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Vol 104: Big Orange Welcome


Vol 104 kicks off the first six weeks of each semester and is offered as a way for you to explore campus, engage in opportunities to drive your academic success, and connect with other Volunteers.

2025 BOW Signature Events Schedule


About Vol 104


Program Details

2022 Torch Night for the Class of 2026 inside Thompson-Boling Arena on August 21, 2022. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Vol 104 is designed to welcome and support you during your first year on Rocky Top. There will be required events the weekend before the first day of classes, with hundreds of additional events throughout the first six weeks of the semester.

The Big Orange Welcome schedule has ALL the details you need to know to successfully navigate which events are required, when and where events will take place, plus so much more. We’ll send you an email in early August with details on how to access the full schedule!

of students reported meeting someone new in the first 2 weeks of the semester.

Events offered during the first six weeks of the semester.


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand what it means to be a Volunteer.

  • Feel committed to your academic journey by using available resources and support systems to achieve your goals.

  • Recognize the importance of a shared community, including connections with faculty and fellow students, and its contribution to a successful transition to university life.

A wide shot of students enjoying a DJ concert with Two Friends in Circle Park as part of New Vol Fest on August 21, 2023. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.



Vol 104 FAQs

While most of the Big Orange Welcome events are optional, there will be several events new students are required to attend before the first day of classes. Check out the Big Orange Welcome schedule in early August to find which events you must attend.

Your first required Big Orange Welcome event is specific to you and your move in date. All students will attend their first required event on the day after their move-in date (i.e. if you move in on August 13, your first event will be on August 14).

If you are commuting to campus, your first required Big Orange Welcome event will be on August 15.

You can learn more about your other required events by clicking the “2025 BOW Signature Events Schedule” button at the top of this page.

No problem! We recommend contacting the Office of Student Disability Services by submitting your Accommodations Request Form. You can always contact them directly as well at sds@utk.edu.