New Student Orientation

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MOVE-IN & FAMILY WELCOME – FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

First-Time Student Move-In & Check-In (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) Students will begin their Lane College journey by checking in at J.F. Lane and moving into their assigned residence halls. Orientation leaders and residential life staff will offer support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition into campus life.

Parent Orientation Workshop: Understanding Financial Aid, FERPA, Student Accounts (Concurrent: Group 1 – 10:00 AM | Group 2 – 2:00 PM) This session helps parents navigate essential student financial processes. Learn about FAFSA, billing, FERPA rights, and how to monitor your student’s financial journey without overstepping.

Parent Orientation Workshop: Parents in College – What to Expect This Year? (Concurrent: Group 2 – 10:00 AM | Group 1 –2:00 PM) Understand the academic, emotional, and social transitions your student will face. Gain tips on how to stay connected and supportive from a distance.

Family BBQ & Block Party (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) An afternoon of music, food, games, and memories. Capture moments and celebrate your student’s next chapter with fun and flavor.

PARENT CONNECTIONS & MOVE IN CONTINUES - SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

First-Time Student Move-In & Check-In (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) Students will begin their Lane College journey by checking in at J.F. Lane and moving into their assigned residence halls. Orientation leaders and residential life staff will offer support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition into campus life.

Parent Campus Tour (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) A guided walking tour covering key academic buildings, residence halls, and student service locations.

Parent Orientation Workshop: Campus Safety & Security (Concurrent: Group 1 – 10:00 PM | Group 2 – 2:00 PM) Learn about emergency procedures, the role of Campus Safety officers, and how Lane College ensures a safe and secure environment.

Parent Orientation Workshop: Student Conduct & Housing Expectations (Concurrent: Group 2 – 10:00 AM | Group 1 – 2:00 PM) Understand residential rules, guest policies, and student accountability systems to help your student succeed in community living.

Boots on the Ground: Family Line Dancing Social (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) Line dancing, music, and Southern fun! Join other families for a night of movement and memories.

PARENTS’ FAREWELL & STUDENT WELCOME – SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Parting Ceremony Brunch (10:30 AM – 12:30) Celebrate the journey ahead with an emotional farewell brunch. Enjoy special remarks, reflections, and affirmations.

STUDENT SUPPORT – MONDAY, AUGUST 4

Dragon Discovery Kick-Off (9:00 AM – 9:45 AM) A high-energy launch into the week—celebrating our theme and building school spirit.

Student Code of Conduct, Housing Expectations (9:45 AM – 10:30 AM) Students will gain clarity on behavioral expectations, their rights under Title IX, and how to report concerns.

Health Services Overview (10:30 AM – 11:00 AM) Learn about the health clinic, immunization compliance, and wellness services available on campus.

Empowerment Speaker (1:00 PM – 1:45 PM) An inspiring talk designed to motivate students to own their college journey with vision and purpose.

Campus Safety & Security (2:00 PM – 2:45 PM) Students will be informed of safety and security protocols; technologies used and receive tips on how their personal safety can be supported and proper reporting of concerns.

Counseling & Disability Student Services (3:00 PM – 3:45 PM) Students will be introduced to confidential mental health services, academic accommodations, and success coaching.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS – TUESDAY, AUGUST 5

Registrar: Academic Policies & Registration (9:15 AM – 10:05 AM) Provides students with essential information about academic policies, including the registration process, course schedules, and timelines.

Financial Aid & Student Accounts (10:05 AM – 11:00 AM) Guides students through the financial aid process, helping them understand their funding options, including scholarships, loans, and grants.

Meet with Academic Leadership (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM) Department chairs and faculty engage students in a dialogue about academic expectations, major selection, and advising.

Digital Literacy 101 (3:00 PM – 3:45 PM) An introduction to Lane’s technology platforms including email, LMS, and navigating digital resources.

Alumni Success Stories: Dragon Experience to Now (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM) Alumni return to share powerful reflections on how Lane shaped their professional and personal journeys.

LANE HACKS – STUDENT VOICE – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6

Student Panel: What I Wish I Knew (9:15 AM – 10:00 AM) Panelists discuss their academic challenges, strategies for success, and lessons learned during their time at Lane College, helping incoming students navigate their first year more confidently.

Developing an Academic Mindset & Readiness (11:30 AM – 12:45 PM) This workshop helps students develop a mindset focused on academic success. It covers how to build resilience, set academic goals, manage time effectively, and embrace a growth mindset that will help them navigate challenges and thrive throughout their college years.

Housing & Residential Life: Living the Lane Way (1:00 PM – 1:45 PM) Students will learn how to live the "Lane Way" by fostering respect, inclusion, and personal responsibility. It emphasizes building a supportive and inclusive community, conflict resolution skills, and the resources available to ensure a positive living experience.

Student Life & Campus Activities (2:00 PM – 2:45 PM) It highlights the benefits of getting involved, including personal growth, leadership development, and building a strong campus network that will enhance their college experience.

Your Lane. Your Legacy. Your Branding. (3:00 PM – 3:45 PM) This session explores how students can craft a personal brand rooted in purpose, professionalism, and community values.

Men’s & Women’s Empowerment Sessions (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM) It promotes emotional well-being and mental health awareness, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and personal growth.

It focuses on building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and preparing students to face challenges both academically and personally.

YOUR LANE. YOUR LEGACY. – THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

Class Picture (9:15 AM – 9:30 AM) The Class Photo reflects on the excitement of their college start, share experiences with their peers, and leave with a renewed sense of pride as they take the next steps on their academic journey.

Community Service Projects (9:45 AM – 12:15 PM) w/ New Community Director (if not assign campus and local projects)

Recap & Reflection: What’s Next on Your Lane Journey? (2:15 PM – 3:45 PM) This session empowers students to take ownership of their Lane journey, ensuring they are prepared for academic success, personal growth, and engagement with campus resources.

Ring of Victory and the Bell (4:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES – FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

Your Lane Legacy is forming now…

Starting college can be a time of great excitement and expectations. And that can be a little overwhelming. We're here to help! The first step to managing all of this begins at New Student Orientation (NSO). Get a feel for campus life, register for your classes, learn the ins and outs of financial aid, meet lifelong friends and more. It is also a great way to ease yourself into college life. 

Get Excited!  Get Connected!  Get Ready!  New Student Orientation is an in-person, engaging, and informative experience required for all new students.  First-Year New Student Orientation will help you learn more about campus, experience life as a Dragon first-hand, introduce you to your academic program of study, advisors, faculty, and show you the many ways you can get involved and find the support you need to achieve success. 

STEP 1: Select Your Orientation Date

Go to your Future Dragon Admission Portal to register.

Summary of Fees

• Student Fees: $50.00 + Service fees
• Includes orientation program materials, breakfast and lunch for the day.
• Parent/Guest Fees: $25.00/(Parent/Guest) + Service fees
• Includes orientation program materials, breakfast and lunch for the day.

Refund Policy
All registrations are final. There will be no refunds given once you are registered for NSO. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact nso@lanecollege.edu.

STEP 2: Take your ALEKS Math Assessment 2 weeks prior to your orientation date.

ALEKS Assessment Instructions ALEKS Math Assessment

STEP 3: Complete Requirements

Submit Forms and Records found in your Future Dragon Admission Portal.

Get Excited! Get Connected! Get Ready! Our Transfer and International Student Orientation is a virtual orientation program designed to cater to the need of our new transfer and international students, however, if students feel more comfortable attending an in-person orientation we do have an in-person option specific for transfer and international students. Transfer & International Student Orientation will help you learn more about campus, experience life as a Dragon first-hand, introduce you to your academic program of study, academic deans, faculty, and show you the many ways you can get involved and find the support you need to achieve success. 

STEP 1: Select Your Orientation Date  

Go to your Future Dragon Admission Portal to register.

Summary of Fees (In-person)

• Student Fees: $50.00 + Service Fees
• Includes orientation program materials, breakfast and lunch for the day.
• Parent/Guest Fees: $25.00/(Parent/Guest) + Service Fees
• Includes orientation program materials, breakfast and lunch for the day.

Summary of Fees (Virtual)

• Participant Fee: $50.00 + Service Fees
• Includes orientation program materials and orientation technology fee.

Refund Policy
All registrations are final. There will be no refunds given once you are registered for NSO. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact nso@lanecollege.edu.

STEP 2: Schedule Academic Advising

All incoming transfer students should schedule an advising appointment with their academic advisor BEFORE attending orientation. Contact Lane Institute at 731.343.3060 or email nso@lanecollege.edu.

STEP 3: Complete Requirements

Submit Forms and Records found in your Future Dragon Admission Portal.

The New Student Orientation (NSO) is for parents and guardians, too! In fact, we strongly encourage parents to attend and show support for their students. We're covering a LOT of information at orientation, and it really helps to have that extra set of ears and someone to help guide the students through next steps. 
 
The first year of college can be as big of a transition for parents as it is for students. We have a special program designed specifically for parents where you can have your questions answered, learn more about financial aid, scholarships and student services, and familiarize yourself with campus. The parent and family programs are held on the same dates as the student programs but are mainly facilitated in separate sessions.  

This casual but informative program will give you the opportunity to: 

• Meet with representatives from academic programs. 
• Discover the support services available to students. 
• Tour the campus. 
• Learn about educational costs. 

Registration 

Parent and guardian registration is included in the student registration form. There is a fee for parents to attend, but that fee may vary depending on the type of session. 

Hotel Information 

Parents and students who are coming from out of town and may need lodging, listed below are a few of our hotels in the area.  

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson
1324 Vann Dr.  
Jackson, TN 38305 
(731)868-3500 
3.9 miles away from Lane College 

Courtyard by Marriott 
200 Campbell Oaks Dr. 
Jackson, TN 38305 
(731)422-1818 
3.1 miles away from Lane College 

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 
 1335 Vann Dr. 
Jackson, TN 38305 
(731)736-4550 
4 miles away from Lane College 

Is New Student Orientation mandatory?

Yes, all incoming first-time, transfer, and international students are required to complete orientation. Through orientation, students will meet with an academic advisor, have the opportunity to register for classes, and learn how to be a successful Dragon in and out of the classroom.

How much does Orientation cost?

• Students in-person sessions: $50.00
• Guests in-person sessions: $25.00 per guest
• Virtual sessions: $50.00 per participant

Is orientation one day or two days?

Orientation this year is a one-day program. Check-in will be from 7:30am to 8:30am. The program will conclude by 6:00pm.

Can family members join the students at orientation?

Yes. Family members are an important part of the transition to college, and we encourage a family member or guest to attend with students.

Do guests stay with their students for the entirety of the program?

While students and guests will have some sessions together, they will also be separated at points. Most notably will be in the afternoon when guests will engage with Parent and Family specific content while the students meet with their academic advisor to get registered for classes. 

What if I cannot attend the session I registered for?

If you are unable to attend the session you registered for, please contact Mr. Derrick Mays at dmays@lanecollege.edu or text (731) 426-7563.