I am Peyton Schultz, a 2023 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a full-time staff writer in UTC’s Division of Communications and Marketing.
My UTC journey began in 2020—right in time for the COVID-19 pandemic—which made it a bit difficult to get settled on campus.
Though I learned the crucial details along the way, I always wish I could go back and tell my 18-year-old self the information to make my transition into college a little easier. So, with the help of UTC’s experts in creating the best student experience, I compiled a list of what you need to know to come prepared and ready to take on your first year.
Orientation, June 5, 2023, in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Photo by Angela Foster.
Orientation is the first day you will spend on campus with your peers. While the thought may be a bit scary, it’s worth it. In fact, you can do most of the topics on this list at orientation.
Orientation check-in begins at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, you will learn about campus resources, hear from campus administrators about academic expectations, have lunch in Crossroads Dining Hall and meet with your advisor to finalize your fall courses.
Wrap up your day by checking out the UTC Bookstore to shop for UTC gear. You may also want to partake in self-guided housing tours, get your financial aid, scholarship, advisement and course schedule questions answered, pick up your Mocs Card or tour the Aquatic and Recreation Center.
Parents, guardians and guests, now is your time to get involved, too. At orientation, you will hear from resources such as the Office of the Registrar, Center for Academic Support and Advisement, Housing and Residence Life, and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
UTC social media specialist Kaylah Santos, a 2021 UTC graduate and 2019-2020 orientation leader, said orientation leaders are there to answer your questions and—of course—get you excited about becoming a Moc.
Kaylah Santos (right)
“We are students along with you,” Santos said. “We’ve been here and we’ve been in your shoes. We are there to be your hype men and women.”
She can also vouch that orientation will prepare you for your first few weeks on campus and help you to feel more comfortable.
“It’s a good bridge and a good segue going in,” Santos said. “It makes the first day less scary because you know where a few things are and you’re a bit more familiar with campus.”
If you need help, whether it be with technology, paying your fees, getting counseling or academic support, there are plenty of campus resources available to guide you.
During my freshman year, there were a lot of things I didn’t know. I thought to myself, “I’m an adult now. I need to figure this out on my own.” However, I didn’t stop to think about the many people whose job on campus is to help students.
Carrie Sherbesman, director of New Student and Family Programs, graduated from UTC in 2005. She wants incoming students to know that many of the campus resources will be present at orientation.
“It’s so intimidating asking and going up to a table,” Sherbesman said. “We have lots of student resource fairs, but sometimes you don’t know the right question to ask. There’s always someone who can get you to the right place. Everyone who works at the University has a heart for helping. Everybody wants you to succeed. Don’t be intimidated or scared to ask questions.”
She said it’s not uncommon for students to feel confused. Faculty and staff recognize that you are coming from a completely different environment.
“I didn’t know what the Bursar’s Office meant when I came to school here,” she said. “I didn’t know what College of Arts and Sciences meant on my diploma.
“There’s a lot of stuff that is so confusing. No questions are new questions, so don’t feel stupid reaching out for help. We all really, really want to help.”
To learn more about or reach out to a student resource, visit the student resources page.
During orientation, you will see the UTC Library, Crossroads Dining Hall, Chamberlain Field, the University Center and a few academic buildings.
However, it is always good to get the exact lay of the land. If you haven’t already, register for a campus tour or take a self-guided tour.
Chattanooga-area admissions counselor Jay Freeman, who received undergraduate and graduate degrees from UTC, suggests paying campus a visit before your classes begin.
“Explore campus before the first day of classes,” Freeman said. “Find classes and buildings around campus so the first day can go smoothly.”
There is also an online UTC map, which will allow you to easily see every building, parking lot and restroom on campus.
Not only do UTC’s social media accounts post fun reels and memes, but following the accounts will keep you up-to-dateon announcements and events.
Laura Bond is UTC’s director of social media and a 2007 University graduate.
“Social media is an extension of your campus experience,” Bond said. “We post a lot about events and fun things to do on campus. It’s a great way to connect with your fellow Mocs.”
“The @utcnewmocs account will help you get connected to the campus experience,” Bond said. “We give a lot of tips to students. We have a lot of takeovers where you can ask specific questions of your peers.”
You can also follow UTC on:
Find other UTC social media accounts here.
Checking your email is crucial to staying in the know.
You no longer have teachers giving daily in-person updates or intercom announcements. All the essential information to ensure you are on track—whether it be updates about financial aid and fees, advising appointments, course registration, newsletters or event information—will be in your email.
“You should really be checking your email every 48 hours, if not more,” Sherbesman said. “You can put it on your phone. Information technology has a table at orientation and can help you.”
I was a commuter student, so I unfortunately didn’t have the experience of living in a residence hall during my time at UTC.
To fill myself in, I spoke with Dr. Liz Hathaway, an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. As a faculty-in-residence member, she lives in West Campus student housing.
West Campus, which houses many first-year students, allows Hathaway to see the first-time move-in process up close.
Dr. Liz Hathaway
Her first tip is to make sure you are not going overboard when bringing items for your room, as it is a shared space.
“For the items you need to bring, realize the amount of space you have,” she said.
Operation Move In for first-time students is Aug. 15, and you can find what to bring, what not to bring and what to coordinate with roommates on the move in webpage.
Hathaway’s biggest piece of advice is to prepare to leave your room the first few nights, no matter how nerve-racking that may be.
She said she sees how emotional it can be that first day, but she is there to uplift. She encourages students to check out the many welcome week activities hosted by UTC, which you can find on MocSync.
“If you stay in your room, which will be natural for certain personality types because it’s just so overwhelming, you’re missing the opportunity to form those relationships,” she said. “I love being there because of that vulnerability and that feeling of, ‘This really just happened.’ And I’m like, ‘Alright, cookout, let’s go to a cookout.’”
For a complete list of frequently asked questions, visit the future student FAQs page.
Even if you are an adult in college, it still takes a village.
As mentioned, orientation will have many opportunities for parents and guests to speak with various student resources.
Register for the UTC Parent and Family Association and receive monthly e-newsletters. Check out the webpage for information on campus resources and helpful links.
Operations Move In, 2023. Photo by Angela Foster.
