As the 2009 Student Orientation and Registration session begins, officials say some challenges may arise as extensive construction projects continue throughout campus.
According to Wren Singer, director of the Center for First Year Experience, about 5,700 incoming freshmen and 1,200 transfer students will visit UW-Madison this summer for SOAR between June 3 and July 31.
She said she expects many travel problems to occur for students and families coming to SOAR this summer because of the campus construction.
""[Construction] is the biggest challenge we've faced this year,"" Singer said. ""People are new to the campus, and they're nervous.""
Another challenge to the 2009 SOAR was the demolition of Union South, where the program typically held its registration and advising. This portion of the session now takes place in Engineering Hall.
According to Singer, the actual move from Union South posed problems for officials who are in charge of planning and organizing SOAR.
""Any time you move to another location, it's challenging,"" she said. ""It's kind of like starting over.""
Singer said SOAR officials have taken extra precautions to warn families coming from outside of the area about the construction and provide maps, signs and e-mails with directions.
She advises families to be aware of these warnings to avoid frustration.
""This is definitely severe construction,"" she said. ""But if people pay attention to these things it shouldn't be a problem.""
Singer said students should make the most of SOAR but not worry if it does not meet their expectations.
""People get very anxious about SOAR and think that its kind of a make-or-break experience for their college career,"" she said. ""The experiences [freshmen] have at SOAR are just their first steps, and they should learn as much as they can but not worry too much about it.""
Singer said there is a four-day SOAR session in August for freshmen who are unable to participate in the regular summer session. She added that incoming freshmen can visit the Center for First Year Experience for answers to any questions or concerns they might have.
