2023 Orientation Guide

your BEGINS HERE

COLLOMS TOWNSEND

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ORIENTATION 2023

DURHAM

WELCOME TO THE

BULLDOG FAMILY

Hello, Chloé and Akia here, welcoming you to the TWU family!

We are your Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) of 2023 and we are so excited to see all you beautiful, smiling faces. Our mission here is to 1) be sure that you have the best orientation of all time, 2) be sure you are pushed out of your comfort zone, and 3) most of all be sure you make lifelong friendships. Our orientation team has been working together over 6 months to ensure you have a smooth and phenomenal experience. You can expect to participate in multiple activities that will help you meet others who are also joining the family and become familiar with Tennessee Wesleyan. Some of the activities will include, of course the fundamental financial aid, advising, and bulldog technology session, but also water games, dancing, singing, and mindfulness practices to set the tone for your journey here.

We, as a team, are here to help you throughout the summer to answer any questions that you may have, give reminders on deadlines, and make the transition to Tennessee Wesleyan as easy as possible.

Welcome home Bulldogs!

Best,

Akia Jean-Pierre, ’23, and Chloé Cooper, ‘24

MEET THE TEAM

Student Orientation Coordinator

Success

Sara Denny Director of Student

Akia Jean-Pierre

Chloé Cooper Student Orientation Coordinator

Roni Bailey BrAYDEN Cloud Mckenna Debity Michael Fuchs

Leader

Leader

Genesis Lowe Brian Rock Madison Rooker Jayden Scott

Leader

Leader

Dashayla Streeter

Jacob Tolson

Megan Tipps

Leader

Leader

Leader

PEOPLE YOU MAY SEE

Stefanie Lones

Gabby Harris

Dr. Grant Willhite

Dr. Scott Mashburn

Julie McCaslin Shannon Graves

Gail Harris

Lacey Weese

ERIC CASTEEL

AUGUSTIN BOCCO

Lisa Becker

Skip White

Sara Hopper

Tank

Laiel

Ariana

Dr. Tyler Forrest

Hayley moser

FRESHMAN ADVISING TEAM

Sara Denny

Dana Hammontree

Dr. Patricia Ging

Dr. B. Henderson

Candy Maddux

Wendy Pierce

Dr. Sharon Brown Dr. Mary Dale Cannon

Miranda Collins Dr. Cyndy M. Davis

Summer Poteet

Dr. Mark Shoop

Julianne Hale

Dr. Keith Wheeler Professor of Music, Director of Music Education Studies

Dr. Alex Thompson

Assistant Professor of Religion

Emily Murphy Retention Coordinator

BULLDOG TECHNOLOGY

SETTING UP YOUR TWU EMAIL

Once your email is set up in the system, you will receive a message in your personal email on how to set up your account along with a temporary passcode. Most student email addresses will look like this (first initial of first and middle names) fmlastname2023@ tnwesleyan.edu.

When selecting a password to accompany your TWU email address, keep in mind that your password will be the same for your Sakai login as well as your MyPortal login. If any issues arise with logging into your account, remember that TWU has an IT office located on the lower floor of Lawrence Hall. You can also always email helpdesk@tnwesleyan.edu with any issues.

We also recommend downloading the Outlook app on your phone. This app is located in the App Store for iOS devices, and it is located in application stores on other devices as well. This app will effectively organize your emails associated with your school email account. All messages and notifications sent to you from professors, administrators, and other University students will be sent to this app and you can login with your email address and new password.

More than a simple email service, the Outlook app may also serve as an outlet and forum for any campus clubs or organizations with which you may want to communicate. You may also setup new groups with study partners, friends, and fellow classmates to have a more organized and centralized method of communication.

You can also download many other Microsoft Office 365 apps, including OneDrive, Word, and Microsoft Teams.

Remember, if you have any questions about the email services on campus or about any other Microsoft Office 365 service, do not hesitate to ask fellow students, faculty, or even the IT office in Lawrence Hall.

FOCUS 2 ASSESSMENT

An important detail to make sure is completed by the start of your freshman year is your Focus 2 Assessment. This assessment is used in your Freshman Experience class (TWU 101) in a session that covers Career and Professional development. This assessment is not graded by the answers you receive, but instead graded on its completion.

In order to take your assessment, simply log on to Wesleyan’s MyPortal using your school email and password you just set up. Once logged in, click on the “STUDENT LIFE” tab which is located at the top of the page. Then click on “Career & Leadership Development” located as a side menu option. Once the page loads, scroll down and look for the heading titled “Career Assessments.”

Once you find the “Career Assessments” heading, please pay attention to the section that lets you know how to create an account so you may start the assessment. Once your account is created, go through and complete every possible assessment that is offered. It is within your best interest if you answer honestly in every assessment.

This entire process is best suited to be completed on any computer as long as there is internet connection. You do not have to complete your assessment all in one sitting! You can come back and revisit the assessments at a later time and date to complete them. If at all possible, have the assessments completed before Welcome Weekend in August!

TWU I.D.

As an incoming student, you will be required to take a picture for your student ID during day 1 of your orientation.

Your ID will be an important part of your oncampus life as you will soon find out. For those who plan on living on campus, your ID is the only way you can access and enter your residence hall. If you have a meal plan during the school year, dining services will scan your ID to pay for your meal. Your ID is also a way to access other important services like printing on campus, and checking out any materials and equipment from the library, or equipment in the game room. Finally, Colloms Campus Center is open 24 hours, but you will need your ID to access it after hours. The TWU ID also gives all full-time Athens students access to their Burkett’s Bucks which are provided each semester through their student activities fees.

Service Hours

Service is an important part of life at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Opportunities are available on-campus through the Love Thy Neighbor Project Food Pantry, as well as opportunities offcampus. Freshmen students will receive their five service hours at the Day of Service in October. This annual event brings the entire Bulldog family together to serve our neighbors and give back to our greater community.

SCHOOLCAST

How to Keep Informed of Emergency Situations on Campus and Closures Due to Inclement Weather

You will receive information regarding registering your contact information with SchoolCast, our emergency response provider, through your TWU email account soon after fall classes begin in the fall or spring. SchoolCast sends messages out in the event of emergencies on campus and in the community, or to report school closures and delays due to inclement weather.

Please monitor your TWU e-mail account for instructions on how to register your contact information OR to verify information previously submitted. If you have not yet set up your TWU e-mail account, please do so without delay. If you have misplaced your e-mail instruction sheet or need assistance setting up your e-mail account, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Student Life Office at (423) 746-5216.

STUDENT FAQ

What do I do if I am getting overwhelmed?

Orientation is a lot of fun, but we know all the information and new people can be overwhelming. If you start to feel overwhelmed or if you don’t understand something, please let your OL pair know. They can help you feel better or let know you where to take a quiet break.

Where/when do I buy all of my books?

You will be able to start ordering and picking up your books from the TWU bookstore, located in the Colloms Campus Center, in August. You should always aim to have your books by the first day of classes. You can get more info on bkstr.com/ tennesseewesleyanstore/home.

My OL mentioned Burkett’s Bucks. What are these?

All full-time Athens undergraduate students receive a credit of $100 per semester to be spent at Burkett’s in Colloms Center. They expire at the end of each semester, so make sure you spend all your bucks!

I heard I get a convo credit after an overnight orientation. What does this mean?

All full-time Athens undergraduate students are required to attend five chapels and/ or convocations or “convos” each semester. These are speakers and events held around various topics every Tuesday at 11 am with chapel services held every Thursday at 11 am. Students that attend an Overnight Orientation get a head start by earning a convo credit after attending the orientation.

FAMILY FAQ

Can parents attend the advising/ academic session?

Parents are not allowed to attend the advising session with their students as the session is designed to help students and first year advisors the opportunity to develop a working relationship

How are housing and tuition payments made?

Housing and tuition can be paid online through the student’s myPortal account under financial aid. If parents attend orientation, they are welcome to attend the financial aid session with their students, and any questions pertaining to tuition and aid may be answered at that time. You can also find the email address and phone number for Student Financial Services in the campus directory online. Please note the individual financial aid meeting is on day two of overnight orientation.

Can my student have a car on campus?

Campus parking is free to students, however, students must register their vehicle each year that they attend Wesleyan to obtain a parking permit. Parking is based on first come, first serve basis.

What campus safety resources are in place?

Tennessee Wesleyan has 24/7 campus security. Students are able to download the TWU app which has access to a button to call campus security immediately.

Can I stay on campus with my child during orientation?

Parents are not permitted to stay on campus with students. A list of hotels is available on the TWU website.

What types of insurance does the student health center accept?

TWU partners with United Primary Care to provide medical assistance for minor illnesses and injuries, and our students can utilize the offices in Athens, Etowah, and Madisonville. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 a.m.6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They accept most insurances.

What is the visitation policy for students in residence halls?

Visitation hours are intended for friends and family, never for unrestricted public access to residence halls. Each resident student is responsible not only for his/her own conduct, but for the conduct of his/her visitors. Visitors are to be accompanied by their host at all times.

Opposite-sex visitor’s visitation hours are from 9:00 a.m. until midnight Sunday-Thursday and 9:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is no visitation when the University or the residence halls are officially closed (Christmas breaks). Visitation in the main lobby of each building is 24 hours; however, host(s) must be present and quiet hours maintained.

If my student has a disability, how will the school accommodate?

It is up to the student to inform any professors/ faculty of any disabilities. Students are to contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss any specific needs. Please call Dr. Patsy Ging, Director at (423) 746-5237 or by email at pging@tnwesleyan.edu.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

In accordance with Tennessee State Law, all students at TWU need to submit a completed immunization form and their immunization records to the Student Life Office prior to classes beginning in August.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

As a transfer student, you have already gone through freshman formalities such as activities geared towards college preparation, organization and time management. So, this orientation is all about your life at TWU!

TRANSFER SCHEDULE (STUDENT)

STUDENT SCHEDULE

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

GROUP 1

Today, you’ll get to know the school, your classmates and ensure your financial aid is finalized. We’ll have some fun too, but we know you’re here to get down to business.

Let’s get going!

GROUP 2

Check-In (Colloms)

Welcome (Johnson A)

TWU Academics (Johnson A)

Group Introductions (Various Locations)

Concurrent Sessions

TWU Academics: Get your roadmap to academic success during this session.

(Johnson C)

Group Introductions: Get to know your Orientation leaders and your peers in this introductory session.

Student Life (Mosher Success Center): Meet with your Student Life team to learn about the activities on campus and support you will receive at TWU.

Bulldog Technology (Elliott 210): Learn how to use myPortal and other TWU sites. You will also download the TWU app to stay up-to-date. Financial Aid: This is your personalized meeting with Student Financial Services to discuss your award package and get any questions answered.

Questions: Get any last questions answered (just ask your OLs and they can direct you) and stop by the library information table on the second floor of Colloms.

TRANSFER SCHEDULE (FAMILY)

FAMILY SCHEDULE

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Check-In (Colloms)

Library Tour: Meet the TWU librarians and tour the recently renovated library.

TWU Basics: Learn about your student’s academic life at TWU, and hear representatives from financial aid share an overview of financial assistance at TWU.

Financial Aid: This is your personalized meeting with Student Financial Services to discuss your student’s award package and get any questions answered.

Questions: Get any last questions answered (just ask your OLs and they can direct you) and stop by the library information table on the second floor of Colloms.

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

Welcome to TWU! This is the just the beginning of a great adventure and we can’t wait to walk alongside you as you make the most of these next four years. Your orientation experience is all about getting to know your campus, making friends and registering for classes.

You have an entire support team of Bulldogs here to help you. We have all been in your shoes and know this can be a little overwhelming, but we are here so it doesn’t feel that way. If you have questions, just find one of your orientation leaders and we’ll get you back on track.

It is time!

OVERNIGHT SCHEDULE DAY 1 (STUDENT)

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

12: 45 p.m. - 1 p.m.

1 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Check-In (Wesley Commons)

Check-In (Wesley Commons)

Welcome (Johnson A & B)

TWU Academics (Johnson A & B)

Group Introductions (Various Locations)

Concurrent Sessions

Group Introductions: Get to know your Orientation Leaders and your peers in this fun session!

Advising (Johnson C): Meet one-on-one with your freshman advisor and select your fall class schedule.

TWU Lip Sync (Townsend): Start making connections with other members of the Class of 2027 and learn a time honored TWU Tradition.

Bulldog Technology (Elliott 210): Learn how to use myPortal and other TWU sites. You will also download the TWU app to stay up-to-date with the events and activities at TWU.

TWU Escape Room (Wesley Commons): Work together in your orientation teams to solve clues and puzzles.

EVENING SCHEDULE

5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m.

8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

OVERNIGHT SCHEDULE DAY 2 (STUDENT)

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

ALL GROUPS

Dinner - Student Only (Burkett’s Restaurant)

Wesleyan Social (Colloms Lawn/Colloms)

Closing Session - Student Only (Townsend) Wesley’s Wild Games - Student Only (Nocatula Gardens)

Lip Sync Rehearsal - Student Only (Various)

Breakfast (Burkett’s Restaurant)

Concurrent Sessions Day 2 Welcome (Johnson A & B)

and

Student Success Sessions: Learn more about what support you will have as a student through the Mosher Success Center, plus set your first college goals personalized to fit you.

Financial Aid (Johnson C): This is your personalized meeting with Student Financial Services to discuss your award package and get any questions answered.

Student Involvement Fair (Second Floor Colloms): Mix and mingle with representatives from various clubs and organizations on campus, plus get info on student activities and Greek Life.

Check Out and Teambuilding: Check out your room and put your teambuilding skills to the test.

Life at TWU Convo: Get your first “convo” credit and learn more about the Bulldog student experience.

OVERNIGHT SCHEDULE DAY 1 (FAMILY)

DAY 1:

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

12:45 p.m. - 1 p.m.

1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.

Check-In (Wesley Commons)

ALL GROUPS

Check-In (Wesley Commons)

Welcome (Johnson A & B)

Library Tour

TWU Basics (Johnson A & B)

Student Life (Johnson A & B)

Advising Overview (Johnson A & B)

OL Q&A (Johnson A & B)

Campus Tour/Bookstore

Library Tour: Meet the TWU librarians and tour the recently renovated library.

TWU Basics: Dr. Grant Willhite, Vice President of Academic Affairs, will share information on academic life at TWU, and representatives from financial aid will provide an overview of financial assistance at TWU.

Student Life: Dr. Scott Mashburn, Vice President for Student Life, will discuss the transition into college life and give strategies that families can use to foster student success, while Student Life staff will showcase the activities your student can participate in during the year.

Advising Overview: Hear from freshman advisors on the advising process and the journey to graduation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well.

OL Q&A: This is your chance to ask OLs about the student experience at TWU.

OVERNIGHT SCHEDULE DAY 2 (FAMILY)

DAY 2:

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

GROUP 1 & 2

GROUP 3 & 4

Breakfast on your own Concurrent Sessions

Day 2 Welcome (Johnson A & B)

Success and Treats

Success and Treats

(Townsend)

Financial Aid (Johnson C): This is your personalized meeting with Student Financial Services to discuss your student’s award package and get any questions answered.

Student Involvement Fair (Second Floor Colloms): Mix and mingle with representatives from various clubs and organizations on campus, plus get info on student activities and Greek Life.

Success and Treats (Johnson 208): This interactive session will provide you with an idea on your student’s first year and give you the opportunity to give some advice to the class of 2027. Sweets will be provided!

Life at TWU Convo: Join your student at their very first “convo” and learn more about their student experience.

August Freshmen Schedule

AUGUST FRESHMAN (STUDENT)

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Check-In (Colloms)

Welcome (Johnson A & B)

Group Introductions (Various Locations)

Lunch (Dining Hall)

Group Introductions: Get to know your Orientation leaders and your peers in this introductory session.

Advising (Johnson C): Meet one-on-one with your freshman advisor to select your fall schedule.

Bulldog Technology (Elliott 210): Learn how to use myPortal and other TWU sites. You will also download the TWU app to stay up-to-date with the events and activities at TWU.

TWU Teambuilding (Nocatula Gardens): Start making connections with other members of the class of 2027!

Financial Aid (Johnson 208): This is your personalized meeting with Student Financial Services to discuss your award package and get any questions answered.

AUGUST FRESHMAN (FAMILY)

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.

ALL GROUPS

Check-In (Colloms)

Welcome (Johnson A & B)

Library Tour

Academics & The Bulldog Connection (Group 3 families are in Fin. Aid)

Advising & the First Year (Group 4 families are in Fin. Aid)

Lunch (Dining Hall)

Student Life (Group 2 families are in Fin. Aid)

OL Q&A (Group 1 families are in Fin. Aid)

End of Day (Various)

Family Reception (Burkett’s)

Library Tour (Merner Pfeiffer Library): Meet the TWU librarians and tour the recently renovated library.

Academics and the Buldog Connection (Johnson A/B): Dr. Grant Willhite, Vice President of Academic Affairs, will share information on your student’s academic life at TWU, and representatives from the Bulldog Connection will discuss the exciting opportunities available to your students throughout their journey at TWU.

Advising and the First Year (Johnson A/B): Hear from a member of the freshman advising team on the advising process and learn more about what happens during your student’s first year at TWU. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well.

Student Life (Johnson A/B): Dr. Scott Mashburn, Vice President of Student Life, will discuss the transition into college life and give strategies that families can use to foster student success. He will also give an overview of events and activities offered by Student Life throughout the year.

OL Q&A (Johnson A/B): This is your chance to ask current Orientation Leaders about the student experience at TWU.

End of Day: Shop in the bookstore, play in the game room, or relax in Burkett’s while you wait for your student to finish their last session.

goal setting

GOAL SETTING

A goal is something you aspire to do or wish to do. Ideally, the goal is something that is measurable and achievable.

What are your goals for your first semester of college?

Well-Being (physical & mental health) Goals?

Academic Goals?

Involvement at TWU Goals?

WELCOME WEEKEND

What is Welcome Weekend?

Welcome Weekend is a time for incoming students to meet new people, create relationships, and experience what our campus has to offer! You’ll be able to reconnect with your orientation leaders and the friends that you made during overnight orientation, as well as form new friendships with people who attended orientation at a different time. Welcome Weekend is essential in preparing you for your first year of college at Tennessee Wesleyan. Sometimes the weekend can be hot and toasty under the summer sun, so remember to bring plenty of refreshments.

When is Welcome Weekend?

Welcome Weekend will be held Friday, August 11-Sunday, August 13. You should plan to take off work and be available all day and evening on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, you will be done by 5 p.m. All meals will be provided to all freshman students. This is a required event for your TWU 101 class.

Honor Code

The Tennessee Wesleyan University Honor Code promotes academic integrity on the Tennessee Wesleyan University campus and increases awareness among different groups within the University community - students, faculty, staff, and administration - of the importance of academic honesty. Each student has the right and duty to pursue their academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System establishes the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Tennessee Wesleyan University students. At this convocation, you will commit to maintaining academic honesty throughout your experience at Wesleyan.

Find Your Way Around Wesleyan

Among many activities, you will be getting in different groups to solve puzzles that lead you to different places on campus. This will give you the opportunity to learn new locations and meet various staff members that are vital to your success.

“Don’t be scared to talk to new people. Ask any of the orientation leaders for help. Everyone is friendly and very welcoming. Don’t be nervous, have fun!”

-Cora Morrow

“I think it’s important for every incoming freshman to participate in the Welcome Weekend events because everyone works hard to make it happen. It’s a great way to start your college career and get to know new people.”

THE BULLDOG CONNECTION

Opportunities, in and out of the classroom, where you will actively engage in learning to connect your TWU experience to the next step in your career.

We are intentional at TWU. Our goal is to help you learn, grow and discover your purpose. Along the way, you’ll meet great friends, be influenced by others who are different from you and gain a new perspective that will shape your journey in the best way possible.

We have created a program that will guide you through that process – it’s what we call the Bulldog Connection. In the next few years, you will start filling your toolbox with the items you need to be successful in wherever life takes you after you leave TWU.

How you ask? Great question….

1. TWU 101 and 102

Your freshman experience class. Get to know TWU while reflecting on your past, present, and future. You’ll also start your online portfolio – perfect timing since you’re about to create so much cool stuff in school and you need a place to put it.

3. Hands-on Experiences

Depending on your major, you’ll be required to participate in an internship, service learning, research project or another activity that provides real-world experiences (which looks awesome on your resume).

2. Complete 2 cultural diversity courses

Cultural Diversity courses are part of your Wesleyan Essentials curriculum. These classes develop an appreciation of various of cultures and help you learn how to articulate your own learning and experiences in connection to your future career.

4. Senior Capstone

Join other students in your major as you finalize your online portfolio and prepare for your post-TWU experience.

As much as we already love you and wish you could stay, our goal is to prepare you for your future and send you out in the world to make a difference. This will help you get there.

Questions about The Bulldog Connection? Chat with your advisor, or find a success coach, to learn all about where your TWU journey will take you!

The First-Year Experience

Your freshman experience class is designed to get you comfortable with college. This class will stretch your critical thinking skills, teach you some of the best college hacks and make you reflect on how your past will influence your future and those around you.

Take this class seriously, we promise it will be a formational experience leading you to your future.

Study Abroad

The Bulldog Connection Study Abroad Fund Matching Program is designed to help reduce the cost to study abroad. The Bulldog Connection will match up to $500 for three years to those students who are paying into the savings fund. For more information and to grab an application, mention this during your financial aid meeting.

TWU TO-DO

APPLIED TO TWU

ADMITTED TO TWU ...WHAT’S NEXT?

SET UP YOUR FINANCIAL AID PLAN

Complete your 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) online at www.fafsa.gov using TWU’s code: 003525

You will receive documents to fill out and return to the Financial Aid Office.

For further questions, contact the Student Financial Services office at (423) 746-5209 or email lweese@tnwesleyan.edu.

FOR COMMUTERS:

Look up or drive the route you would take to school. Become familiar with the roads and the time needed to get to school.

Locate the commuter parking lots on the campus map.

You will need to obtain a parking permit, which is free to all students. Instructions available on page 23. You will pick up your parking permit in the Student Life Office located on the first floor of the Colloms Campus Center during the first week of classes.

Spend some time on campus finding your favorite study space. Some suggestions include the library and Colloms Campus Center (which is open 24 hours).

Enjoy a smoothie at Burkett’s; you will receive $100 in Burkett’s Bucks on your student ID to spend in Burkett’s.

COMPLETE MATH PLACEMENT EXAM

FOR RESIDENTS:

If you haven’t paid your $100 deposit, please do so while you’re on campus. Once we have received the deposit, your admissions counselor will email a housing application for you to complete.

Make a list of essentials for your room and start shopping!

If you plan to have a car on campus, you will need to register for a parking permit. Locate the resident parking lots on the campus map. Your parking permit will be available in Student Life. Information on how to register your vehicle on page 23.

No need to worry about setting up a meal plan! It is already included in the cost of room and board. You will also receive $100 in Burkett’s Bucks on your student ID to spend in Burkett’s.

GET ORGANIZED!

Start planning! Go to the Academics tab on myPortal to see the academic catalog and what classes you should prepare for.

Get any school supplies you need. Once you receive your classes you can go to the TWU Bookstore’s website to search what books you need.

Be prepared to branch out! Meet new people, join interesting clubs, get involved!

ATTEND WELCOME WEEKEND

Welcome Weekend is a three-day event designed for freshman to get prepared and excited for the college journey. There are several required events. More information about Welcome Weekend can be found on page 18.

RES LIFE INFO

Room assignments for new students will begin in late May/early June. Room assignments and roommate information can be found on myPortal, under Student Life then Housing (left-hand) column. Please note that room assignments are based on the date that housing applications are received in the Student Life Office. If you have questions, please email residencelife@tnwesleyan. edu for assistance.

New students have designated check-in dates and times. You will report to your assigned residence hall on the day of your check-in where you will be greeted by a Resident Assistant (RA) who will check you into your room, issue your key and answer any questions that you might have about living on campus. Mandatory hall meetings will be held prior to classes beginning to discuss important information about your building and life in the halls! Check-in times for Fall 2023 are as follows:

July 30 from 9 a.m. until noon..............................M and W Soccer and Volleyball

August 6 from 9 a.m. until noon.........................M and W Cross Country

August 9 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m....................................Transfer Student Check-In (transfer students attending August 9 orientation)

August 10 from 9 a.m. until noon........................New Student Check-In (freshmen and transfers) (for students that attended orientation in May, June or July)

August 10 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.......................New Student Check-In (freshmen only) (for students attending orientation on August 10)

Scan for FAQs about residence life

MEAL PLANS

All residential students are on an unlimited meal plan in the dining hall as part of your room and board costs. The dining hall is an all-you-can-eat option with service hours, seven days a week, during the semester with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring breaks.

PARKING INFORMATION

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A TWU STUDENT

• Register your vehicle (make, model, description, tag number, etc.) through your myPortal account as soon as possible as a new student each year and each year thereafter in the fall. Once you are logged in, select the Student Life tab, and then select “my parking” on the left side of the page. Complete all of the fields, and then select “submit”. You will need ro register your vehicle after July 15 each year.

• You will need to complete a registration form for your vehicle, even if there are no changes to your vehicle information each year.

• There is no charge for parking permits. You can apply for permits any time prior to the start of classes in August or January. The sooner you register your vehicle, the less chance there will be that you will not have a parking permit when it is needed.

• You will pick up your parking permit in the Student Life Office when you come to campus in August, or in January for spring semester new students.

• Follow the same procedure should you wish to add additional vehicles throughout the year, or if you have changes to your vehicle registration. If you have additions/changes during the year, please allow a day between the time you submit your request and the time you come to pick up your parking permit. Please allow 48 business hours for processing.

• Obtain and display your parking permit at all times on the inside of your front windshield, passenger side. If you are driving a vehicle with tinted windows, you may place your parking permit on the inside of your rear window, passenger side. If you are temporarily driving a vehicle other than one you have registered with us, contact the Student Life Office to obtain a Temporary Parking Pass for that vehicle. This would apply to special circumstances such as medical issues which may require you to park in a previously unauthorized location, or in the case of a loaner vehicle due to needed repairs.

REGARDING

PARKING VIOLATIONS:

• If you receive a parking ticket, you have three (3) business days to appeal the violation by coming to the Student Life Office by completing an appeal form. At some point after the appeal period has passed, the parking violation fee will be placed on your account by the Student Financial Services. You will be billed $20 for the first violation, with fees increasing by $5 for each violation thereafter. For example, the second violation is $25; the third violation is $30, and so on.

CONFUSED ABOUT WHERE TO PARK?

• Feel free to check out the campus map on page 21. You will see (C) commuter lots; R1 parking (Keith, Fowler Halls); R2 parking (Nocatula and Wesley Commons Apartments); and M parking (Miller Hall) noted there.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

FALL (FULL) SEMESTER 2023

Residence Halls Open for New Students..................................................................................................Thursday, August 10

Get connected to campus through the TWU app. Dining menus, upcoming events and a community chat will help you never miss out on Bulldog activities! Download using the Apple Store or the Google Play Store today!

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

colloms campus center lawn

POPCORN FUNNEL CAKE SHAVED ICE

TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Homecoming 2023

October 20-22

COLLEGE LANGUAGE

When you start college, you may hear a lot of terms or abbreviations that you have never heard before. The following is a list of some of the most common terms you may hear at orientation:

FAFSA: This is an abbreviation “Free Application for Federal Student Aid”. It is the basic form you and your or guardians must fill out to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college.

FERPA: This acronym stands for Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act. This is a federal law that protects the privacy of your student education records. Unless you complete a form giving permission to someone, TWU will not be able to give them information on your scholarships, financial aid, or other personal or academic information.

Work Study/Work Scholarship: At TWU, students may receive a work study or work scholarship position to help offset the cost tuition. There are specific qualifications for each, and not everyone is eligible to receive them. Student Financial Services will discuss with you all the financial aid options you have available to assist with tuition.

Undergrad: Is short for Undergraduates, a classification of students studying for their Bachelor’s degree.

Credit Hours/Hours: A unit of credit for a course. This is usually based on the number of hours per week spent in the classroom. Most classes are three credit hours, but this can vary depending upon the amount of time required in a laboratory, fieldwork, studio, or seminar-based course.

Full-Time/Part-Time: TWU has full-time and part-time students. Full-time students are students who have at least 12 credit hours and can take up to 18 hours per semester. Most scholarships will require you to remain a full-time student. Part-time students are taking less than 12 hours and are not eligible for as much financial aid.

Wesleyan Essentials/General Education: Wesleyan Essentials is the general education core curriculum required of every student, regardless of their discipline. The broad-based set of courses are designed to train students in foundational liberal arts topics, with multiple opportunities for students to tailor these courses to their degree and career goals.

Major: A major is a student’s chosen field of study. Each major has a required set of coursework that must be completed in order to earn a degree. An example of this would be if you graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. The Bachelor of Science (BS) is your degree in your major of Exercise Science.

Minor: A secondary field of study that requires fewer credits than the major. Students do not earn a degree in their minor, but it is noted on their transcript. One example is you may earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and also have a minor in Spanish.

Prerequisite/Prereq: A course that is required before another course can be taken. For example, French 101 must be taken prior to French 102.

Electives: A class you choose to take that is not required for your major or Wesleyan Essentials. They are an opportunity for you to study a subject outside of your major that interests you.

Registrar’s Office/Registrar: This is the office charged with keeping official student records, and the person in charge is called the Registrar. This office is located in Lawrence Hall at TWU. Here you can add/drop classes, change your major, or ask about graduation requirements.

Transcript: This is the official record of the classes you have taken, the grades you received, and your GPA. Upon graduation, it will also include your degree and major. You can access your unofficial transcript on myPortal from the Tenneseess Wesleyan University website. You will need to order an official transcript online. Only the Registrar’s Office can send out official transcripts.

Add/Drop: This is when you want to add a class to your schedule or remove one from your schedule. You can do this as you wish the first week of classes each semester. After that, you will need to talk with your advisor.

Withdraw: A withdraw (or withdrawal) is when you drop a class outside of the add/drop period. You do not receive a grade in the class, instead you receive a “W” on your transcript, indicating you withdrew from the class. A “W” does not calculate into your GPA.

Academic Catalog: The catalog will give you all the information you need to know about Tennessee Wesleyan University. It contains descriptions of all classes, information on what classes you need to graduate for every major, how to stay in good standing, and more.

Check sheet: This is a document that lists what classes you need to take to graduate for your specific major. It provides a way for you to keep track of and check off classes as you complete them.

Academic Advisor/Advisor: This is a faculty or staff member that supports you as you select classes each semester. Advisors provide advice and guidance on classes and help ensure that you take all the classes needed to graduate. When you want to drop a class, you should talk with your advisor first.

Retention Standards: In order to keep attending TWU, you must make a certain GPA each semester. The GPA you need is different based on how many hours you have taken. The Academic Catalog will give you information on what this is.

Academic Standing: Indicates how you are doing each semester and if you are meeting retention standards. You should aim to be in “Good Standing” which means you have earned a high enough GPA each semester so you can graduate. Other academic standings are: Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Academic Suspension. The academic catalog will give you more info on each standing.

Academic Calendar: An official list of dates for the school year, including the beginning and ending of each semester and mini-terms, plus any days off you get from school.

Academic Year: The part of the year that includes the fall and spring semesters.

Mini-Term/Summer Term: Beyond the fall and spring semesters, there are smaller terms where you can take classes. These classes will begin and end in shorter periods of time. Examples of these are classes that are only in the first or second half of a semester, or in between the fall and spring semesters. During summer, there are several different terms, so be sure to check the schedule to find out when your class begins and ends.

Office Hours: This is the tine your instructors are available in their office for you to ask them questions and get assistance for class. The hours will be listed on their syllabus for the class.

Syllabus: An outline of the professor’s plans for the course that describe course requirements, grading criteria, course content, student expectations, deadlines, examination dates, grading policies, class attendance requirements, and other relevant course information.

Sakai/LMS: LMS stands for Learning Management System, which is a software tool that allows class information and materials to be available online. At TWU, we use Sakai as our LMS. Most of your classes will use Sakai in some way, and for some online classes you will use Sakai for all aspects of the course.

NOTES

ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST

You're almost ready to start your first year at TWU. There are some final steps you need to take in order to arrive for the first day of classes. Some of these items you may have already checked off, so just keep moving.

If you have questions about the steps you still need to finish, stop by Brammer House (number 1 on the campus map found on page 21 in this book) and chat with your admissions counselor, or send them an email at admissions@tnwesleyan.edu.

Submit your final official high school transcript.

Submit your final official transcript/scores for any dual enrollment and/or AP Test Scores after you have completed all coursework.

Complete your FAFSA and list TWU on it using the school code 003525.

Submit your deposits! $200 enrollment deposit + $100 housing deposit.

Complete and submit your immunization form.