Thousands of new and transfer students from across the South and other parts of the country are attending Middle Tennessee State University’s CUSTOMS orientation sessions this summer.

Three new freshmen and two new transfer student sessions remain available for admitted students for the 2017-18 academic year.

A gropu of students planning to attend MTSU this fall head to lunch in the Student Union in this May file photo after leaving Port of Call sessions that are a part of MTSU freshman CUSTOMS orientation. (MTSU file photo by Randy Weiler)

New freshman orientation sessions for members of the Class of 2021 include July 13-14, July 19-20 and July 25-26.

Following the Tuesday, July 11, new transfer orientation, other transfer orientation dates include July 28 and Aug. 4.

Coordinated by the Office of New Student and Family Programs, CUSTOMS helps new freshmen and new transfers learn what it’s like being an MTSU student. It helps ease the transition into the university,prepares them for educational opportunities and introduces them to the intellectual, cultural and social climate of the university.

Dr. Debra Sells

“We ask all new freshmen and transfers to choose and attend one of these last sessions,” said Dr. Deb Sells, vice president of student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services.

“It’s an important start to their successful MTSU career, allowing them to receive advising and other important orientation information, while also getting enrolled for the fall term.”

Students who are not able to attend CUSTOMS will need to contact their academic advisers directly to schedule an individual advising meeting prior to being able to register for the fall term, Sells added. More information about advising can be found at www.mtsu.edu/advising.

During CUSTOMS, Sells welcomes the new students and their families to campus. She focus on Convocation, the Summer Reading Program and the “Connection Point” process where, once the semester begins, students can become more connected to campus.

Dr. Laurie Witherow

Dr. Laurie Witherow, vice provost for admissions and enrollment services, is on hand to explain the MT One Stop, a convenient way to take care of university business, in the Student Services and Admissions Center.

The students receive a variety of options at a resource fair, where they can choose to take campus and housing tours, meet with advisers, visit the MT One Stop, register for courses and more.

For more about freshman CUSTOMS, including schedules and cost, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs or call 615-898-5533.

For more about CUSTOMS for transfers, including schedules, cost and more, visit www.mtsu.edu/customs/transfer or call 615-898-5533.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)