What is First-Year Initiative?
Why should I sign up?
When is it?
How much does it cost?
How do I sign up?
Catalog Information

What is UTM First-Year Initiative?

First-Year Initiative begins with a special week reserved just for beginning students like yourself to learn about :

• Time Management
• Academic Success
• College Expectations
• Diversity
• Responsibility
• Social Success
• Dealing with Challenges
• The Martin Community
• Navigating UTM
• Your Professors

Call 731.881.1689 or email success@utm.edu to sign up!
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Why should I sign up?

Because research shows that students who are involved in programs, such as UTM's First-Year Initiative, are more likely to be successful in four year programs than students who do not participate. The activities and programs covered as part of Freshman Welcome Week and later in General Studies 101 serve as a building foundation for a successful educational experience at UTM - Not to mention First-Year Initiative is fun!

Call 731.881.1689 or email success@utm.edu to sign up!

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When is it?

Please mark your calendar to attend Welcome Week!

Welcome Week, Wednesday, August 22 - Sunday, August 26

In addition to Welcome Week, please mark the following important dates on your calendar:

Tuesday, August 21 - Classes will be administratively dropped if no confirmation of planned attendance and/or payment has been made. You may confirm your class schedule through Banner.

Wednesday, August 22 - Skyhwak Central

If you register for Welcome Week, you may move into the residence halls on Wednesday, August 23. If you do not register for Welcome Week, you may move into the residence halls on Sunday, August 27.

Monday, August 27 - First Day of Class

Call 731.881.1689 or email success@utm.edu to sign up!

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How much does it cost?

There is a one time $165.00 charge to cover supplies, meals, and activities. There will be an additional cost for the class textbook, On Course , which is available in the UT Martin Bookstore. The cost of the class is considered part of your regular tuition, and therefore is covered by any applied financial aid monies.

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How do I sign up?

Attend SOAR or call the Student Success Center. One of our trained academic counselors will be waiting to help you register for the correct General Studies 101 class.

Call 731.881.1689 or email success@utm.edu to sign up!

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Catalog information about First-Year Initiative
The UT Martin First-Year Initiative is a unique program designed to help students with their transition to college life. The first phase of the First-Year Initiative is SOAR, Summer Orientation and Registration. During SOAR, prospective students meet with academic advisors and register for classes. Additionally, students and parents receive information about various student services including academic support, housing, financial aid, and student activities.

The second phase of the UT Martin First-Year Initiative involves the active participation of students in General Studies 101 (GENS 101) course. The GENS 101 course begins with Welcome Week during the week immediately prior to the start of classes in the Fall Semester. It is action-packed days where students learn more about academic and campus life, along with community opportunities available at UT Martin. At the beginning of Welcome Week, each student is assigned to a group of students with similar academic interests. A faculty mentor and a peer counselor (PEP Leader) lead the group during Welcome Week and throughout GENS 101. It is during these days that students begin their transition into the UT Martin community. GENS 101 is a semester-long, two-credit hour class which focuses on the strategies and skills needed to experience success in the collegiate environment. Additionally, the course counts in the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship grade point average calculation.

The University strongly encourages entering students to participate in the First-Year Initiative. It is the first step in living the total collegiate experience at UT Martin.

First-Year Initiative is brought to you by the Student Success Center and The UTM Office of Student Life

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