A Look Back at Welcome Week 2020

The past eight days on Rocky Top have been filled with new faces and a new normal for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s campus community. More than 250 virtual and socially distanced in-person events welcomed students back for fall semester as classes kicked off in a new hybrid format.

Ally Tenorio, a sophomore from Chicago, attended multiple Welcome Week events and expressed excitement for the academic year. “It feels really good to be back on campus and with classmates all working through similar challenges,” she said. “Being at home was really isolating, so it’s just really encouraging to be around people even if it is a lot different than what we’re used to.”

With masks as a new way to wear orange, the Volunteer family is ready for another great year! Take a look at back at the past eight days on campus.

Two students laugh together at Student Government Association’s annual event, Slap the Rock.

Students play a game of spikeball on the green near the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

A student walks on a slackline on the green near the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

A student enjoys a relaxing afternoon in a hammock.

Students spell out “Go Vols” in front of the Torchbearer.

Students dance at an event for Ignite Serves, an extended orientation program focused on leadership and service.

A student enjoys the Office of Multicultural Student Life’s drive-in movie event.

A student gets comfortable at the drive-in movie.

Students participate in Tennessee Trivia Night in the Student Union Plaza, hosted by the Center for Student Engagement.

Sisters Sarah and Samantha Huang pass out wellness kits to students and staff at the Frieson Black Cultural Center.

A student attends an online class outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

Students connect while walking on campus on the first day of classes.

A student pulls a graduation tassel from a Torch Night swag bag.

An orientation leader hands a Torch Night swag bag to a first-year student.

Fireworks light up the sky behind the Torchbearer to cap off Torch Night.

A student bumps elbows with Dean of Students Shea Kidd Houze at Slap the Rock.

A student adds her handprint during Slap the Rock.