Parent & Family Orientation
See also: Two-Day Orientation Schedule (for Parents) 
- Why should parents attend orientation?
- What is the Parent Orientation Program?
- When will I receive information about the program?
- Advantages of attending Parent Orientation
- Departments present at Orientation
- Parents Association
Why should parents attend orientation?
As the parent of an incoming college student, you may be experiencing varied emotions as your daughter or son prepares for college. You are proud of your child's high school accomplishments; but, like all parents, you may have concerns about the future.
During our Parent Orientation Program, informative sessions are offered to answer your questions and address your concerns about college life at The University of Tennessee. [top]
What is the Parent Orientation Program?
The UT Parent Orientation Program is more than just another campus tour. Even if you are already familiar with the campus, our program includes a series of special presentations designed to help you gain additional information about the University and its resources.
It will also offer insight into the adjustments you and your new college student will face during the next few years. During orientation, you will be introduced to the academic programs and special services available at UT.
In addition, parents will have the opportunity to talk with University administrators, faculty members, and Orientation Leaders (OLs) throughout the program. Orientation is the first step in an incoming student's transition to UT. Therefore, we welcome and encourage you to join us for the 2008 Parent Orientation Program. [top]
When will I receive information about the program?
In late March, parents of first year students will receive a brochure regarding parent orientation and an invitaton to attend with your student, one of our 17 summer sessions. If your student is admitted after April 1, you will receive information approximately two weeks after this.
It will be imperative that you and your student chose a session in which their academic college and major is represented. These dates can be found at 2008 Freshman Summer Orientation Dates.
In late March, transfer students will receive a brochure and Transfer Orientation. Information for parents is included in this brochure.[top]
Advantages of attending Parent Orientation
- Meeting informally with administrators and faculty to learn more about the academic and social aspects of the University
- Obtaining information about the University's academic majors and degree requirements
- Talking with representatives of specific colleges to receive an overview of the academic programs available at UT
- Visiting campus residence halls and learning more about on-campus living accommodations
- Developing a network of UT friends by interacting with other parents attending the program [top]
Departments present at Orientation.
The Parent Orientation sessions include information from numerous departments and offices containing information specifically targeted to parents. Information includes Dining Services Meal Plans, Disability Services, Financial Aspects, and Student Health Services. A campus bus tour and a tour of your student’s residence halls is also included in the two day Parent Orientation Program. [top]
Parents are a very important part of the university community, therefore the Parents Association was established to serve as your personal link to the University of Tennessee. The mission of Parents Association is to provide support and information to the parents or guardians of UT students and help them become partners with the university in education and development of their student. The Parents Association provides upcoming dates, academic information, and activities through weekly emails, a parent handbook, and newsletters. The Parents Association also offers various student scholarships as a benefit to members' students.
You can visit the Parents Association website at http://parents.utk.edu [top]