Troy University is returning back to normal campus operations, starting with IMPACT, TROY’s New Student Orientation.

At IMPACT, incoming students meet their fellow student IMPACT leaders, tour the campus, register for classes, take placement tests and get involved with clubs and other extracurricular activities across campus.

Parents are also a major part of this year’s session. Parents split from their students during the morning sessions to learn more about TROY and how to help their students navigate this new step.

Last year’s IMPACT was restricted because of the pandemic, but now participants are free of masks and can socialize.

“This year, the theme for TROY is ‘Fun in ‘21,’” Joshua Marvin, a recruiter on the IMPACT leadership team, said. “We really want to integrate that into our orientation program as well.”

Because of COVID-19 restrictions during the summer of 2020, incoming students weren’t able to be as hands-on as in the past.

“We’re able to include a lot more organizations and a lot more face-to-face contact,” Marvin said. “And we’re also not wearing masks! We’re trying to really open up where people are allowed to go on campus, see the departments for the first time and really just enjoy what all we have to offer.”

Kayla Oatis, an incoming freshman from Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to branch out of her comfort zone when she joins TROY in the fall.

“I can be a shell and I really want to branch out to meet new people and try new things,” Oatis said.

Janiah Anderson, who is also an incoming freshman from Birmingham, Alabama, is looking forward to gaining new friendships as well.

“I’m excited to meet new people and to further my career,” Anderson said.

Oatis has enjoyed her first look at TROY and the people she’s met along the way.
“I like the small groups we’ve had,” Oatis said. “And I also like how nice the IMPACT leaders were and how they’re very informative about what we need to do here on campus.”

Anderson has also enjoyed her time with the IMPACT leaders.

“I’ve really liked how nice everyone has been and how welcoming they are,” Anderson said.

IMPACT’s in-person sessions will conclude on Wednesday, July 14, and the virtual sessions will conclude Friday, July 16.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students can still register for upcoming sessions at https://www.troy.edu/applications-admissions/orientation/troy-orientation.html.