Faculty are the heartbeat of undergraduate student achievement at UT. The Division of Student Success supports faculty by providing tools, data, and academic resources that extend their care, amplify their impact, and help every student thrive. This essential partnership is celebrated during Faculty Appreciation Week.
From a UT student’s first day of class to commencement, faculty serve as trusted guides, applying disciplinary expertise, mentorship, and care to propel students to new heights throughout their academic journey. The Division of Student Success works alongside faculty through academic alerts and referrals, re-imagined curricula, and supportive resources designed to leverage each student’s unique strengths.
“Our faculty are the primary architects of our scholars’ success,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “They do more than teach; they inspire. Through intentional, daily acts of care, they transform the educational experience and ensure every student has the opportunity to not just succeed, but to truly thrive.”
The care and support faculty provide extends far beyond the classroom. Faculty are often the first to notice when a student may need additional assistance, serving as an early connection to the academic support resources available at UT.
Through the Academic Success Center, faculty submit academic alerts and referrals, a practical tool that connects students with timely, personalized support. When the alert is submitted, academic coaches quickly connect students with resources such as peer learning assistants, supplemental instruction, and other campus support services. The approach creates an opportunity for the students to regain confidence and persist in their coursework while reminding them that a broader support team is available.
During the fall 2025 semester, faculty submitted more than 1,000 alerts to the Academic Success Center through Vol Connect.
“Without faculty, we couldn’t do this work,” said Amanda Sharp, director of the Academic Success Center. “Academic alerts and referrals from faculty help turn what faculty see in the classroom into early support that helps students stay connected and confident.”
Beyond individual student support, collaboration between faculty and the Division of Student Success also includes curriculum-level partnerships and communities. Initiatives such as the Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows, which focuses on integrating student well-being into pedagogy, and Student Success Grants, which fund course redesign, reflect a shared commitment to intentional, evidence-based strategies.
“Faculty are invaluable collaborators for the division, and our work thrives because of the strong partnerships we have,” said Virginia Stormer, chief strategy officer. “Through our Volunteer Experience Faculty Fellows and our Student Success Grants, we’ve built intentional communities that not only support faculty well-being but also foster alignment between classroom and DSS efforts, helping to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for our students.”
During 2026 Faculty Appreciation Week, the Division of Student Success continues to recognize and appreciate faculty across all colleges, departments and other academic units for their vital contributions to undergraduate achievement at UT.