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<p>The University of Tennessee at Martin will begin fall semester classes Aug. 21 at the main campus and five regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer and Somerville. Incoming first-year students will begin moving into the main campus residence halls Thursday, Aug. 17, as Move-In Day kicks off the university’s annual Welcome Weekend.</p>
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<p>Welcome Weekend begins with check in to residence halls followed by events and activities for new students that are scheduled through Sunday, Aug. 20. This annual event is the first major welcome that new students receive from the community. The activities are part of First-Year Initiative, a program designed to help first-year students transition to university life.</p>
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<p>Following a day of moving into residence halls, students will have the opportunity to attend the first Welcome Back Picnic at 6 p.m. that evening between Ellington Hall and University Village II. Convocation is set for 10 a.m. Friday in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, which is a special ceremony in the same location where university commencements are held to remind students that graduation is the end goal.</p>
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<p>Saturday activities include Peer Enabling Program (PEP) group meetings during the day, comedian Brent Pella at 7 p.m. in Watkins Auditorium and viewing “Guardians of the Galaxy 3” at 9 p.m. on the University Village I lawn. Additional activities are planned for Sunday, including Kickoff to Classes at 3:30 p.m. at Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Learn more about the First-Year Initiative at <a href="http://www.utm.edu/fyi">www.utm.edu/fyi</a>. Any accepted students who have not yet registered for 2023 fall classes should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 731-881-7020. Graduate students should call 731-881-7012.</p>
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