me feel more secure.Ӱԭ
It was the opportunities to make these connections and the feeling they were already a part of the University community that was so important to incoming students such as Lila Devlin-Perry Ӱԭ26. When she attended the resource fair at the end of her SOAR program, she had already made some new friends, and she was already looking forward to studying abroad at the UniversityӰԭs campus in Prato, Italy.
ӰԭIӰԭm really happy we got to attend SOAR in person after all the virtual things we did in high school,Ӱԭ said Devlin-Perry, a dental hygiene major. ӰԭItӰԭs great to be at the University in person for SOAR, to stay in the residence halls, and to get a better feel of the University of New Haven experience.Ӱԭ
The Charger Blog
University of New Haven Model UN students traveled to Ecuador for an international conference. They honed their diplomatic skills, formed lasting friendships, and explored one of the worldӰԭs most breathtaking environments.
The Charger Blog
Alvin Tran, ScD, MPH, and Krupa Ann Mathew, Ӱԭ25 MPH recently had the opportunity to present their research on identifying and treating eating disorders to a group of healthcare providers working in school-based health centers, earning a strong endorsement from an important Connecticut leader.
The Charger Blog
Kenny Langston, a beloved member of the University of New HavenӰԭs dining team was recognized for making a lasting impact on students through positivity, engagement, and a viral social media moment.