Welcome to Soka! We will be hosting a variety of in-person events and activities for new student orientation. Students can look forward to building relationships and developing community while exploring topics such as the university's founding principles, academic life, support services, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students will need to make their own transportation arrangements from the airport to SUA. Below are links to the ground transportation options from the various nearby airports:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Santa Ana / John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Each student is placed in an Orientation Group alongside 10-12 classmates. The group is led by a Student Orientation Leader. These upper division Soka students lead ice breakers, organize hangouts, and foster community building. The SOL connects individually with each student in their group on a weekly basis and serves as a resource and guide to help new students navigate the college journey.
The university plans a formal President's Welcome ceremony for incoming students and two guests. Following the ceremony, an outdoor reception dinner will be served to students and their guests. For more information, click here.
You will begin your first class called Core I: Enduring Questions of Humanity on Monday, August 12. This is an intensive three-and-a-half-week course taken during the Fall Block and is required of all first-year students. You will automatically be registered for this class.
Students will meet a variety of academic resources during Welcome Week including the SUA Writing Center specialists, Library Staff, and IT staff who can all help students navigate in-person and virtual resources. In addition, professors host regular office hours to connect with students.
During Orientation, you will receive academic advising and receive training on how to register for fall semester classes.
Enrolled students will directly receive any updates via the Orientation Sokannect page. The soka.edu website is the primary source of updates for all other audiences.
