Parent orientation at Sewanee includes both virtual and live, on-campus events. No sessions are required—parents are welcome to join as interested and available.

SUMMER WEBINARS:
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: Tuesday, April 7, 4 p.m. CDT
First Year Experience
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: Tuesday, June 2, 4 p.m. CDT
Course Preference Process
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. The Zoom link for this session will be added to this page in May.

Session 3: Tuesday, June 23, 4 p.m. CDT
Living, Wellness, and Dining
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: Tuesday, July 14, 4 p.m. CDT
Parent to Parent: Preparing for Sewanee
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.

ON-CAMPUS ORIENTATION FOR NEW FAMILIES: 
Thursday, Aug. 20
2:30–3:15 p.m. - New Family Information Session
All Saints' Chapel
Join fellow families of new students for a helpful panel discussion featuring key campus leaders. 

  • Nicky Campbell, C'99, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
  • Leigh Collins, P'25, Executive Director of University Health Services
  • Jennifer Cooley, Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
  • Kim Heitzenrater, C'89, P'21, Associate Dean for Career Readiness
  • Brent Tate, Assistant Vice President and Director of Sewanee Dining

3:30–4:30 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. They will hear words of welcome, remarks, and a formal charge from Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen, C'76, P'14, P'17; Dean of Students Nicky Campbell, C'99; and Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Jennifer Cooley. 

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. The ceremony concludes at 4:30 p.m., when students depart to begin their next activities, making this the final event families will share together that day.

4:30–6 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. Registration details coming soon!