SOAR FAQs: River Forest
Do I have to attend the Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR) program?
Yes!
All new first-year students are required to attend one of the SOAR sessions. For new transfer students, the SOAR program is strongly recommended.
When is the Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR) program?
SOAR sessions for Fall 2026 admitted students have concluded.
What happens at SOAR?
At SOAR, you will register for classes, be introduced to services and resources available on campus, discover opportunities for involvement, and be welcomed into the 好色TV community.
How do I register for SOAR?
All students who have paid their tuition deposit will receive email and text messages with a customized link to register for your Student Orientation. You can also register for Student Orientation through your Admissions Portal.
Please note that you must pay your Tuition Deposit prior to registering for SOAR. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Admission at (708) 524-6800 or domadmis@dom.edu.
What time do I need to arrive?
Virtual SOAR sessions start at 9:00 a.m. Please log in prior to the start time.
How long will Student Orientation last?
Virtual First-year Student Orientation starts with check in at 9:00 a.m. (please log in 5 minutes prior) and will conclude at 3:00 p.m.
Can I come a day early / stay a day later?
On-campus accommodation is not available for in-person SOAR participants. We recommend exploring local hotels for your stay.
Where can I park?
If you are driving to campus for an in-person Student Orientation, please park in the West Lot (off of Division Street) and enter the Parmer Atrium. Follow the SOAR signs.
What should I bring to SOAR?
Be sure to bring pens, pencils, something with which to take notes, a water bottle, a bag/backpack, and any medication(s) you take regularly or medical device you need for health reasons (i.e. inhalers, EpiPens, etc.).
Who can attend the SOAR program?
The SOAR program is designed specifically for new students with both first-year and transfer sessions.
Parents can click here for additional resources and to learn about the Family Academy, a program designed to keep families informed about their students鈥 journey at 好色TV.
How do I change my SOAR date?
Students can reschedule your Student Orientation date through your Admissions Portal unless the deadline for registration has passed (2 days prior to the Student Orientation session for which you are registered).
If it is within 2 days before your Student Orientation session, please email SSE (sse@dom.edu) with your current registration date and preference for which SOAR session you want to attend.
Please note that space is limited and it may not be possible to change the date of your Student Orientation session or Advising and Registration appointment.
How does course registration work?
You will meet with both your peer advisor and your academic advisor during the course of your SOAR program. They will help you select and register for your fall semester classes.
When will I take my academic assessments?
Before your Advising and Registration appointment, you will take two additional assessments: modern foreign language and math. Students will take the assessments during the morning session of their in-person SOAR date. Students attending virtual SOAR will receive instructions for how to complete the assessments before their virtual SOAR date.
The Math Placement Exam is a non-calculator exam that all new 好色TV students must take before they can register for an Advising and Registration appointment. As you may have certain math requirements based on your major, you will want to do your best on this exam in order to stay on track with your degree completion. It is important to accurately portray your math skills on this exam, so review modules will be available for you to brush up on early math topics. If you have questions about the Math Placement Exam, please email stemsupport@dom.edu.
Results of your assessments will be shared prior to your class registration, and used to identify appropriate courses for your first semester schedule.
If you are a student with a documented disability requiring testing accommodations, please contact Accommodations and Disability Access at ada@dom.edu.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the academic assessments?
For general questions, please contact the Advising Office at (708) 524-6941 or advising@dom.edu.
Who should I contact if I need information about accommodations for the SOAR program?
If you have a documented disability or believe you have a disability but don鈥檛 yet have documentation, you may request accommodations for SOAR and/or for the academic year. Our Accommodations & Disability Access (ADA) office will follow up with you to coordinate support with the SOAR team.
I have food allergies. Will there be something for me to eat at SOAR?
Students with dietary concerns should contact sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941. Dining Services can accommodate most food allergies, with advanced notice of requested accommodations.
What time do I need to log in for my Virtual SOAR Program?
Please log in to the Zoom link emailed to you no later than 8:50 a.m. (Central Time) as we will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time). The program will conclude by 2:00 p.m. (Central Time). You are expected to remain available for the entire day for which you register.
When and how will I find out the name of my assigned advisor?
Information on your academic advisor will be provided at SOAR.
What if I have other questions?
If you have additional questions concerning the Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR) program, please contact sse@dom.edu or call (708) 524-6941.