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. This DOES NOT include guest on-campus lodging. For more information about all overnight lodging options, please visit our Fees & Lodging page.

Due to overall occupancy, we have a limit of two (2) guests 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)

During our Freshman SOAR sessions in May, June and July, we offer on-campus housing to both students and guests. Students are not required to stay on campus and may choose to lodge at a local hotel with parents for the night. Please visit Fees & Lodging for more information.

There is an additional fee per student or guest staying on campus during SOAR. Students will be housed with other students and parents/guests can reserve either a private room or a double occupancy room. If two parents/guests are attending and wish to stay on campus overnight, they may room together. If only one parent/guest is attending, this person will be placed in a private room.

⪢ 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 can't attend both days. Can I only register for one? (top of page)

We understand that some parents/guests have difficulty planning around our orientation sessions. Although parents/guests aren't required to attend SOAR with their student, we do strongly encourage participation. We do offer specialized parent/guest programming to help with their transition as well. 

If you are unable to attend both days, you may perform a "parent swap" . If only one parent is at SOAR at a time, then only one guest attendance fee is required. For example, Mom can come with student on Day 1, leave that night, and Dad can come on Day 2.

⪢ 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 23, 2019) 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 7, 2019 for the Fall 2019 semester. Students attending the final session in August will need to complete this process by 11:59pm (central) on Sunday, August 25, 2019 (the day before Fall classes start) for the Fall 2019 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.

 

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