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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 your first chance to receive academic advising and register for classes.

We also have programs for parents of first-year and transfer students to help with the transition of their student into the University. [top]

How to Register?

There are two ways to register for orientation. You can register by clicking here and using a VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card. Or you can mail back the response card and payment mailed to you. [top]

Information for Students Entering Spring Term


  • We have two programs for students beginning school at UT in the spring semester. The first program is held during mid-November and is for transfer and non-traditional or adult students. We also have a program just before classes begin in January for open to all new students entering the spring semester.

Freshmen Students

The freshmen student Orientation program for students beginning school at UT in the spring semester will be held on Monday & Tuesday, January 7-8, 2008.

  • Check In: Check-in for this program is from Noon-1:00 pm on the University Center Concourse; we estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 6:00 pm on Monday. We will begin again at 8:45 am on Tuesday, January 8th until approximately 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)
  • Getting Your Student ID: You will have your picture taken and receive your student ID during your orientation session. Please note you must bring a driver’s license or another valid photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • Parent Orientation: A Parent Orientation is offered at the same time 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.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the garage adjacent to the University Center on Phillip Fulmer Way at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Please bring the parking stub you receive when you enter the garage and we will validate your parking permit during check-out to ensure you receive the reduced daily rate of $5.00. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for freshmen attending this 1-½ day orientation. There is no charge for the parent program. Freshmen must pre-register to attend orientation. [top]

Transfer Students

The transfer student Orientation program for students beginning school at UT in the spring semester will be held on Monday, January 7, 2008.

  • Check In: Check-in for this program is from 8:00-8:45 a.m. on the University Center Concourse; we estimate you will be finished with the orientation program by 5:00 p.m. 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 this orientation session (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 Spring Term 2008.
  • Getting Your Student ID: If you are on campus prior to Monday, January 7th, you may have your ID made in the VolCard Office. The VolCard Office is located in Suite 472 South Stadium Hall (between gates 12 & 13 under Neyland Stadium). Regular office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; however their office will be closed from December 24, 2007 - January 1, 2008. Please note you must bring a driver’s license or another valid photo ID to have your student ID made.
  • Parking: While attending orientation, you may park in the garage adjacent to the University Center on Phillip Fulmer Way at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Please bring the parking stub you receive when you enter the garage and we will validate your parking permit during check-out to ensure you receive the reduced daily rate of $5.00. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for transfer students attending this orientation. You must pre-register to attend orientation. [top]

Information for Students Entering Summer Term


  • When is Orientation? Orientation for new students taking summer classes takes place toward the end of May. This orientation is for all classifications of students entering the University during the summer term.
  • Will I get anything in the mail? We begin mailing information for registration around the middle of March for students accepted for the summer term. If you were accepted to the University before mid-March you should begin looking for your orientation letter at this time. Otherwise, you can expect to receive orientation about two weeks after you are accepted.
  • Check In: Check-in for this program is from 8:00-8:45 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)
  • 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 the University Center on Phillip Fulmer Way at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Do not leave the parking stub you receive when you enter the garage in your car. Bring it with you to Orientation and we will validate your parking permit during check-out 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 or handicapped vehicles should call the Student Orientation office to make alternate arrangements. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Registration: You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for attending this orientation. You must pre-register to attend orientation. [top]

Information for Students Entering Fall Term


There are 17 two-day sessions for first year students that are held in June and July. There is a charge of $99.00 for attending these orientations. The Student Orientation registration system usually opens during the first few days of April (this date changes slightly each year). Remember, you must pay your enrollment fee to Undergraduate Admissions, before you can register for these sessions.

Freshmen Students

There are 17 two-day Orientation programs for freshmen entering UT in the fall term. (See also: Dates of Orientation) Advance registration is required to attend these sessions. Do not make any travel plans until you have successfully registered for a session. Please check your confirmation card to ensure that you will be arriving on the accurate date. In our registration procedures we have taken into consideration last minute cancellations and no show attendees. With this in mind and due to space limitations, testing proctors, and having the appropriate number of advisors available, we CANNOT accept walk-ins at these sessions. Please re-register.

  • Check In: Check-in for this program is from 7:00-7:45 am at Morrill Hall on the first day of your Orientation session. 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. Morrill Hall is located 1038 20TH Street. (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.
  • 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 at the corner of Volunteer Blvd. West and Andy Holt Blvd. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Registration: Beginning early April (and after you have paid your Admissions Deposit) you may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $99.00 for freshmen and 30.00 for each parent/family member. Please remember that you must pre-register to attend orientation. [top]

Transfer Students

Transfer students can choose one of four one-day sessions held in April, May, June or July of each year. (See also: Dates of Orientation) There is a charge of $35.00 for attending these sessions. The Student Orientation registration system usually opens in mid-March.

  • Check In: Check-in for the April & May programs is from 8:00-8:45 am on the University Center Concourse and check-in for the June & July programs is from 7:00-7:45am 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 the University Center on Phillip Fulmer Way at the reduced rate of $5.00 per day. Do not leave the parking stub you receive when you enter the garage in your car. Bring it with you to Orientation and we will validate your parking permit during check-out 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 or handicapped vehicles should call the Student Orientation office to make alternate arrangements. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Registration: You may register for orientation on-line by clicking here. There is a charge of $35.00 for attending this orientation. You must pre-register to attend orientation. [top]

Adult Students

Adult students (those over the age of 25) can choose from the four one-day Transfer sessions held in April, May, June or July of each year. (See also: Date of Orientation) There is no charge for attending the July session which is sponsored by Adult Student Services. However, you may attend the other sessions for a charge of $35.00. The Student Orientation registration system usually opens in mid-March.

  • Please see above (Transfer Students) for more information. [top]

I've Registered for Orientation, now what?

Approximately 10 days after registering on-line or sending back your registration form and payment you will receive an oversized confirmation postcard from us. This oversized postcard will include your orientation date, how many people you have paid for, and some other important orientation and university information. It will also serve as your parking permit if you are attending a two-day summer session. [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 at the Center for Leadership Development website. [top]