Transfer Student Orientation & Registration (SOAR)

Welcome, transfer students! Student Orientation & Registration (SOAR) is for incoming students who will be starting at the University of St. Francis at the start of the upcoming semester. At SOAR, we’ll not only work with you to transfer your prior courses to USF and build a program for success at St. Francis, but we’ll get you registered for classes, teach you more about your new university, and share a vision for what your life will be like as a new Fighting Saint. 

Please register through the MyUSF Portal, then review the student and parent SOAR agendas:

STUDENT AGENDA
PARENT AGENDA

Mark Your Calendar

Final SOAR Registration

July 15, 2026

Official Transcripts Due

August 18, 2026

Welcome Weekend

August 21-23, 2026

First Day of
Classes

August 24, 2026

Medical Records Due

August 29, 2026

Transfer Student Checklist

  • Complete online orientation.
    A link will be sent to your University of St. Francis email. All new students must go through USF’s orientation. The online orientation will help you learn more about USF including resources about academic services, campus policies, and people who can help you.
  • Mark your calendar for on-campus orientation—Friday, August 18, 2023.
    You will meet your fellow classmates, faculty and staff, as well as learn more in your transition to becoming a USF student before classes begin on August 21, 2023.
  • NURSING STUDENTS ONLY:
    Save the date for Nursing Orientation on Thursday August 17, 2023.
  • Order your textbooks for classes.
    Each course you take may have a text book which need to be ordered prior to the start of each semester. The USF bookstore makes the process easy for you.
  • Upload Photo for USF Student ID
    Upload a professional photo—only white/off-white backgrounds can be used in your photo. Other color backgrounds or obstructions will not be accepted. You can pick up your ID during Welcome Weekend.
  • Submit your Health and Medical Records
    These records must be turned in through the USF Portal by the deadline (above) to avoid any medical holds or fees on your account. For more information, please contact Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu.
  • Send in your final official transcripts.
    Official transcripts can be sent from your most recent institution to admtranscripts@stfrancis.edu, or mailed from your previous school to University of St. Francis, Admission Processing, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435. All official final transcripts must be received by the Friday before classes start (date above).
  • Waive USF Student Health Insurance if you already have health insurance
    All students are automatically enrolled in the USF health insurance policy every year. If you already have external health insurance and do NOT require USF insurance, you may waive the USF insurance through the online health insurance waiver form on your MyUSF Portal. The deadline to complete the Health Insurance Waiver is September 4. (Reminders will be sent to your USF email prior to the deadline). For more information, please contact Health Services at healthservices@stfrancis.edu
  • Request your USF Parking Permit
    Please make sure you have your vehicle information available prior to visiting the website or security office (make, model, license plate #). You can pick up your permit during Welcome Weekend, and for more details, check out USF’s Parking Regulations. This will be available July 15.
  • Apply to become a Saints Ambassador (optional)
    Have you taken a campus tour, been to an admissions event, or seen Bernie walking around campus? Chances are, you have interacted with a Saints Ambassador before! Consider joining the Saints Ambassadors Corps family today!
  • On Campus Jobs
    Looking for on campus employment when you arrive. USF departments are looking to connect with students through employment. It is a great opportunity to have a flexible schedule and learn more about USF.

Over the summer, complete the required enrollment verification process. In order to start classes, all students are required to complete a final check-in process through the USF portal. Starting in July, when you log into the portal, you will be prompted to complete these steps.

Finalize/Confirm:

  1. Housing arrangements
    You will be asked to confirm if you are planning to live off campus or on campus. If you are planning to live on-campus, you will be asked to confirm your room assignment. For more information or questions, contact Cedricka Carver at ccarver@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-4293.
  2. Class schedule
    Next you will be asked to confirm or change your class schedule. If you need to make changes you can reach out to advising@stfrancis.edu.
  3. Financial Aid
    Then you will review your financial aid. The process will show you any unsatisfied requirements in order to complete your file. For questions contact 815-740-3403 or you can schedule an appointment by clicking here. You may also need to complete your Student Loan Entrance Counseling  Loan Agreement (MPN) online, if applicable.
  4. Tuition payments/setting up payment plans
    Finalize your plan to pay tuition, final bill, housing, and fees with these acceptable options:
    1. Tuition payment plan of five equal installments throughout the course of the semester. The Electronic on the MyUSF Portal. A semester payment plan fee of $90 will be added once you complete this required process.
    2. Payment in full for the entire semester’s balance (total costs minus all approved financial assistance).
    3. Down payment of $500 if financial aid is not finalized.

How to complete payment options:

Welcome Weekend is a series of informative sessions about USF over the weekend before classes begin in August. It provides an opportunity for new students to meet other students in their class while attending fun events. The date of the next Welcome Weekend is listed above.

Click here to review the Welcome Weekend schedule!

The first day of classes is listed above. More details about the academic calendar can be found here. New students are invited to learn more about what’s happening on campus by downloading the Saints Central app by Suitable from either the Apple Store or Google Play.

    • Living on campus is an amazing opportunity and it comes with a lot of questions. First compare the residence halls, then check out our Transfer Student Housing FAQs to get answers to your questions.
    • Whether you are a resident or commuter learning about dining on campus is key. For information about the dining facilities, hours and menus, check out the Quest dining website here. Students are automatically placed into the 17 Meals per week block and $100 in Dining Dollars. To change your meal plan email, contact cpadilla@questfms.com.
    • As a student you will have a flexible schedule with a great deal of time outside of the classroom. The university provides a wide variety of clubs and organizations to connect with and for you to grow your leadership skills. If you aren’t sure how to connect on campus, reach out to the Student Life staff.
    • You are getting to know USF and preparing to start classes. Connect with us on our student app, Saints Central by Suitable, or on social media to see key reminders and fun happenings.
    • Wondering if and what type of technology is best to use as a USF student? Check out this great information from IT! With questions, contact Tech Support at 815-768-8324 or visit techsupport.stfrancis.edu.
    • Over 50% of our students are first generation college students, meaning they are the first in their family to attend a four-year institution. A key support for first generation students at USF is University Success Scholars.
    • As you consider your student experience studying abroad can provide a wealth of experiences.
    • The Academic Center for Excellence is your one-stop shop for academic support. Whether you want help with classes or creating a four-year plan to graduate, our academic advisors, Accessibility Services Office, Academic Resource Center and Registrar’s Office will be here to help!
    • The Office of Campus Culture is responsible for fostering an environment where a variety of cultural systems are acknowledged, respected and valued. USF is here to support you!
    • You may have visited campus, but if you need a refresher, check out our Virtual Campus Tour!
    • Mental Health & Wellness is a key support USF hopes to offer you while you are a student at USF. Please check out our Counseling & Wellness Center website for more information.

     

  • Orientation Attire

    Casual, comfortable attire is recommended. If you’ve got USF swag, wear it, and you may want to bring a light sweater or jacket as some rooms tend to be on the cool side.

    Travel Resources

     

  • Hotel Information

    For your convenience, listed below are several hotels located in the Joliet area and near the University of St. Francis. When making your reservation, please advise them you are with the University of St. Francis to take advantage of and receive the USF discount rate where applicable.