Transferring to a different university can be a scary and difficult process. UT Martin tries to ensure that these students are well-prepared and taken care of before they begin their first semester on campus.
First, they offer a transfer student orientation, which gives a more in-depth talk about the campus and important skills to have while in college. This consists of a formal welcome to UTM, a tour of the campus, the Check-in & Administrative Fair, a lecture on finances and meeting one-on-one with an advisor to register for classes.
During the transfer orientation, students are offered to register for the Transfer Boot Camp. This is a three-day event where students get the opportunity to connect with each other, staff and the campus as a whole.
Jamie Mantooth, Executive Director of the Office of Student Engagement, spoke on the importance of helping students with their transition to the university.
“Just signing up and showing up is a huge step… that helps with students finding their home, developing a sense of belonging, and knowing that if they struggle here, they’ve got people they can go to, and that matters,” Mantooth said.
The camp is typically held during a weekend in July of every year. It begins with group activities to help students bond with each other; a dinner that consists of different faculty and staff on campus; and a tour of various memorials and statues on campus, where students get actually to meet these important faces live and in person.
The next day consists of students taking a trip to Camp Linden, where they spend time participating in rope courses, floating the river, and getting to know each other more during the day through different group pastimes. Afterward, they have a meeting with staff and faculty that come along and can ask questions to learn more about them as potential professors.
During the final day of the camp, students are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone by trying a high ropes course and zip-lining. After this, they meet with staff and faculty for closing remarks and to begin preparations for their first semester at the university.
“Sign up for Transfer Boot Camp. Find your home. We are giving you this opportunity to come and join this group to find your place, so do it!” Mantooth said.
