What Students Can Expect of Us
Certain privileges and services are made available to students who are part of SLU's SOAR program. As a member, you can expect the following of the SOAR staff:
We help and serve you, the student. This does not mean we will, or can, do anything you ask of us; rather it means we have your best interests in mind and will work with you to achieve your goals, not anyone else's. We are here to help ensure you make the most of your SLU experience and are prepared for whatever comes next.
We aim to create an inclusive community. Treating each individual with respect is key to that. We understand that you are more than just a student and that there is more to who you are than what classes you take. We work to understand the different dimensions of each student and how to incorporate those pieces into our program and your experience.
Every student is different and comes to us with a variety of questions, concerns and interests. We know that each student will have different needs and won't benefit from a cookie cutter approach. Our advisors meet with students individually to get to know you and how we can best help you achieve your goals.
While we cannot guarantee confidentiality, we can promise to limit the scope of sharing
that occurs. Additionally, all students have certain privacy rights under FERPA as
it relates to information shared with family members regarding academics.
Learn more about FERPA and SLU
What We Expect of Students
While we are here to help you, we expect you to be a partner in this experience. After all, this is your education, and it is ultimately your responsibility to make it your own.
With that in mind, SOAR has certain expectations for our participants. Each year, students are expected to sign a participation agreement with their SOAR advisor that outlines the different activities you will be expected to attend and how frequently. We also ask that you do the following:
You will have both a primary advisor in your college and a SOAR advisor. You are expected to meet with each of your advisors at least once each semester. Depending on your academic program, you may meet with your advisor more than once a semester. Your advisor does more than help you decide what classes to take. We can connect you with resources, help you find scholarship opportunities and be a friendly ear.
We can't help you with issues and concerns we aren't aware of. Talk with your advisor about what's going on in your life so that we can help you find solutions and options. And it doesn't just need to be the troubling pieces; let us know about the good things so that we can celebrate with you.
You must read - not just check - your email. Pay attention to email messages not only from our office but from your professors and others at SLU and take action when needed.
SLU offers a number of resources to help ensure students are successful. As part of SOAR, you have the unique advantage of being able to set up standing tutoring appointments for yourself.
Standing tutoring appointments allow you to meet with the same tutor at the same day and time each week for the entire semester. SOAR also provides assistance with graduate school preparation and career planning - and these are just a few of the many resources SOAR and SLU can provide you!
College can be an expensive undertaking. We want to help you understand your different options and how to best position yourself financially. As a member of SOAR, you are expected to complete a financial literacy certificate each year. We also provide workshops about completing the FAFSA each year to make sure you know your deadlines and can get the best package possible.
Throughout the year, SOAR sponsors activities like theatre tickets, speaking engagements, out-of-town trips, or community service. We also offer tutoring workshops, graduate school information sessions and more. All programming is free of charge to SOAR students.