For those who can't wait for Orientation to begin experiencing Sewanee, we offer not one but two pre-orientation programs. Find the one that's right for you and be ready to register by the relevant deadline. Then get ready for the best week of your life (before beginning the best four years of your life).

First Year Experience (FYE)

Get a jump start on your Sewanee experience. Discover the people and places that make Sewanee special. Find your purpose and your community not only for the next four years but the rest of your life. With the perfect blend of academic study and exciting activities, plus a built-in support network of student, faculty, and staff mentors, FYE is the perfect first step in your Sewanee journey.

What is FYE?

Sewanee’s First Year Experience is a multi-dimensional jump start to your Sewanee experience. Connect with new friends, faculty and staff in small groups with activities and academics chosen to fit you as an individual.
Why FYE?

FYE introduces you to Sewanee through its three components:

Sewanee Encounter: An academic course that examines a complex challenge or topic from interdisciplinary perspectives. This course will introduce you to the liberal arts experience through discussion and hands-on learning that goes beyond the traditional classroom. The course culminates in a student-led project to be shared with the Sewanee community. A short, pre-semester immersion allows you to form strong connections with fellow students and faculty and—as a bonus—ensures that you finish your FYE course prior to Thanksgiving. This means a lighter workload at the end of the semester and one less final exam.

Sewanee Explore: Sewanee Explore gets you out of the classroom and into the areas in and around Sewanee for activities that fit your interests. Are you looking forward to exploring some of the 13,000 acres of the Domain? Getting involved in the community? Tapping into your creative side? Enhancing your athletic skills? Sewanee Explore has the right experiences for you.

Sewanee Embark: This one-credit course is designed to help you navigate your Sewanee experience, build a network of relationships, and understand the resources and opportunities available to support your academic success. In the Embark course, you will also explore your strengths, discover potential majors, and begin navigating your career path.

Sewanee Encounter

The FYE courses are taught by leading faculty from across the College. Each faculty member engaged in FYE is committed to helping first-year students adapt to college and grow academically. They bring their own unique academic perspectives to the big questions of vital importance in today’s world that form the core of Sewanee Encounter. And through collaboration with their fellow faculty and students, they model the liberal arts ideal as they guide you inside and outside the classroom. The list of exciting Encounter course offerings and professors is coming soon. Check back for more information!

Sewanee Explore

Some Encounter courses will be linked to a specific Explore track, to facilitate deeper engagement with the topic. Other courses will not have an Explore link, meaning you can choose from an exciting menu of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Athletes in the FYE program will have athletics as their Explore track. The purpose of the Explore program is just that, to give you the chance to explore the wide range of activities and opportunities that Sewanee has to offer, and to help you to make even more connections with students, faculty, and staff all around campus. The list of Explore options is coming soon. Check back for more information!

Sewanee Embark

All students who participate in FYE will be registered for a one credit course that will continue throughout your first semester. Taught by faculty and staff, this course will help you navigate your transition to college and find your path for the future. Along with your Embark instructor, you will have a multi-dimensional support team including staff, faculty, and peer mentors. Your team will be there for you throughout the semester and your future.

PRE

PRE-Orientation offers incoming first year students the opportunity to get to know Sewanee in a unique and exciting atmosphere. While exploring the 13,000-acre Domain, students meet other first-years and upperclassmen in an environment that creates trust and establishes new friendships.

What is PRE?
During PRE, 210 students will have the opportunity to experience outdoor trips that are available on and near campus. In addition to two campouts, students will participate in three of the following six activities: rock climbing, caving, hiking, ropes course, canoeing, and outreach. PRE concludes with Contra Night, which includes a live band, wacky dress, and a fun hootenanny with new friends.
WHY PRE?

Whether rock climbing for the first time, crawling through winding passages in Walker Springs Cave, or building a house with Sewanee Outreach, PRE-Orientation provides memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Sewanee Outing Program

The Sewanee Outing Program (SOP) gives students the chance to explore Sewanee’s 13,000-acre campus, the surrounding region, and wilderness areas across the United States. From summer swims in our own backyard to winter mountaineering trips on the other side of the country, they've got you covered.

Registration

The registration form for PRE will be available in April on your applicant status page. Once it's posted, all admitted students will receive an email with relevant information including instructions and the number of available spots.