Beth Davis
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Two-Pronged Approach to Alcohol Education to Support Healthier Decisions on Campus
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, while roughly half of America’s college students reported consuming alcohol in the past month roughly half did not. But for many students embarking on their university careers, consuming alcohol can feel like a rite of passage or perhaps something they need to do to…
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Feelin’ Fine: Tennessee’s Only Accredited Student Health Center Sets the Standard for Best Practice
In the 2022–2023 academic year, 10,836 students received care at the Student Health Center at a total of 26,452 appointments. The process for ensuring that every single one of those students receives the best care possible is an ongoing, self-monitored, and perpetual process. The Student Health Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health…
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Lending a Digital Paw
“Hi I’m Smokey, and I’m here to help!” In the corner of each page of the Big Orange Tix website, a cheerful virtual assistant—modeled after Tennessee’s beloved mascot—greets students, ready to assist with inquiries about student ticketing. The virtual assistant, affectionately referred to as Smokey bot, responds to student inquiries 24/7, including nights and weekends…
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Professional Fellowship Adopts New Model and Incorporates Designing Your Life Principles
The third priority in the Division of Student Life’s strategic plan is to advance personal and professional growth of students and staff through exploration and innovation. In the spring of 2021, a new professional fellowship program was launched in the division to facilitate this goal. Now, with 19 fellows completing the program with success and…
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AI Expands the Volunteer Experience for Students with Disabilities
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is changing the landscape in many fields, including education. But one effect of increased technology is a more inclusive campus experience for students with disabilities. Meeting Increased Demand Through AI In the 2022–2023 academic year, Student Disability Services (SDS) saw a 21% increase in the number of newly registered students. Last…
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Tennessee Saturday Night Welcomes Students to the Volunteer Experience
It’s the first Saturday night before your first year at UT. You’re nervous about finding your place on campus or maybe having a hard time adjusting to being away from your family for the first time. What are your plans? Will you doom scroll on your phone, alone in your room? Will you order takeout…
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Lunchtime Basketball Builds Connections for Colleagues
Eating lunch at a workspace or enjoying lunch with coworkers at a conference table might be common occurrences in professional settings. But playing basketball? Not so common. But that has changed at the University of Tennessee where a new staff wellness and fitness initiative is building connections and strengthening bodies on Wednesdays and Fridays from…
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Student Life Innovation Awards Fund Creative Solutions
Last spring, Student Life launched a new competition to generate innovative ideas; winning proposals received financial support from privately endowed gifts given to support Student Life initiatives. Loosely based on the ABC hit Shark Tank, the Student Life Innovation Awards provided one-time funding for new and creative initiatives, programs, or services that supported the Student…
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Student Practicums Develop Future Practitioners
Through two departments, the Student Counseling Center and Student Conduct and Community Standards, students from multiple UT degree programs participate in experiential learning practicums that not only support their own personal growth but also support the greater student body’s access to services. Student Counseling Center Currently, the Student Counseling Center is hosting 10 graduate students…
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Student Life Provides Innovative Solutions for Campus Housing
Housing is not only a basic need but also something in scarce supply nationwide, and students are experiencing this challenge in unique ways. University Housing and other departments are working to alleviate the stresses students experience throughout the housing process. Whether students live on campus in residencehalls or off campus, Student Life support isavailable for…