Registration for Tech’s ‘SOAR’ new student orientation opens March 18, early sign-ups encouraged to guarantee preferred dates
Tennessee Tech Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) Bri Pharris (center) smiles for
a picture with a group of incoming Tech students at last year’s SOAR.
Tennessee Tech University will accept registrations for its summer Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions beginning
on March 18, and university leaders encourage students to sign up early to lock in
their preferred dates.
SOAR is a high-energy, two-day program to help admitted freshmen get acclimated to
Tech, finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the
fall semester and learn about student life on campus.
Incoming students and their families can choose from among 10 different session dates,
with the first kicking off on May 27 and the final session beginning on July 31. Space
is limited at each SOAR session, but students can attend a session that works for
their summer travel schedule by completing their SOAR registration as soon as sign-ups
become available.
“Leading and organizing SOAR every summer is such a rewarding part of my role here
at Tech,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student & Family Programs. “I love
seeing the way our campus community comes together to support our incoming students
and make them feel welcome."
Assisting Brehm in facilitating SOAR sessions will be a group of 18 student orientation
assistants (SOAs) – current Tech students who help guide incoming freshmen through
the orientation process and stay connected to them even after their SOAR session ends.
Tennessee Tech Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) Meredith Foster (front left) gives
a “Wings Up” hand signal as she guides a group of incoming students around campus
at a previous SOAR.
“SOAs are our best ambassadors for Tech. They are current students who have been exactly
where these incoming freshmen have been and they have a true passion for making new
students feel connected and right at home,” added Brehm. “They answer questions and
share from their own personal experiences as a student here on campus. They really
are an invaluable resource to these students through the transition process.”
As Brehm looks ahead to this summer’s sessions, she hopes each SOAR participant will
come away with their questions answered and a sense of confidence in their decision
to enroll at Tech.
“You’ll be provided with resources to help you remember all the important details,
so just fully enjoy the experience and soak it all in – and maybe wear a comfortable
pair of shoes!” she concluded.
Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and as the number one best value public university in the state by SmartAsset. The university offers more than 225 programs of study, and Tech grads leave with
the least debt of all public universities in Tennessee.
Incoming Tech freshmen can learn more and register for SOAR at www.tntech.edu/soar.