VOLUNTEER
FAMILY
GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE VOLUNTEER FAMILY! HELLO FROM BIG ORANGE COUNTRY! As we transition to the fall semester, we are excited to welcome you and your student. The past year has challenged us to be creative, to be compassionate, and to be flexible. As a family member, you likely have some nervous excitement as your student begins their experience on Rocky Top. We want you to know that our campus community is here to support you and your student as we begin an academic year post-COVID-19. While the unknowns are plentiful, we are confident in the power of the Volunteer Spirit and look forward to moving through this time with you. While in many cases, Knoxville may be hours away, we want you to have a piece of Rocky Top with you each day. This family guide provides you with important information that will impact your student throughout the next academic year, so be sure to reference it often as a tool to help your student plan ahead, stay on track, and meet deadlines each month. You may notice that we have not included specific dates, but rest assured, the campus will host hundreds of events for your student! Finally, we are excited that you have a direct link to campus through Family Engagement and the Office of the Dean of Students during your student’s campus experience. This should be your first point of contact anytime you have a question, concern, comment, or just need to know where to start. We are so glad you are a part of our family.
GO VOLS!
Frank Cuevas
Shea Kidd Brown
Vice Chancellor for Student Life
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT As part of the Office of the Dean of Students, the members of the Family Engagement staff are dedicated to promoting opportunities for family involvement and providing ways for families to support their students from orientation through graduation. Additionally, the office offers complimentary membership to the Tennessee Family Association, a network of support for families throughout each year of their student’s UT career. Family Engagement—and particularly your membership in the Tennessee Family Association—is your direct link to campus, connecting you to the appropriate staff to answer your questions and meet your needs. Timely news and communications tailored to parents and families ensure you have the right information at the right time. Family Engagement should be your first point of contact for concerns, questions, or just a place to start!
Promoting your student’s success It is important for you to remain engaged in your student’s undergraduate experience. Family engagement is a critical factor in both academic success and personal development. Informed families equal successful students. Family involvement is an essential ingredient in engaging with your student, and steady, twoway, communication is key to success. Students who regularly interact with their families earn higher grades than students who do not. Be a listening ear, confidant, and cheerleader to gain the information you need to connect your student with campus resources when they ask. Learn more about ways to remain engaged at family.utk.edu.
TENNESSEE FAMILY ASSOCIATION
TENNESSEE FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL
TENNESSEE FAMILY AMBASSADORS
Communication with the Volunteer family is a vital component in providing the highest quality student experience at the University of Tennessee. Membership to the Tennessee Family Association is free and connects families to their student’s college experience. This collaborative support system of the university, student, and family provides the foundation students need for success.
The Tennessee Family Advisory Council works closely with the Office of the Dean of Students and the university administration to amplify the voice of Volunteer families. family.utk.edu/familyadvisory-council
Tennessee Family Ambassadors serve as volunteers and representatives for the Tennessee Family Association. Ambassadors have the opportunity to become more connected to the campus community and engage with other families.
Join the Tennessee Family Association to receive periodic email communications from Family Engagement. family.utk.edu/tennesseefamily-association
August BIG ORANGE WELCOME Big Orange Welcome is your student’s opportunity to engage with the UT community and is designed to welcome and support your student during their first semester on Rocky Top. Big Orange Welcome will begin on August 14. Learn more at orientation.utk.edu/bigorangewelcome.
CANVAS Canvas is UT’s online course management system. Instructors utilize Canvas as their course website—sharing syllabi, outlining course assignments, posting assignment grades, and communicating with students. Students can access Canvas at utk.instructure.com.
ALL DATES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Included in this guide are key academic dates that may be helpful for future planning. Be sure to check calendar.utk.edu for the most up-to-date information.
August 18
Classes begin
CONVERSATION STARTER Check in with your student about how they are transitioning to campus life. How are you connecting with the UT community? How can I support you?
September STUDENT ENGAGEMENT The campus provides ways for your student to have a great campus experience! Calendar.utk.edu is the hub for campus events and a place where students can explore ways to engage from comedians to fitness classes!
CONVERSATION STARTER Ask your student about their classes. Are your classes what you expected so far? What are you learning?
UT has nearly 400 student organizations to choose from if your student is looking to get involved. From scholar programs to special interest organizations, there is something offered for everyone through VOLink. Visit go.utk.edu for more information.
CAMPUS SAFETY UT works to promote a safe and secure environment for students both on and off campus. Located near downtown Knoxville, the UT campus is like any other city when it comes to risks and safety. When walking, working, or living on and nearby campus, it is essential for students to be aware of their surroundings. UT offers resources including, but not limited to, the UT ALERT emergency notification system, the emergency Blue Light phone system, the “T” transportation system, and programs and classes offered by the UT Police Department. Safety tips, the inclement weather statement, UT’s Emergency Management Plan, and more can be found at safety.utk.edu. Download the LiveSafe app at prepare.utk.edu/app.
VOLS VOTE September is National Voter Registration Month, and UT is providing opportunities for Vols to learn about the voting process. To vote for the first time, your student will need to register 30 days ahead of an election, make a plan to vote including how and where, and know how to find information about the candidates and issues.
CONVERSATION STARTER Ask your student if they have met with their academic advisor. Are you looking forward to the spring semester and planning ahead?
Encourage your student to visit volsvote.utk.edu to learn more about registering and the important steps they must take to vote for the first time.
October ACADEMIC ADVISING Academic advisors offer students the opportunity to develop and evaluate the academic plan that will enable them to reach their academic goals. Academic advisors also assist your student and ensure timely progress toward graduation.
CONVERSATION STARTER How is your student taking time for themselves? Are they getting enough rest and eating enough meals? Remind your student that the Center for Health Education & Wellness encourages students to achieve personal harmony. wellness.utk.edu
November HEALTHY VOLS As seasons begin to change, it is important to make sure your Vol stays healthy. The Student Health Center provides outpatient medical care for enrolled students who have paid their full University Programs and Services Fee. Students can see a doctor for no charge, and most services are free. Some services and labs carry a minimal cost. There is also a pharmacy inside the Student Health Center that allows students to fill prescriptions without leaving campus. For more information, visit studenthealth.utk.edu. Whether your student is on or off campus, RecSports is here to help them achieve their fitness goals. With virtual fitness classes, your student now has the option to workout from the comfort of their own home. From Barre to yoga to Killer Core, your student can find a class for them! For more information, visit recsports.utk.edu.
September 6
Labor Day University is closed
September 17–19
Fall Family Weekend
September 30–October 1
Fall Break No classes
October 1
2021–22 FAFSA opens onestop.utk.edu/scholarships
November 24 No classes
CONVERSATION STARTER Start discussing with your student their plans for winter break. Encourage your student to check out the final exam schedule from the University Registrar to help coordinate these plans.
November 25–26
Thanksgiving University is closed Residence halls remain open
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR VOL? Call 865-974-HELP or visit dos.utk.edu/974-help to connect with a care coordinator or mental health professional.
December FINISHING THE SEMESTER STRONG As your student prepares for finals, they may need additional support. Encourage your student to check with instructors about study sessions, connect with the Academic Success Center for tutoring services, or schedule a meeting with a writing tutor in the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center. If your student encounters technology concerns, the Office of Information Technology is available to help.
DE-STRESSING AND DECOMPRESSING The end of the semester is a time to celebrate your student’s accomplishments while recognizing that they’re probably ready to take some much-needed rest. Encourage them to relax and enjoy their break. Maybe spend time together cooking their favorite meal or have a family movie night! Or if physical activity helps them relax, RecSports offers fitness classes. Whatever activity it is, be sure they take time to rest before the next semester.
CONVERSATION STARTER As you prepare to welcome your student home for the break, it is important to balance your student’s newfound independence with family expectations. Returning home may be an adjustment for you and your student. Make time to have a conversation with your student to make the transition as smooth as possible.
January SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CONTINUING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS If your student will be returning in fall 2022, they should consider completing the Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application. This application allows them to be considered for general university and academic college scholarships, including the Parents & Families Academic Scholarship and Leadership & Service scholarships. The application deadline is February 1. Learn more at onestop.utk.edu/scholarships/continuing.
HOUSING FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR CONVERSATION STARTER Ask your student about their goals and intentions for the new year. Are they attainable? Have they created a timeline to meet them?
Encourage your student to start thinking now about housing arrangements for the 2022–23 academic year. The re-application process for on-campus housing begins soon, so be sure your student attends their floor meeting and talks with their resident assistant about this important process. For more information, visit housing.utk.edu. Living off campus is another option for your student. In order to make the most informed decision, please encourage your student to use the off-campus housing website at offcampushousing.utk.edu for more information.
February SUMMER PLANS, INTERNSHIPS, AND JOBS As the spring semester hits its midpoint, your student should start making plans for the summer months. Whether they are coming home or staying in Knoxville, many students take classes during summer, while others work or intern. If your student plans to take classes, course registration begins in March. More information can be found at summer.utk.edu.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT & ACADEMIC EXPLORATION The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration is a resource for all things career-related and offers career counseling, career exploration classes, interest and personality assessments, and other resources to help students choose a major and career path. Encourage your student to visit the center and utilize the resources often! Learn more at career.utk.edu.
December 1 Classes end
December 2
Study day No classes
December 3–9
Fall semester exams
December 10
Fall Commencement Ceremony Residence halls close for nongraduating students (except Clement, Laurel, Stokely, and Volunteer halls)
December 11
CONVERSATION STARTER Ask your student about what they want to accomplish this summer. Does their academic major require an internship? Do they want to take classes or work? Or do they need a break? Summer may seem far, but it is just around the corner!
Residence halls close for graduating students (except Clement, Laurel, Stokely, and Volunteer halls)
December 24–31
University is closed
January 1
New Year’s Day University is closed
January 3
Winter Mini-Term begins
January 17
MLK Holiday University is closed
January 21
Winter Mini-Term ends Residence halls open
January 24
Classes begin
February 1
2022–23 FAFSA priority deadline and continuing student scholarship applications due onestop.utk.edu/scholarships
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR VOL? Call 865-974-HELP or visit dos.utk.edu/974-help to connect with a care coordinator or mental health professional.
CONVERSATION STARTER Take a moment to talk with your student about their spring break plans. Remind them to be responsible and to think about personal safety. The Center for Health & Wellness offers conversation guides for families on topics like consent and alcohol. wellness.utk.edu/families
March CARE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR STUDENT There are still ways to support your student when they are away and might be struggling. The Care Team in the Office of the Dean of Students creates a safe and non-judgmental place for students to be understood and supported. They will help your student connect to campus resources to support them in whatever is causing them stress. Learn more at dos.utk.edu.
CONVERSATION STARTER Communicate with your student about how they are feeling about final exams. This can be a very stressful time, especially as the year wraps up. Ask them how they are utilizing Study Day and preparing.
If your student is struggling academically, their academic coach can help them figure out a personalized plan for success. Learn more at studentsuccess.utk.edu.
April COORDINATING SUMMER PLANS WITH YOUR STUDENT As the spring semester comes to a close, your student may be planning to return home for the summer to work, study, or relax and prepare for the next academic year. It is important to keep in mind that your student may not be used to life back at home, as they have just returned from an environment where there are no curfews, chores, or other expectations you may have at home. If your student is staying in Knoxville or leaving for an internship, be sure to communicate with them about their action plan for the summer.
May A TIME TO CELEBRATE As your student is finishing the semester, we hope you take a moment to celebrate them for their hard work through this challenging academic year. Whether this is the end of their first year or their final semester, your student has accomplished so much during their time on Rocky Top. For those soon-to-be sophomores, juniors, and seniors, we hope they have a great summer break before we see them again in the fall, and we hope to see you too! For the parents and families of graduating Vols, we have been so happy to have you be a part of this big orange family, and we wish you and your grad the best. As always, Go Vols!
LOOKING AHEAD Tuition and fees for fall 2022 will be assessed in July and official statements will be available in August. Keep an eye out on due dates from One Stop Student Services at onestop.utk.edu.
March 12 Residence halls close (except Clement, Laurel, Stokely, and Volunteer halls) March 14–18 Spring Break
April 15
Spring recess University is closed Residence halls remain open
May 10
Classes end
May 11
CONVERSATION STARTER Remind your student to regularly access their Volmail account throughout the summer for important information regarding their fall semester. This can include financial aid requirements and/or updates regarding their classes.
Study Day No classes
May 12–18
Spring semester exams
May 19
Residence halls close for non-graduating students. Graduating students should check housing.utk.edu for move-out information.
May 31
Memorial Day University is closed
Academic assistance and tutoring As a reminder, your student’s course instructor should always be their first point of contact when seeking assistance in a course. All instructors keep regular office hours and/or are available by appointment as noted on the course syllabus. Encourage your student to identify challenging courses upfront, seek academic assistance early on and throughout the semester, and don’t wait until it is too late. ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER The Academic Success Center (ASC) is committed to helping students take charge of their success. ASC promotes undergraduate student excellence and persistence to graduation through tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching, and student support programs. Students can meet one-on-one with an academic coach who can advise ways to study smarter, manage time more efficiently, set goals, and prepare for tests. Supplemental Instruction groups allow students to work together to develop strategies to master course content, review material, and prepare for quizzes and tests. Individual tutoring is available for a wide variety of subjects through the Academic Success Center. studentsuccess.utk.edu/academic-success-center
ADDITIONAL FREE CAMPUS TUTORING OPTIONS Chemistry Tutorial Center chem.utk.edu
Math Tutorial Centers math.utk.edu
Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center writingcenter.utk.edu
Physics Tutorial Center physics.utk.edu
Language Resource Center lrc.utk.edu
ACADEMIC ADVISING Herbert College of Agriculture 865-974-7303 herbert.utk.edu College of Architecture and Design 865-974-5265 archdesign.utk.edu College of Arts and Sciences 865-974-4483 artsci.utk.edu Haslam College of Business 865-974-5096 haslam.utk.edu/advising College of Communication and Information 865-974-3603 cci.utk.edu/advising College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences 865-974-8194 cehhsadvising.utk.edu Tickle College of Engineering 865-974-4008 tickle.utk.edu/advising College of Nursing 865-974-7606 nursing.utk.edu College of Social Work 865-974-3352 csw.utk.edu
STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES Student Disability Services (SDS) is committed to partnering with the UT community to ensure an accessible university experience for students with disabilities by removing or minimizing barriers. SDS provides accommodations for students with mental health, learning, attention, vision, hearing, physical, or health conditions. SDS also offers a peer mentoring program for students with disabilities and paid positions for students to assist with note taking. Visit sds.utk.edu to learn more about SDS, including how students may register to receive accommodations. Students may meet with SDS without obligation to utilize accommodations until they are ready to do so. All documentation is confidential.
STUDENT SERVICES & GENERAL INFORMATION UNIVERSITY INFORMATION 865-974-1000 utk.edu
Academic Success Center 865-974-6641 studentsuccess.utk.edu
Dean of Students 865-974-3179 dos.utk.edu
Multicultural Student Life 865-974-6861 multicultural.utk.edu
Alumni Affairs 865-974-3011 alumni.utk.edu
Family Engagement Office of the Dean of Students 865-974-3179 family.utk.edu
New Student Orientation 865-974-4546 orientation.utk.edu
First-Year Programs 865-974-3523 fyp.utk.edu
Office of Information Technology 865-974-9900 oit.utk.edu
Honors & Scholars Programs 865-974-7875 honors.utk.edu
One Stop Student Services 865-974-1111 onestop.utk.edu
Center for Health Education & Wellness 865-974-5725 wellness.utk.edu
Jones Center for Leadership & Service 865-974-1039 leadserve.utk.edu
Parking & Transit Services 865-974-6031 parking.utk.edu
Center for Student Engagement 865-974-5455 go.utk.edu
Library Information 865-974-4351 lib.utk.edu
Athletics 865-974-1212 utsports.com Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration 865-974-5435 career.utk.edu
Clarence Brown Theatre 865-974-5161 clarencebrowntheatre.com
McClung Museum 865-974-2144 mcclungmuseum.utk.edu
Pride Center 865-974-7803 pridecenter.utk.edu Programs Abroad 865-974-3177 programsabroad.utk.edu
RecSports 865-974-0492 recsports.utk.edu
Student Media 865-974-5206 studentmedia.utk.edu
VolCard Office 865-974-3430 volcard.utk.edu
Sorority & Fraternity Life 865-974-2236 gogreek.utk.edu
Student Union 865-974-3455 studentunion.utk.edu
Student Conduct & Community Standards 865-974-3171 studentconduct.utk.edu
Title IX 865-974-9600 titleix.utk.edu
VolShop (university bookstore) 865-974-7467 utvolshop.com
Student Counseling Center 865-974-2196 counselingcenter.utk.edu Student Disability Services 865-974-6087 sds.utk.edu Student Government Association 865-974-2377 sga.utk.edu Student Health Center 865-974-3135 studenthealth.utk.edu
UT Central Ticket Office 865-974-3381 studentunion.utk.edu/ services/cto
Volunteer Dining 865-974-4111 dining.utk.edu
UT Police Department Main: 865-974-3114 Campus Emergency: 865-974-3111 utpolice.utk.edu
CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR VOL? Call 865-974-HELP or visit dos.utk.edu/974-help to connect with a care coordinator or mental health professional.
Mailing to your student on campus Each residence hall has a post office in the lobby of the building for students to receive their mail. Students are given their post office box combinations at check-in. Each resident’s post office box number corresponds with their room number. Packages are delivered to a central locker location on campus. For information on package pickup, visit upm.utk.edu/lockers. Below is an example of how to address mail to on-campus students:
Student’s Name Street Name, Box # Knoxville, TN 37996
NOTE The box number is the same as your student’s room number.
RESIDENCE HALL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS University Housing (Main Office) 865-974-2571 housing.utk.edu
Massey Hall 825 Volunteer Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3410
Brown Hall 1817 Andy Holt Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3350
North Carrick Hall 1021 Francis Street Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3281
Clement Hall 1629 W. Cumberland Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-5201
Reese Hall 1910 Caledonia Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-2562
Dogwood Hall 2107 Andy Holt Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-4562
Robinson Hall 862 20th Street Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-4361
Geier Hall 858 20th Street Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-4774
South Carrick Hall 1023 Francis Street Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-3151
Hess Hall 1720 Melrose Place Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-2516
Stokely Hall 1311 Lake Loudon Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-7200
Laurel Hall 1615 Laurel Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-946-6673
Volunteer Hall 1525 White Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-946-2566
Magnolia Hall 2107 Andy Holt Ave. Knoxville, TN 37996 865-974-4762
Fall Family Weekend September 17–19, 2021 Make plans to visit your student and cheer on the vols! family.utk.edu/fallfamilyweekend
Join the Tennessee Family Association FAMILY.UTK.EDU/TENNESSEE-FAMILY-ASSOCIATION
Letters from home Let your student know you are thinking of them by sending a postcard! Have a special message for your student or just want them to know you miss them? Let them know!
YOUR STAMP HERE
Family Engagement Office of the Dean of Students 865-974-3179 family.utk.edu
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. A project of the Division of Student Life. PAN E01-0232-001-22
WISH THAT I WAS ON OL’
ROCKY TOP