Educational Programs and Transitions

SOAR Details

You will soon be able to select a Virtual Advising and Registration session where you will work with an advisor to register for your first semester classes, after completing the virtual Golden Eagle SOAR Experience. The GE SOAR Experience is a virtual orientation on UMN's Canvas sites (you will use Canvas for your classes during your time at UMN Crookston), made up of modules to help make your transition to college life a breeze! It is loaded with helpful tips and student FAQ's that are sure answer any questions you have about UMN Crookston. 

This will also include online modules and virtual, interactive, informative topics to include: an overall welcome, academic resources, student success, navigating life as a Golden Eagle, financial aid, FAFSA, tuition and fees, UCards, clubs and organizations, campus safety, and Welcome Weekend information.

UMN Crookston's SOAR program will help introduce new students to the many opportunities that await them and assist with transition to college life and the University of Minnesota Crookston.
 
Family members or support individuals of new students are also invited to participate in the SOAR virtual experience. 
 
Contact Brooke Novak if you have any questions about Orientation & Registration or your next steps.

Prepare yourself for Registration:

• Activate Student Account
• UMC Course Catalog
• Student Health Waiver
• Student Health Benefits

Research indicated that students who attend Welcome Weekend perform better in college and are more likely to graduate than those who do not attend. Welcome Weekend is required of all new freshman students to UMC. It's a weekend full of educational, informational, and all out FUN planned just for you!

---

Move-In Day 2023

Traditional new students will be moving in on Friday, August 25, 2023 and taking part in Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend Friday, August 25- Monday, August 28, 2023 before classes start on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. 

Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend

---

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm a transfer student, do I need to attend Welcome Weekend?

As a Transfer student we understand that you have "been there" & "done that", so we offer you the choice on how you would like to get started here at UMC. You have the option of joining us for Welcome Weekend, or you can choose to attend the mandatory Sunday "Transition Crookston" orientation, which is for transfer students and non-traditional students only. 

I'm a parent/family/guest of a new or transfer student, are there activities that I can attend?

During Move-In Day there is a parent/family session that is optional, and all families are welcome at the Welcome Home BBQ on campus that evening. During Transition Crookston (the day before classes start), parents and families are able to attend, though there is no specific or additional programming. Due to the timing of Transition Crookston, there tends to be a low family/parent presence. 

I'm an upperclassman and want to help with Welcome Weekend, what do I need to know?

Awesome!  Consider becoming an S.O.S. (Student Orientation Staff) Leader! S.O.S. Leaders are volunteer students who help welcome new students to campus during Welcome Weekend.  We also need students to help with transfer student orientation (a.k.a. "Transition Crookston") by becoming a Transition Ambassador.  Applications and complete job descriptions can be obtained from the Educational Programs and Transitions office.

Golden Eagle Family Weekend

2023 info and dates being planned...

Family Weekend is a weekend filled with Golden Eagle athletics, campus time, a time to get crafty with the family, and much more! We have a busy schedule planned with some great FREE opportunities for you and your family. If you would like to attend, please RSVP so we can be well prepared for your arrival.

Learn more

Parent & Family Golden Eagle SOAR Experience

---

Parent and New Student FAQ'S

How do we support the transition for all students?

• Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR)
  This is where it all begins! The office of Educational Programs and Transitions helps to support the virtual orientation and registration programs, which are a dynamic, student-centered experiences that inspire a purposeful transition into the Golden Eagle community. SOAR is the first step toward a successful graduation!

• Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend
  When you arrive with your student to the University of Minnesota Crookston in August, you will be eagerly greeted by our SOS (Student Orientation Staff)  Leaders to begin your next step, Move-In Day!. Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend takes place during the four days prior to the beginning of classes and builds upon Summer Orientation for new students and their families once they have arrived on campus.

  Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend, Transition Crookston and International Student Orientation are designed to assist new students with the transition to UMC by creating community, connecting new students to resources and helping new students learn what it means to be a Golden Eagle!  Students can look forward to engaging in exciting UMC traditions while learning more about involvement resources and getting engaged with their academic college. Parent and family members also have the opportunity to hear from key campus resources during the Welcome Home Session on Move-In Day.

• Golden Eagle Transition Programs
  As your student begins the new semester, the support doesn’t end – there are a number of exciting programs designed to provide a support network, a sense of community, and academic and social mentoring.  These programs are ultimately designed to empower students to get to the second year and well on their path toward graduation.

 

What does my student's year look like?

Use this timeline to be prepared for what your student's year will entail! Click the various months for additional information.

 

When is Family Weekend?

Family Weekend 2023 is currently being planned.

 

How do I stay connected to UMC and my student on social media?

• Sign up for the Parent and Family listserv for email updates periodically throughout the year! Email Brooke Novak (novak303@umn.edu) to be added to the listserv.
• Follow UMC's Official Social media pages: 
  • Official Facebook Page
  • Official Twitter Feed
  • Official YouTube Channel
  • Official Instagram Account
  • Official TikTok Channel
  • LinkedIn Site
  • Merit Student Achievements

 

What literature is available on the topic of students transitioning from high school to college?

• Almost Grown
• Letting Go
• Making The Most Of College
• You're On Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me) - Mentoring Your Child During the College Years

•  Differences Between High School and College
•  Transition Information for Parents

 

How can I ensure I have access to my student's account (paying bills, financial aid questions, etc.)?

• Parent/Guest Access

 

What are some of the most used UMC Resources?

• Residential Life/Security Services
• Health Services
• Student Health Benefits
• Business Office
• Financial Aid
• Bookstore
• Academic Programs
• UMC Today Page & Events Calendar

 

How can I access information about the city of Crookston and the surrounding area?

• City of Crookston
• Crookston Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Crookston Times Newspaper
• KROX 1260 AM

 

Other Resources

•  Differences Between High School and College 
•  Transitions Information for Parent 

Transition Crookston Fall 2023

Monday, August 28, 2023

Check-in: Sargeant Student Center

As a Transfer (or non-traditional) student we understand that you have "been there" & "done that", so we offer you the choice on how you would like to get started here at UMC. You have the option of joining the larger group on Thursday, August 25 for a full weekend of Orientation events, or you can choose to attend the abbreviated and impactful MANDATORY Sunday, August 28, 2022 "Transition Crookston" Orientation for transfer and non-traditional students ONLY.

Check-in for Transition Crookston will be at 12:30 p.m. in the Sargeant Student Center. This action packed half-day is a time where you will be able to become acquainted with campus and get settled in prior to the first day of instruction. By the time the first day of class rolls around on Monday the 29th, you will feel confident in your abilities to navigate your new surroundings and ready to knock the academic year out of the park.

Transition Crookston Fall 2023 Schedule - coming soon

More about Golden Eagle Welcome Weekend/Transition Crookston

---

Transition Crookston Spring 2024

Date - TBA

Check-in: TBA

Transition Crookston Spring 2024 Schedule - coming later Fall 2023

Mission

The Educational Programs and Transitions program is dedicated to provide all students:

• A comprehensive introduction to UMC and the services the campus offers.
• Opportunities to participate in activities that will allow students to enhance their educational experience at UMC.
• A connection to the campus community; including faculty, staff and other students.
• A chance to experience personal and intellectual growth.

Goals

• Assist new students in their transition to the college environment.
• Provide an orientation to campus resources and facilities.
• Support students in achieving their educational goals.
• Create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety, promotes a positive attitude and stimulates an excitement for learning. Improve retention rates.
• Be a source of information for students about campus policies, procedures, requirements, academic programs, and campus activities.
• Address the needs and concerns of residential, commuter, non-traditional, and international students.
• Be a source of information for parents and family members of students.