SOAR
Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Is SOAR a required event for incoming students?

SOAR is not a required event. However, some of the information attendees receive will need to be addressed individually over the summer with an admission counselor.

What if I can’t come to SOAR?

Most information that attendees receive will be posted to the website in June. Please contact your admission counselor if you have further questions.

Parents, Families, and Guests

May my parents attend the weekend activities?

We warmly welcome parents and families to join student participants in the weekend activities. On Friday, parents and families are welcome to participate in all of the scheduled events. On Saturday, students and families will have separate schedules.

Is there a program for parents while students are in their sessions?

Parents-only sessions include opportunities to hear from our financial aid office, academic dean, and student life personnel. Tours and Mass will also be available, and the Raven Store will be open throughout both days.

Where do parents, families and guests stay during SOAR?

Parents, families, and guests may arrange to stay in local lodging and accommodations, or they may reserve a residence hall room on campus. The cost to stay on campus is $30 per guest per night. Contact the Conferencing Office to reserve your stay on campus.

SOAR Activities

What should I wear?

Casual attire is welcome for both students and parents.

When do I check in on Friday?

Students are asked to check in from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Friday in the lower level of the St. John Paul II Student Center.

When do I check in on Saturday?

Students are asked to check in from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in the lower level of the St. John Paul II Student Center.

Will I have the opportunity to select classes?

Students must complete the Freshman Course Planning form prior to attending SOAR. Class schedules are posted by June 1 and may be reviewed with an advisor during SOAR.

Will I have the opportunity to change my class schedule?

Students will have the opportunity to speak with an advisor on Saturday morning to discuss any adjustments that need to be made to their class schedule. Please note: schedule changes will not be posted until all requests are reviewed following both SOAR weekends. Schedule change requests will be an on-going process throughout the summer.

Will there be an opportunity to preview academic departments?

Yes! Faculty members from the majority of our academic departments will be available Friday afternoon for you to visit in order to learn more about specific programs. This Academic Open House is available on Friday afternoon only. You will receive location information at checkin on Friday.

Is Mass available on Friday and Saturday?

Mass will be available several times throughout the weekend. Times and locations will be posted in the program schedule.

Travel Plans

How do I get to campus if I’m traveling alone?

Benedictine College will coordinate transportation for students traveling alone through 5 Guys Transportation or college personnel at no cost. This service is only available to students traveling independently. To offer this no-cost service, we will be required to provide your travel information to 5 Guys Transportation. We ask that all arrival and departure times fall between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. For arrivals or departures outside of these parameters, please contact the Admission Office for shuttle and rental car recommendations.

I plan to travel with my parents, is there a shuttle service available from the airport or Amtrak station to campus?

We ask that students traveling by plane or train with their parents to rent a car. Due to our large volume of guests, the college does not provide a shuttle service for students traveling with parents. Please visit flykci.com or contact the Office of Admission for shuttle recommendations.

Lodging, Meals, and Parking

May I stay overnight on campus?

Yes, we encourage it! Student participants are invited to stay overnight in a residence hall on Friday and will receive their assignments in the lower level of the St. John Paul II Student Center at check-in.

I am arriving Thursday and/or leaving Sunday – are there activities during these days?

We strongly encourage students and families to plan to arrive on Friday and depart Saturday afternoon, as there will be no campus activities outside of the SOAR programming.

What should I bring if I am staying overnight in the residence halls?

We will make every effort to make the overnight experience comfortable. We ask that students bring a blanket or sleeping bag, pillow, towel, and any personal toiletry items. Due to the volume of guests, we are unable to provide these items to our overnight guests.

Where do I store my luggage on Friday?

During the day on Friday, students are welcome to safely store their luggage in one of the available rooms in the St. John Paul II Student Center or in their assigned rooms in the residence halls. We ask students to return their room keys to the admission office staff on Saturday morning at check-in.

Where can I park and do I need a parking pass?

Feel free to park in any available parking space on campus. A parking pass is not required this weekend.

Should I bring money for meals?

While on campus, all meals for students and families are complimentary. Dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday are provided.

I have a food allergy. Who should I contact?

Students with food allergies should include this on the comments section of their RSVP form.

Location