Resources for Friends & Families
Support your student’s success at UT. Your support plays an important role in your student’s success. Whether they are navigating their first semester, exploring majors and careers, building study skills, or preparing for life after graduation, the resources below can help you stay informed, encourage their growth, and connect them with the support available at UT.
Helping your student find the right resource
It can be difficult to know where to turn when your student needs support. Below are some of the most common academic challenges students experience, along with the resources and support services available through the Division of Student Success to help students stay on track and continue moving forward.
Federal privacy law (FERPA) limits what UT can share with families directly. This page covers what you can and can’t do, see the FERPA section below.
Common academic challenges and where to turn
If they say “I’m struggling in a class”
Encourage them to use free tutoring and study sessions through the Division of Student Success.
If they say “I don’t know what I want to do”
Encourage them to meet with an Academic & Career Exploration Coach to explore majors and careers.
If they say “I don’t know how to study for college classes”
Encourage them to use study strategies and online resources, visit a Vol Study Center, or meet with an Academic Coach.
For first-stop financial and enrollment questions, families can point their student to One Stop Student Services, a single resource for enrollment assistance, academic records, financial aid, and tuition payments.
Family-focused resources
Programming for families of new students
Welcome to the Big Orange family! Programs for families help parents and supporters stay connected, informed, and engaged throughout their student’s transition to UT.
Supporting your student’s growth, exploration, and
future success
Support your student’s career development journey at UT through major exploration, experience, and skill-building that begins early and continues through graduation, plus coaching, Vol Edge, and employer connections.
Supporting your new graduate
Support your graduate’s transition beyond UT with guidance on job searching, career exploration, and long-term development, plus ongoing access to career coaching and alumni resources.
Understanding FERPA and your role as a supporter
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s education records. Once a student begins attending UT, the university generally cannot share information from those records with parents, families, or other third parties without the student’s written consent or as otherwise permitted by law.
Families play an important role in student success. Encourage your student to communicate openly about their experiences, use campus resources when challenges arise, and share information with you directly. You can also help by becoming familiar with UT resources and guiding your student to the support services that best fit their needs.
Students who wish to grant access to certain educational information may do so through authorized FERPA release processes. For more information about FERPA and student privacy, visit the Office of the University Registrar or One Stop Student Services.
Additional resources for your student
First-Year Experience and Orientation
Programs and support for first-year UT students easing the transition, building confidence, and fostering academic success.
Rocky Top Scholars
A four-year cohort experience supporting scholarship students through academics, leadership development, mentorship, community building, and career readiness.
Events to support academic success
Academic and wellness campus events to help students stay focused and encouraged during midterm and final exams.
UT Family Engagement
A central hub for UT families to stay informed, engaged, and connected throughout their student’s journey.