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How to Lead, Serve, and Make an Impact at UT

It may be summer, but you’re probably already thinking about what your first year on campus will look like: what events you want to go to, finding the perfect spot to study, and how you want to get involved.

If you’re looking to make an impact at UT and expand your leadership skills, there are plenty of opportunities to do so! From getting involved in your residence halls to student government, there is no shortage of leadership possibilities. Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved.

Register for Ignite

Looking for the perfect way to get to know your new home-sweet-home andPhoto of two Ignite leaders community? Sign up for Ignite with the Jones Center for Leadership and Service! Comprised of three different sessions, this immersive program is a fun way for you to start your time at UT. Ignite shows you what it means to be a true Volunteer and connects you with other new students as well as UT student leaders all while having the time of your life!

There are three different sessions for you to join this summer before school starts: Ignite 865, Ignite Leadership Summit, and Ignite Outdoors. Some benefits of participating in Ignite include meeting hundreds of fellow Vols and getting to know Knoxville and UT more!

Students in need of financial support can apply for a fee waiver.

Follow the Jones Center for Leadership and Service on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Be sure to register today!

Learn more about Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is a dedicated group of student leaders whoPhoto of two students holding a sticker encouraging students to vote in the SGA elections aim to ensure the voices of the student body are heard. Through SGA, you can not only empower and educate your peers, but you are able to personally grow as a leader.

Be sure to check out our First-Year Leadership Council, which is a cohort of first-year students. First-Year Leadership Council is an introductory program designed to get incoming freshmen involved on campus.

Students interested in getting involved with First-Year Council should complete the interest form at the beginning of the fall semester. Once complete, students will interview, and 60 first-year students will be selected.

Be sure to follow SGA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Attend Black Cultural Programming Committee Events

Another way you can make an impact on campus is by joining the Black Cultural Programming Committee (BCPC)! The BCPC provides students the opportunity to developMembers of BCPC under a balloon arch and present programs and activities that enhance public awareness of African Americans and their accomplishments. The BCPC also provides an opportunity for African American students to maintain positive and continuous communication and involvement with the academic and local communities.

BCPC works to motivate African American students’ self-development, discovery, and esteem during their educational career at UT and fosters an atmosphere for the interaction and unity of African American students within the university community.

Programs hosted by BCPC include the Annual Southeastern Stomp Fest Step Show, Frieson Fridays, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

Be sure to follow @utbcpc on Instagram! 

Join the United Residence Halls Council (URHC)

Since your first year will be in a residence hall, URHC might be the perfectTwo members of URHC posing opportunity to get involved in your hall! The United Residence Halls Council aims to unite the students living in residence halls through leadership, programming, service, and education. Becoming involved in this council will allow you to bring new experiences to your fellow students, and create unity across the residence halls.

Some programs include painting the Rock, grocery bingo, tailgates, self-defense classes, and a car bash fundraiser before a home football game.

To get involved, join your residence hall’s hall association/council! You can also attend URHC general body meetings throughout the year to learn more about the programs and initiatives that are coming up that all residents, whether active in their hall association/council or not, can join.

Be sure to follow @utk_urhc on Instagram!

Check out Campus Events Board Programs

Campus Events Board (CEB) provides a diverse range of events that engages studentsMembers of CEB posing with light up CEB letters and fosters an inclusive campus culture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. From speakers to comedians, game nights to fine art, CEB enhances the campus community and provides an outlet for students to engage with others.

CEB is home to three different committees: Arts & Culture, Entertainment, and Issues. Each committee will create events surrounding their specific topic areas. Some events include Vol Night Long, Volapalooza, Culture Week, Rocky Horror Picture show, speakers, and more!

Be sure to follow @utkceb on Instagram!

Looking for ways to get involved on campus? Start here!