First-Year Student Starting Fall/Summer

SOAR registration begins Feb. 15 of each calendar year. SOAR dates are listed in the next tab below. You can register for SOAR by: 

1. Go to CatPAWS
2. Click: Log In/Enter Secure Area
3. Enter your Northwest Network Account username (s#) and password.
4. Navigate to the orientation tab. (If you do not see the orientation tab, there is a green arrow you can select to view more options.)
5. Select “Click here to enter Orientation System.”

Registering for SOAR will take approximately 15 minutes. It is important the Northwest student is present during the registration process. The student will be asked about registration preferences, confirmation of personal information, academic information relating to dual credit courses and more.

After completing orientation registration, the student will receive a confirmation email explaining their date selection and information regarding their SOAR Day.

Bearcat Tip: Please do not use your high school e-mail address (domain@highschool.edu). In most cases, the high school e-mail address will be inactivated once the student graduate’s high school.

SOAR Days are offered in June and July. Early registration is encouraged to get the optimal date for the student and their support system. When registering for SOAR and an alternate date is needed (and the date is closed), please contact the Student Success Center to assist with accommodating your preferences.

Student Success Center: 660.562.1695

2025 SOAR Dates

June 2025 Tuesday, June 3 Wednesday, June 4 Friday, June 6 Tuesday, June 10 Wednesday, June 11 Friday, June 13 Saturday, June 14 July 2025 Thursday, July 24 Friday, July 25 Saturday, July 26

If a student needs to change their SOAR Day at any time, they can access the orientation system through CatPAWS and select a different day.

1. Go to CatPAWS
2. Click: Log In/Enter Secure Area 
3. Enter your Northwest Network Account username (s#) and password. 
4. Navigate to the orientation tab. (If you do not see the orientation tab, there is a green arrow you can select to view more options.) 
5. Select “Click here to enter Orientation System.” 

Student participation in SOAR is highly recommended. SOAR allows students to start forming connections with other future Bearcats. However, the orientation team realizes life happens. If you are unable to attend SOAR in-person, an online orientation is available.

Bearcat Tip:  SOAR is a great day for Bearcats to meet their future roommate! 

• Any questions you may have.
• Students can bring their health history form to SOAR.
• Weather appropriate attire.
• Students are encouraged to bring their support system to SOAR. The students’ support system has an opportunity to participate in the SOAR experience. 

• Familiarize yourself with the Northwest services and resources
• Meet staff from across campus
• Learn how to support your new college student

This is what a typical day at SOAR entails.

*The SOAR schedule above is tentative and may be adjusted. The final SOAR schedule will be included in your SOAR confirmation packet and upon check-in on your SOAR day.

Students who attend SOAR can meet people from campus organizations and offices to connect and gain information before move-in day.

One item you need to complete before SOAR is the Directed Self Placement (DSP). This survey allows you to choose which English class you would prefer to take based on your strengths. Choosing your English course allows us to create your class schedule, so it's important to take care of it before SOAR. 

How to access the DSP:

• Go to CatPAWS.
• Under the Orientation tab, click "Click here for writing self-placement."

You can also find your personalized pre-orientation checklist in CatPAWS by selecting the orientation tab and entering the orientation system.

Other items include

• Apply for housing in CatPAWS and select your room
• *Commuter students – make sure to submit your commuter card.
• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• Complete the Health History form. Please send the form in or bring it to SOAR. You will need to sign in with your northwest email and password.

Your class schedule will be customized based on:

• Your major and recommendations from your academic department or school
• High School transcript, ACT/SAT scores, earned credit (AP, IB, or dual credit, if applicable)
• Scholarship requirements
• Your participation in music ensembles, varsity sports and Living Learning Communities
• Course preferences and academic profile information you submit when registering for SOAR.

Check out our orientation points of interest map!

Orientation Points of Interest Map

Students will move in according to alphabetical order by last name. You will also receive information in late summer about moving in, including a map that tells you how to drive into campus and where to drop off your stuff. We even have the Cat Crew to meet you and lend a hand when you need it.

Move-In Day Schedule & Map

The Advantage schedule will be posted online, but you can receive your Advantage packet when you check in to your residential hall. If you are a commuter student, you can pick up your Advantage packet at the Student Success Center in the B.D. Owens Library on Thursday, or your packet can be delivered to you during your first University Seminar class that takes place on Friday.

Yes, Advantage is required for all first-time freshmen. You will receive more information through your Northwest email account.

Yes, University Seminar class meets several times during Advantage, beginning Friday. University Seminar starts before your other classes because it helps get you acclimated to campus. Your University Seminar Instructor and Peer Advisor (an upper-class student who is a teaching assistant) can act as your guides through those first days and weeks on campus, and even better, you have an instant group of new friends.

Typically, your family helps move you in and get settled. However, if they have a long way to drive, your family may want to make reservations at a hotel in Maryville for that night. You will be so busy with activities throughout Advantage that you probably won't have a lot of time to spend with them. And before you know it, it will be time to go home for a visit.

It's important for freshmen to attend Advantage, particularly since classes start that weekend. If you think you need to miss any part of Advantage, please email the Student Success Center.

Student Success Center: studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu