Student FAQ

Deciding to attend SOAR is an important decision.

There's a lot to consider when deciding to attend SOAR. Choosing to spend your summer at UNC Asheville demonstrates a real commitment to your college education, and it's important to consider all the facts before you say "yes". Take the information below into account as you discuss SOAR with your family and friends...

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.

Attending 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 successfully complete SOAR 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 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 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.

What will I gain from SOAR?

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 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 I take during SOAR?

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

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. The activities schedule will change each week, so there will always be something fun and interesting to do while you're here with us this summer!

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 (4 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.

Costs

What will my 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 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?

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 I can't pay for SOAR myself?

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

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

Getting Around

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. As a UNC Asheville 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 older many also rent cars from Enterprise.

Other 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). For your convenience, we have created a "Resident Hall Preparations" list.

Where will I live during SOAR?

The 2012 SOAR program will be based in The Ridges. All SOAR students will be located within close proximity to one another.

What is included in my residence hall room?

Residence hall 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, so be sure to review the Packing Checklist as you prepare for SOAR.

Do I need to bring a computer?

If you have access to a computer, it is helpful 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.

What is included in my meal plan?

Your meal plan includes 3 meals a day. The Dining Hall is all-you-care-to-eat.

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 allowed 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 your residence hall room, they must follow posted procedures and regulations.

Can I do my laundry on campus?

Yes. Washers and dryers are available on campus, 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 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 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, visits to cultural centers, and more!

Will I have any free time during SOAR?

Yes! You must 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!

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. 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. Therefore, missing class is a really bad idea unless you 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 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 member. 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 acclimated 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 Stephanie Franklin at 828.250.3808 and that can be arranged.