As a Volunteer, you are encouraged to act, to use your voice, and bear the torch. We put actions behind our words and ensure that everyone feels like they belong. From the moment you step onto campus, we want you to know that your story and your experience matter, and that you belong here.
Several offices in Student Life have a strong focus on inclusive excellence and make it a priority to create programs and spaces that allow students from all backgrounds to feel welcome and included on Rocky Top.
“Our goal is for you to find this as a space where you can be authentically yourself and feel that sense, that strong sense of belonging,” says Crystal Hardeman- Ikem, associate dean of students, inclusive excellence in the Division of Student Life.
To help all Vols feel like they have a place on Rocky Top, Multicultural Student Life, the Pride Center, and Bias Education regularly host programs and engagement and leadership opportunities. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors an environment that is safe, as well as civil, and one that encourages the exchange of ideas through discourse in every aspect of campus life.
Multicultural Student Life
Multicultural Student Life helps advise several culturally based and special interest student organizations, provides opportunities for engagement and dialogue through various programs and initiatives, and helps to foster leadership and community amongst our students.
“Our space is one in which you can show up unapologetically you,” says Anthony Prewitt, director of Multicultural Student Life. “Come hang out in between classes, meet with your peers in one of our meeting spaces, have lunch with a friend, or enjoy a fun game or activity!
Located in the heart of campus in the Frieson Black Cultural Center, Multicultural Student Life is dedicated to promoting a welcoming and inclusive campus environment while advocating for traditionally marginalized students by providing academic support, multicultural education, identity exploration, leadership development, and diverse and innovative programming through collaborative partnerships.
Learn more about Multicultural Student Life.
Pride Center
The Pride Center is the LGBTQ+ resource center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The staff strives to be a space for all members of the UT community to engage with and explore issues relating to gender and sexuality through our events, programming, community space, and initiatives.
“Not only are we an affirming and supportive on campus where you hang out in between classes and make friends, but we are also a programming office with a variety of fun, educational, and community-building events,” says Bonnie Johnson, coordinator of the Pride Center.
The Pride Center is located on the third floor of the Student Union and all are encouraged to stop by a learn more.
Learn more about the Pride Center.
Bias Education
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors an environment that is safe, as well as civil, and one that encourages the exchange of ideas through discourse in every aspect of campus life. All members of the campus community are encouraged to report bias-motivated incidents.
House in the Office of the Dean of Students, UT addresses bias incidents through the university’s Bias Education & Referral Team (BERT). The purpose of BERT is to:
- manage the timely and appropriate response to bias incidents
- implement a plan of action and coordinate referrals to address the bias incident
- conduct appropriate follow-up to bias incidents
“Bias education is a specific resource for those who may be affected by bias incidents on campus or want to become more inclusive Vols”, says Ciara Gazaway, bias education coordinator.
To learn more about bias education, how to report instances of bias, or to get involved, learn more at bias.utk.edu.