ETSU Preview and Orientation Leader Organization interns answer some of the questions they’re asked most frequently by first-year students during Orientation.

You applied to East Tennessee State University, and you jumped for joy when you opened that envelope to see that you’ve been accepted!

When you can breathe again, you think, “Now what?”

Members of ETSU’s Preview and Orientation Leader Organization (POLO) have been right where you are today. They once had the same questions and shared the same uncertainties. But today, they love sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm about ETSU with students just like you. And you’ll meet some of them when you take some of those next steps, which are attending Orientation the summer before your first year, and going to Preview the weekend before the start of fall semester.

POLO Interns in front of the Amphitheater.

Here, four of ETSU’s most experienced POLO leaders – Mattie Smith, Matthew Kinsler, Zane Price and Aidan Townsend – share a few of the questions they’re asked most frequently during Orientation: 

What are the rules of student parking? 
Students will get an email over the summer to register their vehicle and be mailed a parking pass. Gold passes and spots are for students and blue spots are for faculty and staff. We always make sure to tell our students, “Gold is good, and blue is bad.” 
 
When will I receive my student ID? 
All new students will receive their student IDs at the end of their Orientation day. We suggest that students upload their ID pictures on the GET app before coming to Orientation to be able to submit their preferred photos, but we can always take ID pictures at the beginning of Orientation. 
 
What makes ETSU special? 
Zane: ETSU offers a wide course selection to make each student’s journey individualized. Our university supports students by offering several free resources to make sure that students have the support they need to graduate. 
Mattie: ETSU is a very unique campus with amazing opportunities. The staff, faculty and students on campus make this university feel like home. ETSU has a supportive community, and we are surrounded by beautiful mountains. This university allows students to be able to connect to others and provides a well-rounded experience. 
Aidan: ETSU is located in the middle of Johnson City, which truly shows the character of East Tennessee. The small-town feel with the size of our campus provides the best of both worlds and allows each individual to thrive in their own way. 
Matthew: ETSU cares about people first. At many universities, it is so easy to just be another number in the crowd. I’ve never been a part of anything that feels as much like family as ETSU. 
 
What was an impactful moment that made you proud to be a Buccaneer? 
Zane: During my freshman “ETSU 1020” class, my professor showed intense support of my academics and extracurricular activities. She has, since then, attended all events that I have been involved in and reaches out often to see how she can best support me as a student. 
Mattie: One of my first impactful moments at ETSU was at Preview my freshman year. On my very first day, I was able to meet my roommate, who I have now lived with for three years! ETSU has given me lifelong friendships and amazing resources from the very beginning. With the help of my POLO leaders during my Orientation and Preview, I was encouraged to apply and join different organizations that I was interested in. I fell in love with the campus, and I am now a POLO intern years later. 
Aidan: Moving from a POLO leader to a Buccaneer Involvement Guide to a POLO intern has provided me with the opportunity to see the most growth in students. Watching them first come onto campus through Preview and then find their groove in classes and extracurriculars makes me proud that I represent ETSU and show others the love that they can find for our campus. 
Matthew: Having the opportunity to study abroad as well as travel across the country at very affordable rates has made me realize how blessed I am to have the support from ETSU that I have! 
 
When can I see my residence hall?  
Our residence halls will have showrooms open at the end of the Orientation day. These are self-guided tours, but our POLO leaders are here to help you whenever you need us. 
 
How do I sign up for classes? 
A couple weeks before your Orientation session, your advisor will reach out to you to set up a meeting to register classes before Orientation. Don’t worry if you can’t connect with them before Orientation, though. When you come to Orientation, you will have the chance to talk to your advisor and schedule your classes with them here.  
 
What should I bring to Orientation? 
When you come to Orientation, make sure that you have your government-issued ID card or driver’s license, any immunization records or medical forms that may still be needed, comfortable shoes, an umbrella (depending on the weather), and a great attitude! 
 
What should I bring to the first day of classes? 
When it comes to classes, every class is different. Some professors may require a laptop or textbooks, but some may want you to bring just yourself. Before you attend your classes for the first time, make sure to check your syllabus, which will be accessible for you closer to the beginning of the school year through your personal D2L site. 
 
What is the best way to get involved? 
We highly recommend taking advantage of all the opportunities on campus! When you come to Orientation, you will get the chance to talk to representatives of a wide variety of organizations, clubs and departments. If there is something that you are interested in, sign up! We also have BucHub on our ETSU website, which gives students access to all of the different organizations we have on campus.  
 
How do I sign up for Preview? 
You do not have to sign up for Preview! All of our first-year students attend Preview, which is from Aug. 21-24 this year. 
 
What should I expect at move-in? 
When you come for Move-In Day, you will be welcomed by a variety of students, faculty and staff who will help you get all of your belongings to your residence hall. When you get to the front of your building, we will “roll out the Blue and Gold carpet” for you! We will help you take all of your items straight to your room. 
 
Sign up for Orientation and learn more about Preview. For more information, visit ETSU New Student and Family Programs or call (423) 439-8452. 
 

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