MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee State University is welcoming hundreds of incoming freshmen and transfer students through its 2026 “New to Blue” orientation sessions now underway on campus in Murfreesboro.
The weekly orientation program, which continues through early August, is designed to help new students prepare for college life by offering campus tours, academic advising, financial information, class registration assistance, and opportunities to connect with student organizations.
“I think it’s going really well. Our students seem engaged — a little bit nervous, but anxious to get the ball rolling,” said Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs. “We hope once they get here, we can lighten the burden and help clarify things for incoming MTSU students.”
Orientation sessions begin in the Student Union Ballroom before students branch out across campus with orientation guides. Students also attend the Meet MT student organization fair held in the Campus Recreation Center.
Upcoming New to Blue dates for incoming first-year students include June 4, 13, 16, 18 and 26, along with July 8, 10, 21, 23 and 30. Transfer student orientation dates are June 8 and 23, July 15 and 28, and Aug. 4.
Among those attending a recent session was Murfreesboro student Aiden Ellis, a magna cum laude graduate of The Webb School in Bell Buckle who plans to major in Forensic Science.
“I’ve grown up watching all the crime scene shows,” Ellis said. “MTSU has one of the best forensics programs, so it just made sense.”
His mother, Jennifer Ellis, said his interest in forensics started years ago while volunteering alongside her at local law enforcement K-9 training workshops.
“He started going with me for service hours in seventh grade, and from that, a love for the profession grew,” she said.
Ellis later attended the CSI Summer Camp presented by MTSU’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education, also known as FIRE.
“MTSU is an incredible school, and you’ve got legendary forensic anthropology expert Dr. Tom Holland here and one of the best forensics labs around,” Jennifer Ellis added. “We’re blessed it’s right in our backyard.”
Another incoming student, Madison Braden of Smyrna, said she chose MTSU because it offered a balance of opportunity and familiarity.
“It’s close, and it’s easier for me to start with a foundation I’m familiar with,” Braden said. “I know I have connections here — old athletic trainers, family members — and I’ll be able to flourish.”
Braden plans to pursue allied health with interests in physical therapy and athletic training.
Her mother, Melissa Braden, said the university has long been important to their family. “MTSU has always been a pillar of excellence in the local community,” she said. “Our family attended here. It’s amazing to be back and see how it’s grown. I think we made the right choice.”
University officials said orientation remains a critical step before classes begin Aug. 24 for the 2026-27 academic year. “We know students are coming off high school graduations and big life moments,” Poff said. “Jumping into college planning can feel like a lot. But our students seem eager to get started.”
Orientation attendance started strong this summer, with 347 students and more than 400 guests participating in the first session.
“Our main goal is for students to have a comfort level of being here and getting to know their surroundings,” Poff said. “We hope they get to network with some other students and meet people.”
Poff encouraged incoming students and families not to wait until late summer to register for orientation sessions.
“If they’ve come to orientation and registered for their classes, then fall should be a non-worry part of their life,” Poff said. “Our goal is to make everything as seamless and smooth as possible.”
For more information or to register for New to Blue orientation, visit MTSU.edu/orientation.
