MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is rolling out a big Blue Raider welcome to hundreds of incoming first-year students and transfer students at the 2026 New to Blue orientations going on weekly now through the beginning of August.

For many attending a recent session, the day felt like a mix of excitement and relief.

“I think it’s going really well. Our students seem engaged — a little bit nervous, but anxious to get the ball rolling,” said Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs. “We hope once they get here, we can lighten the burden and help clarify things for incoming MTSU students.”

All daylong orientation sessions kick off in the Student Union Ballroom on the east side of campus, followed by campus tours led by student guides, information on financing, academic advising and class registration, and the Meet MT student organization fair in the Campus Recreation Center.

Upcoming New to Blue dates for incoming first-year students are June 4, 13, 16, 18 and 26; and July 8, 10, 21, 23 and 30. Transfer student dates are June 8 and 23; July 15 and 28; and Aug. 4. To register, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/orientation/.

MTSU helps ‘dream become reality’ for students

For Murfreesboro honor student Aiden Ellis, a magna cum laude graduate from The Webb School in Bell Buckle, orientation wasn’t just a campus visit — it was the start of a dream he’s been building on for years.

“I’ve grown up watching all the crime scene shows,” said the Forensic Science Program major. “MTSU has one of the best forensics programs, so it just made sense.”

His mother, Jennifer Ellis, a sports photographer who volunteers her services for local law enforcement K‑9 training workshops, said her son’s passion for forensics began early.

“He started going with me for service hours in seventh grade, and from that, a love for the profession grew,” she said. “All the officers would gather around him and encourage him.”

In ninth grade, the teenager studied crime scene investigation with the National Youth Leadership Forum. In his junior and senior years, he attended CSI Summer Camp presented by MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, or FIRE.

“MTSU is an incredible school, and you’ve got legendary forensic anthropology expert Dr. Tom Holland here and one of the best forensics labs around. We’re blessed it’s right in our backyard,” Jennifer Ellis said, noting that her son brought dual-enrollment credits in sociology and anthropology with him. “We’re so excited to see this dream become reality.”

Familiarity lays foundation to flourish

For Madison Braden of Smyrna, MTSU offered the perfect blend of familiarity and opportunity.

“It’s close, and it’s easier for me to start with a foundation I’m familiar with,” the 2026 Stewarts Creek High School graduate said. “I know I have connections here — old athletic trainers, family members — and I’ll be able to flourish.”

Madison plans to pursue allied health, exploring pathways in physical therapy and athletic training. She’ll also live on campus with her cousin, something she believes will help her settle in quickly and “make more connections.”

Her mother, Melissa Braden, said the choice felt natural.

“MTSU has always been a pillar of excellence in the local community,” she said. “Our family attended here. It’s amazing to be back and see how it’s grown. I think we made the right choice.”

Counting down the days

Orientation for incoming MTSU transfers and freshmen is imperative before classes begin Aug. 24, just two days after Convocation kicks off the 2026-27 academic year.

Poff said the team works hard to make the experience welcoming, not overwhelming.

“We know students are coming off high school graduations and big life moments,” Poff said. “Jumping into college planning can feel like a lot. But our students seem eager to get started.”

Orientation also introduces students to the many ways they can get involved through the Meet MT student organization fair.

“You don’t have to be at a huge event to get involved,” Poff said. “Talking to people in your classes while you’re waiting for your professor — that’s involvement. That’s connecting.”

“We know for a fact that students who feel like they belong do better and keep coming back,” Poff said.

Orientation numbers started strong, with 347 students and more than 400 guests at the first session.

“Our main goal is for students to have a comfort level of being here and getting to know their surroundings, and we hope they get to network with some other students and meet people,” Poff said. 

But Poff said more students still need to sign up. She hopes families won’t wait until late summer, when class options narrow and stress rises.

“If they’ve come to orientation and registered for their classes, then fall should be a non‑worry part of their life,” Poff said. “Our goal is to make everything as seamless and smooth as possible. We want students to leave feeling a little relief — like they’ve found their place.”

— Nancy DeGennaro ([email protected])