Frequently Asked Questions

Are all undergraduate students required to attend SOAR?
Yes. Every undergraduate student enrolling in classes for the first time at UNLV is required to attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR). Attending SOAR fulfills UNLV’s requirement for mandatory academic advising for all new undergraduate students. There are SOAR programs designed for freshman and transfer students. At SOAR, you will familiarize yourself with UNLV, meet with your academic advisor, and register for classes.

If I have been admitted for the Summer Term, do I need to attend SOAR?
Yes, it is recommended that you attend an early SOAR date in order to register for summer and fall classes at SOAR. You may receive academic advising and register for summer classes prior to attending SOAR, but you will need to attend SOAR to register for the fall semester.

Are graduate students required to attend SOAR?
No. Graduate students are not required to attend the SOAR program. The UNLV Graduate College coordinates orientation for graduate students in August. You should contact the Graduate College to find out what is required of you before you begin your UNLV graduate program.

Is orientation required for my parent or guardian?
Parents and guardians are not required to attend Orientation. The Parent Orientation Program is optional but highly recommended for the parents of all first time in college freshmen and for the parents of transfer students.

What if I cannot attend SOAR?
If you are unable to attend one of the SOAR sessions, contact the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs at 702-895-2970. We’ll determine if the situation qualifies for an exception and refer you to the steps you need to take if you are not attending SOAR.

How long is the SOAR Program and Parent Orientation?
The SOAR Program is a full day program starting at 9 a.m. You’ll need to allocate a full day to attend the program to ensure you are able to register for classes and take care of all of your needs while you are on campus.

Can I leave the SOAR before its conclusion?
When you are attending SOAR, you should prepare to stay for the full day program and travel arrangements should be made accordingly. If your schedule does not allow you to remain for the entire SOAR program, you should consider an alternative SOAR session.

Can I bring guests with me to SOAR?
SOAR is designed for students. There is a Parent Orientation designed for parents and guardians. Space is limited; please do not plan to bring guests other than parents registered for Parent Orientation.

Are international students required to attend SOAR?
We recommend you attend if you are able. If you are unable to attend any of the SOAR sessions, contact the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs and we can refer you to the steps you will need to take. Whether you can attend SOAR or not, all international students will need to complete an online orientation course called “New and Transfer International Student 101” offered through the Office of International Students and Scholars.

Where can I get help with the online SOAR Registration System?
If you are having trouble using the Online Registration System, you should call the Orientation and Parents program office at 702-895-2970. Please be ready to explain the problem you have encountered so we may assist you more effectively.

Can my SOAR session date be changed after I have already registered?
In order to change your date, you’ll need to contact the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs at 702-895-2970. You’ll want to contact us as soon as possible; the longer you wait increases the possibility the desired SOAR session will be full. You must register for SOAR at least 14 calendar days prior to the SOAR session.

When should I register for SOAR?
You should register for SOAR as soon as possible. We recommend that you come as early as possible because you will be registering for classes, and there is usually greater scheduling flexibility if you come early. You must register for SOAR at least 14 calendar days prior to the SOAR session.

How are the SOAR sessions (dates) determined?
Your SOAR session depends on your academic college, which is determined by your major. If you haven't yet chosen a major, the Academic Success Center will advise you. Each academic college tells us the number of students that can be advised on each SOAR date. Please remember that SOAR sessions fill on a first-come, first-served basis and we encourage you to register as early as possible.

Can I register for a filled SOAR session?
No, each college sets the maximum number of students that the advising staff can meet with and register during each SOAR session. Once this registration total has been set, the Orientation Office is unable to raise the limit. It is for this reason that we encourage you to register for your SOAR session as soon as you possibly can.

Is there a waitlist for closed SOAR sessions?
Our SOAR registration process does not include waitlists for filled SOAR sessions. However, there are many students who reschedule their SOAR session, and as a result space often becomes available in previously filled sessions. Students are welcome to contact our office to inquire about the availability of desired SOAR sessions.

How much does Orientation (SOAR) cost?
All new students are charged a one-time, nonrefundable orientation fee of $120, which appears on your university bill. This fee pays for SOAR program and materials (including advising and registration), RebelCard ID, undergraduate catalog, Student Handbook and Planner, and Rebel Connection Weeks of Welcome.

If I do not attend SOAR do I have to pay the orientation fee?
Yes, the student orientation fee applies to all new undergraduate students even if you are unable to attend SOAR. SOAR materials and academic advising will be made available to you in another format.

Are orientation fees covered by financial aid?
Yes, since the fee is charged on your university bill, financial aid and scholarships may be applied to the fee.

How much does it cost for parents to attend orientation?
There is a $30 charge for each parent attending SOAR in addition to the student. This fee pays for the SOAR program (including lunch) and materials. Each parent will receive a one year membership in the Rebel Parents Association and a UNLV Parent Handbook. The $30 fee should be paid via credit card when students and parents register online for a SOAR date.

Parents needing to cancel registration for Parent Orientation and request a refund will need to contact the Office of Orientation and Parent Programs Office at 702-895-2970 at least three business days prior to the SOAR date.

Where do I park during SOAR?
The best place to park is the Thomas & Mack Center parking lot on Tropicana and Swenson. A PDF of a one-day permit will be e-mailed to you one week prior to your SOAR date. Simply print the PDF and tape it to your windshield in the lower passenger corner. The one-day permit allows you to park in any student or unmarked stalls. Parking restrictions such as metered, staff, reserved, handicap, and red zones will be enforced.

Do my parents check in at the same time/place?
Yes, parents and students both check in at the Student Union 2nd floor from 9- 9:30 a.m. Parents and students will be directed where to go after check in.

What should I expect my on-campus housing experience to be like when I am at orientation?
During orientation, if you select the conference housing option, you will be staying in one of UNLV's on-campus residence halls. You should bring the basic things you would bring to a hotel such as toiletries.

Is on-campus housing available for family members during orientation?
Yes, parents can opt to stay in conference housing in the residence halls. Space may be limited so make your arrangements as soon as possible. There are also numerous accommodations near UNLV.

What should I bring to Orientation?
Get a list of everything you need to bring to orientation.

How do I know what classes to choose?
When you are at orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor who will help you choose appropriate courses for your major and help you select your schedule. You will not be able to register for classes until you have met with your advisor at SOAR.

What could prevent me from registering for classes?
You will not be able to register for classes until you have attended SOAR. At SOAR, you will have an opportunity to meet with your advisor and plan the right class schedule for your major. If you do not complete the UNLV SOAR program you will not be allowed to register for classes.

You must submit your immunization records to the Office of Admissions. We recommend getting these records in as soon as you have made your decision to attend UNLV. Getting these records in early means that you will have one less thing to worry about while attending SOAR. If you are unable to submit these records prior to attending your SOAR session you must bring these records with you to SOAR or you will not be allowed to register for classes.

International students are required to complete an onine orientation course called “New and Transfer International Students 101” offered through the Office of International Students and Scholars prior to attending SOAR.

When should I start looking for financial aid?
We recommend that you begin applying for financial aid opportunities as soon as you make your decision to attend UNLV. You will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before you will be able to apply for most aid sources. UNLV’s Financial Aid & Scholarships office can assist you in your search.