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Vol 104: Big Orange Welcome – Signature Events

 

These are the signature events taking place during the beginning of the semester, with hundreds of additional events occurring throughout the first six weeks of fall semester.

The full Big Orange Welcome schedule is available in the Vol Connect app.

Certain events have a designated time and location for students. You can find the session for which you’re registered by selecting the “My Events” filter in the Vol Connect app.

*Indicates the event is required for new students.

Commuter Parking

First-year commuter permits go on sale August 15. Parking & Transit will allow commuter students to park in designated commuter lots/spaces from August 12–16 prior to purchasing a permit.

Please park only in marked commuter spaces (not staff/faculty, reserved, ADA unless approved, loading zones, fire lanes, or “No Parking” areas). This accommodation is available during Big Orange Welcome events August 12–16.

For a virtual parking pass, please click from the links below.

 

Welcome Week Schedule

  • *Authoring Your Story (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students will also receive an exclusive New Student Workbook!

There are no Big Orange Welcome events scheduled for this day.

  • *Authoring Your Story (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students will also receive an exclusive New Student Workbook!
  • Coaching on the Lawn (9 am – 12pm | Andy Holt Ave. & 20th Street (Next to Rocky Top Dining Hall))
    • Hosted by coaches from across the Division of Student Success, the event will also showcase the many coaching resources available to support students throughout their time at UT. Whether students are exploring academics, career pathways, leadership development, or personal success, Coaching on the Lawn provides an early opportunity to connect with the people and programs dedicated to helping every Vol thrive. 
  • *Rocky Top Roadmap (2-5 pm | The Rock)
    • Start the semester with confidence! Bring your class schedule to the the Rock and let our student leaders help you find your classroom buildings, discover essential campus resources, and learn the ins and outs of Rocky Top. Along the way, you’ll leave your mark on the Rock and score a free T-shirt for completing the tour! 
  • Tennessee Trivia (8-9:30 pm | Student Union, Room 272)
    • Put your Tennessee and UT knowledge to the test in this exciting trivia game! Enjoy tasty snacks, compete with your fellow Vols, and play for a chance to win great prizes from the VolShop. Whether you’re a Tennessee native or brand new to Rocky Top, it’s a fun way to learn more about your new home! 

  • *Authoring Your Story (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students will also receive an exclusive New Student Workbook!
  • Coaching on the Lawn (9 am – 12pm | Andy Holt Ave. & 20th Street (Next to Rocky Top Dining Hall))
      Hosted by coaches from across the Division of Student Success, the event will also showcase the many coaching resources available to support students throughout their time at UT. Whether students are exploring academics, career pathways, leadership development, or personal success, Coaching on the Lawn provides an early opportunity to connect with the people and programs dedicated to helping every Vol thrive. 
  • *Rocky Top Roadmap (2-5 pm | The Rock)
    • Start the semester with confidence! Bring your class schedule to the Rock and let our student leaders help you find your classroom buildings, discover essential campus resources, and learn the ins and outs of Rocky Top. Along the way, you’ll leave your mark on the Rock and score a free T-shirt for completing the tour! 
  • New Vol Rodeo (7-10 pm | Student Union 21st Mortgage Plaza)
      Grab your boots and join us for a night of country fun! Enjoy mechanical bull rides, create your own custom cowboy hat, challenge your friends with yard games and axe throwing, snap photos with our marquee letters and photo booth, and grab a bite from a local food truck. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or trying it for the first time, line dance instructors will teach throughout the night while country music keeps the party going. Come kick off the semester with a boot-scootin’ good time!

  • *Authoring Your Story (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students also receive an exclusive New Student Workbook!
  • *College Connect (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • This is a great event to meet other new students in your academic college and introduce you to all your college has to offer before the start of classes! NOTE: Times and locations vary by college. Check the Vol Connect app for your college’s time and location.
  • Coaching on the Lawn (9 am – 12pm | Andy Holt Ave. & 20th Street (Next to Rocky Top Dining Hall))
    • Hosted by coaches from across the Division of Student Success, the event will also showcase the many coaching resources available to support students throughout their time at UT. Whether students are exploring academics, career pathways, leadership development, or personal success, Coaching on the Lawn provides an early opportunity to connect with the people and programs dedicated to helping every Vol thrive. 
  • *Rocky Top Roadmap (12-3 pm | The Rock)
    • Start the semester with confidence! Bring your class schedule to the Rock and let our student leaders help you find your classroom buildings, discover essential campus resources, and learn the ins and outs of Rocky Top. Along the way, you’ll leave your mark on the Rock and score a free T-shirt for completing the tour! 
  • New Vol Fest (7-10 pm | Humanities & Social Sciences Plaza)
    • Step right up and kick off Big Orange Welcome at the ultimate carnival celebration! Make your way to the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Plaza for a night filled with classic carnival fun. Grab your friends and experience all the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Big Orange Carnival!

  • *Authoring Your Story (Various Times | Various Locations)
    • Every scholar has a story, and every story matters! Authoring Your Story showcases the support students have on campus to assist in the story they are writing here as a Vol. Students will also receive an exclusive New Student Workbook!
  • Welcome Brunch (8 am – 12 pm | Rocky Top Dining Hall)
    • Welcome, New Vols! Start your morning with a delicious brunch at Rocky Top Dining while connecting with fellow students, meeting new friends, and kicking off the semester. Enjoy great food, great company, and a warm Volunteer welcome as you begin your Rocky Top journey!
  • Dining Scavenger Hunt (8 am – 8 pm | Campus Dining Locations)
    • Join the all-day Dining Scavenger Hunt and explore campus dining locations while completing fun challenges along the way! Visit participating dining spots, discover your new favorite places to eat, and earn prizes as you make your way across campus. Stop by anytime throughout the day and join the adventure!
  • Sunrise Yoga (9 – 10 am | HSS North Lawn)
    • Start your Saturday with a relaxing outdoor yoga session on the HSS North Lawn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced, all are welcome to join us for a refreshing hour of movement and mindfulness!
  • *Rocky Top Roadmap (2-5 pm | The Rock)
    • Start the semester with confidence! Bring your class schedule to the Rock and let our student leaders help you find your classroom buildings, discover essential campus resources, and learn the ins and outs of Rocky Top. Along the way, you’ll leave your mark on the Rock and score a free T-shirt for completing the tour!
  • Tennessee Saturday Night (7 pm | Student Union)
    • A night of fun, food trucks, and fireworks to welcome students to the Fall semester. All students are invited to join us as we kick-off the academic year together!

  • Big Orange Welcome Cookout (12-2 pm | Frieson Black Cultural Center Plaza)
    • Kick off your college journey with great food, new friends, and meaningful connections. Join the BRIDGE Mentoring Program to meet our current mentors.
  • Big Orange Cinema (2-4 pm | Student Union Auditorium (Room 180))
    • Grab your friends and join us for Big Orange Cinema! Build your own candy box with your favorite sweet treats, then sit back and enjoy Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen. Bring your movie-night vibes and don’t miss an evening of snacks, entertainment, and galactic adventure!
  • Big Orange Transfer Social (3:30-5:30 pm | Circle Park)
    • Calling all transfer students! Join us at Big Orange Transfer Social to meet fellow transfers, make new friends, and connect with campus resources in a fun, welcoming environment. Enjoy games, activities, and great conversations as you kick off your Volunteer experience at UT!
  • *Torch Night (6:30 pm | Thompson Boling Arena at Food City Center)
    • Torch Night is a rite of passage for all incoming Volunteers. At the beginning of each academic year, the entire incoming first year and transfer class gathers in Thompson Boling Arena to take up the Torch of Service and commit themselves to the Volunteer ideal of selfless leadership. Students will hear from university leadership, including some special guests from UT Athletics, on what it truly means to be a Volunteer!  NOTE: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center operates with a clear bag policy and stadium security regulations.
  • Late Night Dining (8-11 pm | Rocky Top Dining Hall or Stokely Dining Hall)
    • Still hungry after Torch Night? Stop by Late Night Dining at Rocky Top or Stokely Dining Hall to grab a bite, recharge, and hang out with friends. Whether you’re wrapping up the evening or just getting started, it’s the perfect way to end an exciting day on campus!

  • Big Orange Friday: Pops on PED (12-3 pm | Ped Walkway)
    • Celebrate the first Big Orange Friday of the semester by wearing something orange and receive a free popsicle and t-shirt (while supplies last)!
  • Late Night on Rocky Top (9 pm | HPER’s Vol Wall (Room 202B) & Student Aquatic Center)
    • Night Crawler – Light up the night with one of UT’s favorite traditions! Take on the rock wall under glowing lights for a one-of-a-kind climbing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or trying it for the first time, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself and hang out with fellow Vols.
    • Outdoor Pool Movie Night – Grab a spot by the outdoor pool and enjoy a movie on the big screen! Relax with friends, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a laid-back evening under the stars. Whether you’re watching from the pool deck or taking a dip, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. 

  • Student Success Express-O (5-7 pm | Hodges Library North Commons (2nd Floor past Starbucks))
    • Enjoy an affogato (ice cream + espresso) and learn about all the resources offered to you on campus! 

  • First-Gen Welcome (9-10 am | Ped Walkway)

    • Celebrate first-generation students by enjoying a free coffee and first-gen tshirt! *while supplies last.

      A first generation student is a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. 

There are plenty of things to see and do across Knoxville! Check out a few recommendations below during Big Orange Welcome (and beyond) to help acclimate yourself to the city and surrounding area.


ON CAMPUS KNOXVILLE