Orientation

Congratulations, Spartans, and welcome to your new home at The University of Tampa!

UT is dedicated to make your transition one of a kind and offers orientation programs designed to help first-year, transfer, commuter and international students successfully transition to our community. Throughout your orientation, you will be exposed to many valuable resources, interact with a variety of campus student leaders and participate in social experiences to begin to make new connections with fellow Spartans.

On June 23, UT announced it will begin the in-person Fall 2020 semester with classes starting on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The COVID-19 taskforce is working hard to identify what measures will need to be followed during the fall semester. Until we are able to make those determinations, we are holding on publishing our Week of Welcome calendar of events. We appreciate your patience. Keep a lookout over the summer for new and exciting ways to prepare for your UT journey! 

All updates for the fall semester will also be posted to ut.edu/fall2020. 

If you are an incoming student or family member and have a question for the orientation leadership staff, be sure to fill out our Orientation and Family Engagement Inquiry form. A member of our team will respond to you within 24 working hours.

Your fUTure starts here!

As a new student, you will have the opportunity to get to know your campus prior to your arrival by completing UT's online orientation program. This program has been specifically designed with YOU in mind! From navigating academics to getting involved on campus, this program will help you familiarize yourself with the many resources available to you as a Spartan. The online orientation program for students starting in Fall 2020 will be available starting Aug. 3, 2020. You can access online orientation through your MyUTampa account, and it must be completed prior to your arrival on campus.

New Student Check In

All new students starting in the fall semester, both residential and commuters, are expected to check in to the University on during move-in weekend starting Friday, Aug. 21. During check in, you will receive your Spartan ID card as well as other important information.

Residential New Students

All new students starting in the fall semester who will be living on campus need to sign up for a move-in time appointment. It is important that families and students arrive at the time and day of their selected move-in appointment to prevent congestion on campus and create a positive move-in experience for all who are living on campus. As you prepare to arrive on campus, we ask that you and your family members and guests follow the following guidelines:

• The number of families members and guests who can assist new students moving into their room is limited to two;
• Family members and guests may only assist with move in during the student's three hour move-in time block;
• New residential students must present a photo ID at check in to receive your keys, Spartan ID and other important information;
• Moving trucks and box trucks are not permitted on campus for move in;
• Move-in assistance will not be available, but there will be a limited number of carts available for students to utilize during move in;

New students should check their Spartan email for more information regarding move in. 

Commuter New Students

All new commuter students starting in the fall semester will be able to make an appointment to check in for orientation. New commuter students will be able to check in starting on Friday, Aug. 21 - Tuesday, Aug. 25, between 4 and 8 p.m. New commuter student orientation check in will take place on the second floor of the Vaughn Center in the Spartan Club. In order to prevent congestion on campus and create a positive move-in experience for all who are living on campus, it is important for new commuter students to arrive at the day and time of their selected appointment. 

In addition to checking in for orientation, new commuter students are encouraged to view online commuter orientation prior to the start of the semester.

Week of Welcome

During your transition to campus, all new students are encouraged to participate in Week of Welcome (WOW!). WOW! will feature programs that consist of presentations, workshops and social events designed to ensure you successfully transition to campus.

Excited to learn about all the amazing opportunities during Week of Welcome (WOW!)? Check out the Fall 2020 Week of Welcome schedule to plan what great events you want to participate in!

Special Operating Hours

The following university offices will be open on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Academic Advising
  • Academic Success Center, North Walker Hall
• Bursar's Office
  • Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall
• Financial Aid Office
  • Fletcher Lounge, Plant Hall
  • Students may also schedule a Zoom meeting with a Financial Aid representative, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Office of Residence Life
  • Vaughn Center, RM 213
• Spartan Card Office
  • Vaughn Center, RM 235A

In addition to the new student online orientation program and Week of Welcome, international students and transfer students on F1 visas will arrive for a special orientation prior to the regular new student orientation program. This also applies to new graduate international students within the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Information regarding new student orientation, including the Fall 2020 orientation schedule, is now available.

Parents and Families

Our orientation program is also designed to help assist family members in participating and understanding their students' experience during this exciting time. Please note that this program is only for the families of new students, and that students will have other activities during this time. The official date for Fall Family Orientation 2020 is to be announced. For more information regarding Family Orientation and information on local hotels, please visit the Family Orientation website.

Questions?

Students are encouraged to view Orientation Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Please contact Orientation and Family Engagement at (813) 257-1999 or orientation@ut.edu with any questions.