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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. [top]

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 must pay the $250 enrollment deposit to Admissions prior to registering for Orientation.[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. We also have a program just before classes begin in January for 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, January 11, 2010. You may contact your College and register for classes prior to Orientation ONLY if your major is in one of the following Colleges: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (865-974-7303); College of Arts & Sciences (865-974-4483); College of Communication and Information (865-974-3603); College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (865-974-8195); College of Engineering (865-974-4008; NOTE: math placement exam must be taken prior to Engineering advising); College of Nursing (865-974-7606); and College of Social Work (865-974-3351). All other students will only be able to register at the Orientation session.

  • Check In: Check-in for this program is from 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. 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)
  • 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 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 orientation session, and no charge for parents. Freshmen must pre-register to attend orientation. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you have not pre-registered to attend, 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund.[top]

Transfer and Adult Students

There are two sessions for transfer and adult students beginning in the spring. They are Friday, November 13, 2009, and Monday, January 11, 2010. You may contact your College and register for classes prior to attending Orientation ONLY if your major is in one of the following Colleges: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (865-974-7303); College of Arts & Sciences (865-974-4483); College of Communication and Information (865-974-3603); College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (865-974-8195); College of Engineering (865-974-4008); College of Nursing (865-974-7606); and College of Social Work (865-974-3351). All other students will only be able to register at the Orientation session.

  • Check In: Check-in for these programs is from 7:30-8:15 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 for all institutions previously attended. These materials will assist in the advisement and registration process for Spring Term 2010.
  • Getting Your Student ID: If you are on campus prior to the Orientation session, 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. Please note you must bring a driver’s license or another valid photo ID to have your student ID made. You can also have your ID made at your orientation session.
  • 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 and adult students attending this orientation. There is no charge for any parents or guests to attend. 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 to attend, 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund. [top]

Information for Students Entering Summer Term


  • When is Orientation? Orientation for new students taking summer classes will be held on June 2, 2010. This orientation is for all classifications of students entering the University during the summer term. Registration for this session will open Monday, February 1, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. EST.
  • Check In: Check-in for this program 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)
  • 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. (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, and no charge for any parents or guests. You must pre-register to attend orientation. Registration for summer school orientation is open now. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund. [top]

Information for Students Entering Fall Term


NOTE: See bottom of page for information specific to August Orientation.

Freshmen Students

There are 16 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. Registration for freshman orientation will open January 15, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. EST. 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. 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 from 7:00-7:45 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: A picture ID, pen/pencil, notebook, alarm clock, umbrella, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, lightweight blanket and sweater, and socks (for bowling during evening activities). Your Orientation confirmation card/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. 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 at the corner of 17th Street and White Avenue. On street parking or parking in other lots on campus may result in your vehicle being ticketed or towed. Your confirmation card also serves as your parking permit, and should be left in the dash of your car. (See also: Driving Directions)
  • Registration: Beginning January 15, 2010 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. An orange confirmation/parking pass will be mailed to you within 10 business days of receipt of your online payment. 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@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 will open for transfer and adult students on Monday, February 1, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. EST.

  • 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 the University Center on Phillip Fulmer Way 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 or handicapped vehicles should call our office at (865) 974-2435 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, 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund. [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 half-sheet confirmation postcard from us. This 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. The confirmation card for freshman students attending a two-day orientation session in the summer is ORANGE, for students attending Summer School Orientation is YELLOW, and for students attending a Transfer & Adult Student Orientation program is RED.

If you are an incoming freshman, you must complete the Pre-Orientation planning website VOL Aboard! prior to attending your session. This will provide you with helpful information on the General Education Curriculum, the orientation academic advising process, and how to use your Net ID. You will also take your foreign language placement exams through this site. The VOL Aboard! website will be available online in mid-April.

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).[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]

Information for students attending August Orientation

There is a one-day program offered for Transfer and Adult students on Monday, August 16, 2010, and a one-day program for freshmen offered on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. (See also: Dates of Orientation) There is a charge of $35.00 for students and $10 for parents/guests attending these sessions. The Student Orientation registration system will open for these sessions in late July.

  • 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: Any transcripts from previous insitutions (if a transfer student), a pen/pencil, photo ID, your UT student ID number and NetID and password.
  • Pre-Orientation: To prepare for the academic advising process at orientation, we strongly encourage you to visit 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.
  • 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 our office at (865) 974-2435 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 students and $10 for parents/guests attending this orientation. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you 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 865-974-1373, mailed to Student Orientation & Leadership Development, 412 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0247, or emailed to orient@utk.edu. There will be a $10 processing fee charged if you request a refund. [top]