Family FAQ

We know that it's hard to say goodbye to your students already. You expected to have them with you for the summer, but now we're asking them to consider participating in SOAR, and it's a big decision. The information below may help you and your student decide if SOAR is right for them.

What is SOAR?

What does SOAR stand for?

SOAR stands for Summer Opportunity for Academic Readiness. SOAR began in 2007 with 15 students participated in SOAR. Numbers have increased up to 25 students since then, but we're expecting around 20 for 2012. SOAR is small on purpose-a small group allows us to provide the best possible support and students really get to know each other and the campus.

Why do you have the SOAR program?

Our Admissions Counselors often review student files and think "this student is perfect for UNC Asheville. If only he/she...(had a higher SAT score, had more writing preparation in high school, etc)". SOAR is designed to give a select group of students the chance to show us they have what it takes to be successful at UNC Asheville.

What should we consider when deciding to participate in the SOAR program?

SOAR is designed for students who are dedicated to their academics, willing to work hard, and enthusiastic about UNC Asheville. In making your decision about attending SOAR, you should know that most SOAR alumni who completed the program successfully have done as well, or in many cases better, than their freshman peers academically and in their involvement on campus.

Students must be able to devote all their time and attention during SOAR to their class work, so family vacations and other plans that would require them to miss classes would cause great difficulty.

Attending SOAR

Why was my student invited to participate in SOAR?

Your student has been asked to participate in SOAR because an Admissions Counselor noticed that he/she 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 does my student have to attend SOAR to be a UNC Asheville student?

Your student must attend and successfully complete SOAR in order to attend UNC Asheville because they don't meet all of our admissions criteria.

Did their SAT scores or high school GPA have anything to do with my student's invitation to SOAR?

Many students who attend SOAR have high SAT scores and low GPAs, or vice versa. SOAR students also often have significant differences in their SAT scores--high math and low verbal or high verbal and low math.

Is SOAR a remedial program?

Absolutely not! The courses that students 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 students the one-on-one attention they 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.

What will my student gain from SOAR?

SOAR helps students develop the writing and math skills necessary to be successful at UNC Asheville. They'll also learn about the campus, Asheville, and Western North Carolina before other freshmen, and meet people (faculty, staff, and students) who will support them throughout their time at UNC Asheville. Data from previous SOAR cohorts shows that students who participate in SOAR have higher retention rates, and in many cases, higher GPAs than freshmen who don't participate in the program.

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 and 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.

Academics

What classes will my student take during SOAR?

Students will take two classes during SOAR, a writing-intensive freshman colloquium class and a math class. Both of these classes count towards UNC Asheville's ILS core requirements.

What will my student's daily schedule look like?

During SOAR, classes meet every weekday. Students have one class in the morning around 8:30am and the other in the afternoon around 1:00pm. Between classes, they can get lunch, study, meet with a Writing Center tutor or Math tutor, or just enjoy the break. After classes, they'll have time to meet with tutors or 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. The activities schedule will change each week, so there will always be something fun and interesting to do while your student is here with us this summer!

What does it mean to successfully complete SOAR?

To successfully complete SOAR, students must finish the summer with a 2.0 GPA in their classes. This means they must earn a C or higher in both of their classes.

Is there help if students 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 (4 SOAR Mentors) who can help with class work, study habits, time management, and other academic concerns.

If students don't successfully complete SOAR, can they still attend UNC Asheville in the Fall?

No. SOAR is students' chance to show us that they have the potential that their Admission Counselor saw in them when they invited them to SOAR.

Costs

What will our bill for SOAR be?

For summer 2012, the costs for SOAR include tuition, student fees, dining and housing. The breakdown is as follows:

North Carolina residents: $3,386

Out-of-state residents: $5787

The cost of books is not included in the rates listed above. Plan to allot an additional $200 for your course textbooks.

Students' residency status is first determined by Admissions. For more information about residency, please visit http://www.unca.edu/registrar/residency/

What does our SOAR payment include?

Your student's 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 textbooks cost?

Textbook costs for SOAR can range from $55-$200, depending on the classes offered each summer. Students can reserve books online, which gives you the best chance of getting used books.

Is financial aid available if we can't pay for SOAR ourselves?

Financial Aid is not available for SOAR. However, upon your student's successful completition of SOAR and enrollment in Fall 2012, he/she will be eligible for Financial Aid in the 2012-13 academic year.

To apply for financial aid for 2012-13, your student must complete the 2012-2013 FAFSA as soon as possible.

When is the deadline to submit payment for SOAR?

The tuition deposit (official confirmation that your student will attend SOAR) is due May 1.

Full payment of the SOAR bill is due June 1.

Getting Around

How do students 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 my student bring their 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 the first year.

How can my student 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 UNC Asheville students 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 older may also rent cars from Enterprise.

Other Details

What should my student bring with them to SOAR?

Your student should plan to bring anything that they need to do their class work--notebooks, binders, pens, highlighters, etc. They're encouraged to bring some spending money to use during free time, and anything that they do to relax (bicycle, work-out gear, hobbies, etc). For your convenience, we have created a "Resident Hall Preparations" list.

What is included in residence hall rooms?

Residence hall rooms include single beds, study desks and chairs, dressers, window blinds and shower curtains. Anything else your student will need (like sheets, alarm clocks, or cleaning supplies) is their responsibility.

All residence halls also include cable television service and high speed internet in every room.

Some items are banned from the residence halls.

Does my student need to bring a computer?

If your student has a computer, it is helpful to have with them in their residence hall room. However, if your student does not bring a computer to SOAR (and many students don't), there are computer labs available across campus for them to use.

What is included in the meal plan?

The meal plan includes 3 meals a day during the SOAR program. The Dining Hall is all-you-care-to-eat.

Can students leave campus on the weekends?

Students are welcome to leave campus for short periods of time, as long as they can finish their class work and still attend all required SOAR programs.

Students are not allowed to leave campus overnight without the approval of a SOAR staff person.

SOAR is a residential program, and they should plan to spend the six weeks fully engaged in the program. However, your student will be allowed to leave campus for the July 4th holiday weekend.

Can students have visitors during SOAR?

Yes, they may have visitors during SOAR. If their guests want to stay in their residence hall room, they must follow posted procedures and regulations.

Can my student have a job during SOAR?

No. SOAR is an intensive program, and students do not have time to work during the program.

Can my student come home during SOAR?

We generally do not allow students to leave campus overnight during the program since the amount of time spent on campus does have an effect on student success. However, if there is a family emergency or previously scheduled obligation, they should talk with the SOAR Program Coordinator about it as soon as possible.

Can students do laundry on campus?

Yes. Washers and dryers are available on campus, and students can pay for these through money put on their OneCard.

What do students use their OneCard for?

The OneCard is your official UNC Asheville ID card, and it should be carried with you at all times. You will use your 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, at campus drink machines, in Health Services, at the laundry machines, at the Copy Center/copiers, in Ramsey Library, in the Recreation Center, and at the snack machines located in Founders, Karpen, Mills, Owen and Ramsey.

Activities

What will students do for fun this summer?

During SOAR, students will 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 students have any free time during SOAR?

Yes! Students must attend class and get their homework done, and there will be programs each week they'll be required to attend. Otherwise, their time is free to manage as they 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 my student cannot participate in some activities due to health or other concerns?

We understand that students may not be able to participate in all activities. They should talk to us about any concerns that they have as soon as possible.

What is there to do in Asheville for my student during free time?

Asheville is full of things to do! Visit http://www.asheville.com/ for some ideas. Your student can get more ideas by talking to the SOAR Mentors and fellow SOAR students!

Do parents and family members get to participate in SOAR activities?

Most SOAR programs are only for SOAR students. However, there will be an opening dinner on Sunday June 17and a closing dinner on Friday July 27 that students may invite guests (family or friends) to attend.

Expectations

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. Students are expected to attend all classes unless they 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. Therefore, missing class is a really bad idea unless they absolutely must do so.

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 students 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 students do if another SOAR student is not meeting expectations?

If students have concerns about another SOAR student, they should talk to a SOAR mentor, faculty, or staff member. We can help them understand what is going on and how to handle the problem.

Who are the SOAR Mentors and how will they help students during the program?

The SOAR Mentors are experienced, successful UNC Asheville students who are dedicated to helping other students succeed. They can help students understand the UNC Asheville culture, get used to our academic expectations, help with class work and other academic challenges, and help them learn about Asheville and Western North Carolina.

Are there former SOAR students who can talk to my student about their experiences?

Yes! If your student would like to talk with previous SOAR students, please contact Stephanie Franklin at 828.250.3808 and that can be arranged.