Tennessee Tech sees increased SOAR registrations, expands on-campus lodging for July sessions
Tennessee Tech University is seeing a year-to-year increase in Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sign-ups, with more than 2,000 incoming freshmen already registered for the two-day orientation.
As part of that growth, Tech is expanding overnight housing options for SOAR participants by offering on-campus residence hall lodging during July orientation sessions in addition to June sessions. Students attending July SOAR sessions who opt for on-campus lodging will stay in South Hall, giving more incoming Golden Eagles an opportunity to experience campus life before the fall semester begins.
SOAR is Tech’s high-energy orientation for new freshmen, giving students an immersive first look at their college home over the summer before they enroll in the fall. University leaders emphasize that space in upcoming SOAR sessions is limited, and admitted students are encouraged to register as soon as possible to guarantee their preferred dates.
“SOAR is about more than just signing up for classes—it’s about setting students up for success from day one,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student and Family Programs. “We’re excited to see increased enthusiasm for orientation this year, and we’re pleased to be able to extend on-campus lodging availability for students and families attending our July sessions.”
Brehm said offering overnight lodging during July SOAR sessions, in addition to June sessions, reflects Tech’s continued focus on putting students first.
“At Tennessee Tech, we put students first in everything we do, and this is another example of that commitment,” Brehm said. “We know hotel costs can add up for families traveling to campus, and many students also want the experience of staying overnight in a residence hall before beginning their university journey in the fall. Our goal is to ease barriers for prospective students and make their SOAR experience the best it can be.”
Brehm added that, even for students from the Upper Cumberland region who may already be familiar with Tech’s campus, SOAR provides a valuable way to help new Golden Eagles start the semester with confidence.
“Local students sometimes feel like they already know Tech, but SOAR offers experiences you simply can’t get from a campus visit or prior exposure,” Brehm said. “You’ll meet the classmates you may spend the next four years with, connect directly with your academic advisor and leave with a finalized fall class schedule. Those are foundational steps that help students start strong.”
Each SOAR session also provides opportunities for students and their families to learn more about financial aid, first-year advising and student success services, campus dining, student organizations and other resources.
The increased registration numbers for fall 2026 follow a banner enrollment year for 2025, which started the fall with the university’s highest total enrollment in a decade and the fourth-largest freshman class in Tech history.
The 2026 SOAR schedule includes 11 session dates, beginning May 27–28 and continuing through July 29–30. Limited spots remain available in upcoming sessions, and admitted students are encouraged to reserve a spot as soon as possible.
For more information about SOAR and to secure a spot, visit www.tntech.edu/soar.