Student Onboarding & Academic Readiness


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Contact the Academic Advising Center staff

What Is S.O.A.R.?

The S.O.A.R. (Student Onboarding & Academic Readiness) program is designed to provide incoming students with the essential tools, resources, and support needed to confidently transition into college life. Through interactive sessions, personalized advising, and community-building activities, the program aims to foster a sense of belonging, academic preparedness, and long-term student success. 

Program Goals

  • Support Transition: Ease the shift from high school to college by introducing students to academic expectations, campus resources, and student support services. 
  • Onboarding & Integration: Help students understand the culture, values, and community of the institution to build early connections with peers, faculty, and staff. 
  • Academic Advising: Guide students through course selection and degree planning to ensure a strong start to their academic journey. 
  • Registration Readiness: Ensure students are fully registered for their first semester and clearly understand their schedule and academic responsibilities. 
  • Engagement: Students will have the opportunity to conduct necessary university business by interacting with various campus offices, including Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, Residential Life, and Student Accounts.

 

S.O.A.R. Dates


Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - In person
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - In person
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - Virtual
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - In person
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - Virtual

  • Submit your commit form and pay the enrollment deposit fee, prior to registering for a S.O.A.R. session.

  • Students will receive an email with a link to register for a S.O.A.R. session.  

  • After booking a S.O.A.R. session, you will receive an email confirmation that provides a link to your reservation.  Access this email to modify or cancel your session date.

  • After registering for your S.O.A.R. session, all new freshmen will receive a link to complete Clifton Strengths prior to coming to campus. Bring your inventory results with you when attending your S.O.A.R. session.

Tentative SOAR Schedule

Student Sessions

9:30 a.m. - Check-in

9:30 a.m. - Continental Breakfast

10 a.m. - Welcome & General Session (students & guests)

10:50 a.m. - Transition to breakout sessions

11 a.m.- Student & Parent Breakout Sessions

1 p.m. - Lunch

2:30 p.m. - Optional Activies:

  • Individual Advising and Registration
  • Taking Care of Business - conduct necessary university business by interacting with various campus offices, including Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, Residential Life, and Student Accounts.

3:30 - Departure

 

Parent Sessions

11 a.m. - Campus Information & Resource panel discussion

12 p.m. - Financing Your Education

1 p.m. - Lunch

2:30 p.m. - Optional Activies:

  • Individual Advising and Registration
  • Taking Care of Business - conduct necessary university business by interacting with various campus offices, including Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, Residential Life, and Student Accounts.

3:30 - Departure

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Freshman Students - Placement exams are not required for new freshman. All new freshman students will be enrolled in ENGL 101, and math placement will be determined based on your high school cumulative GPA.

    Transfer students - Placement exams are required for all transfer students who have not received credit for a college-level English or mathematics course. To schedule a placement exam, please contact the Testing Services Center. Placement exams may be completed when you come to campus during a scheduled S.O.A.R. session.

  • All incoming freshmen will be preregistered for their first-semester courses. Students will have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisor to review their course schedule and make adjustments as needed.

  • All students should bring their Bulldog Connection username and password; Bowie State University identification number.
  • We recommend that all students and guests wear comfortable walking shoes as we will move about campus throughout the day.
  • Yes. There will be sessions specifically designed for parents and guardians to learn more about academic expectations, financing education, and campus resources.
  • A continental breakfast will be provided for all students and their guests. Lunch will be provided for students at no cost. Guests are welcome to join students for lunch at a cost of $11.00 per person, payable directly to the campus dining facility.
  • Students will have the opportunity to conduct necessary university business by interacting with various campus offices, including Financial Aid, Undergraduate Admissions, Residential Life, Student Accounts and Disability Support Services.
  • Typically, the program lasts one full day, though exact times may vary. Please check your registration confirmation for the full schedule.
  • You can contact the Academic Advising Center at, email:  advisingbsu@bowiestate.edu, phone: 301-860-4072 or revisit this website for additional information.

Getting Around Campus

All in-person sessions will take place at Bowie State University: 14000 Jericho Park Rd., Bowie, MD 20715

View the Campus Map