Fall Kickoff is your exclusive first step into life at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville!
This dynamic pre-orientation experience will be held August 11-15 and is designed specifically for students in the UT Success Academy, UT Promise on Rocky Top, Flagship Scholars, and Academy for Global Scholars.
Fall Kickoff is a free program and is your chance to jumpstart your college experience with purpose, preparation, and community.
“At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in an uncertain world, we believe in the potential of every student.”
-Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success
During Fall Kickoff, you’ll connect with fellow scholars, engage with campus leaders, and explore the essential resources that will support your success from day one. You’ll build meaningful relationships, sharpen key academic and life skills, and discover what it means to be a part of the Volunteer family — grounded in tradition, driven by excellence, and united in purpose. We’ve packed the week with exciting events and plenty of fun to help you settle in and start making memories – Fall Kickoff sets the tone for an unforgettable college journey.
Come ready to learn, connect, and celebrate, and by the end of the week you’ll be ready to navigate college life with confidence and pride.
Kick Off Schedule
Monday, August 11
| Event Name | When | What’s Happening? |
| Move-In | Schedule Your Move-In Appointment in the Housing Portal. | |
| Check-In Opens | 5 pm | Check in to Fall Kickoff |
| Family Dinner | 6 pm | We’d like to invite you and your closest supporters to a Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of Fall Kickoff! Feel free to invite up to two supporters to attend with you! |
| Paint the Rock | 8 pm | Participate in a favorite UT tradition! |
Tuesday, August 12
| Event Name | When | What’s Happening? |
| Breakfast @ Rocky Top | 8:30 am | Enjoy breakfast on your own at Rocky Top Dining. |
| Authoring Your Story | 9:30 am | Learn How to develop your own UT story in this personalized session led by Director of First-Year Experience Adam White. |
| Morning Pump-Up | 10:30 am | Start off the morning with our Fall Kickoff leaders! |
| Community Building | 11 am | Participate in a fun activity to get to know your peers. |
| Lunch | 11:30 am | |
| Resource Fair | 12 pm | Learn more about all the opportunities UT has available to support your academic journey. |
| Cohort Session | 1 pm | Connect with your program cohort and learn more about your specific programs. |
| CliftonStrengths at UT | 3 pm | Learn how your individual strengths contribute to your academic success and wellbeing! Be sure to have taken your CliftonStrengths assessment before the session! |
| Break | 4:30 pm | |
| Main Event Trip | 5:30 pm | Dinner, arcade, bowling, ropes course – lots of fun ahead! |
Wednesday, August 13
| Event Name | When | What’s Happening? |
| Breakfast @ Rocky Top | 8:30 am | Enjoy breakfast on your own at Rocky Top Dining. |
| Morning Pump-Up | 9:30 am | Start off the morning with our Fall Kickoff leaders! |
| Inspiration from Campus Leadership | 9:45 am | Get inspired by a campus leader! |
| Financial Wellness | 10 am | Learn how to manage your personal finances to support your success. |
| Community Building | 11 am | Participate in a fun activity to get to know your peers. |
| Lunch | 12 pm | |
| Student Panels | 12:45 pm | Hear from current students about all the things you want to know about real life on Rocky Top. |
| Cohort Session | 1:30 pm | Connect with your program cohort and learn more about your specific programs. |
| Break | 4 pm | |
| VFL Welcome Dinner | 5 pm | Enjoy a special dinner with University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman, and members of the alumni family – Vols for Life! |
| New Vol Hangout | 6 pm | Connect with other new Vols at this First-Year Experience event! |
Thursday, August 14
| Event Name | When | What’s Happening? |
| Breakfast @ Rocky Top | 8:30 am | Enjoy breakfast on your own at Rocky Top Dining. |
| Morning Pump-Up | 9:30 am | Start off the morning with our Fall Kickoff leaders! |
| Inspiration from Campus Leadership | 9:15 am | Get inspired by Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams! Be sure to follow her on Instagram @utk.viceprovost! |
| Why Service? | 9:45 am | Learn about the impact of service on our community AND your academic and career growth! |
| Service Projects | 10:15 am | Participate in hands-on service in the Knoxville community. |
| Break | 2:30 pm | Get some rest and check off some things on your semester prep to-do list. |
| Dinner @ Rocky Top | 5 pm | Enjoy dinner on your own at Rocky Top Dining. |
| Big Orange Bingo | 6 pm | Connect with other new Vols at this First-Year Experience event! |
Friday, August 15
| Event Name | When | What’s Happening? |
| Breakfast @ Rocky Top | 8:30 am | Enjoy breakfast on your own at Rocky Top Dining. |
| Morning Pump-Up | 9 am | Start off the morning with our Fall Kickoff leaders! |
| Inspiration from Campus Leadership | 9:30 am | Get inspired by a campus leader! |
| Academic Success Conference | 10 am | Participate in small-group sessions focused on academic skills to support your success this semester. |
| Lunch | 12 pm | |
| Cohort Session | 1 pm | Connect with your program cohort to learn more about your specific program. |
| Closing Celebration | 3:30 pm | Celebrate completing Fall Kickoff 2025! |
For more events designed to get you ready to start your college career off strong, be sure to check out the full Big Orange Welcome schedule!
Why Attend Fall Kickoff 2025?
- Start Strong: Learn about all the resources UT has available to support your success from day one.
- Find Your People: Make real connections with other students, mentors, and staff who are here to help you thrive.
- Own Your Success: Get tips on study habits, time management, and what it takes to succeed in college-level classes.
- Get Involved: Explore UT traditions, values, and ways to plug into campus life and make your mark.
- Feel at Home: Enjoy a week full of fun events, games, and activities that help you feel comfortable, connected, and excited to be a Vol.
Reach Out to Your Contact Rep for Questions
- UT Success Academy – Donovan Johnson (djohn217@utk.edu)
- UT Promise on Rocky Top – Megan King (mhoak@utk.edu)
- UT Flagship Scholars – Ali Smith (dssevents@utk.edu)
- Academy of Global Scholars – Carrera Romanini (carrera@utk.edu)
FAQ’s
- Fall Kickoff is FREE!
- All meals during Fall Kickoff are provided at no cost.
- For Fall Kickoff programming you will need comfortable/active clothes and shoes, your laptop/device, and any notetaking items you prefer. We provide everything else for the program!If you’ll be moving into your room on campus, you can check out University Housing’s What to Bring page.
- After you have selected your room in the Housing Portal, sign up for your move-in appointment and select that you are participating in Fall Kickoff.The portal will then allow you to sign up for a move-in appointment on August 11.
- Register for Fall Kickoff.
- Check out the Move-In To-Do List for more details!