Welcome To Orientation 2026

Join us for New Student Orientation—on the nation's No. 1 Most Beautiful Campus—during the First Year Experience program, from Thursday, Aug. 20 through Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.

The 2026 First Year Experience and Orientation schedules are still under construction. Check back soon for more details!

Events for Parents & Families

Parents and families are invited to events at the start of Orientation to help them learn more about Sewanee and the resources available to their students. More information is available from the Office of Parent and Family Engagement.

Summer Orientation

Summer orientation takes place online to ensure that all new students and their families can fully participate and feel prepared for the start of their Sewanee experience. Through a series of virtual sessions hosted in real time by faculty and staff, you will be guided through everything from course registration and move-in to wellness and dining and have all of your questions answered. All sessions will be recorded and posted on this page for later viewing.

Session 1: First Year Experience

Tuesday, April 7, 4 p.m. CDT
Director of First Year Experience Dr. Betsy Sandlin shares an overview of Sewanee’s FYE program. In this session, she explains the goals of FYE and walks through how students select their Explore and Encounter options, offering helpful context for families and new students as they prepare for the year ahead. Here is the link to the recording.

Session 2: Course Preference Process

Tuesday, June 2, 4 p.m. CDT
Alex Bruce, Associate Dean of the College for Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Director of Academic Advising will guide students through the process of indicating course preferences on the Course Preference Form. In this process, students are asked to note their top academic interests, to select other courses of particular interest, and to rank their language choices. The information is essential for helping students make choices that are equally informed and of personal interest.

Click here to add the Zoom session to your Google calendar. On June 2, click here to join the Zoom meeting. The meeting will be recorded and made available.

Session 3: Living, Wellness, and Dining

Tuesday, June 23, 4 p.m. CDT
Hear directly from representatives of Residential Life, Student Life, Dining, University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Student Accessibility Services as they walk you through what to expect outside of the classroom. This session will cover the essential aspects of daily life at Sewanee and help you feel confident about the support systems in place for students. The Zoom link for this session will be added to this page in May.

Session 4: Parent to Parent: Preparing for Sewanee

Tuesday, July 14, 4 p.m. CDT
This session will feature a panel of current Sewanee parents who will share their experiences and perspectives. They will answer your questions and offer practical insight to help you feel more comfortable easing the transition during this exciting time! Moderated by Bess Turner, P'25, P'28, P'30, Director of Family & Donor Engagement
The Zoom link for this session will be added to this page in May.

In Person Orientation

 A brief New Family Orientation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20. If you will attend, please register here. Full schedule details are available via the Office of Parent and Family Engagement.

2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

New Family Information Session

All Saints' Chapel

 Join fellow families of new students for a helpful panel discussion featuring key campus leaders.
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

EQB Ceremony and Welcome

All Saints' Chapel

 Following their first FYE Embark session and campus tour, students will gather in the chapel to take part in this special Sewanee tradition. Families are warmly invited to witness this milestone, offer their support, and celebrate as their students participate in their first official tradition of their Sewanee journey.
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Welcome Reception for New Families

Guerry Garth (courtyard adjacent to the main Quad and near All Saints' Chapel)

 Please join veteran parents, faculty, and staff for a festive reception to mark this special occasion. Connect with other families while enjoying beverages, live music, and light snacks. Hosted by the Sewanee Parents' Council.