News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
As the first full of week of class in the books at Tennessee Tech, many freshmen will return home for the Labor Day Weekend.
A number of those, first time college students. Tech Executive Director of Student Affairs Dr. Harry Ingle said most first-time college students struggle to transition from high school to college. Ingle said it is a priority for Tech to help students transition and feel at home.
“We are dedicated to doing this by the university hosting actually over a week of events that we call a Week of Welcome for new students,” Ingle said. “So there are a lot of different activities and events, as well as things academically related so students are able to get connected to the college.”
Tennessee Tech has been recognized for its commitment to first-generation student success by becoming a member of the First Gen Forward Network for 2024 -2025.
Part of the Week of Welcome is an event called Mix and Mingle. Ingle said the event introduces over 200 student organizations to new incoming students.
“Students can attend that event and get to talk to students and leaders from those organizations to learn more about what those organizations do,” Ingle said. “And how they can fit in with those organizations.”
Ingle said first-time students struggle from high school to college due to a different type of daily lifestyle.
“The majority of the time is spent outside of class,” Ingle said. “So students are only in class now for about half the time they were previously, and so students have to learn how to adjust and overcome the academic rigger that comes with college and learning how to study.”
Ingle said first-gen college students have a tougher time transitioning as they don’t have a direct family member to refer to on how to transition. Tech has done the Week of Welcome for several years. Ingle said the university has a new event this year specifically for first-generation students.
“We are adding in a new welcoming event specifically for first-generation students and we are calling it Soar High,” Ingle said. “We want our first-gen students to soar high and aim high.”
The new event will allow students and families to ask questions and help connect them with people who can help with the transition. Ingle said the school is grateful for getting national recognition for its efforts.
“It means a lot that we are a part of this national network of first-generation institutions,” Ingle said. “We are committed to serving as a central resource hub.”
