Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOAR?
Student Orientation, Advising & Registration is an exciting first step to becoming part of the Eagle Family. At SOAR you will be able to:
- Meet other students and make new friends
- Meet with academic advisors and discuss classes and majors
- Complete course selections and registration
- Learn about academic expectations
- Learn about the University’s services and resources
- Familiarize yourself with the campus
What do I have to complete prior to attending Orientation?
Students must be admitted to Texas A&M University-Texarkana and received a notice of acceptance from the Office of Admissions before making reservations to attend SOAR. See recruitment website for further information at http://www.tamut.edu/Enrollment%20Management/enrollment-management.html
Is SOAR mandatory and who is required to attend?
Yes, In order to register for semester classes, SOAR is REQUIRED for ALL new undergraduate students entering the university. Those students who are unable to attend SOAR will be allowed to register during regular registration after completing an alternative SOAR session.
Is there a fee to attend SOAR?
Yes. All new freshmen students must pay a $100 orientation fee. Transfer and Non-traditional students pay $65 for orientation. A registration hold is placed on new student accounts and will not be removed until the orientation fee is paid.
The fee for a family member or guest who wishes to attend orientation is $25.
How to I pay my Orientation fee to attend SOAR?
To pay your Orientation Fee, you can pay with a debit or credit card through Web for Students. If you need help accessing Web for Student, see our Web for Students Help Page.
You can also pay by check or money order by mailing a payment to:
SOAR Registration
Office of Student Life
7101 University Ave.
Texarkana, TX 75503--Please include your name and CWID number on all checks and money orders!
If you need to make special payment arrangements, please contact Carl Greig, Director of Student Life at cgreig@tamut.edu, or by calling (903) 223-3062.
What are the dates for SOAR?
Fall 2012 enrollment dates are:
First-Year Students(2012 high school graduates)
Thurs/Fri June 14-15th (1pm)
Thurs/Fri June 21-22nd (1pm)Thurs/Fri July 12-13th (1pm)
Friday Aug 24th (9am-3pm)
Non-Traditional Students
Saturday (June 30th) 11am - 3pmTuesday (Jul 17th) 4pm - 8pm
Saturday (July 21st) 11am - 3pm
Thursday (August 2nd) 4pm - 8pm
Off Site Dates
Hallsville - Tuesday, July 10th (4-7pm)NTCC - Thursday, July 19th (4-7pm)
What do I need to bring to SOAR?
You can find a listing of what you will need to have with you on our "What to Bring" page.
Should I bring my Parents to SOAR?
Parents are encouraged to attend but not required. Parents can make a tremendous difference in the success of a student at A&M-Texarkana.
Can I bring my children?
No, we encourage you to make alternative arrangements for childcare so that you may get the most of your orientation.
Do I have to sign up before I can attend?
Yes, you must reserve your spot at orientation. Walk-ins are not allowed.
How do I reserve my spot for SOAR?
You can reserve your spot for orientation online at www.tamut.edu/soar. Once you have been admitted to Texas A&M University-Texarkana and received a notice of acceptance from the Office of Admissions, you will receive notification on how to sign up.
Do I need to have my Meningitis shot before I attend SOAR?
You must have proof of your Meningitis shot on file in order to register for classes. For information on how to do this, or to make sure you meet this requirement, see our Bacterial Meningitis Information Page.
What should I wear to SOAR?
Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for being outside at times. (During orientation you will see all that A&M-Texarkana has to offer so be prepared to travel to different places around our beautiful campus.)
Do I have to spend the night?
If you are attending a First-Year Student SOAR, then yes, you are required to spend the night. The good news is that you will be staying in our brand new residence hall, Bringle Lake Village! For questions, email soar@tamut.edu.
What about me? I'm a transfer/nontraditional student. Do I need to attend?
Yes, ALL new undergraduate students must attend a SOAR session in order to register for classes prior to the regular registration dates.
I work during the day, is there a session at night?
Yes, there are day and evening sessions.
Can I register before I attend SOAR?
No, you must attend SOAR to register for classes.
Do I need to complete TSI Testing before attending SOAR?
TSI, or Texas Success Initiative Testing, is required to determine college readiness. If you need to test prior to registering, you will be notified by our Admissions Office via your acceptance letter and with your SOAR confirmation email. If you do need to test, it is recommended that you do so BEFORE attending SOAR. If needed, TSI Testing will be offered the morning of all First-Year Student SOAR's. For more information, email soar@tamut.edu.
How can I tell if all test score and transcripts have been received?
You can check on receipt of all admissions materials in Web For Students. If you need to, you can bring only official transcripts (SEALED) to SOAR. For more information, please contact soar@tamut.edu.
How long is SOAR?
Orientation schedules vary. First-Year students attend an overnight SOAR while Transer/Non-Traditional students attend a one-day session. Please see the registration page for times and dates.
What will a SOAR session entail?
SOAR will include interactive sessions on university policies, student life, scholarships/financial aid, technology, resources, success strategies, and a campus tour.
What is FERPA?
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, A&M-Texarkana gives notice that the following directory information will be released upon request: student's name, address(permanent and local), telephone listing, photograph, date and place of birth, enrollment status (undergraduate, graduate, classification, etc.) major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of attendance, degrees, certificates and awards received, type of award received, e-mail address, full or part-time status, and most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Any student who objects to the release of all or any part of the directory information on file in his or her name must notify the Admissions Office in writing that he or she does not wish to have such information released. This request will be honored, and all of the information will be held confidential.
Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. the name and address of the office that administers FERPA is Family Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
What if I cannot attend the entire orientation (come late or leave early)?
You will need to make sure to attend the entire orientation to get the hold released. If you will be late or need to leave early on that date, we recommend that you choose another orientation date.
I am unavailable for all of the orientation dates, can I still sign up for classes and complete SOAR after the semester starts?
No, orientation must be completed before you can register for classes.
How do I check what session I am signed up for?
You will receive an email to your ACEmail account. The email will contain all the information about the orientation session you signed up for.
What if I have questions not found on this page?
You may email all questions to soar@tamut.edu or call 903-223-1351