SOAR: Student Orientation, Advising and Registration

Âé¶¹APP and parents walk across campus during SOAR.

SOAR

The freshman orientation program at University of Detroit Mercy is called Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR). This day-and-a-half event includes the option for students to stay overnight in the residence halls and will give you the opportunity to become more familiar with collegiate life at Detroit Mercy by meeting other new students, touring university facilities, learning about available resources and registering for classes. 

NOTE: The academic advisor for pre-dental hygiene will not be available to meet with pre-dental hygiene students during the June 5 - 6 SOAR session. Pre-dental hygiene students are encouraged to register for a different SOAR session.

SOAR 2025

June 12 - 13 (capacity reached)July 10 - 11 (capacity reached)

Arrival Details
Check-In Begins: 8 a.m.
Program Begins: 9 a.m.
Program Ends: 1 p.m. on Friday
Location: Student Union
Parking: Lot D
Entrance: West McNichols Road
McNichols Campus Map

Schedule
Click here to view the SOAR schedule.

SOAR Magazine

Click here to view more resources and information as you prepare to join us!

Preparing for Orientation

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    Access My Portal

    Access My Portal in order to verify your student information is accurate and up-to-date. This is also where you will locate your student ID number and university email. 

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    Check Your Email

    Many advisors set up meetings with their students prior to SOAR in order to discuss what classes to register for during orientation. Make sure you are checking your email in order to meet with your advisor and ask any questions!

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    Complete Placement Tests

    Placement tests are critical in ensuring you are registered for the appropriate level coursework during your first year, helping you save time and credits. It also gives you the most flexibility in scheduling your courses by knowing which classes are necessary for your first semester. Placement tests can be taken at home at a time that is convenient for you.

    Make sure to complete placement tests at least two weeks prior to your SOAR session.

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    Learn More About How to Register

    On the Friday of your SOAR session, you will register for classes. Your attendance on Friday is required to register. College administrators and student orientation leaders will be available to answer questions on which classes to register for and how to navigate My Portal. 

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    Complete Financial Aid Requirements

    Before coming on campus, please make sure that your FAFSA has been submitted. Financial Aid team members will be available on Thursday and Friday of your SOAR session to discuss any questions or concerns one-on-one. Walk-ins are welcome.

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    Accessibility-Related Accommodations

    University of Detroit Mercy is committed to supporting students with disabilities. We work together to make sure students with disabilities have the tools they need to fully access all aspects of their education, in and out of the classroom. Part of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Student Accessibility Services facilitates accommodations, advocates for students and serves as an educational resource for the University community. 

    If you need to request accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services in advance of your SOAR session so we can ensure accommodation needs are met for your orientation experience.

SOAR Sessions

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    Suggested Packing List

    SOAR includes an overnight experience in our residence halls. For students staying on campus, a list of suggested items are below:

    • Sleeping bag/bedding and pillow for your bed
    • Towel, toiletries and shower shoes
    • Casual, comfortable attire. We will be spending time outside and around campus, so bring attire and shoes that are comfortable for the whole day!
    • Small fan

    All students will need to have their student ID number and access to their My Portal log in credentials in order to register for classes.

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    SOAR: Thursday

    Click here to view the SOAR schedule.

    You will enter campus through the West McNichols Road entrance. When you arrive on campus, please park in Lot D. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Student Union, First Floor, Fountain Lounge. Orientation leaders will be around campus to help direct you and a campus map can be found here.

    The program begins at 9 a.m. in the Student Union, Second Floor, Ballroom.

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    SOAR: Friday

    On the Friday of your SOAR session, you will register for classes. Your attendance on Friday is required to register.

    Brunch will be available throughout the registration period, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Âé¶¹APP must meet in the Student Union, Second Floor, Ballroom by 9:15 a.m. to check in and be placed into groups for registration. 

    Friends and family members are welcome to join us in the Student Union, First Floor, Fountain Lounge during the registration process. Only students are allowed to attend registration areas and will meet back in the Fountain Lounge when they are done.

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    Unable to attend SOAR?

    If you live out of town and are unable to attend SOAR, contact the Office of Admissions to set up a meeting with your academic advisor.

    Call: 313-993-1245
    Text: 313-494-0110
    Email: admissions@udmercy.edu