New Nazareth University program invites incoming students to SOAR in July and improve first-year readiness, JULY 20

Rochester, NY (07/16/2026) — Nazareth is inviting the media to see the University's new program that is helping first-year and transfer students feel more prepared for their first year of college. Sometimes the college to-do list can feel overwhelming. The S.O.A.R. program, or Student Orientation for Achievement and Readiness, guides students through completing key onboarding tasks early, such as advising touchpoints, ID cards, financial clearance, and tech setup in a structured but welcoming environment. It intentionally blends transactional onboarding with relational engagement, so students leave with a lot of "to-do" tasks checked off, feeling successful and connected to campus resources and peers. This preview experience directly ties into Orientation and move-in success later in the summer. There are six total S.O.A.R. dates in July incoming students can choose from.

WHEN/WHERE: Monday, July 20 | Nazareth University Arts Center Callahan Theater

10-10:30 a.m. Nazareth President Maureen Finney welcomes new students

OR

2:45-3:30 p.m. Nazareth Arts Center lobby | Resource Fair: a great opportunity for b-roll and interviews with students engaging directly with campus resources.

Interviews available:

• AM only: President Maureen Finney after her welcome at 10 a.m. (She should be done by 10:15 a.m.)
• Joseph Hitchcock, associate director, First Year Experience
• First-year students attending S.O.A.R.

MEDIA: Call or text Chief PR Officer Julie Long at 585-781-8186 or email: jlong@naz.edu to let her know if you're attending. Communications Director Justin Shaw is the point of contact on July 20.

PARK: A lot (enter from East Avenue at entrance with traffic light) Arts Center is in the corner with white awning and up the stairs or elevator.