<p>Hi all,
Just wondering if I’m required to go to the orientation in August. It takes a long time to go there and back, and if I don’t have to go there, I’ll just skip it. So… is it mandatory? And are there any repercussions to not attending? Thanks!</p>
<p>It is not mandatory and with block scheduling I’m not even clear why they do it. On the other hand, if you want to visit or meet some of the staff in your major this is a nice way to do it. We are from OOS and my daughter did not go last year. It was not a problem.</p>
<p>It’s not mandatory, as Mariner116 said. However, a lot more goes on at SOAR than just getting your block schedule. The students and parents break up into their own groups and there will be presentations from staff and various departments around campus. Question and answer forums with student leaders from the WOW group. Students will meet with their major (dept.). It’s a very welcoming day! Then there’s a box lunch out on O’Neill Green where everyone sits together, although our daughter sat with other Kinesiology students after she checked in with us. Later, the students and parents attend a presentation together.</p>
<p>I know it might not be feasible for families from out of state to attend SOAR. However, we live less than 3 hours away and it was worth spending the night before to attend. At first my husband was reluctant about going. But, I think in the end he enjoyed it and learned a lot about the college where our daughter would be spending the next four years of her life. :)</p>
<p>I doubt there would be repercussions if you are unable to attend. What I don’t get is why it’s so darn expensive. We are about 6 hours away and my son wants to go, so we are going. I think it’s more a of fun thing. Sort of a pep rally. I would not stress about not be able to go.</p>
<p>Dont stress it. We went to last year and were so disappointed…I felt we learned more from Open House(this was just a repeat of that) and it costs alot…If you went to Open House, you got the same info that they give at Soar…Wish we hadnt of spent the money on it last year! I know that it was so boring that kids we knew left their assigned groups and went bowling instead:(</p>