Frequently Asked Questions

SOAR Overview

What is SOAR?

SOAR, or Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration, is Illinois Tech’s new student orientation program designed to welcome incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students and their families and supporters to campus. SOAR is focused on providing incoming students with an opportunity to meet classmates on campus and become familiarized with a variety of departments and campus resources.

Why is SOAR important?

There are many reasons why we believe SOAR is important to the success of our new students at Illinois Tech. Here are a few things you can look forward to!

Meet with important campus departments. It's all about the relationships that help students along every step of the way from that first day to commencement.
Experience College. SOAR is a great time to see what campus life is all about. From learning more about student life, dining options, and the residential experience-- there's lots to explore!
See the Campus. Gaining familiarity with the campus during SOAR will help students better navigate their first semester at Illinois Tech.
Make Connections. Some of the closest friends are the ones who meet at SOAR. Meet your peers who will share this exciting journey with you.

Who organizes SOAR at Illinois Tech?

The SOAR program is run by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. You can reach us by emailing orientation@illinoistech.edu. The Office of Undergraduate Admission works closely with partners across campus to ensure that a wide range of topics and resources are covered during the program.

Who are SOAR Leaders?

Each student who attends SOAR will be assigned a SOAR leader. SOAR Leaders are current Illinois Tech students who have been hired and trained specifically to assist incoming Illinois Tech students. They are an integral part of SOAR and are carefully selected campus leaders who serve as mentors and friends through the process of becoming a Scarlet Hawk. They provide an authentic student perspective about what it is to be an Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawk.

Incoming students will receive communication from the SOAR team prior to arriving on campus for their SOAR program. Got a question? Ask our SOAR leaders!

Is SOAR mandatory for students?

SOAR is mandatory for all incoming undergraduate students. Students who participate in the SOAR program will be able to meet classmates, familiarize themselves with the campus, and learn about many of the resources available for our students.

How do I register for SOAR?

For more information about SOAR, including event dates and registration, visit our main registration page.

Will SOAR take place in person?

Yes. For undergraduate students (domestic and international), SOAR will take place at Illinois Tech’s Mies Campus. However, graduate students should register for a Graduate Orientation (GO) session via this link.

Where will I be staying during June SOAR?

During June SOAR on June 26-27, all undergraduate first-year students are required to stay overnight in the residence halls and all undergraduate transfer students have the option to stay overnight in the residence halls. Students participating in the overnight stay during the June SOAR program will be assigned a shared on-campus dormitory room for the 2-day/1-night program

Where will I be staying during August SOAR?

During August SOAR on August 11-12, only new and incoming students with an active housing contract can stay overnight in their assigned residence halls. If you do not have an active housing contract for the upcoming semester, you will not receive a room assignment. Commuter students attending August SOAR are expected to commute to and from campus for orientation. For specific questions about on-campus accommodations and housing contracts, please contact the Office of Residence Life directly at housing@illinoistech.edu.

If you are a parent, friend, or family member also attending June SOAR or August SOAR, off-campus accommodations are available through our Preferred Partner hotels, that offer discounted booking rates. Important Note: To secure your discounted rate, please follow the links on our Preferred Partner hotels webpage rather than calling the hotel directly.

What do I need to bring to SOAR?

We ask that you bring your mobile device and any items you require to participate at orientation. Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable sometimes so we recommend that you dress comfortably and safely for the indoor and outdoor activities. You may also want to bring a water bottle and something for taking notes.

What should you pack during your overnight stay at June SOAR?

A bag for your belongings, a blanket, a pillow, toiletries, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower shoes, a towel, a charger for your device/s, and any necessary items you require.

What does the SOAR schedule look like?

Throughout SOAR, students and their supporters will meet with campus partners and learn about the various resources available at Illinois Tech. There will be plenty of fun activities, too! We look forward to having you on campus soon. Our SOAR schedule will be posted on the SOAR webpage.

What food options are available during SOAR?

Hungry? We recommend you enjoy the diverse culinary options on-campus and off-campus! You can find a list of local eateries often patroned by our Scarlet Hawk community.

For more information, including specific questions about on-campus dining, meal plans and dietary restrictions, click here.

How can I get to campus?

Once you have arrived in Chicago, there are many options for traveling to campus, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains. If driving a personal vehicle, you can park in lot A4 free of charge. View our directions to our Main Campus and campus maps here.

What if I haven't received any information about attending SOAR?

If you have not received any registration information, please email orientation@illinoistech.edu. Keep an eye out for a confirmation email the week before SOAR with the schedule and additional information pertaining to Orientation.

Note: If you do not receive an email, we suggest checking your email's Spam/Promotions folders and then update your email settings so we are on your safe sender list.

My Academics

Will I be able to register for courses at SOAR?

The courses you will take in your first semester at Illinois Tech are vital to setting you up on a path to success.

You will be able to meet with our advisors, discuss your interests and the courses that you will be registering for in the upcoming semester, get your PIN (required to register), and make sure there are no scheduling conflicts between your classes.

Need help? Contact aa@illinoistech.edu and they will direct you to someone who can assist you with academic advising and course registration.

What if I am an undecided major?

If you are undecided on your major, don’t worry! Illinois Tech encourages students to take the time to choose the major that is right for them. The Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs will provide important academic information for both students and parents/families. You can also contact them with academic related questions at aa@illinoistech.edu.

Do I need to attend SOAR if I have already spoken with my academic adviser?

Yes. It is great that you have already made contact with faculty on campus! However, there is much more than academics that goes into SOAR that we would not want you to miss.

Campus Resources

How can I get my student ID card?

We strongly recommended students to submit their photo before attending SOAR. At Illinois Tech, your student ID is known as a “HawkCard.” The HawkCard ID provides you with access to residence halls, meal plans, academic spaces, and more. Students participating in SOAR should submit a photo at least three (3) business days prior to their SOAR program date to ensure timely access to their Residence Hall at check-in.

HawkCards for photos submitted on or after SOAR will be available for pickup at the Campus Business Services Center (MTCC 514). You will receive an email notification when your ID is ready.

We will continue to accept online photo submissions on an ongoing basis, however, students are encouraged to prioritize this task to gain timely access to the campus experience. Late photo submissions will be subject to a processing time of up to three (3) business days.

Questions? Contact the Campus Business Services Center at campusbusiness@illinoistech.edu.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone: 312.567.8968

How can I get my Ventra U-Pass?

The Ventra U-Pass provides you with unlimited rides on the CTA (Chicago buses and trains) during your time as a student at Illinois Tech. Students who would like access to a U-Pass must be registered FULL-TIME (graduate students—nine billable academic hours, undergraduate students—12 billable academic hours).

Questions? Contact the Campus Business Services Center at mailto:campusbusiness@illinoistech.edu

If I’m living in a residence hall, when can I move in?

Move-in for the Spring 2025 term begins Monday, January 06, 2025. Please keep in mind that classes start on Monday, January 13, 2025. For more information about the Office of Residence Life, please visit this webpage.

I am an international student, which session should I attend?

All undergraduate international students should attend SOAR: New Student Orientation held on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

International graduate students should attend the Graduate Orientation (GO) sessions. For more information about GO, including the registration link, please visit this webpage.

What do I need to know about international check-in?

If you are an incoming new F-1 or J-1 student, an international check-in hold has been placed on your student account and will remain in effect until you virtually check-in with the Office of Global Services. This hold will NOT prevent you from enrolling in courses or obtaining a student ID card. This check-in is separate from both the SOAR (orientation) and housing check-ins.

All incoming international students, including transfer-in international students are required to check-in with the Office of Global Services, within 24 hours of arriving in the United States. Check-in will take place virtually, through the ISSS Portal starting from Saturday, December 14, 2024. Students must log into the ISSS portal using their Illinois Tech (Okta Access) credentials, and submit a “New Student Check-In” request. The Office of Global Services will be open Monday–Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Required documents/information for international student check-in:

F-1/J-1 Visa stamp

I-94 arrival record; Please download here: i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home Local U.S. address

Local telephone number Emergency contact information

The Office of Global Services will process your request within 2 business days and remove the international check-in hold on your student account. This hold does NOT prevent a student from registering for classes. Students only need to check in ONCE with the Office of Global Services.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the Office of Global Services at global@illinoistech.edu.

English Language Services

English Language Services (ELS) is committed to providing international graduate and undergraduate students support to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. We focus on building on students' existing language skills to develop communicative proficiency that they need to be successful. Our Communication for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) courses and Intensive English Program serve over 100 prospective and matriculated students annually. Additionally, our weekly conversation group, SPEAK, gives students the opportunity to network and interact with other international and domestic students in a stress-free, engaging environment.

If you have questions about the office of English Language Services, please contact els@illinoistech.edu or (312) 567-5220.