Freshman Orientation (SOAR)
Parent & Guest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As parents and guests of a new Golden Eagle, we know you have questions about your student's upcoming SOAR experience. We have compiled a list of common questions asked by parents regarding first-year orientation (SOAR). If you don't find the answer here, then please Contact Us!
⪢ Why should I attend SOAR with my student?
⪢ How much does it cost to attend SOAR?
⪢ I can't attend SOAR with my student. Will there by someone to help them?
⪢ What are the overnight lodging options for parents/guests?
⪢ Will I be able to help my student with their class registration?
⪢ I have a young child at home. Can I bring them with me?
Parent/Guest Orientation FAQs
⪢ Why should I attend SOAR with my student? (top of page)
We encourage our parents of new students, especially new freshman, to attend SOAR.
While your student is learning about being a Tennessee Tech student, you'll learn
about being a parent to a Tech student. Our faculty, administrators and staff will
be at SOAR so you can meet the people who will be working with your student during college. It's a great time to get those "last-minute"
questions answered, experience our beautiful campus, and help your student prepare
to join the Tech family.
⪢ How much does it cost to attend SOAR? (top of page)
Currently, there is a $36 per guest attendance fee to attend SOAR.
Due to overall occupancy, we have a limit of one (1) guest per student reservation. Please
note that due to maximum occupancy restrictions, we may be unable to add guests after
registration begins and sessions fill.
⪢ I can't attend SOAR. Will there be anyone to help my student? (top of page)
We will have numerous faculty, staff, administrators and current students assisting
your student during SOAR. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to attend SOAR, but if a student needs to attend alone, we will be available to help
them navigate to all session locations, participate in events, and register for classes.
⪢ What are the overnight lodging options for parents/guests? (top of page)
Due to additional guidance from the university surrounding COVID-19, we are unable
to offer overnight lodging on campus. Participants can choose to make their own arrangements at a local hotel, or if feasible,
can stay at home or with a friend overnight. For a list of hotels in the area please
go to the Cookeville Visitors Bureau website.
⪢ Will I be able to help my student with their class registration? (top of page)
To start forming the advisor/student relationship, the parent(s) will not be in the
course registration/advisement session. Each student will be working with an academic
advisor at SOAR, and the advisor will help your student choose the right classes for
the following semester. All of our academic advisors are experienced in helping students enroll in the correct classes and in
the right order. Parents are not responsible for their student's course selection.
⪢ I have a young child at home. Can I bring them with me? (top of page)
SOAR is designed for incoming college students and their parents. Young children probably
won't enjoy the activities, and we encourage parents to find alternative care for
young children while parents/students are at SOAR.
⪢ My student can't attend SOAR. Can I attend for them? (top of page)
Parents are not able to attend SOAR and register for classes for their student. If a student cannot attend a particular SOAR session, please make arrangements
to attend a later session of SOAR or simply register the Friday before classes start
(August 21, 2020) in the Fall.
⪢ Will I have to pay my student's tuition at SOAR? (top of page)
No. Students will need to confirm their schedules and pay their tuition/fees by 11:59pm (central) on August 22, 2020 for the Fall 2020 semester.
For more information regarding how to confirm enrollment and pay tuition & fees visit the Bursar's Office website. Students who do not pay & confirm by the above deadlines will have their schedules purged and will be required to re-register for the upcoming semester.