Initiatives

At the University of Tennessee, 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 more about our Initiatives

The Vol Edge

At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, we believe that learning also happens beyond the classroom.With the Vol Edge initiative, we’re reimagining education by offering every student transformative, career-ready experiences that enrich their academic journey and directly support the Division of Student Success’s mission to empower students in achieving their personal, academic, and career goals.

The Vol Edge at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, helps students connect their skills and unique experiences to career readiness. Through experiential learning and tailored resources, it equips students with confidence and professional skills for success beyond college.

Student Success Express

To eliminate barriers and support scholars’ exploration and growth, the Division of Student Success introduces 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 students have greater flexibility to engage with academic advising, tutoring, career development, and other support services.

Scholars are invited to the Hodges Library Ground Floor from 5-7 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday meet with a DSS staff member to discuss their needs and determine the best plan of action.

Scholars can also benefit from One Stop support, a new addition to Student Success Express for the spring 2025 semester.

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 student well-being and career readiness in all aspects of a scholar’s 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 student persistence and graduation rates, closing achievement gaps, and bolstering post-graduation career outcomes, the Volunteer Experience will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their well-being while also preparing for a global workforce.

Vol Success Team

This new initiative at the University of Tennessee is a collaboration across divisions to enhance and support our scholars’ 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. Want to know more about who your team is, their roles, and what you need to do as part of the team?Click here.

Vol 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 Vol First-Year Experience Seminars.Learn more about the Vol-First Year Experience here.

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 aSummer @ Rocky Top experience here in Knoxville or anywhere your summer plans take you!

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. Clickhere to learn more.

Start S.M.A.R.T for Math Success

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. Clickhere to learn more.