UTK Student Life

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is proud to be recognized on Time Magazine's The World's Top Universities of 2026 list! This honor reflects the hard work and dedication from our faculty, staff, and students as we continue to strive for excellence with support from our Vol community. Read more at the link in the comments.

This month is the annual SEC Food Fight, where SEC schools compete in a fundraiser and donation drive to support their local campus food pantries. At UT, the drive benefits the Big Orange Pantry, and anyone who loves UT is invited to participate through in-kind donations of hygiene items or individual food items or through financial support. Visit the link in comments to give today!

At the heart of the Student Union's employment program is providing students with meaningful career development opportunities. As student employees grow professionally through experiences in a variety of fields, such as event management and customer service, they are also supported by professional staff to ensure they are continuing to thrive academically and personally. Read more on how the nationally recognized program has evolved at the link in comments.

This past fall, the Center for Basic Needs celebrated the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Big Orange Pantry, UT’s primary food pantry for students, faculty, and staff facing food insecurity. What started in the fall of 2020 as an open-air operation set up outside Greve Hall once a week has grown into a fully staffed, multi-location pantry that is helping students day in and day out. Visit the comments for the full story of how this milestone was reached and how the Center for Basic Needs is giving students the basics they need to succeed.

There are SO many career paths in Student Affairs! From health services, to marketing, to finance, to event coordination...the list goes on! If you have a student who might be interested in a career in student affairs, encourage them to apply. Applications are due by February 18th. tiny.utk.edu/VSASummerInternship

This past spring, the UT community gathered together to recognize Collegiate Recovery Day, an initiative to break the stigma surrounding recovery. Through a partnership with Rocky Top Recovery and a student programming group, the day of celebration included live music, mocktails, and a sense of community to ensure all Vols know they are not alone on their recovery journey.

From the start of their time on Rocky Top, new Vols supported through Student Disability Services can connect with a returning student to receive guidance through their first academic year. From connecting their mentees with campus resources to offering advice for any concerns they may have, the mentorship program helps ensure that each Vol feels seen as they grow personally and academically.

While an amnesty policy has long existed on the University of Tennessee's campus to protect good Samaritan students aiding a fellow Vol during a time of need, a lack of awareness on the policy has restricted it from meeting its full potential to support positive decision making. In comes the Amnesty is Sweet as Soda Pop campaign! A collaborative initiative led between Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Center for Health Education and Wellness, and Student Government Association, the Sweet as Soda Pop campaign works to increase awareness of the campus amnesty policy to all students, in hopes that a greater understanding of the policy will promote safe decision making during critical times.

Through Leadership Knoxville Scholars, a Jones Center for Leadership and Service program, senior nursing major Jessica Cecchi was connected with Muse Knoxville to volunteer directly with the organization, supporting educational opportunities for children. From her work at Muse and other Knoxville-based agencies, Cecchi has worked to give back to a community she greatly values, supported by the Jones Center mission to provide students with opportunities to learn, lead, and serve.

At the heart of the Division of Student Life's mission is to provide opportunities for students to learn, lead, and serve, whether that be on UT's campus or beyond. In it's inaugural year, the Global Citizens program supported a cohort of 10 students as they dove into an educational journey focusing on Argentinian culture and traditions culminating in a study abroad trip to the South American nation. A program through the Office for Campus Culture and Community, students had the opportunity to grow as individuals and global citizens through the experience.

From support services through offices like the Dean of Students to engagement opportunities offered by RecSports and the Center for Student Engagement, the world of student affairs offers many enriching career paths that some students may not be familiar with. Through the Vols in Student Affairs program at UT, undergraduate students are exposed to career pathways that enhance the student experience and might just be their future dream role.

Providing student-centered experiences is at the heart of the Division of Student Life's mission, and through the student ticket program, Vols are provided with more ways to connect with one another and the city of Knoxville. A Center for Student Engagement initiative, students have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to a variety of shows, athletic competitions, and other events throughout the area, expanding the Volunteer experience beyond the confines of campus.