Haslam College of Business - Haslam College of Business Virtual Welcome Week Proves a Success

As their introduction to college life, roughly 800 students participated in a virtual Welcome Week thrown by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business.

“College Connects,” the programming during Welcome Week, gave students the chance to meet instructors and peer mentors. Later, students participated in a virtual open house, interacting with offices and programs in the college. Steve Mangum, dean of the college, and Lane Morris, associate dean of undergraduate studies and student affairs, Zoom-bombed different sessions to say hello to students.

A virtual student organization fair also was held, through which students learned about different ways to participate in the college, create a network and start to develop as future business professionals.

“I’m excited to start this fall because UT is a completely different experience,” Rebekah Witt, a junior transfer student studying management with a collateral in international business, said. “I’m learning online, connecting with professors and professionals in my field and becoming more confident in my choice of major, and despite being online only, I’ve connected with other students and organized study sessions on Zoom. I’m happy with my choice. UT will help me become the first in my family to complete a college degree.”

Mark Willoughby, director of student engagement, said that virtual replication of the traditional in-person welcome week was a success.

“College Connects was a great opportunity for incoming students, both first-year and transfer, to learn about the Haslam experience,” he said. “From service opportunities to international experiences to professional development, students are being exposed to resources that will help them make the most of their time in Haslam. They were excited to meet their peers in Zoom sessions and interact with faculty and staff. Even in the virtual environment, you could feel the excitement and energy from the students.”

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CONTACT:

Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist, [email protected]