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A student jumps to chestbump University of Tennessee at Knoxville mascot, Smokey, in front of a large balloon and light display that reads “TN Saturday Night”

Tennessee Saturday Night, a new tradition at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, provides a fun and friendly kickoff for all students to engage before classes start.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

In Knoxville, Tenn., it’s not the first day of classes that creates the most buzz on campus, but the Saturday before. For the past two years, the University of Tennessee has organized and executed a blowout block party for thousands of attendees, with dozens of activities, free swag and live music to welcome students and their families back to campus.

Tennessee Saturday Night is a collaboration among dozens of campus partners, offering students a diverse range of games and experiences to accommodate for learners’ preferences and situations to promote a space to be their authentic selves, says Meghan Jagnow, communications director for student life.

What’s the need: The average college orientation is geared toward incoming students, getting them acclimated to campus and introducing them to their peers.

UT Knoxville officials wanted to expand the welcome beyond first-year and transfer students to engage undergraduate and graduate students, as well as personnel and their families, and created Tennessee Saturday Night.

“It provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with professional staff in a relaxed, fun setting outside of the traditional office environment, helping to build initial connections and support their academic journey,” Jagnow says.

Students walk around campus during the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Tennessee Saturday Night Event wearing black and orange

The event drew 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students to campus the Saturday before classes started.

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

How it works: Over 20 departments and campus partners contribute from across the university, including the basic needs center, sorority and fraternity life, RecSports, student disability services, the counseling center and multicultural center.

“The planning committee begins planning the event six months in advance, with on-the-ground preparations beginning one week out from the event,” Jagnow says. The event requires coordinating planning and event staff, activities and food from vendors, road closure and transportation assistance, marketing materials, entertainment and emergency assistance.

A group of students do a line dance on UT Knoxville's campus during Tennessee Saturday Night.

Tennessee Saturday Night featured a variety of games and activities, as well as live music and a DJ that encouraged students to dance.

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Inside and around the Student Union, attendees participate in a variety of activities—laser tag, airbrush tattoos, slime making, jousting, painting, build-a-plush, dodgeball, ax throwing and more. Live music, including a DJ, provides the backdrop for students to dance. Students also receive a free T-shirt and can treat themselves to a lineup of free food trucks and treats.

One of the goals is to make the event open to all members of the campus community, including children of students and staff members. Another is to accommodate student interests for activities.

“The event offers a range of sensory experiences and interactive games, allowing students to engage in environments that suit their preferences and [lets them] be their authentic selves,” Jagnow says.

Students Say

A 2023 Student Voice survey by Inside Higher Ed, conducted by College Pulse, found a majority of students believe it’s at least somewhat important to have choice in some orientation sessions. Students also prefer an in-person orientation and one that includes social events to meet other students.

The Student Life team also collaborates with Student Disability Services to ensure the event is accessible.

“By focusing on inclusive and dynamic engagement activities for all, UT students have the opportunity to curate their own Volunteer experience that helps them succeed,” Jagnow says, referring to the university’s nickname for students and alumni.

A new addition this fall was a drone show, a first in the university’s history and a major hit among students and the greater Knoxville community, Jagnow adds. “With a grand finale of fireworks, Tennessee Saturday Night symbolizes the beginning of students’ time at UT, marking their journey with a celebratory send-off as they build friendships and find their place on campus.”

Two students watch a drone display at UT Knoxville's Tennessee Saturday Night event.

This year's event featured a drone show at the end of the night, including a display of the UT Knoxville Mascot, Smokey, over the football stadium.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

The impact: The most recent event in August engaged over 6,000 graduate and undergraduate students, accomplishing the university’s goal of reaching across campus to celebrate the start of the academic year.

Staff gathered post-event feedback from participating offices and attendees to gauge interest in activities, and they monitored social media to ensure the event offerings were meaningful and engaging to participants. In the future, Jagnow and the Student Life team plan to continue to refine the event to ensure it meets its goals of fostering a welcoming environment.

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