Calendar Academic Year 2024-2025
FALL 2024
SOAR takes place during community time (11:30-12:30)
September 12:
Finding a Balance
September 26:
Asking for Help/Plan to Vote
October 10:
Preparing for Registration/Advising
October 31:
Study Abroad/Away
November 14:
Fall SOAR wrap-up/Housing Selection Info
SPRING 2025
February 13:
Finding What’s Next with the Piper Center
February 27:
Guest Speaker: The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance
March 13:
St. Olaf Funding Sources & 4-Year Planning
March 27:
A Deeper Dive into Advising & Registration
April 10:
SOAR Year End Wrap-up
SOAR provides a place to intentionally create community, access resources, and engage in meaningful discussion in small groups led by highly trained SOAR Peer Leaders. Students learn key skills and knowledge, such as how to utilize campus resources, balance their schedule and the impact of sleep on academics, through small group conversation, reflection, and the practice of successful academic habits. College-level reading and study techniques like Retrieval Practice, Pomodoro Technique, Spacing, and Note-Taking Strategies, are introduced throughout the SOAR sessions.
Lily Bensen, SOAR Mentor, Class of 2024
“As a SOAR Leader, I have developed many useful skills, including public speaking, leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. These skills have allowed me to support first-years during their transition to St. Olaf, and I will continue to use them during my career as a physician.”
Katie Weishet, 3 year SOAR leader, Class of 2024
“Guiding first-year students through their transition to college has shown me how important positive interactions with an older peer are to their experience at St. Olaf. The connections I’ve made with each of my SOAR groups have been so rewarding!”
Brian Nevin, 3 year SOAR Leader, Class of 2024
“As a three time SOAR leader, I have had the chance to teach to a variety of classes which has helped me develop leadership and communication skills. Every class has a unique and diverse group of students and SOAR has taught me how to tailor my teaching style to best fit each class. SOAR has also shown me the importance of making connections with fellow Oles. I have learned that a few conversations with students can go a long way in shaping their experience at St. Olaf.”
Tom Williamson, First Year Seminar faculty
“I see SOAR as an important bridge connecting new students and St. Olaf. FY Oles find student mentors who can help them with academic concerns, registration, or just adjusting to campus. FYE courses are easier to teach with good SOAR leader support!”
Meet with the SOAR Coordinator
Tara Hupton (she, her, hers)
Assistant Director of Academic Support – SOAR, Tutoring, and Student Success