UT Martin Parents and Families

09/09/2026

Tell your friends to check us out!

Future Skyhawks, this one's for you! Join us for a Fall Preview Day and learn about life at UT Martin.

🔸 Sept. 26
🔹 Nov. 7

Visit utm.edu/preview to register!

09/08/2026

Asking for help is not weakness, it's growth. The first round of tests, projects, etc. usually hits around the 4th-5th week. This is week 3. Don't wait to get help. Academic Coaching, Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and more are available and ready for student use. Check out the link below.

https://www.utm.edu/academics/student-success-center/

09/01/2026

Ok…what would you turn into an ornament??

The ’Ber Months Are Here. 🍂

And while fall is just beginning, we’re already thinking ahead to one of our favorite traditions.

If you could turn ONE piece of UT Martin into an ornament, what would it be?

A favorite campus landmark? A beloved Skyhawk tradition? A place that immediately takes you back to your time at UTM? Or something completely unexpected?

Help Inspire Our 2026 UTM Holiday Ornament by sharing your idea in the comments. 🎄👇

08/31/2026

Today starts week two, and each class should have met at least once by now. Your students should move all assignments and due dates from each syllabus into one calendar/planner. (Calendars can be either electronic or paper – whatever works best for them). This puts all necessary information in one place so there are no surprises. If it’s in the syllabus, it is not a surprise. Plan ahead and work ahead now. Your October self will thank you!

08/26/2026

Classes have just started and Homecoming is just around the corner! A Haunted UTM Homecoming will bring festive fun alongside the UT Martin traditions you know and love. Make plans to join us any/all of the events that week. Details are in the link below.

Celebrate 125 Years of UTM and show your Skyhawk Spirit at UT Martin’s Homecoming Week, October 5–12!

08/24/2026

…and here we go…

08/23/2026

Tomorrow is the first day of class! Before the semester started, we shared some tips that were just for you. Since classes start tomorrow, here are some tips for you to share with your students. We will do this from time to time. Here are tips for tomorrow:

Carry some snacks and water in your backpack. It may take a couple of days to figure out your lunch schedule, to navigate the lines, and to determine how long it actually takes to walk from one place to another. Just in case things take longer than anticipated, be prepared. You don’t have to be hungry, and you don’t have to be late to class.

The syllabus matters. Pay attention to what your professors say about it. Read it to get an idea of what is coming and when. Many of your questions will have the answers in the syllabus.

08/21/2026

I see you. Tired and emotional mom. Quietly reflective dad. Nostalgia, new questions, new fears, new joys, new routines are all unlocked now.

You’ve entrusted your child to UT Martin. It all looked good on paper, but now it is very real. Was it a good decision? Will she find her people here? Will he do all the things you advised him to do? Will the faculty and staff really take care of your child like they said they would? Those apprehensions are valid and real. You’re the parent and this is your child. I see you.

UT Martin is what and who we claim to be. Perfect? No. Striving to challenge and support our students along the way? Yes. Holding them accountable to the community and academic standards? Yes. Removing all obstacles? No. Well, sometimes. Sometimes we can and will remove an obstacle for them. Sometimes they need encouragement and tools to conquer that obstacle themselves.

We are glad your child is here. We are glad you are here. This will be a long race, and we are here for it.

08/20/2026

Move-in Day is in full swing!

08/19/2026

Thank you for following the tips that have been shared with you. Here is the final two as we prepare for move-in tomorrow:

1. (This is a sensitive one). Consider your parting words as you leave campus following move-in. Regardless of the stress, sarcastic comebacks, and impatience that may have been on full display, let your parting words that day be kind and loving. Your children will remember your messages and hold on to them… even if they roll their eyes.

2. Maintain a sense of humor. A little levity is usually a positive thing. You can remember when they were small and some things you just had to laugh at because there was no other choice. One day you can laugh at some of the stories and memories together.