Get ready to SOAR! This program is designed for first-time students who have recently graduated from high school, as well as transfer students from community colleges or other four-year institutions. Our goal is to ensure a seamless transition to life at NCCU. During orientation, you'll engage with NCCU’s rich traditions, vibrant campus culture, and diverse academic offerings. You'll also explore the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in your first year, from academic expectations to the lively student experience. Join us as we embark on this thrilling journey together!
Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR)
SOAR Registration Information
To register for SOAR, you must access and complete the "Before You SOAR Checklist." This will be visible to you after you have paid the enrollment fee and completed the housing application/exemption process.
Registration Fee:
- Cost: $250.00 – Applicable for all first-year, transfer and second-degree seeking students (if the first-degree was not received at NCCU): Please note: The registration fee is a non-refundable fee and will be added to your e-bill; therefore, no upfront cost is due at the time of registration.
SOAR attendance is mandatory for all incoming first-year students! This experience is designed to provide valuable information and introduce resources to assist you with a smooth transition into university life.
SOAR 2026 Session Dates
SOAR Session Date for Summer 1 Admitted Students Only:
- May 18, 2026 (Monday)
SOAR Session Date(s) for Fall 2026 Admitted First-Year Students:
- June 7–June 9, 2026 (Sunday–Tuesday)
- June 14–June 16, 2026 (Sunday–Tuesday)
- June 22–June 24, 2026* (Monday–Wednesday)
- June 28–June 30, 2026 (Sunday–Tuesday)
- July 12–July 14, 2026 (Sunday–Tuesday)
SOAR Session Date(s) for Fall 2026 Admitted Transfer/Second-Degree Students:
- June 17, 2026 (Wednesday)
- July 15, 2026 (Wednesday)
Session Date for Fall 2026 First-Year and Transfer/Second-Degree Students (Final Session for Fall 2026).
- August 12-14, 2026
*Note: Registration for the August SOAR session will open July 15, 2026. This session is extended to only students admitted after July 15, 2026, and out-of-state students who elect this SOAR session. This session is not open for in-state students until August 1, 2026.
Preparing for Your Spring SOAR 2026 Session
SOAR 2026 Preparations:
New Eagles, as you begin preparations for your upcoming SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising and Registration) session this summer, we would like to make sure you don't overpack! We have provided a suggested list of essential items that will make your time on campus comfortable! Please note, SOAR check-in will take place (on the first day of your session) based on your last name only, during the following time blocks:
- Last Name: Letters A–K, 1–3 p.m.
- Last Name: Letters L–Z, 3–5 p.m.
It is important to adhere to this time block to avoid congestion and long wait times.
Please note: All registered SOAR students are required to stay on campus during the full duration of orientation — no exceptions! Parent(s) and guest(s) are not permitted to stay overnight in the Residential Hall. Visitation is not permitted for any individual who is not registered to attend the associated SOAR session.
To assist with pre-planning/travel purposes, SOAR (including residential hall checkout) will conclude at/around 2:30 p.m. on the last day of orientation.
Parent/Guest SOAR Registration
Attendance is not mandatory for parent(s) and guest(s); however, it is strongly encouraged.
We extend this invitation for up to four registrants! For children under the age of two, no registration is required.
Registration Fee: $55.00 (Non-refundable, and this fee cannot be applied to the student's e-bill).
Registration includes meals indicated on the itinerary, a SOAR swag bag, the opportunity to join the NCCU Parent and Family Association and full access to the Eagle Supporter workshop/sessions and the SOAR experience!
SOAR Student Schedule
Please review the itinerary for each day of SOAR for students.
Info Accordions
| Day 1 | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 1–5 p.m. | SOAR Registration/Check-In/Family Souvenir Photo
Priority Check-in based on Student Last Name
Student Move-in: Lawson Street Residential Hall (after SOAR check-in) | McDougald-McLendon Arena |
| 5–6:30 p.m. | Class of 2030 “Welcome to the Nest” Dinner Students will meet and dine with their SOAR leader and respective group! | W.G. Pearson Cafeteria |
| 6:45–7:15 p.m. | SOAR and Campus Rules & Expectations Video
| NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 7:15–10 p.m. | New Eagle Spirits and Traditions #2030
For entry, students must show receipt of Eagle Card photograph upload. | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 10 p.m. | Announcements and Reminders | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 10:30 p.m. | Evening Room Check/Hall Meeting Students are not prohibited to leave the residential hall. | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| Day 2 | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 7:30–9 a.m. | Rise and Shine ’30 Breakfast | W.G. Pearson Dining Hall |
| 9:15–9:45 a.m. | Class of 2030 – SOAR Cohort- Photograph | O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium |
| 10–11:00 a.m. Attire: '90s Throwback Bright Colors/Neon, etc. (optional, strongly encouraged) | Welcome Tunnel
Navigating Campus Life - The Fresh Way
| NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 11:00 a.m.–12 p.m | Money Matters
| NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 12–1:30 p.m. | Lunch
| W.G. Pearson Dining Hall Banquet Room |
| 1:45– 4:45 p.m. | Departmental Exploration Workshops
Test Your New Eagle Fresh Knowledge: Kahoot! (Students will remain in last session location to participate in trivia). | Various Locations: (Rotations Guided by SOAR Leaders) A.E. Student Union Student Union Lobby, Hubbard Totten Auditorium, NCCU Student Center Event Hall and the Lee Biology Auditorium |
| 5–6:30 p.m. | Mix and Mingle with Your Major: Dinner | W.G. Pearson Dining Hall |
| 6:45–9:30 p.m. | Drop Down and Get Your Eagle On
| NCCU Student Center Event Hall A.E. Student Union |
| 9:30 p.m. | Pre-departure Guidelines and Announcements | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 9:45 p.m. | Evening Room Check/Hall Meeting | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| Day 3 | ||
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 7–8:30 a.m. Attire: Wear Your Favorite NCCU T-shirt (optional, strongly encouraged) | Breakfast | W.G. Pearson Dining Hall |
| 8:45–9 a.m. | Understanding Information Technology Services | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 9–9:15 a.m. | How to Navigate myEOL/Canvas | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 9:15–9:30 a.m. | Student Success 101 Pre-Advising Instructions: University College | NCCU Student Center Event Hall |
| 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Discover and Engage: Register for Success
| Various Locations |
| 1–2 p.m. | Farewell SOAR Lunch | W.G. Pearson Cafeteria |
| 1–3 p.m. | Eagle Card Distribution/Pickup | Lee Biology Building |
| 2–3 p.m. | Residential Hall Checkout | Lawson Street Residential Hall |
Durham Hotels
All hotels are in close proximity to the NCCU campus.
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
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
SpringHill Suites Durham City View
705 S Mangum St
Durham, NC 27701
Telephone: 984-983-8003
Hilton Garden Inn-Durham/Southpoint
7007 Fayetteville Rd
Durham, NC 27713
919-544-6000
Hyatt Place Durham/Southpoint
7840 NC-751
Durham, NC 27713
919-688-7800
Fairfield Inn & Suites
7807 Leonardo Dr
Durham, NC 27713
919-806-8200
Early Eagle Excellence
Welcome to Early Eagle Excellence (E3), the premier program tailored specifically for incoming students at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). At E3, we are dedicated to ensuring that every new Eagle is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive from day one on campus.
For all SOAR inquiries, please contact the Office of New Student and Family Programs at 919-530-6336 or send us an email: [email protected].