The Opening Convocation ceremony on August 27 formally opened the 216th academic year of Tennessee’s oldest college.
The ceremony introduced new faculty members to campus and included the installation of the Student Government Association officers. Leading the student body this year are president – Tiffany Colbaugh of Blountville, Tenn., vice president – Brooke Haymaker of Kettering, Ohio, and secretary/treasurer – Amber Collins of Newport, Tenn. The Opening Convocation was also the first formal ceremony presided over by new President Dr. Nancy B. Moody.
Classes began on Monday, August 24, but the activity on campus had been increasing throughout the month as different groups returned to the College. During the first and second weeks of August, students who are members of athletic teams with fall seasons returned, as well as athletic training majors. Also returning during those weeks were orientation leaders and student mentor/leaders of the Living and Learning Communities. The communities are a program to create “communities of learning” inside the residence halls of students of similar interests and academic levels.
Student leadership groups, such as the President’s Society and the Student Government Association officers, and other students who participate in pre-term programming returned to campus on Monday, August 17, and all new students were welcomed on Friday, August 21. Returning students had their Move-in Day on Sunday, August 23.
New and transfer students were acclimated to college life and the campus during Orientation, beginning Friday afternoon and concluding with a “Tusculum Festival” of games, music and tethered hot-air balloon rides. This week, Welcome Week activities for all students have included a student luau, a Pioneer Pig Roast and a ’70s Love Groove dance.
And, while enrollment numbers are not officially in, it is expect that this year’s entering class will set a new record, surpassing the record freshman class of 344 in 2008. Enrollment numbers become official in mid-September as students who enroll in the second block for the remainder of the year are considered full-time.