Orientation 2012 will be full of information and fun activities to welcome new students to the Tusculum College community Friday – Sunday, August 17-19.
Orientation assists new students in adjusting to life on campus, informs them about the College’s primary academic opportunities and introduces them to a wide range of student support services. Parents and family members are also included in the programming. There will be a parent “mix ‘n’ mingle” at 3:45 p.m. on Friday afternoon in the Chalmers Conference Center in the Niswonger Commons, followed by a informational session at 4:30 p.m. about how parents can partner with the College to ensure student success. Staff will be available to answer questions parents may have.
Friday will begin with check-in from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Niswonger Commons for both new students living on campus and commuters. Students living on campus will be given their keys and be able to move into their rooms during this period. Students must check-in as a first step and will not be able to move into their room until they do so.
Water stations will be located near the residence halls to provide refreshment during the move-in process and throughout the day’s activities. August in East Tennessee is typically one of the hottest and most humid times of the year. Please visit these stations to keep hydrated in the summer heat.
Tusculum College staff will be located throughout campus to provide any assistance that may be needed during Orientation weekend. For general information, visit the Office of Student Affairs in Room 223 Niswonger Commons. The Student Affairs Office can also provide information about health services, housing, multicultural programs, orientation, recreational sports, religious life, residence life and student activities.
Various departments will also be available to assist new students and their families from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. In the Annie Hogan Byrd building, offices providing academic advising, career counseling, disability services, student support services and tutoring can be found. The Admission, Freshman Services, Financial Aid and Registrar offices are located in Virginia Hall. The Business Office and the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations are in McCormick Hall. In addition to Student Affairs, the Information Systems Office is located in the Commons.
The Campus Safety Office is also located in the Niswonger Commons. The staff is available 24 hours a day to serve students and can be reached at ext. 5318 from a campus phone or at 423.470.2710 to assist with room lockouts and emergencies. Parking rules and regulations are provided to students in a parking/traffic safety manual. Students who will have a car on campus during the year and who did not receive their parking decal during Advanced Registration are reminded to visit the office to obtain one.
After check-in and move-in, students and their families are invited to lunch in the cafeteria in the Niswonger Commons. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the early afternoon, students will meet with their Orientation Leaders. More information about times and location will be provided to students once they arrive on campus.
A welcome to campus and other information will be provided during an open assembly at 2:30 p.m. in the Annie Hogan Byrd auditorium.
Students and parents will then separate for their informational sessions and then have dinner together beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria in the Niswonger Commons. Parents are encouraged to say their goodbyes after dinner as students have another meeting with their orientation group later in the evening followed by fun activities.
Saturday’s schedule is full of activities to acclimate new students to the campus with a variety of programs about various topics, such as work study, counseling services, diversity, international study and the arts on campus.
On Sunday, the new students will have more sessions with their individual Orientation groups and have some time for fun in front of Katherine Hall. Orientation will conclude with an Evening Vespers worship service in the Pioneer Perk at 7 p.m.