Pre-Arrival Programs
Interested in NEST, SOAR, or Soft Landings? Watch our Pre-Arrival Programs Webinar from Summer 2025 to find out more!
Registration for the NEST Pre-Arrival Program and SOAR extended orientation programs will open shortly after Orientation registration opens. NEST runs from August 15-19, 2025, and the fee is $200. SOAR has multiple date options and the fee is $60.
The University of Mary Washington offers several Pre-Arrival Programs that students may take advantage of as they begin their journey on campus. Please take a look at find out more about the programs available to you!
- The Students in Transition Program (STP) is an invitation-only program designed to provide year-long support to selected freshmen students as they adjust to new experiences and opportunities at UMW. In the program students learn strategies to adjust to the academic demands of college life, develop study plans based on their learning styles and build connections with faculty, staff and students.
- Soft Landings is a pre-arrival program specifically designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) We recognize that getting students with ASD off to a good start is important to their success! Interested students should email Chris “CJ” Porter at cjporter@umw.edu for more information.
- The Student Orientation Adventure Retreat (SOAR) is an outdoor experience for students who would like to participate in an extended orientation experience. It is designed to give you an opportunity to build social connections with other trip members and introduce you to the amazing local natural areas surrounding Fredericksburg. These trips are not only fun, but are also a great way for incoming students to meet other first-years and learn about UMW from upperclassmen. Registration for SOAR will open in mid-April!
- The RISE (Resources Inspiring Student Excellence) Peer Mentoring Program is open to first-year and transfer students. It is designed to provide a connection for students in their transition to the UMW community by providing support and resources to increase their success and engagement with the university.
- NEST is a program open to first-year students and provides a unique opportunity to meet other incoming students, learn more about Mary Washington and the Fredericksburg area and get connected to the core UMW values of leadership and service. Registration for NEST will open in mid-April!