Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR)

SOAR, designed to help you make a smooth transition to life at NCCU, is for first-time students who have recently graduated from high school and transfer students from a community college or other four-year institutions. During this orientation, you will immerse yourself in NCCU's traditions, campus culture, and academic programs. You will also learn about the exciting new experiences and challenges you may encounter during your first year, including academic expectations and student life.

After careful consideration and review, it has been decided that Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) for 2021 will be face-to-face!

That’s right! You’re coming to the rolling hills and verdant green of NCCU for orientation!

As we make preparation for your arrival, there are some key points that you must know:

1. Prior to your arrival to campus, all students and guests must submit proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. 
   1. The test must be completed within 72 hours of arrival (e.g., if you're arriving on Sunday, June 13, the test must be completed no sooner than Thursday, June 10). Please do not travel until you have received and submitted your test results. 
   2. Full vaccination must take place two weeks prior to your arrival (e.g., if you are arriving on Sunday, June 13, you must have received your final vaccination shot by May 30).
   3. To upload your COVID-19 vaccine documentation or COVID-19 test results online, log on to https://nccu.medicatconnect.com/ using your computer or smart phone; alternatively, you can log into myEOL using your computer or smart phone and select "Medicat."
      1. Enter your myEOL username and password. 
      2. Save a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine documentation or a copy of your COVID-19 test result documentation to your computer (hard drive). Alternatively, if you are using your smart phone, take a picture of your paper documentation and save.
      3. Click on the "Upload" tab on the home screen and select either "COVID-19 vaccine" or "COVID-19 results."
      4. Upload your documentation.
2. Regardless of vaccination status, all students will be rapid tested upon their arrival to campus. If a student tests positive, they will not be allowed to stay for the session and will have to reschedule for a later date.
3. Students will be allowed only one registered parent or guest to attend with them. Regardless of vaccination status, they will be rapid tested upon their arrival to campus. If a parent or guest tests positive, they will not be allowed to stay for the session and will have to reschedule themselves and their student for a later date.
4. There will be no same-day registration. Please make sure that you have received a confirmation from the Office of New Student and Family Programs (newstudents@nccu.edu) before traveling to campus. Confirmations will be sent to your NCCU email account.  Registration can be completed at https://tinyurl.com/registerSOAR.
5. All students will reside on campus. Guests are to make their own lodging accommodations.  We have provided a list of area hotels for your convenience.
   1. Students must bring their own twin XL bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets/comforters, etc).
   2. The attire for orientation is casual.  Please check the Durham weather for your travel dates. Please dress appropriately.
6. Face masks must be worn at all times while on campus.  You will only be allowed to remove your mask while eating and when you are in your room.

As you begin to spread your wings and SOAR through the next steps to finalize the enrollment process, it is imperative that you register for the mandatory new student orientation, known as SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration). To get started, please visit https://tinyurl.com/registerSOAR to gain access to and complete the registration.

Note: As a part of the enrollment process, you must pay your mandatory $100 enrollment fee. You will receive additional information on how to secure your payment.

The SOAR registration fee is a non-refundable amount of $250.00. This amount will be placed on your student e-bill for the 2021–2022 academic year.

This summer, we are excited to meet you face-to-face and welcome you to the sloping hills and the verdant greens of NCCU! During your SOAR experience, you will have the opportunity to establish a mentor-like connection with your SOAR leader. Your SOAR leader is your guide and will ensure that you’re ready to ascend and fly high on your first day of class. During this three-day, two-night experience, you will have the opportunity to tour the beautiful campus, attend workshops, meet other incoming students, participate in a plethora of student-engagement activities, and most importantly see firsthand what it feels like to have your "Eagle Pride, Amplified!"

As we continue to maneuver through this global pandemic, please pay close attention to the following rules and regulations that you must adhere to during SOAR 2021.

You must:

• Submit your negative COVID-19 test result to the Engage portal before you arrive to campus.  Test collection must take place within 72 hours of arrival.

(Example: if you are arriving on Sunday, the test must be taken no later than the Thursday before.)

• Abide by the guidelines that are set by Residential Life. It is your responsibility to bring your own bed linen (twin XL), pillows, and all toiletry/disinfecting items that will make your overnight experience comfortable. Facemasks will be required to be worn at all times.

Due to current COVID-19 guidelines, only one parent/guest will be allowed to accompany you during your SOAR session. Parent/guest attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. The parent fee is $55.00. Parents will not reside on campus. Hotel information will be forthcoming.

In the event that the State of North Carolina’s governance with COVID-19 protocols and guidelines are modified and affect SOAR, we will notify you of those specific alterations by Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Please feel free to reach out to our office for any questions via email at newstudents@nccu.edu.

We are extremely proud that you have selected North Carolina Central University to be your new home away from home. We will do our very best to make sure that your SOAR session is a safe and memorable experience!

Courtyard by Marriott
Durham Near Duke University Downtown
1815 Front Street
Durham, NC 27705
Telephone: 919-309-1500

Durham Marriott
201 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
Telephone: 919-768-6015

Millennium Durham
2800 Campus Walk Avenue
Durham, NC 27705
Telephone: 919-383-8575

The Durham Hotel
315 East Chapel Hill Street
Durham, NC 27701
Telephone: 919-768-8830

21c Museum Hotel Durham
111 North Corcoran Street
Durham, NC 27701
Telephone: 833-441-1250

Comfort Inn Research Triangle Park
4507 Apex Hwy/NC-55
Durham, NC 27713
Telephone: 919-361-2656

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham
2515 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713
Telephone: 919-361-4660