Tennessee Tech University will accept registrations for its summer Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) sessions beginning on March 18,  and university leaders encourage students to sign up early to lock in their preferred dates.

SOAR is a high-energy, two-day program to help admitted freshmen get acclimated to Tech, finalize information for their academic major, set a class schedule for the fall semester and learn about student life on campus.

Incoming students and their families can choose from among 10 different session dates, with the first kicking off on May 27 and the final session beginning on July 31. Space is limited at each SOAR session, but students can attend a session that works for their summer travel schedule by completing their SOAR registration as soon as sign-ups become available.

“Leading and organizing SOAR every summer is such a rewarding part of my role here at Tech,” said Courtney Brehm, director of New Student & Family Programs. “I love seeing the way our campus community comes together to support our incoming students and make them feel welcome."

Assisting Brehm in facilitating SOAR sessions will be a group of 18 student orientation assistants (SOAs) – current Tech students who help guide incoming freshmen through the orientation process and stay connected to them even after their SOAR session ends.

“SOAs are our best ambassadors for Tech. They are current students who have been exactly where these incoming freshmen have been and they have a true passion for making new students feel connected and right at home,” added Brehm. “They answer questions and share from their own personal experiences as a student here on campus. They really are an invaluable resource to these students through the transition process.”

As Brehm looks ahead to this summer’s sessions, she hopes each SOAR participant will come away with their questions answered and a sense of confidence in their decision to enroll at Tech.

“You’ll be provided with resources to help you remember all the important details, so just fully enjoy the experience and soak it all in – and maybe wear a comfortable pair of shoes!” she concluded.

Tennessee Tech is ranked as a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report and as the number one best value public university in the state by SmartAsset.  The university offers more than 225 programs of study, and Tech grads leave with the least debt of all public universities in Tennessee.

Incoming Tech freshmen can learn more and register for SOAR at www.tntech.edu/soar.