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Student Orientation » Undergraduate » FAQ » Parent Orientation (for First-year Students)


Parent Orientation (for First-year Students) FAQ

Who attends Parent Orientation?

Parents and guardians of freshmen are invited to attend one of the 16 two-day Orientation programs along with their students. This is not mandatory for parents, but will provide you with an opportunity to meet informally with administrators and faculty members to learn more about the academic, social, and financial aspects of The University of Tennessee.  [top]

When will I receive Parent Orientation information?

All freshmen entering The University of Tennessee in Fall 2010 will receive a mailing beginning in December (and continuing on a rolling basis) which will include information on Parent Orientation.  [top]

When will the online Orientation registration system open?

Parents of freshmen entering The University of Tennessee in Fall 2010 should register at the same time as their student. The Orientation online registration system will open January 15, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. EST. Your student will only be able to register for an Orientation session after the $250 Enrollment Deposit has been paid to the Office of Admissions. This MUST be paid first. It will take approximately 24 hours from the time you pay the Enrollment Deposit online before the Orientation system will recognize that your fee has been paid. If you mail in your Enrollment Deposit there may be an additional time delay for processing.  [top]

What are the dates for Parent Orientation?

There are 16 two-day sessions that correspond with Freshman Orientation. Click here for those dates.  [top]

Will housing be provided for parents during orientation?

Housing is available for parents who wish to stay on campus. Though in the same residence hall, parents and students will be on different floors. We invite you to stay in a residence hall overnight at an additional cost of $26.50 (tax included) for a double room or $31.50 per person per night for a single room. Please note that the cost of housing is not included in the parent orientation registration fee. Additional housing fees will be paid at Orientation check-in to University Housing. Please note that cash is not accepted.  [top]

Why can't we register for Parent Orientation online?

There could be several reasons:

  1. Your student's $250 Enrollment Deposit has not been paid, it has not been 24 hours since you have paid this fee online, or the Office of Admissions has not received your payment by mail. You will not be able to register for an Orientation session until your Enrollment Deposit has been paid. If you have questions about your Enrollment Deposit, please contact the Office of Admissions at (865) 974-2184.
  2. The session has filled. The Orientation system will only show you the sessions where there is space available. We fill sessions on a first-response basis.
  3. Your student's college is not advising during that session. The Orientation system will only show you the sessions where there is space available and that correspond with their college. If in doubt, check our list of colleges and majors.
  4. Your student is listed in the wrong college because they have changed their mind about their major. Call the Office of Admissions at (865) 974-2184 to inquire about changing their major.  [top]

Can I add my parent registration later?

Yes, as long as there is space available. In order to have a nametag and other materials ready for you upon arrival, we ask that you register in advance if you will be attending with your student. Re-enter the Orientation registration system and add the parent who wishes to attend. The system will automatically ask you for your nametag information and charge you $45.00 for each additional parent. Please note that any additions after your student has initially registered will incur a $25 processing fee, so please plan accordingly. If your student is already registered for a session and you are unable to add your parent registration, please call Student Orientation & Leadership Development at (865) 974-2435 to see if space is still available. Parents who are not preregistered will be charged the $45 program fee plus the $25 processing fee on site.  [top]

Can you take my credit card information and register for me?
Unfortunately we are unable to take credit card requests over the phone.  [top]

I can no longer attend with my student, can I get a refund?
We can offer you a refund ONLY if Student Orientation & Leadership Development is notified IN WRITING at least 10 working days prior to the confirmed program date. Please note that a $25 processing fee will be subtracted from your total refund.  [top]