UT’s journey to become a Top 25 public research institution involves a strong commitment to the success of students. The ultimate goal is simple: to enhance the quality of students’ education and contribute to the development of our local, regional, national, and international community. As the university works to retain and graduate a diverse body of well-educated undergraduate students, the departments within UT’s Division of Student Life are instrumental in achieving this goal.
In support of becoming a Top 25 university, the Division of Student Life is combining the offices of the Parents Association and Student Orientation to create one office to serve students and their families. The Office of New Student and Family Programs will align goals related to ensuring student transitions to UT as well as parental involvement. The office will streamline services for new students and parents, as well as promote student success and development from orientation to graduation. All programs and services including orientation sessions, Parents Association, and services related to both offices will continue with an enhanced staffing and service delivery model.
The office is excited to kick off the new year training orientation leaders and the welcome leader student coordinators while providing two orientation sessions in early January and planning for the summer orientation program and fall Welcome Week. The office will continue to offer services to all Parents Association members such as weekly e-mails, the TENNESSEE Family magazine, parent calendar, Family Weekend events, and key resources to enhance the student experience at UT.
Transition is a significant part of the college experience for both parents and students. Attending orientation is the first step for students and parents to learn about the university. This is an exciting opportunity to enrich the Tennessee family experience. With this change and as the division’s mission indicates, the Office of New Student and Family Programs will support students and families to positively impact the success of students from orientation to graduation.