{"id":59468,"date":"2024-05-21T09:33:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T13:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/?p=59468"},"modified":"2024-06-26T08:42:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T12:42:28","slug":"seven-things-to-know-before-your-first-day-at-utc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/2024\/05\/seven-things-to-know-before-your-first-day-at-utc\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven things to know before your first day at UTC"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s nice to meet you, Mocs!<\/p>\n

I am Peyton Schultz, a 2023 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a full-time staff writer in UTC\u2019s Division of Communications and Marketing.<\/p>\n

My UTC journey began in 2020\u2014right in time for the COVID-19 pandemic\u2014which made it a bit difficult to get settled on campus.<\/p>\n

Though I learned the crucial details along the way, I always wish I could go back and tell my 18-year-old self the information to make my transition into college a little easier. So, with the help of UTC\u2019s experts in creating the best student experience, I compiled a list of what you need to know to come prepared and ready to take on your first year.<\/p>\n

\"Orientation,<\/a>

Orientation, June 5, 2023, in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Photo by Angela Foster.<\/p><\/div>\n

1. Make the most out of orientation<\/h4>\n

Orientation is the first day you will spend on campus with your peers. While the thought may be a bit scary, it\u2019s worth it. In fact, you can do most of the topics on this list at orientation.<\/p>\n

Orientation check-in begins at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, you will learn about campus resources, hear from campus administrators about academic expectations, have lunch in Crossroads Dining Hall and meet with your advisor to finalize your fall courses.<\/p>\n

Wrap up your day by checking out the UTC Bookstore to shop for UTC gear. You may also want to partake in self-guided housing tours, get your financial aid, scholarship, advisement and course schedule questions answered, pick up your Mocs Card or tour the Aquatic and Recreation Center.<\/p>\n

Parents, guardians and guests, now is your time to get involved, too. At orientation, you will hear from resources such as the Office of the Registrar, Center for Academic Support and Advisement, Housing and Residence Life, and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.<\/p>\n

UTC social media specialist Kaylah Santos, a 2021 UTC graduate and 2019-2020 orientation leader, said orientation leaders are there to answer your questions and\u2014of course\u2014get you excited about becoming a Moc.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Kaylah Santos (right)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe are students along with you,\u201d Santos said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been here and we\u2019ve been in your shoes. We are there to be your hype men and women.\u201d<\/p>\n

She can also vouch that orientation will prepare you for your first few weeks on campus and help you to feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good bridge and a good segue going in,\u201d Santos said. \u201cIt makes the first day less scary because you know where a few things are and you\u2019re a bit more familiar with campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

To register for orientation, or if you have questions, visit the orientation webpage<\/strong><\/a>, FAQ page<\/strong><\/a> or email carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Learn about all the campus resources and ask questions<\/h4>\n

If you need help, whether it be with technology, paying your fees, getting counseling or academic support, there are plenty of campus resources available to guide you.<\/p>\n

During my freshman year, there were a lot of things I didn\u2019t know. I thought to myself, \u201cI\u2019m an adult now. I need to figure this out on my own.\u201d However, I didn\u2019t stop to think about the many people whose job on campus is to help students.<\/p>\n

Carrie Sherbesman, director of New Student and Family Programs, graduated from UTC in 2005. She wants incoming students to know that many of the campus resources will be present at orientation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so intimidating asking and going up to a table,\u201d Sherbesman said. \u201cWe have lots of student resource fairs, but sometimes you don\u2019t know the right question to ask. There\u2019s always someone who can get you to the right place. Everyone who works at the University has a heart for helping. Everybody wants you to succeed. Don\u2019t be intimidated or scared to ask questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said it\u2019s not uncommon for students to feel confused. Faculty and staff recognize that you are coming from a completely different environment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know what the Bursar\u2019s Office meant when I came to school here,\u201d she said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know what College of Arts and Sciences meant on my diploma.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of stuff that is so confusing. No questions are new questions, so don\u2019t feel stupid reaching out for help. We all really, really want to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more about or reach out to a student resource, visit the student resources page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Familiarize yourself with campus<\/h4>\n

During orientation, you will see the UTC Library, Crossroads Dining Hall, Chamberlain Field, the University Center and a few academic buildings.<\/p>\n

\"UTC<\/a>

UTC Map<\/p><\/div>\n

However, it is always good to get the exact lay of the land. If you haven\u2019t already, register for a campus tour<\/strong><\/a> or take a self-guided tour<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chattanooga-area admissions counselor Jay Freeman, who received undergraduate and graduate degrees from UTC, suggests paying campus a visit before your classes begin.<\/p>\n

\u201cExplore campus before the first day of classes,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cFind classes and buildings around campus so the first day can go smoothly.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is also an online UTC map<\/strong><\/a>, which will allow you to easily see every building, parking lot and restroom on campus.<\/p>\n

4. Follow UTC social media accounts<\/h4>\n

Not only do UTC\u2019s social media accounts post fun reels and memes, but following the accounts will keep you up-to-dateon announcements and events.<\/p>\n

Laura Bond is UTC\u2019s director of social media and a 2007 University graduate.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cSocial media is an extension of your campus experience,\u201d Bond said. \u201cWe post a lot about events and fun things to do on campus. It\u2019s a great way to connect with your fellow Mocs.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Instagram, follow @utchattanooga<\/strong><\/a> and @utcnewmocs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe @utcnewmocs account will help you get connected to the campus experience,\u201d Bond said. \u201cWe give a lot of tips to students. We have a lot of takeovers where you can ask specific questions of your peers.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can also follow UTC on:<\/p>\n