Freshman Orientation (SOAR)

Parent/Guest Orientation FAQs

⪢ Why should I attend SOAR with my student? (top of page)

We encourage our parents of new students, especially new freshmen, 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 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)

Parents and guests are able to stay overnight on campus during the June and July SOAR sessions for a fee of $25/person (we are not able to offer on-campus lodging for the August sessions). If you and/or your student need to stay on campus overnight, we recommend attending one of the June or July sessions.

Students registered to stay overnight on campus will be randomly roomed with another student of the same gender; guests registered to stay overnight on campus will be roomed by themselves.

Reservations to stay overnight on campus can be made and paid for when your student registers for SOAR. Participants are also able to make overnight accommodations at a local hotel, can stay at home (if feasible), or can stay with a friend overnight. For a list of hotels in the area please go to the Cookeville Visitors Bureau website.

 

⪢ How does my student get advised and registered for classes? (top of page)

As a first-time freshman, your student will be advised by the Launchpad Student Success Center throughout their first year on campus. Your student will meet with their academic advisor at SOAR and also receive their full class schedule for the fall semester. While completing their SOAR reservation, your student will answer a series of questions to help their academic advisor pre-advise them before orientation.

Your student's academic advisor is very knowledgeable about their major's curriculum, coursework and pre-requisites required, and will assess any pre-college credit they've received before starting at Tech. Your student's advisor will work to create a full course schedule for them that incorporates the necessary classes for their major while also working to incorporate some of the preferences they listed on their SOAR reservation. During your student's advisement and registration meeting at SOAR, they will be able to review their pre-enrolled course schedule and work with their advisor to make any needed changes.

 

⪢ Will I be able to help my student with their class registration? (top of page)

To start forming the advisor/student relationship, the parent 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. Information is collected when your student registers for SOAR to assist with the academic advising process. All of our academic advisors are experienced in helping students enroll in the correct classes for their major 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 at SOAR. In addition, due to overall occupancy limits, we are unable to accommodate more than 1 guest per student reservation.

⪢ What should I do if either I or my student aren't feeling well the day of  our scheduled SOAR session? (top of page)

If your student isn't feeling well the day of their SOAR session, please have them stay home and contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at nsfp@tntech.edu. We will follow up with them regarding any next steps or adjustments needed to reschedule their orientation session. 

If you are not feeling well and are registered to attend with your student, you can either have your student attend by themselves (if feasible), or contact the Office of New Student & Family Programs at nsfp@tntech.edu to determine next steps and reschedule your student's orientation session.

⪢ 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 for classes the day before classes start (August 17, 2022) 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 16, 2022 for the Fall 2021 semester. Due to the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) and the Tennessee Governor's budget approval process, fees are not assigned for the upcoming academic year until after the new fiscal year begins (July 1).

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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