About Orientation

Welcome!! Orientation is your first chance to embrace the many challenges college will present to you. The Orientation program is designed to prepare students for their first semester at UT Tyler. Attendance at the Orientation program will assist new students in making their first semester as successful as possible. We extend to you a warm welcome and look forward to meeting you soon!!

Who attends Orientation?

Orientation is required for all undergraduate first-year students.

When is Orientation?

Orientation begins August 22nd and goes until August 26th.

Will I get anything in the mail?

Yes! All freshman who have been officially accepted to the university should be receiving an invitation to Freshman Orientation in the mail no later than June 22, 2008. If you do not receive your invitation by this time, please call the Office of Student Development at 903.565.5645.

What should I expect at Orientation?

Orientation is meant to make the transition from high school to college a little bit easier.

Freshman Orientation helps prepare incoming students to be successful their first year in college. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, but you will also learn about academic requirements and resources in addition to various campus activities before the fall semester even begins. Use this opportunity to become familiar with the environment you will be living in during the next few years.

How should I dress for Orientation?

During orientation you will be seeing all that UT Tyler has to offer; be prepared to travel to different places around our beautiful campus. Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in and appropriate clothing for being outside at times. Suggested attire for the day might be sneakers, shorts or loose pants, and a short-sleeved shirt.

Will I be advised at Orientation?

All new students are encouraged to set up an appointment with an Academic Advisor prior to orientation by calling 903.565.5718. During the advising session, students will receive information about course requirements and be able to register early for their fall courses. In order to complete the registration process, the student must have paid the freshman deposit and have THEA scores on file or proof of THEA exemptions. If you have any questions, contact the Academic Advising Center.

Where will I be staying during Orientation?

All new students will be moving into their new campus residence on the first day of Orientation. Those guests attending Orientation will need to make hotel arrangements. The following hotels have agreed to offer a discounted rate for guests (ask for the UT Tyler Orientation rate):

Wingate Inn (1.32 miles away)

2421 E. Southeast Loop 323

903.566.0600

$89 + tax

Hampton Inn (1.69 miles away)

3130 Troup Hwy

903.596.7752

Comfort Suites (3.55 miles away)

303 E. Rieck Rd.

903.534.0999

$89.99 + tax

Best Western (3.66 miles away)

120 W. Rieck Rd.

903.534.8800

Holiday Inn Select (3.74 miles away)

5701 S. Broadway Ave

903.561.5800

$69 + tax

Where will I check in for Orientation?

All students living on campus may check in starting at 8:00 am on August 22nd at the clubhouse of Patriot Village or in the main lobby of Ornelas Hall, depending upon their room assignment. Students living off campus and at University Pines may start checking in at 5:00 pm on August 22nd in the Herrington Patriot Center.