International Student Check-in and Orientation

Student Orientation After arrival in Knoxville, all new international students must participate in the check-in process as soon as possible. Aside from the required check-in sessions, there will be other educational and cultural programs offered during orientation that will help make your transition to UT and Knoxville easier.

Below you will find more information about check-in and other orientation programs, as well as links to the check-in registration form and the orientation schedule. If you do not check-in with CIE your program will be terminated.

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Student Check-in and Orientation

New Student Orientation

New International Student Check-in and Orientation sessions take place over a period of several days, prior to the beginning of classes. All orientation sessions take place at the I-House, unless otherwise indicated. Students must ensure they arrive in Knoxville before orientation begins.

Summer Orientation is for students who will be starting classes on May 2013.

  • Orientation will be on May 28

Fall Orientation is for students who will be starting classes on August 2013.

Mandatory Check-in Process

Check-in is mandatory for all newly admitted international students. Students only need to participate in one mandatory check-in session and must sign up before they arrive at UT. Students are also encouraged to participate in the educational and cultural programs that will be offered during orientation. Check-in and Orientation provide essential information about immigration regulations, taxes, health insurance, transportation, registering for classes and more.

For Summer Orientation, click on the following link to register for Check-in on May 28 from 8:30 am to 12:00pm.

For Fall Orientation, click on one of the dates below to register for a Check-in session.

July 31, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 7, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 8, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 9, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 12, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 13, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 14, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 15, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

August 16, from 8:30am to 12:00pm

Housing

During orientation and before classes begin, students may also choose to stay in a hotel or in off-campus housing. In the Fall semester, temporary housing may be available in the UT Knoxville residence halls. This is subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis. The CIE does not arrange housing for individual students. Visit the housing and the resources pages for information on housing.

English Placement Exam

Download: English Placement Exam FAQ’s

Additional information about the English placement exam (EPE) is provided during orientation. All students whose native language is NOT English are usually required to take the exam. The EPE is given each Fall and Spring semester only. If you are admitted for the Summer term, you will be required to take the EPE in the following Fall semester. All international students are required to take the EPE before they can register for any English classes at UT. The following categories are exempt from the EPE:

  • Students who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a US institution OR
  • Students who have successfully completed and transferred  six (6) credit hours of English Composition (UT equivalent of English 101 and 102) from a US institution.

Students are tested on three areas of proficiency:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Grammar
  • Writing

Below is the placement and grade sheet that provides details on placement into the appropriate level of English.

Grade Norms and Class Assignments

English Course Assigned: 121
Reading/Structure Score: 50-70*
Composition Rating: 3-4*
Description of Course Assigned: Study of English grammar; development of college-level vocabulary; improvement of reading and writing skills; oral presentations. 4 hours per week in class. Grades: A/B/C/F

English Course Assigned: 131
Reading/Structure Score: Above 70
Composition Rating: 2-1
Description of Course Assigned: A college-level writing course that emphasizes the writing process and the integration of writing, critical thinking and reading; Strategies for university writing assignments. Prerequisite: 121 or recommendation based on results of the placement exam. For non-native undergraduates this course replaces English 101. Open to qualified graduate students with permission of instructor. 3 hours per week in class. Grades: A/B/C/NC

English Course Assigned: 132
Reading/Structure Score: Completion of English 131 or equivalent
Composition Rating: Completion of English 131 or equivalent
Description of Course Assigned: A college-level writing course that emphasizes research writing based on the synthesis of information from many sources. Strategies for college research and documentation. English 132 replaces English 102 for non-native undergraduate students. Prerequisite: English 131. A student cannot place into this course on the basis of the placement exam. 3 hours per week in class. Grades: A/B/C/NC

English Course Assigned: No English (graduate students only)
Reading/Structure Score: Above 70
Composition Rating: 2-1
Description of Course Assigned: No English courses are required for students who are seeking graduate degrees.

*A low score in either section of the exam can reduce total effectiveness and require placement in English 121.

SPEAK Test for Graduate Teaching Assistants

It is mandatory for all prospective Graduate Teaching Assistants/Associates whose native language is NOT English to take the SPEAK test during international student orientation. If you are required to take the SPEAK test, your department will need to register you.The SPEAK Test is administered through the Graduate School and you can find more information about the test on their website.