SOAR Student Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOAR?
How many students participate in SOAR?
Why should I attend SOAR?
Why was I invited to participate in SOAR?
Why do I have to attend SOAR to be a UNC Asheville student?
Did my SAT scores or high school GPA have anything to do with my invitation to SOAR?
How does SOAR compare to other summer academic programs?
Why are all students not invited to participate in SOAR?
What are academics during SOAR like?
What classes will I take during SOAR?
What will my daily schedule look like?
What does it mean to successfully complete SOAR?
Is there help if I don't understand the class material during SOAR?
If I don't successfully complete SOAR, can I still attend UNC Asheville in the Fall?
How much does SOAR cost?
What will my bill for SOAR cost?
What does my SOAR payment include?
How much will my textbooks cost?
Is financial aid available if I can't pay for SOAR myself?
When is the deadline to submit payment for SOAR?
How do I get around town during SOAR?
How do we travel to and from SOAR events?
Can I bring my car to campus for SOAR?
How can I get around town during SOAR?
What about the details?
What do I need to bring with me to SOAR?
What is included in my residence hall room?
Do I need to bring a computer?
What is included in my meal plan?
Can I leave campus on the weekends?
Can I have visitors during SOAR?
Can I choose my SOAR roommate?
Can I change roommates during SOAR?
Can I do my laundry on campus?
What can I use my OneCard for?
What kind of activities are a part of SOAR?
What will we do for fun this summer?
Will I have any free time during SOAR?
Can other students not participating in SOAR join SOAR activities?
What if I cannot participate in some activities due to health or other concerns?
What is there to do in Asheville during my free time?
What are my expectations during SOAR?
What happens to students who don't keep up with their classes during SOAR?
What happens to students who disobey campus regulations or the rules in the Residents' Handbook?
What do I do if another SOAR student is not meeting expectations?
Who are the SOAR Mentors and how will they help me during the program?
Are their former SOAR students who would talk to me about their experiences?
What is SOAR?
SOAR stands for Summer Opportunity for Academic Readiness.
SOAR began in June 2007.
How many students participate in SOAR?
In 2007, 15 students participated in SOAR. In 2008, there were 25 SOAR students, and we are expecting around 25 in 2009.
Why should I attend SOAR?
Why was I invited to participate in SOAR?
You have been asked to participate in SOAR because an Admissions Counselor noticed that you could benefit from the program. Students who are invited to participate in SOAR don't meet all of our admission criteria, but their Counselor thinks they could be successful at UNC Asheville if they had a chance to show us their skills.
Why do I have to attend SOAR to be a UNC Asheville student?
You must attend and complete in order to attend UNC Asheville because you don't meet all of our admissions criteria.
Did my SAT scores or high school GPA have anything to do with my invitation to SOAR?
Many students who attend SOAR have high SAT scores and low GPAs, or visa versa. SOAR students also often have significant differences in their SAT scores--high math and low verbal or high verbal and low math.
Absolutely not! The courses that you will take during SOAR are full-credit college courses and required for graduation from UNC Asheville. In fact, because the classes fit 15 weeks of material in only 6 weeks of class, they move at a much faster pace than other college classes. The faculty that teach SOAR classes are dedicated to giving you the one-on-one attention you need to succeed, but the classes are not "watered down".
How does SOAR compare to other summer academic programs?
Many other similar summer programs ask students to participate in remedial courses, or they allow students to live on campus during the summer without much structure or organized activities.
SOAR will help you develop the writing and math skills necessary to be successful at UNC Asheville. You'll also learn about the campus, Asheville, and Western North Carolina before the other freshmen, and you'll meet people (faculty, staff, and students) who will support you throughout your time at UNC Asheville.
Why are all students not invited to participate in SOAR?
SOAR is just for a select group of students who we believe have real potential to succeed at UNC Asheville, but need a little early boost. There are many students who don't meet our admissions standards but aren't invited to SOAR; students invited to SOAR are dedicated to learning, enthusiastic about UNC Asheville, hard workers, and involved in school, athletic, or community activities.
What are academics during SOAR like?
What classes will I take during SOAR?
Students will take two classes during SOAR: LS 179 and MATH 155. You can find course descriptions and textbooks information online.
What will my daily schedule look like?
During SOAR, classes meet every day. You'll have one class in the morning around 8:30 and the other in the afternoon around 1:00. Between classes, you can get lunch, study, meet with a Writing Center tutor or Math tutor, or just enjoy the break. After classes, you'll have time to meet with tutors or your faculty, work on homework, or get off campus and learn about Asheville. Several times a week there will be group activities that all SOAR students will participate in-this schedule will change each week.
What does it mean to successfully complete SOAR?
To successfully complete SOAR, you must finish the summer with a 2.0 GPA in your classes. That's a C in both classes.
Is there help if I don't understand the class material during SOAR?
Absolutely! SOAR has math and writing tutors dedicated to working with the program, and the faculty teaching the SOAR classes have made extra time in their schedules to work closely with students. In addition, there are 4 experienced UNC Asheville students (SOAR Mentors) who can help you with your class work, study habits, time management, and other academic concerns.
If I don't successfully complete SOAR, can I still attend UNC Asheville in the Fall?
No. SOAR is your chance to show us that you have the potential that your Admission Counselor saw in you when they invited you to SOAR.
How much does SOAR cost?
What will my bill for SOAR be?
North Carolina residents pay $3,425.00 for SOAR, out-of-state students pay $5,861.00. Students residency status is first determined by Admissions. For more information about residency, please visit http://www.unca.edu/registrar/residency/
What does my SOAR payment include?
Your SOAR fee includes your tuition, campus fees, SOAR fee, room, and board (your meal plan). The only cost necessary for SOAR that is not included in your SOAR bill is the cost of textbooks.
How much will my textbooks cost?
LS 179 will require 3 textbooks. If purchased new in the UNC Asheville Bookstore, all 3 together will cost approximately $55. If all 3 are purchased used in the Bookstore, they will cost approximately $40. You can reserve books online, which gives you the best chance of getting used books. MATH 155 does not require a textbook-all information will be provided to students in class or available online.
Is financial aid available if I can't pay for SOAR myself?
Financial Aid may be available to you if you qualify. To apply for financial aid for SOAR, you must complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA.
When is the deadline to submit payment for SOAR?
Your tuition deposit (official confirmation that you will attend SOAR) is due May 1. Full payment of your SOAR bill is due June 1.
How do I get around town during SOAR?
How do we travel to and from SOAR events?
For most events, we will use university vehicles, driven by SOAR staff. Sometimes we will use Asheville Transit buses, or walk, depending on the location.
Can I bring my car to campus for SOAR?
No. Freshmen are not allowed to have cars on campus during their first year at UNC Asheville, and SOAR counts as a part of your first year.
How can I get around town during SOAR?
Many places of interest to students are within walking distance of campus. A lot of UNC Asheville students have bikes on campus, and as a student, you can ride the Asheville Transit buses for free. The buses go to just about everywhere in town, and they all have bike racks. UNC Asheville students age 18 or higher many also rent cars from Enterprise.
What about the details?
What do I need to bring with me to SOAR?
You should plan to bring anything that you need to do your class work--notebooks, binders, pens, highlighters, etc. You're encouraged to bring some spending money to use during your free time, and anything that you do to relax (bicycle, work-out gear, hobbies, etc).
What is included in my residence hall room?
SOAR students will live in West Ridge Hall. West Ridge rooms include single beds, study desks and chairs, dressers, window blinds and shower curtains. Anything else you need (like sheets, alarm clocks, or cleaning supplies) is your responsibility!
All residence halls also include cable television service and high speed internet in every room.
Some items are banned from the residence halls.
Do I need to bring a computer?
If you have access to a computer, it is a helpful thing to have in your residence hall room. However, if you do not bring a computer to SOAR (and many students don't), there are computer labs available across campus for you to use, including one lab in West Ridge.
What is included in my meal plan?
Your meal plan includes 3 meals a day, starting on June 15 and ending on July 24.
Can I leave campus on the weekends?
You are welcome to leave campus for short periods of time, as long as you can finish your class work and still attend all required SOAR programs. You are not, however, to leave campus overnight without the approval of a SOAR staff person. SOAR is a residential program, and you should plan to spend the six weeks fully engaged in the program
Can I have visitors during SOAR?
Yes, you may have visitors during SOAR. If you want your guest to stay in West Ridge, they must follow posted procedures and regulations.
Can I choose my SOAR roommate?
We make SOAR roommate assignments based on your responses to the Roommate Questionnaire. The sooner you complete the questions, the better chance you have of getting a roommate with similar living preferences.
Can I change roommates during SOAR?
In extenuating circumstances, and only in cases when space permits, it may be possible to change your SOAR roommate. However, if the request is due to personality or living style difference, your SOAR Mentors will work with you to resolve the problem before it comes to someone moving. The vast majority of roommate conflicts can be solved without incident.
Can I do my laundry on campus?
Yes. Washers and dryers will be available for you in West Ridge, and you can pay for these through money you put on your OneCard.
What can I use my OneCard for?
The OneCard is your official UNC Asheville ID card, and it should be carried with you at all times. You will use their OneCard to access your residence hall 24hrs/day. It is used to eat in the Dining Hall and ride the Asheville Transit buses, and you can also use it to for drama tickets, in campus drink machines, in Health Services, in the laundry machines, in the Copy Center/copiers, in Ramsey Library, in the Recreation Center, at Rocky's Convenience Store, and in the snack machines located in Founders, Karpen, Mills, Owen and Ramsey.
What kind of activities are a part of SOAR?
What will we do for fun this summer?
During SOAR, you'll participate in a wide variety of social, stress-relieving programs. These might include camping, bowling, whitewater rafting, going downtown, putt putt, and visits to cultural centers, and more!
Will I have any free time during SOAR?
Yes! You're required to attend class and get your homework done, and there will be programs each week you'll be required to attend. Otherwise, your time is yours to manage as you see fit.
Can other students not participating in SOAR join SOAR activities?
No, SOAR activities are paid for through your SOAR program payment and are only for SOAR students.
What if I cannot participate in some activities due to health or other concerns?
We understand that you may not be able to participate in all activities. You should talk to us about any concerns that you have.
What is there to do in Asheville during my free time?
Asheville is full of things to do! Visit http://www.asheville.com/ for some ideas, and talk to the SOAR Mentors and your fellow SOAR students to get more ideas!
What are my expectations during SOAR?
What happens to students who don't keep up with their classes during SOAR?
Being asked to attend SOAR is a privilege-many other students who wanted to come to UNC Asheville weren't offered this opportunity. You are expected to attend all classes unless you have approval not to attend due to an extenuating circumstance (illness, family emergency, etc). Because SOAR classes operate on an accelerated schedule, missing just one class is like missing a whole week of a class in a regular semester, missing class is a bad idea unless you really have to.
We reserve the right to remove students from the SOAR program if they stop attending class.
What happens to students who disobey campus regulations or the rules in the Residents' Handbook?
SOAR students are expected to follow all campus rules, regulations, and policies. The SOAR Mentors can help you understand what these rules are and why they are in place.
We reserve the right to remove students from the SOAR program if they are unable to follow campus rules, regulations, and policies.
What do I do if another SOAR student is not meeting expectations?
If you have concerns about another SOAR student, please talk to a SOAR mentor, faculty, or staff. We can help you understand what is going on and how to handle the problem.
Who are the SOAR Mentors and how will they help me during the program?
The SOAR Mentors are experienced successful UNC Asheville students who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They can help you understand the UNC Asheville culture, get used to our academic expectations, help you with your class work and other academic challenges, and help you learn about Asheville and Western North Carolina.
Are there former SOAR students who would talk to me about their experiences?
Yes! If you would like to talk with past SOAR students, please contact Calley Stevens Taylor at 828-251-6060 and that will be arranged.