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First-Year Students

A SOAR Orientation group pic in Bayou Atrium I

Welcome New Freshman Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Houston-Clear Lake! The Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP) Office is excited to welcome you to campus! You will be joining a vibrant and diverse community of students from across Texas and around the world. ONSP hosts various orientation and welcome programs to ease your transition and welcome you to UHCL.

Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) is mandatory for all new undergraduate students with 0-29 credit hours or students entering college for the first time.

Students who fail to attend the entire required program will have a hold placed on their accounts and will not be able to enroll in classes the following semester.

Sign-Up For Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR)

You must be an admitted incoming freshman student to register for SOAR. Depending on which academic semester you are admitted for, we offer a specific SOAR Session for you to attend. You will receive an email to your UHCL student email when orientation registration is open for your admitted semester.

Remember, all new undergraduate freshman students with 0-29 credit hours or students entering college for the first time must sign up for and complete the SOAR program to fulfill the university orientation requirement.

When orientation registration opens for your admit semester, you simply need to log in to E-Services (your UHCL student portal) using your Student ID number and password. Select the "Orientation" tile to sign up for SOAR. You will receive your Student ID number and log in information in your acceptance package shorty after admittance. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Information Technology at (281) 283-2828 or supportcenter@uhcl.edu.

Attend Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR)

Attending a Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) session is your most important first-step as you are admitted to the University of Houston-Clear Lake! These sessions are offered with a variety of dates, so you will be able to select a day that works best for your schedule.

 During SOAR you will:

  • Engage with Orientation Leaders and fellow Hawks to build your UHCL community.
  • Learn campus resources, services and programs from engaging UHCL staff and faculty.
  • Develop UHCL pride through university traditions.
  • Understand college student expectations and university policies and procedures.
  • Explore the beautiful UHCL campus.

Sample SOAR Schedule Coming Soon

SOAR Registration and Session Dates

All Orientation Programs will be held in-person on UHCL's Main Campus. Times are CST.

Admitted Semester: Spring 2024

  • Monday, January 8, 2024; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please connect with Transfer Advising, your Academic Advisor or Academic College individually to register for your courses. Course registration is separate from the orientation event for the Spring semester. Additionally you can always contact our office for specific information and details.


Admitted Semester: Summer 2024 & Fall 2024

Registration opens March 2024

  • Summer 2024 dates to be announced

Note: You will not be able to sign up for orientation until the orientation for your admitted semester is open. Once registration is open, you will receive an email to your UHCL student email with instructions on how to register.

Preparing For Your SOAR Session

Class registration is a critical part of our SOAR program. To ensure you have the smoothest advising and registration experience possible, please review the following information.

  • Bacterial Meningitis Immunizations - If you are under age 22, you must get your bacterial meningitis vaccination and provide proof of vaccination. This is required before you can register for courses at UHCL.
  • Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - Newly admitted students must show they are already proficient in reading, writing and math, or take the TSI Assessment before enrolling in college-level courses.
  • Complete the Advanced Math Placement Test, if applicable - This is used to determine the appropriate math courses in which to place you. The AMPT is advised if your degree plan requires MATH 2413, Calculus I or higher. If you already earned college math credit (including dual credit, AP, or CLEP), connect with your academic adviser before taking the AMPT.
  • Send all completed college credit, including high school, dual credit, early college transcripts, and any AP or CLEP scores. If you have any college credit in progress, let your adviser know.
  • Explore majors - Use the free MyMajors Quiz to share your strengths and interests, and get a list of top 10 best-fit majors for you at UHCL.

Family and Guest Program and Resources

Congratulations to the parents, friends and family members of our incoming UHCL Hawks! You can play an active or supportive role for your student as they transition to their academic and social life at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Our office offers various programs and resources to help better inform and prepare you to support your student.  

Family and Guests At Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) 

We are excited to offer a brief Parent and Family Orientation program on the first day of the Lift-Off: NSO. The majority of the Lift-Off: NSO program is developed for your student to engage with fellow UHCL students in small group activities and presentations. If you are interested in joining your student during Lift Off: NSO, you will follow a separate program track from your student. The cost for this program is $20 for each parent or family member and can be paid at the time of student orientation registration or at check-in of the session. Specific presentations include: 

  • Campus Resource Fair 
  • Campus Tour 
  • Coaching Your Student 
  • Wellness Panel 
  • College Finances 101 

Sample SOAR Family & Guest Orientation Schedule Coming Soon 

Register your family or guest for the Family & Guest Orientation program at SOAR!

Veteran and Adult-Learners Accommodations

If you are an incoming freshman student and are also a student veteran or adult learner, the traditional freshman orientation program SOAR might not meet your personal and academic needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your participation in the SOAR program, please contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281-283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu to talk about other options available to you. 

Special Accommodations

Any individual requiring an accommodation in order to participate in this event should contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281-283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu at least one week prior to the event. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns related to Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) that weren't answered above, please contact the Orientation and New Student Programs Office at (281) 283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu. We look forward to seeing you!

Contact

  • Orientation and New Student Programs

    Phone: 281-283-2420
    Fax: 281-283-2425
    Email: orientation@uhcl.edu

    SSCB 1202
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 257
    Houston, TX 77058-1002

    Office hours:
    Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Please call ahead during holidays and semester breaks.