SOAR Overview
The two-day SOAR sessions allow first-year freshmen and their guests a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with Tennessee Tech's campus, faculty, staff and students.
During your time on campus, you will meet with representatives from Tech’s Financial Aid, Bursar (Business Office), and Scholarship offices to discuss tuition and fees. Also, our informational sessions hosted throughout the program allow you to learn more about student life, college finances, academic information (this includes meeting with your academic advisor to finalize course registration for the Fall semester), and other campus resources.
Sample Agenda
All times are central and attendees will receive a detailed itinerary at check-in.
Day 1
- SOAR Check-In is from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm central time
- Pre-Arrival details will be communicated via your campus email once registered.
- Tech Honors Meeting at 12:00 pm central (this meeting is required for students admitted into the Tech Honors Program - we recommend arriving early to check-in prior to the Honors Meeting)
- Welcome Meeting begins at 1:00 pm central time
- Educational/Informational Sessions
- Academic Session
- Dinner
- Evening Activities (Day 1 events should be finished by ~8:30 pm central)
Day 2
- Educational/Informational Sessions (begin at 8:00 am central time)
- Lunch
- Academic Session
- Educational/Informational Sessions (Day 2 events should be finished by ~4:30 pm central)
REMINDER: Please be aware that lunch is NOT provided on the first day of SOAR. Attendees will need to arrive ready to participate. If arriving early, there are limited on-campus dining locations available for students and guests. Visit our Dining Services website for more information on available options during the summer.
IMPORTANT: It is required for students to complete the entire SOAR program to finalize their
enrollment. When selecting a date, all attendees should select a session in which
they are capable of attending the entire program.
All SOAR attendees should plan to be on campus until 4:30 pm central time on Day 2.
Academic department session times vary, so we ask students and guests to plan accordingly.
Submit Before SOAR
Prior to your SOAR session you may be contacted via your Tech campus email, accessed through TechExpress, to resolve the following items (holds) on your account. You can also find information regarding any holds you may have within your TechExpress account.
Each student should resolve these matters prior to their orientation session to prevent any problems with their admittance or course registration.
- Health Services Documentation
Please review the Health Services Immunization Information for details about the required documentation and forms needed for new students.
- Residential Life Requirement
Housing Application - required for freshmen, unless commuting from their parent/legal guardian's main residence. Parent/Legal guardian’s residence must be within 50 mile radius of campus. For more information, visit www.tntech.edu/reslife.
Meningitis Immunization - required by law for all new incoming students living on campus who are under 22 years of age, you are required to produce proof of adequate immunization against Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis) on or after your 16th birthday. You must submit this proof to the Health Services office. Please do not send anything to Residential Life. You will not be allowed to check into your on-campus housing assignment if you DO NOT HAVE your meningitis documentation to Health Services. Please contact Health Services with any questions regarding this requirement.
- Selective Service Hold
Currently, the United States Government requires all male students 18 years or older to register with the Selective Service. If you are male and checked 'No' regarding this registration on your application for admission but are now 18 years old, then check your Tech email for instructions. For more information, please click the button below.
- Eagle Card Photo
Please submit your photo for your Eagle Card (student ID) prior to your SOAR session. You should receive an email to your student email account from the Eagle Card Office 14 days prior to your session with instructions and additional information.
Recommended Items to Bring to SOAR
Items marked (*) are required to bring to SOAR. All other items are recommended for students and guests attending a SOAR session:
- *SOAR Parking Pass (available for download & print from your SOAR reminder email)
- *Required documentation for I-9 Card** IF working on campus
- Personal face mask (if desired; not required) and hand sanitizer
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
- Jacket or sweatshirt as auditorium spaces tend to run cold
- Workout clothes if wanting to participate in evening activities at the Student Recreation & Fitness Center
- Umbrella
- Pencil/pen and notebook/writing pad
- Internet accessible device
- Chargers for electronics
- Checkbook, credit card, or other payment method (to purchase items; tuition will NOT be paid at this time)
- Snacks and water (University Bookstore will be open to purchase snacks or drinks, if needed)
**I-9 Information: Students that will be working on campus will need to obtain an I-9 card, Employment
Eligibility Verification Form. You will not be able to pick up your work assignment
or start working until the process is complete. It’s suggested that you complete this
process while at orientation so please contact Human Resources at hr@tntech.edu or at (931) 372-3034 for details on how to complete the I-9 process.
SOAR + On-Campus Overnight Lodging
If you (and/or your guest) have registered to stay overnight on campus during your session, please make sure to bring all of items listed above, in addition to:
- Towels (hand towels, wash cloths, and bath towels)
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- Bed sheets (full size recommended) or blankets or a sleeping bag
- Pillow
