Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR)

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!

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 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–Wednesday)
• 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 12-14th

*Note: Priority registration for this session will be extended only to students admitted after July 15, 2026, and out-of-state students who choose to elect this SOAR session. This session will not open for registration for in-state students until August 1, 2026.

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, 12–2:30 p.m.
• Last Name: Letters L–Z,  2:30–5 p.m.

It is important to adhere to this time block to avoid congestion and long wait times. If you are interested in rooming with a registered SOAR student during your session,  you must check in at the same time — no exceptions! 

• Review a list of essential items.

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. 

The full itinerary will be provided soon! 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.
 

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!

Register Now

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

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.

Early Eagle Excellence

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].