Move-in Day
Thursday,
August 21, 2025
» Student Success » Orientation
Hi Bearcat!
We offer SOAR and Advantage to help you acclimate to the Northwest campus before you arrive for the fall semester.
SOAR is a one-day introduction to campus life for students in June and July. It helps students get to know their peers, campus offices, and available services, as well as obtain their class schedule. It consists of a full day (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) on campus and includes:
SOAR registration begins Feb. 15 of each calendar year. SOAR dates are listed in the next tab below. You can register for SOAR by:
Registering for SOAR will take approximately 15 minutes. It is important the Northwest student is present during the registration process. The student will be asked about registration preferences, confirmation of personal information, academic information relating to dual credit courses and more.
After completing orientation registration, the student will receive a confirmation email explaining their date selection and information regarding their SOAR Day.
Bearcat Tip: Please do not use your high school e-mail address (domain@highschool.edu. In most cases, the high school e-mail address will be inactivated once the student graduate’s high school.
SOAR Days are offered in June and July. Early registration is encouraged to get the optimal date for the student and their support system. When registering for SOAR and an alternate date is needed (and the date is closed), please contact the Student Success Center to assist with accommodating your preferences.
Student Success Center: 660.562.1695
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June 2025
July 2025 |
If a student needs to change their SOAR Day at any time, they can access the orientation system through CatPAWS and select a different day.
Student participation in SOAR is highly recommended. SOAR allows students to start forming connections with other future Bearcats. However, the orientation team realizes life happens. If you are unable to attend SOAR in-person, an online orientation is available.
Bearcat Tip: SOAR is a great day for Bearcats to meet their future roommate!
This is what a typical day at SOAR entails.
| Time | Activity |
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8 a.m. - Noon |
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Noon - 1 p.m. |
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1-3 p.m. |
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*The SOAR schedule above is tentative and may be adjusted. The final SOAR schedule will be included in your SOAR confirmation packet and upon check-in on your SOAR day.
Students who attend SOAR can meet people from campus organizations and offices to connect and gain information before move-in day.
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One item you need to complete before SOAR is the Directed Self Placement (DSP). This survey allows you to choose which English class you would prefer to take based on your strengths. Choosing your English course allows us to create your class schedule, so it's important to take care of it before SOAR.
How to access the DSP:
You can also find your personalized pre-orientation checklist in CatPAWS by selecting the orientation tab and entering the orientation system.
Check out our orientation points of interest map!
The SOAR leaders guide you through your orientation day. "Your" SOAR leader will be the person listed with your academic school or department below.
Advantage is a continuation of orientation and serves as your kick-off to college. This four day program in August helps students to get acclimated to campus through speakers and events to help with the transition to campus life. It is a welcome program that includes:
Advantage is Thursday – Sunday preceding the day classes start. Attendance is mandatory for both commuters and on-campus residents. This year’s Advantage dates are:
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Move-in Day |
Advantage 2025 |
First Day of Classes |
Students will move in according to alphabetical order by last name. You will also receive information in late summer about moving in, including a map that tells you how to drive into campus and where to drop off your stuff. We even have the Cat Crew to meet you and lend a hand when you need it.
The Advantage schedule will be posted online, but you can receive your Advantage packet when you check in to your residential hall. If you are a commuter student, you can pick up your Advantage packet at the Student Success Center in the B.D. Owens Library on Thursday, or your packet can be delivered to you during your first University Seminar class that takes place on Friday.
Yes, Advantage is required for all first-time freshmen. You will receive more information through your Northwest email account.
Yes, University Seminar class meets several times during Advantage, beginning Friday. University Seminar starts before your other classes because it helps get you acclimated to campus. Your University Seminar Instructor and Peer Advisor (an upper-class student who is a teaching assistant) can act as your guides through those first days and weeks on campus, and even better, you have an instant group of new friends.
Typically, your family helps move you in and get settled. However, if they have a long way to drive, your family may want to make reservations at a hotel in Maryville for that night. You will be so busy with activities throughout Advantage that you probably won't have a lot of time to spend with them. And before you know it, it will be time to go home for a visit.
It's important for freshmen to attend Advantage, particularly since classes start that weekend. If you think you need to miss any part of Advantage, please email the Student Success Center.
Student Success Center: studentsuccess@hwfj-art.com
It is important to check your personal and Northwest email regularly before classes begin. Your academic advisor will be reaching out to you via email, so be sure to keep an eye out for their message. If you have any questions about your classes, reach out to your advisor. If you do not know who your advisor is, you can email the Student Success Center at studentsuccess@hwfj-art.com or 660.562.1695 and they will get you connected to your advisor.
If you have any questions about Advantage or the beginning of the semester, don't hesitate to contact the Student Success Center at studentsuccess@hwfj-art.com or 660.562.1695.
