At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, we work collaboratively within the Division of Student Success and with our campus partners in the Volunteer Community to provide programming and services that are specific to the academic, professional, and personal goals of our UT student scholars.
These initiatives share the vision with our departments of maximizing the success, persistence, and achievement of all Vols.
Learn About Our Initiatives
The Vol Edge
At UT, we believe that learning also happens beyond the classroom. With the Vol Edge, we’re reimagining education by offering every you transformative, career-ready experiences that enrich their academic journey and directly support the Division of Student Success’s mission to empower you in achieving your personal, academic, and career goals.
The Vol Edge helps you connect your skills and unique experiences to career readiness. Through experiential learning and tailored resources, it equips you with confidence and professional skills for success beyond college.
Student Success Express
To eliminate barriers and support your exploration and growth, the Division of Student Success created Student Success Express, an initiative designed to provide expanded access to essential resources and services.
Through this initiative, the division holds extended weekday hours throughout the semester, ensuring you have greater flexibility to engage with academic advising, tutoring, career development, and other support services. You can also benefit from One Stop support!
You’re invited to the Hodges Library Ground Floor from 5-7 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday meet with a DSS staff member to discuss your needs and determine the best plan of action.
Walk-ins are encouraged for casual conversation regarding academic needs and other support-related issues. Appointments are available and highly encouraged for specialized support from coaches to advising specialists.
The Volunteer Experience
Central to UT’s Strategic Vision, the Volunteer Experience is a comprehensive, university-wide approach to promoting your well-being and career readiness in all aspects of your experience. It is both a culture and culminating experience designed to help students thrive.
This initiative includes three interrelated strategic investments
- Targeted academic initiatives
- Deep student engagement
- Transformational student experiences
The Goal
With the goal of increasing undergraduate persistence and graduation rates, closing achievement gaps, and bolstering post-graduation career outcomes, the Volunteer Experience will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your well-being while also preparing for a global workforce.
Vol Success Team
This initiative is a collaboration across divisions to enhance and support your first-year experience when transitioning to UT.
While it’s an exciting time for you, the scholar, to be joining our Volunteer community, we understand you may have questions and need the extra support and benefit of advocates dedicated to your success.
As a new first-year or transfer scholar at UT, you will be assigned a Vol Success Team – your academic advisor, academic coach, and a One Stop counselor. You are central to the team and you will co-create your UT experience with your Vol Success Team.
First-Year Experience
Your first year at UT is important. You are meeting new people, seeing new places, and building new skills.
To support you through this critical time, all students in their first year at UT will have access to numerous programs and activities to help ease the transition to Rocky Top and accelerate success.
The Vol-First Year Experience is comprised of four key areas: New Vol Experience, Identifying Strengths, Vol Success Teams, and First-Year Experience Seminars.
Undergraduate Academic Advising
Vols are assigned an academic advisor who you will work with semester to semester to stay on track with your coursework, career goals, and co-curricular experiences.
Vols Study 24/7
Study habits look different for every scholar, that’s why the Division of Student Success offers Vols Study 24/7, a free online tutoring platform available any time you need it. Powered by Brainfuse, it provides academic support across 150+ subjects.
First-Generation Programming
First-Generation Vols are trailblazers in their families and are celebrated as such on campus.
Many events are held throughout the year to celebrate their accomplishments and to ensure they have the resources available to succeed.
Summer @ Rocky Top
Get ahead, and have fun doing it! Don’t forget, your ultimate goal here is to get your degree.
Summer is a great time to complete one or more key classes in a short amount of time. It’s also a great time to finish up general education classes to keep you on track to graduate.
With classes offered in online, hybrid, and in-person modalities, you can have a Summer @ Rocky Top experience here in Knoxville or anywhere your summer plans take you!
No matter your major or career plans, mathematics is an integral part of your academic experience at UT and your life beyond the classroom.
UT faculty and staff are here to support you in meeting your academic and career goals.