Fall Kick-Off
As a UT Success Academy scholar, you’ll move into your residence hall a few days early and participate in a customized pre-orientation program designed just for you! During this experience, you will:
- Get comfortable on campus by exploring resources, meeting faculty and staff, and connecting with the UT and Vol Success Teams.
- Build relationships with fellow scholars and the UT community before classes begin.
- Discover your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths assessment and participating in your first strengths coaching session to learn how to use them for success.
First Year: Understand Your Strengths
First-Year Seminars are designed to help you explore campus resources and create positive early experiences that keep you engaged and set up for success.
Through this seminar, you will:
- Participate in engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make coursework more interactive and meaningful.
- Explore the interdisciplinary, problem-solving mission of the university and how it connects to real-world challenges.
- Engage with big questions that go beyond the classroom and encourage critical thinking about important issues.
- Build strong connections with faculty, staff, and peers, helping you become an active part of the Volunteer community.
Peer Academic Coaching: Support, Connect, and Succeed
Second Year: Build Your Strengths
You will complete a weekly one-credit-hour seminar, participate in industry tours to expand career and networking opportunities, and utilize the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration.
As part of this experience, you will also engage with Vol Edge, UT’s co-curricular career readiness program, designed to help students graduate with confidence. Through Vol Edge, you will:
- Complete career-focused learning modules to develop key skills such as networking, personal branding, and well-being.
- Participate in transformative experiences like internships, research, or service learning.
- Learn to articulate your career story through mock interviews or graduate school personal statements, gaining valuable feedback.
The seminar will help you develop critical thinking skills, build relationships, define your values, and explore how those values align with your career goals. Additionally, industry tours will expose you to various career paths, reinforcing the skills and experiences gained through Vol Edge.
By integrating Vol Edge, you will receive structured career preparation, a graduation distinction, and a digital badge, further enhancing your professional development and post-graduation success.
Third & Fourth Years: Stretch Your Strengths
Pathway Programs
As an upper-class UT Success Academy scholar, you will have the opportunity to personalize your UTSA experience by choosing a one- or two-semester pathway program that aligns with your interests and goals. Each pathway is designed to be unique to you, allowing you to explore new opportunities, develop valuable skills, and make meaningful connections.
At the end of the year, you will reflect on your journey and share your experiences at the UTSA Showcase, where first-year and sophomore scholars will attend to learn from you. Faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders will also be invited to participate in this special event.
Peer Academic Coaching
- Coaching & mentoring to guide first-year scholars through their transition to college.
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Academic support & study sessions to help scholars develop strong success habits.
- Social & community-building activities to foster connections and belonging.
Work with a career coach to explore career options and gain hands-on experience. This pathway may include:
- Internships or job shadowing to gain industry experience.
- Business visits and networking events to connect with professionals.
- Graduate school preparation, including workshops, research on graduate programs, and application guidance.
Service Learning & Civic Engagement
Develop a lifelong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement by participating in meaningful service opportunities. Options include:
- Community service projects addressing critical needs.
- Earning the Jones Center for Leadership Certificate.
- Engaging with local organizations on or off-campus.
Work alongside UT faculty and researchers to investigate key topics, explore cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to real-world discoveries. You’ll gain valuable hands-on research experience while tackling important academic questions.
Internships
Gain real-world experience in a professional setting, typically related to your career interests. If you complete an internship for course credit, you will also work on an academic project approved by a faculty member.
Enhance your leadership skills through opportunities tailored to your academic and personal growth. This pathway may include:
- Leadership roles on campus (student organizations, mentorship, etc.).
- Specialized conferences or leadership certifications through your academic college or the Jones Center for Leadership.
Global Learning
Expand your perspective by engaging with the world beyond Tennessee. This pathway may include:
- Study abroad experiences to immerse yourself in another culture.
- International research projects that connect you with scholars worldwide.
- English language learner service learning or local service opportunities with global impact.
No matter which pathway you choose, this experience will help you build a stronger foundation for your future while making a meaningful impact.
Opportunity to Study Abroad
After completing your second year in UTSA, up to 25 student scholars will have the chance to study abroad and explore leadership in a global setting. This immersive experience will allow you to:
- Develop a global leadership perspective by engaging with new cultures and ideas.
- Participate in service-learning projects that make a real impact in the local community.
- Experience cultural immersion activities that broaden your worldview and enhance your understanding of different life experiences.