Preparing for Orientation

Preparing for Orientation

We will connect you to resources, services, academic programs and people that will help make ETSU feel like home. This is just the start of your journey at ETSU!

Admitted students for the Summer and Fall 2024 semesters, can now register for Orientation! We encourage you to do so as early as possible as dates fill up fast.  You can see dates below.  Welcome to ETSU!

Register for Orientation Here!

 

Overview

During your Orientation you will hear from the university faculty and staff, meet with an Orientation Leader and peers, learn about university resources, and take care of several campus business items. In addition, this is when you will meet with an advisor and get registered for fall courses. A small breakfast and continental lunch will be provided during your session.  These are in-person sessions during which you will need to be available beginning at 8:00 a.m. up until 4:00 p.m. 

Which Orientation do I attend?

You will attend an Orientation based on when you plan to start classes here at ETSU. Below, you will find a brief description for each Orientation type and a schedule. 

  • Fall Freshman Orientation

    First-Time Freshman students who plan to begin classes in August/Fall Semester of ETSU, will attend Fall Freshman Orientation. These sessions occur in June-August each year. Find the current Orientation dates here. 

    Find a sample schedule below. Please note: This schedule is subject to change. 

    • Student schedule here. 
    • Family and Guest schedule here.
    • Choice of Session schedule here.
  • Fall Transfer & Adult Orientation

    Transfer students and students 23 years and older who plan to begin classes in August/Fall Semester of ETSU, will attend Fall Transfer & Adult Orientation. These sessions occur in June-August each year. Find the current Orientation dates here. 

    Find a sample schedule below. Please note: This schedule is subject to change. 

    • Student schedule here.
    • Family and Guest schedule here.
    • Choice of Session schedule here.
  • Spring Term Orientation

    Any student (First-Time Freshman or Transfer) who begins classes in January/Spring semester will attend Spring Orientation in January. 




    Find a sample schedule below. Please note: This schedule is subject to change. 

    • Student schedule here.
    • Family and Guest schedule here.
    • Choice of Session schedule here.
  •  Summer Term Orientation

    Any student (First-Time Freshman or Transfer) beginning classes for the summer term will atttend Summer Term Orientation in May. 

    Find a sample schedule below. Please note: This schedule is subject to change. 

    • Student schedule here.
    • Family and Guest schedule here.
    • Choice of Session schedule here.
  • International Student Orientation

    International students complete orientation in partnership with International Enrollment and Services. Find out information here.

 

 

Dates and Fees

  • Orientation Dates

    Find the current Orientation dates here. 

  • Fees

    Students: $45 per student. 

    Guests: $35 per guest. 

    The New Student Orientation registration fee covers all supplies and resources used during your session. It also covers your meals, parking, equipment, printing, and staff salaries. These new student fees also fund new student and family events throughout the year to assist our new Bucs in making ETSU home!

    Refunds: The orientation fee for both student and guest(s) is non-refundable.

 

Changing and/or Cancelling your Orientation

Students will be able to change their Orientation session after payment. If you choose to change your request, please log back into the Orientation system and make the change within the system.
Please note: Registration closes two (2) business days before the start of each session.

Here are some details to review concerning the day's activities: 

1. Check in on the first floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. You can park in any Faculty, Staff, or Student parking lot for Orientation days. For your reference, here is a Campus Map. 

2. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. During check-in you will take care of important campus business and get prepared for your session. 

3. Student and guests may be walking around campus, so please plan to wear comfortable shoes and a rain jacket or umbrella in case of inclement weather. Layers are recommended when inside buildings. 

4. The day ends around 4:00 p.m. Plan to attend the entire day. If you're unable to do so, contact our office to discuss options 423-439-8452

5. It is essential you review the Pre-Orientation Checklist.

When You Arrive

Learn more about parking, housing accommodations, and checking-in to New Student Orientation.

 

  • Parking

    Parking will be available in any Faculty, Staff, or Student parking lots for Orientation dates. For your reference here is a Campus Map. 

    We highly suggest parking in lots 15a, 15b, 16, or 28-34 listed on the campus map above on an Orientation day if spaces are available. Parking in these specific lots, we will have students to guide you to Orientation Check-In. 

    See below for helpful directions from various parts of the state: 

    • 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).

      Make a left and follow the signs to ETSU. 

    • 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.

    • 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. 

  • Overnight Accommodations



    Hotel accommodations are available in the area if you prefer. Please make your own arrangements. Listed below are a number of local hotels, but this is not an exhaustive listing. Some hotels offer an ETSU rate which you can request when making a reservation. 

     

    Carnegie Hotel
    (Adjacent to the university)
    Comfort Inn
    (2 miles)
    Hampton Inn
    (2 miles)
    Double Tree
    (3 miles)
    Quality Inn & Suites
    (3 miles)
    Courtyard by Marriot
    (4 miles)
    Super 8 Motel
    (4 miles)
    Comfort Suites
    (5 miles)
     
    Holiday Inn
    (5 miles)
    Red Roof Inns
    (5 miles)
    MeadowView Resort
    Kingsport, TN
    (17 miles)
     

     

     

  •  Check-In

    Check in for your Orientation will begin at 8:00 a.m. outside in the Commons. During this time, you will be greeted by Orientation Leaders, grab schedules, and have an opportunity to take care of any other holds (requirements you must meet before registering for classes) you might have and enjoy a small breakfast to get you fueled for the day ahead!

    More information regarding check in will be shared in your confirmation emails. 



Outdoor Adventure Trip

Begin your first semester at ETSU with a peer-led, outdoor experience to help prepare you for your journey to come! These trips are adventure based, allowing students to gain friendships, grow personally, and get insight from current ETSU students. Each trip will include time backpacking along the famous Appalachian Trail and culminating in a rafting excursion down the Nolichucky River just 40 minutes from campus. Join us for one of the best ways to begin your college adventure! This trip is for Freshman or Transfer students. Learn more here.