Questions

You have questions about Orientation and we have answers.

We understand that you may have lots of questions about Orientation. You're not alone. We hope the answers we've provided below will help.

We are excited to offer new students an orientation experience that promotes the academic, social and personal success of all new Mocs! New Student Orientation will provide you and your family with everything you need to be successful at UTC!

What is Orientation?

Orientation is a required program for students (optional for parents) that helps them get ready for the start of school. At Orientation, we will cover the topics that will help you prepare for and successfully navigate your first year at UTC. You will also finalize your course schedule at Orientation. More importantly, Orientation is when you first get to experience what it’s like to be a UTC student!  You will meet other incoming and returning students, meet faculty and staff from across campus, take a campus/housing tour, and register for your first semester of classes.

Do I need to register for New Student Orientation?

Yes! All undergraduate freshmen, transfer and new-to-UTC-post baccalaureate students starting their journey at UTC in a fall or spring term must register for Orientation.

Do I need to be accepted to UTC before I register for New Student Orientation?

Yes. Only undergraduate students that have been accepted for a fall or spring semester can register for New Student Orientation. If you need to apply or check your status, please email the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Do my parents need to come to orientation?

We strongly encourage parents, guardians, significant others, and/or other family members to attend orientation. Students may register up to two guests. So much information is new and sometimes confusing; it can be helpful to have family members attend and discuss what you learn.

How do I know that my registration is complete and that my spot is reserved?

After you sign up and pay for a session, an email confirming your reservation and payment of orientation fees will be mailed to your UTC email account unless you specify that you want it sent to another email address in the Orientation registration. In that case, it will be sent to both accounts.

Is there a fee for New Student Orientation?

Yes, there is a fee for Orientation. For fall, the fee is $75 for freshmen ($35 for guests) and $75 for transfer students ($35 for guests).

What forms of payment do you accept for orientation?

Visa or MasterCard, debit or credit cards can all be processed online. We can take checks by mail or in person.

What does my New Student Orientation fee cover?

Your fee covers all expenses of the program including most meals, printed materials, and mailings.

What if I am having trouble accessing the Orientation registration portal?

Please email us or call our office at (423) 425-5220.

How do I cancel my Orientation?

We hope you reconsider canceling, but we understand things come up. Please email us and we will assist you with the cancellation.

What if I cannot pay for Orientation at this time?

If you are currently unable to pay for your session, please email us directly and can discuss how to we can assist.

Is the Orientation fee refundable?

Yes, Orientation fees are refundable until May 1 (minus a $10 refund fee).

What is the schedule for Orientation?

We are working on the final schedule and will have sample schedules soon.

Do I have to stay for the entire Orientation session?

Yes, if you leave you will miss something important! It is mandatory that students attend their session in its entirety. It’s in your best interest to attend all presentations.

Is there a deadline to register for Orientation?

There is no deadline to register for Orientation; however, we do encourage students to register for a session as soon as possible as dates do fill up.

What should I bring to Orientation?

We suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, an umbrella, and something blue and gold to wear! If you are currently enrolled in courses at another institution, please bring an in-progress transcript for your advisor to review.

What should I wear to Orientation?

We encourage you to dress comfortably and wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking around the campus throughout the day. We highly encourage you to show your UTC spirit by wearing UTC gear or at least wear something blue and gold! Be sure to check the weather in case rain is expected during your time at Orientation.

How many guests can I bring?

You may bring up to two guests with you to your Orientation session date.

What if I want to change my Orientation session date?

You can change your Orientation anytime from now till 3 business days before the session. If you need to change your session date after the cutoff, there may be a small fee assessed.

I have a disability, what should I do?

We want to make Orientation accessible for all our students and guests. Please disclose any accommodations needed for your session in the Orientation registration. You can do this in the registration under the “Questionnaire” section. If you need to discuss accommodations needed during the academic school year, please contact the Disability Resource Center by email or call 423-425-4006.

If I have questions about Financial Aid, Housing, etc, will I be able to ask those during Orientation?

Absolutely! All offices will be open during Orientation from 8 am-5 pm. Additionally, many offices will be set up with tables throughout the duration of Orientation.

What is my next step after registering for Orientation?

After registering for Orientation, be sure to check your UTC student email for a confirmation email. As we get closer to your session dates, you will want to regularly check your email for updates regarding Orientation and other enrollment steps such as parking, immunizations and Mocs Card.

Can I get my ID made before Orientation?

You can submit your photo online ahead of time and then pick up your Mocs Card ID when you come to Orientation. For the online photo submission, click here.

Help for Parents and Families

What does the Parent and Guest Orientation include?

We are working on final schedules. A sample schedule should be available in April. 

How do I check if my student has added me as a guest?

Your student can check by logging into their Orientation registration portal and selecting the “Guest” section. You can also reach out to our office and we are happy to check. We can be reached via email at [email protected] or you can call our office at (423) 425-5220.

What does the Parent/Guest fee cover?

Guest fees cover all expenses of the program including meals, printed materials and programming.

What hotel options are available if needed for parents and guests?

Check out Chattanooga's visit website for great hotel recommendations.

Can I go with my student to their advising appointment?

At UTC, we appreciate the value of family and parental involvement in their students' education. We encourage families to be involved and to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. During the advising portion of Orientation, we ask that students be left to hold their advising session one-on-one.

We ask this for two critical reasons:

1. Students’ relationships with their advisors are often the most important academic relationship during their first two years of college. It is important that the students and advisor have this time to get to know one another.
2. Having your students share with you what they learned in their advising session helps them reinforce that information and provides a chance to identify additional questions. It will also help you begin the process of having productive conversations with your student about their academic experience.

If the student or parent has questions about the course schedule after the advising appointment has ended, you may email the Center for Academic Support and Advisement or call (423) 425-4573.

You may also email the Orientation Office or call (423) 425-5220.