Orientation

Start Ready @ SOAR

SOAR (Student Orientation & Registration) isn’t just an orientation—it’s your official welcome to the Koala family! 🎉🐨 This action-packed day is where you’ll meet your new classmates, connect with student leaders, finalize your class schedule, and start making Columbia College feel like home. From high-energy welcome sessions to insider tips on campus life, SOAR is designed to get you excited, informed, and 100% ready for your first semester. Expect fun activities, hands-on workshops, campus traditions, and of course—some Columbia College swag! 💜 Whether you're feeling totally pumped or a little nervous, we've got you. Sign up today for one of our dates using the links below, and let's make this the start of something amazing!

Register for SOAR:

Support for Your College Journey 

Read on for an orientation overview, checklist items, details about your first-year experience, and more. We're here to support you as you make this transition and beyond. Questions about what's next for you? Connect with our Student Success Team. 

Free Orientation

What to Expect

You'll get tons of helpful information from folks in financial aid, housing, counseling services, student activities, and more so you feel prepared for college. You'll also meet professors, do icebreakers, and build community before classes. We'll have plenty of fun along the way with free lunch, music, cotton candy, and activities. 

Don't Miss a Beat 

Check these items off your list so you don't miss any important events, deadlines, or tips. 

Set Up Your Email

Check your email frequently so you don't miss important information throughout the summer.

  • Email address: firstname.lastname@my.record-room.com
  • Password: Koala and the last four digits of your social (e.g. Koala1234)

Download Apps

Navigate App
Find the free app on Apple App Store or Google Play. Log in with your username and password (same as email). Take a brief survey before getting your summer orientation checklist.

Canvas App
Find the free app on Apple App Store or Google Play to access your courses, submit your assignments, and connect with your Orientation Leader (OL) and other students.

Direction to Start Strong

Mentoring you is in our DNA, and you'll feel the multi-layered support from day one. Work closely with an advisor to start your academic path strong.

Someone Who Gets You

You'll connect with a student success leader who's been in your shoes before. Discuss study skills and time management or even fun things to do on campus. 

Direction to Reach Your Goals

We'll walk alongside you, helping you to reflect on your strengths and passions and to create a four-year plan to reach your goals. 

Insights to Succeed

Get insights on topics like study skills, reading strategies, test taking, and wellness at our recurring success socials. These workshops are offered all fall, multiple times a week. 

The First-Year Experience

  • Supportive Advisors
  • Peer Mentors
  • Success Coaches
  • Success Socials

Here to Help 

Have more questions about Orientation and the First-Year Experience? Reach out to the Office of Student Success, and we'll connect you with even more resources.

First-Year Students: New Student Orientation Guide
Evening College Students: Get connected with Evening Columbia College Student Government Association or Evening CCSGA
Online Students: Your personal advisor assigned by name will guide you through our online student orientation designed specifically for online students.

Email Student Success 

More Resources

Academic & Career Support

Health & Wellness

Campus Safety

Parents & Families