» Student Success » Orientation
Hi Bearcat!
SOAR and Advantage help you acclimate to campus before the fall semester.
Advantage is a continuation of orientation and serves as your kick-off to college. This four day program in August helps students to get acclimated to campus through speakers and events to help with the transition to campus life. It is a welcome program that includes:
Advantage is Thursday – Sunday preceding the day classes start. Attendance is mandatory for both commuters and on-campus residents. This year’s Advantage dates are:
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Advantage 2026 |
First Day of Classes |
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.
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
It is important to check your personal and Northwest email regularly before classes begin. Your academic advisor will be reaching out to you via email, so be sure to keep an eye out for their message. If you have any questions about your classes, reach out to your advisor. If you do not know who your advisor is, you can email the Student Success Center at studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1695 and they will get you connected to your advisor.
If you have any questions about Advantage or the beginning of the semester, don't hesitate to contact the Student Success Center at studentsuccess@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1695.
