Fall 2026 classes at the University of Tennessee at Martin will begin Monday, Aug. 24, with a slate of events scheduled at the main campus to welcome students for the new academic year.
Welcome Weekend will begin Thursday, Aug. 20, as students return to campus during “Move-In Mania.” Other welcome-back events include the Welcome Home Picnic that will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday on the lawns between Conner Community and Ellington Hall.
UT Martin is putting a fresh spin on tradition this fall with the debut of First Flight Frenzy, a reimagined welcoming event replacing the university’s former convocation ceremony.
“Designed to give incoming students an energetic and interactive introduction to campus life, First Flight Frenzy will bring new Skyhawks together to meet campus leaders, participate in hands-on games and activities, and build school spirit as they begin their journey at UTM,” said Benjamin Ort, director of First Year Experience.
“The event reflects the university’s commitment to creating meaningful, engaging experiences that help students feel connected to the Skyhawk community from their very first days on campus.”
First Flight Frenzy will take place at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
A list of all welcome-back events for students can be found on the UT Martin First-Year Experience website.
Additional opening fall semester activities will follow during the first week of classes, including the third Skyhawk Palooza, sponsored by Leaders Credit Union. The event will take place Thursday, Aug. 27, in Veterans Park adjacent to Hardy M. Graham Stadium. Skyhawk Palooza will begin at 4 p.m. and includes food trucks, games, face painting and inflatables. The public is invited.
The Skyhawk football team then kicks off its 2026 season at 6:30 p.m. against the University of Central Arkansas in Graham Stadium. A fireworks extravaganza after the game will help bring the university’s year-long 125th anniversary celebration to a close.
UT Martin classes are offered at the main campus and the university’s six regional centers at Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer, Somerville and Springfield. More information about the opening of fall semester classes can be found at www.utm.edu.
Learn more about Skyhawk athletics, including ticket information, at www.utmsports.com.
PHOTO: Fall 2026 classes at the University of Tennessee at Martin will begin Monday, Aug. 24, with a slate of events scheduled at the main campus to welcome students for the new academic year. Learn more at www.utm.edu.
