University of Tennessee Division of Student Success: 2024 Annual Report
2023 - 2024
Academic Success Center
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
Advising Initiatives
First-Year Experience
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships
University Honors
UT Success Academy
Veterans Success Center
Vol Edge
2023 - 2024
Table of Contents
From the Desk of the Vice Provost
Where Scholars Thrive
Student Success Mission
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
Vol Success Teams
Vol Study Center
New Vol Experience
Highest Academic Good Standing Rate in UT History
Student Success Grants
Personalized Academic Enhancement
Veterans Impact Program
UT Success Academy
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships
University Honors
Path Forward
The Vol Edge
Student Success Center
Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows
Chancellor’s Honors and Haslam Leadership Scholars Minors
REPORT 2023 - 2024
From the Desk of the Vice Provost for Student Success
Over the past academic year, more undergraduate students have been graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Looking back on this year, I am excited to share the great progress and accomplishments in student success at UT.
Since 2018, our university has seen significant improvements, with a 5% increase in retention rates and almost a 7% rise in four-year graduation rates. We are proud to announce the highest positive career outcomes in the university’s history at 91.4%. These achievements highlight the dedication of every faculty and staff member to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and in their overall well-being.
Notable Data Points—Indicators of the academic health of our undergraduate scholars
97% of first-year scholars completed the year in good academic standing, a key indicator of how likely students are to retain and go on to graduate, marking the highest percentage of good academic standing in UT’s history.
Peer learning interactions doubled this year, reaching a record 70,178 engagements in study sessions, supplemental instruction, and exam review events.
Over 1,000 undergraduate researchers presented their work during UT’s premier undergraduate research events with more than 300 faculty members overseeing their research.
89 scholars received national fellowships this year with support from UT faculty and staff.
Culture of Thriving
Our efforts are founded on the belief that every undergraduate scholar has natural talents. It is our responsibility to assist them in shaping and leveraging these strengths to achieve great things. In the last four years, 21,000 undergraduate students have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment to better understand and leverage their strengths for goal attainment. This information has guided our student success efforts by meeting them where they are. We have prioritized:
Facilitating an environment where scholars understand outcomes (competition and achiever) and can solve real-world problems (restorative) to increase academic engagement.
Develop undergraduate scholars who are tenacious and agile (adaptability and restorative).
Creating a campus where the intensity with which we challenge each other (restorative, competition, and achiever) matches the goodwill (relator) we display to look out for one another.
From the Desk of the Vice Provost for Student Success
Top Strengths — All Undergraduate Students (2023 - 2024)
Restorative 1.
Achiever 2.
Competition 3.
Student Success Evolution
Adaptability 4.
Relator 5.
Our work is not done yet; we continue to innovate to meet the needs of our undergraduate scholars.
Vol Edge: Life Career Readiness
Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, we will launch the first phase of Vol Edge, an innovative program designed to build confidence in scholars and equip them with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed to navigate their professional journeys effectively.
New Student Success Building — Intentional synergy between instructional spaces and academic support services
We will break ground on a new facility scheduled to open in 2027. The building's goal is to create synergy between the Division of Student Success and Student Disability Services. It will include instructional spaces designed for high-enrollment courses, academic support, coaching, and more.
Student Success Express: Expanded Evening Support
Scholars need our support beyond 5:00 PM, so this fall we’re launching a satellite office in Hodges Library on Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
I offer my sincere thanks to each of you for your commitment to the success of our undergraduate scholars. Your dedication and passion play a key role in shaping their futures and fostering a culture of thriving at UT.
In the Volunteer Spirit,
Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success
Where Scholars Thrive
Student Success Mission
The Division of Student Success at UT works to engage each scholar’s experience by supporting their unique strengths and goals. We collaborate with UT faculty and staff to help each scholar maximize their individual strengths and understand how their strengths contribute to their academic dreams, career paths, and personal well-being.
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
The Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration (CCDAE) had 29,000 unique users, a 16% increase from the 2022-2023 academic year, for the qualifying services (e.g., Handshake profiles, coaching appointments, and attendance at events and presentations).
91.4% positive career outcomes, highest on record at UT
64.1% graduates who gained employment
27.3% graduates who will be continuing education
$62,000 median starting salary of grads
More than 1,600 unique organizations hired Volunteers
Where Scholars Thrive
Vol Success Teams
More than 8,000 first-year scholars are assigned a Vol Success Team.
Each team is comprised of a student’s academic advisor, academic coach, One Stop Counselor, and their faculty, and is designed to assist student scholars in their holistic development.
Ninety-nine percent of first-year students saw a member of their Vol Success Team in the 2023-2024 academic year, and those who interacted with their Vol Success Team reported lower overall stress levels, increased feelings of belonging, and enhanced self-confidence, all of which ultimately contribute to better outcomes in the classroom.
Overall, during the 2023-2024 academic year:
12,353 academic coaching engagements were conducted, including one-onone appointments, small group coaching, and outreach activities, which is three times the number of engagements from just three years prior.
96% of scholars reported a better understanding of their strengths after meeting with their academic coach, an increase from the previous year.
54,000 academic advising appointments were conducted, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the 2022-2023 academic year.
REPORT 2023 - 2024
Vol Study Center
The Vol Study Center offers study space, study sessions, and Supplemental Instruction. Services are offered by undergraduate scholars who are trained to assist peers in optimal and efficient learning strategies:
Peer learning more than doubled this past year from 33,540 to 70,178 interactions
70.6% of first-year scholars used academic support services
New Vol Experience
The New Vol Experience is designed to support the onboarding and transition of new students throughout the entire first year.
Success of the program was measured in a 2023 student survey:
98% felt prepared for UT because of orientation
90% correctly identified academic, physical wellness, and safety resources
100% reported meeting someone in the first two weeks
97%
Where Scholars Thrive
Highest Academic Good Standing Rate in UT History
Data shows that students in good academic standing at the end of their first year are more likely to graduate than those who leave the first year on academic probation.
First-Year Cohort
of first-year Vols with positive academic standing
REPORT 2023 - 2024
Student Success Grants
In support of the university’s strategic vision, UT has committed funding to prioritize active, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments to increase academic achievement and support UT faculty in reimagining learning experiences from this perspective.
Grants are awarded to departments to redesign courses. Grants focus on department priorities and involve collaborative efforts across the department and diverse faculty teams.
Grant Summaries
Biological Sciences - Grant: Biology Booster Shot
The BIOL 150/160 grant introduced embedded peer learning assistants (PLAs) into their classrooms, and these same PLAs offered out-of-class study sessions twice weekly through the Vol Study Center. Additionally, a Faculty Working Group was formed to maintain consistency of student experience across the multiple sections of BIOL 150/160. Based on survey and focus group assessments:
Over the three years of the grant, student grades improved due to a focus on accomplishment and goal attainment facilitated by their instructors and PLAs.
Instructors intentionally connected elements of the curriculum to real-life applications, which help students to enjoy and feel positive about their biology work. This approach also enabled students to find meaning and relevance in the material.
From Fall 2021 to Spring 2024, mean faculty well-being of BIOL faculty increased. This focus confirms recently published findings on how to enable faculty change and successfully redesign courses
Engineering Fundamentals - Grant: Developing Self-Efficacy and Confidence Among Pre-Calculus Engineering Students
The EF 141/142 grant introduced embedded peer learning assistants (PLAs) into classrooms and worked to incorporate a flipped classroom, with active-learning experiences during class time, and content presented by instructors in asynchronous video format. EF 141/142 is a newly-developed course sequence at UT, designed specifically for students who did not take Calculus in high school. Based on survey and focus group assessments:
Students who took both courses in the sequence reported an increase in confidence handling the mathematics involved in solving engineering problems.
Further, students reported feeling supported by instructors and, particularly receiving help and support from others when needed.
English - Grant: Equitable Assessment in First-Year Composition
The ENGL 101/102 grant sought to improve writing self-efficacy and enjoyment of writing. The participating instructors introduced labor-based grading/equitable assessment (EA), to encourage students to worry less about their baseline writing abilities and focus more on the benefits of efforts and multiple drafts. Based on survey and focus group assessments,
Writing self-efficacy was highest in all EA sections, specifically willingness to take on tough topics and perception of fair grading.
Qualitative feedback indicated that students in EA sections appreciated the flexibility, felt motivated and supported by their instructor, and experienced less anxiety.
By the end of the second year of the grant, more than 39.2% of English 101/102 instructors adopted some form of EA.
Relationships “R” Matter
Across all sections of Biology 150/160, EF 141/142, and First Year Composition 101/102, we learned that all three aspects of Relationships, receiving help and support from others (R1), feeling cared about by instructors (R2), and having a good relationship with instructors (R3) directly related to student success. We saw increases in relational well-being among all students and faculty with a focus on well-being during the grant cycle that showed up in improved DFW rates and overall grades for students.
Engineering students ranged from 6.86 to 7.57/10 in R1
Biology students ranged from 6.86 to 7.29/10 in R2
English students ranged from 8.02-9.34/10 in R2 and 8.19-9.18/10in R3
Personalized Academic Enhancement
Veterans Impact Program
The Veterans Impact Program (VIP) is a one-semester cohort program for incoming student veterans that supports their transition to UT and maximizes their first-year experience on Rocky Top. VIP introduces these new Vols to the academic success skills and resources that will enhance their collegiate journey.
The average GPA for Veterans Impact Program scholars is now 3.39, which represents a 13% improvement from the baseline GPA reported two years ago when the program began.
Retention rate for first-year veteran scholars enrolled in the VIP program is 94%, which is 20% higher than the retention rate for veteran scholars not enrolled in the program.
The Veterans Success Center provided me with friends and a working space where we could come together. We go there, study together and help one another with homework. The friendships I’ve made there have helped so much. “ ”
- Staff Sergeant Christian Weaver first Veterans Impact Program (VIP) Graduate
UT Success Academy
Originally designed to maximize Black and Hispanic men’s transition to college, the UT Success Academy enhances the undergraduate experience by creating and supporting access and engagement opportunities for student scholars through an innovative four-year cohort experience focused on empowering each student to discover, connect, and lead through their strengths.
Concluding its second year, the UT Success Academy (UTSA) provided high-level support to first-, second-, and third- year scholars in the program. Key focuses of UTSA for its third year scholars included developing and maintaining connections with potential employers, effectively articulating experiences, skills, and accomplishments to potential employers, and networking. Looking ahead into its fourth year, UTSA will focus on career transitions, finding community and creating networks after college.
Key accomplishments this past year include: 130% increase in UTSA applications.
Established a mentoring program with Knoxville Preparatory Academy, where UTSA scholars mentor Knox Prep students.
Developed a relationship with Project Excellence, a 10-week program for 11th and 12th grade students at Austin-East High School, where UTSA scholars mentor students on self-efficacy, time management, and communication with professors.
95% retention rate from fall to spring
Through UTSA guidance, I’ve understood my reason for pursuing higher education: to build a better future for myself, support my family, and later support students like me pursuing their dreams. “ ”
- UTSA Student Scholar
REPORT 2023 - 2024
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (URF) hosted their annual Summer Research Symposium, Discovery Day, and EURēCA competitions, showcasing undergraduate research and faculty mentorship. Together, both exhibitions featured 1,237 student presenters. Research was overseen by 370 faculty mentors, as well as postdocs and graduate students helping to mentor undergraduates in their research groups.
URF conducted campus interviews, composed evaluations, and submitted applications for 190 student scholars applying for national and international awards, a 16 percent increase from last year.
URF assisted 281 students in finding undergraduate research placements, including 58 Departmental Research Assistantships placements - an initiative designed to increase research employment for Pell-eligible and first-generation UT undergraduate students.
During the 2023-2024 academic year:
12 students received Fulbright Scholarship, and
UT was designated a top producer of Fulbright students for the 6th year in a row.
16 students received Gilman Scholarship awards to support their studies abroad – receiving a collective $52,000 in awards.
1 student was named a 2024 Knight-Hennessy Scholar, one of the most prestigious post-graduate fellowships in the world.
2 students were named Boren Award recipients, providing recipients with up to $25,000 for language and cultural study in countries critical to the security and stability of the U.S.
3 students were named Goldwater Scholars, the most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarship in the United States.
4 students received Critical Language Scholarships to study critical need languages abroad, fully funded.
scan to learn more about 2024 Knight-Hennessy scholar Owen Queen
University Honors
5,454 scholars applied to the Chancellor’s Honor Program (CHP), an increase of more than 1,500 from the previous year.
incoming CHP cohort
4.5
32
mean ACT score
1,300 student scholars applied to Haslam Leadership Scholars (HALS) program this year, compared to 770 last year.
incoming HALS cohort
4.3
mean GPA mean GPA
34
mean ACT score
Path Forward
: Life Career Readiness
The Vol Edge Program, launching in January 2025, will cultivate a thriving source of highly skilled graduates for the workforce by harnessing individual strengths and promoting well-being. With 100% participation in internships, undergraduate research, education abroad, or service-learning, the program will equip graduates to effectively articulate and showcase their strengths to employers. This initiative also allows employers to build relationships with future talent before graduation.
Student Success Center: Coming 2027
A new student success building will go up in the footprint of Melrose Hall, next to Hodges Library in the heart of our campus. It will bring resources under one roof for our students — including university honors programs, academic coaching, and Student Disability Services — and serve as a place for gathering and connection.
A new student success building is expected to open in 2027.
Beginning with the incoming Fall 2024 cohort, the University Exploratory program will be housed in the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration (CCDAE). Students in this program will receive integrated academic and career planning support from Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches. In this new structure, Exploratory Scholars will have access to a specialized first-year studies class, career assessments and exploration resources, and a major and career exploration class. Additionally, they will benefit from specialized career programs such as a majors fair and site visits to organizations, which are designed to increase awareness of career possibilities, as well as a tailored multi-step orientation process.
University Exploratory Program Transitions to Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows
Fifteen Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows were selected for the 2024-25 cohort. Directed through the Office of the Provost and coordinated through the Division of Student Success in partnership with Teaching and Learning Innovation, the Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows program is central to UT’s Strategic Vision to promote student well-being and career readiness in all aspects of a student’s experience.
The new Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows cohort will help to build awareness of the importance of student well-being amongst their colleagues and respective colleges using a psychological framework called PERMA. The structure promotes five building blocks of well-being—Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA), and there are strategies to increase each in the classroom.
Dr. Luca Giori, associate professor in Veterinary Medicine and incoming Volunteer Experience faculty fellow,
“ I want to shine a light on how dynamic and fulfilling veterinary work can be. Looking at it through the lens of positive psychology— focusing on engagement, growth, meaning, and accomplishments— will not only help my students and colleagues, but it’ll also boost my own well-being ”
Chancellor’s Honors Program Minor and Haslam Leadership Scholars Minor
Beginning with the incoming Fall 2025 class, University Honors scholars will be able to graduate with the following minors corresponding to the program that the scholar is enrolled in:
Haslam Leadership Scholars Minor: This 16-credit hour minor is designed to cultivate and retain future leaders of Tennessee. It has transformational learning experiences to help each Haslam Leadership Scholar understand and build their academic and leadership potential. The leadership curriculum includes foundational leadership courses, a required education abroad experience, an internship, and ends with a capstone series designed to solve a problem currently facing the state of Tennessee.
Chancellor’s Honors Program Minor is designed to deliver key knowledge, skills, experiences, and dispositions needed for students to engage effectively—as a multidisciplinary community of scholars—with complex problems. Using the framework of human-centered design-thinking and problem-based learning, the minor prioritizes a collaborative and methodical approach to learning and ideation to address contemporary issues.
