Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR)

University College and the Office of New Student Orientation welcome you and we are ecstatic that you chose to pursue your education at our beloved Alabama A&M University where bulldogs soar! BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. (Student Orientation and Registration) will be your first chance to embrace the many challenges college will present to you. The purpose of BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. is to enable new students to become competent, self-reliant learners who are devoted to and engaged in their higher education experience.

In support of this mission, BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. will inform first-year students, transfer students (with fewer than 31 semester credit hours), and re-admitted students of academic policies and procedures, help with the academic and social transition to higher education, prepare students to make reasoned and well-informed choices, and foster a sense of community by acclimating individuals to the Alabama A&M University campus. Attendance at a BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session will assist new students in making their first semester as successful as possible.

This information packet from BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. is extremely important, as is all of the information you receive from the university. As University College is your entry portal into the university it is imperative that you read all of the enclosed matierials carefully and thoroughly. Misinterpreting or "scanning over" this information could result in lengthy delays that can be both costly and frustrating.

Again, we extend to you a warm welcome and look forward to meeting you soon!

Sincerely,
Dora D. Njigha, Director
New Student Orientation
Bulldogs S.O.A.R.

Click here for S.O.A.R. Reply Card

Click here for S.O.A.R. Application

Congratulations on your admission to Alabama A&M University. We know that you are looking forward to your first semester with great anticipation, and yet with many questions. BULLDOGS S.O.A.R., the University's Student Orientation and Registration program, will provide useful information, fun activities and personalized assistance as you begin your transition to Alabama A&M University college life.

The 2007 BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. summer sessions will be your only opportunity to take the COMPASS Placement Exam, get registered for the Fall 2007 semester, and receive your composite schedule (includes courses, times, locations and tuition fees).

In anticipation of a few questions you may have, we have attempted to address some of those most frequently asked:

Is attendance or pre-registration required for BULLDOGS S.O.A.R.?
Yes! S.O.A.R. (Student Orientation and Registration) is required for all undergraduate first-year students, transfer students with fewer than 31 credit hours, and re-admitted students (where applicable). In order to ensure proper facilitation of the program, students need to reserve their spots ahead of time by completing the S.O.A.R. Reply Card.

What are the dates of the BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. sessions?
There are five S.O.A.R. sessions in all for students entering the university in the fall: Thursday and Friday, June 21-22; Thursday and Friday, June 28-29; Monday and Tuesday, July 9-10; Monday and Tuesday, July 16-17; and Monday and Tuesday, July 30-31.

Every effort is made to accommodate students for their first-choice S.O.A.R. session; however, the earlier orientations fill quickly. Since space is limited, students are encouraged to reserve early. S.O.A.R. dates fill on a first-come, first-served basis. The S.O.A.R. session dates you select should not be considered confirmed until you have paid the $75 enrollment fee to the Office of Admissions and receive a telephone or email confirmation. Be reminded that S.O.A.R. requires an overnight hotel stay and hotel reservations for you and any guests should be made accordingly. Remember, the earlier the S.O.A.R. session, the more options you will have in choosing your courses and the times they are offered. If you discover you have selected a S.O.A.R. date that conflicts with other events, you can only select another S.O.A.R. date that has seats available. Remember, S.O.A.R. dates are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there a cost for BULLDOGS S.O.A.R.?
No! The BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session is covered through the university's $75 enrollment fee paid to the Office of Admissions. The quickest way to confirm your S.O.A.R. date is to pay your enrollment fee and submit it to the Office of Admissions, and complete your enclosed S.O.A.R. reply card and return it. You may mail your enrollment fee to: Alabama A&M University, Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 908, Normal, AL 35762.

Note: the S.O.A.R. fee is not covered by scholarships or financial aid.

What should I expect at the BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session?
Student Orientation and Registration is meant to make the transition from high school to college a little bit easier. BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. helps prepare incoming students to be successful their first year in college. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, but you will also learn about academic requirements and resources in addition to various campus activities before the fall semester even begins. Use this opportunity to become familiar with the environment you will be living in during the next few years.

Will I be advised during the BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session?
No. However, all new students are encouraged to seek out their Academic Advisor once classes begin in the fall. When you receive your fall schedule you will also be given a business card with your assigned advisor's contact information. It is important that you meet regularly with your academic advisor so you can secure information about course requirements and be able to register early for the following semester's courses. If you have additional questions you can contact the Academic Advising Center at 256.372.5602.

How should I dress for the BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session?
During Student Orientation and Registration you will be seeing all that Alabama A&M University has to offer; be prepared to walk to different places around our beautiful campus. Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in and appropriate clothing for being outside at times. Suggested attire for the day might be sneakers, shorts or loose-fitting pants, and a short-sleeved shirt. The average high temperature for June-August in Huntsville, AL, is 88° F, and the average low is 68° F.

What do I need to bring with me?
Students attending BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. will need to prepare to stay overnight in a local area hotel. Be certain that you pack adequate clothing, medications, toiletries, and other necesseties needed for a trip away from home.

Where will I check in for Orientation?
All students may check in at the Ernest Knight Center starting at 7:00am on day one of your selected session of BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. Ceck-In is from 7:00 - 8:15am. You will be greeted by a representative who will confirm your arrival, assist you with your S.O.A.R. schedule, and provide additional instructions.

Where will I be staying during the BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. session?
All first-year students and their guests will need to make hotel arrangements. The following hotels have agreed to offer a discounted rate especially for BULLDOGS S.O.A.R. attendees and their parents or guardians. Be sure to request the Alabama A&M University orientation rate.

Hotels

Candlewood Suites Huntsville
201 Exchange Place, Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 830-8222
Starting Rate: $80

Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Huntsville
4880 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 837-4070
Starting Rate: $127

Courtyard by Marriott Huntsville
4804 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 837-1400
Starting Rate: $110

Embassy Suites
800 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 539-7373
Starting Rate: $149

Holiday Inn Express Huntsville
3808 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 721-1000
Starting Rate: $81

Holiday Inn Huntsville - Research Park AL
5903 University Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 830-0600
Starting Rate: $89

Knights Inn
4404 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 837-3250
Starting Rate: $45

LaQuinta Huntsville - Space Center
3141 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 533-0756
Starting Rate: $55

LaQuinta Inn Huntsville - Research Park
4890 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 830-2070
Starting Rate: $72

Marriott Huntsville
5 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 830-2222
Starting Rate: $140

Residence Inn by Marriott Huntsville
6305 Residence Inn Road, Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 895-0444
Starting Rate: $124

Super 8 Motel - Huntsville
3803 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 539-8881
Starting Rate: $44

Note: Since S.O.A.R. is designed for first-year students to Alabama A&M University and adults, it is suggested that infants and younger children not attend, as day-care services are not provided.

Bulldogs S.O.A.R. Schedule*

Student Schedule - Day 1
7:00 - 8:15	Check-In Registration / COMPASS Placement Exam Intro
8:30 - 11:00	COMPASS TESTING (100 Students)
8:30 - 11:00	AAMU History / Campus Tour / Campus Culture Session & Academic Policies and Procedures Session (100 Students)
11:30 - 1:00	Welcome Luncheon Presented by Alumni Affairs
1:30 - 4:00	COMPASS TESTING (100 Students)
1:30 - 4:00	AAMU History / Campus Tour / Campus Culture Session & Academic Policies and Procedures Session (100 Students)
4:15 - 4:45	*Schooling the Parent* Presented by the Office of the Registrar
5:00 - 7:30	Deans / Faculty Mixer & Reception Presented by University College
8:00 - UNTIL	*GET A LIFE* (Various activities) Presented by Student Activities
Student Schedule - Day 2
8:00 - 1:00	Continental Breakfast / Schedule Distribution / Visit Administrative Offices

* Please note that this schedule is subject to change

SOAR Reply Card

S.O.A.R. Application

Alabama A&M University - 4900 Meridian Street, Normal, AL 35762.Copyright © 2006 Alabama A&M University
| Campus Operator - (256) 372-5000 | Undergraduate Admissions - (256) 372-5245 | Graduate Admissions - (256) 372-5266 |