New Student Orientation

SOAR (Freshmen, Transfers, Dual Enrollment) – The first step of the orientation process is a series of one-day sessions which take place in January. You will receive an email to register for this event.

Spring 2025 – SOAR (New student orientation) & Flight Ready (move-in)

• Monday, January 6, 2025 – 9am-12:30pm

During SOAR, you will….

• Meet your fellow classmates coming to Reinhardt in the Fall of 2024.
• Learn about studying and living at Reinhardt and becoming familiarized with campus resources.
• Meet faculty and staff that are here to support your growth and development.
• Be introduced to your academic program, policies, curriculum and degree requirements.
• Meet our exceptional Orientation Leaders who want to help you transition to Reinhardt.
• Finalize your course schedule.

Please Note: The schedules are subject to change. The final schedule will be handed out during check-in.

New Student Orientation – SOAR – SPRING 2025 – Monday, January 6

Eagle Aid                                   Gordy Center, Simms                                                        Learn about Financial Aid & Tuition Payments

Eagle Support                          Fincher Visual Arts Center, Atrium                                Learn about Student Support Services and Resources

Life as an Eagle                        Hasty Student Life Center, Bannister Glasshouse      Learn about Being a Soaring Eagle

Eagle Tech                                Hill Freeman Library, Computer Lab                            Students learn about Campus Technology

Healthy & Safe Eagles            Hill Freeman Library, Community Room                     Parents learn about SHC, OPA and Public Safety

Parents, family members and guardians have an important role to play in supporting students throughout the college journey. New Student Orientation will help guide you through this process and introduce you to all our resources for parents and families.

By participating in New Student Orientation, you will have a chance to get answers to all your questions about academics and campus life, safety and community standards, health and wellness resources, as well as it what it means to belong to the Reinhardt Family.

Parents, Family members and guardians are strongly encouraged to participate in orientation alongside their students. Your student will be able to add up to two guests to their reservation when they sign up for orientation.

Once you have made your NSO reservation, you will have an interaction with an academic advisor. Your advisor will reach out to you to schedule an advising appointment through which you will discuss your first semester class schedule. Once you have met with your advisor, you will be cleared to register for your first semester classes. During your SOAR session, you will have an opportunity to finalize your first semester classes and leave with your schedule in hand.

We have created a course in Canvas entitled Flight School that can be completed asynchronously (self-paced, independently). This online orientation will be like taking a class and includes different modules (units) covering campus resources, policies, and support services. You will receive access to Flight School once you have made your NSO Reservation.

The mission of New Student Orientation (NSO), aligning with the institutional mission, is to holistically address the developmental needs of new Reinhardt students and families in transition within the Reinhardt University community. NSO and its related programs (SOAR and EagleBound) are designed and implemented to offer a comprehensive student and parent experience that introduce educational, social, and personal resources to facilitate the success of new students. NSO focuses on innovative collaborations with Reinhardt departments, and aims to develop skilled and confident Orientation leaders in order to meet the changing needs of our diverse community.

Learning Outcomes – New Student Orientation for Students:

• Meaningful connections with at least one faculty member
• An identity with one academic division or program
• Meaningful connections with at least one peer group
• Increased level of commitment to Reinhardt
• Increased awareness of academic and student life resources

Learning Outcomes – New Student Orientation for Parents and Guests:

• Understand the academic and social expectations of their students at Reinhardt University
• Contribute to their student’s success and support their education by becoming involved at Reinhardt University
• Develop a connection to the Reinhardt community through interacting with fellow parents, administration, faculty, staff, and student leaders
• Become aware of campus resources, services and programs
• Inform parents and guests about the history, traditions, campus cultures, and engagement opportunities to facilitate identification with and integration into the institution

Learning Outcomes – Orientation Leaders

• Demonstrate knowledge on how to appropriately access campus information and resources, especially those that ease new student transitions and effectively communicate this information to NSO participants
• Develop positive relationships with program participants, peers, faculty, and staff in order to establish a safe, inclusive and supportive community
• Develop an understanding of the transitions and changes associated with the collegiate experience and an ability to convey that information to new students and their family members
• Develop problem solving, conflict management, and organizational skills in relation to effectively managing events and interpersonal issues
• Gain an understanding and appreciation of Reinhardt University’s history and traditions and portray spirit and pride in Reinhardt to program participants