The following information explains the process for requesting permission to not attend the Summer Orientation and Registration Program (SOAR) for new L&S undergraduate students. This policy applies to all new students including transfer students.

The College of Letters & Science believes that the Summer Orientation and Registration Program (SOAR) is critical in providing new students, including transfer students, with the tools and resources to promote academic success in the student’s first semester on campus.  Additionally, there is a risk that final admission and transfer credit information will not be finalized if the student does not attend a SOAR session.

Because of this, SOAR exemptions will be rare. In the event that a student asks to be exempt from attending SOAR, please follow the following procedures:

1) Advisors in the College of Letters & Science (includes Academic Advising Services (AAS) generalists, faculty, departmental, major, certificate, and POD advisors) are required to contact the Assistant Dean/Director for L&S Academic Advising Services by e-mail, advisingaas@ls.wisc.edu,  about any contact with a new student who requests a SOAR exemption.  Include the following information in the e-mail:

Student name

Student ID number

Student email address and phone number

Date of contact with student

Rationale for request

ALL exemption requests must be reviewed by the Assistant Dean/Director.  Advisors in the College of Letters & Science are not authorized to provide a SOAR exemption. 

2)   Advisors should not contact the Center for the First Year Experience or SOAR staff about SOAR exemptions for L&S students.

3)   The Assistant Dean/Director for L&S Academic Advising Services will respond to the advisor and the student by e-mail within 5-7 business days after receiving the SOAR exemption request.  This e-mail will include the decision or further instructions, if necessary.  Please note that additional information may be needed/requested before a final decision can be made.

This policy and process will be enforced immediately.