First Year FAQs

UT Tyler New Patriot Orientation

What is Freshman New Patriot Orientation?

Orientation is an informative and 2 day-long program that provides incoming students with excellent opportunities to meet people, make new friends and learn what it takes to be successful at UT Tyler. Students learn about academic resources, how to navigate campus and what UT Tyler expects of our students.

When is Freshman New Patriot Orientation for summer 2025?

Incoming freshmen beginning classes during the fall 2025 semester will need to attend one of the following orientation sessions:

Session 1: June 5-6, 2025
Session 2: June 9-13, 2025
Session 3: June 23-27, 2025
Session 4: July 10-11, 2025
Session 5: July 14-18, 2025
Session 6: July 24-25, 2025

Students are able to sign-up for orientation after they have completed the pre-orientation in Canvas. Students will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access Canvas when registration opens!

Sessions will close once the capacity has been reached and the date will no longer show on the registration form. We do not offer a waiting list for closed sessions.

What if I cannot make it to any of these orientations?

As a part of your commitment to attending UT Tyler, you are required to complete New Patriot Orientation. We do not allow for work or vacations to be an excuse for not completing this mandatory requirement. Our staff strives to do our best to be flexible and accommodate as we can. If particular orientation session dates are full and we are unable to accommodate you, we will offer an online option.

How do I register for Freshman New Patriot Orientation?

Students will be added to a "Pre-Orientation Session" on Canvas that they must complete in order to get an orientation registration link. Once your registration form has been submitted, all confirmation emails will be sent to your Patriots email account.

What should I bring to orientation?

Students will receive an email 1 week prior to orientation regarding what to bring, however, this is what we encourage you to pack:

Light jacket for sitting in presentations
Spending money for snacks (select campus retailers will be open)
Any admissions/financial aid documents you have not yet submitted (bacterial meningitis records, test scores, high school & dual credit transcripts)
Twin XL bedsheets or a sleeping bag
Pillow
Overnight necessities

How much does Freshman New Patriot Orientation cost?

The cost of Freshman New Patriot Orientation is automatically added to student's Fall 2025 bill. All incoming freshmen, effective Fall 2022, are charged a one-time New Student Programs fee of $225. This fee covers orientation and programming intended to support freshman students during their first year.

The non-refundable fee for parents/family members and guests attending Freshman New Patriot Orientation is $60 per adult over 18 years of age. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted at New Patriot Orientation. A maximum of two (2) guests may attend orientation with the student. To submit payment for guest fees, visit our online payment portal.

What if I already have college credits?

All incoming students who graduate from high school in 2025 need to attend orientation. All first time, full time college students are required to complete orientation, regardless of the number of dual credit hours earned.

What if I am a CAP Student?

CAP students will receive information specific to the CAP program, as well as presentations and content related to being a UT Tyler student during New Patriot Orientation. When you register for orientation, please select that you are a CAP student.

What if I am TSI Liable?

If you have the TSI hold on your MyUTTyler Student Center, this hold has an impact on your enrollment process. You may need to submit some missing records or you may need to take the TSI assessment. Please contact TSI@uttyler.edu for additional assistance with determining how to resolve your TSI hold.

What if I am an International Student?

International Students will be required to attend International Student Orientation, hosted by the Office of International Programs. Please email oip@uttyler.edu with questions about International Student Orientation. You may also visit the Office of International Program's page.

What is the purpose of Freshman New Patriot Orientation?

New Patriot Orientation will:

Inform new students of campus policies and procedures.
Prepare students to make reasoned and well-informed choices.
Foster a sense of community by connecting incoming students to current students, faculty, and staff.
Provide academic and student engagement resources to support students' transition to UT Tyler.

What is the Freshman New Patriot Orientation schedule?

Once you register for orientation, you will receive an email the week prior to your session. This email will include check-in times, a campus map, information on parking, and a description of where to go once you arrive on campus.

As a reminder, orientation is mandatory for all first time-full time college students. You will need to be present for the entire orientation program in order to receive credit for attending and to have your orientation hold removed.

What should I wear to New Patriot Orientation?

Be prepared to travel to different places around our beautiful campus. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for being outside at times. Suggested attire includes sneakers, shorts or loose pants, and a short-sleeved shirt. The buildings can be cold, so we also suggest bringing a jacket.

Can parents and family members attend Freshman New Patriot Orientation?

Yes! Each student can bring a maximum of two (2) guests with them to New Patriot Orientation. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted at New Patriot Orientation. Please make sure you pay for your parents/family members and guests by using our online payment portal.

Do I need to attend the entirety of Freshman New Patriot Orientation?

Freshman New Patriot Orientation is mandatory for all first time- full time students. It is mandatory to the orientation program in its entirety.

How do I change my Freshman New Patriot Orientation session?

Please only register for a session that you can attend. You will NOT be able to switch sessions once you have registered.

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