Registration now open for Tennessee Tech’s Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration sessions.
The SOAR Program offers a two-day orientation program designed to connect them with campus resources and peers. Director for New Student and Family Programs Courtney Brehm said the summer sessions allow incoming students to finalize their class schedules and meet with academic advisors before the fall semester begins.
“And so really, this program, it is our new student’s first step in transitioning to college life,” Brehm said. “It really helps connect them with people here on campus, resources that are going to help them be successful, and just all the information they need to really start off on the right foot.”
Brehm said the orientation program goes beyond a standard campus tour and registering for classes. Current students, known as student orientation assistants, lead small group sessions to share their personal experiences and answer questions.
“I think something else that’s really important about having the SOAs be part of the program is that for a new student coming in, I think they are going to feel more comfortable maybe asking their SOA some of the questions that maybe they wouldn’t want to ask, you know, an administrator or a faculty member,” Brehm said. “So just some of those things that, you know, they might just feel more comfortable asking to another student.”
Parents and families are also encouraged to attend the orientation alongside their students. Brehm said the program features tailored sessions for parents to help them understand how to support their children during the college experience.
“It is a lot of information over the two days,” Brehm said. “So just having an extra person here to help support the student can be really, really beneficial.”
Ten different orientation sessions are offered throughout the summer, beginning right after Memorial Day on May 27 and May 28 and running through the end of July. Brehm said the sessions have capacity limits and can fill up quickly, prompting officials to advise students to register as soon as they are admitted to the university.
“Choosing a session early it ensures you get the date you want that works best for your summer schedule,” Brehm said.
Students can register and view all available summer dates by visiting the university website.