KNOXVILLE—Students will make their way back to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this weekend for the 2010-2011 school year.
Welcome Week, a long-standing tradition at UT that gives students a glimpse of campus life, kicks off Saturday, Aug. 14, as both new and returning students move into residence halls. Female students will begin check-in at 8 a.m.; male students will start check-in at 1 p.m.
Parents can say their goodbyes at the Big Orange Good Bye at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15, in Presidential Courtyard as Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl welcomes the Class of 2014 to campus. The official welcome begins at 6 p.m. Sunday with the traditional Torch Night Ceremony at Thompson-Boling Arena. Students will then head to the Freshman Picnic in Circle Park. Following the picnic, students will have the opportunity to participate in Night in Neyland where they will get a sneak peek into Neyland Stadium, hear from coaching staff and learn about some of the great athletic traditions that take place on Rocky Top.
This year’s freshman class boasts an academically accomplished and diverse group of 4,200 students, representing more than 48 states.
“We want our incoming freshmen and new students to be a part of the tradition of UT as soon as they get here,” said Susan Martin, provost and senior vice chancellor. “Welcome Week is a great way to showcase campus resources that will help students get off to a great start academically. We also want to help our students feel that they are part of the university and begin to make memories of their own.”
Two key Welcome Week activities designed to help get new students acclimated to campus are:
- Passport to Success, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, in Humanities Plaza. The Passport to Success tour guides new students through key campus locations with the help of knowledgeable college veterans.
- Life of the Mind book discussions will take place throughout Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 16-17, across campus. Small groups of students and faculty leaders will come together to discuss this year’s assigned book, “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” by Tracy Kidder. Students can find the date and location of their discussion by visiting http://online.utk.edu and selecting “Light the Torch” under “My Courses.”
Sorority and fraternity recruitment orientation sessions also will occur during Welcome Week. Sorority Recruitment Orientation will take place Saturday, Aug. 14, in the Alumni Memorial Building Cox Auditorium from 7-9 p.m.
Fraternity Recruitment information will be available throughout Welcome Week. The first opportunity to visit one of the information booths will be from 3-5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, in Presidential Courtyard.
Other Welcome Week activities include:
- Sunday, Aug. 15: Video Dance Party, 10 p.m. in Presidential Courtyard
- Monday, Aug. 16: Caribbean Splash Jam, 8 p.m. at TRECS
- Tuesday, Aug. 17: Rec Fest, 5 p.m. on the TRECS Plaza
- Wednesday, Aug. 18: CarniVOL, 7-9 p.m. on the UC Back Plaza
- Thursday, Aug. 19: KnoxVegas Casino Night, 8 p.m. at the University Center
- Friday, Aug. 20: Student InVOLvement Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the Pedestrian Walkway
- Saturday, Aug. 21: Matisyahu LIVE in Concert, 8 p.m. at the Humanities Amphitheater
For a complete schedule of and more information about Welcome Week events and activities, please visit the Welcome Week website at http://welcomeweek.utk.edu/events.php.
For more information on this year’s freshman class, visit https://news.utk.edu/2010/08/11/class-2014-profile.
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CONTACT:
Abbey Taylor (865-974-9409, ataylo30@utk.edu)
Rebekah Winkler (865-974-8304, rwinkler@utk.edu)