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About Orientation

See also : Dates for Orientation : Driving Directions : Frequently Asked Questions

Who Attends Orientation?

Orientation is strongly advised for all undergraduate first-year, transfer, and non-traditional undergraduate students entering UT. It is designed to promote your personal academic success and individual development. Informative presentations, small-group discussions, academic advising, and class registration are designed to help you enter UT informed and confident. Orientation is the first step in your transition to UT.

Orientation is for parents, too! We feel that Orientation can benefit parents and guardians, and offer Parent Orientation during our freshman and transfer sessions to help answer questions and concerns from a family member's point of view.

If you are a readmit or reentry student, or already have a bachelor's degree, you are not required to attend orientation. You may contact your College directly for advising and registration.

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How to Register?

Orientation registration is done online on a first-response basis. We encourage you to register for your intended session early. You can register by clicking here and using a VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card. Please note that freshmen starting in a summer or fall term must pay the $250 enrollment deposit to Admissions prior to registering for Orientation.[top]


Information for Students Entering Summer Term

Freshmen Students

All freshmen starting at UT (including UT-Pellissippi Bridge Program and UT LEAD Summer Institute) during the summer term will attend Orientation on July 2-3, 2012. Check in for the July 2-3 session will be on the University Center 2nd floor from 7:30am - 8:15am.

Freshmen who will be starting in the first summer session will attend a one-day orientation program for summer school students on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

Advance registration is REQUIRED to attend ANY session. You must pay your enrollment deposit before you will be able to register for Orientation. Do not make any travel plans until you have successfully registered for a session. Please check your receipt (emailed to you after registration) to ensure that you will be arriving on the accurate date. Due to space limitations and having the appropriate number of advisors available, we CANNOT accept walk-ins at these sessions.

  • Check In: Check-in for the one-day program on May 30 is from 7:30 - 8:00 am on the first day of your Orientation session in the University Center. We estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 5:00 pm on the second day. Since advising and registration is done last, you should not plan on leaving early. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Get Your Student ID card: You will have the opportunity to receive your student ID during your orientation session. Your picture will be taken at this time. Please note you must bring a valid driver’s license or another type of photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • What to Bring: A picture ID, pen/pencil, notebook, alarm clock, umbrella, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, lightweight blanket and sweater, socks (for bowling during evening activities), and your Orientation Advising Worksheet from Pre-Orientation. Your Orientation parking permit should be left on the dashboard of your car. Please note this permit is only valid for the White Avenue garage next to Clement Hall.
  • Placement Exams: Math placement will be based on ACT/SAT scores. Students who have taken two years of Spanish, French, German, Latin, or Russian in high school are required to take the Foreign Language placement exam online PRIOR to Orientation, regardless of their major. Students can access this exam through the Pre-Orientation website. The results of these tests will be given to your academic advisor.
  • Pre-Orientation: To prepare for the academic advising process at orientation and complete Foreign Language testing, you must complete the Pre-Orientation planning website VOL Aboard!. This will help you get a head start on the advising process by reviewing your Net ID and the General Education Curriculum. VOL Aboard! will be available online in mid-April.
  • Parent Orientation: A Parent Orientation is offered during the same timeframe as freshmen orientation to help answer questions and concerns from a parent’s point of view. Parents and guardians of incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to meet with student Orientation Leaders (OLs) and members of the faculty and staff during this program designed especially for them. This program is not recommended for young children.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the garage located at the corner of 17th Street and White Avenue, across from Clement Hall. This parking pass is ONLY valid in the above-mentioned garage. Parking in other lots, garages, on the street, or in designated staff areas may result in vehicles being ticketed or towed. This pass is valid for the entire time you are on campus for orientation. Please write your session number and dates on the card before leaving it on your dash. This garage also has accessible parking spaces. Click HERE to print your parking pass.
  • Construction: Many major construction projects are occuring on campus this summer, including the first stage of constructing our new University Center. For more information on this project and how it will impact transportation and pedestrian traffic on campus during orientation, click here to visit the Cone Zone website.
  • Registration: Beginning January 18, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST (and AFTER you have paid your Enrollment Deposit) you may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. Please remember that you must pre-register to attend orientation. To ensure proper placement and advising, students may only attend orientation sessions in which their college/major is scheduled to advise. There will be a $25 processing fee charged if you need to change your session date or number of adult guests attending, so please plan accordingly.
  • Confirmation: You will receive an electronic receipt once you register online. Your place at orientation is guaranteed when you complete this online registration. This electronic receipt serves as your confirmation card. Please check carefully to verify your session number and the date.
  • Refunds: Refunds will be made ONLY if Student Orientation & Leadership Development is notified IN WRITING at least 10 working days prior to the confirmed program date. Your refund request may be faxed to 865-974-6811, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 203 University Center, Knoxville, TN 37996, or emailed to sold@utk.edu. Please note that a $25 processing fee will be subtracted from your total refund. [top]

 

Transfer and Adult Students

Orientation for transfer and adult students taking summer classes will be held on May 30, 2012.

  • Check In: Check-in is from 7:30-8:15 am on the University Center Concourse; we estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 5:00 pm. The University Center is located at 1502 West Cumberland Avenue, on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Phillip Fulmer Way. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Things to Bring: There are several items that you will need to bring with you to orientation (if you have them), including your University of Tennessee Transcript Evaluation and any transcripts or college catalogs for all institutions previously attended. These materials will assist in the advisement and registration process for Fall Term.
  • Get Your Student ID card: You will have the opportunity to receive your student ID during your orientation session. Your picture will be taken at this time. Please note you must bring a valid driver’s license or another type of photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the garage adjacent to Volunteer Hall on White Avenue at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Bring your parking stub with you to Orientation and we will validate your parking permit to ensure you receive the reduced daily rate of $5.00. Please plan on not moving your vehicle during the day as this will cause additional parking fees. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. Oversized vehicles should call our office at (865) 974-2435 to make alternate arrangements.
  • Construction: Many major construction projects are occuring on campus this summer, including the first stage of constructing our new University Center. For more information on this project and how it will impact transportation and pedestrian traffic on campus during orientation, click here to visit the Cone Zone website.
  • Registration: You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for attending this orientation, and a $10 charge for any parents or guests. You must pre-register to attend orientation. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you need to change your session date or have not pre-registered, so please plan accordingly.
  • Refunds: To obtain a refund, you must send a written request no less than 10 business in advance of the session. Refunds will not be given less than 10 business days before the session, or after the session has occured. Your refund request may be faxed to 865-974-6811, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 203 University Center, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to sold@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund. [top]

 

Information for Students Entering Fall Term


Freshmen Students

There are 16 two-day Orientation programs for freshmen entering UT in the fall term. (See also: the Orientation Brochure and Dates of Orientation). Advance registration is REQUIRED to attend these sessions. Registration for freshman orientation will open January 17, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. EST. You must pay your $250 enrollment deposit before you will be able to register for Orientation. Do not make any travel plans until you have successfully registered for a session. Please check your receipt (emailed to you after registration) to ensure that you will be arriving on the accurate date. Due to space limitations and having the appropriate number of advisors available, we CANNOT accept walk-ins at these sessions.

  • Check In: Check-in for this program is at 7:30 am on the first day of your Orientation session in Clement residence hall. We estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 5:00 pm on the second day. Since advising and registration is done last, you should not plan on leaving early. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Get Your Student ID Card: You will have the opportunity to receive your student ID during your orientation session. Your picture will be taken at this time. Please note you must bring a valid driver’s license or another type of photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • What to Bring: Your Orientation Planning Worksheet from the Pre-Orientation website, a picture ID, pen/pencil, notebook, alarm clock, umbrella, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, lightweight blanket and sweater, and socks (for bowling during evening activities). Arts & Sciences and Engineering students must also bring a laptop to use during the advising and registration process (if you do not have a laptop, an advisor will be able to assist you on site during registration). Click HERE for information on how to configure your laptop to the UT wireless network. Your Orientation parking permit should be left on the dashboard of your car.
  • Placement Exams: Math placement will be based on ACT/SAT scores. Students who have taken two years of Spanish, French, German, Latin, or Russian in high school are required to take the Foreign Language placement exam online PRIOR to Orientation, regardless of their major. Students can access this exam through the Pre-Orientation website. The results of these tests will be given to your academic advisor.
  • Pre-Orientation: To prepare for the academic advising process at orientation and complete Foreign Language testing, you must complete the Pre-Orientation planning website VOL Aboard!. This will help you get a head start on the advising process by reviewing your Net ID and the General Education Curriculum. You must bring your Orientation Planning Worksheet with you to Orientation.
  • Parent Orientation: A Parent Orientation is offered during the same timeframe as freshmen orientation to help answer questions and concerns from a parent’s point of view. Parents and guardians of incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to meet with student Orientation Leaders (OLs) and members of the faculty and staff during this program designed especially for them. This program is not recommended for young children.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the garage located at the corner of 17th Street and White Avenue, across from Clement Hall. This parking pass is ONLY valid in the above-mentioned garage. Parking in other lots, garages, on the street, or in designated staff areas may result in vehicles being ticketed or towed. This pass is valid for the entire time you are on campus for orientation. Please write your session number and dates on the card before leaving it on your dash. This garage also has accessible parking spaces. Click HERE to print your parking pass.
  • Construction: Many major construction projects are occuring on campus this summer, including the first stage of constructing our new University Center. For more information on this project and how it will impact transportation and pedestrian traffic on campus during orientation, click here to visit the Cone Zone website.
  • Registration: Beginning January 17, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. EST (and AFTER you have paid your $250 Enrollment Deposit) you may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a $115 charge for freshmen and a $45 charge for each parent/guardian/family member over 18. There is a $10 charge for guests under 18. Please remember that you must pre-register to attend orientation. To ensure proper placement and advising, students may only attend orientation sessions in which their college/major is scheduled to advise. There will be a $25 processing fee charged if you need to change your session date or number of adult guests attending, so please plan accordingly.
  • Confirmation: You will receive an electronic receipt once you register online. Your place at orientation is guaranteed when you complete this online registration. This electronic receipt serves as your confirmation card. Please check carefully to verify your session number and the date.
  • Refunds: Refunds will be made ONLY if Student Orientation & Leadership Development is notified IN WRITING at least 10 working days prior to the confirmed program date. Your refund request may be faxed to 865-974-6811, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 203 University Center, Knoxville, TN 37996, or emailed to sold@utk.edu. Please note that a $25 processing fee will be subtracted from your total refund. [top]

Transfer and Adult Students

Transfer and adult students can choose from four one-day sessions held in April, May, June or July. (See also: Dates of Orientation) There is a charge of $35.00 for students and $10 for parents/guests. The Student Orientation registration system is now open for all transfer and adult students.

  • Check In: Check-in is from 7:30-8:15 am on the University Center Concourse; we estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 5:00 pm. The University Center is located at 1502 West Cumberland Avenue, on the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Phillip Fulmer Way. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Things to Bring: There are several items that you will need to bring with you to orientation (if you have them), including your University of Tennessee Transcript Evaluation and any transcripts or college catalogs for all institutions previously attended. These materials will assist in the advisement and registration process for Fall Term.
  • Get Your Student ID card: You will have the opportunity to receive your student ID during your orientation session. Your picture will be taken at this time. Please note you must bring a valid driver’s license or another type of photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the Vol Hall garage on the corner of White Avenue and 16th Street at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Bring your parking stub with you to Orientation and we will validate your parking permit to ensure you receive the reduced daily rate of $5.00. Please plan on not moving your vehicle during the day as this will cause additional parking fees. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. Oversized vehicles should call our office at (865) 974-2435 to make alternate arrangements.
  • Construction: Many major construction projects are occuring on campus this summer, including the first stage of constructing our new University Center. For more information on this project and how it will impact transportation and pedestrian traffic on campus during orientation, click here to visit the Cone Zone website.
  • Registration: You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for attending this orientation, and a $10 charge for any parents or guests. You must pre-register to attend orientation. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you need to change your session date or have not pre-registered, so please plan accordingly.
  • Refunds: To obtain a refund, you must send a written request no less than 10 business in advance of the session. Refunds will not be given less than 10 business days before the session, or after the session has occured. Your refund request may be faxed to 865-974-6811, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 203 University Center, Knoxville, TN 37996, or emailed to sold@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund.
  • Transfer Overnight Orientation: This optional overnight experience for transfer students will be held on Thursday, June 28, prior to the Transfer Orientation session on Friday, June 29, 2012. The program on Thursday night will enable students to learn more about out-of-classroom and involvement opportunities at the University of Tennessee and allow more interaction with other UT transfer students. Participants will check-in during the afternoon and participate in a schedule of activities led by Transfer Orientation Assistants. This optional overnight experience will include dinner, on-campus housing and social programming for students only. The next day, June 29, students will attend a regularly scheduled Transfer Orientation. The cost to attend Transfer Overnight Orientation is $75. [top]-->

I've Registered for Orientation, now what?

Immediately after registering, you will receive an electronic receipt which serves as your confirmation. You will need to print a copy of the parking pass to bring with you to Orientation.

If you are an incoming freshman, you must complete the Pre-Orientation planning website VOL Aboard! prior to attending your session and bring the Orientation Planning Worksheet with you to your session.

Arts & Sciences and Engineering FRESHMAN students must bring a laptop with them to summer orientation for registration purposes. To configure your laptop to the UT wireless network, click HERE.

If your plans change after you have registered for an orientation session, please contact our office at 865-974-2435 to change to another session. Please note you will be charged a processing fee for any changes made to your registration. [top]

What will I be doing at my orientation session?

No matter which type of Orientation session you attend (freshman, transfer, adult, or summer school), you will have the opportunity to have your VolCard (student ID card) made, meet with campus administrators and hear presentations on important issues, and meet with an academic advisor and register for your classes. The schedules for each type of session do differ slightly, so please visit the Dates of Orientation page to learn more details about your specific orientation session.

When you come to orientation, don't forget to bring these items with you:

  • Your 9-digit UT ID number. If you do not know your UT ID number, please call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (865) 974-2184.
  • Your UT Net ID and Password. To avoid a delay registering for your classes, you must log in and change your NetID password. Do this as soon as you can! Look yourself up by clicking here. Note your NetID on the right side of the page. On the left side of the page, select Password Management, then click on NetID/Tmail/Active Directory Password, then First Time Password Setup. Complete this (make sure to remember your password) and you will be able to register for classes after your advising session at orientation.
  • If you are transferring credit, it may be helpful to bring any transcripts from previous institutions you have attended.
  • Freshmen attending a two-day summer session: You should also bring with you a light blanket, an umbrella, an alarm clock, a lightweight jacket (some of the rooms can be quite cool), and socks for bowling (as part of the evening activities). You must also bring a copy of your Orientation Planning Worksheet from the Pre-Orientation website. Arts & Sciences and Engineering students will also need to bring a laptop that has been configured to work with the UT network (click HERE for more information). [top] -->

What is the Ignite Program?

The Ignite Program is the first opportunity for new students to get involved on campus. It is a unique opportunity to learn about opportunities for involvement and life outside the classroom. The Ignite Program is a great way to learn about the University, its traditions, and all it has to offer. Learn more by clicking here. [top]