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 find your place on Rocky Top.
Register for Ignite
Looking for the perfect way to get to know your new home-sweet-home and community? Sign up for Ignite with the Jones Center for Leadership and Service! Comprised of three different experiences, 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: 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!
Learn more about Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) is a dedicated group of student leaders who 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 develop 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 perfect 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 students 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!