Programs

SOAR

Student Outreach Alternative Resources

The transition to college is not always an easy one.  Learning new rules and regulations, experiencing new freedoms and cultures, plus not knowing the people around you, including your roommate, are just a few of the challenges first-year students encounter. Because of this, some students will question themselves, and their choices, and perhaps feel isolated. Homesickness during the first few weeks of being away from family is quite common.  Making new friends is not always easy.  SOAR seeks individuals who may not be actively involved in the initial stages of transitioning to college to offer an empathetic hand or ear.  This is done via:

MENTORS
SOS sponsors a proactive, dedicated group of students on campus via Student Outreach Alternative Resources, or SOAR. SOAR is made up of upperclassmen who are campus leaders wanting to make a difference in the lives of incoming students by serving students as peer mentors – not in the academic sense, but in the social world of the Hendrix Community.

SECOND SATURDAY SUPPERS
One of the most attended SOAR events is the Second Saturday Supper.  For
students unwilling, or unable, to venture out for a meal off-campus when the dining hall is closed on Saturday nights, SOAR provides a community meal at 6:00 p.m. for each second (2nd) Saturday of the month when classes are in
session in September, October, November, February, March, April.  It is a first-come, first-served buffet meal until the food is gone and is held in the SOAR House, 1318 Front Street.

ALTERNATIVE EVENTS
SOAR also oversees the planning and running of the alternative campus events – held during main events - to provide optional, alternative programming.  Alcohol and other substances are banned from these events.  Watch for details in Hendrix Today and on posters around campus!

                         Warrior Welcome Petting Zoo                     August 20                                 07:00p

                         Lego My Eggo & Game Night                        August 31                                   07:00p

                         HDX Assassins!  The Battle is On!             September 16                                TBD

                         Cutie Patootie Baby Face Contest            October 07-11                          5 Days                
                          Interactive Murder Mystery                         October 11                                  07:00p
                         It’s a Carving Good Time!                                October 31                                   All Day
                         Virtual Escape                                                            November 23                          07:00p

                          There’s Magic in the Air                                    January 25                                 07:00p
                          Games, Games, & More Games!                March 01                                     07:00p
                         HDX Warrior Assassins—Redux!               April 14                                         10 Days
                         Bingo Blast Bonanza                                            May 2                                              07:00p

Check out the 2023 SOAR Presents: Next of Kin!  This event provided an interactive murder mystery for the attendees to solve!  Faculty, staff, and students show their acting skills for a rootin' tootin' good time of fun and solving "Who done it!"

OFF-CAMPUS SOCIAL EVENTS
Outside peer off-campus events are a popular SOAR program.  SOAR sponsors events, known as Super Saturday Socials on the third (3rd) Saturday of each month, providing longer, smaller, more intimate time periods of social connection than the alternative event. Limited to 20 persons, max!  First come, first travel!

                         Little Rock Zoo                                                         September 21                                01:00p
                         Skatium Ice Skating                                            December 7                                     01:00p
                         USS Razorback Submarine Tour              February 15                                      01:00p
                         Bowling                                                                          March 15                                             01:00p
                         Salty Harbor Mini-Golf                                    April 19                                                01:00p

ITZA PIZZA NITES
Pizza is provided via RSVP for students on one Saturday night per month to compensate for the Saturday night closure of the dining hall!  This occurs the fourth (4th) Saturday in September, October, November, February, March, and April at 6:00p in the SOAR House at 1318 Front Street!

CHECK US OUT!

By creating new avenues via unique and different interpersonal relationships, participating in alternative activities for those who want to start more slowly in social acclimation than the campus-wide party, and moving around in smaller group activities to help achieve self-confidence in a big, new world, the SOAR peer mentors provide a safe, fun experience for new students. This helps first-year students build a stronger, more fluid transition into college life, making SOAR a refreshing haven of good friendships and lasting memories.

Student referrals for SOAR can be made via parents, faculty, staff, siblings, friends, acquaintances, and others through the SOS office. Students often self-refer.

SOAR is committed to privacy for the student among all populations unless the student gives permission for the release of information and signs a release statement.  Exemptions include suicidal ideation or attempt, self-harm, harm to others, and anything Title IX or VI related.

SOAR is NOT a professional psychological counseling service.