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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 first-year students are invited to attend one of the 17 two-day first-year student 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 first-year students entering The University of Tennessee in Fall 2009 will receive a mailing beginning in mid-March which will include information on Parent Orientation. Additional mailings will be approximately every two weeks thereafter as students are accepted.  [top]

When will the online first-year student Orientation registration system open?

Parents of first-year students entering The University of Tennessee in Fall 2009 should register at the same time as their student. The Orientation online registration system will open April 1, 2009. You and your first-year student will only be able to register for an Orientation session after the $150.00 Enrollment Confirmation fee 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 Confirmation fee online before the first-year student Orientation system will recognize that your fee has been paid. If you mail in your Enrollment Confirmation fee there may be an additional time delay for processing.  [top]

What are the dates for Parent Orientation?

There are 17 two-day sessions that correspond with first-year student Orientation. These sessions run concurrently with those for first-year Students entering The University of Tennessee in Fall 2009. 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 $21.50 (tax included) for a double room or $25.50 per person per night for a single room. Please note that the cost of housing is not included in parent orientation registration fee. Additional housing fees will be paid at Orientation check-in to University Housing.  [top]

Why can't we register for Parent Orientation online?

There could be several reasons:

  1. Your student's $150.00 Enrollment Confirmation Fee 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 a first-year student Orientation session until your Enrollment Confirmation Fee has been paid. If you have questions about your Enrollment Confirmation Fee, please contact the Office of Admissions at (865) 974-2184.
  2. The session has filled. The first-year student Orientation system will only show you the sessions where there is space available. We fill sessions on a first-response basis.
  3. Your first-year student's college is not advising during that session. The first-year student 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 first-year 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 first-year student 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. If your student is already registered for a session and you are unable to add your parent registration, please call student Orientation at (865) 974-2435 to see if space is still available. Please note that any additions after your student has registered will incur a $25 processing fee, so please plan accordingly. 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]