University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook (Florence, AL)

Page 12 text:

stress Relief SOAR soothes the pain of transition for new students By Scott Rawlinson Entering a new experience can be a lit- tle stressing at tinnes. But for a lot of people, going to college is such a change in lifestyle that it can be completely overwhelming and a little terrifying. That ' s where the SOAR program comes in. SOAR (Summer Orientation and Advanced Registration) is the university ' s way of breaking the new students in. SOAR counselors greet, orient and tour students to the university ' s multiple facilities. Students starting off as freshmen or transferring in as new students get the opportunity to look at the campus, register for classes and see the different activities available to all students at the university. Different departments demonstrate their benefits and bend over backwards to recruit new majors. Prospective students also get the oppor- tunity to meet new people and make friends before they even start classes. SOAR is one of the most important things we do in the summer for prospective students, said Greg Engle, director of Student Life. It ' s our final selling chance. It ' s a chance for us to make our students feel positive and feel important . . . which they are. At this year ' s SOAR, student ' s began the day with a champagne party. (Fake cham- pagne, that is.) Then the students were able to take a tour of the campus, hills and all, to see all the class buildings and the dormito- ries. After the SOAR counselors were fin- ished with their hike, the potential stu- dents were advised on classes they would want to take by academic advisers. It was a busy schedule but the students were given a break later in the evening. They enjoyed an evening show where the counselors performed skits and dances. Finally, the day was topped off with a chance to boogie the night away with new-found buddies. SOAR held a social dance for the participants, which was tremendously successful. The next day, the SOAR students were given the opportunity to register for their first round of classes the following fall After all the excitement, they were ready t( get down to business. Counselors discussec with them the secrets of registration, anc after a lot of discussion and debate, classe were finally chosen. Then it was picture time and student ID ' were taken in the Guillot University Center Soon after that, the students were releasee to go home, feeling much more comfort able about coming to UNA. A lot of people think that orientation i just for people committed to coming tc UNA. Some students go to three orienta tions in one summer, said Engle. ...anc they usually choose the school they go tc based on how the orientation went. UNA keeps about 80 percent of the stu dents who come to orientation, and some o those were undecided. Whether they come to stay or to jus check out the campus, SOAR participant always leave with new knowledge of cam pus life and a lot of great memories. DESPITE THE PILES OF PAPERWORK involved, the preregistration process at SOAR is a lot less stressful than in the regular process. Photo by Shannon Wells. SOAR COUNSELOR Cara Dawn Byforci enjoys the entertainment in the atrium vi ith freshmen Chance Black an( Stacy Patterson. Photo by Shannon Wells. 8 SI A K

Page 11 text:

I EAKING OUT. Black Student Alliance President Kelsey Mobley speaks at the African-American itage Celebration. The celebration, which recognized African-American history and UNA alumni, was sponsored , I lie university and the Black Student Alliance. Photo by Shannon Wells. TAKING IT EASY. SigmaChifratemitymembers(topphoto, left) Michael Green, Bobby smith, John Collum, Drew Jones, and Todd Foust relax at the Tailgate Party sponsored by the National Alumni Association. The spring party introduced prospective students to ampus life and revived the spring intrasquad football game. Photo by Shannon Wells. ENJOYING THE VIEW students (center photo, left) Mindi Martini, Heather Call and Vikki Crabtree watch and laugh at those participaung in Spring Fling events held at the practice field. Photo by Shannon CONFUSION. Students at SOAR (bottom photo, left) try to decide what classes to take for the fall semes- ter. SOAR is designed to introduce students to campus life and make the transition to a new school easier. Photo by Shannon Wells. Student Life Division l e 7

Page 13 text:

It S a chance to make our students feel positive . . . -Greg Engle FRESHMAN BRITT BLANTON shows SOAR per- former Jill Lindsey a new step. The evening dance gave SOAR participants a chance to relax and have fun after a full day. Photo by Shannon Wells. COUNSELOR SCOTT STOOKSBERRY and performer Daryl Woods turn out the high notes during an evening per- ormance. Photo by Shannon Wells. .SI UK 9