Hundreds of new freshmen get an overview of TSU at orientation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 450 freshmen attended a recent orientation to learn about the “land of golden sunshine.”

The July 20 orientation was the last of three such events over the summer. Altogether, TSU officials said more than 1,100 freshmen attended the three orientations. One more new student orientation is scheduled Aug. 14 for freshmen and transfer students.

Freshmen attend July 20 orientation. (Submitted photo)

Tiffany Bellafant Steward, assistant vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Success, said the orientations allowed students to learn about academic expectations and curriculum; receive academic advisement and fall course schedules; attend presentations on residence life, student activities, student conduct, and technology services; complete parking, student ID, and postal services processes; and tour the campus, including visiting the freshmen residence halls.

“The Office of First-Year Students offered a seamless onboarding experience for our new students and their families,” Steward said.

Donjalle Boatright of Nashville said she’s looking forward to being a Big Blue Tiger, and that the orientation she attended was beneficial.

“I liked the atmosphere,” said the 18-year-old. “The staff was really nice, and helpful.”

Katherine White, Boatright’s mother, agreed.

“It was great,” White said. “It was very informative. It gave us an insight into what our child will be experiencing.”

One of the July 20 freshman attendees was Tupac Moseley, who made national headlines earlier this summer. Moseley was homeless his senior year, but managed to graduate valedictorian of his class, and receive more than $3 million in scholarship offers.

TSU President Glenda Glover personally led a team of senior university officials to Memphis and presented Moseley with a full-ride scholarship, including housing and a meal plan.

“For the president herself to drive down to one of the schools to actually assist a student personally, one-on-one, to take him or her up there for a visit, it’s just mind blowing to me,” said Moseley, who will major in engineering.

In 2017, TSU implemented higher admission standards to attract quality students. At the same time, the university began initiatives to improve retention and graduation rates, such as increasing the number of coaches to help students with their personal and educational goals.

Last month, TSU announced it will receive $2 million to support retention of academically high achieving students from underserved communities.

The funds were included in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s budget during the recent legislative session, and approved by state lawmakers.

To learn more about enrolling at TSU, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/emss/.

Department of Media Relations

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