New Student Orientation
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New students should check their ETSU GoldMail/email account regularly for orientation invitation, confirmation, and other important information. ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE VIA YOUR ETSU GOLDMAIL ACCOUNT! Access information is provided is your acceptance letter.
All new students will receive invitations to complete LAUNCH - ETSU's Online Orientation Program, and to attend a one day, on ground orientation program. The on ground orientation is so important to a successful start that it is mandatory if you live within a 250-mile radius of campus. Those outside are invited and welcome to attend as well but may request an exemption by emailing us at orientation@etsu.edu (include your name & E-number).
Our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) can be found below:
When and how will I be contacted?
What is POLO?
When should I register?
What are the dates?
What if I am an ETSU student at Kingsport?
What happens during LAUNCH and at orientation?
What should I wear to the on ground orientation?
How do I change my on ground orientation reservation or add additional guests?
What if I or a guest needs special accommodations?
What about immunization, testing, and transcript items that I should confirm in advance of my orientation?
What about housing for orientation?
What does it cost?
What if I have more questions?
How do we get to ETSU and where do we park?
Where and when do I check-in?
When and how will I be contacted?
We begin contacting students via their ETSU assigned GoldMail/email in early April for students entering in the summer, and late April/early May for students entering in the fall, and late October/early November for students entering in the spring semester. Your GoldMail information and ETSU E Number were listed in your acceptance letter.
You should register early to receive your first choice of dates. Space is limited and dates will close when filled. In order to ensure that we are ready to assist you with all of your specific needs and questions, you must register at least 7 days prior to the event. You will receive a confirmation email to your GoldMail/email for your scheduled date.
POLO stands for Preview and Orientation Leader Organization. It is a prestigious leadership organization at ETSU composed of students chosen in a competitive and rigorous interview process. These POLO leaders guide new students through orientation and through the extended orientation Preview program.
What are the dates for new student orientation?*
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Orientation dates for new students entering Summer 2012 |
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| May 11, 2012 | Friday | Transfer Students and First Time Freshmen |
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Orientation dates for new students entering Fall 2012 |
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| April 14, 2012 (By Invitation Only) Based on composite ACT/SAT scores |
Saturday | First Time Freshmen |
| June 7, 2012 | Thursday | Transfer & First Time Adult Students |
| June 8, 2012 | Friday | First Time Freshmen |
| June 21, 2012 | Thursday | First Time Freshmen |
| June 28, 2012 | Thursday | Transfer & First Time Adult Students |
| June 29, 2012 | Friday | First Time Freshmen |
| July 19, 2012 | Thursday | Transfer & First Time Adult Students |
| July 20, 2012 | Friday | First Time Freshmen |
| July 31, 2012 | Tuesday | First Time Freshmen |
| August 9, 2012 | Thursday | Transfer & First Time Adult Students |
| August 10, 2012 | Friday | First Time Freshmen |
| Kingsport Center students (First Time Freshmen Only) who plan to take all of their courses for their first semester at the Kingsport Center should register to attend one of the orientation dates on site in Kingsport: | ||
| June 15, 2012 | Friday | Kingsport First Time Freshmen |
| July 13, 2012 | Friday | Kingsport First Time Freshmen |
| August 3, 2012 | Friday | Kingsport First Time Freshmen |
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Orientation dates for new students entering Spring 2013 |
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| December 4, 2012 | Tuesday | Transfer Students and First Time Freshmen |
| January 8, 2013 | Tuesday | Transfer Students and First Time Freshmen |
*Date not showing up during registration? Dates close when filled and will not be shown in the list of dates. You should register early to get your first choice. Registration at least 7 days prior to an event is required.
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What if I am an ETSU student at Kingsport?
New ETSU freshman students who are taking all classes in the fall semester at the ETSU Kingsport campus will attend orientation on-site in Kingsport. Transfer students attend sessions on the main campus. New ETSU freshman students who are taking all fall semester classes in Kingsport should call 423-392-8000 for assistance. ETSU students who are taking any fall semester classes in Johnson City and transfer students will come to the main campus for orientation and should follow the instructions on the invitation.
What happens at LAUNCH and at orientation?
The LAUNCH programs provide a wealth of online resources designed to assist you in your transition to ETSU. LAUNCH is available to you throughout your first semester at ETSU. Each on ground orientation provides you the opportunity to be advised and register for classes; receive your ETSU Student ID card; become familiar with campus, student services, and involvement opportunities; meet university staff and students; and to get answers to any remaining questions.
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What should I wear to the on ground orientation?
Dress for orientation is casual. You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater since we will be in air-conditioned facilities. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around campus. Check the weather and plan accordingly. You will be outside and moving from building to building. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket if there is a chance of rain.
How do I change my on ground orientation reservation or add additional guests?
Once you have made a reservation and wish to change the session you have been assigned, or add additional guests*, please notify the Office of Student Affairs via email to orientation@etsu.edu from your ETSU GoldMail account. Reservations can be changed to another orientation if spaces are available. You must request the change at least 7 days prior to the event you desire to attend. You will receive a confirmation email to your GoldMail/email of the change request.
*Please note that parents and guests have their own track of activities and will not be with their students for all of the day's events.
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What if I or a guest* needs special accommodations?
Parents, guests, or students requiring special assistance or interpreters for the hearing-impaired should contact the Office of Disability Services with questions at (423) 439-8346 and submit an accommodation request at the link below at least ten days prior to the event.
http://www.etsu.edu/students/disable/forms/accomodationrequest.aspx
*Please note that parents and guests have their own track of activities and will not be with their students for all of the day's events.
What about immunizations, testing, and transcript items that I should confirm in advance of my orientation?
1. Immunizations- IMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION REMINDER!!!
Failure to submit the appropriate documentation could prevent you from completing the class registration process or limit the number of hours in which you are able to enroll. The State of Tennessee requires all students to meet the following immunization requirements:
1. Proof that the student has received (2) MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) shots or physician signed documentation of immunity.
2. Proof that the student has received (2) Varicella (Chicken Pox) shots or physician signed documentation of immunity.
3. A Signed Waiver form acknowledging that the student is aware of the risk associated with Hepatitis B and Meningitis infections on a college campus.
Students under the age of 18 must provide a signed waiver that is signed by either a parent or legal guardian. http://www.etsu.edu/nursing/shserv/forms/hepameniwaiver.aspx
Students 18 and over will be able to complete this form online electronically when they attempt to register for classes the first time.
Exemptions:
1) New incoming students to ETSU who have received one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and one Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination may complete the One Semester Immunization Exemption Form and return it to the Registrar's Office so they may be able to register for a full time class load. This can be done at orientation. http://www.etsu.edu/reg/documents/PDF/Immunization_form.pdf
2) Pregnant or Breastfeeding students may complete the Medical Waiver for Immunizations form accompanied with signed medical documentation and submitted to the Student Health Services for temporary exemption.
3) Students who are allergic or have medical conditions preventing them from receiving these vaccinations may complete the Medical Waiver for Immunizations form accompanied with signed medical documentation and submitted to the Student Health Services for exemption.
4) Students who are taking exclusive online and distance-learning courses only are exempt from the Varicella requirements, but must complete the Online Only Immunization Exemption form each semester and file it with the Registrar's Office. http://www.etsu.edu/reg/documents/DOC/online_classes_ONLY_Immunization_Waiver.docx
5) Students who provide a signed written statement that their religious tenets and practices prohibit their receipt of any type of immunizations.
http://www.etsu.edu/nursing/shserv/forms/religiousexemption.aspx
Documentation should be submitted to Student Health Services at least seven business days PRIOR to attending Orientation. More information and contact information is available at: http://www.etsu.edu/nursing/shserv/about/Immun_Requirements.aspx
2. Transcripts - Verify that your final high school transcript, or college transcript for transfer students, have been forwarded and received by the Office of Admissions prior to attending orientation. If the Office of Admissions has not received your final transcript, you cannot register for classes.
3. Placement and/or COMPASS Test- It is extremely important that you carefully read the assessment information that has been mailed to you. If you receive notification from the Office of Admissions or the University Advisement Center that you need to take the COMPASS test, follow those directions. Students who are required to take the COMPASS test must make arrangements to complete this requirement prior to attending orientation. Without necessary testing you cannot register for classes. For information about the COMPASS test and testing dates please call the University Advisement Center at (423) 439-5244.
What about housing for orientation?
You should not make travel plans until you receive confirmation of your orientation date.
On Campus Housing for You and your Family
For the summer orientation programs, all students and parents are encouraged to stay in the residence halls. Cost to stay on campus is $15 per person per night which includes tax and linen. Reservations are needed at least 10 days prior to arrival and can be made by calling the Department of Housing and Residence Life at 423-439-4446 or email housing@etsu.edu. Payment should be made by check at the time of checking into the hall. Check-in times will be from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on the day before the orientation program. On-campus housing is not available for spring semester or the BIO Orientation.
Some Off Campus Housing Options
Hotel accommodations are available in the area if you prefer. Please make your own arrangements. Listed below are a number of local hotels, but is not an exhaustive listing:
| Carnegie Hotel 423-979-6400 (adjacent to university) |
Comfort Suites 800-228-5150 423-610-0010 (5 miles) |
Red Roof Inns 800-843-7663 423-282-3040 (5 miles) |
| Comfort Inn 423-928-9600 (2 miles) |
Courtyard by Marriot 423-262-0275 (2 miles) |
Super 8 Motel 423-282-8818 (3 miles) |
| Hampton Inn 800-426-7866 423-929-8000 (1 mile) |
Holiday Inn 800-HOLIDAY 423-282-4611 (5 miles) |
Quality Inn & Suites 423-282-3335 (3 miles) |
| MeadowView Resort Kingsport, TN 423-578-6600 (17 miles) |
AmericInn Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3100 (7 miles) |
Jameson Inn 423-282-0488 (7 miles) |
Fees
ETSU's new student orientation fee is $30 per student. There is an additional $30 fee per guest*. These fees are non-refundable. ETSU's new student orientation fee and guest fees cover the costs associated with the LAUNCH program, on ground orientation program, related meals, training, materials, new student handbook, and other activities.
*Please note that parents and guests have their own track of activities and will not be with their students for all of the day's events.
If you are unable to make a payment using a debit or credit card please contact our office at orientation@etsu.edu or 423-439-4210 to complete a reservation form and make a payment using cash or check.
What if I have more questions?
General Information
Student Affairs - (423) 439-4210
Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services - (423) 439-5641
Housing and Residence Life - (423) 439-4446
Undergraduate Admissions - (423) 439-4213
ETSU Operator - (423) 439-1000
Financial Aid - (423) 439-4300
Registrar - (423) 439-4366
Bursar (main) - (423) 439-4212
Disability Services (main) - (423) 439-8346
TDD - (423) 439-8370
Or try us online at http://www.etsu.edu.
How do we get to ETSU and where do we park?
Directions To ETSU
To ETSU from Knoxville, TN:
Take I-40 East out of Knoxville.
At the I-81 / I-40 Junction, take I-81 North.
Take exit 57A to Johnson City.
Take I-26 to exit 24 (Elizabethton).
When exiting the ramp there is a stoplight.
Make a left and follow the signs to ETSU.
To ETSU from Asheville, NC:
Take I-26 into Tennessee.
Take exit 24 (Elizabethton).
When exiting the ramp there is a stoplight.
Make a left and follow the signs to ETSU.
To ETSU from Bristol, TN/VA:
Take I-81 South.
Take exit 57A to Johnson City.
Take I-26 to exit 24 (Elizabethton).
When exiting the ramp there is a stoplight.
Make a left and follow the signs to ETSU.
Parking on Campus
Free parking will be available on campus during orientation. Feel free to park in either faculty or student spaces. Those individuals illegally parking in handicap spaces or fire lanes will be towed at the owner’s expense. Click here for an ETSU map showing parking near the D.P. Culp University Center.
Please plan to arrive on campus, park, and arrive at check-in on the third floor of the D.P.Culp University Center at the Ballroom..
Check-In times will be posted here.
Specific details will be available in your confirmation email to your Goldmail account.
If you have any other questions, please call the First Year Programs office at (423) 439-4210 or by e-mail at orientation@etsu.edu.